Contact, Coating, Or Surface Geometry Patents (Class 136/256)
  • Patent number: 11130322
    Abstract: A method of producing a gas barrier laminate of the present disclosure includes a step of forming a coating film on a surface of a base film or a laminate including the base film, the coating film containing zinc ions, at least one of metal alkoxide and a hydrolysate thereof, and an aqueous polymer, and a step of drying the coating film to form a gas barrier layer on the surface of the base film or the laminate including the base film. A gas barrier laminate of the present disclosure includes a base film or a laminate including the base film, and a gas barrier layer provided on a surface of the base film or the laminate including the base film. In the gas barrier laminate, the gas barrier layer contains zinc dispersed in the gas barrier layer and an organic-inorganic composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomokazu Murase, Hiroshi Miyazaki, Ryukichi Matsuo
  • Patent number: 11127937
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of carbon-coating a secondary battery active material and a second battery active material produced by the method. The method of producing a carbon-coated battery active material involves mixing a carbon precursor with liquid carbon dioxide to produce a coating solution comprising a carbon material, coating a battery active material with the carbon material by applying the coating solution to the battery active material, and sintering the coated battery active material to obtain the carbon-coated battery active material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan University
    Inventor: Jaehoon Kim
  • Patent number: 11125389
    Abstract: Screen-printable metallization pastes for forming thin oxide tunnel junctions on the back-side surface of solar cells are disclosed. Interdigitated metal contacts can be deposited on the oxide tunnel junctions to provide all-back metal contact to a solar cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Zhejiang Kaiying New Materials Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mohamed M. Hilali
  • Patent number: 11114714
    Abstract: A miniature electrochemical cell having a volume of less than 0.5 cc includes a casing having a header assembly comprising a ceramic plate formed by co-firing a metallic-containing paste in first and second via holes extending through a green-state ceramic. The ceramic plate is joined to a metal ring by a gold-braze to form the header assembly that is secured to an open-ended metal container by a weld to provide the casing. The fill material resulting from sintering the metallic-containing paste provides a first conductive pathway to the anode current collector contacting an anode active material and a second conductive pathway to a cathode current collector contacting a cathode active material. A solid electrolyte activates the anode and cathode while also serving as a separator. Outer surfaces of the first and second conductive pathways are configured for electrical connection to a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert S. Rubino, Keith W. Seitz, Brian P. Hohl
  • Patent number: 11101401
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are approaches to fabricating solar cells, solar cell strings and solar modules using roll-to-roll foil-based metallization approaches. Methods disclosed herein can comprise the steps of providing at least one solar cell wafer on a first roll unit and conveying a metal foil to the first roll unit. The metal foil can be coupled to the solar cell wafer on the first roll unit to produce a unified pairing of the metal foil and the solar cell wafer. We disclose solar energy collection devices and manufacturing methods thereof enabling reduction of manufacturing costs due to simplification of the manufacturing process by a high throughput foil metallization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Hamilton Sewell, Gabriela Elena Bunea
  • Patent number: 11088293
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus form a photon absorber layer of a photodiode with characteristics conducive to applications such as, but not limited to, image sensors and the like. The absorber layer uses a copper-indium-gallium-selenium (CIGS) material with a gallium mole fraction of approximately 35% to approximately 70% to control the absorbed wavelengths while reducing dark current. Deposition temperatures of the absorber layer are controlled to less than approximately 400 degrees Celsius to produce sub-micron grain sizes. The absorber layer is doped with antimony at a temperature of less than approximately 400 degrees Celsius to increase the absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Philip Hsin-Hua Li, Seshadri Ramaswami
  • Patent number: 11081615
    Abstract: A protection method for through-holes of a semiconductor wafer having the steps: providing a semiconductor wafer, and comprising a plurality of solar cell stacks, wherein each solar cell stack has a Ge substrate forming a bottom side of the semiconductor wafer, a Ge subcell, and at least two III-V subcells in the order mentioned, as well as at least one through-hole, extending from the top side to the bottom side of the semiconductor wafer, with a continuous side wall and a circumference that is oval in cross section; applying a photoresist layer to a top side of the semiconductor wafer and to at least one region of the side wall of the through-hole, said region adjoining the top side, and applying an organic filler material by means of a printing process to a region of the top side, said region comprising the through-hole, and into the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Frey, Benjamin Hagedorn
  • Patent number: 11063160
    Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell string including a plurality of solar cells connected through a wiring member. The solar cell includes a photoelectric conversion section, a light-receiving-surface electrode disposed on a light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion section, and a metal film disposed on a back face of the photoelectric conversion section. The metal film has a plurality of openings along the extending direction of the wiring member, in a connection region between the solar cell and the wiring member. The wiring member is connected through an adhesive layer to the metal film and to the photoelectric conversion section exposed from the openings of the metal film or an electrode fixed on the photoelectric conversion section. There is a non-bonding portion between the metal film and the photoelectric conversion section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toru Terashita, Kunta Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 11056287
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an isodiketopyrrolopyrrole dye and use thereof. A series of pure organic dye based on isodiketopyrrolopyrrole are synthesized in the present invention, using 4,4?-dihexyloxytriphenylamine as an electron donor, isodiketopyrrolopyrrole as a ?-bridge, and cyanoacetic acid as an electron acceptor and an anchoring group, and with a alkyl chain introduced on an isodiketopyrrolopyrrole group. The types of dyes have a relatively good light-harvesting performance as well as a relatively large steric hindrance, and they are not easy to gather while being absorbed on a semiconducting film. The pure organic dye with isodiketopyrrolopyrrole as an electronic ?-bridge, which is used in a dye-sensitized solar cell, has a good ability of inhibiting the recombination of electrons, and the dye-sensitized solar cells have a high photoelectric conversion efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: SOUTH CHINA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Derong Cao, Xufeng Zang
  • Patent number: 11048032
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a manufacturing method for a metal grating, a metal grating, and a display device. In this manufacturing method, after forming a plurality of parallel grating strips by means of an adhesive film layer, a metal thin film with a uniform thickness is formed over the plurality of grating strips and gaps between the grating strips. Furthermore, a metal grating is formed by performing topping treatments on both of an upper surface and a lower surface of the resulting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Lianjie Qu
  • Patent number: 11049982
    Abstract: A solar cell element includes a semiconductor substrate, a passivation layer located on the semiconductor substrate, a protective layer located on the passivation layer, and a first electrode located on the protective layer. The protective layer includes at least one void located from a first lower surface of the first electrode close to the semiconductor substrate up to a first upper surface of the passivation layer close to the first lower surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takanobu Yoshida, Ryo Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 11048024
    Abstract: A light shielding plate includes an infrared transmitting region next to a visible/infrared opaque region. The light shielding plate includes a glass plate including first and second principal surfaces; a visible/infrared opaque film on or over the second principal surface; an infrared transmitting film on or over the first principal surface or the second principal surface; and a light absorption film on or over the first principal surface or the second principal surface. The light shielding plate includes a visible/infrared opaque region including the visible/infrared opaque film; and an infrared transmitting region that transmits infrared light next to the visible/infrared opaque region, the light absorption film is in the visible/infrared opaque region and the infrared transmitting region, and the infrared transmitting film is at least in the infrared transmitting region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: NIPPON ELECTRIC GLASS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Ikegami, Yusuke Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 11049988
    Abstract: Provided is a solar cell including, on a first main surface of a semiconductor substrate having a first conductivity type, a base layer which has the first conductivity type, and an emitter layer which is adjacent to the base layer and has a second conductivity type which is a conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type, and further including a base collecting electrode provided on at least the base layer, and a part of the base collecting electrode is also arranged on the emitter layer adjacent to the base layer on which the base collecting electrode is arranged. Consequently, the inexpensive solar cell having high photoelectric conversion efficiency can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takenori Watabe, Ryo Mitta, Hiroshi Hashigami, Hiroyuki Ohtsuka
  • Patent number: 11041967
    Abstract: A radiation detector includes a substrate having a plurality of charge collection electrodes, a radiation absorption layer disposed on one side with respect to the substrate and formed of a perovskite material, a voltage application electrode disposed on the one side with respect to the radiation absorption layer, a bias voltage being applied to the voltage application electrode so that a potential difference is generated between the voltage application electrode and each of the plurality of charge collection electrodes, and a protective member disposed on the one side with respect to the substrate and being in contact with at least portions opposite to each other in a side surface of the radiation absorption layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Keiji Abe, Toshiyuki Izawa
  • Patent number: 11031514
    Abstract: A method of making a coated substrate having a transparent conductive oxide layer with a dopant selectively distributed in the layer includes selectively supplying an oxide precursor material and a dopant precursor material to each coating cell of a multi-cell chemical vapor deposition coater, wherein the amount of dopant material supplied is selected to vary the dopant content versus coating depth in the resultant coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Vitro, S.A.B. de C.V.
    Inventors: James W. McCamy, Peter Tausch, Gary J. Nelis, Ashtosh Ganjoo
  • Patent number: 11031512
    Abstract: A solar cell of an embodiment includes: a substrate having a light transmitting property; a first electrode including a plurality of metal portions and having a light transmitting property; a light absorbing layer disposed on the first electrode and absorbing light; and a second electrode disposed on the light absorbing layer and having a light transmitting property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Soichiro Shibasaki, Miyuki Shiokawa, Naoyuki Nakagawa, Kazushige Yamamoto, Yuya Honishi, Takeshi Niimoto
  • Patent number: 11024753
    Abstract: A PERC solar cell capable of improving photoelectric conversion efficiency and a preparation method thereof are provided. The solar cell consecutively includes, from the bottom up, a rear silver electrode (1), a rear aluminum field (2), a rear silicon nitride film (3), a rear aluminum oxide film (4), P-type silicon (5), N-type silicon (6), a front silicon nitride film (7), and a front silver electrode (8). The rear aluminum field (2) is connected to the P-type silicon (5) via a rear aluminum strip (10). The P-type silicon (5) is a silicon wafer of the cell. The N-type silicon (6) is an N-type emitter formed by diffusion via the front surface of the silicon wafer. The front silicon nitride film (7) is deposited on the front surface of the silicon wafer. The rear aluminum oxide film (4) is deposited on the rear surface of the silicon wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignees: Guangdong Aiko Solar Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Aiko Solar Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Wen Lai, Jiebin Fang, Gang Chen
  • Patent number: 11024813
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element has a conductive film, a photoelectric conversion film, and a transparent conductive film in this order, in which the above-described photoelectric conversion film contains a compound represented by Formula (1). In Formula (1), R1 and R2 each independently represent an alkyl group, an aryl group, or a heteroaryl group. R1 and R2 may be linked to each other to form a ring. R3 represents an alkyl group, an aryl group, or a heteroaryl group. A represents a ring at least containing one carbon atom and one cationic nitrogen atom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoaki Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 11018271
    Abstract: Methods of producing a graphic mesh for a solar module are described in which mesh parameters such as warp fiber thickness, weft fiber thickness, and open area size are determined to meet a target energetic efficiency and a chromatic effectiveness. In some embodiments, chromatic effectiveness is based on mesh count, where the mesh count is set according to a distance at which the mesh will be viewed when assembled into the solar module. The mesh has a plurality of warp fibers having the warp fiber thickness and a plurality of weft fibers having the weft fiber thickness, that are interlaced to form a plurality of mesh unit cells. A graphic appearance is printed into the mesh using a coloring substance, where the coloring substance is absorbed by the fiber material to form the graphic mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Kamereon, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Demonte, Daniele Pes
  • Patent number: 11011661
    Abstract: Improved high work function back contacts for solar cells are provided. In one aspect, a method of forming a solar cell includes: forming a completed solar cell having a substrate coated with an electrically conductive material, an absorber disposed on the electrically conductive material, a buffer layer disposed on the absorber, a transparent front contact disposed on the buffer layer, and a metal grid disposed on the transparent front contact; removing the substrate and the electrically conductive material using exfoliation, exposing a backside surface of the solar cell; depositing a high work function material onto the back side surface of the solar cell; and depositing a back contact onto the high work function material. A solar cell formed by the present techniques is also provided. Yield of the exfoliated device can be improved by removing bubbles from adhesive used for exfoliation and/or forming contact pads to access the metal grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Priscilla D. Antunez, Douglas M. Bishop, Gloria W. Fraczak, Oki Gunawan, Richard A. Haight
  • Patent number: 10998463
    Abstract: A solar cell including a semiconductor substrate having a first conductivity type an emitter region, having a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type, on a first main surface of the semiconductor substrate an emitter electrode which is in contact with the emitter region a base region having the first conductivity type a base electrode which is in contact with the base region and an insulator film for preventing an electrical short-circuit between the emitter region and the base region, wherein the insulator film is made of a polyimide, and the insulator film has a C6H11O2 detection count number of 100 or less when the insulator film is irradiated with Bi5++ ions with an acceleration voltage of 30 kV and an ion current of 0.2 pA by a TOF-SIMS method. There can be provided a solar cell having excellent weather resistance and high photoelectric conversion characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hashigami, Shun Moriyama, Takenori Watabe, Hiroyuki Ohtsuka
  • Patent number: 10998514
    Abstract: A photoelectric device includes a first photoelectric conversion layer including a heterojunction that includes a first p-type semiconductor and a first n-type semiconductor, a second photoelectric conversion layer on the first photoelectric conversion layer and including a heterojunction that includes a second p-type semiconductor and a second n-type semiconductor. A peak absorption wavelength (?max1) of the first photoelectric conversion layer and a peak absorption wavelength (?max2) of the second photoelectric conversion layer are included in a common wavelength spectrum of light that is one wavelength spectrum of light of a red wavelength spectrum of light, a green wavelength spectrum of light, a blue wavelength spectrum of light, a near infrared wavelength spectrum of light, or an ultraviolet wavelength spectrum of light, and a light-absorption full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the second photoelectric conversion layer is narrower than an FWHM of the first photoelectric conversion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung Bae Park, Takkyun Ro, Kiyohiko Tsutsumi, Chul Joon Heo, Yong Wan Jin
  • Patent number: 10998140
    Abstract: A solar cell module (100) includes: one or more cells that are enclosed by a barrier packaging material (13A, 13B) and that include first and second base plates (3, 7) and a functional layer; and first and second lead-out electrodes (11A, 11B) that are respectively connected to electrodes (2, 6) disposed at the sides of the respective base plates (3, 7) via electrical connectors (12A, 12B). The electrical connectors (12A, 12B) are separated from the functional layer in a base plate surface direction. The lead-out electrodes (11A, 11B) are disposed on an outer surface of the barrier packaging material (13A, 13B). Gaps between the barrier packaging material (13A, 13B) and the lead-out electrodes (11A, 11B) are sealed by a lead-out electrode seal (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: ZEON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takatoshi Matsuo, Yuki Hayashi, Midori Yamaai
  • Patent number: 10998459
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light absorbing layer (1a) for a photovoltaic device, comprising a plurality of grains (2) of a doped semiconducting material and a charge conductor (3) made of a charge conducting material in physical contact with the grains. The grains are partly covered with the charge conductor (3) so that a plurality of junctions (4) are formed between the grains and the charge conductor. The present invention also relates to a photovoltaic device comprising the light absorbing layer (1a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Exeger Operations AB
    Inventors: Henrik Lindström, Giovanni Fili
  • Patent number: 10985286
    Abstract: This power generation module includes: a power generating portion (30) including a power generating element (19); and a wiring substrate. The wiring substrate includes: a reinforcement plate; and a flexible printed circuit (79) provided above the reinforcement plate. The flexible printed circuit (79) has: an FPC land portion (70) configured to have the power generating portion (30) mounted thereto; and a FPC wire portion (73) connected to the FPC land portion (70). The width of the FPC wire portion (73) is smaller than the width of the FPC land portion (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Toya, Takashi Iwasaki, Youichi Nagai, Koji Mori, Kenji Saito, Rui Mikami, Takeshi Yamana
  • Patent number: 10983253
    Abstract: An optical member includes a base material and an antireflective layer on the base material wherein the antireflective layer includes a plurality of fine protrusions on a surface thereof and a support layer for supporting the protrusions, and the support layer contains boron in an amount of 7×1019 atoms/cm3 or more and 2.5×1020 atoms/cm3 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Makino, Tomonari Nakayama, Keiko Abe
  • Patent number: 10978601
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to partially translucent photovoltaic modules and methods for manufacturing partially translucent photovoltaic modules. One embodiment includes a method for electrically interconnecting a plurality of thin-film photovoltaic plates. The method includes positioning a plurality of thin-film photovoltaic plates side by side. The thin-film photovoltaic plates are partially translucent or non-translucent. The method also includes providing at least one connection element on a surface of each of the plurality of thin-film photovoltaic plates. The at least one connection element includes a plurality of electrically conductive wires arranged in a grid structure. Further, the method includes physically separating each connection element into a first connection part that includes a plurality of first electrically interconnected, conductive wires and a second connection part that includes a plurality of second electrically interconnected, conductive wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: IMEC vzw
    Inventors: Marc Meuris, Tom Borgers, Bart Onsia
  • Patent number: 10978994
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module is specified, comprising: a cylindrical light-transmissive tube enclosing an interior and having a main extension direction and a curved inner surface facing the interior, and a mechanically flexible photovoltaic component comprising a solar cell arrangement applied on a carrier film, wherein the photovoltaic component is arranged in the interior, the solar cell arrangement has a curvature, wherein the curvature follows the curved course of the inner surface of the tube at least in places and the solar cell arrangement at least partly covers the inner surface, wherein the covered inner surface forms a light passage surface of the photovoltaic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: TUBESOLAR AG
    Inventors: Vesselinka Petrova-Koch, Reiner Mackh, Annette Goss, Johann Mayer, Roland Huttinger, Joerg Leckert, Joachim Wirth-Schon
  • Patent number: 10978586
    Abstract: A switching device may include: a n-type source layer; a p-type body layer in contact with the source layer; a n-type drift layer in contact with the body layer; a gate insulating film covering a range extending across a surface of the source layer, a surface of the body layer, and a surface of the drift layer; and a gate electrode opposed to the source layer, the body layer, and the drift layer via the gate insulating film, wherein the gate electrode includes a first electric conductor and a second electric conductor having a work function smaller than a work function of the first electric conductor, the first electric conductor is in contact with a part of the gate insulating film covering the body layer, and the second electric conductor is in contact with a part of the gate insulating film covering the drift layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Atsushi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10971637
    Abstract: A radio frequency transparent photovoltaic cell includes a back contact layer formed of an electrically conductive material, at least one aperture formed in the back contact layer, and at least one photovoltaic cell section disposed on the back contact layer. An airship includes one or more radio frequency antennas disposed in an interior of the airship. One or more radio frequency transparent photovoltaic cells are disposed on an outer surface of the airship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Daniel F. Sievenpiper, Michael Wechsberg, Fangchou Yang
  • Patent number: 10962411
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element for detecting the spot size of input light. The photoelectric conversion element includes a photoelectric conversion substrate having two main surfaces; a first conductivity-type semiconductor layer and a first electrode layer, which are sequentially laminated on the light receiving surface side, i.e., one main surface, of the photoelectric conversion substrate; and a second conductivity-type semiconductor layer and a second electrode layer, which are sequentially laminated on the rear surface side, i.e., the other main surface, of the photoelectric conversion substrate. The photoelectric conversion element is also provided with an insulating layer that is provided between the photoelectric conversion substrate and the second electrode layer, and the insulating layer has a plurality of through holes that are two-dimensionally provided along the main surface of the photoelectric conversion substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kunta Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 10964831
    Abstract: A solar cell module comprises a plate-like first protector having translucency, a second protector, a solar cell element, first to third sealers, and first and second wiring members. The solar cell element is located between the first protector and the second protector. The first sealer covers the solar cell element from a side of the first protector between the first protector and the solar cell element. The second sealer covers the solar cell element from a side of the second protector between the solar cell element and the second protector. The third sealer covers the second sealer from a side of the second protector between the second sealer and the second protector. The first wiring member is electrically connected to the solar cell element and passes through the second sealer. The second wiring member is connected to the first wiring member between the second sealer and the second protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenichirou Sumida
  • Patent number: 10955412
    Abstract: The specification provides an assay electrode including a composite containing a matrix and a multiplicity of graphene particles dispersed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: MESO SCALE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
    Inventors: Mark Billadeau, Paul Freese, Alan Kishbaugh, Gisbert Spieles, Nicholas Fox-Lyon
  • Patent number: 10951160
    Abstract: A system for generating electricity from solar energy comprises a first vertically-oriented bifacial photovoltaic module, a second vertically-oriented bifacial photovoltaic module positioned a horizontal distance form the first bifacial photovoltaic module, and a macro-textured structure positioned between the first and second bifacial photovoltaic modules. The macro-textured structure includes a plurality of protruding features having reflective surfaces, and the protruding features are operative to reflect light incoming within a range of 0 to 10 degree of vertical toward the first and second bifacial photovoltaic modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Issam Gereige, Ahmed Al Saggaf
  • Patent number: 10941612
    Abstract: As described herein, a photovoltaic film may include a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged to form a frit pattern. The photovoltaic film may be affixed to a transparent substrate to form a film-treated panel. The transparent substrate may be glass, such as a windowpane. The photovoltaic cells may be configured to convert sunlight into electrical energy. The electrical energy may be stored and used to power an electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventor: David A. Kirby
  • Patent number: 10940534
    Abstract: A metal paste formed by kneading a solid content including silver particles and a solvent, in which the solid content includes silver particles containing silver particles having a particle size of 100 to 200 nm by 30% or more based on the number of particles, the silver particles have an average particle size of 60 to 800 nm as a whole, the silver particles constituting the solid content are bound with an amine compound having 4 to 8 carbon atoms in total as a protective agent, and the metal paste contains as an additive a high-molecular-weight ethyl cellulose having a number average molecular weight of 40000 to 90000. Since the metal paste contains a high-molecular-weight ethyl cellulose, a sintered body having a low resistance can be maintained while printability is improved. The metal paste has favorable printability, and can form a sintered body having a low resistance even in a low temperature region of 150° C. or lower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: TANAKA KIKINZOKU KOGYO K.K.
    Inventors: Teruhisa Iwai, Yuichi Makita, Hidekazu Matsuda, Hitoshi Kubo
  • Patent number: 10935702
    Abstract: An absorption element for absorbing radiation incident on the element at a certain wavelength band. The element includes a surface defining a normal direction perpendicular to the surface. The element also includes an array of a plurality of spaced apart nano-pillars extending from the surface at an angle orientation other than the normal direction, which creates angular asymmetry so as to increase the element's absorption response in a particular direction. The nano-pillars are made of a suitable semiconductor material and have a size relative to the wavelength band to absorb the radiation. In one non-limiting embodiment, the nano-pillars are angled at 45° relative to the normal direction and are cone-shaped to broaden their absorption capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott R. Sorbel, Katherine T. Fountaine
  • Patent number: 10927466
    Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure is a photoelectrochemical device that includes a first cell that includes a first semiconductor alloy, a capping layer that includes a second semiconductor alloy, and a passivating layer that includes a third semiconductor alloy, where the passivating layer is positioned between the first cell and the capping layer, and at least a portion of the capping layer is configured to be in direct contact with an electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Gregory Deutsch, Myles Aaron Steiner, Daniel Joseph Friedman, James Luke Young, Ryan Matthew France, John A. Turner, Henning Döscher
  • Patent number: 10923497
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electronic device includes forming a first source layer including a trench, forming a first sacrificial layer in the trench, forming a first structure over the first source layer, wherein the first structure includes first material layers and second material layers which are alternately stacked over the each other, forming first openings passing through the first structure and extending to the first sacrificial layer, forming first channel layers in the first openings, forming a slit passing through the first structure and extending to the first sacrificial layer, forming a second opening by removing the first sacrificial layer through the slit, and forming a second source layer in the second opening, wherein the second source layer is coupled to the first channel layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Ki Hong Lee, Ji Yeon Baek, Seung Ho Pyi
  • Patent number: 10923610
    Abstract: Provided is a solar cell that can suppress loss of power generation performance of a solar cell module when shaded and a solar cell module having the solar cell. An n-type low-doped region and a first main-surface side highly doped region, which has an n-type dopant concentration higher than that in the n-type low-doped region, are provided in an n-type crystalline silicon substrate. The first main-surface side highly doped region is arranged between the n-type low-doped region and a p-type amorphous silicon layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Tohoda, Masato Shigematsu, Kenta Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 10923609
    Abstract: A solar cell module (100) includes: a barrier packaging material (13A, 13B) that is sealed by a seal (14) and encloses a connected body including one or more cells; and lead-out electrodes (11A, 11B). The solar cell module (100) includes a gap between the barrier packaging material and a periphery of the connected body in a base plate surface direction. A filling member (30) is present in at least part of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: ZEON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takatoshi Matsuo, Yuki Hayashi, Midori Yamaai
  • Patent number: 10916667
    Abstract: A solar cell includes a semiconductor substrate, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, a first electrode, a second electrode, and an island-shaped conductive layer. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are disposed on one principal surface of the semiconductor substrate. The first electrode is disposed on the first conductive layer and the second electrode is disposed on the second conductive layer. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically separated, and the island-shaped conductive layer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Katsunori Konishi, Kunihiro Nakano, Hayato Kawasaki, Kunta Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 10916712
    Abstract: Photovoltaic devices such as solar cells, hybrid solar cell-batteries, and other such devices may include an active layer disposed between two electrodes, the active layer having perovskite material and other material such as mesoporous material, interfacial layers, thin-coat interfacial layers, and combinations thereof. The perovskite material may be photoactive. The perovskite material may be disposed between two or more other materials in the photovoltaic device. Inclusion of these materials in various arrangements within an active layer of a photovoltaic device may improve device performance. Other materials may be included to further improve device performance, such as, for example: additional perovskites, and additional interfacial layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: HEE Solar, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Jerred A. Chute
  • Patent number: 10897022
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an organic device and method of forming an organic device are disclosed. A hybrid cathode layer is formed in stacked alignment with a substrate. The hybrid cathode layer includes a combination of a conductive nanowire and an electron-transport material. After forming the hybrid cathode layer, a photoactive layer is formed on a structure that includes the substrate and the hybrid cathode layer. After forming the photoactive layer, a hybrid anode layer that is separated from the hybrid cathode layer by the photoactive layer is formed. The hybrid anode layer includes a combination of a conductive nanowire and a hole-transporting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Cambrios Film Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Pierre-Marc Allemand, Rahul Gupta, Hans-Joachim Egelhaaf, Pin-Chu Chen, Michael Wagner, Philipp Maisch, Karl Pichler, Kai Cheong Tam, Peter Kubis
  • Patent number: 10896984
    Abstract: In the solar cell module including a plurality of solar cells interconnected with wiring members, each of the solar cells includes a plurality of front-side finger electrodes that are disposed on a light-receiving surface of the solar cell and connected with tabs and a plurality of rear-side finger electrodes that are disposed on a rear surface of the solar cell and connected with tabs. Rear-side auxiliary electrode sections are arranged in regions, which is wider than the front-side finger electrodes, on the rear surface opposite to regions where the front-side finger electrodes are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeharu Taira, Yukihiro Yoshimine, Hiroyuki Kannou, Tomonori Tabe
  • Patent number: 10890783
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming a film with a lenticular lens array, the method comprising providing a substrate; providing a mold having a plurality of nano-scale to micro-scale cavities that form the lenticular lens array on the substrate; having the mold contact the substrate; and forming the lenticular lens array by allowing portions of the substrate to partially fill the plurality of cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignees: Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Temasek Polytechnic
    Inventors: Beng Soon Tan, Chee Fatt Frank Chan, Yun Xu, Bee Khuan Jaslyn Law, Yee Chong Loke, Hong Yee Low
  • Patent number: 10888836
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to extraction of target materials using a CZTS sorbent. A method of extracting a target material from a medium includes contacting a copper zinc tin sulfur (CZTS) sorbent with the target material in the medium including the target material to form a used CZTS sorbent that includes the target material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: CHEMICAL AND METAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Hal Stuhler, Lori Stuhler, Van T. Walworth, Scott Drummond
  • Patent number: 10882281
    Abstract: A double-layer conductive LED photoelectric glass with voltage compensation and manufacturing process thereof are provided in the present invention. The photoelectric glass includes two layers of electrically conductive glasses. Inner sides of the electrically conductive cladded layers of the two layers of electrically conductive glasses are oppositely provided. The electrically conductive cladded layer of one of the two layers of electrically conductive glasses is provided with a plurality of etched circuits. The etched circuits are divided into two sets, which are respectively located on two sides of the electrically conductive glass. LEDs are provided on each of the etched circuits. The positive electrode connecting terminal and the negative electrode connecting terminal of the LED are respectively provided on two sides of each etched circuit. A heat-resistant transparent adhesive layer is provided in the middle of the two layers of electrically conductive glasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: IMGS SMART GLASS TECHNOLOGIES (FUJIAN) CO., LTD
    Inventor: Zhiming Huang
  • Patent number: 10879409
    Abstract: A crystalline silicon-based solar cell includes a crystalline silicon substrate having a first principal surface, a second principal surface, and a lateral surface. On the first principal surface is arranged, in the following order, a first intrinsic silicon-based thin-film, a first conductive silicon-based thin-film, a light-receiving-side transparent electrode layer and a light-receiving-side metal electrode. On the second principal surface is arranged, in the following order, a second intrinsic silicon-based thin-film, a second conductive silicon-based thin-film, a back-side transparent electrode layer and a back-side metal electrode. The second conductive silicon-based thin-film has a conductivity-type different from that of the first conductive silicon-based thin-film. Both the first principal surface and the second principal surface are textured. Both the light-receiving-side metal electrode and the back-side metal electrode have a pattern shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daisuke Adachi
  • Patent number: 10879405
    Abstract: A solar cell includes a conductive area including first and second conductive areas on one surface of a semiconductor substrate, a passivation film having opening and an electrode including a first electrode connected to the first conductive area and a second electrode connected to the second conductive area, the electrode including an adhesive layer on the semiconductor substrate or the conductive area, an electrode layer on the adhesive layer and including a metal, and a barrier layer disposed on the electrode layer and including a metal that is different from the metal of the electrode layer, the electrode layer having a thickness greater than a thickness of each of the adhesive layer and the barrier layer, a width of the electrode layer being larger than a width of the opening, and the barrier layer having a higher melting point than a melting point of the electrode layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jeongbeom Nam, Seunghwan Shim, Jisoo Ko