US4133699A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Shaped edge solar cell coverslide
Assignee: Comsat Corp
•
Filing: 1978-04-26
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Granted: 1979-01-09
•
Expires: 1998-04-26
Abstract
Abstract A solar cell coverslide, oversize to protect the cell against damage from radiation, is modified to have an edge portion configured to bend light incident on said edge portion inwardly toward an underlying solar cell. An adhesive fillet may be formed between the undersurface of the overhanging portion of the coverslide and the top edge of the solar cell to facilitate further the transmission of light striking the configured edge portion into the solar cell.
Inventors
- 👤 Andrew Meulenberg, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 21:05
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F77/00; H10F77/40; H10F77/42; H10F77/488; H10F19/00; H10F19/80; H10F77/484; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50; Y02E10/52
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
65 words
A solar cell having an overlying transparent coverslide, said coverslide having at least a length or width greater than a corresponding dimension of said solar cell such that a portion of said coverslide overhangs said solar cell and further characterized by an edge portion of said overhanging portion confirgured such that light perpendicular and incident upon said edge portion is directed toward the solar cell.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
65 words
A solar cell having an overlying transparent coverslide, said coverslide having at least a length or width greater than a corresponding dimension of said solar cell such that a portion of said coverslide overhangs said solar cell and further characterized by an edge portion of said overhanging portion confirgured such that light perpendicular and incident upon said edge portion is directed toward the solar cell.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The solar cell of claim 1 wherein said edge portion of said coverslide is shaped to have a simple bevelled edge.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The solar cell of claim 1 wherein said edge portion of said coverslide is shaped to have a plurality of contiguous bevelled surfaces.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The solar cell of claim 1 wherein said edge portion of said coverslide is shaped to have a curved edge.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
64 words
A solar cell having an oversized coverslide in overlying relationship with the light incident surface thereof, said coverslide being sized to overhang at least two edges of said light incident surface and having on said overhanging portion an optically shaped edge to direct light normal to a top surface of said coverslide and incident on said shaped edge portion inwardly toward said solar cell.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
64 words
A solar cell having an oversized coverslide in overlying relationship with the light incident surface thereof, said coverslide being sized to overhang at least two edges of said light incident surface and having on said overhanging portion an optically shaped edge to direct light normal to a top surface of said coverslide and incident on said shaped edge portion inwardly toward said solar cell.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
55 words
The solar cell of claim 5 further comprising a fillet formed of light transmitting adhesive material formed between the lower surface of the coverslide and the top edge of the solar cell such that light incident on a lower region of said shaped edge is optically coupled through said fillet and into the solar cell.
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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) | 1982-01-08 | 1982-07-10 | 1983-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-01-08 | 1986-07-10 | 1987-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-01-08 | 1990-07-10 | 1991-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |