US5238519A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Solar cell lamination apparatus
Assignee: United Solar Systems Corp
•
Filing: 1992-03-17
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Granted: 1993-08-24
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Expires: 2012-03-17
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for simultaneously laminating thin polymeric sheets onto at least one surface of a plurality of spacedly disposed substrates, such as photovoltaic modules. By simultaneously accommodating the lamination of a plurality of modules, the cost of the back-end fabrication of those modules is substantially reduced. The apparatus includes a plurality of diaphragms adapted to forcibly and simultaneously urge the polymeric sheets against at least one surface of each of the respective modules to be laminated. The force is preferably generated by a pump which creates a vacuum between the diaphragm and the substrate surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Prem Nath
- 👤 Kenneth J. Whelan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 09:36
CPC Classifications
B; B32; B32B; B32B37/00; B32B37/10; B32B37/1018
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
Apparatus for the simultaneous lamination of a protective synthetic plastic resin sheet to each of a plurality of photovoltaic panels, said apparatus comprising: means for continuously producing a plurality of photovoltaic panels; a respective plurality of rigid support trays, each including a generally planar top surface configured to support one of said photovoltaic panels thereupon, said top surface having an O-ring associated therewith, proximate to the periphery thereof, each tray further including a plurality of apertures defined in the top surface, said apertures in communication with a vacuum fitting associated with said tray; means for disposing one of said photovoltaic panels, with a protective synthetic plastic resin sheet to be laminated thereto, on each said tray; a plurality of diaphragms, each corresponding in size to, and configured to cover a given one of said trays; a rack configured to retain each of said trays in a spaced-apart relationship; a vacuum pump in operative communication with the vacuum fitting of each of said trays; and an oven, configured to receive and retain the rack.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
173 words
Apparatus for the simultaneous lamination of a protective synthetic plastic resin sheet to each of a plurality of photovoltaic panels, said apparatus comprising: means for continuously producing a plurality of photovoltaic panels; a respective plurality of rigid support trays, each including a generally planar top surface configured to support one of said photovoltaic panels thereupon, said top surface having an O-ring associated therewith, proximate to the periphery thereof, each tray further including a plurality of apertures defined in the top surface, said apertures in communication with a vacuum fitting associated with said tray; means for disposing one of said photovoltaic panels, with a protective synthetic plastic resin sheet to be laminated thereto, on each said tray; a plurality of diaphragms, each corresponding in size to, and configured to cover a given one of said trays; a rack configured to retain each of said trays in a spaced-apart relationship; a vacuum pump in operative communication with the vacuum fitting of each of said trays; and an oven, configured to receive and retain the rack.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of apertures is defined in each of said trays proximate to said O-ring.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein each tray includes a hose associated with the vacuum fitting thereof for establishing operative communication with said vacuum pump.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said rack includes a vacuum connector which establishes communication between the vacuum fitting of each of said trays and the vacuum pump.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of diaphragms comprises a plurality of rubber diaphragms.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said rack includes wheels.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as in claim 6, wherein said oven includes guide members which engage the wheels of the rack.
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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) | 1996-08-23 | 1997-02-22 | 1997-08-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-08-23 | 2001-02-22 | 2001-08-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-08-23 | 2005-02-22 | 2005-08-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |