Apple Wins Patent Relating to Methods of Solar Cell Assembly

Apple has received a Granted Patent that relates to new methods and apparatus for assembling integrated circuit components to substrates; and more specifically relates to improved methods and apparatus for singulating semiconductor devices after mounting to a substrate. Along with uses with other types of semiconductor devices, the present invention provides particular advantages with respect to the assembly of components including solar cells, such as in the forming of solar arrays.

Using the example of semiconductor die which include photo-voltaic cells, commonly referred to as "solar cells," many if not most applications of solar cells require the use of multiple such cells in order to form a useful assembly, such as a solar panel. Such solar panels may range from relatively small, such as only a few square inches, as might be used to provide power to a portable, consumer-type device.

Apple's patent FIG. 6 noted above depicts a portion of a placement device (600), such as a conventional die placement device, conventionally known as a "pick and place" machine, in process of performing its function, as adapted for purposes of the present invention. For example, such a placement device typically includes an arm, as depicted at 602, with a contact head 604 coupled thereto.

One advantage of the system of this example is that the separate motions required of the placement device to fully populate all mounting sites of a printed circuit board are significantly reduced relative to conventional technology, wherein each mounting site would be populated with a discrete solar cell die.

One of the methods noted in Apple's patent includes the act of laser dicing the semiconductor wafer segment through use of a frequency-doubled, diode pumped semiconductor laser.

When we begin seeing patents about solar cell array manufacturing methods with this kind of detail, it's a good sign that Apple is further along on delivering this technology in the future than some may think.

To review Apple's 12 patent claims and invention detailing, see granted patent 8,039,360. Apple credits Bradley Spare, Michael Hillman and Gregory Tice as the inventors of this patent which was originally filed in Q3 2008.

Apple Wins a Patent for Harnessing External Light to Illuminate a Display

Apple has received a Granted Patent that relates to apparatus and methods for harnessing external light to illuminate a display screen of an electronic device such a MacBook or iPhone. Our March 2010 report covered this extensively.

Apple's Abstract: Apparatus and methods for harnessing external light to illuminate a display screen of an electronic device are provided. The display screen may be illuminated using a light harness, a reflector, a translucent surface, or any combination thereof. The light harness may be cylindrical or hexahedral. The light harness may be coupled to an external light input or a collector. The reflector may be repositioned toward or away from the display screen to reflect external light toward the display screen. The translucent surface may allow external light to pass through it to illuminate the display screen. The translucent surface may protect the rear face of the display screen, or the rear face of the display screen may itself be translucent.

In some embodiments, the power supply could include one or more batteries for providing power (e.g., when the devices are portable devices such as a cellular telephone or a laptop computer) or the power supply could can be configured to generate power from a natural source (e.g., solar power using solar cells).

Being that patents present concepts, the drawings don't have to be highly accurate as to what the final product will actually look like in its finished form. Meaning that Apple could have the top third of the MacBook's back-lid fold down and act as a sun reflector powering a line of solar cells that are behind it. However the end product looks like, we all know that Apple's designs are always thoroughly thought out. Patent graphics have to be understood as only having to reflect a concept and not the final product's appearance.

To review Apple's 56 patent claims and/or invention detailing, see granted patent 8,040,465. Apple credits Peter Mahowald as the sole inventor of this patent which was originally filed in Q3 2008.

Notice: Patently Apple presents only a brief summary of granted patents with associated graphics for journalistic news purposes as each Granted Patent is revealed by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Readers are cautioned that the full text of any Granted Patent should be read in its entirety for full details. About Comments: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit comments.

Tidbit: Apple Plans Solar Farm at Data Center Site

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