Abstract: Disclosed embodiments describe a device for facilitating the combing of hair. The device includes several teeth extending from a lower side of the device opposite a fluid tight reservoir. The reservoir is adapted to expel a fluid when compressed. During operation the fluid is made to exit the device by compressing the reservoir forcing the fluid out of apertures formed between the teeth the fluid facilitates moving the teeth through hair for easier combing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cosmetic kit for making up and/or for care of keratinous material, the kit comprising at least: • a container containing at least one cosmetic composition in the form of a water-in-oil, oil-in-water or multiple emulsion, comprising at least 30% by weight of aqueous phase relative to the total weight of said composition and having a viscosity measured at 25° C. and at a shear rate of 200 min?1 of strictly more than 0.8 Pa·s, said composition comprising at least one colorant, and • an applicator device (8) for applying the composition, provided with an applicator member (10) including an application surface that is capable of turning about at least one axis (X) or center of rotation in response to being moved in engagement with the keratinous material.

Abstract: A weaving assistance apparatus for facilitating differentiation of hair colours comprises a support-engaging portion and an abutting surface. The support-engaging portion has an opening at an end thereof for receiving a finger, and the abutting surface is arranged to provide a contrasting background for differentiating between differently coloured overlying hair strands.

Abstract: A cosmetic compact that is capable of serving as a docking station for an assortment of power transfer, data transfer, and signal transfer connections. In general, power, data, and signal transfer connections will be of the input and output type, with respect to the compact. The compact docking station is able to provide power on an as needed basis or may be used to recharge one or more portable devices. A Universal Docking Station Compact according to the present invention is characterized by an assortment of power and data interfaces.

Abstract: A dental flosser including a plastic handle having proximal and distal ends, a flosser head at the distal end of the handle, and two spaced apart arms extending from the flosser head. Two distal end portions extend from the arms and secure a strand of floss. The distal end portions may be wider than the respective arms to increase the force required to pull the floss through the distal end portions. The distal end portions may intersect and extend through an interior and exterior plane defined by the interior and exterior surfaces of the arms.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device, which is embodied as a toothpick with floss, includes a toothpick body and a floss. The toothpick body has a closed end, an opening end, and a floss cavity formed between the closed end and the opening end, wherein the closed end of the toothpick body forms a tapering end. The floss, having a first end and an opposed second end, is received in the floss cavity of the toothpick body in a hidden manner. The toothpick body is used as a conventional toothpick to effectively remove detritus and plaques from the teeth and is easy to carry. The floss is normally protected within the toothpick body in a hidden manner to keep the floss in a hygiene purpose and is adapted for being pulled out of the floss cavity for flossing.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a substrate having organic and inorganic residues disposed thereon is provided. The method includes removing organic residue from the substrate using atmospheric oxygen plasma, and removing inorganic residue from the substrate using cryogenic CO2. The substrate may be pretreated using a benign cooling agent, and post-treated using a dilute wet chemical cleaning method.

Abstract: A push broom apparatus is shown having an elongated handle with an elongated broom head attached to the elongated handle. A plurality of substantially rigid bristles are attached laterally to the broom head. A plurality of substantially flexible bristles are also attached laterally to the broom head. At least one scraper blade is attached to the elongate broom head.

Abstract: A dispense nozzle cleaner includes a cleaning rack having apertures for placement epoxy dispense nozzles including nozzle holes having residual epoxy, spray nozzles, and alignment members for aligning the spray nozzles with the epoxy dispense nozzles. A pressure source coupled to a solvent reservoir in a lower chamber and a pressure source coupled to an upper chamber delivers a pressurized cleaning solution including a solvent or solvent mixture for epoxy from the solvent reservoir to an inlet side of the spray nozzles that are within a middle chamber for urging the pressurized cleaning solution through the spray nozzle to be sprayed from its outlet so that the pressurized cleaning solution sprayed flows through the full length of the epoxy dispense nozzle including through the nozzle hole, thereby removing at least a portion of the residual epoxy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions useful for conditioning and removing solid deposits that have formed on or otherwise accumulated within one or more components including, for example, scale formed within a steam generating system. The aqueous cleaning compositions incorporate one or more quaternary ammonium hydroxides characterized by pKa values no less than about 13.5. These quaternary ammonium hydroxides may be used alone or in combination with one or more additives including, for example, chelating agents, reducing or oxidizing agents, pH adjustment agents, surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, complexing agents, dispersants and combinations thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a method for cleaning the compressor of a gas turbine engine. The method comprises providing a fluid passage in the inlet case strut with a nozzle communicating with the fluid passage and the inlet gas path. The fluid passage has a fluid connector for connecting wash/rinse fluid under pressure to the fluid passage. The method further comprises motoring the gas turbine engine, and injecting, through the nozzle, the wash/rinse fluid into the inlet gas path to mix with an incoming flow of air and flow into compressor rotor blades of the compressor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing an ink image from a plastic substrate, particularly a plastic container such as a cup, are provided. A solvent capable of solvating the ink image is utilized in order to de-ink articles so that they can be recycled and re-imprinted thereby reducing waste associated with printing line start up. As the articles may be intended for use with food and beverage products, a safe and non-toxic solvent may be selected. However, to ensure that the article is not contaminated with foreign materials prior to human use, the de-inked article may undergo a rinse and drying operation to remove solvent residues and UV light treatment to eliminate any harmful microorganisms that may be present on the article's surfaces.

Abstract: A cleaning system for use with a heat exchanger includes a fluid pressurizing assembly, a wand assembly and a movement mechanism configured to selectively move the wand assembly about a pivot axis. The wand assembly includes a first wand positioned adjacent to the heat exchanger and in fluid communication with the fluid pressurizing assembly, a second wand positioned adjacent to the first wand and in fluid communication with the fluid pressurizing assembly, and a mounting assembly defining the pivot axis. The first and second wands each have a first orifice configured to eject fluid toward the heat exchanger, and the first and second wands are both attached to the mounting assembly such that first and second wands both pivot together relative to the pivot axis.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is described and which includes a housing which is moveable across a supporting surface; a first electrically actuated fluid pump which is mounted in the housing, and which is operable to deliver a first stream of fluid at a pressure of at least about 150 PSI to less than about 1200 PSI; a second electrically actuated fluid pump which is mounted in the housing, and which is operable to deliver a second stream of fluid, at a pressure, of less than about 600 PSI; and an electrically actuated heater which is mounted in the housing, and which is operable to impart heat energy to the second fluid stream.

Abstract: Provided is a dishwasher. The dishwasher includes a tub having a receiving space in which objects to be washed are received, a sump for storing wash water supplied into the tub, a heater that heats the wash water in the sump to generate steam, a steam nozzle for spraying the steam into the tub, a filter assembly that purifies the wash water supplied to the sump and communicates with the tub so that the steam generated in the sump is supplied into the tub and a barrier for dividing inner space of the sump into a first section communicating with the filter assembly and a second section communicating with the steam nozzle. The barrier allows the wash water flows between the first and second sections and suppresses flow of the steam from the second section to the first section.

Abstract: A device for wetting a bulk good, in particular for moistening power plant filter ashes, comprises a downpipe. An inlet, through which the bulk good enters the downpipe, is formed at the upper end of the downpipe. An outlet, through which the bulk good is discharged in the wetted state, is formed at the lower end of the downpipe. A water supply to the downpipe is provided. The downpipe has a flexible wall section. The water supply opens into the flexible wall section of the downpipe. Deposits of the bulk good are prevented in that the bulk good does not come in contact with water until the bulk good is in the flexible wall section.

Abstract: A tank cleaning unit is movable within a storage tank and applies cleaning fluid from a fluid spray nozzle onto accumulated sludge or waste in the tank to clean the tank under control of a control system located externally of the storage tank. The unit is moved by drive motors mounted a transport chassis of the unit with guidance from remote control to clear a path toward a desired position in the tank with the cutter fluid spray. The unit applies cleaning fluid to the interior of the tank to clean the accumulated sludge or waste. The unit includes structure to prevent tangling of the supply and control conduits and conductors connecting it to the remote control system. The unit also provides improved visibility in the presence of vaporous or foggy conditions within the tank during spraying, and is more maneuverable while in the tank.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a rotatable spray arm assembly disposed to discharge water supplied by a pump, with the spray arm assembly having arms that extend radially from a hub. A plurality of spray nozzles are provided along each of the arms to discharge the water at an angular orientation such that a rotational torque is induced to rotate the arms and hub. The spray nozzles are variably positionable on the arms as a function of the degree of centrifugal force on the spray nozzles from the induced rotation of the arms such that angular orientation of the spray nozzles changes as a function of the rotational speed of said arms.

Abstract: An air blanket reflector, which is placed inside and next to the walls of an ultrasonic tank, reflects ultrasonic energy. The air blanket reflector has a relatively thin metal plate, such as 14 gauge stainless steel, facing the interior of the tank and an air-filled cavity on the opposite side of the thin metal plate. The thin metal plate reflects ultrasonic energy away from the walls of the tank to reduce the amount of ultrasonic energy absorbed by the tank.

Abstract: A cleaning device for aquariums comprises a water-tight enclosure configured to be submerged under water and a water pump comprising an inlet for receiving water and an outlet pipe for expelling water. The outlet pipe comprises a central axis. A power source is disposed within the water-tight enclosure for powering the water pump. An adjustable nozzle comprises a nozzle outlet in fluid communication with the outlet pipe, and the adjustable nozzle is configured to be rotated about the central axis of the outlet pipe to selectively adjust a position of the nozzle outlet. In one example, water volume flow or water velocity flow expelled from the nozzle outlet can be selectively adjusted via rotational adjustment of the adjustable nozzle relative to the outlet pipe.

Abstract: In a thin plate member washing apparatus, when a rotary arm member supporting a mesh member holding portion is rotated using a rotary handle, tap water flows over the surface of a mesh member, and medicinal fluid residue deposited on the mesh member is removed.

Abstract: A dishwasher spray arm assembly has a spray arm rotationally configured on a conduit. The spray arm includes a lower spray arm component mated with an upper spray arm component with an internal space defined between the upper and lower spray arm components. A bearing is interposed between the spray arm and conduit to conduct water from said conduit into the internal space, with the spray arm rotatably configured on the bearing. The bearing further includes a lower shaft section that mates with the conduit and an upper disc section sandwiched between the upper and lower spray arm components. A low-friction washer is disposed between the upper disc section and the lower spray arm component. The lower spray arm component and the disc section define a tortuous interference path for water to leak out from the internal space around the bearing.

Abstract: A washer, comprising a washing chamber defined by a pair of side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall, the washing chamber having an opened front face and an opened back face. A first shelf assembly is mounted within the washing chamber having at least one shelf section for receiving and supporting articles to be cleaned during a washing operation. A second shelf assembly is mounted within the washing chamber vertically above the first shelf. The second shelf assembly is mounted to the side walls having at least two shelf sections, at least one of the at least two shelf sections being selectively removable from the washing chamber so that additional space may be provided for larger articles on one side of the first shelf, and so that articles may be inserted into or removed from the washing chamber through the front face or back face of the washing chamber.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having a rotatable sprayer includes a nozzle that may be selectively fluidly coupled to a fluid supply by a control valve.

Abstract: A tank cleaning unit is movable within a storage tank and applies cleaning fluid from a fluid spray nozzle onto accumulated sludge or waste in the tank to clean the tank under control of a control system located externally of the storage tank. The unit is moved by drive motors mounted a transport chassis of the unit with guidance from remote control to clear a path toward a desired position in the tank with the cutter fluid spray. The unit applies cleaning fluid to the interior of the tank to clean the accumulated sludge or waste. The unit includes structure to prevent tangling of the supply and control conduits and conductors connecting it to the remote control system. The unit also provides improved stability while in the tank.

Abstract: A doorstop bar includes a retractable bar, a stopping element, and an urging element. The retractable bar is retractable to adjust the length thereof. The stopping element is provided at the top of the retractable. The stopping element has a holding part, and a hooking element so as to be hung on the doorknob of a door. The doorstop bar can function as a walking stick as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic walking cane for the visually impaired which is adapted with an RFID reader to wirelessly detect RFID tags which are positioned as guides along footpaths with Braille blocks having embedded RFID tags.

Abstract: A tent structure with an improved ventilation system includes a pole assembly, a lower section defined by a plurality of walls and a floor, and an upper section having an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer includes a first set of openings covered by an air permeable material. A perimeter of the inner layer is fixedly attached to a top portion of the lower section to form an enclosure. The outer layer is disposed above the inner layer and a second set of openings is formed between a perimeter of the outer layer and the top portion of the lower section. A first set of connecting members connects the inner and outer layers, and forms a space therebetween. A second set of connecting members connects the outer layer and the pole assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thermoelectric module using a thermoelectric element capable of showing a spin Seebeck effect. The present invention provides a new thermoelectric module including: a thermoelectric element; a first outer electrode that is connected to one side of the thermoelectric element and is applied with positive voltage; a second outer electrode that is connected to the other side of the thermoelectric element and is applied with negative voltage; an upper inner electrode layer that is embedded in an upper portion of the thermoelectric element and is mutually connected to the first outer electrode; and a lower inner electrode layer that is embedded in a lower portion of the thermoelectric element and is mutually connected to the second outer electrode.

Abstract: A multilayered stack useful for constituting a Seebeck-Peltier effect electrically conductive septum with opposite hot-side and cold-side metallizations for connection to an electrical circuit, comprises a stacked succession of layers (Ci) of electrically conductive material alternated to dielectric oxide layers (Di) in form of a continuous film or of densely dispersed nano and sub-nano particles or clusters of particles of oxide; at least the electrically conductive layers having mean thickness ranging from 5 to 100 nm and surface irregularities at the interfaces with the dielectric oxide layers of mean peak-to-valley amplitude and mean periodicity comprised between 5 to 20 nm. Various processes adapted to build a multilayered stack of these characteristics are described.

Abstract: A power converter is provided and includes a heat collector surface, n- and p-legs formed of n- and p-type thermoelectric materials, respectively, which are each disposed in thermal communication with the heat collector surface, parallel electric busses electrically coupled to the n- and p-legs and a housing, which is electrically decoupled from the busses, to support the heat collector surface at a predefined distance from a heat pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thermoelectric module using a thermoelectric element capable of showing a spin Seebeck effect. The present invention provides a new thermoelectric module including: an upper substrate on which a plurality of upper metal electrodes are arranged; a lower substrate on which a plurality of lower metal electrodes are arranged; p-type semiconductor devices and n-type semiconductor devices that are disposed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate and are electrically bonded alternately to each other by the plurality of upper metal electrodes and the plurality of lower metal electrodes; and ferrite elements that are disposed between the p-type semiconductor devices and the n-type semiconductor devices, top ends and bottom ends of the ferrite elements being bonded to the upper metal electrodes and the lower metal electrodes.

Abstract: A solar cell module is described, including a series of solar cells each including a bottom electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, an insulating pattern, a top electrode layer and a passivation layer. The conversion layer is on the bottom electrode and also on the substrate at a first side of the bottom electrode. The insulating pattern is on the bottom electrode, covering an edge portion of the conversion layer near a second side of the bottom electrode. The top electrode layer is on the conversion layer and adjacent to the insulating pattern. The passivation layer is on the top electrode layer and adjacent to the insulating pattern, wherein the top of the passivation layer on the top electrode layer is lower than the top of the insulating pattern. The bottom electrode of a solar cell is electrically connected with the top electrode layer of an adjacent solar cell.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a solar cell connector electrode may include a multiplicity of electrically conductive solar cell connector elements arranged alongside one another; and a plurality of electrically non-conductive and isolated from one another, planar elements on which the electrically conductive solar cell connector elements are arranged. Solar cell connector element isolating locations are provided in regions on the planar elements, such that, by means of a respective solar cell connector element isolating location, a respectively electrically conductive solar cell connector element is divided into a plurality of, preferably two, solar cell connector partial elements electrically isolated from one another.

Abstract: For contacting a silicon solar cell a pre-processed silicon substrate with a frontside and a backside is provided. Then, aluminum is deposited on the backside of the pre-processed silicon substrate, wherein aluminum-free regions remain on the backside. Then, a silver-free layer suitable for soldering on the backside of the silicon substrate is deposited so that the silver-free layer suitable for soldering covers at least the aluminum-free regions on the backside.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and circuit, and to a method for interconnecting flat rigid or flexible solar cells, the photoelectrical active layers thereof being applied to an insulating substrate material. The aim of the invention is provide a novel arrangement and circuit and an associated method for interconnecting flat solar cells, reducing the risk of short circuit and the inactive surface area in the matrix composite of the solar module and selectively allowing simple interconnection, both as a parallel circuit and as a series circuit in production. The solar cells (1) in the arrangement and circuit of flat rigid or flexible solar cells are disposed overlapping in the contact area to one or more adjacent solar cells (1). Said solar cells (1) are interconnected to each other directly once or a plurality of times in a novel manner, having a contact material (10) at the overlapping area to each other, used in contact material (10) or switching points (22).

Abstract: An organic photovoltaic cell comprising a substrate, a first electrode formed on the substrate, an organic photoactive medium comprising an electron donor and an electron acceptor, and a second electrode comprising a conductive mesh, the first electrode being located between the substrate and the second electrode. The cell comprises an insulating mesh formed on the first electrode. The conductive mesh is formed on the insulating mesh. The insulating mesh and the conductive mesh define together apertures for receiving the photoactive medium, said apertures being able to receive the photoactive medium after the first electrode, the insulating mesh and the conductive mesh have been deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for continuously reorienting a solar panel array while maintaining a substantially stationary footprint for the solar panel. A cylindrically shaped knuckle is provided that is formed with a bottom surface and a top surface that is slanted relative to the bottom surface at a slant angle ?. One end of an upper pole is positioned against the top surface of the knuckle, and one end of a lower pole is positioned against the bottom surface of the knuckle. An upper and lower motor respectively connect the knuckle to the upper pole and the lower pole. These motors are used to continuously rotate the knuckle at an angular velocity ? relative to the upper and lower poles. When the knuckle rotates, the upper and lower poles remain stationary to allow the solar panel to continuously reorient while maintaining a substantially stationary footprint.

Abstract: An increased efficiency Concentrator Photovoltaic System having a plurality of solar cells laterally spaced from each other on a substrate panel. The solar cells are mounted on metal traces that support the cells and provide a path for the electrical output of the individual cells. Ribbons or wires, which provide a connection between the front contact of the solar cells to the appropriate metal traces form a circuit connecting the cells in desired configurations, Intercellular areas are provided between the lateral edges of the respective solar cells. A plurality of tubular enclosures are mounted directly above the solar cells. The top edge of the tubular enclosures have a circumference greater than the circumference of the bottom edges of the tubular enclosures. The inner surfaces of the tubular enclosure walls are reflective and direct solar rays to the respective solar cells thereby increasing the efficiency of the Photovoltaic system.

Abstract: A bio-solar cell including: one or more photosynthetic complexes, each photosynthetic complex including one or more chlorophyll compounds and one or more components of Photosystem II; one or more carbon nanotubes upon which the one or more photosynthetic complexes are bound at a first region of the one or more carbon nanotubes; and a conductive substrate attached to a second region of the one or more carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A solar cell (1) of the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion layer (2) and a photonic crystal provided inside the photoelectric conversion layer (2) in order to have a photonic band gap. The photonic crystal has defects (31) in order to provide a defect level in the photonic band gap. QV which is a Q value representing a magnitude of a resonance effect yielded by coupling between the photonic crystal and an outside is substantially equal to Q? which is a Q value representing a magnitude of a resonance effect yielded by a medium of the photoelectric conversion layer (2).

Abstract: A hybrid solar system and method of manufacturing same are described. A solar energy apparatus comprises at least one enveloping tube, at least one heat pipe, at least one reflector device, at least one reflective filter, and at least one photovoltaic device. The enveloping tube has an outer surface made of transmissive material and an evacuated internal atmosphere. The heat pipe runs longitudinally within the at least one collector tube. The reflector device is fixedly attached to an inner surface of the enveloping tube, and the reflective filter is located such that light reflecting off the reflector device is directed to the reflective filter. The photovoltaic device is located such that at least a first portion of the light filtered by the reflective filter may be directed to the photovoltaic device and the portion incompatible with the photovoltaic device may be captured within the at least one heat pipe.

Abstract: A panel (105) is provided for utilizing solar energy, especially in the form of panels designed as roof tiles (101), wherein the heat is transferred from panel to fluid or vice versa. On this panel one or more solar cell panels (107) can be provided so that it is cooled effectively during operation, while heat energy simultaneously may be utilized. Panels, for example designed as roof tiles, individually or assembled, are mounted on roofing battens (110) suitable for the purpose, and connected to electrical connection points and bushings for fluid transport. The roofing battens (110) are mounted on furring ring strips (112) in the usual way. Some furring strips are used for connection of electrical conductors in the flooring battens (112) and any fluid circuits in the flooring battens (110). The construction facilitates installing and maintenance.

Abstract: Provided are a photovoltaic apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof. The photovoltaic apparatus includes: substrate; a back electrode layer disposed on the substrate; a plurality of first intermediate layers disposed on the back electrode layer; a plurality of second intermediate layers disposed on the back electrode layer and each disposed between the first intermediate layers; light absorbing layers disposed on the first intermediate layers and the second intermediate layers; and a front electrode layer disposed on the light absorbing layer.

Abstract: A modular floating support structure for a solar panel array, each array module including floatation elements, a framework comprising E-W frame members connected to and aligning the floatation elements as well as N-S frame members providing a base on which panel supports are installed, and coupling hardware for connecting array modules to adjoining modules in both the E-W direction and N-S direction. A wireway/walkway may be disposed between and connect two large array fields. A mooring and anchoring system secures the array to shore, distributes loads along large portions of the array, and prevents loads from being concentrated in small regions of the array, thereby preventing damage from environmental forces typically encountered in outdoor marine environments.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The coupling may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth, and a twist-lock engagement means for interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solar modules comprising polycarbonate blend films as rear face films for protection against weathering and mechanical damage.

Abstract: A solar cell module is disclosed. The solar cell module includes a solar cell panel, first and second holding members, a reinforcing member. The panel includes a light-receiving surface, a non-light receiving surface, a first side part and a second side part. The first and second holding members hold the first and second side parts respectively. The reinforcing member is laid across the first and second holding member on a non-light receiving surface side. The adhesive is disposed between the non-light receiving surface and the reinforcing member. The reinforcing member includes a supporting part that is disposed with a gap with the non-light receiving surface and that supports the non-light receiving surface via the adhesive. The supporting part includes a first main surface, a second main surface and a through hole. At least one part of the adhesive is located within the through hole.

Abstract: A hollow photovoltaic fiber. The hollow photovoltaic fiber includes semiconductor formed on the inner surface of a hollow tube or on a flexible substrate subsequently formed into a hollow tube. The hollow photovoltaic fiber is suitable a variety of semiconductor devices, including solar cells. Light entering the hollow photovoltaic fiber deposits energy in the semiconductor as it travel through the tube. The hollow photovoltaic fiber exhibits improved energy conversion efficiency over planar thin film solar cells due to the large semiconductor surface area and longer light travel path provided by the tube. Embodiments of the hollow photovoltaic fiber are lightweight and flexible allowing the creation of non-planar solar cells and the applications for solar cells to extend into such areas as the manufacture of photovoltaic textiles or photovoltaic non-woven fabrics.

Abstract: The back-surface-field type of heterojunction solar cell according to the present invention comprises a crystalline silicon substrate of a first conductivity type, a semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type provided in the upper stratum of the substrate, an anti-reflective film provided on the front surface of the substrate, an intrinsic layer provided on the rear surface of the substrate, amorphous semiconductor layers of the first conductivity type and amorphous semiconductor layers of the second conductivity type repeatedly disposed alternately on the intrinsic layer, and first-conductivity-type electrodes and second-conductivity-type electrodes which are respectively provided on the amorphous semiconductor layers of the first conductivity type and the amorphous semiconductor layers of the second conductivity type.