Abstract: A standby heat supply system is provided for a solar receiver steam generator to maintain the system at a relatively constant temperature during the nocturnal period when solar radiation is unavailable. An exemplary solar steam generator having a standby heat supply system includes a steam loop having at least one solar panel, a steam drum and circulating pump, whereby solar energy heats the water to generate steam which is provided to the steam drum. The standby heat supply system includes an external standby heater wherein the water from the steam drum is provided to the external standby heater. A heat isolation valve is actuated during the nocturnal period to allow the water to circulate through the standby heater. Another exemplary embodiment of a solar steam generator includes an internal standby heat supply system having heater elements immersed in the steam drum for direct heating of the water during nocturnal periods.

Abstract: An aerosolization apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having a plurality of air inlets. The chamber contains an aersolizable pharmaceutical formulation or is sized to receive a receptacle which contains an aerosolizable pharmaceutical formulation. A shield covers at least one of the air inlets or a portion of at least one of the air inlets. The shield prevents blockage of the air inlet by a user grasping the apparatus and inadvertently covering the air inlet. An end section is associated with the housing. The end section is sized and shaped to be received in a user's mouth or nose so that the user may inhale through the end section to inhale aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation that has exited the receptacle.

Abstract: A liquid ejection head to be used for an inhaler ejecting a liquid and making a user inhale the liquid includes: an ejection element having a liquid feeding opening, electrothermal transducer rows that are arrayed on both sides thereof respectively so as to sandwich the liquid feeding opening and are formed of a plurality of electrothermal transducers, and ejection nozzles for ejecting the liquid being provided on parts opposing to the electrothermal transducers respectively; and an external connecting terminal member for applying an electrical signal to the plurality of the electrothermal transducers, wherein, the external connecting terminal member is arranged so that a width direction in one end of its longitudinal direction matches with a direction of the electrothermal transducer rows and has a region for external connecting terminal on the other end of the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for new modes of ventilation in which specific lung areas are ventilated with an indwelling trans-tracheobronchial catheter for the purpose of improving ventilation and reducing hyperinflation in that specific lung area, and for redistributing inspired air to other healthier lung areas, for treating respiratory disorders such as COPD, ARDS, SARS, CF, and TB. Trans-Tracheobronchial Segmental Ventilation (TTSV) is performed on either a naturally breathing or a mechanical ventilated patient by placing a uniquely configured indwelling catheter into a bronchus of a poorly ventilated specific lung area and providing direct ventilation to that area. The catheter can be left in place for extended periods without clinician attendance or vigilance. Ventilation includes delivery of respiratory gases, therapeutic gases or agents and evacuation of stagnant gases, mixed gases or waste fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inhaler (1) for powdery, especially medical substances (17), comprising an air duct (45) that leads to a mouthpiece (3), a reservoir (16) for the substance (17), and a moved dosing chamber (D) for apportioning a specific amount of substance from the reservoir (16) into the zone of a transfer point (U) to the air flow. A filling means (B) which charges the dosing chamber (D) similar to a shovel is moved towards the dosing chamber (D) so as to penetrate the substance supply. In order to create a simple design for such an inhaler in such a way that the same is easy and functionally safe to handle regarding apportioning a reproducible amount of substance, the shovel-type charging process performed by the filling means (B) is derived from a relative movement between the dosing chamber (D) and the reservoir (16).

Abstract: A device for containing a volatile anesthetic and an anesthetic agent delivery system. The device may include a bottle closure, which may be attached to an anesthetic bottle until it is time for the anesthetic to be transferred to a vaporizer. A membrane may be used to seal the opening in order to prevent the anesthetic from leaving the reservoir until it is desired to fill the vaporizer. In order to protect the membrane a cap and a cap support may be placed on the reservoir so as to cover the membrane. The container may further include a connecting surface on the cap support or the reservoir, the connecting surface being connectable to a vaporizer. The system includes a vaporizer having a side slotted tube needle that is able to pierce the membrane and through which the liquid anesthetic agent and/or vapor may pass from the reservoir to the vaporizer. A method for transferring a liquid anesthetic from a container to a vaporizer.

Abstract: A therapeutic face mask comprises a face-engaging portion and a single connector having a mask-engaging end and a single treatment-receiving end which has a single attachment mounting for detachably sealingly receiving a treatment attachment, such as an oxygen reservoir bag or a nebulizer. A one-way inhalation valve in the connector permits fluid flow from the treatment-receiving end to the mask-engaging end during inhalation and inhibits fluid flow in the other direction. The mask also includes a valve-governed exhalation port and an anti-asphyxia valve assembly configured to permit fluid flow from ambient to the face-engaging portion during inhalation only when inspiratory effort during inhalation exceeds fluid flow to the treatment-receiving end of the connector. Also provided is an oxygen reservoir bag having a neck shaped for removable coupling to a mating connector of a therapeutic face mask. An oxygen reservoir bag may have a metered-dose inhaler port defined in its neck.

Abstract: A connector includes a main conduit and a gas conduit. The main conduit includes an inlet portion and an outlet portion that form a passage for supply of a first gas in a forward direction. The inlet portion is adapted to receive a supply of the first gas and deliver the first gas to the outlet portion. The gas conduit has a first end and a second end that form a second passage for supply of a second gas. The first end of the gas conduit is adapted to connect to a second gas supply, and the second end is adjacent the outlet portion of the main conduit and delivers the second gas into the main conduit such that the second gas is directed to flow in a forward direction.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) machine has an electrically driven air pump, an air hose coupled to the air pump, and a air mask coupled to the air hose and adapted to be applied to a head of a patient to supply a stream of air to breathing passages of said patient while the patient is sleeping. A device, attached to said machine, is provided for inducing sleep in said patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory gas supply circuit for an aircraft carrying passengers, comprising a pressurized source of respiratory gas (R1, R2) and a supply line (2, 3), said circuit further comprising on said supply line a regulating device (12, 30) for controlling the supply in respiratory gas to said passengers, wherein said regulating device further comprises an electro-valve (12) controlled by a pulse width modulation signal provided by an electronic unit (20).

Abstract: A medical device comprises a tube to be inserted into a patient. The tube has a proximal end and a distal end and provides a first fluid into the patient's body from a fluid source via a lumen. The device includes a suction port on the tube which is configured to remove a second fluid from within the patient's body via a suction lumen. The device includes an inflatable cuff that is coupled to the outer surface of the tube. The cuff is positioned adjacent to the suction port and maintains the suction port a distance away from patient tissue. In an embodiment, the cuff is cylindrical and has an inner surface which extends from the proximal side toward the distal side, wherein the inner surface is tapered such that a diameter of the inner surface with respect to the tube decreases from the proximal side toward the distal side.

Abstract: Eye shades to reduce phototherapy light exposure to the eyes of a jaundiced person during a phototherapy session are provided. The shades includes a flexible and soft frame that can be placed against the face of a jaundiced person. At least one light-absorbing filter capable of filtering phototherapy light to both eyes of the person is affixed to the frame. The light-absorbing filter is a light intensity reduction filter of the blue-to-yellow light or the blue light from the phototherapy light. Advantages of the phototherapy shades presented herein exist due to the ability of patients to see their surroundings during phototherapy and caregivers to observe newborn's state of alertness.

Abstract: The combination chin protector and mouth guard provides a device for protecting both the user's teeth and chin. The device is particularly adapted for use in combination with a motorcycle or motocross helmet, for example. The combination chin protector and mouth guard includes a chin protector having opposed front and rear faces, and a mouth guard, adapted for insertion into the mouth of the user, having a front face adapted for positioning against the lips of the user and at least one substantially U-shaped recess being formed in the mouth guard to receive and protect the user's teeth. A support having opposed upper and lower ends is further provided, with the upper end thereof being secured to the mouth guard, and the lower end thereof being secured to the chin protector in order to tether the mouth guard to the chin protector.

Abstract: A specially designed face mask is provided which provides an impenetrable barrier between the wearer and noxious odors. Manufactured of any suitable material, such as durable, disposable paper, fabric, woven or felted material, for example, the fragrance face mask of the present invention is essentially rectangular in shape. The mask provides fragrance to block unwanted odors alone or in combination with anti-bacterial, anti-microbial or anti-fungal agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fixation device for immobilizing a head of a patient relative a treatment unit or medical device during treatment of the head. The fixation device is provided with an interface unit adapted to be fixated in relation to an adaptor unit for connection to the treatment unit, or to a frame for connection to the medical device. Furthermore, the fixation device is further provided with a sliding plate being slidable in relation to said interface unit in an xz-plane of a coordinate system. The system is a Cartesian coordinate system defined by three orthogonal axis having an x-axis extending in the medial-lateral direction of the patient, an y-axis extending in the anterior-posterior direction, and a z-axis extending in the cranial-caudal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a support structure for fixating a patient to a treatment unit, and especially to a support structure for fixating the patient to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation unit. An embodiment of the support structure (10) comprises a back plate (100) for positioning behind said patient's back posterior to said patient's heart and a front part (200) for positioning around said patient's chest anterior to said patient's heart. Further, the front part (200) can comprise two legs (210, 220), each leg (210, 220) having a first end (212, 222) pivotably connected to at least one hinge (230, 240) and a second end (214, 224) removably attachable to said back plate (100). Said front part (200) can further be devised for comprising a compression/decompression unit (300) arranged to automatically compress or decompress said patient's chest when said front part (200) is attached to said back plate (100).

Abstract: A thumbless mitt 10 for receiving a hand 2 has a cloth outer shell cover 12, a cloth inner liner 14 and a non-pliable palm center 20 interposed between the inner liner 14 and the outer shell cover 12 on a palm facing portion 18 of the mitt 10. The cloth inner liner 14 defines an inner chamber 19 into which the entire hand 2 is inserted. The non-pliable palm center 20 extends from the palm location to adjacent and along the fingers location, preferably centered on the palm side 18 of the mitt 10 and having a width sufficient to block at least two middle fingers from bending in a grasping position beyond the palm center 20. Two pairs of straps 30 and 40 are strategically located to prevent removal and or rotation of the hand 2inside the mitt 10.

Abstract: An inflatable device to be positioned between a body portion and an underlying surface includes one or more inflatable cells. In some embodiments, the inflatable device also includes a dressing, attached to the one or more inflatable cells, to be secured to a patient's skin. In some embodiments, the inflatable device also includes an adhesive to secure the one or more inflatable cells to a patient's skin. The inflatable device is secured to the body portion, coupled to a pump, and repeatedly inflated and deflated.

Abstract: Tobacco products are wrapped by a unit equipped with a rotating drum carrying a set of holder mechanisms around the periphery, each rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of the drum, by which single products are supported and carried through an assembly station together with leaves of wrapping material received from a vacuum roller turning on an axis parallel to the axis of the drum; the vacuum roller revolves tangentially to the drum at the assembly station and comprises a system by which each leaf is transferred to a gripper associated with the support mechanism. The transfer system is timed to operate in a situation of substantially zero relative peripheral velocity between the support mechanism and the vacuum roller.

Abstract: A smoking device for generating and releasing smoking vapor free from contamination into the mouth of a user comprising a mouthpiece for providing vapor for inhalation to a user including a tubular casing containing a heater for heating a smoking substance at a substantially constant low temperature by regulating the flow of fuel by a thermal regulator and further having means for visual indication of the operation of the device.

Abstract: A smoking device for generating and releasing smoking vapor free from contamination into the mouth of a user comprising a mouthpiece for providing vapor for inhalation to a user including a tubular casing containing a heater for heating a smoking substance at a substantially constant low temperature by regulating the flow of fuel by a thermal regulator and further having means for visual indication of the operation of the device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filter making apparatus comprising: a filter material converging device, a flavor element positioning device comprising a passage element, the passage element comprising a passageway, a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet, the first inlet and second inlet being in fluid communication with the passageway, wherein the first inlet is adapted to pass a continuous strand of material into the passage element, wherein the second inlet is adapted to pass fluid into the passage element, and wherein the outlet is positioned at a point downstream from at least a portion of the filter material converging device, wherein the passage element is adapted to pass through the second inlet and into the filter material either the continuous strand of material from the first inlet, or fluid from the second inlet, or the continuous strand of material from the first inlet together with fluid from the second inlet.

Abstract: In a process for preparing a tobacco blend, at least two different types of tobacco are thermally treated and blended so as to form the tobacco blend. Thermal treatment as well as blending of the different types of tobacco is performed by introducing the different types of tobacco into a combined thermal treating and blending unit, where thermally treating as well as blending of the at least two different types of tobacco is performed.

Abstract: A tobacco product comprising nanocrystalline particles and methods of reducing the levels of undesirable compounds in tobacco smoke are provided. The nanocrystalline particles are effective sorbents of numerous toxic compounds released by burning tobacco and may be incorporated into the tobacco itself, incorporated into a filter element, or incorporated into the fibers of a wrapping paper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber for use as hair which has touch/shine like a hair, excellent curl-retaining property and flame retardancy. Also disclosed is a head-dressing product produced using the fiber. The fiber comprises (A) 90 to 10 parts by weight of polyester fiber and (B) 10 to 90 parts by weight of a reproduced collagen fiber containing an aluminum compound. Preferably, the aluminium compound is an aluminium salt and is contained in an amount of 8 to 20% by weight in terms of aluminium oxide. The polyester fiber may contain a flame retarder.

Abstract: The manicure and pedicure station includes a base and an attached hand-foot rest member that supports a user's hand or foot and that can be readily pivoted to accommodate positioning of the user's fingers or toes for ease of use during a manicure procedure. A base plate attachable to the base prevents slipping of the base during use of the station. A soaking bowl can be attached to the unit and can rotate around the base. The soaking bowl has a hermetic body that keeps water warm during the manicure procedure. Alternatively, a tray can be attached to the unit and can rotate around the base in lieu of the bowl. A polish bottle holder that can accommodate a polish bottle of a variety of shapes is attached to the unit and can rotate around the base and tilt for secure placement of the bottle in any convenient position.

Abstract: A transparent sheet with a desired front face image clings by static to a mirror. The front face image is provided with cosmetic indications which, when the sheet is adhered to a mirror, allows the user to refer to the front face image to apply cosmetics to her own face.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an artificial hair fiber bundle having a color tone with a gradation appearance at a tip portion thereof. An aspect of the invention is a fiber bundle (10) for artificial hair, with one end (1) thereof being bundled and fixed. The fiber bundle includes fibers (A1, B1) of two or more kinds having color tones different from each other, the fiber bundle being obtained by a heat treatment at a predetermined temperature. The fibers of two or more kinds have heat shrinkage rates different from each other, and a tip portion of the fiber (A1) out of the fibers of two or more kinds emerges in a portion (2) corresponding to the other end of the fiber bundle (10) which is not bundled and fixed.

Abstract: A hairdressing device is designed to heat a hair at different temperatures. The device includes first and second arms coupled together by a hinge so that the arms can be closed together when pressed toward each other, each of the first and second arms including a grip portion and a head portion extending from the grip portion. The first arm includes a first heat generating body having at least one electric heater arranged in the head portion for heating a hair. The second arm includes a second heat generating body having two electric heaters arranged side by side in the head portion for heating the hair at different temperatures and a digital display part provided on an outer surface of the second arm for indicating information on a permanent to be performed.

Abstract: A hair styling apparatus includes a handle, a styling head and a heater. The handle has a pair of pivotally joined arms, and the head includes a pair of styling members which cooperate to form styling surfaces of the styling head. Each styling member is extendable from and retractable into the handle.

Abstract: A hair accessory device with a cover is provided. Through the use of this novel device one can facilitate hair styling while shielding from view the hardware that is used to style the hair. The device provides a cover that shields most if not all of any spring, hinge or other mechanical system that is used to style one's hair.

Abstract: The case (1) for cosmetic products, typically in the form of paste or compact powder cakes, comprises a hollow base (2, 3) having an upper opening (16), a cover (15) closing said upper opening and a support (4) arranged inside said hollow base, said support comprising at least a first support surface (7) and a second support surface (8), the first and second support surfaces each comprising at least one compartment (10) intended to receive a cosmetic product (9), is characterised in that the support cooperates in a mobile manner with said hollow base so that the support can be turned inside the hollow base to present said first support surface or said second support surface through the upper opening.

Abstract: A method and a device for replacing objective parts, especially of a projection or illumination objective for microlithography in which an objective having an objective interior and objective parts provided therein is provided. At least one objective part is replaceably accommodated in the objective. Immediately prior to installation in the objective, the replaceable objective part is cleaned outside the objective interior in at least one cleaning room sealed off from the ambient atmosphere. Immediately after cleaning, the replaceable objective is installed in the objective without contact with the normal ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning system according to the present invention comprises cleaning devices, and a controller for controlling the driving of the cleaning devices in accordance with driving recipes predetermined. The controller prioritizes the cleaning devices, calculates, on the basis of a driving recipe for a cleaning device having a higher priority and a driving recipe for a cleaning device having a lower priority, a time in which the two cleaning devices can interfere with each other, and sets the calculated time as a waiting time. The cleaning device having the higher priority is made to start cleaning a substrate from a predetermined cleaning-starting position, while the cleaning device having the lower priority is kept waiting in a predetermined waiting position. When or after the waiting time has elapsed since the cleaning device having the higher priority started cleaning, the cleaning device having the lower priority is made to move from the waiting position and start cleaning the substrate.

Abstract: A lid 81 included in a processing vessel 30 is held by a simple mechanism to prevent the leakage of an atmosphere in a processing space 83 formed in the processing vessel 30 into an environmental space. A low-pressure space 84 surrounds the processing space 83 formed in the processing vessel 30. The processing vessel 30 is provided with a first sealing member 101 sealing a joint between a part of a vessel body 80 and a part of the lid 81 to separate the low-pressure apace 84 from the processing space 83, and a second sealing member 102 sealing a joint between a part of the vessel body 80 and a part of the lid 81 on the outer side of the first sealing member 101 to separate the low-pressure space from an external space surrounding the processing vessel 30.

Abstract: A process is proposed for cleaning an apparatus to remove deposits from a process for the recovery of purified N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) by evaporating NMP from a contaminated NMP stream which is obtained in a process for the extractive separation of acetylene from the reaction mixture of a partial oxidation of hydrocarbons after expulsion of the acetylene as a gas, wherein hot water is passed into the apparatus and is stirred.

Abstract: A toilet bowl cleaning unit disposed to intercept an intermittent flow of water from each flush of the water from a water line to a toilet bowl comprising a mounting device for installation in the flow of water, and a water-soluble compound positioned on the mounting device to intercept a substantial portion of the water as it is flushed from the water line to the toilet bowl, said water-soluble compound thereby being released into the toiled bowl with the water from each flush to inhibit formation of mineral deposits on the surfaces of the toilet bowl and/or drainage pipes.

Abstract: A cleaning composition including an acid component is provided, along with methods for using the composition to remove soil from hard surfaces. The concentrate cleaning composition includes between about 1 and about 70 wt % of methane sulfonic acid, about 0.1 to about 15 wt % of a surfactant component, up to about 90% of a solvent and other adjuvants.

Abstract: Device for cleaning a gas turbine engine, and in particular an engine of turbofan type. The present invention further relates to a method for cleaning such an engine. The device comprises a plurality of nozzles arranged to atomize cleaning liquid in the air stream in an air inlet of the engine up-stream of a fan of the engine. According to the invention, a first nozzle is arranged at a position such that the cleaning liquid emanating from the first nozzle impinges the surfaces of the blades substantially on the pressure side; a second nozzle is arrange at a position such that the cleaning liquid emanating from the second nozzle impinges the surfaces of the blades substantially on the suction side; and a third nozzle is arranged at a position such that the cleaning liquid emanating from the third nozzle passes substantially between the blades and enters an inlet of the core engine.

Abstract: To achieve complete cleaning of a tank (11) by means of a cleaning head (4, 5) having nozzles (6) mounted on a liquid supply pipe (3), the cleaning head (4) according to the invention is provided with one or more nozzle openings, nozzles (7), which eject a jet/jets (8, 9) against the supply pipe/suspension (3). This ensures that the stationary parts of the cleaning equipment (3, 10) are cleaned effectively during the turning (4a) of the cleaning head (4) and thereby of the nozzle/nozzles (7).

Abstract: A conveyor warewasher includes splash curtains that function differently according to their orientation. The top connection part of the splash curtains and the connections mounted on the warewasher are designed to attach the curtain only when the curtain is hung in the proper orientation and not when the curtain is hung in reverse. A splash curtain for a warewasher includes functionally distinct front and rear sides. The arrangement of hook-receptive slots on the splash curtain is asymmetric so that the hook arrangement that they will receive differs when the curtain's orientation is reversed.

Abstract: A safety umbrella for providing visibility for an individual crossing an intersection or walking at night or in dark rainy inclement weather includes a center pole having a cover at its upper end and an opposite hand gripping end that includes a housing and a loop and cap member detachably securable to the housing and the housing holding at least one battery interconnected to an on/off switch and a plurality of wires extending from within the housing through the center pole to the upper end for interconnection to a LED light enclosed within a transparent casing that projects above the cover and which is operable by the on/off switch so that the individual can be made more visible to other individuals and to automotive vehicles and thereby avoiding accidents and injuries to all parties.

Abstract: An umbrella hub is provided which can comprise a central portion, a body, and a retention mechanism. The central portion can be configured to receive to an umbrella pole. The body extends between the central portion and an outer periphery of the hub and can comprise an engagement section adjacent to the outer periphery. The engagement section can be configured to receive an end portion of an umbrella structural member. The retention mechanism can be disposed within the engagement section and can comprise an elongate channel having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can be located between the second portion and the outer periphery of the body and have a width less than the width of the second portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved ventilator apparatus for vehicle covers. The apparatus comprises a dome section that is associated with a first ventilator plate on the outside of a vehicle cover. The Dome section extends through the vehicle cover where it is associated with a second ventilator plate. A nut is used to releasably associate the component pieces together so that a portion of the vehicle cover is clamped between the first ventilator plate and the second ventilator plate. Both the first ventilator plate and second ventilator plate are configured so that either plate may be used on the inside or outside of the cover. The improved ventilator plate design comprises air vents disposed within the plate so that water on a top surface of the ventilator plate cannot run into the vent openings. In addition, support gussets have been redesigned so provide an improved venturi action that tends to suck air through the vent opening when air blows across the vent openings.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least two panels, with each of the panels having a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, and a fabric for partially covering the loop member. The loop members of two adjacent first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along first edges of the loop members, and at a second overlapping point along second edges of the loop members, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the two loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilizing solar-electrical generators are discussed. Solar-electrical generators are disclosed having a radiation-capture structure and one or more thermoelectric converters. Heat produced in a capture structure via impingement of solar radiation can maintain a portion of a thermoelectric converter at a high temperature, while the use of a low temperature at another portion allows electricity generation. Thus, unlike photovoltaic cells which are generally primarily concerned with optical radiation management, solar thermoelectrics converters are generally concerned with a variety of mechanisms for heat management. Generators can include any number of features including selective radiation surfaces, low emissivity surfaces, flat panel configurations, evacuated environments, and other concepts that can act to provide thermal concentration. Designs utilizing one or more optical concentrators are also disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit which extends the operational life of a main power source, said circuit comprising a pair of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) for converting thermal energy from a heat source into electrical energy; a pair of capacitors arranged in parallel, each coupled to one of the TEGs for storing the electrical energy generated by said TEG; a power converter; a first switching element coupled between a first capacitor in the pair of capacitors and the power converter; a second switching element coupled between a second capacitor in the pair of capacitors and the power converter; and a monitor/controller coupled to said first and second switching elements and each of said capacitors for selectively and alternatively switching the first and second switching elements in order to selectively provide power from one of the capacitors to a load, thereby reducing the amount of power drawn from the main power source.

Abstract: A metal gate thermocouple is provided. The thermocouple is configured to measure local temperatures of a device. The thermocouple is a passive device which senses temperature using the thermoelectric principle that when two dissimilar electrically conductive materials are joined, an electrical potential (voltage) is developed between the two materials. The voltage between the materials varies with the temperature of the junction (joint) between the materials. The thermocouple device includes a first conductor comprising a first material formed over a thin oxide layer or a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure and a second conductor comprising a second material formed over the thin oxide layer or the STI structure. The second conductor overlaps with the first conductor to form a thermocouple junction or dimension at least more than an alignment tolerance. The first and second materials are chosen such that the thermocouple junction formed between them exhibits a non-zero Seebeck coefficient.

Abstract: Copper indium diselenide, copper indium gallium diselenide, and other IB-IIIA-VIA compounds are produced by the liquid deposition on a substrate of a precursor-containing ink, followed by heating to produce the desired material. The precursor containing ink is a mixture of three parts. The first part is plurality of particulates of metal compounds of IB, IIIA. The second part is chalcogen source of selenium, sulfur, or organic chalcogen compounds dissolved in a liquid organic solvent. The third part solution function as viscosity adjustment, as introduction of dopant of sodium ion and/or as ink stabilizer. The precursor ink can be coated on substrate at room temperature and it can be transferred into copper indium (gallium) chalcogenide semiconductor thin film upon baking and a chalcogenization process. The resulting thin film semiconducting material can be incorporated into photovoltaic and other electronic devices.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes a first submodule and a second submodule connected in parallel.