Frank Sanford Prescott

Title: Frank Sanford Prescott: Innovator in Photovoltaic Technology

Introduction

Frank Sanford Prescott is a notable inventor based in Berthoud, Colorado. He has made significant contributions to the field of photovoltaic technology, holding a total of 2 patents. His work focuses on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of thin film photovoltaic devices.

Latest Patents

One of Prescott's latest patents is titled "Heat strengthening of a glass superstrate for thin film photovoltaic devices." This patent describes a process and apparatus for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. In this particular embodiment, the process includes depositing a photovoltaic absorber layer on a glass substrate, heating the glass substrate to an anneal temperature, and quenching the glass substrate to cool it to a quenched temperature in less than 10 seconds. The quenched temperature can be about 85°C to about 200°C less than the anneal temperature, and the quenching atmosphere can have a quenching pressure of about 1 torr or more, including an inert gas.

Another significant patent is "System and method for gapping conveyed substrates." This patent discloses a method for gapping substrates conveyed through a vacuum chamber. The method includes positioning an upstream substrate outside the vacuum chamber while a downstream substrate is conveyed within the chamber. It involves detecting the position of the downstream substrate and conveying the upstream substrate into the vacuum chamber at a conveyance rate greater than that of the downstream substrate to set a gap between the two substrates.

Career Highlights

Frank Sanford Prescott is currently associated with First Solar, Inc., a leading company in the solar energy sector. His work at First Solar has allowed him to apply his innovative ideas in a practical setting, contributing to advancements in solar technology.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Prescott has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Sean Timothy Halloran and James Victor Schaefer. These collaborations have further enriched his work and contributed to the development of innovative solutions in the photovoltaic field.

Conclusion

Frank Sanford Prescott is a distinguished inventor whose work in photovoltaic technology has led to significant advancements in the field. His patents reflect his commitment to innovation and efficiency in solar energy solutions.