US3658596A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible solar cell modular assembly
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
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Filing: 1970-09-21
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Granted: 1972-04-25
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Expires: 1990-09-21
Abstract
Abstract A module for a solar cell panel with silicon photovoltaic cells fused between two sheets of FEP Teflon. The plastic is mounted on an aluminum frame with two side members adapted to interlock with similar modules. The side frame members also act as current carrying bass members.
Inventors
- 👤 Bodwell D Osborne
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 07:23
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F19/00; H10F19/80; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49002; Y10T29/49117; Y10T29/49124; Y10T29/49126
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
A means for converting solar energy into electrical energy comprising: a plurality of photovoltaic solar cells justaposed in sets; collecter strips connected orthogonally to the sets of solar cells; first and second thermoplastic transparent sheets located on opposite sides of the solar cells and fused thereto; a frame having a pair of end struts and a pair of side frame members wherein said side frame members have connected thereto the said collector strips and said frame has said first and second plastic sheets suspended therefrom.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
85 words
A means for converting solar energy into electrical energy comprising: a plurality of photovoltaic solar cells justaposed in sets; collecter strips connected orthogonally to the sets of solar cells; first and second thermoplastic transparent sheets located on opposite sides of the solar cells and fused thereto; a frame having a pair of end struts and a pair of side frame members wherein said side frame members have connected thereto the said collector strips and said frame has said first and second plastic sheets suspended therefrom.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for making a flexible solar cell module assembly comprising the steps of: placing solar cell sets on electrical collector straps in a configuration that will provide a required output; sandwich the cells and straps between two sheets of thermally sensitive plastic; heat the package until the plastic sheets are fused to the cells and to each other; and suspend the finished envelope from a frame adapted for electrical and mechanical interconnection with other frames.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
76 words
A method for making a flexible solar cell module assembly comprising the steps of: placing solar cell sets on electrical collector straps in a configuration that will provide a required output; sandwich the cells and straps between two sheets of thermally sensitive plastic; heat the package until the plastic sheets are fused to the cells and to each other; and suspend the finished envelope from a frame adapted for electrical and mechanical interconnection with other frames.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-04-25 | 1975-10-25 | 1976-04-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-25 | 1979-10-25 | 1980-04-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-25 | 1983-10-25 | 1984-04-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |