Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100216277 | Formation of Devices by Epitaxial Layer Overgrowth - Methods and structures are provided for formation of devices, e.g., solar cells, on substrates including, e.g., lattice-mismatched materials, by the use of aspect ratio trapping (ART) and epitaxial layer overgrowth (ELO). In general, in a first aspect, embodiments of the invention may include a method of forming a structure. The method includes forming a first opening in a masking layer disposed over a substrate that includes a first semiconductor material. A first layer, which includes a second semi-conductor material lattice-mismatched to the first semiconductor material, is formed within the first opening. The first layer has a thickness sufficient to extend above a top surface of the masking layer. A second layer, which includes the second semiconductor material, is formed on the first layer and over at least a portion of the masking layer. A vertical growth rate of the first layer is greater than a lateral growth rate of the first layer and a lateral growth rate of the second layer is greater than a vertical growth rate of the second layer. | 08-26-2010 |
20110095363 | Semiconductor Structures Employing Strained Material Layers with Defined Impurity Gradients and Methods for Fabricating Same - Semiconductor structures and devices including strained material layers having impurity-free zones, and methods for fabricating same. Certain regions of the strained material layers are kept free of impurities that can interdiffuse from adjacent portions of the semiconductor. When impurities are present in certain regions of the strained material layers, there is degradation in device performance. By employing semiconductor structures and devices (e.g., field effect transistors or “FETs”) that have the features described, or are fabricated in accordance with the steps described, device operation is enhanced. | 04-28-2011 |
20110120538 | SILICON GERMANIUM SOLAR CELL - A device, system, and method for a silicon germanium solar cell structure. An exemplary silicon germanium solar cell structure has a substrate with a graded buffer layer grown on the substrate. An absorber layer is grown on the graded buffer layer and an emitter layer is grown on the absorber layer. A first junction is provided between the emitter layer and the absorber layer. A second junction may be provided between the substrate and the graded buffer layer. | 05-26-2011 |
20110147772 | GALLIUM NITRIDE WAFER SUBSTRATE FOR SOLID STATE LIGHTING DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Gallium nitride wafer substrate for solid state lighting devices, and associated systems and methods. A method for making an SSL device substrate in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes forming multiple crystals carried by a support member, with the crystals having an orientation selected to facilitate formation of gallium nitride. The method can further include forming a volume of gallium nitride carried by the crystals, with the selected orientation of the crystals at least partially controlling a crystal orientation of the gallium nitride, and without bonding the gallium nitride, as a unit, to the support member. In other embodiments, the number of crystals can be increased by a process that includes annealing a region in which the crystals are present, etching the region to remove crystals having an orientation other than the selected orientation, and/or growing the crystals having the selected orientation. | 06-23-2011 |
20110174376 | Monocrystalline Thin Cell - A device, system, and method for solar cell construction and bonding/layer transfer are disclosed herein. An exemplary structure of solar cell construction involves providing a monocrystalline donor absorber layer. A conductive bonding layer bonds the absorber layer to a carrier substrate. A porous layer or ion implant may be used to form the donor absorber layer. | 07-21-2011 |
20110272011 | Solar Cell - A device, system, and method for a thin Si solar cell with epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) structure described in may demonstrate higher open circuit voltage are disclosed herein. An exemplary thin silicon solar cell structure has a p+ silicon substrate. A dielectric layer is disposed over the p+ silicon substrate. One or more trenches are defined within the dielectric layer. A thin n type silicon layer is grown on the p+ silicon substrate within the trench by epitaxial lateral overgrowth wherein a junction area of the solar cell is minimized. | 11-10-2011 |
20120067423 | Flexible Monocrystalline Thin Silicon Cell - A device, system, and method for solar cell construction and layer transfer are disclosed herein. An exemplary method of solar cell construction involves providing a silicon donor substrate. A porous layer is formed on the donor substrate. A first portion of a solar cell is constructed on the porous layer of the donor substrate. The solar cell and donor substrate are bonded to a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate and the first portion of a solar cell are then separated from the donor substrate at the porous layer. A second portion of a solar cell may then be constructed on the first portion of a solar cell providing a single completed solar cell. | 03-22-2012 |
20120068226 | Formation of Devices by Epitaxial Layer Overgrowth - Methods and structures are provided for formation of devices on substrates including, e.g., lattice-mismatched materials, by the use of aspect ratio trapping and epitaxial layer overgrowth. A method includes forming an opening in a masking layer disposed over a substrate that includes a first semiconductor material. A first layer, which includes a second semiconductor material lattice-mismatched to the first semiconductor material, is formed within the opening. The first layer has a thickness sufficient to extend above a top surface of the masking layer. A second layer, which includes the second semiconductor material, is formed on the first layer and over at least a portion of the masking layer. A vertical growth rate of the first layer is greater than a lateral growth rate of the first layer and a lateral growth rate of the second layer is greater than a vertical growth rate of the second layer. | 03-22-2012 |
20120086047 | Semiconductor Structures Employing Strained Material Layers with Defined Impurity Gradients and Methods for Fabricating Same - Semiconductor structures and devices including strained material layers having impurity-free zones, and methods for fabricating same. Certain regions of the strained material layers are kept free of impurities that can interdiffuse from adjacent portions of the semiconductor. When impurities are present in certain regions of the strained material layers, there is degradation in device performance. By employing semiconductor structures and devices (e.g., field effect transistors or “FETs”) that have the features described, or are fabricated in accordance with the steps described, device operation is enhanced. | 04-12-2012 |
20120273043 | Thin Film Solder Bond - A device, system, and method for solar cell construction and bonding/layer transfer are disclosed herein. An exemplary structure of solar cell construction involves providing a monocrystalline donor layer. A solder bonding layer bonds the donor layer to a carrier substrate. A porous layer may be used to separate the donor layer. | 11-01-2012 |
20130029449 | Semiconductor Sensor Structures with Reduced Dislocation Defect Densities and Related Methods for the Same - Non-silicon based semiconductor devices are integrated into silicon fabrication processes by using aspect-ratio-trapping materials. Non-silicon light-sensing devices in a least a portion of a crystalline material can output electrons generated by light absorption therein. Exemplary light-sensing devices can have relatively large micron dimensions. As an exemplary application, complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor photodetectors are formed on a silicon substrate by incorporating an aspect-ratio-trapping technique. | 01-31-2013 |
20130056053 | SOLAR CELL - A device, system, and method for a multi-junction solar cell is described herein. An exemplary silicon germanium solar cell structure has a substrate with a graded buffer layer grown on the substrate. A base layer and emitter layer for a first solar cell are grown in or on the graded buffer layer. A first junction is provided between the emitter layer and the base layer. A second solar cell is grown on top of the first solar cell. | 03-07-2013 |
20140261652 | SOLAR CELLL - A device, system, and method for a multi junction solar cell are described herein. An exemplary multi-solar cell structure can have a substrate having a first surface having a (111) crystalline etched surface. A dielectric layer can be deposited on the first surface of the substrate. A graded buffer layer can be grown on a second surface of the substrate with the second surface having a (100) crystalline surface. A first solar subcell within or on top of the graded buffer layer and a second solar subcell grown on top of the first solar subcell. | 09-18-2014 |
20150221832 | GALLIUM NITRIDE WAFER SUBSTRATE FOR SOLID STATE LIGHTING DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Gallium nitride wafer substrate for solid state lighting devices, and associated systems and methods. A method for making an SSL device substrate in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes forming multiple crystals carried by a support member, with the crystals having an orientation selected to facilitate formation of gallium nitride. The method can further include forming a volume of gallium nitride carried by the crystals, with the selected orientation of the crystals at least partially controlling a crystal orientation of the gallium nitride, and without bonding the gallium nitride, as a unit, to the support member. In other embodiments, the number of crystals can be increased by a process that includes annealing a region in which the crystals are present, etching the region to remove crystals having an orientation other than the selected orientation, and/or growing the crystals having the selected orientation. | 08-06-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080216427 | Padded water ride surfaces - The present invention relates to an improvement in the construction of water ride surfaces and comprises at least one layer of soft permeable material built into the padded substrate of a structurally supported ride surface. The permeable material connects to a drainage system and is preferably sandwiched between a slick skin upper waterproof membrane, and a supporting substrate beneath it. The advantage to this improvement is when water leaks through the waterproof membrane, the permeable material prevents water from building up inside the padded substrate, and allows the water to be drained out, rather than blistering and bubbling up under the waterproof membrane, thereby helping to preserve the integrity and longevity of the ride surface. | 09-11-2008 |
20090169305 | Method and apparatus for varying water flow for stationary sheet flow water rides - The invention relates to a water ride with adjustable nozzles for adjusting the speed and depth of the flow of water emanating from the nozzles and onto the ride surface. The nozzles have a bladder that can be used to adjust the height of the opening and therefore the depth of the water flow. More than one adjustable nozzle can be used to vary the flow effects across the width of the ride surface. Additional adjustment bladders can be provided underneath the inclined portion of the ride surface, wherein by adjusting each bladder independently, the tilt of the ride surface transverse to the direction of flow can be adjusted. | 07-02-2009 |
20090176588 | Method and apparatus for storing and transporting portable stationary sheet flow water rides - The invention relates to a portable water ride having a trailer with a water catch basin built therein, wherein at least two pivoting supports are provided which can be deployed to an expanded position and stowed to a vertical position. When the supports are deployed, a flexible ride surface can be stretched between said supports to form an inclined ride surface upon which a sheet flow of water from a nozzle housing can be provided upon which water skimming maneuvers can be performed. A walkway on either side of the ride surface, as well as an entrance platform at the top of the ride surface, and other grated platforms, railings, etc., can also be provided. | 07-09-2009 |
20090191785 | SURF TOY ACTION FIGURE AND SIMULATED SURFING GAME - The present invention provides a miniature live-action surfing attraction and associated surf game specifically adapted for use with one or more surf toy action figures. The surf toy action figures are mountable to a surf board appropriately sized and weighted to provide relatively stable or semi-stable surf-riding action upon a sheet flow of water flowing up an inclined ride surface of the reduced scale attraction. Various surf action figures may be set free upon the ride surface, or they may be constrained or partially constrained by wires, strings, magnets or the like, as desired. Alternatively, or in addition, they may be controlled via a remote control, or radio control transmitter, as desired. Thus, a fun and entertaining game is created that provides realistic live-action surfing within a relatively small or confined area. | 07-30-2009 |
20100000014 | Wave pool with moving reef wave generator extension and counter current - The invention relates to a wave pool with a beach having a body of water and a wave generator that travels along a relatively shallow channel across from the beach. The wave generator is adapted to travel through the channel and displace the water in the channel to create primary waves on which surfing maneuvers can be performed. The primary waves in turn enter into the body of water to produce secondary waves that can be acted upon by the inclined pool floor so that they eventually break and spill onto the beach. The water in the channel is preferably provided with a reverse current to enable the absolute speed of the wave generator to be reduced, which allows the channel to be shorter in length without significantly impacting the wave effects that are created, which helps reduce the cost of construction. The wave generator is preferably provided with a forward extending wing section that causes the leading edge to extend further out in front of the flow forming surface, which provides added safety to the participants. | 01-07-2010 |
20100125943 | Method and apparatus for dampenning waves in a wave pool - Disclosed is a method and apparatus for dampening waves preferably comprising a wave pool having two portions, a first wave forming portion with an inclined section oriented obliquely relative to the travel direction of the waves that causes the waves to begin breaking, and a second wave dampening portion having a relatively deep solid chamber floor and a raised perforated floor above it for dampening the waves after they begin to break. The properties of the raised floor, including its porosity, its depth (relative to the chamber depth), and the characteristics of the waves to be dampened, including the wave height and shape, are taken into account in designing a dampening system that substantially dissipates the waves, which in turn, reduces wave reflections and rip currents that can interfere with the next oncoming waves, and thereby, help to maintain quality surfing waves at high frequencies without increasing pool size. | 05-27-2010 |
20110237337 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STORING AND TRANSPORTING PORTABLE STATIONARY SHEET FLOW WATER RIDES - The invention relates to a portable water ride having a trailer with a water catch basin built therein, wherein at least two pivoting supports are provided which can be deployed to an expanded position and stowed to a vertical position. When the supports are deployed, a flexible ride surface can be stretched between said supports to form an inclined ride surface upon which a sheet flow of water from a nozzle housing can be provided upon which water skimming maneuvers can be performed. A walkway on either side of the ride surface, as well as an entrance platform at the top of the ride surface, and other grated platforms, railings, etc., can also be provided. | 09-29-2011 |
20130130815 | FLOW DIVIDER FOR SHEET FLOW WATER RIDES - The invention relates to a flow divider for a sheet flow water ride having an inclined ride surface capable of dividing it into two or more sections, wherein more than one rider can then safely ride on the water ride at the same time. The water ride preferably comprises an inclined ride surface on which a sheet flow of water is propelled that substantially conforms to the contours of the ride surface. The flow divider is preferably an inflatable tube that can be extended longitudinally over the sheet flow, in substantially the same direction thereof, and float, wherein in the preferred embodiment, it is secured at its front end to the water ride and its back end is relatively free to pivot and shift from side to side, such that the momentum of the sheet flow helps to keep it oriented downstream and in the appropriate position. The air pressure in the tube is preferably adjustable to enable the divider to be inflated to the appropriate stiffness. | 05-23-2013 |
20130199433 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING AND STABILIZING A WAVE GENERATOR TRAVELING THROUGH A BODY OF WATER - The invention relates to a positively buoyant wave generator adapted to travel through a body of water, wherein specific features are incorporated into the wave generator to help create and off-set various hydrodynamic forces that can act on the wave generator as it travels through the water. Rather than eliminating these hydrodynamic forces, the invention seeks to create and counter these forces, which has been found to help keep the wave generator in substantial equilibrium. For example, a connecting member can be extended forward and below the wave generator's center of buoyancy, such that as the wave generator is pulled, it creates an upward force that helps to counter a downward force acting on the front end of the wave generator as water is lifted up. Various internal moments can also be created and off-set by adjusting the center of gravity and/or center of buoyancy and using these forces to help keep the wave generator in substantial equilibrium. Different configurations, surfaces and curvatures can also be used to help create additional counteracting and stabilizing forces and moments. | 08-08-2013 |
20140133914 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING WAVES SUITABLE FOR SURFING USING STAGGERED WAVE GENERATORS EXTENDED ALONG A CURVED STAGGER LINE - The invention relates to a wave pool having a deep end and a shallow end, wherein a plurality of wave generators is provided along the deep end that are extended along a curved stagger line positioned at an oblique angle relative to the moving waves. The wave generators are preferably extended in a substantially staggered manner relative to the travel direction of the waves, wherein a pair of dividing walls is preferably provided in front of each generator, wherein the dividing walls are extended substantially forward with an outward fade angle of no more than about 20 degrees relative to each other. The wave generators are preferably operated in sequence, such that a plurality of wave segments is generated, and such that the wave segments can travel forward and then merge together to form a substantially uniform resultant wave which travels forward and then breaks along the shallow end. | 05-15-2014 |
20140189948 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING PROGRESSIVE WAVES SUITABLE FOR SURFING USING STAGGERED WAVE GENERATORS IN SEQUENCE - The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for a wave pool having a deep end and a shallow end, wherein a plurality of wave generators is provided for producing wave segments in the wave pool. The wave generators are preferably extended substantially along the deep end in a substantially staggered manner relative to the travel direction of the wave segments. A pair of dividing walls is preferably provided in front of each wave generator, wherein the dividing walls are extended substantially forward in the travel direction and substantially parallel to each other or with a fade angle of no more than about 20 to 30 degrees relative to each other. The wave generators are preferably operated in sequence from one side of the pool to the other, such that a plurality of wave segments is generated at pre-selected time intervals, and such that the plurality of wave segments can travel forward and then, due to the stagger of the wave generators, merge together to form a substantially uniform resultant periodic wave. The resultant wave forms and travels forward and then breaks along the shallow end which preferably comprises a break line. | 07-10-2014 |
20150033465 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DAMPENING WAVES IN A WAVE POOL USING PADDED GRATE DRAINAGE SYSTEM - A wave pool for producing waves having a first wave forming portion with an inclined section and a second wave dampening portion having a raised floor above a bottom chamber floor wherein the raised floor preferably has multiple openings thereon and a predetermined porosity (γ) within the range of 0<γ≦0.5, such that as the waves travel across the wave dampening chamber, a boundary layer of energy absorbing vortices and eddies are generated above and below the raised floor resulting from water flowing up and down through the perforations, which helps to dampen the waves, and wherein the raised floor preferably comprises a padded grate drainage system consisting of multiple elongated members formed by rigid bars with foam adhered on one side thereof, which are encapsulated by a water impervious layer. | 02-05-2015 |
20150065261 | FLOW DIVIDER FOR SHEET FLOW WATER RIDE - The invention relates to a flow divider for a sheet flow water ride having an inclined ride surface capable of dividing it into two or more sections, wherein more than one rider can then safely ride on the water ride at the same time. The water ride can include an inclined ride surface on which a sheet flow of water is propelled that can conform to the contours of the ride surface. The flow divider can be an inflatable tube that can float and extend longitudinally over the sheet flow in the same direction thereof. The flow divider can be secured at its front end to the water ride, and its back end can be relatively free to pivot and shift from side to side. In some embodiments, the air pressure in the tube can be adjusted to enable the divider to be inflated to the appropriate stiffness. | 03-05-2015 |
20150089731 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING AND CONTROLLING BREAKER WAVES IN A WAVE POOL - A wave pool having multiple wave breaking zones extending across the pool floor, wherein different wave breaking formations with different wave characteristics can be generated within each zone, using the same wave energy derived from the same original wave, wherein surfers with different abilities can surf in different locations within the same pool. Specific features are provided that enable breaker waves to be properly managed and controlled such that intermediate/advanced surfers can surf in one zone and beginner surfers can surf in another zone. Included are special dividers to prevent surfers from crossing from one zone to the next, while at the same time, allowing wave energy to pass through. An attenuating means is provided to help reduce the choppiness of the waves. Unique exit areas are provided along the sidewalls to enable surfers to exit from the wave pool at various locations, such as directly from the zones, so that surfers don't have to surf or traverse all the way to the shallow end to exit the pool. | 04-02-2015 |
20150107013 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DAMPENING WAVES IN A WAVE POOL - A wave pool for producing waves having a first wave forming portion with an inclined section oriented obliquely relative to the travel direction of the waves and a second wave dampening portion having a raised perforated floor above a bottom chamber floor wherein the raised floor is preferably extended substantially horizontally at a predetermined depth in the water or at a slight incline, and wherein the raised floor preferably has a predetermined porosity (γ) within the range of 0<γ≦0.5, such that as the waves travel across the wave dampening chamber, a boundary layer of energy absorbing vortices and eddies are generated above and below the raised floor resulting from water flowing up and down through the perforations, which helps to dampen the waves. | 04-23-2015 |
20160053504 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING WAVES SUITABLE FOR SURFING USING WAVE-FORMING CAISSONS WITH FLOATING WAVE ATTENUATOR - A wave generator for a wave pool with a floating attenuator housed within a caisson compartment that has mass, density and weight characteristics that enable it to remain substantially in contact with the top surface of the water in the compartment. Additional mechanisms are provided which help to keep the attenuator in a substantially horizontal orientation within the caisson, such that unwanted wave motions and water movements within the caisson compartment can be substantially reduced or eliminated. These mechanisms include the adaptation of a vertical post within the compartment and cable and pulley systems that are designed to help control the up and down movement of the attenuator as it travels up and down within the compartment. | 02-25-2016 |