Abstract: A vehicle washer of the rollover type especially suitable for washing large vehicles such as buses and trucks. The washer includes an overhead carriage moving along an overhead guide rail structure and including opposed L-shaped spray arms adapted to wash top and side surfaces of the vehicle as the carriage moves along the guide rail and move in butterfly fashion as the carriage reaches a respective end of the vehicle whereby to wash that end of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention as disclosed herein provides a ventilating umbrella that protects against sun. In particular, the umbrella contains a trunk with a multi-layered canopy. The canopy contains a plurality of leaf garlands made of synthetic leaves; and a plurality of splines, each of the splines having a distal end, a middle end, and a hinged end. The hinged end is attached to the trunk, and the distal end, middle end or both are attached to the leaf garland.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a shank, a frame, and a canopy in covering relationship to the frame wherein the canopy includes a main section and a rearward extending section, and the frame includes a plurality of rearward extending first rib sections. The umbrella being open is adapted to provide a wider protection area to an object carried on the shoulder or towed by the hand against the rain. The umbrella frame is made of FRP so as to reduce weight significantly.

Abstract: An improved walker leg tip having a felt nap is provided. The walker leg tip has an arcuate shaped shell with the shell having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion has an aperture at least partially therethrough, the aperture dimensioned to accept an end portion of the walker leg. The felt nap covers at least part of the bottom portion of the arcuate shaped shell. In some instances, the arcuate shaped shell is spherically shaped and can be made from a polymer, vulcanized rubber and the like. Optionally, a sleeve can extend from the top portion of the shell, the sleeve having a sleeve aperture that is in alignment with the aperture of the top portion and dimensioned to fit at least partially over an end portion of a walker leg. A removable insert can also be included, the insert having an outer diameter dimensioned to fit at least partially into the aperture of the top portion and an inner diameter dimensioned to fit at least partially onto the end portion of the walker leg.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing protection from rays from the sun while performing outdoor tasks including at least one of mowing a lawn with a lawn mower and pushing a stroller. The apparatus comprises a sunshade having a predetermined shape, a predetermined size and formed of a first predetermined material. A frame member includes at least two substantially U-shaped members and is engageable with an underside of the sunshade. A respective one of a pair of elongated members is engageable at a first end thereof with a respective end of one of the at least two substantially U-shaped members and is further engageable on a second end with a handle of at least one of a lawn mower and a stroller. One of a clamp and a screw member is used for securing the pair of elongated members to such handle of such lawn mower and such stroller.

Abstract: An outdoor spa covering device includes a frame member having generally vertical supports, first generally horizontal supports, second generally horizontal supports, roof supports, and first, second, third, and fourth connecting mechanisms. The first connecting mechanism removably connects such first generally horizontal supports at first ends and second ends thereof generally adjacent to first ends of such generally vertical supports. The second connecting mechanism removably connects such second generally horizontal supports at first ends and second ends thereof generally adjacent to second ends of such generally vertical supports. The third connecting mechanism removably connects such roof supports at first ends thereof generally adjacent to at least one of second ends of such generally vertical supports, predetermined locations on such second generally horizontal supports, and a combination thereof. The fourth connecting mechanism removably connects the second ends of such roof supports.

Abstract: A fabricated booth structure for golf training is provided to further improve the assembly/disassembly efficiency. The fabricated booth structure includes a frame 2 configured by connecting metal pipes, and cushion pads 4 fixed to inner walls of the frame to form walls, and a fixing member provided on a rear surface of the cushion pad 4 to attach or detach the cushion pad to or from the frame 2. A one-touch fixing member is provided on the cushion pad, and the one-touch fixing member is easily attached or detached to or from the frame 2. The frame 2 is made of magnetic metal, and the one-touch fixing member is made of magnets 31.

Abstract: The present invention is a canopy structure comprising a frame and a canopy. The frame comprises a plurality of arms and legs, where each of the arms extends outwardly from a central connecting member to a leg, each arm and leg being joined by a leg connecting member. Preferably, each leg is telescopic and is lockable and the central connecting member preferably comprises a releasable locking mechanism. The present invention further comprises a mechanism by which the canopy surface can be tilted to angles relative to the ground.

Abstract: A thermocouple for use in a semiconductor processing reactor is described. The thermocouple includes a sheath having a measuring tip at one end and an opening at the other end. A support member having bores formed along the length is disposed within the sheath. A pair of wires formed of dissimilar metals are disposed within the bores, and one end of the wires is fused together to form a junction. The wires extend along the length of the bores. As the wires exit the bore, they are spatially or physically separated to prevent a short circuit therebetween. The ends of the wires exiting the bore are also free to thermally expand in the longitudinal manner, thereby reducing or eliminating the potential for the wires to fail due to grain slip.

Abstract: A solar panel including array converters is installed in a solar power generation system by first completing a self-test of the solar panel in an uninstalled state. Certain data is obtained and compared to specifications to verify proper operation. Other data obtained is compared to a work order to insure the intended unit is being installed. A functional, proper panel is installed into the solar power generation system, then tested again in an operational state. The system includes steps for activating a system, wherein a system that is not activated within a predetermined time period will no longer operate. The solar power generation system may be monitored remotely, thereby allowing maintenance to be performed on an as-needed basis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell module including: a plurality of solar cell units each including a supporting substrate 30 and an even number of solar cells 20 disposed on the supporting substrate 30; and a conductor 10 configured to electrically connecting surfaces of adjacent solar cells 20 that have opposite surface polarities and are formed in respective solar cell units adjacent to each other. The solar cells 20 having the opposite surface polarities are alternately arranged in each of the solar cell units so that the surface polarities of the adjacent solar cells 20 are opposite to each other, and the solar cell unit has one or more sets of two solar cells electrically connected to each other on the supporting substrate 30.

Abstract: A solar panel has a substrate (1) and a plurality of photovoltaic cells (5). The substrate (1) has a first side (1a), a second side (1b), a third side (1c) and a fourth side (1d). The plurality of photovoltaic cells (5) are provided on the substrate (1), arranged parallel to the first side (1a), and connected in series one after another. The plurality of photovoltaic cells (5) have a first trench (15a) located adjacent to the first side (1a) and parallel to the first side (1a) and a second trench (15b) located adjacent to the second side (1b) and parallel to the second side (1b), while do not have a trench located adjacent to the third side (1c) and parallel to the third side (1c) and a trench located adjacent to the fourth side (1d) and parallel to the fourth side (1d).

Abstract: A thin-film solar cell module and a method of interconnecting thin-film solar cells are described. The method comprises forming one or more grooves (200) in a semiconductor thin-film diode structure (202) on a superstrate (102) such that the diode structure is divided into a plurality of discrete solar cells (206), and such that pairs of sidewalls (204) of the respective solar cells have a doping polarity that is the same as that of a superstrate-side semiconductor layer of the diode structure. A non-continuous insulating layer (300) is formed on the diode structure such that one sidewall of each pair of sidewalls is covered by the insulating layer while the other sidewall of each pair and one or more surface contact regions of each solar cell remain exposed.

Abstract: A solar cell interconnection process for forming a solar cell sub-module for a photovoltaic device, the process including the steps of mounting a plurality of elongate solar cells (101) on a crossbeam (102) on patches of solderable material (201) which is used to maintain solder in position, the elongate solar cells being in a substantially longitudinally parallel and generally co-planar configuration: and establishing one or more conductive pathways (204) extending between adjacent cells to electrically interconnect the elongate solar cells via the contacts (202, 203): wherein the one or more conductive pathways are established by wave soldering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a concentrator photovoltaic device (10) having a plurality of photovoltaic units (22) for directly converting solar energy into electrical energy, wherein a plurality of the photovoltaic units (22) are each provided with: a light entry surface (20) formed on a first optical unit (24), a solar cell (56) which has a smaller surface expanse than the light entry surface (20) of the photovoltaic device (22), the first optical unit (24) being designed to concentrate or focus the solar radiation entering through the light entry surface (20) onto a predetermined area (34) which is determined by the smaller surface of the solar cell (56), is at a spacing from the light entry surface (20) and is smaller in area than the light entry surface (20).

Abstract: A system for generating electricity is disclosed. The system for generating electricity includes a reflector component including two decentered reflective members disposed in a symmetric relationship relative to an optical axis, wherein each of the two decentered reflective members is a segment of a cylinder, and a photovoltaic cell disposed coincident with the optical axis. A system including a plurality of electricity generating systems is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solar energy apparatus, comprising in combination, a primary reflector for reflecting and focusing the sunlight and a secondary reflector to reflect the focused sunlight, a fiber optics cable located to conduct the light from the secondary reflector toward an optoelectric chip located in heat transfer relation to a heat sink.

Abstract: A solar power generating system comprising at least one photovoltaic module for converting solar radiation into electrical energy, and a support frame for supporting said at least one photovoltaic module. The solar system of the invention is wherein it comprises insulating means interposed between said at least one photovoltaic module and said support frame for electrical insulation of said photovoltaic modules from said support frame.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a solar cell is provided. The process comprising the steps of: i) ink jet printing an alkali removable water insoluble hot melt ink jet ink onto a substrate comprising a silicon wafer to form a resist image on the substrate; ii) etching or plating the substrate in an aqueous acid medium; and iv) removing the resist image with an aqueous alkali.

Abstract: A thin film type solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed, wherein the method comprises sequentially depositing a front electrode layer and a semiconductor layer on a substrate; forming a first separating channel by removing predetermined portions of the front electrode layer and the semiconductor layer; forming a contact portion and a second separating channel by removing predetermined portions of the semiconductor layer; forming a first insulating layer in the first separating channel; and forming a plurality of rear electrodes at fixed intervals by each second separating channel interposed in-between, wherein each rear electrode is electrically connected with the front electrode layer through the contact portion. The present invention needs only one cleaning process after carrying out the laser-scribing process, whereby the yield can be improved owing to the simplified manufacturing process.

Abstract: A thin-film photovoltaic device includes a semi-transparent back contact layer. The semi-transparent back contact layer includes a semi-transparent contact layer and a semi-transparent contact interface layer. The thin-film photovoltaic device may be formed in a substrate or superstrate configuration. A tandem thin-film photovoltaic device includes a semi-transparent interconnect layer. The semi-transparent interconnect layer includes a semi-transparent contact layer and a semi-transparent contact interface layer.

Abstract: A solar cell includes polysilicon P-type and N-type doped regions on a backside of a substrate, such as a silicon wafer. An interrupted trench structure separates the P-type doped region from the N-type doped region in some locations but allows the P-type doped region and the N-type doped region to touch in other locations. Each of the P-type and N-type doped regions may be formed over a thin dielectric layer. Among other advantages, the resulting solar cell structure allows for increased efficiency while having a relatively low reverse breakdown voltage.

Abstract: A solar cell device and method of making are provided. The device includes a silicon substrate including a preexisting dopant. A homogeneous lightly doped region is formed on a surface of the silicon substrate to form a junction between the preexisting dopant and the lightly doped region. A heavily doped region is selectively implanted on the surface of the silicon substrate. A seed layer is formed over the heavily doped region. A metal contact is formed over the seed layer. The device can include an anti-reflective coating. In one embodiment, the heavily doped region forms a parabolic shape. The heavily doped regions can each be a width on the silicon substrate a distance in the range 50 to 200 microns. Also, the heavily doped regions can be laterally spaced on the silicon substrate a distance in the range 1 to 3 mm from each other. The seed layer can be a silicide.

Abstract: A method of forming a solar cell, the method comprising: providing a semiconducting wafer having a pre-doped region; performing a first ion implantation of a dopant into the semiconducting wafer to form a first doped region over the pre-doped region, wherein the first ion implantation has a concentration-versus-depth profile; and performing a second ion implantation of a dopant into the semiconducting wafer to form a second doped region over the pre-doped region, wherein the second ion implantation has a concentration-versus-depth profile different from that of the first ion implantation, wherein at least one of the first doped region and the second doped region is configured to generate electron-hole pairs upon receiving light, and wherein the first and second ion implantations are performed independently of one another.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device for converting light into electrical power includes a film (16, 26, 36) of silicon nanoparticles. The silicon nanoparticle film, which can be a multilayer film, has a photoluminescence response and couples light and or electricity into semiconductor layers. A particular example photovoltaic device of the invention include a solar cell that accepts and converts light of a predetermined wavelength range into electrical power. A film containing luminescent silicon nanoparticles is optically coupled to the solar cell. The film has a predetermined thickness. The film responds to incident radiation and produces light or electron response in the predetermined wavelength range that is optically coupled into the solar cell. In preferred embodiments, the film is additionally or alternatively electrically coupled to the solar cell, which produces charge response that is electrically coupled into the solar cell.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing charge recombination within nanostructure enabled solar cells. A nanostructure enabled solar cell includes a nanoporous electron conductor and a hole conductor. The surface of the nanoporous electron conductor includes a sensitizer of nanoparticles, such as quantum dots and also a thin and conformal passivation layer that can be selectively coated onto the electron conductor surface. The passivation layer coats the electron conductor surface without covering the surface of the nanoparticles.

Abstract: A device for receiving and converting incident radiation into DC current, the device including a transparent conductor, at least one point-contact diode, the at least one point-contact diode having a nanowire/mCNT providing a receiving antenna function and a rectification function, a thin insulating layer situated between the transparent conductor and the nanowire/mCNT, and a point contact junction at which the nanowire/mCNT contacts the thin insulating layer.

Abstract: Method of fabricating a transparent electrode based on zinc oxide, characterized in that a layer based on zinc oxide is deposited on at least one of the faces of a substrate or on at least one layer in contact with one of the faces of said substrate, and in that this layer is subjected to a heat treatment so as to over-oxidize a portion of the surface of said layer to a fraction of its thickness.

Abstract: Method of fabricating a transparent electrode based on zinc oxide, possibly doped, characterized in that a layer based on zinc oxide is deposited on at least one of the faces of a substrate or on at least one layer in contact with one of the faces of said substrate, and in that this layer is subjected to a controlled oxidation so as to over-oxidize a portion of the surface of said layer to a fraction of its thickness.

Abstract: A backside electrode layer and a fabricating method thereof are applicable for fabricating a solar cell. The backside electrode layer includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer. The first electrode layer is formed on a substrate and has a thickness smaller than 15 ?m. The second electrode layer having patterns is formed on the first electrode layer. The first and second electrode layers are fabricated by a cofiring process. As the thickness of the first electrode layer is decreased and the second electrode layer is not a full coverage layer, the material usage of each electrode layer is reduced and the fabrication cost thereof is leveled down. Besides, a thinner electrode layer may avoid warp after the cofiring process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photovoltaic module, in which at least one crystalline solar cell, by means of which light energy can be converted into electrical energy, is arranged on a carrier substrate, characterized in that a contact area is formed between the carrier substrate and the at least one crystalline solar cell, wherein, in the region of the contact area, an outer surface on a light entry side of the at least one crystalline solar cell is in contact with a rear surface of the carrier substrate, and in that electrical connection contacts are arranged on the rear side of the at least one crystalline solar cell facing away from the light entry side.

Abstract: Disclosed are a stacked-layered thin film solar cell and a manufacturing method thereof. The stacked-layered thin film solar cell includes plural unit cells connected together electrically, each including a substrate, a first electrode layer, a first photoconductive layer, an interlayer, a second photoconductive layer and a second electrode layer, wherein the first electrode layer is divided by plural first grooves; plural second grooves are formed through the second photoconductive layer, the interlayer, and the first photoconductive layer; and plural third grooves are formed in the second electrode layer and extended downward through the first photoconductive layer. The first, second and third grooves are offset with respect to one another.

Abstract: A thin film type solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed, wherein the thin film type solar cell includes a first anti-oxidation layer formed on a front electrode, and a semiconductor layer formed on the first anti-oxidation layer, so that it is possible to prevent an oxide from being formed in the interface between the front electrode and the semiconductor layer by preventing a reaction between an oxidant contained in the front electrode and silicon of the semiconductor layer, to thereby realize improved cell efficiency, wherein the method for manufacturing the thin film type solar cell comprises forming the front electrode on a substrate; forming the first anti-oxidation layer on the front electrode; forming the semiconductor layer on the first anti-oxidation layer; and forming a rear electrode on the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: Solar cells in accordance with the present invention have reduced ohmic losses. These cells include photo-receptive regions that are doped less densely than adjacent selective emitter regions. The photo-receptive regions contain multiple four-sided pyramids that decrease the amount of light lost to the solar cell by reflection. The smaller doping density in the photo-receptive regions results in less blue light that is lost by electron-hole recombination. The higher doping density in the selective emitter region allows for better contacts with the metallic grid coupled to the multiple emitter regions. Preferably, the selective emitter and photo-receptive regions are both implanted using a narrow ion beam containing the dopants.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for illumination of solar cells. The arrangement includes at least one mirror with at least one predetermined surface geometry and at least one solar cell. The at least one predetermined surface geometry is structured and arranged to distribute primary radiation striking the at least one mirror in one of a targeted manner and homogenously on the at least one solar cell.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to interferometric display devices comprising an interferometric modulator and a solar cell and methods of making thereof. In some embodiments, the solar cell is configured to provide energy to the interferometric modulator. The solar cell and the interferometric modulator may be formed above the same substrate. A layer of the solar cell may be shared with a layer of the interferometric modulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure (100) for photovoltaic applications including: a first layer (10) of a crystalline semiconductor material having a front face (1) for receiving and/or emitting photons and a back face (2); a back contact (40) of a conductive material provided on the side of the back face (2); characterised in that it further comprises a second layer (50) of hydrogenated amorphous silicon-germanium (a-SiGe:H) between the back face (2) of the first layer (10) and the back contact (40). The invention also relates to a method for realising said structure (100).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an article comprising a metallic substrate; an insulating layer; the insulating layer being disposed on the metallic layer in an expanding thermal plasma; and a semiconductor layer; the semiconductor layer being disposed on the insulating layer. Disclosed herein too is a method comprising disposing an insulating layer on a metallic substrate; the insulating layer being in intimate contact with the metallic layer; wherein the insulating layer is derived from a metal-organic precursor, and wherein insulating layer is deposited in an expanding thermal plasma; and disposing a semiconductor layer on the insulating layer.

Abstract: Techniques for the formation of silicon ingots and crystals using silicon feedstock of various grades are described. Common feature is adding a predetermined amount of germanium to the melt and performing a crystallization to incorporate germanium into the silicon lattice of respective crystalline silicon materials. Such incorporated germanium results in improvements of respective silicon material characteristics, mainly increased material strength. This leads to positive effects at applying such materials in solar cell manufacturing and at making modules from those solar cells. A silicon material with a germanium concentration in the range (50-200) ppmw demonstrates an increased material strength, where best practical ranges depend on the material quality generated.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of organic optoelectronics. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to photovoltaic structures and to methods to produce the same. One aspect of the disclosure is a photovoltaic structure comprising: an electron acceptor material, and an electron donor material, wherein the electron donor material comprises: a host material, and a guest material, wherein the energy of the lowest excited singlet state of the guest is smaller than the energy of lowest excited singlet state of the host, wherein the fluorescence emission spectrum of the host overlaps with at least part of the absorption spectrum of the guest and wherein the energy of the lowest excited triplet state of the guest is larger than the energy of the lowest excited triplet state of the host.

Abstract: A solar cell includes polysilicon P-type and N-type doped regions on a backside of a substrate, such as a silicon wafer. A trench structure separates the P-type doped region from the N-type doped region. Each of the P-type and N-type doped regions may be formed over a thin dielectric layer. The trench structure may include a textured surface for increased solar radiation collection. Among other advantages, the resulting structure increases efficiency by providing isolation between adjacent P-type and N-type doped regions, thereby preventing recombination in a space charge region where the doped regions would have touched.

Abstract: The objects are to provide a method for producing a durable organic photoelectric conversion device by a coating process or to produce an organic photoelectric conversion device superior in photoelectric conversion characteristics to the conventional devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of valves permit liquids such as water to flow therethrough at a relatively high flow rate when the temperature of the water is below a predetermined level. The valves reduce the flow rate when the temperature of the water is at or above the predetermined level. The valves can thus facilitate purging of cold water from the hot-water supply piping upstream of the valves at a relatively fast rate, while reducing the flow rate of the water once the water reaching the valves has warmed to a comfortable level.

Abstract: A rocker type diaphragm valve is disclosed. The diaphragm (428) in the diaphragm valve is asymmetric and the stroke of the diaphragm is offset from the center of the diaphragm. The two sealing surfaces (318, 320) that the diaphragm acts against form two planes that make an angle with respect to ones another. The diaphragm (428) may be fabricated in only one piece. The diaphragm (428) may also be made from a resilient material and shaped in such a way as to create a spring force holding the diaphragm into a default position in the valve.

Abstract: A pilot valve assembly for regulating the output of a first pressure source relative to a second pressure source, a fluid system equipped with the valve assembly, and a method of operating the valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve body with inlet and outlet ports and first and second sensing ports. The first and second sensing ports are adapted to sense, respectively, the fluid pressures of the first and second pressure sources. The inlet port is adapted for fluidically connecting to the first pressure source. The valve assembly defines a flow path between the inlet and outlet ports, and has components for allowing fluid flow from the inlet port, through the flow path, and to the outlet port only if the fluid pressure of the first pressure source exceeds the fluid pressure of the second pressure source by a differential by the flow-allowing components.

Abstract: A pressure relief device (100) for an inflatable tire comprises a body (102) having a chamber (116) therein and pressure relief mechanism for releasing air when the air pressure in the chamber exceeds a first predetermined pressure level. A conduit (108; 208) inter-connects an air inlet (110; 210) with an air outlet (112; 212). The conduit (108; 208) is provided in a pin (104; 204) arranged to slide axially in a passageway (106) in the body, the pin (104; 204) extending from the air inlet (110; 210) to the air outlet (112; 212) and being slidable between a first position in which it cannot release a stem of the tire, and a second position, in which it can release the stem.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to bottle traps and provide a bottle trap with an integral gas seal. In an embodiment of the invention, a bottle trap can include a body with both an inlet at a top portion of the body adapted to receive a tailpiece from a sink, and an outlet at a side portion of the body adapted to receive a horizontal drain pipe. The bottle trap further can include an integral metallic gas seal disposed within the body and defining two chambers of the body. The integral metallic gas seal can include a metallic wall being rigidly and non-removably coupled to an interior portion of the body at one end of the metallic wall and having an unattached distal end opposite to the top portion of the interior wall so as to permit passage of fluid from one of the chambers to another of the chambers. Optionally, the unattached distal end of the metallic wall can include a rounded tip.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for draining a screw-on fluid filter which comprises a hollow body member movably engaged with a puncturing member. The hollow body member is dimensioned and arranged to at least partially engage a threaded attachment portion of the screw-on fluid filter. The puncturing member comprises a shaft having a puncture end movable within a conduit formed within the hollow body member wherein the puncturing member may be engaged with an inner side of a fluid filter to produce a puncture hole from inside out of the fluid filter, to produce a puncture hole from which fluid in the fluid filter may drain. A method of using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve device includes: a valve member that controls flow of a fluid, and a body that has a valve insertion hole in which the valve member is inserted, and whose inner surface is cylindrically formed, and into which the fluid flows, and a lead-in passage that has an opening in the inner surface of the valve insertion hole, and that causes the fluid to flow into the valve insertion hole. A line representing the direction of extension of the lead-in passage is tilted from a line normal to the inner surface of the valve insertion hole at a position of the opening of the lead-in passage, in a view in the axis direction of the valve insertion hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transporting a fluid medium, particularly for metering a liquid reducing agent into an exhaust gas system in order to reduce pollutants in an exhaust gas, comprising at least one heated transport line and at least one system component with a heated internal region. The transport line has a line connecting piece, and the system component has a module connecting piece that is directly or indirectly coupled, preferably detachably coupled, to the line connecting piece. The device includes at least one heat conducting sleeve that can be inserted in the line connecting piece and the module connecting piece. The heat conducting sleeve is thermally coupled to the heated transport line and/or the heated internal region in order to transmit heat.