Micro-environment container for photovoltaic cells
US10242897B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2015 |
| Grant date | Mar 26, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L21/68707
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Devices and methods for transferring solar cells while maintaining a controlled environment are provided. Such devices can include a solar cell carrying pod adapted to support and maintain a stack of solar cells within a sealed micro-environment of inert gas. The solar cell carrying pod can further allow for ready removal of a solar cell carrier to facilitate automated transport of solar cells. The solar cell carrying pod can include a cover adapted to receive a solar cell carrier cassette securely mounted on a base that is sealably coupled with the cover to maintain solar cells within the carrier cassette in a sealed micro-environment for an extended period of time. The base can include a collet-operated gear train to facilitate unlocking and removal of the base from the cover in an automated process to facilitate large-scale solar cell fabrication.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.