Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080277183 | System and method for security enhanced rideshare - A method and system for a comprehensive security-enhanced rideshare system is provided. The rideshare program includes localization, mapping and ride matching for participants. Participation incentives and revenue methods provide for the financial viability of the rideshare system. Participant security is monitored in near real-time using location-determining communication devices used by the participants in the system. The rideshare system monitors a number of security-indicating criteria and takes action when an anomalous condition is recognized. | 11-13-2008 |
20090057944 | Micro-Extrusion Printhead Nozzle With Tapered Cross-Section - A micro-extrusion printhead assembly utilized in a micro-extrusion system to form parallel extruded gridlines of material on a substrate includes a nozzle having a tapered (e.g., triangular or trapezoidal) cross-section arranged such that a lower surface of each gridline is substantially wider than its upper edge, and such that side surfaces of the extruded gridlines reflect incident light beams into exposed surface areas of the substrate, thereby minimizing the effective shadowed surface area under the gridline. In one embodiment, the fluidic channels of each nozzle are fabricated by cutting or etching progressively wider channels into a series of rigid layers, and then stacking the rigid layers to form a layered nozzle structure. In another embodiment, a single layer is processed to include a tapered cross-section having the desired triangular or trapezoidal cross-section. | 03-05-2009 |
20090077807 | Self-Releasing Spring Structures And Methods - According to various exemplary embodiments, a spring device that includes a substrate, a self-releasing layer provided over the substrate and a stressed-metal layer provided over the self-releasing layer is disclosed, wherein an amount of stress inside the stressed-metal layer results in a peeling force that is higher than an adhesion force between the self-releasing layer and the stressed-metal layer. Moreover, a method of manufacturing a spring device, according to various exemplary embodiments, includes providing a substrate, providing a self-releasing layer over the substrate and providing a stressed-metal layer over the self-releasing layer wherein an amount of stress inside the stressed-metal layer results in a peeling force that is higher than an adhesion force between the self-releasing layer and the stressed-metal layer is also disclosed in this invention. | 03-26-2009 |
20090107546 | CO-EXTRUDED COMPOSITIONS FOR HIGH ASPECT RATIO STRUCTURES - A material set that can be used for making high aspect ratio lines includes a sacrificial feedstock comprising an organic polymer, a solvent, and one or more optional additives, and a functional material that forms a ribbon with the sacrificial feedstock without the sacrificial feedstock and the functional material substantially intermixing, wherein the sacrificial feedstock has a yield strength of greater than about 100 Pa or a viscosity of greater than about 10 | 04-30-2009 |
20090239331 | METHODS FOR FORMING MULTIPLE-LAYER ELECTRODE STRUCTURES FOR SILICON PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS - Methods for forming a photovoltaic cell electrode structure, wherein the photovoltaic cell includes a semiconductor substrate having a passivation layer thereon, includes providing a plurality of contact openings through the passivation layer to the semiconductor substrate, selectively plating a contact metal into the plurality of contact openings to deposit the contact metal, depositing a metal containing material on the deposited contact metal, and firing the deposited contact metal and the deposited metal containing material. The metal containing material may include a paste containing a silver or silver alloy along with a glass frit and is substantially free to completely free of lead. The methods may also use light activation of the passivation layer or use seed layers to assist in the plating. | 09-24-2009 |
20090239332 | Bifacial Cell With Extruded Gridline Metallization - Provided is a bifacial photovoltaic arrangement comprising a bifacial cell which included a semiconductor layer having a first surface and a second surface, a first passivation layer formed on the first surface of the semiconductor layer and a second passivation layer formed on the second surface of the semiconductor layer, and a plurality of metallizations formed on the first and second passivation layers and selectively connected to the semiconductor layer. At least some of the metallizations on the bifacial photovoltaic arrangement comprising an elongated metal structure having a relatively small width and a relatively large height extending upward from the first and second passivation layers. | 09-24-2009 |
20090286069 | COEXTRUSION INK CHEMISTRY FOR IMPROVED FEATURE DEFINITION - Improved coextruded ribbons of material, such as can be used for making relatively fine conductive or ceramic lines or structures, having relatively high aspect ratios, are provided. The inks used to form the coextruded structures lack a yield stress and a high viscosity, but react at their interface to form a material having a finite yield stress or a high viscosity. This material then supports the shape of the extruded ink such that structures can be formed therefrom. | 11-19-2009 |
20090314344 | Solar Cell Production Using Non-Contact Patterning And Direct-Write Metallization - Photovoltaic devices (i.e., solar cells) are formed using non-contact patterning apparatus (e.g., a laser-based patterning systems) to define contact openings through a passivation layer, and direct-write metallization apparatus (e.g., an inkjet-type printing or extrusion-type deposition apparatus) to deposit metallization into the contact openings and over the passivation surface. The metallization includes two portions: a contact (e.g., silicide-producing) material is deposited into the contact openings, then a highly conductive metal is deposited on the contact material and between the contact holes. The device wafers are transported between the patterning and metallization apparatus in hard tooled registration using a conveyor mechanism. Optional sensors are utilized to align the patterning and metallization apparatus to the contact openings. An extrusion-type apparatus is used to form grid lines having a high aspect central metal line that is supported on each side by a transparent material. | 12-24-2009 |
20100116199 | Directional Extruded Bead Control - A micro-extrusion printhead assembly utilized in a micro-extrusion system to form parallel extruded lines of material on a substrate includes a material feed system for pushing/drawing materials out of extrusion nozzles defined in the printhead assembly, a Z-axis positioning mechanism, and a base. The micro-extrusion printhead includes a layered nozzle structure sandwiched between back and front plate structures. The layered nozzle structure includes stacked plates including top and bottom nozzle plates sandwiching a nozzle outlet plate. According to various embodiments, at least one of the nozzle structure materials of the printhead assembly, the output geometry of the printhead assembly, and the internal conduit geometry of the printhead assembly are modified to cause the bead traveling through the extrusion nozzle to be reliably directed (biased) toward the target substrate as it leaves the printhead nozzle orifice. | 05-13-2010 |
20100117254 | Micro-Extrusion System With Airjet Assisted Bead Deflection - A gas jet source is used in conjunction with a micro-extrusion printhead assembly in a micro-extrusion system to bias extruded material onto a target substrate. The micro-extrusion system includes a material feed system for pushing/drawing materials out of extrusion nozzles defined in the printhead assembly as the printhead assembly is moved over the substrate. The gas jet source is positioned near the nozzle outlets, and directs a gas jet against the extruded material as it exits the extrusion nozzles such that the extruded material is reliably directed (biased) toward the target substrate. In some embodiments the gas jet causes slumping (flattening) of the extruded material against the substrate, producing low aspect ratio lines that may be merged to form a connected structure. | 05-13-2010 |
20100118081 | Dead Volume Removal From An Extrusion Printhead - A micro-extrusion printhead assembly utilized in a micro-extrusion system to form parallel extruded lines on a substrate includes a material feed system for pushing/drawing materials through flow channels and out of extrusion nozzles defined in the printhead assembly. The micro-extrusion printhead includes a layered nozzle structure sandwiched between plate structures, and the flow channels are defined by slots and holes formed in the layered/plate structures. Prior to use, solid forming fluid is passed through the printhead assembly such that the forming fluid occupies dead volumes (e.g., corners and pockets) of the flow channels. The solid forming fluid is then flushed from the flow channels such that portions of the solid forming fluid are retained in the dead volumes. The retained portions are then solidified to form solid structures that fill the dead volumes. In subsequent use, the solid structures prevent stagnation of extrusion material in the dead volumes. | 05-13-2010 |
20100126574 | Melt Planarization Of Solar Cell Bus Bars - Solar cells include bus bars and high aspect-ratio gridlines that are printed on a substrate, and localized melting is induced to slump or flatten the gridline “vertex” portions that are disposed on the bus bars, while maintaining the high aspect-ratio of gridlines portions disposed on the substrate between the bus bars. The localized melting process is induced using one of several disclosed methods, such as rheological melting in which the two printed inks produce a compound that is relatively liquid. Localized melting is also induced using a deliquescing material (e.g., a flux or a solvent film) that is applied to the bus bar or gridline material. Also, eutectic melting is induced using a processing temperature that is between a melting point of the combined gridline/bus bar inks and the individual melting points of the inks alone. Laser-based melting and the use of copolymers is also disclosed. | 05-27-2010 |
20100139754 | Solar Cell With Co-Planar Backside Metallization - A solar cell includes two backside metallization materials that are simultaneously extrusion deposited on a semiconductor substrate such that both a back surface field (BSF) metal layer (e.g., Al) and a solder pad metal structure (e.g., AgAl) are coplanar and non-overlapping, and the two metals abut each other to form a continuous metal layer that extends over the backside surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the solder pad metal is formed directly on the backside surface of the substrate, either by co-extruding the two materials in the form of a continuous sheet, or by depositing spaced apart structures that are then flattened to contact each other by way of an air jet device. In another embodiment, the solder pad metal is disposed over a thin layer of the BSF metal (i.e., either disposed directly on the BSF metal, or disposed on an intervening barrier layer) using a co-extrusion head. | 06-10-2010 |
20100140442 | Oblique Parts or Surfaces - Various structures, such as microstructures and wall-like structures, can include parts or surfaces that are oblique. In some implementations, a cantilevered element includes a spring-like portion with a uniformly oblique surface or with another artifact of an oblique radiation technique. In some implementations, when a deflecting force is applied, a spring-like portion can provide deflection and spring force within required ranges. Various oblique radiation techniques can be used, such as radiation of a layer through a prism, and structures having spring-like portions with oblique radiation artifacts can be used in various applications, such as with downward or upward deflecting forces. | 06-10-2010 |
20100140858 | 'All In One' Spring Process For Cost-Effective Spring Manufacturing And Spring Self-Alignment - A method of forming spring structures using a single lithographic operation is described. In particular, a single lithographic operation both defines the spring area and also defines what areas of the spring will be uplifted. By eliminating a second lithographic operation to define a spring release area, processing costs for spring fabrication can be reduced. | 06-10-2010 |
20100144216 | Oblique Parts or Surfaces - Various structures, such as microstructures and wall-like structures, can include parts or surfaces that are oblique. In some implementations, a cantilevered element includes a spring-like portion with a uniformly oblique surface or with another artifact of an oblique radiation technique. In some implementations, when a deflecting force is applied, a spring-like portion can provide deflection and spring force within required ranges. Various oblique radiation techniques can be used, such as radiation of a layer through a prism, and structures having spring-like portions with oblique radiation artifacts can be used in various applications, such as with downward or upward deflecting forces. | 06-10-2010 |
20100213161 | Capillary-Channel Probes For Liquid Pickup, Transportation And Dispense Using Stressy Metal - Fluidic conduits, which can be used in microarraying systems, dip pen nanolithography systems, fluidic circuits, and microfluidic systems, are disclosed that use channel spring probes that include at least one capillary channel. Formed from spring beams (e.g., stressy metal beams) that curve away from the substrate when released, channels can either be integrated into the spring beams or formed on the spring beams. Capillary forces produced by the narrow channels allow liquid to be gathered, held, and dispensed by the channel spring probes. Because the channel spring beams can be produced using conventional semiconductor processes, significant design flexibility and cost efficiencies can be achieved. | 08-26-2010 |
20100216669 | Capillary-Channel Probes For Liquid Pickup, Transportation And Dispense Using Stressy Metal - Fluidic conduits, which can be used in microarraying systems, dip pen nanolithography systems, fluidic circuits, and microfluidic systems, are disclosed that use channel spring probes that include at least one capillary channel. Formed from spring beams (e.g., stressy metal beams) that curve away from the substrate when released, channels can either be integrated into the spring beams or formed on the spring beams. Capillary forces produced by the narrow channels allow liquid to be gathered, held, and dispensed by the channel spring probes. Because the channel spring beams can be produced using conventional semiconductor processes, significant design flexibility and cost efficiencies can be achieved. | 08-26-2010 |
20100230771 | METHODS AND ARRANGEMENT FOR DIFFUSING DOPANTS INTO SILICON - A method for diffusing two dissimilar dopant materials onto a semiconductor cell wafer in a single thermal processing step. The method includes placing a first dopant source on a semiconductor cell wafer, placing said cell wafer into a thermal processing chamber comprising one or more cell wafer slots, subjecting said cell wafer to a thermal profile; and annealing said cell wafer in the presence of a second dopant source. | 09-16-2010 |
20100280752 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING PARTICIPANT SECURITY IN A RIDESHARE ENVIRONMENT - A system and method for monitoring participant security in a rideshare environment is provided. A rideshare participant device is made available to at least one rideshare participant during a rideshare. A security check is triggered while the rideshare is in progress. An action is performed based on the security check during which security information is gathered regarding the rideshare participant device. The security information is analyzed for any inconsistencies. A security response provider is contacted when the inconsistency is identified. | 11-04-2010 |
20100280852 | System And Method For Financial Transactions In A Rideshare Environment - A system and method for financial transactions in a rideshare system is provided. An economic demand is determined for a rideshare transaction. An economic supply is also determined for the rideshare transaction. A rideshare transaction price is set based at least in part upon the economic supply and the economic demand determined for the rideshare transaction. | 11-04-2010 |
20100280854 | System And Method For Matching Participants In A Rideshare Program - A method and system for matching participants in a rideshare program is provided. A participant rating is identified in a rideshare environment. A rideshare participation score is generated for the identified participant. The identified participant is assigned to a rideshare transaction with at least one other participant in the rideshare program based on the rideshare participation score. | 11-04-2010 |
20100314323 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUS FLOW MEMBRANE-LESS ALGAE DEWATERING - In one aspect of the presently described embodiments, the system comprises an inlet to receive at least a portion of the fluid containing algae, a curved channel within which the fluid containing algae flows in a manner such that the neutrally buoyant algae flow in a band offset from a center of the curved channel, a first outlet for the fluid with algae within which the band flows, and, a second outlet for the remaining fluid. | 12-16-2010 |
20110018719 | System And Method For Rideshare Security - A system and method for rideshare security is provided. A rideshare participant device is made available to at least one rideshare participant during a rideshare. A security check is triggered while the rideshare is in progress. An action is performed based on the security check. Security information regarding the rideshare participant device is gathered and analyzed for inconsistencies. A security response provider is contacted when the inconsistency is identified. | 01-27-2011 |
20110022491 | System And Method For Assigning Participants To A Rideshare Based On Financial Transactions - A system and method for financial transactions in a rideshare system is provided. A rideshare environment with multiple rideshare transactions is maintained. Each rideshare transaction includes one or more participants. Bids are received from potential participants for a position in at least one of the rideshare transactions. At least one potential participant is assigned to one of the rideshare transactions based on one of the bids. | 01-27-2011 |
20110023937 | SOLAR ENERGY CONVERTER ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF FABRICATING THE SAME - According to one embodiment, a display system disclosed herein includes louver elements adjacent to a light-receiving surface of a solar energy converter. Each louver element includes a display surface and a non-display surface. The display surfaces of the louver elements at least partially obstruct a view of the light-receiving surface. Light is reflectable off the non-display surfaces of the louver elements to the light-receiving surface. | 02-03-2011 |
20110093193 | System And Method For Monitoring The Security Of Participants In A Rideshare Environment - A system and method for monitoring the security of participants in a rideshare environment is provided. A rideshare transaction is monitored between two or more rideshare participants. At least one of the rideshare participants is associated with a rideshare participant device. A predetermined route for the rideshare transaction is identified. A location of the rideshare participant device is monitored. A security check is triggered when the rideshare participant device location is inconsistent with the predetermined route. | 04-21-2011 |
20110149006 | SELF-ASSEMBLING STRUCTURES FOR ELECTROSTATIC EXTRACTION OF PIGMENTS FROM LIQUID INKS FOR MARKING - A fabricated structure for use with an associated marking device is provided. In one form, the fabricated structure includes a self-lifting spring finger having a nib for marking. | 06-23-2011 |
20110196708 | System And Method For Financing A Rideshare System - A system and method for financing a rideshare system is provided. A rideshare transaction is arranged. Potential participants are identified for the rideshare transaction. Two or more of the potential participants are matched for inclusion in the rideshare transaction. Revenue is derived through an offering of insurance coverage for the arranged rideshare transaction. | 08-11-2011 |
20110196709 | System And Method For Setting A Rideshare Transaction Fee - A system and method for setting a rideshare transaction fee is provided. Data is maintained for rideshare transactions, each associated with a route. At least one rideshare transaction that travels along a particular route is identified. A number of drivers offering transportation on that particular route and a number of passengers seeking transportation on the particular route are determined. A transaction fee for the rideshare transaction along the particular route is set. The transaction fee is increased when there are more passengers seeking transportation than drivers offering transportation. The transaction fee is decreased when there are more drivers offering transportation than passengers seeking transportation. | 08-11-2011 |
20120129342 | METHOD FOR FABRICATING A SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATE WITH A CO-PLANAR BACKSIDE METALLIZATION STRUCTURE - A method for fabricating a backside metallization structure on a semiconductor substrate including moving a printhead having at least one nozzle orifice relative to the semiconductor substrate, and feeding an Al passivation layer ink and an AgAl soldering pad ink through said printhead such that both said Al passivation layer ink and said AgAl soldering pad ink are simultaneously extruded from said at least one nozzle orifice and deposited onto the semiconductor substrate. | 05-24-2012 |
20120193297 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUS FLOW MEMBRANE-LESS ALGAE DEWATERING - In one aspect of the presently described embodiments, the system comprises an inlet to receive at least a portion of the fluid containing algae, a curved channel within which the fluid containing algae flows in a manner such that the neutrally buoyant algae flow in a band offset from a center of the curved channel, a first outlet for the fluid with algae within which the band flows, and, a second outlet for the remaining fluid. | 08-02-2012 |
20130008869 | Oblique Parts or Surfaces - Various structures, such as microstructures and wall-like structures, can include parts or surfaces that are oblique. In some implementations, a cantilevered element includes a spring-like portion with a uniformly oblique surface or with another artifact of an oblique radiation technique. In some implementations, when a deflecting force is applied, a spring-like portion can provide deflection and spring force within required ranges. Various oblique radiation techniques can be used, such as radiation of a layer through a prism, and structures having spring-like portions with oblique radiation artifacts can be used in various applications, such as with downward or upward deflecting forces. | 01-10-2013 |