Patent Description:
In general, one process that can be used to construct an electronic device includes encapsulating electronic components on a substrate. The electronic components can be encapsulated on the substrate by placing a pre-formed film on top of the electronic components and then placing the substrate with the electronic components and the film into an oven. The oven can be used to heat the film, causing it to soften. The softened film can be shaped over the electronic component, and allowed to cool and solidify. After solidifying, the film may encapsulate the electronic components on the substrate. When using a pre-formed film that is to be heated for subsequent shaping over the component to be encapsulated, often the film must be self-supporting to allow handling of the film before heating. When using a film that is thick enough to be self-supporting, the film in some instances may have enough weight that there is the risk of damaging the electronic components during the process. For example, electronic components formed of brittle material may be susceptible to damage from shock or impact that may occur when positioning a pre-formed film, particularly one with suitable thickness to be self-supporting. Additionally, in order for a pre-formed film to be self-supporting, the film often will have a certain thickness, which may lead to the resulting encapsulation layer being undesirably thick. Using a pre-formed film may also lead to voids or bubbles being formed within the encapsulating film, for example, between the encapsulation layer and the components to be encapsulated, as a result of gas being trapped between the film and the component to be encapsulated during the encapsulation process. The encapsulation process sometimes includes a vacuum step during which gas is removed from within the encapsulating material while the encapsulating material is still soft. A vacuum step can be undesirable as it often adds additional steps to an encapsulation process.

<CIT> relates to methods and devices for environmental protection for photovoltaic devices and assemblies. In one embodiment, the device comprises an individually encapsulated solar cell, wherein the encapsulated solar cell includes at least one protective layer coupled to at least one surface of the solar cell and the protective layer may be formed from a substantially inorganic material. The protective layer has a chemical composition that prevents moisture from entering the solar cell and wherein light passes through the protective layer to reach an absorber layer in the solar cell.

Photovoltaic cells are often formed of brittle wafers and can include silicon or glass. As a result, photovoltaic cells are susceptible to damage from scratches, shock, and impact. In the past, forming photovoltaic cells into a photovoltaic array, such as solar array, required attaching photovoltaic cells to a backing (e.g., a substrate), placing a pre-formed film on top of the cells and then placing the entire configuration (i.e., the substrate with the photovoltaic cells and the pre-formed film) into an oven. In the oven, the film was heated, which caused it to melt and form over the cells so as to encapsulate the photovoltaic cells. When using a pre-formed film in this way, there is a risk of damaging the photovoltaic cells. Using pre-formed films may result in an encapsulation layer having an undesirable thickness.

There is a need for a method of encapsulating components (e.g., electronic components) that does not damage the component being encapsulated and that produces articles in which the interface between the component and the encapsulating composition is free of voids.

Disclosed herein is a method of encapsulating an electronic component. The method includes applying a first layer (<NUM>) of an encapsulating composition onto an electronic component from an applicator roll (<NUM>), the electronic component being disposed on a substrate (<NUM>). The applicator roll (<NUM>) includes an outer surface (<NUM>) and is spaced apart from the electronic component such that a gap (<NUM>) exists between the applicator roll (<NUM>) and the electronic component. The gap (<NUM>) controls the thickness of the first layer of encapsulating composition. The first layer (<NUM>) of encapsulating composition encapsulates the electronic component on the substrate (<NUM>). An interface between the surface of the electronic component and the encapsulating composition is substantially free of voids, wherein the term "void" means a space occupied by a gas, and the phrase "substantially free of voids" means that no voids having a cross sectional dimension greater than <NUM> are present and that on average from <NUM> to no greater than <NUM> voids are present for each square millimeter of encapsulation composition. Applying the first layer (<NUM>) includes:.

The method can provide encapsulated articles that exhibit minimal voids or are free of voids.

In some aspects, applying the first layer includes passing the substrate past the applicator roll and turning the applicator roll in the same direction as a direction of travel of the substrate. In some aspects, a tangential speed of the applicator roll is greater than a linear speed of the substrate. In some aspects, applying the first layer includes passing the substrate past the applicator roll in a first direction and turning the applicator roll in a direction opposite the first direction. In some aspects, the method further comprises heating the first layer of encapsulating composition after applying the first layer of encapsulating composition. In some aspects, applying the first layer includes passing the substrate past the applicator roll at a velocity no greater than <NUM> meter per minute.

The component is an electronic component. In some aspects, the size of the gap defined between the electronic component and the applicator roll is about <NUM>. In some aspects, the first layer of the encapsulating composition exhibits a thickness of about <NUM>. In some aspects, the application temperature of the encapsulating composition is from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In some aspects, the application temperature of the encapsulating composition is no greater than <NUM>. In some aspects, the application temperature of the encapsulating composition is no greater than <NUM>. In some aspects, the encapsulating composition is at least one of polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, and an amorphous poly alpha olefin. In some aspects, the electronic component is a semiconductor device.

Disclosed herein is a method of encapsulating an electronic component on a surface of a substrate (<NUM>). The method includes applying a first layer (<NUM>) of an encapsulation composition onto a substrate (<NUM>) from an applicator roll (<NUM>). The applicator roll (<NUM>) includes an outer surface (<NUM>) and is spaced apart from the substrate (<NUM>) such that a gap (<NUM>) exists between the applicator roll (<NUM>) and the substrate (<NUM>). The gap (<NUM>) controls the thickness of the first layer (<NUM>) of encapsulation composition. The method includes positioning an electronic component on the first layer (<NUM>) of encapsulation composition. The method includes applying a second layer (<NUM>) of encapsulation composition onto the electronic component from the applicator roll (<NUM>), such that the electronic component is encapsulated within the encapsulating composition and the encapsulating composition is substantially free of voids, wherein the term "void" means a space occupied by a gas, and the phrase "substantially free of voids" means that no voids having a cross sectional dimension greater than <NUM> are present and that on average from <NUM> to no greater than <NUM> voids are present for each square millimeter of encapsulation composition. Applying the first layer (<NUM>) of encapsulating composition includes:.

In some aspects, applying the first layer of encapsulating composition includes controlling the size of a gap defined between an outer surface of the applicator roll and the surface of the substrate, such that the applicator roll does not contact the substrate. In some aspects, applying the second layer of encapsulating composition includes controlling the size of a gap defined between an outer surface of the applicator roll and the surface of the substrate, such that the applicator roll does not contact the electronic component. In some aspects, the first layer of encapsulating composition defines a first thickness that is less than a thickness of the electronic device. In some aspects, the second layer of encapsulating composition defines a second thickness that is less than a thickness of the electronic device.

In some aspects, applying the first layer of encapsulating composition includes passing the substrate past the applicator roll in a first direction and turning the applicator roll in the same direction as the first direction. In some aspects, a tangential speed of the applicator roll is greater than a linear speed of the substrate. In some aspects, applying the first layer of encapsulating composition includes passing the substrate past the applicator roll in a first direction and turning the applicator roll in a direction opposite the first direction. In some aspects, the method further comprises heating the first layer of encapsulating composition after applying the first layer of encapsulating composition on the substrate. In some aspects, the encapsulating composition is applied as a liquid. In some aspects, the application temperature of the encapsulating composition is from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. In some aspects, the application temperature of the encapsulating composition is no greater than <NUM>. In some aspects, the application temperature of the encapsulating composition is no greater than <NUM>. In some aspects, the first layer of encapsulating composition defines a first thickness, and wherein the positioning step further comprises positioning the electronic component in the first thickness of the encapsulating composition.

Disclosed herein is a system (<NUM>) for encapsulating an electronic component. The system (<NUM>) includes a feed device (<NUM>). The system (<NUM>) further includes an applicator roll (<NUM>) defining an outer surface (<NUM>) configured to apply an encapsulating composition to a surface of a substrate (<NUM>). The system (<NUM>) further includes a support structure (<NUM>) configured to advance the substrate (<NUM>) past the applicator roll (<NUM>). The system further includes an elevator (<NUM>) configured to control the size of a gap (<NUM>) defined between the surface (<NUM>) of the substrate (<NUM>) and the outer surface (<NUM>) of the applicator roll (<NUM>). The applicator roll (<NUM>) is configured to apply the encapsulating composition onto an electronic component positioned along the surface (<NUM>) of the substrate (<NUM>) without the applicator roll (<NUM>) contacting the electronic component. The applicator roll (<NUM>) is configured to apply an encapsulating composition onto an electronic component such that the encapsulating composition is substantially free of voids, wherein the term "void" means a space occupied by a gas, and the phrase "substantially free of voids" means that no voids having a cross sectional dimension greater than <NUM> are present and that on average from <NUM> to no greater than <NUM> voids are present for each square millimeter of encapsulation composition. the applicator roll (<NUM>) is configured to.

In some aspects, the support structure is configured to move a substrate in a direction tangent to a circumference of the applicator roll, and the elevator is configured to move the substrate in a direction radial to the circumference of the applicator roll. In some aspects, the elevator is configured to control a thickness of a layer of encapsulating composition deposited by the applicator roll by controlling the size of the gap. In some aspects, the system further comprises a heating element configured to heat an encapsulating composition disposed on a substrate.

Disclosed herein is an electronic article including an electronic component having an exterior surface and an encapsulating composition in direct contact with the exterior surface of the electronic component. The area of contact between the encapsulating composition and the exterior surface of the electronic article defines an interface, and the interface is substantially free of voids. The encapsulating composition is selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic composition exhibiting a viscosity of from <NUM> centipoise (cP) to no greater than <NUM>,<NUM> cP at <NUM>, and a cured composition derived from silane-modified thermoplastic polymer, vinyl modified styrenic block copolymer, vinyl modified hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer, acrylate polymer, and combinations thereof.

In some aspects, the thermoplastic composition includes silane-modified amorphous polyalphaolefin, silane-modified metallocene catalyzed polyolefin, silane-modified acrylate, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the thermoplastic composition includes a hot melt adhesive composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer and at least one of a tackifying agent, a plasticizer, and a wax.

Disclosed herein is an encapsulation process that does not require forming a pre-formed film and does not require heating a pre-formed film in an oven to melt and encapsulate a component. This disclosure includes an encapsulation processes that provides an encapsulation layer with a relatively lower coat weight relative to the coat weight of an encapsulation layer formed from a pre-formed film.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the disclosure.

As used herein the phrase "substantially free of voids" means that no voids having a cross sectional dimension greater than <NUM> are present and that on average from <NUM> to no greater than <NUM> voids are present for each square millimeter of encapsulation composition.

As used herein the term "void" means a space occupied by a gas (e.g., air, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and combinations thereof).

The process of encapsulating a component includes applying a liquid encapsulating composition on a component that is positioned on a substrate so as to encapsulate the component within the encapsulating composition and to produce an encapsulated article in which the interface between the encapsulating composition and the component is substantially free of voids. The interface is the area of direct contact between the component and the encapsulating composition.

The liquid encapsulating composition is applied to the component from an applicator roll that is spaced apart from the component such that a gap exists between the applicator roll and the component. The gap controls the thickness of the layer of encapsulating composition formed from the liquid encapsulating composition. The process optionally includes coating a substrate with a first liquid encapsulating composition to form a first layer and contacting the first layer with the component prior to applying a layer of liquid encapsulating composition on the component. Multiple layers of encapsulating composition can be coated on at least one of the substrate and the component. Where multiple layers of encapsulating composition are present, the layers can be formed from the same or different encapsulating composition. In addition, where multiple layers of encapsulating composition have been applied, at least two of the layers optionally fuse together to form a single layer. Any number of layers of encapsulating composition having any suitable coat weight can be applied to achieve a desired total coating thickness.

The process can be carried out as an in-line process. The process may be carried out as consecutive steps as the substrate and the component to be encapsulated proceed through a processing line without the need to remove them from the processing line.

As shown in <FIG>, an encapsulated article <NUM> includes a substrate <NUM>, a component <NUM>, and a first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition disposed on the component <NUM> and the substrate <NUM>. The component <NUM> is completely encapsulated by the first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition and an interface <NUM> is defined between the encapsulating composition and the component <NUM>. The interface <NUM> is substantially free of voids. <FIG> shows the substrate <NUM> coated with the first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition and the component <NUM> positioned on the first layer <NUM>. As shown, the encapsulated article <NUM> includes the substrate <NUM>, the first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition disposed on the substrate <NUM>, the component <NUM>, and a second layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition disposed on the component <NUM> and the substrate <NUM>. The component <NUM> is completely enclosed within the first layer <NUM> and second layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition and positioned on a surface of the substrate <NUM> such that the component <NUM> "floats" above the surface of the substrate <NUM>. In other words, the component <NUM> may be completely enclosed within the encapsulating composition, and the first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition separates the component <NUM> and the substrate <NUM>. The substrate <NUM> and the component <NUM> are attached to each other via the first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition.

The component <NUM> and the substrate <NUM> may be mechanically or chemically connected by the first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition with the component <NUM> and the substrate <NUM> free from direct contact with each other. The component <NUM> may be attached to the substrate <NUM> via the first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition, and electrically insulated from the substrate <NUM> by the first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition. In some examples, the component <NUM> may be separated from the substrate <NUM> by the first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition, and the component <NUM> can be electrically connected to the substrate <NUM>, such as with a wire. The encapsulating composition may be electrically conductive such that the component <NUM> may be in electronic communication with the substrate <NUM> by the encapsulating composition.

The component <NUM> may be an electronic component. The component <NUM> may include one or more electronic components. The component <NUM> may include a plurality of electronic components, for example, positioned to form an array. For example, the component <NUM> may include a plurality of photovoltaic cells positioned along the substrate <NUM> to form a photovoltaic array. The component <NUM> may be one or more electronic components that are in electronic communication with each other, such as with a wire connecting the one or more electronic components with each other. In a further example, the component <NUM> may be one or more electronic components that are in electronic communication with each other and with the substrate <NUM>, such as with a wire connecting the one or more electronic components with each other and the substrate <NUM>, or through an electrically conductive encapsulating composition.

Any suitable system for coating a liquid composition on a substrate may be used with the process of encapsulating the component within the encapsulating composition including, e.g., roll coating systems, meniscus coating systems, and other systems suitable for applying a liquid composition to a substrate. The system also can be used as part of a process that is generally referred to as roll coating. Suitable commercially available roll coating systems are available under a variety of under the trade designations including, e.g., HARDO T150 roll coating systems available from Hardo (Bad Salzuflen, Germany) OMMA HGS <NUM> roll coating systems available from Omma (Limbiate, Italy), and HARDO-THERMO <NUM> roll coating systems that include a shuttle system such as a PU SHUTTLE available from Hardo (Bad Salzuflen, Germany). Additional examples of suitable roll coating systems include roller coating lines such as single-sided and double-sided roller coating systems, roller coating systems for anti-light reflective coating, and multifunctional coating systems suitable examples of which are available from Robert Bürkle GmbH (Freudenstadt, Germany).

<FIG> is a schematic view of a system <NUM> for coating a component with an encapsulating composition. As shown in <FIG>, one example of the system <NUM> for use with the process of one or more encapsulating components includes an applicator roll <NUM>, a feed device <NUM>, a support structure <NUM>, an elevator <NUM>, an optional nip roll <NUM> and an optional heating element <NUM>. The applicator roll <NUM> defines a central axis <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> defines a support surface <NUM>. A substrate <NUM> is positioned on the support structure <NUM>. The substrate <NUM> defines a first surface <NUM>.

A feed supply <NUM> of encapsulating composition is positioned between the feed device <NUM> and the applicator roll <NUM>, an applicator layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition is positioned along the outer surface <NUM> of the applicator roll <NUM>, and a first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition is positioned along the first surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>.

The feed device <NUM> is positioned proximate to the applicator roll <NUM>. The feed device <NUM> can be any device suitable for supplying encapsulating composition as a liquid, including e.g., a roll, a nozzle, a blade, a nip, or any similar device for supplying liquid encapsulating composition to the outer surface <NUM> of the applicator roll <NUM>. The feed device <NUM> optionally includes an extruder, for example an extruder that can provide a liquid encapsulating composition and feed it to the applicator roll <NUM>, for example through a slot nozzle or as a curtain. In general, the feed device <NUM> is configured to provide the feed supply <NUM> of encapsulating composition to the applicator roll <NUM>. In some embodiments, the feed device <NUM> is configured to provide encapsulating composition at a volumetric feed rate suitable for maintaining a bulk volume of encapsulating composition between the feed supply <NUM> and the applicator roll <NUM>. For example, the feed supply <NUM> may be a bulk volume such as a pool of encapsulating composition.

In some embodiments, the feed device <NUM> is configured to control a thickness of the encapsulating composition that is disposed along the outer surface <NUM> of the applicator roll <NUM>. For example, the applicator layer <NUM> may define a thickness as measured from the outer surface <NUM> of the applicator roll <NUM> to the outermost point of the applicator layer <NUM> measured in the radial direction from the outer surface <NUM>. The feed device <NUM> may control the thickness of the applicator layer <NUM> by controlling a volumetric feed rate of encapsulating composition to the applicator roll <NUM>. In some instances, a suitable volumetric feed rate of encapsulating composition from the feed device <NUM> may provide the feed supply <NUM> and maintain a bulk volume of encapsulating composition between the feed device <NUM> and the applicator roll <NUM>. The applicator roll <NUM> can take up encapsulating composition as the applicator roll <NUM> rotates and the outer surface <NUM> passes through the feed supply <NUM> that is maintained as a bulk volume. In some instances, the thickness of the applicator layer <NUM> may be determined by certain process parameters, such as the tangential speed of the applicator roll <NUM>, or certain characteristics of the encapsulating composition, such as temperature, viscosity, wettability, or surface tension. Additionally or alternatively, the feed device <NUM> controls the thickness of the applicator layer <NUM> by regulating how the encapsulating composition is provided to the outer surface <NUM>, such as spreading the applicator layer <NUM> onto the applicator roll <NUM>. For example, the feed device <NUM> may be used to lay the encapsulating composition onto the applicator roll <NUM> and mechanically spread the applicator layer <NUM> to form a suitable thickness. In some embodiments, the feed device <NUM> is configured to provide the encapsulating composition while the encapsulating composition is at a temperature from about <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, about <NUM>, or about <NUM>, to about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, or about <NUM>, or a temperature between any pair of the foregoing values, although additional temperatures are further contemplated.

The applicator roll <NUM> is generally shaped as a cylinder that defines the central axis <NUM>, and defines the outer surface <NUM> as oriented in a radial direction from the central axis <NUM>. The applicator roll <NUM> may define a length as measured in the direction along the central axis <NUM>, e.g. along the longitudinal axis. The applicator roll <NUM> is configured to receive encapsulating composition from the feed supply <NUM>, carry the encapsulating composition at a suitable thickness as an applicator layer <NUM>, and apply the encapsulating composition to an object positioned on the support structure <NUM>. The applicator roll <NUM> is configured to rotate around the central axis <NUM>. For example, the applicator roll <NUM> can rotate in the counter clock wise direction, as shown by the arrow <NUM>, or in the clock wise direction, as shown by the arrow <NUM>. The applicator roll <NUM> may be driven by a motor (not shown) and a rotational speed of the applicator roll <NUM> may be regulated using a control system to increase or decrease the rotational speed. The rotational speed may be selected such that the tangential speed of the applicator roll <NUM> is suitable, for example, at a suitable speed in relation to a linear speed of the support structure <NUM>. In some embodiments, the applicator roll <NUM> is heated. For example, the applicator roll <NUM> may include heated coils or steam tubes inside the outer surface <NUM>, or the system <NUM> may include a heating element (not shown) proximate the outer surface <NUM> of the applicator roll <NUM> to heat the applicator roll <NUM> and a material disposed on the outer surface <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> of the applicator roll <NUM> can be formed of any suitable material that provides the desired surface properties, including e.g., stainless steel, which may be uncoated or may be coated with a layer of an additional material such as rubber.

The support structure <NUM> is located proximate to the applicator roll <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> transports an object, such as the substrate <NUM>, past the applicator roll <NUM>. In some embodiments, the support structure <NUM> is a unitary body, for example, a material having a planar surface that defines the support surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the support structure <NUM> includes a plurality of discrete surfaces that in combination form the support structure <NUM>, such as a series of rollers located in sequence, for example, that an object can roll on past the applicator roll <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> is configured to move an object along a first direction of travel, such as in the direction shown by the arrow <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> optionally includes a mechanism for advancing an object at a suitable linear speed along the first direction of travel in relation to the applicator roll <NUM>, for example, a motor to move the support structure <NUM> if it is a unitary body, or a series of motors if the support structure <NUM> includes a series of rollers.

The support structure <NUM> can be configured to move an object positioned along the support surface <NUM> in a tangential direction relative to the outer surface <NUM> of the applicator roll <NUM>, such as along the direction shown by the arrow <NUM>. For example, if the support structure <NUM> includes a unitary body, the support structure <NUM> can be configured such that the entire support surface <NUM> moves in relation to the applicator roll <NUM> and carries the substrate <NUM> past the applicator roll <NUM>. If the support structure <NUM> includes a series of structures, such as a series of consecutive rollers, or a combination of rollers and platforms, the support structure <NUM> can be configured to move the substrate <NUM> along from one roller or platform to the next. In some embodiments, the support structure <NUM> can be controlled to move the substrate <NUM> horizontally at a suitable speed.

In some embodiments, the support structure <NUM> is configured to move up or down, i.e. in a radial direction in relation to the central axis <NUM> of the applicator roll <NUM>, which is the direction shown by the arrow <NUM>. In some embodiments, the elevator <NUM> is configured to move the support structure <NUM> toward or away from the applicator roll <NUM>. That is, the elevator <NUM> can be configured to move the entire support structure <NUM> in the radial direction in relation to the central axis <NUM>, such as along the direction shown by the arrow <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the system includes a gap <NUM> defined between the outer surface <NUM> of the applicator roll <NUM> and the support structure <NUM> or an object positioned on the support structure <NUM>. If the support structure <NUM> is free of objects along the support structure <NUM>, the gap <NUM> is defined by the support surface <NUM> of the support structure <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the applicator roll <NUM>. If a substrate <NUM> is positioned between the support structure <NUM> and the applicator roll <NUM>, the gap <NUM> is defined by the first surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the applicator roll <NUM>. In some embodiments, the elevator <NUM> can be controlled to move the support structure <NUM> toward or away from the applicator roll <NUM>, such that the elevator <NUM> controls the size of the gap <NUM>. In some embodiments, the elevator <NUM> can be controlled to move the support structure <NUM> toward or away from the applicator roll <NUM> while the support structure <NUM> is moving the substrate <NUM> past the applicator roll <NUM>, such as in a direction tangent to the applicator roll <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the elevator <NUM> is configured to control the distance of the support structure <NUM> from the applicator roll <NUM>, for example, the distance from the applicator roll <NUM> in the radial direction, as shown by arrow <NUM>. The elevator <NUM> can be configured to control the size of the gap <NUM> by moving the support structure <NUM> closer to or further away from the applicator roll <NUM>. In some instances, the elevator <NUM> controls the size of the gap <NUM> such that the outer surface <NUM> of the applicator roll <NUM> does not directly contact the at least one of support structure <NUM> and an object on the support structure <NUM> such as the substrate <NUM>. For example, the support structure can move the support structure <NUM> and control size of the gap <NUM> to be same as or less than the thickness of the applicator layer <NUM>. In some instances, having the elevator <NUM> configured to help move the substrate <NUM> and any components positioned along the surface of the substrate <NUM> helps to the control size of the gap <NUM> to a defined distance between the applicator roll <NUM> and the substrate <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the elevator <NUM> can be controlled to move the support structure <NUM> toward or away from the applicator roll as the substrate <NUM> is moving past the applicator roll <NUM>. The system <NUM> optionally includes a sensor (not shown) or any suitable detection device that measures the height of the substrate <NUM> above the support surface <NUM> and the elevator <NUM> can be controlled to move the support structure <NUM> so that the size of the gap <NUM> between the first surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the applicator roll <NUM> is controlled at a suitable size. For example, the sensor may detect that there are no objects positioned on the support structure <NUM>, and the elevator <NUM> can move the support structure <NUM> such that the gap <NUM> is at a desired size. If an object, such as the substrate <NUM>, is positioned on the support structure <NUM> and approaches the applicator roll <NUM>, the sensor can detect the height of the substrate <NUM> and move the support structure <NUM> away from the applicator roll <NUM> so that the gap <NUM> between the substrate <NUM> and the applicator roll <NUM> is maintained at the desired size.

In some embodiments, the size of the gap <NUM> determines the thickness of the encapsulating composition that is applied to the component. When the applicator layer <NUM> contacts the substrate <NUM> it can transfer encapsulating composition to the substrate <NUM>. As the applicator roll <NUM> continues to turn it continues applying encapsulating composition to the substrate <NUM>. If the encapsulating composition is incompressible, the thickness of the first layer <NUM> is restricted by the size of the gap <NUM>. For instance, because the encapsulating composition is incompressible, the thickness of the first layer <NUM> may be limited by size of the gap <NUM> as the height of the first layer <NUM> is inhibited from exceeding the height of the gap <NUM>. In this manner, the applicator roll <NUM> spreads the encapsulating composition onto the substrate <NUM> and the gap <NUM> defines the height of the first layer <NUM>. In some instances, the volumetric rate that the encapsulating composition is applied to the substrate is controlled by the rotational speed of the applicator roll <NUM>, the length of the applicator roll <NUM>, the thickness of the applicator layer <NUM>, and the linear speed of the substrate <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the nip roll <NUM> is positioned such that the support structure <NUM> is between the nip roll <NUM> and the applicator roll <NUM>. The nip roll <NUM> can be controlled such that it can be moved closer to or further away from the applicator roll <NUM>. The nip roll <NUM> can be adapted to rotate in a direction parallel to the applicator roll <NUM>. That is, the nip roll <NUM> rotates about a central longitudinal axis that is parallel to the central axis <NUM> of the applicator roll. The nip roll <NUM> can be adapted to help the move the substrate <NUM> past the applicator roll <NUM>, and to aid in biasing the substrate <NUM> towards or away from the applicator roll <NUM>. For example, the nip roll <NUM> may cooperate with at least one of the elevator <NUM> and the support structure <NUM> to move the substrate <NUM> past the applicator roll <NUM> while helping to control the size of the gap <NUM>. It is also envisioned that in some instances, the system <NUM> does not include the nip roll <NUM>. For example, the nip roll <NUM> might not be included if the support structure <NUM> is moved in the direction of arrow <NUM>.

The heating element <NUM> can be positioned proximate the support structure <NUM> at a suitable distance. The heating element <NUM> may be configured to provide heat to the substrate <NUM> and increase the temperature of at least one of the material of the substrate <NUM> and the material of the first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition. The heating element <NUM> can be any suitable device that can be used to heat an object positioned on the support structure <NUM>. In some embodiments, the heating element <NUM> is configured to provide hot air and to direct a flow of hot air to an object positioned on the support structure <NUM>. In other embodiments, the heating element <NUM> is configured to provide heat through ambient thermal radiation, infrared radiation, or microwave radiation, and combinations thereof.

As shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> can be used to apply an encapsulating composition on a first surface <NUM> of a substrate <NUM> positioned on a support structure <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the system <NUM> can be used to apply encapsulating composition on components 60a, 60b, 60c positioned on the substrate <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the system <NUM> applies a first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition onto a first component 60a, for example directly onto the first component 60a and onto portions of the substrate <NUM> around the first component 60a.

The applicator roll <NUM> is spaced apart from the first component 60a such that a gap <NUM> is formed between the applicator roll <NUM> and the first component 60a. The size of the gap <NUM> controls the thickness of the first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition. In some instances, controlling additional parameters of the system <NUM>, such as the rotational speed of the applicator roll <NUM>, can aid in controlling the thickness of the first layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition encapsulates the first component 60a on the substrate <NUM>. That is, the first layer <NUM> completely covers the first component 60a and encapsulates it with the substrate <NUM> positioned on a first side of the first component 60a and encapsulating composition on the remaining sides of the first component 60a. In some embodiments, the applicator roll <NUM> is configured to apply the encapsulating composition at an application temperature from about <NUM>, about <NUM>, or about <NUM>, to about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, or about <NUM>, or a temperature between any pair of the foregoing values, although additional temperatures are further contemplated.

The system <NUM> can be used to apply multiple layers of encapsulating composition on a component. The system <NUM> can apply a second layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition directly onto the first layer <NUM>, the first component 60a, and combinations thereof. The applicator roll <NUM> applies the first layer <NUM> on a first component 60a positioned on the substrate <NUM>. Then the substrate <NUM> and the coated first component 60a are passed through the system <NUM> again and a second layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition is applied on the surface of the first layer <NUM>, the first component 60a, or both. In some embodiments, a processing line includes multiple systems <NUM> arranged in line, such that the first component 60a is passed through a first embodiment of the system <NUM> where the first layer <NUM> is applied, which is then passed through a second system <NUM> located downstream from the first system <NUM>, and the second layer <NUM> is applied by the second system <NUM>. The first and second systems <NUM> can be the same or different. The encapsulating compositions used to form the first <NUM> and the second layers <NUM> can be of the same or different compositions.

The support structure <NUM> moves the substrate <NUM> past the applicator roll <NUM> in the direction shown by the arrow <NUM> while the encapsulating composition is being applied. The applicator layer <NUM> can be brought in contact with the substrate to be coated or the component to be encapsulated and apply encapsulating composition to form the first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition. As the substrate <NUM> moves in the direction shown by the arrow <NUM>, the elevator <NUM> can simultaneously move the substrate <NUM> along the direction shown by arrow <NUM> and control the size of the gap <NUM>. The elevator <NUM> can move the support structure <NUM> such that the size of the gap <NUM> is controlled at a consistent size as the components 60a, 60b, 60c pass the applicator roll <NUM>. As an example, the elevator <NUM> can move the support structure <NUM> closer to the applicator roll <NUM> as the portion of the substrate <NUM> without the first component 60a passes, such that the size of the gap <NUM> between the first surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> is a suitably defined distance. As the first component 60a passes the applicator roll <NUM> the elevator <NUM> can move the support structure <NUM> away from the applicator roll <NUM> to maintain the size of the gap <NUM> at the suitably defined distance. The elevator can <NUM> move the support structure <NUM> farther away from the applicator roll <NUM> as the second component 60b and third component pass 60c such that the size of the first layer <NUM> is the same over the components 60a, 60b, and 60c as over the portions of the substrate <NUM> in between or around the 60a, 60b, and 60c. In some instances, the elevator <NUM> is held at a constant height such that the size of the gap <NUM> between the support structure <NUM> and the applicator roll <NUM> stays the same as the substrate <NUM> moves past the applicator roll <NUM>. For example, the support structure <NUM> can move the substrate <NUM> and the first component 60a past the applicator roll <NUM> which applies the encapsulating composition and removes any excess encapsulating composition such that the first layer <NUM> defines a generally planar surface over the components 60a, 60b, and 60c and the substrate <NUM>, In some embodiments, the thickness of the first layer <NUM> may be from about <NUM>, about <NUM>, about <NUM>, or about <NUM>, to about <NUM>, about <NUM>, <NUM> or about <NUM>, or a size between any pair of the foregoing values, although embodiments where the first layer has additional thicknesses are further contemplated. In some embodiments, a preferred thickness of the first layer is from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

As the substrate <NUM> is moving past the applicator roll <NUM> the applicator roll <NUM> can be controlled to turn in either of the clockwise direction shown by the arrow <NUM>, or the counter clockwise direction, shown by the arrow <NUM>. In some embodiments, having the applicator roll <NUM> turn in the direction shown by the arrow <NUM>, or counter to the direction of travel of the substrate <NUM>, helps to drive out substances that may form voids in the encapsulating composition, such as air, by pressing the encapsulating composition against the object to be encapsulated. For example, turning the applicator roll <NUM> in the counter clockwise direction as shown in <FIG>, applies encapsulating composition to the component to be encapsulated and the substrate <NUM>, and rotating the applicator roll <NUM> at a suitable speed such that encapsulating composition is applied at a suitable rate may help drive out air that may be trapped between the component to be encapsulated and the substrate <NUM>. In some embodiments, the applicator roll <NUM> can be controlled to turn in the clockwise direction, shown by the arrow <NUM>, and a tangential speed of the applicator roll <NUM> can be controlled to be greater than or less than the linear speed of the substrate in the direction shown by the arrow <NUM>. For example, controlling the rotational speed of the applicator roll <NUM> such that the tangential speed of the outer surface <NUM> is suitably greater than the linear speed of the substrate <NUM> can provide encapsulating composition at a suitable rate such that the applicator roll <NUM> can press or manipulate the encapsulating composition against the component to be encapsulated and drive out substances that may form voids, such as air. Because the encapsulating composition is incompressible, if the applicator roll <NUM> provides the encapsulating composition to the component to be encapsulated at a suitable rate, the applicator roll <NUM> can press or manipulate the encapsulating composition against the component to be encapsulated, while the gap <NUM> is maintained.

The encapsulating composition can be applied to the component to be encapsulated without the applicator roll <NUM> contacting the component to be encapsulated. In some instances, applying encapsulating composition without the applicator roll <NUM> contacting the component to be encapsulated helps encapsulate a component that may be damaged by contacting the applicator roll <NUM>, such as a fragile component, for example certain electronic components. Having the applicator roll <NUM> press or manipulate the encapsulating composition against the component to be encapsulated can help apply the encapsulating composition substantially free of voids. The system <NUM> can be used to apply the first layer <NUM>, second layer <NUM>, and optionally a third, fourth or more layers of encapsulating composition such that an interface between the encapsulating composition and the components 60a, 60b, 60c, is substantially free of voids. In some embodiments, the components 60a, 60b, 60c, are encapsulated within the encapsulating composition and the encapsulating composition is substantially free of voids.

In some embodiments, after the encapsulating composition has been applied to the component to be encapsulated the encapsulating composition may be smoothed, such as by heating. For example, the encapsulating composition can be heated to a suitable temperature, such as above its glass transition temperature, which can help smooth or level the encapsulating composition. For example, the first layer <NUM> may be heated by passing it under the heating element <NUM>. In some embodiments, the encapsulating composition can be heated by heating the construction in an oven. For example, a substrate <NUM> that includes the encapsulating composition disposed thereon can be placed in an oven capable of heating the encapsulating composition to a temperature and for a period of time suitable to cause the composition to soften and level. In other embodiments, the encapsulating composition may be smoothed by leveling it with a smoothing device, such as a doctor blade, that optionally is heated.

<FIG> shows an example process for applying encapsulating composition to a component to be encapsulated. The process shown in <FIG> may be carried out using the system <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In step <NUM>, one or more components 360a, 360b, 360c may be positioned on a substrate <NUM>. In step <NUM>, a first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition has been applied on the substrate and the components 360a, 360b, 360c. After step <NUM>, the first layer <NUM> optionally may be smoothed. In step <NUM>, a second layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition has been applied on the first layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, further steps may be included to add a third, fourth, or more layers of encapsulating composition onto the components 360a, 360b, 360c, until encapsulating composition having a suitable total thickness has been applied.

As shown in <FIG>, in step <NUM>, a first layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition has been applied directly on and in contact with a substrate <NUM>. After step <NUM>, the first layer <NUM> optionally is smoothed. In step <NUM>, components 460a, 460b, 460c are positioned on the first layer <NUM> such that they "float" above the substrate because they are not in direct contact with the substrate <NUM>. In step <NUM>, the second layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition has been applied onto the first layer <NUM> and the components 460a, 460b, 460c. In some embodiments, the components 460a, 460b, 460c are completely enclosed within the first layer <NUM> and second layer <NUM> of encapsulating composition. In some embodiments, further steps may be included to add a third, fourth, or more layers of encapsulating composition onto the components 460a, 460b, 460c, until encapsulating composition having a suitable total thickness has been applied.

<FIG> shows a flow chart illustrating an example process for applying encapsulating composition to a component to be encapsulated. The process shown in <FIG> may be carried out using the system <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In step <NUM>, one or more electronic components may be positioned on a substrate. In step <NUM>, a first layer of encapsulating composition is applied onto the electronic component. The system <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may be used to apply encapsulating composition. The system <NUM> can be used to apply the first layer of encapsulating composition such that an interface between the encapsulating composition and the electronic component is substantially free of voids. In some examples, in step <NUM> the first layer optionally may be smoothed. Useful methods of smoothing include, e.g., heating the encapsulating composition, using a smoothing device such as a doctor blade, and combinations thereof. In step <NUM>, a second layer of encapsulating composition is applied. The second layer of encapsulating composition is applied onto the first layer. In some embodiments, step <NUM> may be included to add a third, fourth, or more layers of encapsulating composition onto the electronic component until encapsulating composition having a suitable total thickness has been applied.

<FIG> shows a flow chart illustrating another example process for applying encapsulating composition to a component to be encapsulated, such an electronic component. The process disclosed in <FIG> can be carried out using the system <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In step <NUM>, a first layer of encapsulating composition is applied to a substrate. In some examples, in step <NUM> the first layer optionally may be smoothed. Useful methods of smoothing include, e.g., heating the encapsulating composition, using a smoothing device such as a doctor blade, and combinations thereof. In step <NUM>, one or more electronic components may be positioned on the first layer of encapsulating composition that was applied in step <NUM>. In step <NUM>, a second layer of encapsulating composition is applied onto the electronic component positioned on the first layer. The system <NUM> can be used to apply the second layer of encapsulating composition such that an interface between the encapsulating composition and the electronic components is substantially free of voids. The second layer of encapsulating composition may be applied onto the electronic component such that the electronic component is completely encapsulating in the encapsulating composition and the encapsulating composition is substantially free of voids. In some embodiments, the electronic component may be completely enclosed within the first layer and second layer of encapsulating composition and positioned on a surface of a substrate such that the component "floats" above the surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, step <NUM> may be included to add a third, fourth, or more layers of encapsulating composition onto the electronic component until encapsulating composition having a suitable total thickness has been applied.

The encapsulating composition is in the form of a liquid prior to application to the component and solidifies after being applied to (e.g., coated on) the substrate to be coated. Depending on the chemical nature of the encapsulating composition, solidification of the encapsulating composition can occur through a variety of mechanisms including, e.g., curing, hardening upon cooling to room temperature (from <NUM> to <NUM>), and combinations thereof. Curing, which is also known as crosslinking, can occur through exposure to ultraviolet light radiation, electron beam radiation, heat (i.e., thermal radiation), chemical additives, and combinations thereof.

For thermoplastic encapsulating compositions, the encapsulating composition becomes a liquid when heated to the coating temperature (i.e., the temperature of the composition prior to being released from the applicator roll (also referred to herein as the application temperature)). Useful coating temperatures include temperatures no greater than <NUM>, no greater than <NUM>, no greater than <NUM>, no greater than <NUM>, or even no greater than <NUM>.

The encapsulating composition preferably exhibits a viscosity from about <NUM>,<NUM> centipoise (cp), about <NUM>,<NUM> cp, about <NUM>,<NUM> cp, or about <NUM>,<NUM> cp, to about <NUM>,<NUM> cp, about <NUM>,<NUM> cp, about <NUM>,<NUM>, or about <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> cp at the coating temperature, at greater than about <NUM>, or even at greater than <NUM>, or a viscosity between any pair of the foregoing values.

Useful encapsulating compositions exhibit a shear viscosity from about <NUM>,<NUM>, about <NUM>,<NUM>, or about <NUM>,<NUM> cp, to about <NUM>,<NUM>, about <NUM>,<NUM> cp, or about <NUM>,<NUM> cp, or a shear viscosity between any pair of the foregoing values, at a temperature equal to or greater than about <NUM>. Useful encapsulating compositions exhibit a melt index from about six g/<NUM>, about <NUM>/<NUM>, about <NUM>/<NUM>, about <NUM>/<NUM>, or about <NUM>/<NUM>, to about <NUM>/<NUM>, about <NUM>/<NUM>, to about <NUM>,<NUM>/<NUM>, or a melt index between any pair of the foregoing values, as measured at about <NUM> and <NUM> kilograms.

The solidified encapsulating composition can exhibit a variety of optical properties including, e.g., being translucent, transparent, and/or opaque; and where multiple layers of solidified encapsulating composition are present, the individual layers can independently exhibit any of the aforementioned optical properties. Encapsulating compositions that are particularly useful for encapsulating photovoltaic cells include substantially transparent or even transparent encapsulating compositions.

The solidified encapsulating composition also can be electronically conducting or electronically nonconducting. Where multiple layers of encapsulating composition are present in an encapsulated article, the individually layers can independently be electronically conducting or electronically nonconducting.

Suitable classes of encapsulating compositions include, e.g., thermoplastic compositions, hot melt adhesive compositions, radiation curable adhesive compositions, and combinations thereof. Useful thermoplastic compositions and hot melt adhesive compositions are based on a variety of classes of thermoplastic polymers including, e.g., moisture curable thermoplastic polymers (e.g., silane modified thermoplastic polymers), radiation curable thermoplastic polymers (e.g., ultraviolet light curable and electron beam curable thermoplastic polymers), peroxide curable thermoplastic polymers, and combinations thereof.

Specific examples of suitable thermoplastic polymers include polyolefin homopolymers and copolymers (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, and combinations thereof), metallocene catalyzed polyolefins (e.g., metallocene catalyzed polypropylenes), ethylene vinyl acetate, amorphous polyalphaolefins, polyisobutylenes, and combinations thereof. Suitable commercially available thermoplastic polymers include, e.g., polymers available under the VISTAMAXX series of trade designations from ExxonMobil (Irving, Texas) including VISTAMAXX <NUM> metallocene-catalyzed propylene-ethylene copolymer, and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers available under the ATEVA series of trade designations from Celanese Corporation (Irving, Texas) including ATEVA ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (e.g., ATEVAs that include <NUM> % vinyl acetate and have a melt index of <NUM>/<NUM>, e.g., ATEVA 2810A and ATEVA 2861A).

Useful moisture curable silane-modified thermoplastic polymers include, e.g., silane-modified amorphous polyolefins, silane-modified metallocene-catalyzed polyolefins (e.g., silane-modified metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, and copolymers thereof), silane-modified acrylate polymers (e.g., silane-modified ethyl acrylate, silane-modified butyl acrylate, and combinations thereof), and combinations thereof. Suitable moisture curable silane-modified thermoplastic polymers are commercially available under a variety of trade designations including, e.g., under the VESTOPLAST series of trade designations from Evonik Industries (Essen, Germany) including VESTOPLAST <NUM>.

Useful radiation curable polymers and compositions include, e.g., acrylate-based radiation curable compositions, acrylate-terminated polyesters, radiation curable vinyl modified block copolymer compositions (e.g., those radiation curable adhesive compositions described in <CIT>), and combinations thereof. Useful radiation curable polymers and compositions are commercially available under a variety of trade designations including, e.g., the ACRESIN series of trade designations from BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany) including ACRESIN A <NUM> UV, ACRESIN A <NUM> UV, ACRESIN A <NUM> UV and ACRESIN UV <NUM>, the KRATON series of trade designations from Shell Chemical Company (Houston, Texas) including KRATON D-KX-222C, and the SR series of trade designations from Firestone Polymers, LLC (Akron, Ohio) including SR-<NUM> and SR-<NUM>. Useful peroxide curable adhesive compositions include, e.g., compositions that include a peroxide crosslinking agent and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer.

Encapsulating compositions in the form of hot melt adhesive compositions optionally additionally include tackifying agents, plasticizers, waxes, photo initiators, crosslinking agents, antioxidants, stabilizers, additional polymers, adhesion promoters, ultraviolet light stabilizers, rheology modifiers, corrosion inhibitors, and combinations thereof.

<FIG> is an exploded view of a sample article <NUM> that may be formed using the systems and processes disclosed herein. The article <NUM> can be an electronic device, e.g., a photovoltaic array, such as for absorbing solar energy and converting the solar energy to drive an electric current. As shown in <FIG>, the article <NUM> includes a substrate layer <NUM>, an electronic component layer <NUM>, an encapsulation layer <NUM>, and an optional top layer <NUM>. The substrate layer <NUM> can be formed from any suitable material that can form a backing for a solar panel, such as any suitable backing for a photovoltaic array. In some embodiments, the substrate layer <NUM> includes silicon, glass, metal, polymer, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the electronic component layer <NUM> includes devices that produce an electric current when exposed to sunlight. For example, the electronic component layer <NUM> can include at least one photovoltaic cell. The encapsulation layer <NUM> can be applied to at least one of the electronic component layer <NUM>, the substrate layer <NUM>, and the optional top layer <NUM>, and can adhere to at least one of the electronic component layer <NUM>, the substrate layer <NUM>, and the optional top layer <NUM>.

The encapsulation layer <NUM> may be useful in encapsulating the electronic component layer <NUM> and protecting it from damage and moisture and may be useful in electrically isolating the electronic component layer <NUM>. The encapsulation layer <NUM> may have a certain degree of flexibility, for example, it can be configured to allow expansion and contraction of the electronic component layer <NUM> while protecting the electronic component layer <NUM>. Optionally the encapsulation layer <NUM> is sufficiently flexible to allow the device <NUM> to be rolled up. In some embodiments, the optional top layer <NUM> may be included to further protect the electronic component layer <NUM>. The top layer <NUM> can be formed from any suitable material that is transparent and that will allow visible light, ultraviolet light, or any form of solar energy to pass through and contact the electronic component layer <NUM>. Suitable materials for the top layer <NUM> include, e.g., glass and plastic (e.g., polycarbonate).

The methods and systems disclosed herein provide an encapsulation process that does not require heating the pre-formed film in an oven to melt and encapsulate the components, which allows for elimination of this step during processing. Additionally or alternatively, the coat weight of the encapsulation layer can be reduced to less than that formed when using a pre-formed film layer.

It is envisioned that using the systems and methods disclosed herein, durable electronic devices, such as photovoltaic arrays having a greater overall area than are currently possible can be produced. The systems and methods disclosed herein are useful for forming electronic devices that have encapsulation layers that are thinner than what currently can be produced. Such electronic devices can be formed from multiple layers, and each of the layers may be flexible. In some aspects, an electronic device formed from the systems and methods disclosed herein may be flexible enough to be rolled up, for example to be transported.

The following non-limiting examples are included to further illustrate various embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the instant disclosure.

Substrate <NUM>: transparent window glass plates <NUM> long by <NUM> wide by three mm thick.

Substrate <NUM>: front glass plates, <NUM> long by <NUM> wide by three mm thick, commonly used for forming solar panels. The front glass plates are flat on the outer side and have a three dimensional antireflection surface on the inner, coated side.

Substrate <NUM>: glass roof shingles, <NUM> long by <NUM> wide by five mm thick, that are flat on the outer side and structured on the inner, coated side.

Substrate <NUM>: BAYER MAKROLON polycarbonate plates (Covestro, Leverkusen, Germany) <NUM> long by <NUM> wide by <NUM> thick.

Substrate <NUM>: BAYER MAKROLON polycarbonate plates <NUM> long by <NUM> wide by one mm thick.

Encapsulating Composition <NUM>: VISTAMAXX <NUM> metallocene catalyzed polypropylene (ExxonMobil, Irving, Texas).

Encapsulating Composition <NUM>: ATEVA <NUM> ethylene vinyl acetate including <NUM> % vinyl acetate and having a melt index of six g/<NUM> (Celanese Corporation, Irving, Texas).

Encapsulating Composition <NUM>: VESTOPLAST <NUM> silane modified amorphous poly alpha olefin (Evonik Industries, Essen, Germany).

Component <NUM>: photovoltaic cells <NUM> long by <NUM> wide by <NUM> thick.

Component <NUM>: <NUM> mesh filter plates <NUM> in diameter and approximately <NUM> thick.

The encapsulated article of Example <NUM> was prepared using a HARDO T150 application system (Hardo, Bad Salzuflen, Germany) that included a main tank, mixing rolls, an applicator roll, and a doctor blade to apply Encapsulating Composition <NUM> on Substrate <NUM>. The mixing rolls were set to <NUM>. The doctor blade was positioned such that the distance from the doctor blade to the applicator roll was <NUM>. The size of the gap between the applicator roll and Substrate <NUM> was <NUM>.

To prepare the encapsulated article of Example <NUM>, Encapsulating Composition <NUM> was heated to a temperature of <NUM> until it was completely molten and in the form of a liquid. Substrate <NUM> was then passed at a linear rate of <NUM> meters per minute (m/min) to the applicator roll while being supported from underneath in such a manner that Substrate <NUM> passed as horizontally as possible under the applicator roll. As Substrate <NUM> passed under the applicator roll, Encapsulating Composition <NUM> was coated on Substrate <NUM> to form an encapsulation layer having a thickness of <NUM>. The encapsulation layer was then smoothed and leveled by passing hot air from a hot air gun over the layer. A smooth, uniform layer of encapsulating composition having a measured thickness of <NUM> was formed. The layer of encapsulating composition was visually checked with a digital microscope (Keyence VHX <NUM>, St. Louis Park, MN). The layer of encapsulating composition was observed to be free of voids.

The encapsulated article of Example <NUM> was prepared in substantially the same manner as described above in Example <NUM> with the exception that after the encapsulation layer was formed on Substrate <NUM>, a thin film solar array, <NUM> long by <NUM> wide by <NUM> thick, was placed on the encapsulation layer while it was still hot.

The size of the gap between the substrate and the applicator roll, was then set to <NUM> and the substrate with the thin film solar array positioned on top of the encapsulation layer was passed under the applicator roll of the HARDO T150 application system and Encapsulating Composition <NUM> was applied on the thin film solar array so as to encapsulate the thin film solar array with a layer of Encapsulating Composition <NUM>. The resulting construction was passed through the system two additional times during which two additional layers of Encapsulating Composition <NUM> were applied to the construction. Before the second and third passes, the gap between the substrate and the applicator roll was increased to <NUM> and then to <NUM>, respectively.

The resulting encapsulating layer was visually checked with a digital microscope (Keyence VHX <NUM>, St. Louis Park, MN). The visual inspection confirmed that the thin film solar array that had been encapsulated with multiple coatings and the encapsulation layer was substantially void free.

<FIG> shows an example component from Example <NUM> that was encapsulated using the systems and methods disclosed herein. As shown in <FIG>, a first component <NUM> and a second component <NUM> were completely encapsulated in an encapsulating composition <NUM> using the equipment and materials disclosed in Examples <NUM> and <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A method of encapsulating an electronic component, the method comprising:
applying a first layer (<NUM>) of an encapsulating composition onto an electronic component from an applicator roll (<NUM>), the electronic component being disposed on a substrate (<NUM>),
the applicator roll (<NUM>) comprising an outer surface (<NUM>) and being spaced apart from the electronic component such that a gap (<NUM>) exists between the applicator roll (<NUM>) and the electronic component, the gap (<NUM>) controlling the thickness of the first layer (<NUM>) of encapsulating composition,
the first layer (<NUM>) of encapsulating composition encapsulating the electronic component on the substrate (<NUM>), and
an interface between the surface of the electronic component and the encapsulating composition being substantially free of voids, wherein the term "void" means a space occupied by a gas, and the phrase "substantially free of voids" means that no voids having a cross sectional dimension greater than <NUM> are present and that on average from <NUM> to no greater than <NUM> voids are present for each square millimeter of encapsulation composition;
wherein applying the first layer (<NUM>) includes:
(i) passing the substrate (<NUM>) past the applicator roll (<NUM>) and turning the applicator roll (<NUM>) in the same direction as a direction of travel of the substrate (<NUM>), wherein a tangential speed of the applicator roll (<NUM>) is greater than or less than a linear speed of the substrate (<NUM>),
or
(ii) passing the substrate (<NUM>) past the applicator roll (<NUM>) in a first direction and turning the applicator roll (<NUM>) in a direction opposite the first direction.