US4691076A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar array with aluminum foil matrix
Assignee: Spheral Solar Power Inc
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Filing: 1986-12-02
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Granted: 1987-09-01
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Expires: 2006-12-02
Abstract
Abstract The disclosure relates to a method of making solar cell arrays and modules and the arrays and modules wherein the arrays are formed of semiconductor spheres of P-type interior having an N-type skin housed in a pair of aluminum foil members which form the contacts to the P-type and N-type regions. The foils are electrically insulated from each other and are flexible. Multiple arrays can be interconnected to form a module of solar cell elements for converting light energy into electrical energy.
Inventors
- 👤 Jules D. Levine
- 👤 Millard J. Jensen
- 👤 Ronald E. Haney
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 08:10
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F71/00; H10F71/137; H10F19/00; H10F19/80; H10F19/90; H10F19/902; H10F19/904; H10F71/121; H10F77/00; H10F77/10; H10F77/14; H10F77/147; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50; Y02E10/547; Y02P; Y02P70/00; Y02P70/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A solar array which comprises: (a) a first aluminum foil layer having a plurality of spaced apertures therein, (b) a plurality of discrete semiconductor members, each in a corresponding one of said apertures and having a P-type and an N-type region, the N-type region being ohmically bonded to said first aluminum foil, said bond characterized as formed by pressing said member into said corresponding aperture at a temperature in the range of from 500° to 577° C., and (c) a contact member insulated from said first foil and coupled to the P-type region.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
A solar array which comprises: (a) a first aluminum foil layer having a plurality of spaced apertures therein, (b) a plurality of discrete semiconductor members, each in a corresponding one of said apertures and having a P-type and an N-type region, the N-type region being ohmically bonded to said first aluminum foil, said bond characterized as formed by pressing said member into said corresponding aperture at a temperature in the range of from 500° to 577° C., and (c) a contact member insulated from said first foil and coupled to the P-type region.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A solar array as set forth in claim 1 wherein said contact member is a second aluminum foil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A solar array as set forth in claim 2 wherein said semiconductor members are of spheroid shape.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A solar array as set forth in claim 3 wherein the equators of said semiconductor members are forward of the side of said first foil remote from said contact member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A solar array as set forth in claim 4 further including an antireflective coating disposed on the surface of said first foil remote from said contact member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A solar array as set forth in claim 3 further including an antireflective coating disposed on the surface of said first foil remote from said contact member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A solar array as set forth in claim 2 further including an antireflective coating disposed on the surface of said first foil remote from said contact member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
A solar array as set forth in claim 1 wherein said semiconductor members are of spheroid shape.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
A solar array as set forth in claim 8 wherein the equators of said semiconductor members are forward of the side of said first foil remote from said contact member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
A solar array as set forth in claim 9 further including an antireflective coating disposed on the surface of said first foil remote from said contact member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
A solar array as set forth in claim 8 further including an antireflective coating disposed on the surface of said first foil remote from said contact member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
A solar array as set forth in claim 1 further including an antireflective coating disposed on the surface of said first foil remote from said contact member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
JPS514985A
Cited
US4407320A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-08-31 | 1991-03-02 | 1991-09-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-08-31 | 1995-03-02 | 1995-09-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-08-31 | 1999-03-02 | 1999-09-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |