The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 09, 2013
Filed:
Mar. 07, 2011
Michael C. Meyers, San Jose, CA (US);
Michael C. Meyers, San Jose, CA (US);
Miasole, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Abstract
Provided are novel building integrable photovoltaic (BIP) modules having flexible connectors and methods of interconnecting thereof. According to various embodiments, a BIP module includes one or more photovoltaic cells positioned on a support sheet and two or more electrical connectors attached to the support sheet. At least two conductive elements of these connectors are electrically coupled to the photovoltaic cells. One connector includes a connector body and an arm, which allows the connector body to move with respect to the support sheet at least in a direction perpendicular to the support sheet. This flexibility may be used to electrically interconnect modules as well as other purposes. Another connector also has a connector body, which may be flexibly or rigidly attached to the same support sheet. Positioning two connectors on opposite edges of the module allows forming a row of electrically interconnected modules.