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Hachtmann

Bill R. Hachtmann, Oakhurst, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100151094METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND SYSTEMS FOR THE REMOVAL OF PEELS FROM AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE - Methods, apparatuses, and systems for removing the peels/skins from agricultural produce, such as fruits and vegetables, are disclosed. The peel and/or the connection between the peel and the flesh of the produce can be at least partially destroyed by a caustic fluid and/or steam. Once the peel has been sufficiently loosened from the flesh, forced air may be applied to the surface of the produce to remove the loosened peel and any residual caustic fluid. Using air to remove the loosened peel instead of the conventional use of water significantly reduces the freshwater requirements and substantially reduces the quantity of wastewater discharge with very low concentration of contaminants. The peels, caustic fluid, and water can be collected and separated, after which the peels can be neutralized and fed to livestock, used as fertilizer, or used for pectin production, and the caustic fluid and residual water can recycled into the system.06-17-2010

Bruce Hachtmann, San Martin, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090014057PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES WITH INTEGRATED DEVICES - One photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and at least one device selected from a sensor, a data storage device and an indicator. Another photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a flexible circuit configured to act as an antenna for electromagnetic radiation. Methods of using such photovoltaic modules are also disclosed.01-15-2009
20100122730POWER-LOSS-INHIBITING CURRENT-COLLECTOR - A power-loss-inhibiting current-collector. The power-loss-inhibiting current-collector includes a trace for collecting current from a solar cell. The power-loss-inhibiting current-collector further includes a current-limiting portion of the power-loss-inhibiting current-collector. The current-limiting portion of the power-loss-inhibiting current-collector is coupled to the trace. The current-limiting portion of the power-loss-inhibiting current-collector is configured to regulate current flow through the power-loss-inhibiting current-collector.05-20-2010
20100236628Composition and method of forming an insulating layer in a photovoltaic device - A solar cell includes a first electrode located over a substrate, at least one p-type semiconductor absorber layer located over the first electrode, the p-type semiconductor absorber layer comprising a copper indium selenide (CIS) based alloy material, an n-type semiconductor layer located over the p-type semiconductor absorber layer, an insulating aluminum zinc oxide layer located over the n-type semiconductor layer, the insulating aluminum zinc oxide having an aluminum content of 100 ppm to 5000 ppm and a second electrode over the insulating aluminum layer, the second electrode being transparent and electrically conductive. The insulating aluminum zinc oxide having an aluminum content of 100 ppm to 5000 ppm, may be deposited by pulsed DC, non-pulsed DC, or AC sputtering from an aluminum doped zinc oxide having an aluminum content of 100 ppm to 5000 ppm.09-23-2010
20110108087Photovoltaic Modules with Integrated Devices - One photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and at least one device selected from a sensor, a data storage device and an indicator. Another photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a flexible circuit configured to act as an antenna for electromagnetic radiation. Methods of using such photovoltaic modules are also disclosed.05-12-2011
20110318941Composition and Method of Forming an Insulating Layer in a Photovoltaic Device - A solar cell includes a first electrode located over a substrate, at least one p-type semiconductor absorber layer located over the first electrode, the p-type semiconductor absorber layer comprising a copper indium selenide (CIS) based alloy material, an n-type semiconductor layer located over the p-type semiconductor absorber layer, an insulating aluminum zinc oxide layer located over the n-type semiconductor layer, the insulating aluminum zinc oxide having an aluminum content of 100 ppm to 5000 ppm and a second electrode over the insulating aluminum layer, the second electrode being transparent and electrically conductive. The insulating aluminum zinc oxide having an aluminum content of 100 ppm to 5000 ppm, may be deposited by pulsed DC, non-pulsed DC, or AC sputtering from an aluminum doped zinc oxide having an aluminum content of 100 ppm to 5000 ppm.12-29-2011

Patent applications by Bruce Hachtmann, San Martin, CA US

Bruce D. Hachtmann, San Martin, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110300661SOLAR CELL INTERCONNECTION METHOD USING A FLAT METALLIC MESH - An improved method for interconnecting thin film solar cells to form solar cell modules is provided, the method comprising using a flat metallic mesh formed from a thin metallic strip to provide a current collection grid over a thin film solar cell. The method is particularly useful for forming interconnections between thin film solar cells deposited on flexible substrates. The rectangular cross sectional shape of the mesh elements provides an increased area of electrical contact to the solar cell compared to the small tangential area provided by elements of circular cross section. Mesh elements can be made higher rather than wider to improve conductivity without proportionally increasing shading loss. Various coatings can be applied to the mesh to improve its performance, provide corrosion resistance, and improve its cosmetic appearance.12-08-2011

William Hachtmann, Madera, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120110777DEVICE FOR CLEANING GROOVED SURFACES OF A MOVING TRANSPORT - The device for cleaning grooved surfaces of a moving transport, such as escalators and moving walkways, includes a frame supporting at least one vacuum pump and a plurality of vacuum heads and a plurality of brush heads. A carriage is attached relative to the frame to which at least one of the plurality of vacuum heads and brush heads are slidably attached. The carriage can be attached to the frame in a multitude of ways, including utilizing a four-bar linkage. The carriage is positionable between a stored position and a deployed position. Additionally, the carriage can be angularly adjustable to align with a horizontal plane of the grooved surface. A handle can be pivotably attached to the frame wherein pivotable movement of the handle is mechanically coupled to movement of the carriage between the stored and deployable positions.05-10-2012