Load lock solar cell transfer system

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 10069030
APP PUB NO 20170170356A1
SERIAL NO

14985294

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

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Abstract

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Systems and methods for transferring solar cells while maintaining a controlled micro-environment are provided. In particular, such systems provide automated loading and unloading of solar cells by use of a conveyor and elevator within a tank receptacle sealingly connected with a solar cell carrying pods and a flow tube of solar cell components in a solar cell fabrication process. The tank receptacle can include one or more ports for sealingly and operably coupling with a cover of a solar cell carrying pod, each port having an elevator for withdrawing a removable base of the pod along with a solar cell carrying cassette into the tank and a conveyor to facilitate loading and/or unloading of solar cells with the cassette by coordinated movement of the elevator and conveyor. Such systems can further include a robotic arm having a gripper and nozzle to maintain a micro-environment within the pod during transport.

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First Claim

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Patent Owner(s)

  • SOLARCITY CORPORATION

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Gonzalez, Pablo Fremont, US 31 555

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Maintenance Fees

Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee due date
7.5 Year Payment $3600.00 $1800.00 $900.00 Mar 4, 2026
11.5 Year Payment $7400.00 $3700.00 $1850.00 Mar 4, 2030
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Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional $1,640.00 $820.00 $410.00