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| 20080241918 | Hemagglutinin polypeptides, and reagents and methods relating thereto - The present invention provides a system for analyzing interactions between glycans and interaction partners that bind to them. The present invention also provides HA polypeptides that bind to umbrella-topology glycans, and reagents and methods relating thereto. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20090081193 | HEMAGGLUTININ POLYPEPTIDES, AND REAGENTS AND METHODS RELATING THERETO - The present invention provides a system for analyzing interactions between glycans and interaction partners that bind to them. The present invention also provides HA polypeptides that bind to umbrella-topology glycans, and reagents and methods relating thereto. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20100061990 | Hemagglutinin Polypeptides, and Reagents and Methods Relating Thereto - The present invention provides a system for analyzing interactions between glycans and interaction partners that bind to them. The present invention also provides HA polypeptides that bind to umbrella-topology glycans, and reagents and methods relating thereto. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100119494 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS RELATED TO MODULATING THE EXTRACELLULAR STEM CELL ENVIRONMENT - This invention relates, in part, to methods and compositions that modulate the stem cell environment. More specifically, the invention relates, in part, to methods and compositions for modulating stem cell differentiation. Therefore, methods and compositions are provided for modulating glycosaminoglycan moieties, e.g., heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan (HSGAG) moieties, in the microenvironment of stem cells. Methods and compositions for promoting or inhibiting embryonic stem cell differentiation (e.g., differentiation into endothelial cells) are also provided. This invention also relates, therefore, in part, to cell populations (e.g., endothelial cell populations or impoverished endothelial cell populations) that can be produced with the methods and compositions provided. Furthermore, the invention relates, in part, to tissues, and uses thereof, formed by the methods and compositions provided. Moreover, the invention also relates, in part, to methods of treatment using the methods and compositions provided. | 05-13-2010 |
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| 20140083541 | FLUID END OF A HIGH PRESSURE PUMP HAVING A GROOVE ADAPTED TO RECEIVE A SPRING RETAINER OF A SUCTION VALVE - A fluid end of a high-pressure pump having a bore, a discharge bore, a suction bore, a valve cover bore, and a cross-bore intersection formed in portions of the fluid end. The bore, discharge bore, valve cover bore, and suction bore each having an opening which opens into the cross-bore intersection with the suction and discharge bores substantially orthogonal to the bore. A groove is formed in a wall of the fluid end within in the cross-bore intersection. The groove traverses a curvilinear path around an open space. The groove has a first section and a second section, each section having a first end and a second end. The first and second sections are separated by a gap proximate the bore and valve cover bore. A spring retainer is received into the groove and secured therein for pump operation. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140086774 | FLUID END OF A HIGH PRESSURE PLUNGER PUMP HAVING A GROOVE ADAPTED TO RECEIVE A SPRING RETAINER OF A SUCTION VALVE - A fluid end of a plunger pump has a plunger bore, a discharge bore, a suction bore, a valve cover bore, and a cross-bore intersection formed in portions of the fluid end. The plunger bore, discharge bore, valve cover bore, and suction bore each having an opening which opens into the cross-bore intersection. A valve cover bore axis extends through the opening of the plunger bore which opens into the cross-bore intersection. A groove is formed in the fluid end. The groove traverses a curvilinear path around an open space. Long axes of the discharge bore and suction bore extend into said open space The groove has a first section and a second section. The first section has a first end with a first opening and a second end. The second section has a first end and a second end with an opening. A gap is between said first ends of said first and second sections of said groove. A gap is between said second ends of said first and second sections of said groove. A spring retainer is in the groove. | 03-27-2014 |
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| 20090152629 | METHODS OF SELECTIVELY OXIDIZING SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURES, AND STRUCTURES RESULTING THEREFROM - Methods for selectively oxidizing a semiconductor structure include generating a gas cluster ion beam comprising an oxidizing source gas, directing the gas cluster ion beam to a region of a substrate adjacent a conductive line and exposing the region to the gas cluster ion beam including an oxidizing matter. Utilizing the gas cluster ion beam enables selective oxidation of a targeted region at temperatures substantially lower than those of typical oxidation processes thus, reducing or eliminating oxidation of the conductive line. Semiconductor devices including transistors formed using such methods are also disclosed. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20100244158 | SEMICONDUCTOR STRUCTURES RESULTING FROM SELECTIVE OXIDATION - Methods for selectively oxidizing a semiconductor structure include generating a gas cluster ion beam comprising an oxidizing source gas, directing the gas cluster ion beam to a region of a substrate adjacent a conductive line and exposing the region to the gas cluster ion beam including an oxidizing matter. Utilizing the gas cluster ion beam enables selective oxidation of a targeted region at temperatures substantially lower than those of typical oxidation processes thus, reducing or eliminating oxidation of the conductive line. Semiconductor devices including transistors formed using such methods are also disclosed. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20110269305 | METHOD FOR FORMING A FLOATING GATE USING CHEMICAL MECHANICAL PLANARIZATION - An improved process forming a floating gate region of a semiconductor memory device. The process includes using a ceria slurry for chemical mechanical planarization to provide “stop on polysilicon” capabilities, allowing a thin nitride layer, or in the alternative no nitride layer, to be used and reducing the number of processing steps required to form the floating gate region. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20120222717 | METHODS OF ASSEMBLING SOLAR CELLS INTO AN ASSEMBLY, ASSOCIATED APPARATUS, SOLAR PANEL ASSEMBLIES, AND SOLAR CELLS - A method of assembling elongate solar cells into an assembly may comprise forming a unitary structure comprising a plurality of elongate solar cell precursor structures from a semiconductor wafer and attaching an adhesive surface of a transfer structure to an edge of each of the plurality of elongate solar cell precursor structures. The method may further comprise attaching the plurality of elongate solar cells to an expandable fixture and expanding the expandable fixture to change at least one of an orientation and a position of the plurality of elongate solar cells relative to one another. Additionally, a solar panel assembly may comprise a plurality of elongate solar cells positioned on a substrate, major surfaces of the plurality of elongate solar cells oriented in a non-planar configuration. Furthermore, elongate solar cells may comprise non-linear shapes in an as-formed state. Transfer structures and expandable fixtures useful in performing methods of the disclosure are also described. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120222720 | SOLAR PANEL ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING PIVOTALLY MOUNTED SOLAR CELLS AND RELATED METHODS - A solar panel assembly may comprise a support member, a plurality of elongate solar cells, at least one motive member, and at least one actuator. Each elongate solar cell of the plurality may be pivotally coupled to the support member at a first location on each elongate solar cell, and each motive member may be pivotally coupled to each elongate solar cell of the plurality of elongate solar cells at a second location on each elongate solar cell, the second location offset a distance from the first location. Additionally, each actuator may be operably coupled to the at least one motive member. A method of operating a solar panel assembly may comprise rotating each of a plurality of elongate solar cells within the solar panel assembly relative to each other of the plurality of elongate solar cells within the solar panel assembly. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120223277 | SLIVER STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF HANDLING SLIVER STRUCTURES - Methods for orienting a plurality of sliver structures include applying at least one directional force to a group of sliver structures each having an orientation material applied to an edge to cause the plurality of sliver structures to orient in a common direction. The method may also include capturing the oriented sliver structures in a capture device to maintain the orientation of the sliver structures in the common direction. The oriented sliver structures may be used to form sub-assemblies such as solar array sub-assemblies that are used to generate solar power. Methods of applying an orientation material to sliver structures and resulting sliver structures are also disclosed. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120225612 | Method of Manufacture of Constant Groove Depth Pads - Processing pads for mechanical and/or chemical-mechanical planarization or polishing of substrates in the fabrication of microelectronic devices, methods for making the pads, and methods, apparatus, and systems that utilize and incorporate the processing pads are provided. The processing pads include grooves or other openings in the abrading surface containing a solid or partially solid fill material that can be selectively removed as desired to maintain the fill at an about constant or set distance from the abrading surface of the pad and an about constant depth of the pad openings for multiple processing and conditioning applications over the life of the pad. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20140024297 | METHODS OF CONDITIONING A PLANARIZING PAD - Processing pads for mechanical and/or chemical-mechanical planarization or polishing of substrates in the fabrication of microelectronic devices, methods for making the pads, and methods, apparatus, and systems that utilize and incorporate the processing pads are provided. The processing pads include grooves or other openings in the abrading surface containing a solid or partially solid fill material that can be selectively removed as desired to maintain the fill at an about constant or set distance from the abrading surface of the pad and an about constant depth of the pad openings for multiple processing and conditioning applications over the life of the pad. | 01-23-2014 |
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| 20110186518 | POLYMER COMPOSITION WITH PHYTOCHEMICAL AND DIALYSIS MEMBRANE FORMED FROM THE POLYMER COMPOSITION - A biocompatible polymer composition which includes a matrix material and at least one of an isoflavone and a flavone at least partially dispersed in the matrix material is suited to use in a membrane for hemodialysis and other in vivo and in vitro applications. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110233138 | POLYMER COMPOSITION AND DIALYSIS MEMBRANE FORMED FROM THE POLYMER COMPOSITION - A biocompatible polymer composition suited to forming a dialysis membrane includes a matrix material and at least one xanthone. The composition may be formed into a membrane for inserting into a dialyzer filter whereby free radicals in the fluid are removed by the membrane. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20130147076 | METHOD OF DETECTING A COMPONENT OF AN ARTICLE AND METHOD OF PREPARING A COMPONENT FOR DETECTION - A method of detecting the presence or position of a first component in an article is disclosed. The first component, which has a predefined response to incident light, includes a microporous film of a semi-crystalline polyolefin and a beta-nucleating agent. The method includes irradiating the article with incident light, detecting light received from the irradiated article; and identifying the predefined response of the first component in the light received from the irradiated article to detect the presence or the position of the first component. A method for preparing a mechanical fastening component for use in an article is also disclosed. The method includes stretching a film backing containing beta-spherulites and having upstanding fastening elements to provide a microporous film backing with sufficient porosity to allow it to be detected when subjected to an inspection system comprising a light detector. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130149488 | STRUCTURED FILM CONTAINING BETA-NUCLEATING AGENT AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A structured film of a semi-crystalline polyolefin and a beta-nucleating agent is disclosed. The structured film has a backing and upstanding posts attached to the backing. At least a portion of the film typically includes beta-spherulites. In some embodiments, the backing is microporous while the upstanding posts have lower porosity. A method of making a structured film is also disclosed. The method includes extruding a melt of a polyolefin and a beta-nucleating agent in the presence of a tool to provide the structured film having upstanding posts on a backing and cooling at least a portion of the structured film to a temperature sufficient to form beta-spherulites. In some embodiments, the method further includes stretching the structured film containing beta-spherulites to provide micropores in the backing. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20140349062 | RETICULATED THERMOPLASTIC FILM AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A reticulated thermoplastic film includes a backing with openings and discrete elements protruding from the first major surface. There are two discrete elements aligned in a first direction abutting opposite ends of any given opening. In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, there is one discrete element between the given opening and an adjacent opening aligned in the second direction. Each portion of the backing around the given opening is plastically deformed in its lengthwise direction and typically has higher stretch-induced molecular orientation at its edge adjacent the given opening than at its midpoint. The openings are often retractable. A method of making a reticulated thermoplastic film is also disclosed. The method includes stretching a thermoplastic backing with a plurality of discrete elements in the first direction. Subsequently stretching the backing in the second direction forms a tear in the backing between two adjacent discrete elements. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140349079 | LAMINATES INCLUDING A RETICULATED THERMOPLASTIC FILM AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A laminate of an at least partially reticulated thermoplastic film joined to an extensible carrier. The reticulated thermoplastic film includes a backing with openings and discrete elements protruding from the first major surface. There are two discrete elements aligned in a first direction abutting opposite ends of any given opening. In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, there is one discrete element between the given opening and an adjacent opening aligned in the second direction. Each portion of the thermoplastic backing around the given opening is plastically deformed in its lengthwise direction. A method of making a laminate is also disclosed. The method includes stretching a thermoplastic backing having a plurality of discrete elements in the first direction and laminating the backing to an extensible carrier. Subsequently stretching the laminate in a second direction forms a tear in the thermoplastic backing between two adjacent of the discrete elements. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140350507 | MECHANICAL FASTENER, FASTENING SYSTEM, AND DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE - A mechanical fastener is disclosed that includes a thermoplastic backing and multiple, upstanding fastening elements that have a post with a proximal end attached to the thermoplastic backing and a distal end comprising a cap larger in area than a cross-sectional area of the post. The basis weight of the mechanical fastener is in a range from 25 grams per square meter to 75 grams per square meter, and the height of the multiple, upstanding fastening elements is up to 300 micrometers. Fastening systems and disposable absorbent articles including the mechanical fastener are also disclosed. | 11-27-2014 |
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| 20120286865 | Pre-Distortion Architecture for Compensating Non-Linear Effects - An input signal is pre-distorted to reduce distortion resulting from subsequent signal amplification. Frequency-dependent pre-distortion is preferably implemented in combination with frequency-independent pre-distortion, where the frequency-dependent pre-distortion is generated by expanding the derivative of a product of a pre-distortion function and the input signal and then relaxing constraints on the pre-distortion function and/or on frequency-dependent filtering associated with the frequency-dependent pre-distortion. In one implementation, four different frequency-dependent pre-distortion signals are generated for the expansion using up to four different pre-distortion functions and up to four different frequency-dependent filters. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120286985 | Interpolation-Based Digital Pre-Distortion Architecture - A non-linear amplifier is linearized using interpolation-based digital pre-distortion (DPD). In one embodiment, the digital input signal is interpolated to generate a higher-sample-rate signal that is then pre-distorted. The resulting higher-sample-rate pre-distorted signal is then decimated to generate a final pre-distorted digital signal that is converted into an analog pre-distorted signal by a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) before being applied to the amplifier. In a polyphase embodiment, different versions of the original input digital signal are generated, where each version is then pre-distorted using a different DPD module to generate a different intermediate pre-distorted digital signal. The intermediate pre-distorted signals are filtered and combined to generate the final pre-distorted digital signal. In both embodiments, better linearization (e.g., less aliasing) can be achieved without increasing the sample rate of the DAC and, in the polyphase embodiment, without increasing the processing speed of the DPD modules. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120288028 | Digital Pre-Distortion With Carrier Cancellation - A non-linear power amplifier generates an amplified output signal based on a pre-distorted signal generated by a digital pre-distorter (DPD) based on an input signal. A feedback path generates a feedback signal based on the amplified output signal. The feedback signal is aligned with the input signal, or vice versa, and the aligned signals are used to adaptively update the DPD processing. In particular, a linear FIR filter is estimated to minimize a cost function based on the input and feedback signals. Depending on how the filter is generated, the filter is applied to the input signal or to the feedback signal to generate the aligned input and feedback signals. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20150091777 | Antenna Radome With Removeably Connected Electronics Module - In one embodiment, an antenna assembly in a cellular network has a radome that houses a plurality of antenna arrays and an electronics module. The electronics module has a weatherproof housing that encloses electronics for processing signals received by and transmitted from a first of the antenna arrays. The electronics module is physically removeably connected to an outer surface of the radome and electrically removeably connected to the first antenna array, such that the electronics module can be removed without (i) disrupting service to other antenna arrays and (ii) removing the antenna assembly from the cell tower on which the antenna assembly is installed. | 04-02-2015 |
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| 20140016367 | Magnetic Device and Power Converter Employing the Same - A magnetic device and power converter employing the same. In one embodiment, the magnetic device includes a first L-core segment including a first leg and a second leg extending therefrom, and an opposing second L-core segment including a first leg and a second leg extending therefrom. The magnetic device also includes a winding formed around at least one of the first leg and the second leg of the first L-core segment or the second L-core segment. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140016369 | Magnetic Device and Power Converter Employing the Same - A magnetic device and power converter employing the same. In one embodiment, the magnetic device includes a first L-core segment including a first leg and a second leg extending therefrom, and an opposing second L-core segment including a first leg and a second leg extending therefrom. The magnetic device also includes a winding formed around at least one of the first leg and the second leg of the first L-core segment or the second L-core segment. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140016370 | Magnetic Device and Power Converter Employing the Same - A magnetic device and power converter employing the same. In one embodiment, the magnetic device includes a first L-core segment including a first leg and a second leg extending therefrom, and an opposing second L-core segment including a first leg and a second leg extending therefrom. The magnetic device also includes a winding formed around at least one of the first leg and the second leg of the first L-core segment or the second L-core segment. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140016371 | Magnetic Device and Power Converter Employing the Same - A magnetic device and power converter employing the same. In one embodiment, the magnetic device includes a first L-core segment including a first leg and a second leg extending therefrom, and an opposing second L-core segment including a first leg and a second leg extending therefrom. The magnetic device also includes a winding formed around at least one of the first leg and the second leg of the first L-core segment or the second L-core segment. | 01-16-2014 |
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| 20100254168 | Magnetic Device Formed with U-Shaped Core Pieces and Power Converter Employing the Same - A magnetic device formed with U-shaped core pieces employable in a power converter, and a method of forming the same. In one embodiment, the magnetic device includes a rectilinear core piece formed of a magnetic material, and first and second U-shaped core pieces positioned on the rectilinear core piece. The magnetic device also includes first and second conductive windings formed about the first and second U-shaped core pieces, respectively. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20140009970 | Controller for a Power Converter and Method of Operating the Same - A burst mode controller for a power converter and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the burst mode controller includes a burst mode initiate circuit configured to initiate a burst mode of operation when a signal representing an output voltage of the power converter crosses a first burst threshold level. The burst mode controller also includes a voltage elevate circuit configured to provide a voltage elevate signal to raise the output voltage if a time window expires before the signal representing the output voltage of the power converter crosses a second burst threshold level. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140016368 | Magnetic Device and Power Converter Employing the Same - A magnetic device and power converter employing the same. In one embodiment, the magnetic device includes a first L-core segment including a first leg and a second leg extending therefrom, and an opposing second L-core segment including a first leg and a second leg extending therefrom. The magnetic device also includes a winding formed around at least one of the first leg and the second leg of the first L-core segment or the second L-core segment. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140169049 | Controller for a Power Converter and Method of Operating the Same - A controller for a power converter and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the controller includes a current-sense device couplable in series with switched terminals of power switches of interleaved switching regulators and configured to produce a current-sense signal. The controller also includes an error amplifier configured to produce an error signal as a function of a characteristic of the power converter. The controller also includes a duty-cycle controller configured to sample the current-sense signal at mid-points of duty cycles of the power switches and regulate the characteristic as a function of the error signal and the current-sense signal. | 06-19-2014 |
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| 20080224812 | ISOLATED POWER CONVERTER - There is provided an isolated power converter. More particularly, in one embodiment, there is provided a power converter including a first magnetic core having a primary winding and a secondary winding around the first magnetic core. The power converter also includes a second magnetic core having a first leg, a second leg coupled to the first leg, and a third leg coupled to the first and second legs, wherein a part of the third leg is equidistant from the first leg and the second leg. The power converter also has a first winding encircling the first leg, a first end of the first winding coupled to the secondary winding, a second winding encircling the second leg, a first end of the second winding coupled to the secondary winding, and a third winding encircling the third leg, a first end of the third winding coupled to a second end of the first wining and to a second end of the second winding. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20090097290 | Isolated Power Converter - An isolated power converter that includes, in one embodiment, a first magnetic core having a primary winding and a secondary winding around the first magnetic core. The power converter includes a second magnetic core having a first leg, a second leg coupled to the first leg, and a third leg coupled to the first and second legs, wherein a part of the third leg is equidistant from the first leg and the second leg. The power converter also includes a first winding encircling the first leg, a first end of the first winding coupled to the secondary winding, a second winding encircling the second leg, a first end of the second winding coupled to the secondary winding, and a third winding encircling the third leg, a first end of the third winding coupled to a second end of the first winding and to a second end of the second winding. | 04-16-2009 |
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| 20110114171 | SOLAR CELL INCLUDING SPUTTERED REFLECTIVE LAYER - Solar cells and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. An exemplary method may include providing a semiconductor substrate and introducing dopant atoms to a front surface of the substrate. The substrate may be annealed to drive the dopant atoms deeper in the substrate to produce a p-n junction while also forming front and back passivation layers. A reflective surface is sputtered on the back surface of the solar cell. It protects and generates hydrogen to passivate one or more substrate-passivation layer interfaces at the same time as forming an anti-reflective layer on the front surface of the substrate. Fire-through of front and back contacts as well as metallization with contact connections may be performed in a single co-firing operation. Associated solar cells are also provided. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110132444 | SOLAR CELL INCLUDING SPUTTERED REFLECTIVE LAYER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF - Solar cells and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. An exemplary method may include providing a semiconductor substrate and introducing dopant atoms to a front surface of the substrate. The substrate may be annealed to drive the dopant atoms deeper in the substrate to produce a p-n junction while also forming front and back passivation layers. A reflective surface is sputtered on the back surface of the solar cell. It protects and generates hydrogen to passivate one or more substrate-passivation layer interfaces at the same time as forming an anti-reflective layer on the front surface of the substrate. Fire-through of front and back contacts as well as metallization with contact connections may be performed in a single co-firing operation. Associated solar cells are also provided. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132448 | SOLAR CELLS AND METHODS OF FABRICATION THEREOF - Solar cells and methods for fabrication thereof are provided. A method may include forming a via through at least one dielectric layer formed on a semiconductor wafer by using a laser to ablate a region of the at least one dielectric layer such that at least a portion of the surface of the semiconductor wafer is exposed by the via. The method may further include applying a self-doping metal paste to the via. The method may additionally include heating the semiconductor wafer and self-doping metal paste to a temperature sufficient to drive at least some dopant from the self-doping metal paste into the portion of the surface of the semiconductor wafer exposed by the via to form a selective emitter region and a contact overlying and self-aligned to the selective emitter region. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110139229 | SELECTIVE EMITTER SOLAR CELLS FORMED BY A HYBRID DIFFUSION AND ION IMPLANTATION PROCESS - Solar cells and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. An example method may include providing a silicon substrate and introducing dopant to one or more selective regions of the front surface of the substrate by ion implantation. The substrate may be subjected to a single high-temperature anneal cycle. Additional dopant atoms may be introduced for diffusion into the front surface of the substrate during the single anneal cycle. A selective emitter may be formed on the front surface of the substrate such that the one or more selective regions of the selective emitter layer are more heavily doped than the remainder of the selective emitter layer. Associated solar cells are also provided. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110139230 | ION IMPLANTED SELECTIVE EMITTER SOLAR CELLS WITH IN SITU SURFACE PASSIVATION - Solar cells and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. An example method may include providing a p-type doped silicon substrate and introducing n-type dopant to a first and second region of the front surface of the substrate by ion implantation so that the second region is more heavily doped than the first region. The substrate may be subjected to a single high-temperature anneal cycle to activate the dopant, drive the dopant into the substrate, produce a p-n junction, and form a selective emitter. Oxygen may be introduced during the single anneal cycle to form in situ front and back passivating oxide layers. Fire-through of front and back contacts as well as metallization with contact connections may be performed in a single co-firing operation. Associated solar cells are also provided. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110139231 | BACK JUNCTION SOLAR CELL WITH SELECTIVE FRONT SURFACE FIELD - Solar cells and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. An example method may include fabricating an n-type silicon substrate and introducing n-type dopant to one or more first and second regions of the substrate so that the second region is more heavily doped than the first region. The substrate may be subjected to a single high-temperature anneal cycle to form a selective front surface field layer. Oxygen may be introduced during the single anneal cycle to form in situ front and back passivating oxide layers. Fire-through of front and back contacts as well as metallization with contact connections may be performed in a single co-firing operation. The firing of the back contact may form a p | 06-16-2011 |
| 20120107998 | ION IMPLANTED SOLAR CELLS WITH IN SITU SURFACE PASSIVATION - Solar cells and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. An example method may include providing a substrate comprising a base layer and introducing n-type dopant to the front surface of the base layer by ion implantation. The substrate may be annealed by heating the substrate to a temperature to anneal the implant damage and activate the introduced dopant, thereby forming an n-type doped layer into the front surface of the base layer. Oxygen may be introduced during the annealing step to form a passivating oxide layer on the n-type doped layer. Back contacts may be screen-printed on the back surface of the base layer, and a p-type doped layer may be formed at the interface of the back surface of the base layer and the back contacts during firing of the back contacts. The back contacts may provide an electrical connection to the p-type doped layer. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120125416 | SELECTIVE EMITTER SOLAR CELLS FORMED BY A HYBRID DIFFUSION AND ION IMPLANTATION PROCESS - Solar cells and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. An example solar cell may comprise a substrate comprising a p-type base layer and an n-type selective emitter layer formed over the p-type base layer. The n-type selective emitter layer may comprise one or more first doped regions comprising implanted dopant and one or more second doped regions comprising diffused dopant. The one or more first doped regions may be more heavily doped than the one or more second doped regions. A p-n junction may be formed at the interface of the base layer and the selective emitter layer, such that the p-n junction and the selective emitter layer are both formed during a single anneal cycle. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120279563 | SOLDERABLE INTERCONNECT APPARATUS FOR INTERCONNECTING SOLAR CELLS - Interconnect apparatus and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. An example method for forming a solderable connection to a conductive surface may include forming one or more solderable metal regions on the conductive surface, for example an aluminum surface. The method may comprise applying a solder layer to the one or more solderable metal regions to form one or more soldered metal regions. The method may further comprise depositing one or more solderable metal regions on the conductive surface by plasma deposition. In other examples, the one or more solderable metal regions may be sputtered. Additionally, the method may comprise applying a flux to the one or more solderable metal regions prior to applying the solder layer to the one or more solderable metal regions. An interconnect ribbon may be soldered to at least one of the solder layer or the solderable metal regions. Associated interconnect apparatus are also provided. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20140090702 | BUS BAR FOR A SOLAR CELL - Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a reduced-area bus bar for collecting current from contacts on the surface of a solar cell. According to various embodiments described herein, a reduced-area bus bar is provided having a width that varies at various points along its longitudinal axis. In particular, the larger width portions of the reduced-area bus bar are configured to provide sufficient pull strength when an interconnecting ribbon is soldered along the bus bar, while the smaller width portions of the reduced-area bus bar enable a reduction in the material required to form the bus bar. Additionally, various embodiments are contemplated in which the reduced-area bus bar comprises a series of segments disposed in a spaced-apart relationship along the bus bar's longitudinal axis. | 04-03-2014 |
