Abstract: A reward point system comprising an industry vertical reception unit for receiving a user selected monetary value in a selected industry vertical, a point collection unit for receiving a quantity of points associated with the monetary value in the selected industry vertical, a redemption vehicle profile creation unit for generating a profile, and a redemption vehicle generation unit for loading the profile onto a redemption vehicle wherein the points on the redemption vehicle can be redeemed at any merchant in the selected industry vertical. Also provided are methods for utilizing said system.

Abstract: A bottom bracket is attached to a vertical wall below a window inside a room. A top bracket joins a longitudinal housing to the bottom bracket. The longitudinal housing encloses multiple telescoping side rails for extending a top support plate outwardly from the housing to a position outside an open window. An upper surface of the top support plate is attached to a satellite TV dish base plate.

Abstract: A semiconductor catalyst is metalized in situ on a reaction support surface by illuminating at least a portion of the catalyst in the presence of a suitable source of metal to selectively deposit the metal on the illuminated portions. The source of metal can be applied to the reaction support surface either with the catalyst or separately, but is not attached to the catalyst until the structure is illuminated. This causes the metal to be deposited where the catalyst will be illuminated during use and therefore where photopromoted catalytic degradation can occur.

Abstract: A fibrous matte web is used to support a semiconductor catalyst for use in the photopromoted catalyzed degradation of compounds in a fluid stream. The catalyst, which may be a transition metal oxide, is affixed to at least one side of the matte web, and preferably the downstream side thereof. In one embodiment, the matte web is comprised of a plurality of fibers of glass or other suitable material permitting fluid to pass therethrough, and the side or sides containing the catalyst are directly illuminated by a suitable light source.

Abstract: In a reactor and process for the photopromoted catalytic decomposition of compounds in a fluid stream, the area of a catalyst support structure and/or the amount of catalyst on the support structure is varied as a function of distance from a light source to enhance quantum efficiency. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure has a surface area per unit of reaction chamber volume which increases with distance from the light source, or the amount of catalyst on the support structure per unit area increases with distance from the light source to maintain the light intensity on the catalyst within a desired range regardless of dispersion and/or absorption effects. In another embodiment, the support structure includes a plurality of curved plates which may, for example, be spherical, cylindrical or helical.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device of improved flexibility is provided by using a tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkoxy resin substrate.

Abstract: A photoconductive device having an electroless metal deposited conductive layer is provided. The conductive layer is deposited upon n+Si:H alloy. The electroless metal deposited layer can be used as the back contact of a solar cell or as a metal contact for other types of photoconductive devices.

Abstract: Novel organic compound of the basic formula ##STR1## which have substantial luminescent emission characteristics and advantages.

Abstract: A thin film photovoltaic module has transparent electrodes on front and back surfaces of a semiconductive layer. In one embodiment, both transparent electrodes pass light to the semiconductive layer for photovoltaic purposes. In another embodiment, the back electrode passes light which enters through the front electrode and is not absorbed by the semiconductive layer, so that the module is selectively transparent to the unabsorbed light. The spectral makeup of the transmitted light is controlled by controlling the optical characteristics of the layers of the module. The index of refraction of the back electrode is a primary source of transmission control, along with the refractive index of the front electrode and the thickness of the semiconductive layer itself. Light transmitted by the module can be used for nonphotovoltaic purposes, such as illuminating the interior of a vehicle or dwelling, or may be directed back into the semiconductive layer by a reflective surface behind the back electrode.

Abstract: A thin film solar module structure comprising a front face untempered glass sheet having a thin film photovoltaic structure fabricated on the back surface thereof, a second glass sheet formed of high strength or tempered glass and a layer of potting or bonding material laminating the two glass sheets into a single composite structure. In the laminated structure, the impact resistance and structural strength of the second glass sheet is effectively transmitted to the untempered front glass sheet which is then suitable for use in unprotected terrestrial applications.

Abstract: An improved low cost photovoltaic cell including a sodium containing glass substrate which has been chemically treated to remove sodium ions from a surface selected for deposition of a transparent conductor.

Abstract: A method for making amino acids wherein a mixture of nitrogen and carbon dioxide is exposed to light and a source of hydrogen in the presence of at least one Group VIII metal oxide.

Abstract: An automatic variable lighting device is provided with light responsive means, such as a photocell, for controlling the voltage applied to the lamp in response to ambient light conditions so that a nearly constant contrast between lamp intensity and ambient light intensity results.