Abstract: Semiconductor wafers are cleaned by forming a first liquid film on a surface of the semiconductor wafer to be cleaned, the first liquid film containing hydrogen fluoride and ozone; replacing the first liquid film with a second aqueous liquid film which contains hydrogen fluoride and ozone, the concentration of hydrogen fluoride in the second liquid film being lower than in the first liquid film; and removing the second liquid film.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher comprises a housing defining a wash chamber for holding utensils to be washed, a movable sprayer fluidly coupled with a source of liquid and having at least one directionally-controllable outlet for controllably spraying liquid into the wash chamber, and a controller operably coupled to the movable sprayer to control the direction of the directionally-controllable outlet to spray liquid in at least one preselected location within the wash chamber.

Abstract: A process for the removal of dry adhesives and/or inks from the surface and from the interior of the cells of the engraved cylinders used in printing and coupling processes, using a supercritical mixture formed by one or more organic solvents and a supercritical fluid, preferably consisting of supercritical carbon dioxide. The microscopic cells of the engraved cylinders used in printing industry or of the cylinders used for film coupling in packaging industry are thoroughly and easily cleaned by a process comprising the steps of forming the said supercritical mixture, delivering it in a high pressure autoclave previously filled with the engraved cylinders to be cleaned, cleaning for a given residence time, eliminating the organic solvent residue in the autoclave by washing it with supercritical fluid and precipitating the extracted inks and/or adhesives in one or more separators located downstream the autoclave.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system of processing and removing hydrocarbon sludge from a tank wherein the hydrocarbon sludges are the product of gravity settling in the bottom of the tank to form a sludge consisting of inorganic and organic materials not readily flowable or pumpable for removal in the found state and where a process is used to selectively separate, grind, disperse and suspend these materials with a mechanical classifier system, and where flow agents may be metered to effect a slurry stream directed thru a nozzle system towards the sludge in the tank and by reducing the surface tension and mechanical conditioning of the sludge, create a pumpable slurry that may be removed from the tank with minimal time, cost and environmental impact.

Abstract: A substrate treatment apparatus, which treats a substrate with a treatment liquid that is ultrasonically vibrated, includes an oscillator body which is rectangular-parallelepiped and has a treatment liquid supply path having an opening on a lower surface thereof in a first end portion in a longitudinal direction thereof and inclining to a second end portion in the longitudinal direction thereof, a vibrator which is provided on an upper surface of the oscillator body and ultrasonically vibrates the oscillator, and a heat exchanger which cools the treatment liquid supplied to the treatment liquid supply path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water level sensing apparatus of a dish washer comprising, a wash tub for containing dishware and a water level sensor disposed in the wash tub and moved in its position according to a water level in the wash tub, alternately comprising, a wash tub for containing dishware a float disposed in the wash tub and ascending/descending according to a water level of the wash tub and a sensing unit sensing a water level corresponding to a position of the float. According to the water level sensing apparatus of the dish washer, it is capable of minimizing influence on a capacity of the wash tub caused by installation of the water level sensor, of precisely sensing the amount of water in the wash tub and of implement the float stably ascending/descending.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic nozzle, of the type which is useful for rinsing the interior of a pipe, comprising a nozzle body (1) having a first, forward end and a second, rear end, in the rear end a section-wise centrally located intake (6) for rinsing water, internal rinsing water channels by which rinsing water is directed from the rinsing water intake (6) to multiple rinsing water discharges (8) mouthing in the rear end of the nozzle body in a radially outer region with respect to the rinsing water intake. The hydrodynamic nozzle has a passage (16) for air extending through the nozzle body, said air passage (16) connecting an air intake (17), mouthing in the forward end of the nozzle body, to an air discharge (18) mouthing in the rear end of the nozzle body, wherein the air discharge (18) is defined partly through an outer wall located radially inside the rinsing water discharges (8), and partly through an inner wall located radially outside the rinsing water intake (6).

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher comprises a housing defining a wash chamber for holding utensils to be washed and an induction heater for drying utensils within the wash chamber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ultrasonic cleaner in which an automated ultrasonic cleaning operation is executed using an aqueous solution. The cleaner includes a tank having a valve means in fluid communication therewith, a bottom tank portion with at least one drainage aperture therethrough and at least one tank wall depending therefrom to provide a solution retention region. At least one ultrasonic transducer is removably secured to one of the tank bottom and tank wall. A partition in the solution retention region has at least one aperture defined therethrough and defines a service section and a support section thereby.

Abstract: An outdoor umbrella includes an umbrella frame and an audio system. The umbrella includes a supporting frame and an awning frame supported by the supporting frame to define a shadowing area under the awning frame. The audio system includes at least a speaker unit supported by the umbrella frame and an audio input operatively linked to the speaker unit such that when the audio input sends an audio signal to the speaker unit, the speaker unit is adapted for producing audio effect within the shadowing area as an additional function for the outdoor umbrella.

Abstract: The present invention involves umbrella devices and methods for dual-function umbrellas that may combine a vertical-supported and inclined-suspended umbrella in one structure. A dual-function umbrella that may have vertical supporting and incline suspending structure may have a frame column, umbrella holder and a crank mechanism to position the umbrella holder; the umbrella holder may include a fixed umbrella bracket, moveable umbrella bracket, multiple umbrella ribs with one end pin-jointed to the fixed umbrella bracket, and multiple supporting ribs with opposite ends pin-jointed to the central part of a corresponding umbrella rib and the moveable umbrella bracket. The dual-function umbrella may also have a tilting bar and a cross bar wherein the frame column may be equipped with a moveable locking gear for locking the bottom end of the cross bar. The crank mechanism may be positioned at the cross bar bottom end.

Abstract: Umbrella rib assembly is presented for use in strutless umbrella having a pin and slide canopy conducting mechanism. The rib assembly comprises a longitudinal rib body having a pivot member at its end, and a rib lever extending from the rib body, and being characterized in that the pivot member and the rib body together with the rib lever present a single piece of material, and the pivot member is located in a corner formed between the rib body and the rib lever.

Abstract: An umbrella is provided that comprises a canopy and a support structure upon which the canopy is supported. The canopy can comprise a first panel and a second panel. The support structure can comprise a spacer configured to provide a gap separating the first and second panels to permit air to be vented through the canopy. A method of venting an umbrella is also provided wherein the method comprises providing a plurality of gaps in the canopy extending substantially horizontally, when the umbrella is open, between at least one pair of adjacent ribs and located along the at least one pair of adjacent ribs, and providing a plurality of spacers mounted on the at least one pair of adjacent ribs to open the gaps when the umbrella is on use.

Abstract: The technology of the present application provides a collapsible canopy shelter having reinforced eaves for additional structural integrity, as well as at least one collapsible ventilation flap in the canopy cover that is capable of moving between a closed position and an open position to ventilate air from beneath the canopy cover as desired. Further, the collapsible canopy shelter comprises a canopy frame with a robust, spring-loaded pull latch, allowing the user to quickly and easily assemble and collapse the shelter without risking injury.

Abstract: The technology of the present application provides a collapsible canopy shelter having reinforced eaves for additional structural integrity, as well as at least one collapsible ventilation flap in the canopy cover that is capable of moving between a closed position and an open position to ventilate air from beneath the canopy cover as desired. Further, the collapsible canopy shelter comprises a canopy frame with a robust, spring-loaded pull latch, allowing the user to quickly and easily assemble and collapse the shelter without risking injury.

Abstract: A waterproof bottom corner of a tent structure and a method for manufacturing the same are developed. Extra clad cloths are welded on the inside and outside of the tent bottom cloth. The overlapped bottom corner tent structure is heated and welded. Then, an eyelet is mounted on the end portion, so that the waterproof bottom corner of the tent effectively protects against moisture. Therefore, it is easy and convenient to use the tent outdoors.

Abstract: The technology of the present application provides a collapsible canopy shelter having reinforced eaves for additional structural integrity, as well as at least one collapsible ventilation flap in the canopy cover that is capable of moving between a closed position and an open position to ventilate air from beneath the canopy cover as desired. Further, the collapsible canopy shelter comprises a canopy frame with a robust, spring-loaded pull latch, allowing the user to quickly and easily assemble and collapse the shelter without risking injury.

Abstract: An electrode member for generating plasma includes an electrode plate and a cooling unit having a plurality of thermoelectric modules that are thermally in contact with the electrode plate. The thermoelectric modules may regulate the temperature of the electrode plate based on the Peltier effect.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a thermoelectric cooler adjacent to a surface of a device substrate and including a first set of one or more metal electrodes, a second set of one or more metal electrodes, and one or more semiconductor members. Each member includes a material different from the device substrate and physically joins a corresponding one electrode of the first set to a corresponding one electrode of the second set. The electrodes and at least one member are configured to transport heat to or from a thermal load in a direction parallel to the surface of the device substrate.

Abstract: A thermogenerator system includes a sustained-heat source with a plurality of pyrophoric material elements each having a same geometric shape and in an encasement having openings, a thermal power generator for converting thermal energy from the sustained-heat source into electricity, and an electrical control system for regulating the electricity.

Abstract: A solar array system has a plurality of geometric-shaped, three-dimensional structures on a surface of a substrate. At least one surface of one of the geometric-shaped, three-dimensional structures is sloped with respect to the surface of the substrate. At least one photovoltaic conversion layer is on at least a portion of one the geometric-shaped, three-dimensional structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar cell module (1). The solar cell module includes a flexible solar cell (10) and a shape memory alloy layer (15) having a predetermined trained shape. The flexible solar cell has a first surface (100) configured for receiving solar radiation and a second surface (101) opposite to the first surface. The shape memory alloy layer is attached to the second surface of the flexible solar cell.

Abstract: Methods and systems for extracting energy from a heat source using photonic crystals with defect cavities generally comprise a photonic crystal, a cavity, and a converter. The photonic crystal is responsive to a heat source and generates an electromagnetic beam in response to incidence with the heat source. The photonic crystal exhibits a band gap such that wavelengths within the band gap are substantially confined within the photonic crystal. The cavity is substantially within the crystal and is responsive to the electromagnetic beam such that the cavity transmits the electromagnetic beam to a specified location. The converter is substantially collocated with the specified location and extracts energy in response to incidence with the electromagnetic beam.

Abstract: A composite structure, e.g., rigid or flexible. The structure has a layer transferred photovoltaic material (e.g., single crystal silicon) having a first region and a second region, and a thickness of material provided between the first region and the second region. The structure has a glue layer overlying the second region. A permeable membrane structure is overlying the glue layer, the permeable membrane structure configured to facilitate outgassing of any volatile species in the glue layer to allow the glue layer to bind the permeable membrane to the layer transferred photovoltaic material.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving energy is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a support base and a plurality of cells. The support base comprises an electric terminal. The plurality of cells are mounted to the support base. Further, each of the plurality of cells is electrically connected to the electric terminal disposed on the support base. Finally, each of the plurality of cells is oriented in a non-parallel relationship with each neighboring cell.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a solar cell device is provided. A container containing a solution with a plurality of nano or micro particles is provided. A solar chip is provided, and the plurality of nano or micro particles in the solution are uniformly coated on a surface of the solar chip by soaking the solar chip in the solution, wherein the plurality of nano or micro particles uniformly coated on the surface of the solar chip are used as an anti-reflective layer. The solar chip is taken out from the solution after being uniformly coated with the plurality of nano or micro particles on a surface thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a transparent electrode including a graphene sheet. A transparent electrode having high conductivity, low sheet resistance, and low surface roughness can be prepared by employing the graphene sheet.

Abstract: A photoelectric electrode capable of absorbing light energy is provided. The photoelectric electrode at least includes a conductive substrate, one or more semiconductor particle-containing film with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) skeleton.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antireflective coating on solar cells made of crystalline silicon as well as a method for producing such an antireflective coating. The aim is to create an antireflective coating on solar cells made of crystalline silicon which makes it possible to optimize the optical and passivating properties thereof while making it possible to easily and economically integrate the production thereof into the production process especially of very thin crystalline silicon solar cells. The antireflective coating is composed of successive partial layers, i.e., a lower partial layer which covers the crystalline silicon, is embodied as an antireflective coating and as passivation with a particularly great hydrogen concentration, and is covered by an upper partial layer having an increased barrier effect against hydrogen diffusion.

Abstract: A thin photovoltaic device for solar cell applications. As used herein, the term “thin” generally means less than about 20 microns of silicon crystal material, but can also be other dimensions. The term thin should not be limited and should be construed broadly and consistently as one of ordinary skill in the art. In a specific embodiment, the device has a support substrate having a surface region. The device has a thickness of photovoltaic material overlying the surface region of support substrate and having a predefined surface texture to facilitate trapping of one or more incident photons using at least a refraction process to cause the one or more photons to traverse a longer optical path within an inner region of the thickness of material according to a specific embodiment. In a specific embodiment the longer optical path is provided relative to a shorter optical path characteristic of a surface region without the predefined surface roughness.

Abstract: An anti-reflective layer solar cell/optical medium is provided by nanostructuring the surface of the optical material into which light transmission is desired. The surface of the optical material is etched through a nanoporous polymer film etch mask to transfer the porous pattern to the optical material. The resultant nanostructured layer is an optical metamaterial since it contains structural features much smaller than the wavelength of light and the presence of these structural features change the effective index of refraction by controlling the degree of porosity in the nanostructured layer and also by controlling the thickness of the porous layer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device having a relatively high photoelectric efficiency and a method of manufacturing the same. The photovoltaic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a transparent electrode, a metal electrode, and a plurality of photovoltaic layers between the transparent electrode and the metal electrode. The photovoltaic layers include light-absorbing compounds for absorbing different light absorption wavelength bands, and each of the photovoltaic layers comprises an electron accepting material. As such, a photovoltaic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of photovoltaic layers having different light absorption regions, and thereby having relatively high photoelectric efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell manufactured using a composite thin film comprising amorphous silicon and nanocrystalline silicon, a method of manufacturing the solar cell, and a composition for the composite thin film used in manufacturing the solar cell. More particularly, a silicon semiconductor layer in the solar cell is fabricated by using the composite thin film comprising the amorphous silicon and the nanocrystalline silicon, the composite thin film being formed by dispersing nanoparticles of the crystalline silicon in a liquid silicon precursor and modifying them. The solar cell of the present invention is manufactured by dispersing the crystalline silicon nanoparticles in the liquid silicon precursor, coating the dispersion on a substrate or printing the substrate with the dispersion, and heating the coated or printed substrate to modify the liquid silicon precursor into the amorphous silicon.

Abstract: The present invention relates firstly to HF/fluoride-free etching and doping media which are suitable both for the etching of inorganic layers and also for the doping of underlying layers. The present invention secondly also relates to a process in which these media are employed.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating microfluidic components in a microfluidic system enables the microfluidic system to perform a selected microfluidic function. A capping module includes a microfluidic element for performing a microfluidic function. The capping module is stacked on a microfluidic substrate having microfluidic plumbing to incorporate the microfluidic function into the system. An infusion pump for delivering a fluid from a fluid source may be integrated in a microfluidic chip using a capping module having pumping components formed therein.

Abstract: Provided is a microvalve having a magnetic wax plug which includes a micro fluidic structure having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a magnetic wax plug provided at a predetermined section where the inlet portion and the outlet portion meet, existing in a solid state, melted at a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature, and reversibly moving along a magnetic field, so as to control flux of a fluid through the micro fluidic structure, a heating portion provided corresponding to the section and heating the magnetic wax plug to be melted, and a magnetic field application portion selectively applying a magnetic field to a position where the melted magnetic wax plug arrives.

Abstract: A fuel valve comprising a primary valve and a pressure responsive auxiliary valve, both being axially accommodated and displaceable within a common housing formed with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet port, and a partition extending between the primary valve and the auxiliary valve. The partition comprising a flow passage extending between a primary port at a bottom face of the partition and an auxiliary port at a top face of the partition. The primary port is sealable by a sealing member of the primary valve and the auxiliary port sealable by a sealing member of the auxiliary valve.

Abstract: The invention includes a high pressure fluid processing device for shearing particles in a fluid mixture. The fluid processing device makes use of a first annular flow path that is directed toward a second annular flow path. The two annular flow paths flow toward one another through a bore in a cylinder and meet one another within the cylinder. The pressure fluid processing device includes two rods that are spaced apart from one another across an impingement zone.

Abstract: An automatic transmission having at least one hydraulic valve with flow force compensation. The hydraulic valve includes a valve body having a valve bore and at least one inlet and at least one outlet adapted to provide fluid communication with a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and a return to the source of pressure. A valve member is slidingly disposed within the valve body that includes at least one valve element having an outer diameter and a metering face. The metering face is adapted to control the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid between the inlet and the outlet of the valve body. The metering face includes a flow force compensating annular void disposed adjacent to the outer diameter that is defined by a lead angle ? measured between the outer surface and a line intersecting the outer surface and tangential to the annular void.

Abstract: Low-profile garden hose storage apparatus comprises a housing adapted for mounting onto an exterior wall of a building to store a garden house having first and second ends and an outer diameter ‘d’. A reel, rotatable in the housing, has a central hub and a pair of plates spaced apart at a distance of 1, 2 or 3 d. In the preferred embodiment the plates are spaced apart at a distance slightly greater than d such that a single layer of hose may be wound thereon in a ‘pancake’ configuration. A water inlet is coupled to the hub through a swivel fitting, enabling the reel to rotate as water is delivered. The first end of the garden hose is coupled to the hub of the reel between the plates, with the second end of the garden hose extending through an opening in the housing. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for automatically winding the garden hose onto the reel between the plates, thereby retracting the hose into the housing through the opening thereof.

Abstract: The standpipe hydraulic float valve of the present invention employs a mechanical linkage between the float mechanism, which is responsive to changes in the fluid level in the standpipe, and a pilot valve, which regulates a control valve that controls the flow of fluid into the standpipe through its inlet port. Therefore, the mechanical linkage actuates the pilot valve in response to changes in the fluid level in the standpipe so as to provide a substantially continuously variably controlled fluid supply flow into the standpipe housing and thereby maintain a substantially constant fluid level in the standpipe housing so as to maintain a substantially continuous flow pressure into the fluid flow system to which the standpipe hydraulic float valve is connected.

Abstract: Modular in-line fluid regulators are described. One described example modular fluid regulator apparatus includes a body having a fluid inlet and a threaded outer surface to engage a threaded opening in another fluid regulator to serially fluidly couple first and second fluid regulators. The example fluid regulator apparatus also includes valve to control a flow of fluid through the first fluid regulator, and a pressure sensing member operatively coupled to the valve to control a position of the valve to provide a regulated output pressure at an outlet of the first fluid regulator. The pressure sensing member and the valve are configured to be received in a cavity of the second fluid regulator adjacent the threaded opening.

Abstract: A check valve is provided that includes a valve body, a stop bar, a flapper, and a protrusion. The valve body has a flow channel extending therethrough, a first stop support, and a second stop support. The first and second stop supports extend axially from the valve body. The stop bar is coupled to and extends between the first and the second stop supports. The flapper is rotationally mounted to the valve body and comprises a first material. The protrusion is integrally molded with the flapper and extends axially therefrom. The protrusion comprises a second material that is non-metallic and different than the first material. The flapper is moveable between a closed position, in which the flapper at least substantially seals the flow channel, and a fully-open position, in which the protrusion contacts the stop bar and the flapper unseals the flow channel.

Abstract: Adjustable in-line fluid regulators are described. One described example fluid regulator includes a body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The example regulator also includes a first fluid regulator having a valve to control the flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet, a piston coupled to the valve via a stem, wherein the piston is to receive a pressure associated with the outlet. The first fluid valve also includes a spring plate movable along a longitudinal axis of the stem, a spring disposed between the piston and the spring plate, and an adjuster engaged with the body to move the spring plate to change a compression of the spring and a regulated outlet pressure of the fluid regulator.

Abstract: An application for a living-hinge air vent valve connectable to a sewer conduit includes a base and a cover sealed to the base forming a cavity between the cover and the base. A fluid inlet shaft depends from a roof of the base and is connected to external air passages passing through a side of the base and through vents in a side of the cover. A living-hinge flapper is situated above the fluid inlet shaft and within the cavity. The living-hinge flapper allows air to flow from the fluid inlet shaft into the cavity and prevents sewerage gasses from flowing from the cavity out through the fluid inlet shaft. One or more connecting shafts in the base fluidly connect the cavity with a sewer system.

Abstract: An automatically activated backflow prevention device for water closets or toilets is provided having a substantially cylindrical support member terminating in one end in a cam shaped end for mating with a hinged flapper valve having a parabolic shaped or upwardly curving upper surface and correspondingly shaped sealing member disposed therebetween for mating with the cam shaped end of the substantially cylindrical support member. An elastomeric hinge member is provided for connecting the closure member or flapper valve to the substantially cylindrical support member so that when closed the flapper valve or closure member conforms to the confronting cam shaped end of the cylindrical support member with the sealing member disposed therebetween. A backflow water pressure responsive assist member is optionally provided on the lower surface of the closure member to assist in the closure of the closure member in response to backflow water pressure from waste pipes.

Abstract: An evacuation valve for a metering device for a liquid medium is disclosed. The valve includes a seal holder having a chamber formed therein and a seal. An elastomeric material fills the chamber to form the seal. The seal includes a smooth, flat sealing surface located above the seal holder. The inclusion of a lip in the chamber retains the seal; a non-circular lip prevents rotation of the seal.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a rotary shaft position indicating and display apparatus for use with a device having a rotatable shaft may include one or more of the following features: (a) a housing having a base with a cover secured to said base and defining a hollow sealed chamber, (b) an actuator shaft journaled for rotation in said base and extending through said base into said sealed chamber, (c) at least one electromechanical actuating element mounted on said actuator shaft, (d) a frusto-conical member having graphics information representative of said actuator shaft position viewable through a window area, (e) said cover having a frusto-conical base, (f) female threads on the interior of the frusto-conical base, and (g) male threads on the base housing to accept the female threads on the interior of the frusto-conical base.

Abstract: An integrated technological system for improving the climate is disclosed providing integrated management especially in the area of water. The system provides management and improvement in the area of integrated management of water sources, replenishment of water into the water cycle, water policy, and flood prevention with an additional contribution towards all areas of life and development of a society.

Abstract: A mixing device for gaseous fluids such as air, made up of a tank having a central line and provided with inlet ducts and outlet ducts arranged so as to create an upward swirling movement of the said fluid inside the said tank in order to ensure homogenous temperature at the outlet, characterised in that the said tank comprises at least one means for amplifying fluid mixing that takes the form of at least one additional communication means with the outside/inside of the said tank. More precisely, the said additional communication means takes the form of at least one draining means defining an open or closed volume, placed on the lower part of the tank, further comprising at least one adjustable shutting means.