Abstract: A seal includes a housing having a back plate and a front plate. A supporting bristle layer is disposed adjacent to the back plate, and bristles in the supporting bristle layer have a first diameter. A sealing bristle layer is disposed adjacent to the supporting bristle layer, and bristles in the sealing bristle layer have a second diameter. A shielding/protecting bristle layer is disposed adjacent to the sealing bristle layer, and bristles in the shielding/protecting bristle layer have a third diameter. The second diameter is smaller than both the first diameter and the third diameter.

Abstract: A brush seal is provided having a brush housing having a back plate and a front plate, a first layer of bristles disposed adjacent to the back plate, where at least one of the first layer of bristles has a first diameter. A second layer of bristles are disposed adjacent to the first layer of bristles, and at least one of the second layer of bristles has a second diameter. A third layer of bristles are disposed adjacent to the second layer of bristles, and at least one of the third layer of bristles has a third diameter. The first diameter and the third diameter are larger than the second diameter.

Abstract: A seal includes a housing having a back plate and a front plate. A supporting bristle layer is disposed adjacent to the back plate, and bristles in the supporting bristle layer have a first diameter. A sealing bristle layer is disposed adjacent to the supporting bristle layer, and bristles in the sealing bristle layer have a second diameter. A shielding/protecting bristle layer is disposed adjacent to the sealing bristle layer, and bristles in the shielding/protecting bristle layer have a third diameter. The second diameter is smaller than both the first diameter and the third diameter.

Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic devices that include at least one lead bar extending through a connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate are provided. The photovoltaic device can include: a transparent substrate; a plurality of photovoltaic cells on the transparent substrate; a first conductive ribbon electrically connected to a first photovoltaic cell; an encapsulation substrate laminated to the transparent substrate such that the plurality of photovoltaic cells and the conductive ribbon are positioned between the transparent substrate and the encapsulation substrate; and, a first lead bar extending through a first connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate. The first lead bar is electrically connected to the first conductive ribbon. For example, a meltable conductive material can be connected to the first lead bar and to the first conductive ribbon to establish an electrical connection therebetween.

Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic devices that include at least one lead bar extending through a connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate are provided. The photovoltaic device can include: a transparent substrate; a plurality of photovoltaic cells on the transparent substrate; a first conductive ribbon electrically connected to a first photovoltaic cell; an encapsulation substrate laminated to the transparent substrate such that the plurality of photovoltaic cells and the conductive ribbon are positioned between the transparent substrate and the encapsulation substrate; and, a first lead bar extending through a first connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate. The first lead bar is electrically connected to the first conductive ribbon. For example, a meltable conductive material can be connected to the first lead bar and to the first conductive ribbon to establish an electrical connection therebetween.

Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic devices that include a direct connection to at least one lead bar extending through a connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate to electrically connect to an underlying conductive ribbon are provided. The photovoltaic device can include: a transparent substrate; a plurality of photovoltaic cells; a conductive ribbon electrically connected to a photovoltaic cell; an encapsulation substrate laminated to the transparent substrate such that the plurality of photovoltaic cells and the conductive ribbon are positioned between the transparent substrate and the encapsulation substrate; and a lead bar extending through a connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate and electrically connected to the conductive ribbon. The lead bar can define a lead tab that establishes a mechanical connection having a biasing force between the lead bar and the conductive ribbon.

Abstract: A brush seal is provided having a brush housing having a back plate and a front plate, a first layer of bristles disposed adjacent to the back plate, where at least one of the first layer of bristles has a first diameter. A second layer of bristles are disposed adjacent to the first layer of bristles, and at least one of the second layer of bristles has a second diameter. A third layer of bristles are disposed adjacent to the second layer of bristles, and at least one of the third layer of bristles has a third diameter. The first diameter and the third diameter are larger than the second diameter.

Abstract: A seal is provided having a bristle pack with a first layer of bristles and a second layer of bristles. The bristle pack has at least one segment end. The first layer of bristles is configured to substantially surround the second layer of bristles, and at least one of the first layer of bristles has a first diameter. The second layer of bristles are located substantially in a center portion of the bristle pack, and at least one of the second layer of bristles has a second diameter. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter, and the first layer of bristles located near the at least one segment end are configured to protect the second layer of bristles located near the at least one segment end.