Abstract: A medical connector for connecting a cardiac assist device to vascular tissue includes a base connector adapted to be attached to the cardiac assist device and a vascular tissue connector adapted to be attached to the vascular tissue. A retaining ring holds the base connector to the vascular tissue connector. The medical connector also includes an alignment feature and an engagement feature, each defined by a portion of either the base connector or the vascular tissue connector and a portion of the retaining ring. The alignment feature causes the vascular tissue connector to axially self-align with the base connector. The engagement feature causes the retaining ring to move first into a biased position and then to snap into engagement when the vascular tissue connector attaches to the base connector in an axially-oriented motion.

Abstract: Solar cell modules having light scattering surfaces at least in the land areas between a plurality of arrayed solar cells and optically coupled to the cells provide increased module output over modules not provided with light scattering land areas. Insolation impinging on the light scattering surfaces is diffused upwardly through the optical coupling medium and then downwardly toward a solar cell, thereby increasing the output of the module.

Abstract: Solar cell modules having light scattering surfaces at least in the land areas between a plurality of arrayed solar cells and optically coupled to the cells by means of an internally reflective plate having a planar surface of incidence and an opposed textured surface provide increased module output. Insolation impinging on the light scattering surfaces is diffused upwardly through the optical coupling medium and then downwardly toward a solar cell, thereby increasing the output of the module.

Abstract: The solar cell module of this invention is fabricated by placing an array of solar cells in a suitable mold having a bottom surface, an entry port and an exit port. A light transparent superstrate effectively serves as the top for the mold and is placed over the array of solar cells in the mold. The superstrate is spaced from the array such that the superstrate does not come in contact with the top surface of any of the cells or interconnectors of the solar cell array. Clamp means are provided to hold the superstrate in position while encapsulant is pumped into the mold under pressure through the inlet port in an amount sufficient to fill the mold. Thereafter the assembly can be placed in an oven and heated for a time sufficient to cure the encapsulant and bond the materials to each other.