Jeffrey Heron Knapp

US Patent:

20130019934, Jan 24, 2013

Filed:

Jul 22, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/188782

Inventors:

Robert Dwayne Gossman - Aurora CO, US
Jeffrey Todd Knapp - Golden CO, US

Assignee:

PRIMESTAR SOLAR, INC. - Arvada CO

International Classification:

H01L 31/0224
H01L 31/18

US Classification:

136256, 438 58, 257E31067

Abstract:

Methods are generally disclosed for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. According to one embodiment, a transparent conductive oxide layer and an oxygen getter layer can be formed on a transparent substrate. The transparent conductive oxide layer and the oxygen getter layer can then be annealed together such that oxygen atoms move from the transparent conductive oxide layer into the oxygen getter layer. A photovoltaic heterojunction can be formed on the TCO layer. Thin film photovoltaic devices are also generally disclosed.

US Patent:

20130084668, Apr 4, 2013

Filed:

Sep 30, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/249892

Inventors:

Fred Harper Seymour - Evergreen CO, US
Jeffrey Todd Knapp - Golden CO, US
Robert Dwayne Gossman - Aurora CO, US
Mark Jeffrey Pavol - Arvada CO, US

Assignee:

PRIMESTAR SOLAR, INC. - Arvada CO

International Classification:

H01L 31/18
C23C 16/458

US Classification:

438 57, 118729, 257E31002

Abstract:

Apparatus for vapor deposition of a sublimated source material as a thin film on a photovoltaic module substrate is generally provided. The apparatus can include a deposition head; a distribution plate disposed below said distribution manifold and above an upper surface of a substrate transported through said apparatus and defining a pattern of passages therethrough; and, a carrying mechanism configured to transport the substrate in a machine direction under the distribution plate such that an upper surface of the substrate defines an arc in a cross-direction that is substantially perpendicular to the machine direction. Processes are also generally provided for vapor deposition of a sublimated source material to form thin film on a photovoltaic module substrate.

US Patent:

20130153001, Jun 20, 2013

Filed:

Dec 15, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/326775

Inventors:

Max William Reed - Niwot CO, US
Jeffrey Todd Knapp - Golden CO, US
Troy Alan Berens - Evergreen CO, US
Venkata Sai Rahul Chandra Abbaraju - Denver CO, US
Bradley Crume - Lakewood CO, US

Assignee:

PRIMESTAR SOLAR, INC. - Arvada CO

International Classification:

H01L 31/048

US Classification:

136251

Abstract:

Photovoltaic devices are provided that include: a transparent substrate; a plurality of thin film layers on the glass substrate; and, a first lead connected to one of the photovoltaic cells. An encapsulation substrate is positioned on the plurality of thin film layers, and defines a connection aperture through which the first lead extends. The connection aperture has a perimeter defined by an aperture wall of the encapsulation substrate. A support insert is positioned within the connection aperture to mechanically support the transparent substrate in the area of the connection aperture. The support insert is configured such that the first lead is able to extend through the connection aperture while the support insert in place within the connection aperture. A kit is also provided that includes an encapsulation substrate defining a connection aperture; and, a support insert configured to be coupled within the connection aperture of the encapsulation substrate.

US Patent:

20130153002, Jun 20, 2013

Filed:

Dec 15, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/326814

Inventors:

Max William Reed - Niwot CO, US
Bradley Crume - Lakewood CO, US
Loucas Tsakalakos - Niskayuna NY, US
Jeffrey Scott Erlbaum - Albany NY, US
Troy Alan Berens - Evergreen CO, US
Jeffrey Todd Knapp - Golden CO, US

Assignee:

PrimeStar Solar, Inc. - Arvada CO

International Classification:

H01L 31/048

US Classification:

136251

Abstract:

Photovoltaic devices that include a transparent substrate; a plurality of thin film layers defining a plurality of photovoltaic cells connected in series to each other on the transparent substrate; a first lead connected to one of the photovoltaic cells; and an encapsulation substrate on the plurality of thin film layers are provided. The encapsulation substrate defines a connection aperture through which the first lead extends. A support insert, which defines a plug portion and a flange, can be positioned within the connection aperture such that the flange extends over the back surface of the encapsulation substrate. The support insert can be configured to mechanically support the transparent substrate in an area opposite to the connection aperture while still enabling the first lead to extend through the connection aperture while the support insert is in place within the connection aperture.

US Patent:

20130153004, Jun 20, 2013

Filed:

Dec 15, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/326945

Inventors:

Jeffrey Todd Knapp - Golden CO, US
Max William Reed - Niwot CO, US
Loucas Tsakalakos - Niskayuna NY, US
Jeffrey Scott Erlbaum - Albany NY, US

Assignee:

PRIMESTAR SOLAR, INC. - Arvada CO

International Classification:

H01L 31/048
H01R 43/20

US Classification:

136251, 29876

Abstract:

Photovoltaic devices are generally provided that can include, in one particular embodiment, a transparent substrate; a plurality of thin film layers defining a plurality of photovoltaic cells connected in series to each other on the transparent substrate; a first lead connected to one of the photovoltaic cells; and, an encapsulation substrate on the plurality of thin film layers. The encapsulation substrate can generally define a back surface and a connection aperture through which the first lead extends. A junction box can be positioned over the connection aperture and connected to the first lead. The junction box generally comprises a support member extending through the connection aperture to mechanically support the transparent substrate in an area opposite to the connection aperture. Methods and kits are also generally provided.

US Patent:

20130153029, Jun 20, 2013

Filed:

Dec 15, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/326861

Inventors:

Bradley Crume - Lakewood CO, US
Max William Reed - Niwot CO, US
Loucas Tsakalakos - Niskayuna NY, US
Jeffrey Scott Erlbaum - Albany NY, US
Troy Alan Berens - Evergreen CO, US
Jeffrey Todd Knapp - Golden CO, US
Venkata Sai Rahul Chandra Abbaraju - Denver CO, US

Assignee:

PRIMESTAR SOLAR, INC. - Arvada CO

International Classification:

H01L 31/0203
B29C 65/54

US Classification:

136259, 156285

Abstract:

Methods are generally provided for adhering a support insert within a connection aperture defined in an encapsulating substrate of a photovoltaic device that has a first lead. The connection aperture generally has a perimeter defined by an aperture wall of the encapsulating substrate. The method can, in one particular embodiment, include threading the first lead through the connection aperture; and positioning a support insert within the connection aperture such that the first lead is still able to extend through the connection aperture. The support insert can generally define a channel within its construction that extends from a channel opening in the support insert to an exit port. An adhesive composition can be injected into the channel opening such that a first amount of the adhesive composition flows through the channel and out of the exit port to bond the support insert within the connection aperture.

US Patent:

20130249577, Sep 26, 2013

Filed:

Mar 21, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/426011

Inventors:

Jeffrey Todd Knapp - Golden CO, US
Samuel Demtsu - Thornton CO, US
Scott L. French - Superior CO, US

Assignee:

PrimeStar Solar, Inc. - Arvada CO

International Classification:

G01R 31/00

US Classification:

32475003, 32475001

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for performing an accelerated lifetime test on a photovoltaic device are provided. The method can include positioning a first photovoltaic device in a first holder adjacent to a light guide such that a transparent surface of the photovoltaic device faces the light guide, directing light emitted from a first light source into the light guide, and redirecting the light emitted from the first light source within the light guide to illuminate the transparent surface of the photovoltaic device.

US Patent:

20230048984, Feb 16, 2023

Filed:

Aug 10, 2022

Appl. No.:

17/884803

Inventors:

- Austin TX, US
Constantin BULUCEA - Santa Clara CA, US
Alireza MOJAB - Austin TX, US
Jeffrey KNAPP - Caldwell NJ, US
Robert Daniel BRDAR - Driftwood TX, US

Assignee:

IDEAL POWER INC. - Austin TX

International Classification:

H01L 29/747
H01L 29/08
H01L 29/10
H01L 29/66

Abstract:

Bi-directional trench power switches. At least one example is a semiconductor device comprising: an upper base region associated with a first side of a substrate of semiconductor material; an upper-CE trench defined on the first side, the upper-CE trench defines a proximal opening at the first side and a distal end within the substrate; an upper collector-emitter region disposed at the distal end of the upper-CE trench; a lower base region associated with a second side of substrate; and a lower collector-emitter region associated with the second side.