US3844843A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar cell with organic semiconductor contained in a gel
Assignee: Lanteris Space LLC
•
Filing: 1973-01-02
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Granted: 1974-10-29
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Expires: 1993-01-02
Abstract
Abstract A photovoltaic cell is fabricated from an active medium comprising an organic semiconductor in a gel. When a film of such material is sandwiched between transparent conducting electrodes a solar cell is obtained. The electrical output is greatly in excess of that obtained from prior art organic semiconductor solar cells of the same area.
Inventors
- 👤 R Kay
- 👤 E Walwick
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 19:35
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01G; H01G9/00; H01G9/20; H01G9/2059; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50; Y02E10/542
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
37 words
AN IMPROVED PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL STRUCTURE HAVING AN ORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR ACTIVE MATERIAL LOCATED BETWEEN CONDUCTIVE ELECTRODES, AT LEAST ONE OF WHICH IS TRANSPARENT, WHEREIN SAID IMPROVEMENT COMPRISES: AN ACTIVE MATERIAL INCLUDING AN ORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR CONTAINED IN A GEL.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
37 words
AN IMPROVED PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL STRUCTURE HAVING AN ORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR ACTIVE MATERIAL LOCATED BETWEEN CONDUCTIVE ELECTRODES, AT LEAST ONE OF WHICH IS TRANSPARENT, WHEREIN SAID IMPROVEMENT COMPRISES: AN ACTIVE MATERIAL INCLUDING AN ORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR CONTAINED IN A GEL.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The improved cell of claim 1 wherein said gel is agar.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The improved cell of claim 1 wherein said organic semiconductor comprises a mixture of different organic semiconductors, each having characteristic absorption in a different portion of the incident light spectrum.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The improved cell of claim 1 wherein said active material further includes light scattering particles.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The improved cell of claim 4 wherein said particles comprise cadmium sulphide.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The improved cell of claim 1 wherein the water content of said gel is controlled by including a humectant.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
The improved cell of claim 6 wherein said humectant is glycerol.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
A solar cell comprising: an active material in ohmic contact with an area electrode, said active material comprising a gel containing an organic semiconductor, a transparent conductive area electrode in rectifying contact with said active material, and terminal connections to said electrodes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
A solar cell comprising: an active material in ohmic contact with an area electrode, said active material comprising a gel containing an organic semiconductor, a transparent conductive area electrode in rectifying contact with said active material, and terminal connections to said electrodes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The solar cell of claim 8 wherein said organic semiconductor comprises a plurality of different materials, each absorbing in a separate portion of the solar spectrum.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The solar cell of claim 8 wherein said organic semiconductor is crystal violet and said gel is agar.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-10-28 | 1978-04-29 | 1978-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-28 | 1982-04-29 | 1982-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-28 | 1986-04-29 | 1986-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |