Encapsulated Or With Housing Patents (Class 136/251)
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Patent number: 9490382Abstract: A solar module is provided which has improved output characteristics. The solar module (1) includes a first protecting member (21), a second protecting member (22), a first solar cell (10a) and a second solar cell (10b), and a first wiring member (11A). The first solar cell (10a) and the second solar cell (10b) are arranged between the first protecting member (21) and the second protecting member (22). The first wiring member (11A) electrically connects the first solar cell (10a) to the second solar cell (10b). A first conductive member (17a) is arranged on the same surface of the first solar cell (10a) as the second protecting member (22). The tip of protrusion portions (11c) formed on the surface of the first wiring member (11A) and the first conductive member (17a) are connected electrically by welding.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventor: Haruhisa Hashimoto
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Patent number: 9490377Abstract: A uniform layer of insulating material is used to separate the connectors from the non-illuminated side of a back-contact solar cell, particularly a cell of the MWT type, the layer preferably being a uniform woven or non-woven fabric of a heat-resistant material such as glass fiber, and the electrical connection between the contact points of the cell and the connectors being made through the uniform layer thereby partially embedding the insulating material in the connection.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2011Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: SOL IP S.A.R.L.Inventors: Tom Borgers, Jozef Szlufcik
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Patent number: 9484853Abstract: A system for mounting at least one solar panel on a building may include at least one panel mounting bracket including a base to be positioned on the building, and a vertical extension having a proximal end coupled to the base and a distal end vertically spaced apart from the base. The vertical extension may have a cavity extending vertically therein. The system may also include an adjustable height extension device for the at least one panel mounting bracket including a lower portion carried within the cavity of the vertical extension and vertically slidable within the cavity, an upper portion carried by the lower portion to be connected with the at least one solar panel, and a vertical height adjustment member carried by the upper portion to cause the lower portion to slide vertically within the cavity to adjust a vertical height of the upper portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Inventor: Kevin Stapleton
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Patent number: 9484484Abstract: A high efficiency configuration for a solar cell module comprises solar cells arranged in a shingled manner to form super cells, which may be arranged to efficiently use the area of the solar module, reduce series resistance, and increase module efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Ratson Morad, Gilad Almogy, Itai Suez, Jean Hummel, Nathan Beckett, Yafu Lin, Dan Maydan, John Gannon
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Patent number: 9484478Abstract: A second protective member faces a first protective member. A bonding layer is disposed between the first and the second protective member. A solar cell includes a first main surface facing a side of the first protective member and a second main surface facing a side of the second protective member. A wiring member disposed on the second main surface. The bonding layer includes a first bonding layer disposed between the first protective member and the solar cell and made of a transparent resin a second bonding layer disposed between the second protective member and the solar cell and made of a colored resin, and a third bonding layer disposed between the second bonding layer and the solar cell and made of a transparent resin, and the second bonding layer is in contact with a main surface of the wiring member on a side of the second protective member.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tasuku Ishiguro, Masanori Maeda
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Patent number: 9478687Abstract: In a solar cell in a sheet form, a first cured resin layer, a substrate containing a resin, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second cured resin layer are stacked in this order. The linear expansion coefficient of the first cured resin layer is not less than that of the second cured resin layer, and the linear expansion coefficient of the second cured resin layer is larger than that of the substrate. When the cure degree of a first surface of the first cured resin layer facing the substrate is C1 % and the cure degree of a second surface of the first cured resin layer is C2 %, C2 is larger than C1 and (C2?C1) is 2 to 15%. A surface on the first cured resin layer of the solar cell is warped convexly and a surface on the second cured resin layer is warped concavely.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2015Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: TDK CORPORATIONInventors: Tsuyoshi Komaki, Hirokazu Fujioka, Hisao Morooka, Hiroshi Yamada
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Patent number: 9461579Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Jack Raymond West, Hans-Christoph Haenlein
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Patent number: 9455097Abstract: A key structure comprises a bottom board, a key cap and two first balance plates. The two first balance plates are plate shaped, disposed between the bottom board and the key cap, and symmetric to each other. An upper end of each of the two first balance plates is connected to the key cap. A lower end of each of the two first balance plates is connected to the bottom board. Thereby, a key structure is formed which provides a normal tactile feel while saving space, thereby achieving a slim design.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2015Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignees: LITE-ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) LIMITED, LITE-ON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: Chun-Lin Chen
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Patent number: 9450535Abstract: A solar powered satellite system is provided. A power control system, for example, of the solar powered satellite system may include, but is not limited to, a first interface configured to receive a power signal from the satellite receiver, a voltage converter electrically coupled to the first interface, the voltage converter configured to reduce a voltage of the power signal received from the satellite receiver to a predetermined voltage, a second interface configured to receive a power signal from the solar panel assembly, a third interface configured to be coupled to at least one power consumer of a satellite dish, and a source selection circuit electrically coupled to the voltage converter, the solar panel assembly and the third interface, the source selection circuit configured to output a selected power signal based upon a comparison between the predetermined voltage and a voltage of the power signal from the solar panel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2014Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: Robert Domaleski, Paul Anthony Langer, Harold Jaramillo, William Roberts
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Patent number: 9450129Abstract: Provided are a multilayer sheet superior in weather resistance, heat resistance, and moisture proofness and also favorable in interlayer adhesiveness, and a back sheet for solar cells and a solar cell module prepared by using the same. The multilayer sheet 10 is prepared by laminating a polyolefin-based resin layer 1 having a melt flow rate, as determined by the method A specified in JIS K7210, of 0.5 to 25 g/10 minutes at 230° C. under a load of 2.16 kg and a polyvinylidene fluoride-based resin layer 2 having a melt flow rate, as determined by the method A specified in JIS K7210, of 0.5 to 25 g/10 minutes at 230° C. under a load of 2.16 kg, via an adhesion resin layer 3 of a conjugated diene-based polymer, a conjugated diene-based copolymer, or the hydride thereof having a melt flow rate, as determined by the method A specified in JIS K7210, of 0.1 to 50 g/10 minutes at 230° C. under a load of 2.16 kg.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2013Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: Denka Company LimitedInventors: Tomoo Saito, Toru Arai
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Patent number: 9434870Abstract: A thermally conductive filler composition and a resin composition comprising such filler compositions. The filler composition comprises a blend of a boron nitride, a graphite, or a combination thereof, a talc, and optionally a silane. The filler composition can further comprise other filler components including, for example, wollastonite, calcium carbonate, or a combination thereof. The filler compositions can be added to a resin composition to provide a thermally conductive resin such as, for example, a thermally conductive plastic.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Momentive Performance Materials Inc.Inventors: Chandrashekar Raman, Bei Xiang, Anand Murugaiah
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Patent number: 9431623Abstract: The present invention relates to flexible devices including semiconductor nanocrystals, arrays including such devices, systems including the foregoing, and related methods. In one embodiment, a flexible light-emitting device includes a flexible substrate including a first electrode, an emissive layer comprising semiconductor nanocrystals disposed over the substrate, and second electrode disposed over the emissive layer comprising semiconductor nanocrystals, wherein, when the device is curved, the emissive layer comprising semiconductor nanocrystals lies substantially in the neutral plane of the device. In another embodiment, a light-emitting device includes an emissive layer comprising semiconductor nanocrystals disposed between two flexible substrates, a first electrode disposed over the emissive layer comprising semiconductor nanocrystals, and a second electrode disposed under the emissive layer comprising semiconductor nanocrystals.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: QD VISION, INC.Inventors: Peter T. Kazlas, Marshall Cox, Seth Coe-Sullivan, Ioannis Kymissis
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Patent number: 9419171Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to providing a collection grid suitable for use in PV modules. The disclosed collection grid may be at least partially applied to a protective laminate sheet in a manner that removes the high temperature requirements of conventional screen printed collection grids, to avoid unwanted heat-related deformation of the laminate sheet.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2015Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Hanergy Hi-Tech Power (HK) LimitedInventors: Zulima Rhodes, Darren Verebelyi
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Patent number: 9412893Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar module comprising a first layer, a solar cell arranged above the first layer and a second layer arranged above the solar cell. The first and/or the second layer comprise a fiber composite material which comprises a preferably aliphatic polyurethane polymer “dual cure” system) crosslinked thermally and by means of electromagnetic radiation. The material of the fibers of the fiber composite material is transparent at least in the region of visible light. The invention further relates to the use of this type of solar module and to a process for production thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2012Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Bayer Intellectual Property GmbHInventors: Hubert Ehbing, Frithjof Hannig, Stephanie Vogel, Nusret Yuva, Wolfgang Fischer, Helmut Kuczewski, Ernst-Ulrich Reisner
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Patent number: 9412921Abstract: Disclosed is a module structure including a front sheet, a back sheet, and an optoelectronic device disposed between the front sheet and the back sheet. A first packaging layer is disposed between the optoelectronic device and the front sheet. The back sheet is a layered structure of a hydrogenated styrene elastomer resin layer and a polyolefin layer, wherein the hydrogenated styrene elastomer resin layer is disposed between the optoelectronic device and the polyolefin layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Wen-Hsien Wang, Min-Tsung Kuan, Tzong-Ming Lee, Wen-Hsien Chou, Fu-Ming Lin, Wen-Kuei Lee, Chin Zeng Yeh, Ming-Hung Chen, Chung-Teng Huang, Hsueh Jen Fu
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Patent number: 9412891Abstract: A device for dissipating heat from a photovoltaic cell is disclosed. A first thermally conductive layer receives heat from the photovoltaic cell and reduces a density of the received heat. A second thermally conductive layer conducts heat from the first thermally conductive layer to a surrounding environment. An electrically isolating layer thermally couples the first thermally conductive layer and the second thermally conductive layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Michael A. Gaynes, Peter D. Kirchner, Yves C. Martin, Naim Moumen, Dhirendra M. Patel, Robert L. Sandstrom, Theodore G. van Kessel, Brent A. Wacaser, Hussam Khonkar
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Patent number: 9401451Abstract: A high efficiency configuration for a solar cell module comprises solar cells arranged in a shingled manner to form super cells, which may be arranged to efficiently use the area of the solar module, reduce series resistance, and increase module efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: Ratson Morad, Gilad Almogy, Itai Suez, Jean Hummel, Nathan Beckett, Yafu Lin, Dan Maydan, John Gannon
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Patent number: 9394479Abstract: Described herein are wavelength conversion films that are easy-to-apply to solar cells, solar panels, or photovoltaic devices using an adhesive layer. The wavelength conversion films include a wavelength conversion layer with a photostable chromophore and are useful for improving the solar harvesting efficiency of solar cells, solar panels, and photovoltaic devices.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Hongxi Zhang, Stanislaw Rachwal, Jie Cai, Yufen Hu, Michiharu Yamamoto, Zongcheng Jiang, Bogumila Rachwal, Shuangxi Wang, Peng Wang
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Patent number: 9398712Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a connector and electronic circuit assembly (130) at least partially encased in a polymeric frame (200). The assembly including at least: a connector housing (230); at least one electrical connector (330); at least one electronic circuit component (430); and at least one barrier element (530).Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2011Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLCInventors: Jason A. Reese, Samar R. Teli, James R. Keenihan, Joseph A. Langmaid, Kevin D. Maak, Michael E. Mills, Timothy C. Plum, Narayan Ramesh
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Patent number: 9388953Abstract: A portable lighting device includes a housing, a battery, a lighting element coupled to the battery, and a solar panel. The housing includes a first wall coupled to a second wall and defines an internal volume. The battery is positioned within the internal volume. The solar panel is disposed along the first wall and coupled to the battery. The second wall of the housing is angled relative to the first wall of the housing such that the solar panel is positioned in a target orientation when the second wall is disposed along a support surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2014Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: GOAL ZERO LLCInventors: Robert E. Workman, Norman L. Krantz, Henry J. Howell, Fred K. Lillywhite
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Patent number: 9385252Abstract: A method for insulating an aluminum backboard of a photovoltaic module comprises the following steps: shearing the aluminum backboard such that the dimensions of the aluminum backboard are 4-5 mm smaller those of the glass; forming a square aperture at the position of the electrode lead of the aluminum backboard; insulating the square aperture by cushioning a small insulating material or wrapping the edges with an insulation film when arraying and laying the modules; laminating and trimming the superimposed module components; wrapping the trimmed laminated piece around the edge with the 0.5-1 mm insulation tape; finally, framing up the laminated piece by using a frame filled with silica gel, and installing the terminal box. The invention is convenient to operate and low in investment and has a wide application prospect.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2013Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: HANWHA SOLARONE (QIDONG) CO., LTDInventors: Yuanzhun Gao, Songhua Xue, Xianghua Yang, Jialin Gong, Chao Yang, Zhong Dong, Xiaodan Shi, Juanjuan Zhu, Jidong Xia
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Patent number: 9379268Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell module that has a wiring member including a resin film, and a wiring disposed on the resin film and electrically connected to a solar cell. The wiring member includes a first portion disposed in that the wiring faces the solar cell, the first portion bonded to the solar cell, a second portion disposed in that the wiring faces an opposite side from the solar cell, and a bent portion connecting the first portion and the second portion to each other. A distance between a first protective member and a second protective member in a region where the wiring member is provided in an area located between the solar cell and the second protective member is longer than a distance between the first protective member and the second protective member in a region where the wiring member is not provided in the area.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2015Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshiyuki Sakuma
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Patent number: 9379277Abstract: A fabrication method for a solar cell assembly is disclosed. Solar cell sheets, which are connected to each other with connecting sheets, are placed into an injection mold having casting molds. The solar cell sheets are respectively situated in the casting molds. An injection molding material is injected into the casting molds under a heating condition such that the solar cell sheets are encapsulated in the injection molding material. The injection molding material can include ethylene-vinyl acetate or polysilicone and polyvinyl butyral. The encapsulated solar cell sheets are taken out of the injection mold. A substrate and a back sheet respectively are attached to two sides of the encapsulated solar cell sheets.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Changzhou Almaden Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jinxi Lin, Jinhan Lin, Yuting Lin
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Patent number: 9373959Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic module. A photovoltaic module according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a solar cell module, a micro-inverter to convert DC power generated by the solar cell module into AC power, a controller to control the micro-inverter's operation, and an interface unit connected to power grid supplying external electrical power and to provide the AC power to the power grid, the controller to control operation of the micro-inverter such that the AC power is matched to the external electrical power flowing into the power grid. The photovoltaic module according to the present invention can provide electrical power generated at solar cell modules through a simple connection to power grid which supplies electrical power to home, reducing consumption of electrical power flowing into home.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Daehee Jang, Seungyong Lee, Jaehyuk Park, Changuk Kim
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Patent number: 9368663Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a solar cell sealing film obtained from a composition comprising chiefly ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and organic peroxides for giving crosslinked structure, which suppresses the occurrence of blisters without reduction of crosslink rate, even if the film contains silane-coupling agents for improving adhesive strength. The solar cell sealing film comprises ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, an organic peroxide, a silane-coupling agent, and a phosphite compound represented by formula (I): P(OR1)3??(I) wherein, R1 is a branched-chain aliphatic alkyl group having 8 to 14 carbon atoms, and three R1s are the same as or different from each other and further wherein the content of the vinyl acetate recurring unit of the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer is in the range of 20 to 35% by weight.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATIONInventors: Tetsuro Ikeda, Hisataka Kataoka, Yoshihiko Inoue
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Patent number: 9362435Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell apparatus and a method of fabricating the same. The solace cell apparatus includes a solar cell on a support substrate; a polymer resin layer on the solar cell; a protective panel on the polymer resin layer; and a composite protective layer at each lateral side of the support substrate, the solar cell, the polymer resin layer, and the protective panel.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventor: Dong Keun Lee
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Patent number: 9355788Abstract: Disclosed is a dye-sensitized solar cell which includes a conductive substrate, a counter substrate facing the conductive substrate, an electrolyte disposed between the conductive substrate and the counter substrate, and an annular sealing portion surrounding the electrolyte together with the conductive substrate and the counter substrate and connecting the conductive substrate and the counter substrate. The sealing portion has an inorganic sealing portion fixed to the conductive substrate and a resin sealing portion fixed to the counter substrate. The inorganic sealing portion has a main body portion provided on the conductive substrate and a protruding portion extending from the main body portion toward a side opposite to the conductive substrate, and the resin sealing portion has an adhesive portion adhering the main body portion to the counter substrate and adhered to a side surface along an extending direction of the protruding portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: FUJIKURA LTD.Inventor: Hiroki Usui
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Patent number: 9344032Abstract: The invention relates to a power generation module (M1, M2, M3), using solar radiation, which includes a caisson (2) comprising: a first wall (3) exposed to solar radiation, at least partially made up of a photovoltaic panel (4) with the other part made up of at least one transparent plate (5) or separated photovoltaic cells; at least one second dark wall spaced apart from the inner surface of the first wall (3); an intake (9) for fresh or recycled air with a view to circulating air inside the caisson between the walls; and an outlet (13a) for the air that swept through the inside of the caisson and which was heated by the part of the radiation that passed through the first wall including the transparent plate, the power being generated as electricity by the photovoltaic panel and as thermal power using the heated air.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENTInventor: Frédéric Duong
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Patent number: 9340628Abstract: To provide a process for producing an olefin polymer, which makes it possible to use, as a solvent for use in the catalyst preparation and the like, an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent instead of an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent causing large environmental burden, and which has good olefin polymerization activity. A process for producing an olefin polymer, characterized by having a step comprising feeding an olefin polymerization catalyst solution, which is obtained by mixing a metallocene compound, a compound that reacts with the metallocene compound to form an ion pair and at least one compound selected from an organoaluminum compound and an organoaluminum oxy compound with a saturated hydrocarbon solvent, to a polymerization reactor and solution-polymerizing an olefin in the polymerization reactor.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: MITSUI CHEMICALS, INC.Inventors: Yasushi Tohi, Yasuhiro Hasada, Hiroshi Noguchi
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Patent number: 9337370Abstract: Apparatus and method for the automatic assembly of photovoltaic panels with back-contact architecture, the apparatus comprising a series of six stations that are configured in sequence in a carousel with recirculation of trays and a control device, which is adjacent to one or more of the stations, for controlling the correctness of the processes performed, the control device enabling the processing or the mere transit of the tray into the subsequent station by comparing the actual state with a predefined state. If one or more of the controls performed in the transfers between the six stations yields a negative outcome regarding the correctness of the operation performed previously, the control device enables the mere transit of the tray with its content to the subsequent stations until it reaches the first station without undergoing any tipping.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: VISMUNDA S.R.L.Inventors: Davide Spotti, Elisa Baccini
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Patent number: 9336957Abstract: The following description relates to a method of low temperature sintering a catalyst layer that formed on one side of a counter electrode using a laser. It is possible to prepare a counter electrode for a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) based on a flexible substrate easily because the method can be applied to a conducting substrate made of plastic materials as well as a conducting glass substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Min-Jae Ko, Tae-Yeon Kang, Kyung-Kon Kim, Doh-Kwon Lee, Hong-Gon Kim
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Patent number: 9331223Abstract: A solar cell module is disclosed. The solar cell module includes a solar cell panel, and a frame disposed at a periphery of the solar cell panel. A fixing hole is formed at the frame. A first fastening member is coupled to the fixing hole.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jeongshik Kim, Hwanyeon Kim
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Patent number: 9312424Abstract: A photovoltaic module can be produced by suspending a photovoltaic cell with a front side of the photovoltaic cell facing upward, positioning a backsheet and a first encapsulant layer underneath the suspended photovoltaic cell, lowering the suspended photovoltaic cell into contact with the first encapsulant layer wherein a back side of the photovoltaic cell contacts the first encapsulant layer, applying a second encapsulant layer over at least the front side of the photovoltaic cell, positioning a front transparency onto the second encapsulant layer, and curing the first encapsulant layer and the second encapsulant layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: PPG industries Ohio, Inc.Inventors: Gereme Hensel, Steven Wirtz, Walter J Robertson
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Patent number: 9312417Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for creating improved photovoltaic (PV) modules. In certain example embodiments and first and second glass substrate are provided. A PV array is provided between the first and second glass substrates. The first and second substrates are laminated together with the PV array between the glass substrates. In certain example embodiments the PV module is dimensioned to be similar to an existing roof system (e.g., a sunroof) in a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.Inventors: Robert A. Vandal, Greg Brecht, Vincent E. Ruggero, II
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Patent number: 9312418Abstract: A photovoltaic module employing an array of photovoltaic cells disposed between two optically transparent substrates such as to define a closed-loop peripheral area of the module that does not contain a photovoltaic cell. The module is sealed with a peripheral seal along the perimeter; and is devoid of a structural element affixed to an optically transparent substrate and adapted to mount the module to a supporting structure. The two substrates may be bonded together with the use of adhesive material and, optionally, the peripheral seal can include the adhesive material. The module optionally includes diffraction grating element(s) adjoining respectively corresponding PV-cell(s).Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: PRISM SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Wayne Beckerman, Jose E. Castillo-Aguilella, Paul S. Hauser, Michael Sprague
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Patent number: 9306490Abstract: A photovoltaic module mounting assembly (200) uses a mounting device (74), mounting plate (110?), lower bracket (210), upper bracket (230), and stud (114). The mounting plate (110?) is positioned on the mounting device (74), and a leg (212) of the lower bracket (210) is positioned on the mounting plate (110?). An outside surface (222) of another leg (220) of the lower bracket (210) includes teeth (224) and engages an inside surface (238) of a leg (236) of the upper bracket (230), which also has teeth (240). The mounting plate (110?) engages a lower surface (63) of a photovoltaic module (58), an end of the leg (212) of the lower bracket (210) may engage a side surface (64) of the module (58), and a head (246) on an end of another leg (232) of the upper bracket (230) may engage an upper surface (65) of the module (58).Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Inventors: Dustin M. M. Haddock, Robert M. M. Haddock
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Patent number: 9306104Abstract: The invention relates to a photovoltaic concentrator module with multifunction frame and also to a method for production thereof. The concentrator module has a lens- and a base plate, between which a frame extends. Between the lens plate and the frame and/or the base plate and the frame, two sealing compounds and/or adhesive compounds extend, which compounds differ with respect to their hardening time and/or gas permeability.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2007Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: SOITEC SOLAR GMBHInventors: Frank Dimroth, Andreas Bett, Christoph Schmidt, Hansjörg Lerchen-Müller
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Patent number: 9296845Abstract: Provided is an olefin resin composition, and a method of manufacturing an encapsulant for an optoelectronic device, in which the encapsulant exhibits excellent adhesive strength with a back sheet and a front substrate included in various optoelectronic devices. In addition, the encapsulant does not have a bad influence on parts such as optoelectronic units or wiring electrodes encapsulated in an optoelectronic device, and a working environment, and can excellently maintain workability and economic feasibility of device manufacturing.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.Inventors: SungHo Choi, Choong Hoon Lee, JiYoon Woo, HyoJu Kim, Jin Sam Gong
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Patent number: 9300244Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: SolarCity CorporationInventors: Jack Raymond West, Hans-Christoph Haenlein
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Patent number: 9290602Abstract: A surface protective film includes a structure in which a fluorine resin having a perfluoroalkylene ether structure in a main chain is crosslinking polymerized, wherein a storage elastic modulus E? is in the range of 10 MPa to 1000 MPa at a temperature which is 40 K higher than a dynamic glass transition temperature Tg in dynamic viscoelasticity measurement at a measurement frequency of 10 Hz.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Saegusa, Tomoko Miyahara, Kaoru Torikoshi
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Patent number: 9278617Abstract: A solar battery mounting structure for a vehicle mounts a solar battery module on the roof of a vehicle body. The solar battery module includes a glass panel and sealant located on a side of the glass panel that faces the inside of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Solar battery cells are sealed in the sealant. A roof reinforcing member bridges over the roof of the vehicle body. The solar battery module includes a through portion that extends to the glass panel through the sealant. Adhesive is provided in the through portion. The adhesive bonds and fixes the glass panel to the roof reinforcing member.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yasuhiro Shirai, Kazutaka Kimura, Yuki Kudo
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Patent number: 9276141Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared-transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: CertainTeed CorporationInventors: Husnu M. Kalkanoglu, Gregory F. Jacobs, Ming Liang Shiao
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Patent number: 9273885Abstract: A roof integrated photovoltaic system includes a plurality of photovoltaic panels each having a right end, a left end, a front edge, and a back edge. A right end coupler is secured to the right ends of at least some of the photovoltaic panels and a left end coupler is secured to the left ends of at least some of the photovoltaic panels. The right end couplers and the left end couplers are configured to interlock and form a seal when two of the plurality of panels are moved into end-to-end engagement with each other. At least one front edge coupler is affixed to at least some of the plurality of photovoltaic panels at the front edges thereof and at least one back edge coupler is affixed to at least some of the plurality of photovoltaic panels at the back edges thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Building Materials Investment CorporationInventors: Tommy F. Rodrigues, Sudhir Railkar, Daniel E. Boss, David J. Gennrich, Cory Boudreau, Daniel Roger Nett, Kent J. Kallsen, Luis Duque
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Patent number: 9260556Abstract: An encapsulating material for solar cell of the invention contains an ethylene/?-olefin copolymer, an organic peroxide, at least one crosslinking aid selected from a group consisting of divinyl aromatic compounds, cyanurates, diallyl compounds, triallyl compounds, oximes and maleimides, and a (meth)acrylate-based monomer. The content of the (meth)acrylate-based monomer in the encapsulating material for solar cell is in a range of 0.1 parts by weight to 5.0 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the ethylene/?-olefin copolymer, and the content of the crosslinking aid in the encapsulating material for solar cell is in a range of 0.1 parts by weight to 3 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the ethylene/?-olefin copolymer.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: MITSUI CHEMICALS TOHCELLO, INC.Inventors: Shigenobu Ikenaga, Fumito Takeuchi, Tomoaki Ito
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Patent number: 9255014Abstract: A method for producing a thermoelectric conversion material composed of a metal A having an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, a transition metal M, and oxygen O, and represented by AxMyOz, where x, y, and z are valences of the respective elements, includes the steps of: using a massive metal oxide as the thermoelectric conversion material and a salt in a solid, liquid or gaseous state; causing a diffusion reaction between the oxide and the salt; and forming the thermoelectric conversion material having aligned crystal orientation. A production apparatus includes a reactor into which the oxide and the salt are introduced, and a heating means for heating the oxide and the salt within the reactor to promote the diffusion reaction. Thereby, the thermoelectric conversion material having efficiency is produced more simply and at lower cost than a production of the single crystal.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: KYUSHU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Toshitada Shimozaki, Akifumi Nishiwaki
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Patent number: 9248402Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing H2O composite sorbers consisting of a polymeric matrix in which hygroscopic inorganic salts are dissolved, to composite sorbers consisting of hygroscopic inorganic salts dissolved in a polymeric matrix and their use for the removal of H2O from the housing of devices sensitive to the presence of H2O.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: SAES GETTERS S.P.A.Inventors: Sergio Rondena, Lorena Cattaneo, Johnny Mio Bertolo, Tania Collina, Roberto Giannantonio
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Patent number: 9253935Abstract: Processes, systems, devices, and articles of manufacture are provided. Each may include adapting micro-inverters initially configured for frame-mounting to mounting on a frameless solar panel. This securement may include using an adaptive clamp or several adaptive clamps secured to a micro-inverter or its components, and using compressive forces applied directly to the solar panel to secure the adaptive clamp and the components to the solar panel. The clamps can also include compressive spacers and safeties for managing the compressive forces exerted on the solar panels. Friction zones may also be used for managing slipping between the clamp and the solar panel during or after installation. Adjustments to the clamps may be carried out through various means and by changing the physical size of the clamps themselves.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2013Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: SunPower CorporationInventors: John Morris, Phillip Charles Gilchrist
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Patent number: 9208955Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell fabricating kit for fabricating a dye-sensitized solar cell includes a semiconductor electrode having a semiconductor layer carrying a dye, an opposite electrode disposed opposite the semiconductor electrode, an electrolytic solution made by dissolving electrolyte in a solvent and caused to fill between the semiconductor electrode and the opposite electrode during an initial assembly, the electrolytic solution being supplemented when decreased after assembly, so that an electrolyte concentration at the time of supplement is lower than an electrolyte concentration of the electrolytic solution supplied during the initial assembly, and a sealing member detachably attachable to an inlet through which the electrolytic solution is supplied between the semiconductor electrode and the opposite electrode to close the inlet.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: DAIDO METAL COMPANY LTD.Inventors: Yasutake Kato, Hideyumi Matsumura, Eiji Kato, Tadatoshi Nagasaki
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Patent number: 9209332Abstract: A solar cell element comprising a semiconductor substrate including a first surface to receive light, and a second surface provided on a back side of the first surface, a plurality of base collector electrodes provided on the second surface of the semiconductor substrate, a plurality of collector electrodes provided on the plurality of base collector electrodes, a connector electrode to electrically connect the collector electrodes adjacent to each other across a region between the plurality of base collector electrodes among the plurality of collector electrodes. A first extracting electrode provided between the plurality of base collector electrodes, and a second extracting electrode electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of collector electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: KYOCERA CorporationInventors: Kenji Fukui, Tomonari Sakamoto, Naoya Kobamoto, Norikazu Nakatani
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Patent number: 9202966Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic module structure 1 and to a method for establishing an electrically conductive connection between two spaced contact layers 4?, 6?, in particular in the photovoltaic module structure 1 according to the invention. The production method is particularly simple and economical and the photovoltaic module structure 1 according to the invention enables a significant gain in efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Calyxo GmbHInventors: Frank Becker, Michael Bauer, Jochen Frenck, Robert Fischer