Ambidextrous cassette and methods of using same
US10361108B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 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 include a solar cell carrying cassette adapted to support a stack of solar cells within a solar cell carrying pod that maintains a sealed micro-environment of inert gas and allows for automated transfer of solar cells between the pod and a fabrication line. The solar cell carrying cassette includes a pair of end plates and a plurality of rods extending therebetween that are configured to support a stack of solar cells. An identifier, such as an RFID chip, is included in each of the pair of end plates so as to allow for ready identification of the cassette from a single location relative the pod, while the cassette is coupled within the pod, regardless of the orientation of the cassette within the pod.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.