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US4577052A
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US
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AC Solar cell
Assignee: Eaton Corp
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Filing: 1982-09-23
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Granted: 1986-03-18
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Expires: 2002-09-23
Abstract
Abstract An AC solar cell is provided by a pair of PN junction type solar cells connected in antiparallel between a pair of main terminals, and means for directing light alternatingly on the PN junctions to generate an alternating potential across the main terminals. AC electrical energy is generated without a DC to AC converter.
Inventors
- 👤 Herman P. Schutten
- 👤 James A. Benjamin
- 👤 Robert W. Lade
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 17:18
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F10/00; H02; H02S; H02S99/00; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50; Y10; Y10S; Y10S136/00; Y10S136/291; Y10S136/293; Y10S323/00; Y10S323/906
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
An AC solar cell comprising: a pair of PN junction type solar cells connected in antiparallel between a pair of main terminals; means for directing light alternatingly on said PN junctions to generate an alternating potential across said main terminals; wherein said light directing means comprises means for splitting said light into two beams alternately impinging said PN junctions, comprising: first mirror means reflecting a portion of the light to provide a first beam directed toward the first PN junction, and allowing the remainder of the light to pass therethrough; second mirror means reflecting said remainder of light to provide a second beam directed toward the second PN junction; first and second stationary changeable transparency means each disposed in the path of a respective said first and second beam for blocking or passing light to a respective said PN junction; and control means for changing said transparency means between blocking and passing states in alternating opposition.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
156 words
An AC solar cell comprising: a pair of PN junction type solar cells connected in antiparallel between a pair of main terminals; means for directing light alternatingly on said PN junctions to generate an alternating potential across said main terminals; wherein said light directing means comprises means for splitting said light into two beams alternately impinging said PN junctions, comprising: first mirror means reflecting a portion of the light to provide a first beam directed toward the first PN junction, and allowing the remainder of the light to pass therethrough; second mirror means reflecting said remainder of light to provide a second beam directed toward the second PN junction; first and second stationary changeable transparency means each disposed in the path of a respective said first and second beam for blocking or passing light to a respective said PN junction; and control means for changing said transparency means between blocking and passing states in alternating opposition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention according to claim 1 wherein said transparency means comprises electrically controlled Rochelle crystals, and said control means comprises an AC source connected to said Rochelle crystals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
An AC solar cell comprising: a pair of PN junction type solar cells connected in antiparallel between a pair of main terminals; and means for electrically directing light alternatingly without mechanical movement on said PN junctions to generate an alternating potential across said main terminals.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
An AC solar cell comprising: a pair of PN junction type solar cells connected in antiparallel between a pair of main terminals; and means for electrically directing light alternatingly without mechanical movement on said PN junctions to generate an alternating potential across said main terminals.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention according to claim 3 wherein said light directing means comprises Rochelle crystals.
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) | 1989-03-17 | 1989-09-16 | 1990-03-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-03-17 | 1993-09-16 | 1994-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-03-17 | 1997-09-16 | 1998-03-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |