Photoelectric Patents (Class 427/74)
  • Patent number: 8691326
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell electrode, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a conductive paste for bus electrode to a wafer in order to form a bus electrode pattern; (b) depositing onto the wafer a photocurable conductive paste for finger electrode from a discharge slot of a dispenser nozzle to thereby form an uncured finger electrode pattern on the wafer, wherein the nozzle moves parallel to the wafer; and (c) curing the uncured finger electrode pattern by exposing the uncured finger electrode pattern to UV light either after forming the uncured finger electrode pattern on the wafer in the step (b), or concurrent with the step (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Hiroki Kojo, Masakatsu Kuroki, Hisashi Matsuno
  • Patent number: 8691325
    Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell comprising a semiconductor electrode comprising electrospun ultra-fine titanium dioxide fibers and fabrication method thereof are disclosed. The dye-sensitized solar cell comprises a semiconductor electrode comprising an electrospun ultra-fine fibrous titanium dioxide layer, a counter electrode and electrolyte interposed therebetween. A non-liquid electrolyte such as polymer gel electrolyte or the like having low fluidity, as well as the liquid electrolyte, can be easily infiltrated thereinto. In addition, electrons can be effectively transferred since titanium dioxide crystals are one-dimensionally arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Korean Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Dong-Young Kim, Seong-Mu Jo, Wha-Seop Lee, Mi-Yeon Song, Do-Kyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8685260
    Abstract: A known method of forming organic semiconductor devices employs the deposition of a conductive polymer onto a substrate to form electrodes or conductive tracks and then to apply an electrical material such as an organic semiconductor on top of these tracks. Although the conductive polymer serves as a highly efficient injector of electrons into the semiconductor, it is not a good conductor. This introduces undesirable inefficient in the supply of current to and from the semiconductor. Worse still the conductivity may deteriorate with time. A solution to this problem has been found by printing the polymer (7) onto a conductive layer (6) carried on a substrate (5). The printed polymer (7) is then used as a resist during a process in which parts of the conductive polymer not protected by the polymer are removed. The resulting device benefits from the good electron injection qualities of the conductive polymer (7) and efficient conduction by virtue of the underlying conductive layer (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Novalia Ltd.
    Inventor: Kate Jessie Stone
  • Patent number: 8685490
    Abstract: A coated article includes a substrate and a first coating formed over at least a portion of the substrate. The first coating includes a mixture of oxides including oxides of at least two of P, Si, Ti, Al and Zr. A photoactive functional coating is formed over at least a portion of the first coating. In one embodiment, the functional coating includes titania.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Songwei Lu, Caroline S. Harris, James McCamy, Ilya Koltover, Mehran Arbab, Cheri M. Boykin
  • Patent number: 8673410
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a poly- or microcrystalline silicon layer on an insulator comprises a silicon containing insulator, growing a thin adhesion promoting layer comprising amorphous silicon onto it and further growing a poly- or microcrystalline silicon layer onto the adhesion promoting layer. Such a sequence of layers, deposited with a PECVD method, shows good adhesion of the poly- or microcrystalline silicon on the base and is advantageous in the production of semiconductors, such as thin film transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tel Solar AG
    Inventors: Hai Tran Quoc, Jerome Villette
  • Publication number: 20140069488
    Abstract: A conductive member including: a base material; and a conductive layer disposed on the base material, wherein the conductive layer includes: a metal nanowire including a metal element (a) and having an average minor axis length of 150 nm or less; and a sol-gel cured product obtained by hydrolyzing and polycondensing an alkoxide compound of an element (b) selected from the group consisting of Si, Ti, Zr, and Al; and a ratio of the substance amount of the element (b) contained in the conductive layer to the substance amount of the metal element (a) contained in the conductive layer is in a range of from 0.10/1 to 22/1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoshi TANAKA, Shinichi NAKAHIRA, Yuki MATSUNAMI, Tomohito ASAI
  • Patent number: 8658885
    Abstract: Provided is a substrate for a thin-film photoelectric conversion device which makes it possible to produce the device having improved characteristics at low cost and high productivity. The substrate includes a transparent base member, with a transparent underlying layer and a transparent electrode layer successively stacked on one main surface of the transparent base member. The underlying layer includes transparent insulating fine particles and transparent binder, and the particles are dispersed to cover the one main surface with a coverage factor of particles ranging from 30% or more to less than 80%. An antireflection layer is provided on the other main surface of the transparent base. The antireflection layer includes transparent insulating fine particles and transparent binder, and the particles are dispersed to cover the other main surface with a coverage factor greater than the underlying layer. The transparent electrode layer contains zinc oxide deposited by low-pressure CVD method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kaneka Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kikuchi, Toshiaki Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20140048131
    Abstract: A conductive member containing a base material and a conductive layer provided on the base material, wherein the conductive layer includes (i) a metallic nanowire having an average short-axis length of 150 nm or less and (ii) a binder, the binder including a three-dimensional crosslinked structure that includes a partial structure represented by the following Formula (Ia) and a partial structure represented by the following Formula (IIa) or Formula (IIb). In the Formulae, each of M1 and M2 independently represents an element selected from the group consisting of Si, Ti and Zr. Each R3 independently represents a hydrogen or a hydrocarbon group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi TANAKA, Shinichi NAKAHIRA, Yuki MATSUNAMI, Tomohito ASAI
  • Patent number: 8647533
    Abstract: A composition includes a chemical reaction product defining a first surface and a second surface, characterized in that the chemical reaction product includes a segregated phase domain structure including a plurality of domain structures, wherein at least one of the plurality of domain structures includes at least one domain that extends from a first surface of the chemical reaction product to a second surface of the chemical reaction product. The segregated phase domain structure includes a segregated phase domain array. The plurality of domain structures includes i) a copper rich. indium/gallium deficient Cu(In,Ga)Se2 domain and ii) a copper deficient, indium/gallium rich Cu(In,Ga)Se2 domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: HelioVolt Corporation
    Inventor: Billy J. Stanbery
  • Patent number: 8647708
    Abstract: A method of producing a photoelectric conversion element, which the element contains an electrically conductive support, a photosensitive layer having porous semiconductor fine particles, a charge transfer layer; and a counter electrode; containing the steps of: applying a semiconductor fine particle dispersion liquid, in which the content of solids excluding semiconductor fine particles is 10% by mass or less based on the total amount of the dispersion liquid, on the support, to form a coating; heating the coating, to obtain porous semiconductor fine particles; and sensitizing the porous particles by adsorption of the following dye: wherein X represents a group of non-metallic atoms necessary for forming a 7-membered ring; Y represents a dye residue; n represents an integer of 1 or more; Z represents a substituent; m represents 0 or a positive integer; and R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a specific substituent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumi Kobayashi, Hirotaka Satou, Keizo Kimura
  • Patent number: 8642138
    Abstract: A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a transparent substrate comprising a surface region and forming a first electrode layer overlying the surface region of the transparent substrate. The first electrode layer has an electrode surface region. In a specific embodiment, the method includes masking one or more portions of the electrode surface region using a masking layer to form an exposed region and a blocked region. The method includes forming an absorber layer comprising a sulfur entity overlying the exposed region and removing the mask layer. In a specific embodiment, the method causing formation of a plurality of metal disulfide species overlying the blocked region. In a specific embodiment, the metal disulfide species has a semiconductor characteristic. The method includes subjecting the plurality of metal disulfide species to electromagnetic radiation from a laser beam to substantially remove the metal disulfide species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Stion Corporation
    Inventor: Howard W. H. Lee
  • Patent number: 8642115
    Abstract: A photovoltaic device with a low degradation rate and a high stability efficiency. In one aspect, the photovoltaic device includes: a substrate; a first electrode disposed on the substrate; at least one photoelectric transformation layer disposed on the first electrode, the photoelectric transformation layer including a light absorbing layer; and a second electrode disposed on the photoelectric transformation layer; and wherein the light absorbing layer included in at least the one photoelectric transformation layer includes a first sub-layer and a second sub-layer, each of which includes hydrogenated amorphous silicon based material and a crystalline silicon grain respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kisco
    Inventor: Seung-Yeop Myong
  • Patent number: 8642455
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for transforming non-planar or planar precursor materials in an appropriate vehicle under the appropriate conditions to create dispersions of planar particles with stoichiometric ratios of elements equal to that of the feedstock or precursor materials, even after selective forces settling. In particular, planar particles disperse more easily, form much denser coatings (or form coatings with more interparticle contact area), and anneal into fused, dense films at a lower temperature and/or time than their counterparts made from spherical nanoparticles. These planar particles may be nanoflakes that have a high aspect ratio. The resulting dense films formed from nanoflakes are particularly useful in forming photovoltaic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew R. Robinson, Jeroen K. J. Van Duren, Craig Leidholm, Brian M. Sager
  • Publication number: 20140023883
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide highly solid state emissive fluorophores of the formula 1 and 2 useful for the solid state lighting. The formula 1 and 2 have good solid state emission in blue and green region respectively. The zinc complexes of formula 1A and 2A have yellow and red emission respectively in solid state. The present invention also provide high solid state emissive assay of formula 1 and 2 to convert UV light into visible light by coating the color tunable materials on the 365-nm emitting solid state LED. The present invention further provides carbazole end-capped bipyridine for screening of metal salts with different counterions in solutions. The discrimination of the various metal salts can be monitored by noting the fluorescence change in solution. The zinc salts with different counterions have different emission color in solution. The present invention also develop a new two photon active fluorescent Zn2+ specific probe for detecting Zn2+ in cellular environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
    Inventors: Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai, Divya Kizhumuri, Srinivasan Sampath
  • Patent number: 8628696
    Abstract: This invention relates to compounds and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices. This invention provides a range of compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. In particular, this invention relates to molecular precursor compounds and precursor materials for preparing photovoltaic layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Precursor Energetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Fujdala, Wayne A. Chomitz, Zhongliang Zhu, Matthew C. Kuchta
  • Patent number: 8628859
    Abstract: A barrier film is disclosed that includes a polymeric film substrate and at least first and second polymer layers separated by an inorganic barrier layer. The first polymer layer is disposed on the polymeric film substrate. At least one of the first or second polymer layers is prepared from co-deposited amino silane and acrylate or methacrylate monomer. A method of making the barrier film is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mark D. Weigel, Mark A. Roehrig, Alan K. Nachtigal
  • Publication number: 20140008112
    Abstract: Electrically conductive polymeric compositions curable at temperatures below 250° C. are disclosed. The compositions are particularly well suited for forming electrodes used in association with certain solar cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Hong Jiang, Aziz S. Shaikh
  • Publication number: 20140007936
    Abstract: Provided are a method for patterning a mesoporous inorganic oxide film, the method including a step of forming a mesoporous inorganic oxide film using a composition containing inorganic oxide particles; and a step of forming a pattern on the mesoporous inorganic oxide film using an elastic stamp for pattern formation, and then calcining the mesoporous inorganic oxide, and an electronic device including a mesoporous inorganic oxide film that has been patterned by the patterning method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: EUN KYOUNG KIM, JONG HAK KIM, JEONG HUN KIM, JONG KWAN KOH, JONG BEOM NA, CHI HYUN PARK
  • Publication number: 20140011947
    Abstract: An environmentally friendly backsheet for a solar cell, a method of manufacturing the same, and a photoelectric cell module are provided. The backsheet for a solar cell is manufactured by preparing an aqueous dispersion composition by dispersing a fluorine-based polymer in water, applying the aqueous dispersion composition to a substrate, and melting the aqueous dispersion composition. Therefore, compared to the conventional art using an organic solvent, an increase in production cost may be prevented, and the backsheet is environmentally friendly since an organic solvent having high toxicity is not used. In addition, the backsheet has better physical properties such as adhesive strength and color change stability under the extreme conditions (high temperature and humidity), compared to a backsheet for a solar cell commercially available in the current market.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon Kyung KWON, Hyun Cheol KIM
  • Publication number: 20140007941
    Abstract: A protective sheet for a solar cell including a base material film, and an olefin-based polymer layer which is disposed on at least one surface of the base material film and has at least one olefin-based binder, in which the olefin-based polymer layer contains 8 mass % or less of an ether-based polyurethane resin with respect to the olefin-based binder, has a favorable adhesive force to a sealing material and a favorable adhesive force to a sealing material even after aged in a hot and humid environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Shin OZAWA, Naoya IMAMURA, Yusuke AKASAKI
  • Patent number: 8623448
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for high-throughput printing of semiconductor precursor layer from microflake particles. In one embodiment, the method comprises of transforming non-planar or planar precursor materials in an appropriate vehicle under the appropriate conditions to create dispersions of planar particles with stoichiometric ratios of elements equal to that of the feedstock or precursor materials, even after settling. In particular, planar particles disperse more easily, form much denser coatings (or form coatings with more interparticle contact area), and anneal into fused, dense films at a lower temperature and/or time than their counterparts made from spherical nanoparticles. These planar particles may be microflakes that have a high aspect ratio. The resulting dense film formed from microflakes is particularly useful in forming photovoltaic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Nanosolar, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Robinson, Jeroen K. J. Van Duren, Brian M. Sager
  • Publication number: 20140004455
    Abstract: An undercoat layer of an electrophotographic photosensitive member contains a polymerized product of a composition that contains an isocyanate compound having a specific structure, a resin having a specific structure, and an electron transporting substance having a specific structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Kunihiko Sekido, Hiroyuki Tomono, Michiyo Sekiya, Atsushi Okuda, Yuka Ishiduka, Nobuhiro Nakamura, Yota Ito
  • Publication number: 20140004456
    Abstract: An undercoat layer of an electrophotographic photosensitive member contains a polymerized product of (cured material) a composition that contains a particular crosslinking agent, a particular resin, and a particular charge transporting substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Atsushi Okuda, Nobuhiro Nakamura, Kunihiko Sekido, Michiyo Sekiya, Yota Ito, Kenichi Kaku, Hiroyuki Tomono, Yuka Ishiduka
  • Patent number: 8617640
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for forming thin-films from solid group IIIA-based particles. In one embodiment, a method is provided for creating solid alloy particles. The method may include providing a first material containing at least one alloy comprising of: a) a group IIIA element, b) at least one group IB, IIIA, and/or VIA element different from the group IIIA element of a), and c) a group IA-based material. The group IA-based material may be included in an amount sufficient so that no liquid phase of the alloy is present in a temperature range between room temperature and a deposition temperature higher than room temperature, wherein the group IIIA element is otherwise liquid in that temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Nanosolar, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Robinson, Chris Eberspacher, Jeroen K. J. Van Duren
  • Patent number: 8617641
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to coated articles that include anti-reflective (AR) coatings produced from colloidal silica with variable size particles in formulation, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the AR coatings advantageously exhibit high transmission, high transmission gain with respect to uncoated articles, and high b* values, before and/or after heat treatment. The AR coatings of certain example embodiments may be temperable or otherwise heat treatable (e.g., at temperatures of 500 degrees C. or greater) together with their supporting substrates. In certain example embodiments, the particle size for the colloidal silica is 10-110 nm, and the b* values are at least about 0.8. Certain example embodiments may be used in connection with photovoltaic devices and/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Pramod K. Sharma, Mark A. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20130340829
    Abstract: A polymer sheet for a solar cell, including a polyester base material having a carboxyl group content of 15 eq/t or less, a minute endothermic peak temperature Tmeta (° C.) of 220° C. or lower as determined by differential scanning calorimetry, and an average elongation retention ratio of 10% or more as determined after standing under conditions of 125° C. and 100% RH for 72 hours, a polymer layer provided on the polyester base material and including a composite polymer containing, in a molecule, 15% to 85% by mass of siloxane structural units represented by Formula (1) and 85% to 15% by mass of non-siloxane-based structural units: wherein, each of R1 and R2 independently represents hydrogen, halogen or a monovalent organic group; R1 and R2 may be same or different; a plurality of R1 and R2 may be same or different; and n represents an integer of 1 or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Akira HATAKEYAMA
  • Publication number: 20130340830
    Abstract: A solar cell backsheet, which is arranged in contact with a sealing material of a cell-side substrate on which a photovoltaic element is sealed with the sealing material, the solar cell backsheet including a polyester film base material and at least one polymer layer arranged thereon, wherein the polyester film base material has a carboxyl group content of from 1 eq/ton to 15 eq/ton, a minute endothermic peak temperature Tmeta (° C.) of 220° C. or lower as determined by differential scanning calorimetry, and an average elongation retention ratio of 10% or more as determined after being left to stand for 72 hours under conditions of a temperature of 125° C. and a relative humidity of 100% RH; and the at least one polymer layer comprises at least a fluorocarbon-based polymer, has a crosslinked structure derived from at least one crosslinking agent selected from carbodiimide-based compounds and oxazoline-based compounds and is formed by coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yohei ARITOSHI, Akira HATAKEYAMA
  • Publication number: 20130341598
    Abstract: An organic layer deposition apparatus, a method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display device by using the same, and an organic light-emitting display device manufactured using the method, and in particular, an organic layer deposition apparatus that is suitable for use in the mass production of a large substrate and enables high-definition patterning, a method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display device by using the same, and an organic light-emitting display device manufactured using the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Yun-Ho Chang, Tae-Yong Kim, Mi-Joo Yoon
  • Patent number: 8613973
    Abstract: The present invention provides a photovoltaic device, such as, a solar cell, having a substrate and an absorber layer disposed on the substrate. The absorber layer includes a doped or undoped composition represented by the formula: Cu1-yIn1-xGaxSe2-zSz wherein 0?x?1; 0?y?0.15 and 0?z?2; wherein the absorber layer is formed by a solution-based deposition process which includes the steps of contacting hydrazine and a source of Cu, a source of In, a source of Ga, a source of Se, and optionally a source of S, and further optionally a source of a dopant, under conditions sufficient to produce a homogeneous solution; coating the solution on the substrate to produce a coated substrate; and heating the coated substrate to produce the photovoltaic device. A photovoltaic device and a process for making same based on a hydrazinium-based chalcogenide precursor are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Mitzi, Wei Liu, Min Yuan
  • Publication number: 20130337152
    Abstract: A method of electrode hydrogenation for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation is provided that includes annealing a PEC electrode in air, and annealing the PEC electrode in hydrogen to form a hydrogenated-PEC electrode, where PEC performance is improved by enhancing charge transfer and transport in the hydrogenated-PEC electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Yat Li, Gongming Wang
  • Patent number: 8609182
    Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin-film layers of chalcogenide on a substrate web. Solutions containing the reactants for the chalcogenide layer may be contained substantially to the front surface of the web, controlling the boundaries of the reaction and avoiding undesired deposition of chalcogenide upon the back side of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Global Solar Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Britt, Scot Albright, Urs Schoop
  • Publication number: 20130327392
    Abstract: Nanoparticles may be formed into colloidal crystals that are chemically linked to a substrate. In certain implementations, the nanoparticles are formed into a colloidal crystal on an initial substrate, and then brought into contact with a binding precursor capable of chemically linking the colloidal crystal to a final substrate. Reacting the binding precursor to chemically link the colloidal crystal to the final substrate chemically links the colloidal crystal to the final substrate via functional groups linked to the nanoparticles and the final substrate respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Raymond Weitekamp, Robert H. Grubbs, Harry A. Atwater
  • Publication number: 20130330542
    Abstract: Novel coating formulations and coating processes which have lower costs than TEDLA or KYNAR laminated backsheets, less curl than polyolefin laminated backsheets, excellent adhesion to encapsulant EVA, and better mar resistance on the surface facing the environment. In a preferred embodiment, the backsheet is formed by applying a distinct coating layer to each side of a film substrate. One coating layer is preferably a weather-resistant layer coated on the side of the substrate that will be exposed to the environment, while the other coating layer is a functional layer which provides excellent adhesion both to the substrate and to the EVA encapsulant layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Yongzhong Wang, Michael K. Martin
  • Publication number: 20130319523
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conductive transparent glass substrate for a photovoltaic cell, that does not comprise a metal layer and comprises, in succession, a sheet of glass, a barrier layer based on oxide, nitride or oxynitride, a conductive functional layer based on doped zinc oxide or doped indium oxide, and a protection layer based on nitride, oxynitride or oxycarbide such that the barrier layer has a thickness that is at least more than, or equal to 10 nm, and, at the most, less than or equal to 100 nm, the functional layer has a thickness that is at least more than or equal to 200 nm and at the most, less than or equal to 1200 nm, and the protection layer has a thickness that is at least more than or equal to 10 nm, and at the most, lower than or equal to 250 nm. The invention also relates to the method of producing said substrate, to the CdTe-based photovoltaic cells incorporating said substrate, and to the method for producing said cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: AGC GLASS EUROPE
    Inventors: Bart Ballet, Otto Agutsson, Gaetan Di Stefano
  • Publication number: 20130323502
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a polyester film, including: preparing a polyester film substrate having an amount of a terminal carboxylic acid group (AV) of from 3 eq/ton to 20 eq/ton, by using a polyester resin having a temperature distribution of a pre-melting peak (Tm?) of from 1° C. to 10° C.; providing a coating layer on at least one surface of the polyester film substrate; and stretching the polyester film substrate provided with the coating layer at least once.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyokazu HASHIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20130316276
    Abstract: An electrophotographic photoconductor including, in the order recited: a conductive substrate; an undercoat layer provided on the conductive substrate; and a photoconductive layer provided on the undercoat layer and containing at least a phthalocyanine compound as a charge generation material and, as a resin binder, a polyvinyl acetal resin composed of a repeating unit represented by formula (1): where, in formula (1), R is a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, an ethyl group or a propyl group; x, y and z represent mol % of the respective structural units, where x+y+z=100; n is an integer from 1 to 5; a degree of acetalization (x+z) is 86 to 99 mol %; and a molar ratio (x:z) of the structural units is 95:5 to 50:50.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuki Nebashi, Shinjiro Suzuki, Seizo Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 8591990
    Abstract: An arrangement of elongated nanowires that include titanium silicide or tungsten silicide may be grown on the exterior surfaces of many individual electrically conductive microfibers of much larger diameter. Each of the nanowires is structurally defined by an elongated, centralized titanium silicide or tungsten silicide nanocore that terminates in a distally spaced gold particle and which is co-axially surrounded by a removable amorphous nanoshell. A gold-directed catalytic growth mechanism initiated during a low pressure chemical vapor deposition process is used to grow the nanowires uniformly along the entire length and circumference of the electrically conductive microfibers where growth is intended. The titanium silicide- or tungsten silicide-based nanowires can be used in a variety electrical, electrochemical, and semiconductor applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The University of Western Ontario
    Inventors: Mei Cai, Xueliang Sun, Yong Zhang, Mohammad Norouzi Banis, Ruying Li
  • Publication number: 20130309613
    Abstract: Inorganic films made by providing a solution comprising a metallic salt, an organo-metallic compound, or combinations thereof in a polar aprotic solvent, depositing the solution onto a substrate to form a coating on the substrate, and annealing the coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Shawn Michael O'Malley, Vitor Marino Schneider
  • Patent number: 8586128
    Abstract: A high luminance and high output LED package using an LED as a light source and a fabrication method thereof. The LED package includes an Al substrate with a recessed multi-stepped reflecting surface formed therein and a light source composed of LEDs mounted on the reflecting surface and electrically connected to patterned electrodes. The LED package also includes anodized insulation layers formed between the patterned electrodes and the substrate, and an encapsulant covering over the light source of the substrate. The LED package further includes an Al heat radiator formed under the LEDs to enhance heat radiation capacity. According to the present invention, the substrate is made of Al material and anodized to form insulation layers thereon, allowing superior heat radiation effect of the LED, thereby significantly increasing the lifetime and light emission efficiency of the LED package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Hyun Shin, Seog Moon Choi, Young Ki Lee
  • Patent number: 8586861
    Abstract: A photovoltaic cell including: (a) a housing including an at least partially transparent cell wall having an interior surface; (b) an electrolyte, disposed within the cell wall, and containing an iodide based species; (c) a transparent electrically conductive coating disposed on the interior surface; (d) an anode disposed on the conductive coating, the anode including: (i) a porous film containing titania, the porous film adapted to make intimate contact with the iodide based species, and (ii) a dye, absorbed on a surface of the porous film, the dye and the porous film adapted to convert photons to electrons; (e) a cathode disposed on an interior surface of the housing, and disposed substantially opposite the anode; (f) electrically-conductive metallic wires, disposed at least partially within the cell, the wires electrically contacting the anode and the electrically conductive coating, and (g) a second electrically conductive coating including an inorganic binder and an inorganic electrically conductive fill
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: 3GSolar Photovoltaics Ltd.
    Inventor: Jonathan Goldstein
  • Patent number: 8585936
    Abstract: This invention includes processes for making a photovoltaic absorber layer having a predetermined stoichiometry on a substrate by depositing a precursor having the predetermined stoichiometry onto the substrate and converting the deposited precursor into a photovoltaic absorber material. This invention further includes processes for making a photovoltaic absorber layer having a predetermined stoichiometry on a substrate by (a) providing a polymeric precursor having the predetermined stoichiometry; (b) providing a substrate; (c) depositing the precursor onto the substrate; and (d) heating the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Precursor Energetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Fujdala, Wayne A. Chomitz, Zhongliang Zhu, Matthew C. Kuchta, Qinglan Huang
  • Publication number: 20130284245
    Abstract: A multi-layered film, a backsheet for photovoltaic modules, a method of manufacturing the same, and a photovoltaic module are provided. The multi-layered film can be configured so that a resin layer including a fluorine-based polymer and an oxazoline group-containing polymer is formed on a substrate. As a result, the resin layer including the fluorine-based polymer can have excellent durability and weather resistance, and show high interfacial adhesive strength to the substrate. During the preparation of the multi-layered film, a drying process can also be performed at a relatively low temperature, so that the manufacturing costs can be reduced and the quality of the product can be prevented from being deteriorated by thermal deformation or thermal shock. The multi-layered film may be effectively used as the backsheet in a variety of photovoltaic modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Hyun Cheol KIM, Yoon Kyung Kwon
  • Publication number: 20130283794
    Abstract: The invention relates to a solar reflector for concentrated solar power plants, comprising a substrate a) in composite material based on resin reinforced with cut fibres, said substrate having means b) for attachment without either perforation or gluing, and a metallic reflective coating layer c). The reflector of the invention is used in solar collectors and in solar plants operating on concentrated solar power, more particularly for producing electricity, steam and/or heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Sebastien Taillemite
  • Publication number: 20130276875
    Abstract: A solar energy collection system includes a solar cell, a transparent covering, and a eutectic interlayer binding the solar cell and the transparent covering together. At least some of a compound of the eutectic interlayer bonds with the transparent covering, raising the melting temperature of the eutectic interlayer above the melting temperature with the full amount of the compound present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Bernie F. Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20130276861
    Abstract: A solar antenna array may comprise an array of antennas that may capture and convert sunlight into electrical power. Methods for constructing the solar antenna array may use a stencil and self aligning semiconductor processing steps to minimize cost. Designs may be optimized for capturing a broad spectrum of visible light and non-polarized light. Testing and disconnecting defective antennas from the array may also be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Laurence H. Cooke
  • Publication number: 20130263922
    Abstract: Provided is a back sheet for solar cells including a substrate, a fluororesin layer existing on one side of the substrate and a heat-dissipating ink layer existing on the other side of the substrate. Provided also is a method for preparing the same. The back sheet for solar cells may have an excellent heat dissipation property as well as a high durability. Further, the method for preparing the same may allow a cost-efficient production of solar cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Youl Chon Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Chul Jung, Han Joon Kang, Hee Sik Han, Sung Ho Lee, Jin Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 8551558
    Abstract: Photovoltaic devices and techniques for enhancing efficiency thereof are provided. In one aspect, a photovoltaic device is provided. The photovoltaic device comprises a photocell having a photoactive layer and a non-photoactive layer adjacent to the photoactive layer so as to form a heterojunction between the photoactive layer and the non-photoactive layer; and a plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures on one or more surfaces of the photoactive layer. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures are configured to act as a scattering media for incident light. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures can also be configured to create an optical resonance effect in the incident light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Supratik Guha, Oki Gunawan
  • Publication number: 20130255764
    Abstract: A stacked electrode of an embodiment includes: a multi-layered graphene film and a metal wiring formed thereon, wherein the metal wiring contains randomly oriented metal nanowires, the multi-layered graphene film contains a laminate of graphene sheets, the graphene sheets each contain an aggregate of graphene plates, and the graphene plates have an average area of (A+B)2 nm2 or more, wherein A (nm) represents the average diameter of the metal nanowires, B (nm) satisfies the equation (1) of B2/(A+B)2=(1?X), and X represents the ratio of the area of the metal nanowires projected in the stacking direction of the stacked electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Naito, Eishi Tsutsumi, Norihiro Yoshinaga, Yoshihiro Akasaka
  • Patent number: 8545734
    Abstract: This invention includes processes for making a photovoltaic absorber layer having a predetermined stoichiometry on a substrate by depositing a precursor having the predetermined stoichiometry onto the substrate and converting the deposited precursor into a photovoltaic absorber material. This invention further includes processes for making a photovoltaic absorber layer having a predetermined stoichiometry on a substrate by (a) providing a polymeric precursor having the predetermined stoichiometry; (b) providing a substrate; (c) depositing the precursor onto the substrate; and (d) heating the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Precursor Energetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Fujdala, Wayne A. Chomitz, Zhongliang Zhu, Matthew C. Kuchta, Qinglan Huang
  • Publication number: 20130247984
    Abstract: A multilayered film, a back sheet for a photovoltaic cell, methods of manufacturing the film and cell, and a photovoltaic module including the film and cell are provided. The multilayered film includes a resin layer formed on a substrate, and the resin layer contains a fluorine-based polymer and a reactive functional group having an equivalent weight of 30,000 or less. The resin layer containing the fluorine-based polymer has good durability and weatherability and is highly adhesive to the substrate at an interface between the resin layer and the substrate. Also, since a drying process may be performed at a low temperature during manufacture of the multilayered film, manufacturing costs may be reduced, productivity may be increased, and degradation in the quality of products due to thermal deformation or thermal shock may be prevented. The multilayered film may be effectively used as, for example, a back sheet for various photovoltaic modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Cheol KIM, Yoon Kyung Kwon, Hyun Seong Ko, Hyo Soon Park, Do Won Ahn