This inventor holds 3 USPTO granted patents. Top assignee: Honeywell G.m.b.h.. Active years: 1978-1979.
Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile
Location History:
- Minnetonka, MN (US) (1978)
- Shakopee, MN (US) (1978 - 1979)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1978-1979
Title: Innovations of Joseph D Heaps
Introduction
Joseph D Heaps is an accomplished inventor based in Shakopee, MN (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of materials science, particularly in the development of ceramic substrates for solar cell applications. With a total of 3 patents, his work has garnered attention for its innovative approaches to enhancing the performance of ceramic materials.
Latest Patents
One of his latest patents involves a ceramic coated with molten silicon. This invention addresses the challenge of coating large area, thin sheets of large-grain polycrystalline silicon on inexpensive ceramic substrates. The ceramic substrates are selected for their thermal expansion coefficients, which are similar to those of silicon. However, traditional ceramics like mullite, alumina, and zirconia do not wet with molten silicon, preventing effective coating. Heaps' invention introduces an interface layer of carbon on the substrate's surface, making it wettable by molten silicon and allowing successful coating.
Another notable patent by Heaps focuses on silicon-coated ceramic substrates with improvements for making electrical contact. In this invention, he discovered that by incorporating narrow slits or small holes in the ceramic substrate, molten silicon can wick through these openings to reach the uncoated surface. This innovation facilitates electrical contact to the interface surface of the silicon, enhancing the functionality of the coated ceramic substrates.
Career Highlights
Joseph D Heaps is currently associated with Honeywell GmbH, where he continues to work on innovative solutions in materials science. His expertise and contributions have positioned him as a valuable asset in the field.
Collaborations
Heaps has collaborated with Obert N Tufte, further enriching his work and expanding the impact of his inventions.
Conclusion
Joseph D Heaps exemplifies the spirit of innovation through his patents and contributions to materials science. His work on ceramic substrates for solar applications showcases his commitment to advancing technology in this field.
Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile