Photoelectric Patents (Class 136/243)
  • Patent number: 10177706
    Abstract: A device for regulating the supply to a photovoltaic converter, the device comprising: a laser source (2); a photovoltaic converter (6) that feeds a DC-DC converter (8); circuit (100) for regulating the input impedance of said DC-DC converter (8) as a function of the operating voltage (Us) of the photovoltaic converter (6) and of its no-load voltage (Us0); and circuit (42) for measuring an output voltage of the DC-DC converter (8) and for producing a regulation signal (SR) for regulating the laser source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Dupraz
  • Patent number: 10156009
    Abstract: A method of making a semiconductor structure includes a step of sputtering silver, copper, indium, and gallium on a substrate in an ambient including at least one chalcogen to deposit an alloy of silver, copper, indium, gallium, and at least one chalcogen. A film of the alloy can be deposited on a continuously moving substrate with a high throughput to form a p-type semiconductor absorber layer of a photovoltaic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: BEIJING APOLLO DING RONG SOLAR TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Rouin Farshchi, Neil Mackie
  • Patent number: 10132467
    Abstract: A luminaire includes an elongate supporting post including an upper head section that flares outwardly, and a cap positioned on top of the head of the supporting post, the cap including a plurality of LED lighting units arranged circumferentially, and a shield adapted to block a substantial amount of outwardly directed light emitted from the plurality of LED lighting units, such that the light emitted from the LED lighting units is directed substantially onto the supporting post. A method of fabrication is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: AMERLUX LLC
    Inventors: Tori Poppenheimer, P. David Ziolkowski
  • Patent number: 10128407
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for providing wireless personal area networks (PANs) and local area networks (LANs) using visible and near-visible optical spectrum. Various constructions and material selections are provided herein. According to one embodiment, a light-emitting diode (LED) includes a substrate, a carrier confinement (CC) region positioned over the substrate, an active region positioned over the CC region, and an electron blocking layer (EBL) positioned over the active region. The CC region includes a first CC layer comprising aluminum gallium antimonide and a second CC layer position over the first CC layer. The second CC layer and the electron blocking layer (EBL) also each include aluminum gallium antimonide. The active region is configured to have a transient response time of less than 500 picoseconds (ps).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Lumeova, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad Ali Khatibzadeh, Arunesh Goswami
  • Patent number: 10128394
    Abstract: The solar cell structure according to the present invention comprises a nanowire (205) that constitutes the light absorbing part of the solar cell structure and a passivating shell (209) that encloses at least a portion of the nanowire (205). In a first aspect of the invention, the passivating shell (209) of comprises a light guiding shell (210), which preferably has a high- and indirect bandgap to provide light guiding properties. In a second aspect of the invention, the solar cell structure comprises a plurality of nanowires which are positioned with a maximum spacing between adjacent nanowires which is shorter than the wavelength of the light which the solar cell structure is intended to absorbing order to provide an effective medium for light absorption. Thanks to the invention it is possible to provide high efficiency solar cell structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: QUNANO AB
    Inventors: Lars Samuelson, Martin Magnusson, Federico Capasso
  • Patent number: 10116257
    Abstract: Fluid delivery systems and related structures and processes are provided, such as for use with water, treated water, and/or a cleaning solution, for any of cleaning, cooling or any combination thereof, for one or more solar panels in a power generation environment. Enhanced coatings are provided for the incident surface of solar panels, such as to avoid build up of dirt, scale, or other contaminants, and/or to improve cleaning performance. Reclamation, filtration, and reuse structures are preferably provided for the delivered fluid, and seal structures may preferably be implemented between adjoining panels, to minimize loss of the delivered water or cleaning solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Accurate Solar Power, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald M. Newdoll, Argil E. Shaver, II
  • Patent number: 10103547
    Abstract: A solar cell management system for increasing the efficiency and power output of a solar cell and methods for making and using the same. The management system provides an electric field across one or more solar cells. The imposed electric field exerts a force on both the electrons and holes created by light incident on the solar cell and accelerates the electron-hole pairs towards the electrodes of the solar cell. The solar cell management system considers variations in configuration of solar cells to maximize the power output of the solar cells. The accelerated electron-hole pairs have a lower likelihood of recombining within the cells' semiconductor's material. This reduction in the electron-hole recombination rate results in an overall increase in the solar cells' efficiency and greater power output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Solarlytics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. McNamara, Douglas M. Raymond
  • Patent number: 10090361
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a mobile terminal, comprising a bottom frame; a glass cover; a screen module covering the bottom frame; wherein the glass cover covers the screen module and two edges of both sides of the glass cover connect to the bottom frame; both the screen module and the glass cover have an arch opposite to the bottom frame; two edges of both sides of the screen module extend over both sides of the glass cover and are covered by the bottom frame. The beneficial effect of the above technical solution is: by utilizing the arch of the screen module and the glass cover opposite to the bottom frame, the front surface of the screen module and two sides of screen module do not have black edge, so that the display effect is excellent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: EVERDISPLAY OPTRONICS (SHANGHAI) LIMITED
    Inventors: Jr Hong Chen, Chien Er Huang, Xinye Pan, Huanyu Huang, Tsunglin Yang, Junjun Chen
  • Patent number: 10084303
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a combiner box including input connections for string lines from a plurality of strings of photovoltaic modules, and output connections for a pair of output lines to an inverter. The combiner box further includes a switching device by means of which the strings are connected to the inverter and which comprises output-side switching contacts and, for each of the strings or for each pair of strings connected in parallel in a fixed manner in the combiner box, at least one separate input-side switching contact, and an overcurrent protection device, which interrupts occurring overcurrents from or to each of the strings or at least from or to each of the pairs of strings connected in parallel in a fixed manner in the combiner box. The switching device includes a switching-contact drive, which is controlled in order to selectively disconnect the strings from the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventor: Gerold Schulze
  • Patent number: 10069458
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an inverter includes a housing having a corner, a DC terminal, an electronic component, an AC terminal, a wireless communication module, and a projection mechanism. The DC terminal inputs DC power. The electronic component converts the DC power input to the DC terminal into AC power. The AC terminal outputs the AC power from the electronic component to the outside of the housing. The wireless communication module includes an antenna which receives or transmits a signal for controlling the electronic component. The projection mechanism projects at least a part of the antenna into the outside of the housing. The projection mechanism is provided in a portion of the housing other than the corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Koichi Sato, Shingo Yanagimoto
  • Patent number: 10056504
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module capable of suppressing separation of a tab electrode can be obtained. The photovoltaic module includes a plurality of semiconductor layers including a photoelectric conversion layer, a plurality of photovoltaic elements including a finger electrode for collecting generated currents, formed on the semiconductor layers on a side of a light receiving surface, and a tab electrode for electrically connecting the plurality of photovoltaic elements, in which the tab electrode is electrically connected to the finger electrode in a region corresponding to a power generation region of the photovoltaic element and bonded on the light receiving surface through an insulating bonding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Nakauchi, Shingo Okamoto, Toshio Yagiura
  • Patent number: 10056508
    Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to an electro-conductive paste comprising a metal additive and solar cells obtainable therefrom by application of the paste to a p-type doped face. More specifically, the present invention relates to electro-conductive pastes, solar cell precursors, processes for preparation of solar cells, solar cells and solar modules. The present invention relates to a precursor comprising the following paste constituents: a. A Si wafer with at least one p-type doped face and at least one n-type doped face; b. A conductive paste comprising the following paste constituents: i. at least about 70 wt. % Ag particles, based on the paste, ii. a vehicle, iii. a glass, iv. a metal compound comprising a metal M and which is one or more selected from the group consisting of: an organic metal oxide, a metal oxide, an organic metal compound and a silver metal oxide; wherein the conductive paste b. is superimposed on a p-type doped face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: HERAEUS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Markus König, Gerd Schulz, Daniel Winfried Holzmann, Matthias Hörteis, Nicole Georg, Christin Behl
  • Patent number: 10050210
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes (a-1) a first electrode 21 and a second electrode 22 disposed apart from each other and (a-2) a photoelectric conversion material layer 30 disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The photoelectric conversion material layer contains a substance formed of the following structural formula (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Murata, Miki Sudou, Hiroshi Nishihara, Ryota Sakamoto, Junko Kakinuma
  • Patent number: 10042089
    Abstract: A coated glass article includes a glass substrate and a pyrolytic coating deposited over the glass substrate. The coating includes a first inorganic metal oxide layer deposited over a major surface of the glass substrate. The first inorganic metal oxide layer includes titanium dioxide or tin oxide, has a refractive index of 1.8 or more, and is deposited at a thickness of 40 nm or less. A second inorganic metal oxide layer is deposited directly on the first inorganic metal oxide layer. The second inorganic metal oxide layer includes silicon dioxide and has a refractive index of 1.6 or less. A third inorganic metal oxide layer is deposited directly on the major surface of the glass substrate. The third inorganic metal oxide layer comprises silicon dioxide. The first inorganic metal oxide layer is deposited directly on the third inorganic metal oxide layer. The coated glass article exhibits a total visible light reflectance of 6.5% or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Pilkington Group Limited
    Inventor: Srikanth Varanasi
  • Patent number: 10014427
    Abstract: A solar cell module includes: a first optical system which concentrates sunlight; a power generation element which performs photoelectric conversion; a glass plate which supports the power generation element; and a second optical system which is on a light-exiting side of the first optical system and supports the glass plate. The second optical system includes a positioning portion, and a second lens on the first optical system side, and the glass plate is disposed at the positioning portion to position the power generation element at a focal point of the second lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tohru Nakagawa, Michihiko Takase, Masaharu Terauchi, Shutetsu Kanayama, Youichirou Aya, Nobuhiko Hayashi, Norio Kirita
  • Patent number: 9972741
    Abstract: In various embodiments, photovoltaic devices incorporate discontinuous passivation layers (i) disposed between a thin-film absorber layer and a partner layer, (ii) disposed between the partner layer and a front contact layer, and/or (iii) disposed between a back contact layer and the thin-film absorber layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: SIVA POWER, INC.
    Inventors: Markus Eberhard Beck, Timothy J. Nagle, Sourav Roger Basu
  • Patent number: 9960730
    Abstract: A frame for mounting a plurality of solar tracking units is provided. The frame comprises a plurality of leg assemblies interconnected by trusses to provide a stable structure that is ballasted by the frame's own weight, rather than relying on external ballast such as concrete blocks. Each leg assembly is provided with a shaft with a mounting end for mounting a solar tracking unit. Each solar tracking unit includes an armature assembly and at least one motor for controlling the orientation and position of a solar panel mounted thereon. Solar tracking assemblies, each comprising the frame and plurality of solar tracking units, can be assembled in an array using connectors spacing the assemblies, thus providing enhanced stability. Each of the assemblies can be provided with a local control unit for controlling each individual solar tracking unit, and a global control unit may be used to control the local control units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: MORGAN SOLAR INC.
    Inventors: Michael Sinclair, John Paul Morgan, Philip M. Chang, Dhanushan Balachandreswaran, Abdelkader Chellabi, Porter Arbogast, Richard Iannello
  • Patent number: 9952453
    Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for implementing nanostructures in the optical domain that highly localize the incident electromagnetic field to with a large spectral range from the visible to the infrared range. An optical nano antenna device is provided to include a substrate; a central conductive core formed on the substrate; and a peripheral conductive shell formed on the substrate and located peripheral to the central conductive core to surround at least a part of the central conductive core. The central conductive core and peripheral conductive shell form a coaxial structure with a dimension less than an optical wavelength of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Yeshaiahu Fainman, Alexei Smolyaninov, Lin Pang, Lindsay Freeman, Maxim Abashin
  • Patent number: 9940412
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating an array layout template. In one embodiment the method comprises scanning, using an installation application on a mobile device comprising at least one processor, a tag coupled to a splice box that is coupled to a trunk cable in a solar installation; and generating, via the installation application and based on information obtained by scanning the tag, a template that shows a physical layout of the splice box and a plurality of solar array components that are coupled to the trunk cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Enphase Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Eich
  • Patent number: 9934334
    Abstract: Methods, non-transitory processor-readable storage media, devices, and systems for improving the designing of solar energy systems. An embodiment method may include receiving, by a processor of a solar energy system design computing system, at least one of lead data or inquiry data related to a property, querying predefined data related to the property using the received at least one of lead data or inquiry data, evaluating the queried predefined data to qualify the received at least one of lead data or inquiry data, and performing at least one action related to the solar energy systems based on the evaluation of the queried predefined data using the received at least one of lead data or inquiry data. The method may include rendering a solar energy system design and/or transmitting to third-party devices marketing information related to at least one of a solar energy system price, a design, and installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: SOLAR SPECTRUM HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventor: Adam Pryor
  • Patent number: 9929216
    Abstract: A process for fabricating an organic x-ray detector is presented. The process includes forming a layered structure that includes disposing a first electrode layer on a thin film transistor array, disposing an organic photoactive layer on the first electrode layer and disposing a second electrode layer on the organic photoactive layer. The organic photoactive layer includes a fullerene or a fullerene derivative having a carbon cluster of at least 70 carbon atoms. The process further includes disposing a scintillator layer on the layered structure at a temperature greater than 50 degrees Celsius. An organic x-ray detector fabricated by the process is further presented. An x-ray system including the organic x-ray detector is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jie Jerry Liu, Gautam Parthasarathy, Ri-An Zhao, Kwang Hyup An
  • Patent number: 9929561
    Abstract: A controller for a plurality of solar panels is provided. An input connector is configured to receive (a) power from the plurality of solar panels, and (b) information from the individual solar panels. An output is configured to forward from the input connector the power from the plurality of solar panels; A controller is configured to receive the information, and based on the information selectively enable or disable the flow of power from the input to the output. The controller enables the flow of power when (a) a number of solar panels connected to the input is within a first threshold, and (b) the total rated output of solar panels connected to the input is within a second threshold. The controller disables the flow of power when (a) a number of solar panels connected to the input exceeds the first threshold, and/or (b) the total rated output of solar panels connected exceeds the second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: SafeConnect Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Georgopapadakos, Mark Duda, Scott Sato
  • Patent number: 9927827
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) system can include one or more trackers that each includes a plurality of rows of PV collection devices. The rows of PV collection devices can be electrically independent from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Johnston, Nicholas Ford
  • Patent number: 9917219
    Abstract: A solar cell includes: a crystal silicon substrate of a first conductivity type including a first principal surface and a second principal surface; a first amorphous silicon film of a second conductivity type provided on a side of the first principal surface; and a second amorphous silicon film of the first conductivity type provided on a side of the second principal surface. At least one of the first amorphous silicon film and the second amorphous silicon film has a multi-layer structure comprising layers. An oxygen-rich layer is provided between any adjacent two of the amorphous silicon layers in the multi-layer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ayumu Yano
  • Patent number: 9911883
    Abstract: There is provided an electrical-energy harvester for a display panel, the harvester comprising: a transparent and flexible lower electrode; a transparent and flexible piezoelectric layer on the lower electrode; reflective particles dispersed in the piezoelectric layer for reflecting light beams incident into the piezoelectric layer; a transparent and flexible upper electrode on the piezoelectric layer, wherein the upper and lower electrodes are opposite to each other; and at least one solar cell disposed on at least one lateral side of the piezoelectric layer, wherein at least one solar cell is configured to receive the light beam reflected from the reflective particles and, thus, to generate electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan University
    Inventors: Sang Woo Kim, Kang Hyuck Lee, Hey Jung Park, Sung Kyun Kim, Tae Yun Kim, Hong Joon Yoon
  • Patent number: 9905797
    Abstract: An OLED display device and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The OLED display device, includes: an array substrate and a package substrate cell-assembled, wherein, the array substrate includes a first base substrate, an anode layer, a cathode layer and an electroluminescent layer disposed between the anode layer and the cathode layer, the anode layer or the cathode layer is disposed as an upper most layer of the array substrate; the package substrate includes a second base substrate and a graphene layer, the graphene layer is disposed as an upper most layer of the package substrate; a conductive filler is provided between the array substrate and package substrate, the graphene layer is electrically connected with the anode layer or the cathode layer disposed as the upper most layer of the array substrate via the conductive filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., HEFEI XINSHENG OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuting Zhang
  • Patent number: 9889635
    Abstract: A method of forming an article from a glass sheet (20) having a glass-sheet bonding surface (24) and a glass carrier (10) having a carrier bonding surface (14). At least one of the glass sheet and carrier bonding surfaces is coated with a surface modification layer (30), and then the glass sheet is connected with the carrier via the surface modification layer. From the perimeter of the glass sheet and the carrier while connected, there is removed a portion of the surface modification layer so as to expose a portion (19, 29) of the bonding surface on each of the glass sheet and the carrier. The glass sheet and carrier are then heated at a temperature ?400° C. so as to bond the perimeter of the glass sheet (26) with the perimeter of the carrier (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert Alan Bellman, Dana Craig Bookbinder, Robert George Manley, Prantik Mazumder
  • Patent number: 9878902
    Abstract: A method and system for changing a pressure within at least one enclosure in a MEMS device are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises applying a laser through one of the at least two substrates onto a material which changes the pressure within at least one enclosure when exposed to the laser, wherein the at least one enclosure is formed by the at least two substrates. In a second aspect, the system comprises a MEMS device that includes a first substrate, a second substrate bonded to the first substrate, wherein at least one enclosure is located between the first and the second substrates, a metal layer within one of the first substrate and the second substrate, and a material vertically oriented over the metal layer, wherein when the material is heated the material changes a pressure within the at least one enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Dueweke, Martin Lim
  • Patent number: 9863404
    Abstract: A dual-type solar power generator comprising a dual capture panel. The dual capture panel comprises a reflective surface configured to reflect solar radiation having a reflecting wavelength and an absorbent surface configured to absorb solar radiation having an absorbent wavelength to create a released electron stream. A thermal transfer unit comprising a receiving zone configured to absorb heat energy, a heat engine that converts the heat energy to mechanical work energy, and a generator configured to convert the mechanical work energy to an electric current, an electric conditioning system comprising an electrical buffer configured to prevent a cross flow of the released electron stream and the electric current, a power converter configured to equalize a released electron stream voltage with an electric current voltage, an electrical connector configured to combine the released stream voltage with the electric current voltage to create a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Michael John Black, Abubaker Saeed
  • Patent number: 9854164
    Abstract: An image capture device includes two fixed position ultra-wide angle lenses, one or more components to optically direct light, and a single image sensor. The two fixed position ultra-wide angle lenses face substantially opposing directions. A field of view of each of the lenses is greater than one hundred and eighty degrees. Facing the lenses in substantially opposing directions results in an overlapping region of image capture of substantially a three hundred and sixty degree horizontal field of view and a two hundred and seventy degree (or more) vertical field of view. The one or more components optically direct light so that optically directed light from both of the two fixed position ultra-wide angle lenses strikes a single surface of a single image sensor. The single image sensor converts an optical signal into an electronic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventors: Dmitry Kozko, Ivan Onuchin
  • Patent number: 9842879
    Abstract: There is provided solid-state imaging devices and methods of forming the same, the solid-state imaging devices including: a semiconductor substrate; a glass substrate; an adhesion layer provided between the semiconductor substrate and the glass substrate; and a warpage correction film provided adjacent to one of the semiconductor substrate and the glass substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Matsugai
  • Patent number: 9842949
    Abstract: Fabrication methods and structures relating to backplanes for back contact solar cells that provide for solar cell substrate reinforcement and electrical interconnects as well as Fabrication methods and structures for forming thin film back contact solar cells are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: OB REALTY, LLC
    Inventors: Mehrdad M. Moslehi, Pawan Kapur, K.-Josef Kramer, Virendra V. Rana, Sean Seutter, Anand Deshpande, Anthony Calcaterra, Gerry Olsen, Kamran Manteghi, Thom Stalcup, George D. Kamian, David Xuan-Qi Wang, Yen-Sheng Su, Michael Wingert
  • Patent number: 9778117
    Abstract: The integrated electronic device detects the pressure related to a force applied in a predetermined direction within a solid structure. The device includes an integrated element that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of application of the force. First and second conductive elements are configured to face an operating surface. A measure module includes first and second measurement terminals which are electrically connected to the first and second conductive elements, respectively. A detecting element is arranged in the predetermined direction such that the operating surface is sandwiched between the first and second conductive elements and this detecting element. An insulating layer galvanically insulates the first and second conductive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventor: Alberto Pagani
  • Patent number: 9749450
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of communication device technology, more particularly, to a smartphone, the structures such as the handset and the physical buttons of the mobile phone are configured on the side or the back side of the phone body, so as to extend the display area (namely touch operation area) of the mobile phone to the whole front surface of the mobile phone, to realize full-screen display without borders, and to enhance the beauty of the appearance of the smart phone, thus to effectively improve the user experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: EVERDISPLAY OPTRONICS (SHANGAI) LIMITED
    Inventors: Ker Tai Chu, Jr Hong Chen, Chien Er Huang
  • Patent number: 9728703
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods of generating electricity include using an optically and thermally responsive material comprising single-walled Carbon nanotubes and Copper sulfide nanoparticles. This material acts as a thermoelectric generator lacking rectifying effects. In some forms, the generator may generate electricity from a light source alone, a heat source alone, or a source of both light and heat. Some forms exhibit enhanced optical and thermal switching characteristics, light absorption, photocurrent and thermocurrent generation under light illumination or/and thermal radiation, providing a new route to obtain thermoelectricity without any cooling or heat-sink component. Moreover, measurements showed thin films of SWNT CuS NPs had significantly increased light absorption (up to 80%) compared to untreated SWNT thin films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignees: Louisiana Tech Research Corporation, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Long Que, Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 9710005
    Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) system can include strings of PV collection devices. A positive parallel bus can be coupled to positive terminals of first and second strings and a negative parallel bus can be coupled to negative terminals of first and second strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Johnston, Nicholas Ford
  • Patent number: 9694448
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for distributing laser energy are disclosed herein. A method configured in accordance with one embodiment includes establishing communication with a laser energy source configured to dispense laser energy, and enabling the laser energy source to dispense laser energy by transferring laser energy credits to the laser energy source. The transferred laser energy credits correspond to an amount of enabled laser energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Laser Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yefim P. Sukhman, Michael L. Flanary, Stefano J. Noto, Christian J. Risser, Miesha T. Stoute, David John Zirbel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9608216
    Abstract: A flexible display device includes a flexible substrate including a display region and a peripheral region substantially surrounding the display region, the display region including a first display region and a second display region, a first display structure at the first display region of the flexible substrate, the first display structure including nanoparticles, and a second display structure at the second display region of the flexible substrate, the second display structure including silicon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun-Hyuk Cheon
  • Patent number: 9525083
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating solar cell emitter regions with differentiated P-type and N-type architectures and incorporating a multi-purpose passivation and contact layer, and resulting solar cells, are described. In an example, a solar cell includes a substrate having a light-receiving surface and a back surface. A P-type emitter region is disposed on the back surface of the substrate. An N-type emitter region is disposed in a trench formed in the back surface of the substrate. An N-type passivation layer is disposed on the N-type emitter region. A first conductive contact structure is electrically connected to the P-type emitter region. A second conductive contact structure is electrically connected to the N-type emitter region and is in direct contact with the N-type passivation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Staffan Westerberg, Seung Bum Rim
  • Patent number: 9520825
    Abstract: A portable self-contained solar energy generation platform for tracking a source of solar energy and automatically maintaining optimum solar collection panel positioning for maximum energy output during operation. The solar tracking platform comprises a folding solar panel support stand on a power turntable with a solar tracker control actuation device in communication therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Lob Cheung
  • Patent number: 9502897
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for producing electricity from solar radiation using a solar panel that efficiently produces electricity and is protected against cell burnout in partial shaded conditions. Short length substrings are independently connected to corresponding collector circuits to provide electricity at less than the burnout threshold of a shaded cell. Direct current power from each substring is independently optimized, collected and may be inverted to alternating current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: SolarBread LTD
    Inventors: Amir Makover, Arie Dolev
  • Patent number: 9496449
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a CI(G)S-based thin film using a Cu—Se two-component nanoparticle flux, and a CI(G)S-based thin film manufactured by the method are provided. The method for manufacturing the CI(G)S-based thin film, according to the present invention, comprises the steps of: manufacturing Cu—Se two-component nanoparticles and In nanoparticles; manufacturing a slurry comprising the Cu—Se two-component nanoparticles by mixing the Cu—Se two-component nanoparticles, a solvent, and a binder, and manufacturing a slurry comprising the In nanoparticles by mixing the In nanoparticles, a solvent, and a binder; forming a thin film in which a plurality of layers are laminated by alternately coating the slurry comprising the Cu—Se two-component nanoparticles and the slurry comprising the In nanoparticles on a substrate, regardless of order; and heat-processing the thin film which is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Energy Research
    Inventors: Ara Cho, SeJin Ahn, Kyung-Hoon Yoon, Jae-Ho Yun, Jihye Gwak, Kee-Shik Shin, SeoungKyu Ahn
  • Patent number: 9484407
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided including a semiconductor substrate and a nanowire formed over the semiconductor substrate and wherein the nanowire includes a first layer exhibiting tensile stress and a second layer exhibiting compressive stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Baldauf, Stefan Flachowsky
  • Patent number: 9465908
    Abstract: A method for creating a physical layout of a photovoltaic system in a specified field is provided where the photovoltaic system is specified by a plurality of technical properties. The method includes reading out more than 20 pre-calculated, completed layouts for the photovoltaic system from a memory; presenting the completed layouts in a graphical presentation wherein each of the completed layouts is represented by at least one partial amount of the plurality of technical properties; modifying value ranges of the presented technical properties, in order to present a modified number of completed layouts in a comparable manner; and selecting an optimized layout that has been optimized with regard to the presented properties from the modified number of completed layouts. Thereby a photovoltaic system having a high nominal power can be established in the best possible manner. The physical layout of the entire photovoltaic system is adapted to the specified field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Bischoff, Oliver Hennig, Karl-Heinz Kufer, Kai Plociennik, Ingmar Schule, Jens Weber
  • Patent number: 9437757
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a solar cell is disclosed. The method includes forming a polished surface on a silicon substrate and forming a first flowable matrix in an interdigitated pattern on the polished surface, where the polished surface allows the first flowable matrix to form an interdigitated pattern comprising features of uniform thickness and width. In an embodiment, the method includes forming the silicon substrate using a method such as, but not limited to, of diamond wire or slurry wafering processes. In another embodiment, the method includes forming the polished surface on the silicon substrate using a chemical etchant such as, but not limited to, sulfuric acid (H2SO4), acetic acid (CH3COOH), nitric acid (HNO3), hydrofluoric acid (HF) or phosphoric acid (H3PO4). In still another embodiment, the etchant is an isotropic etchant. In yet another embodiment, the method includes providing a surface of the silicon substrate with at most 500 nanometer peak-to-valley roughness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Genevieve A. Solomon, Scott Harrington, Kahn Wu, Paul Loscutoff, Junbo Wu, Steven Edward Molesa
  • Patent number: 9437755
    Abstract: A bipolar solar cell includes a backside junction formed by a silicon substrate and a first doped layer of a first dopant type on the backside of the solar cell. A second doped layer of a second dopant type makes an electrical connection to the substrate from the front side of the solar cell. A first metal contact of a first electrical polarity electrically connects to the first doped layer on the backside of the solar cell, and a second metal contact of a second electrical polarity electrically connects to the second doped layer on the front side of the solar cell. An external electrical circuit may be electrically connected to the first and second metal contacts to be powered by the solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventor: Peter John Cousins
  • Patent number: 9425647
    Abstract: A charging control apparatus controls a state of charge of a secondary battery installed in a vehicle by a regulator possessed by an alternator. The charging control apparatus includes a calculating unit that calculates an SOC indicating a state of charge of the secondary battery, a determining unit that performs determination of whether the SOC calculated in the calculating unit is greater than a predetermined threshold, and a controlling unit that controls the regulator in such a manner that, in a case where it is determined by the determining unit that the SOC is greater than the predetermined threshold, a power generation voltage of the alternator comes to a low state, and in a case where it is determined that the SOC is less than the predetermined threshold, a power generation voltage of the alternator comes to a high state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignees: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., Furukawa Automotive Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Shinichi Nomoto
  • Patent number: 9406827
    Abstract: A holder for a solar module has a rectangular frame which has a peripheral side wall from at least one side of which there extends a leg that is directed toward the frame interior. The holder has a base plate with two receiving elements extending therefrom for receiving the leg. Each receiving element is assigned at least one support surface, attached to the base plate, for supporting the side wall, the spacing of said support surface from the receiving element being variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventor: Werner Ilzhoefer
  • Patent number: 9391224
    Abstract: Disclosed is a solar battery which: is made from a silicon semiconductor; has a high quantum-conversion efficiency; requires a small number of production steps during manufacturing; and is capable of being recycled in view of environmental load and material recycling. Specifically, a solar battery according to an embodiment of the present invention has a basic structure of a P—SiN—N junction in which minute silicon clusters are inserted in a P—N junction, and includes a quantum dot layer having a multiple energy level structure consisting of an energy level of a valence band and an energy level of a conduction band, and intermediate energy levels located between both the bands. The quantum dot layer is composed by periodically arranging silicon quantum dots consisting of silicon clusters with an average particle diameter of 2.5 nm or less and an inter-quantum-dot distance of 1 nm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Yasushi Iwata, Kanako Tomita
  • Patent number: 9368284
    Abstract: An aluminum electrolytic capacitor including an anode electrode, and a method for producing the anode electrode. The method includes providing an aluminum electrolyte including an ionic liquid and an aluminum salt, galvanically deposing an aluminum on an aluminum foil formed from the aluminum electrolyte, and anodically oxidizing a surface of the aluminum foil. The ionic liquid includes a pyrrolidinium cation and a halogenide. The aluminum electrolyte includes 50-70 mol. % of the aluminum salt based on a total substance amount of the ionic liquid and the aluminum salt. The galvanic deposition includes and is based on a deposition temperature ranging from 20° C. to 100° C., a current density ranging from 1 to 100 mA/cm2, an applied potential ranging from ?0.1 V to ?1.0 V based on a potential of an aluminum reference electrode, and a deposition rate ranging from 1 to 50 ?m/h.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: LITRONIK ENTWICKLUNGS GMBH
    Inventors: Alexander Rzany, Bernhard Hensel, Nicolas Bartilla, Bernd Pretzlaff