SunWorks Inc (SUNWQ)

[donwillems]

The patent:
http://www.google.com/patents/US20030106581


first rule, claims/differs - sltd has got a standard orientientation, being formed of small chambers facing up.

A silicon structure comprising an aggregate of a plurality of columnar silicon members mainly comprising silicon and having random orientations.[color=red][/color]



Forming of the random chambers - sltd uses lithography for the entire proces, please read the construction thourouhly of their wafer baking method, what can be found in the patent discription of sltd a few posts back.:

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the silicon material containing chlorine is Si2Cl6.
7. The method according to claim 6, wherein an n type or p type silicon structure is formed by using a liquid material prepared by mixing PCl3 or BCl3 into the Si2Cl6.
8. The method according to claim 5, wherein the oxygen gas is introduced so as to provide an oxygen content in the vicinity of the center of the columnar siliconmembers of 3% or less.


=> only these two big differences make the patent unvalid blocking sltd's. They use another form of solar cell and also the process making it completly differs, I'd even dare to say that lithographic techniques mostly are faster nowadays, and for sure a lot more accurate.


Sidenote,
one who would try to make a new product would probably first consult the patent databases before doing more otherwise meaningless research! Sltd will defenitly be aware of these patents and knowing this won't hurt them started their 2nd and third prototype. One should lookup when they produced their first prototype and this patent was submitted?