Abstract: The substrate processing apparatus is capable of highly efficiently feeding and carrying out work and improving production efficiency. The substrate processing apparatus comprises: a processing chamber including a processing stage; a first load lock chamber for feeding the work, the first load lock chamber being communicated to the processing chamber; a second load lock chamber for carrying out the work, the second load lock chamber being communicated to the processing chamber; a first buffer storage being located between the processing chamber and the first load lock chamber, the first buffer storage storing the work to be transferred therebetween; and a second buffer storage being located between the processing chamber and the second load lock chamber, the second buffer storage storing the work to be transferred therebetween.

Abstract: The invention is a method for constructing solar energy mounting apparatuses in which structural elements of the apparatus are cast in molds formed on a substantially horizontal surface. A self curing compound, such as reinforced concrete, is used as the material for the structural elements. After curing for sufficient time to achieve strength necessary to allow for handling, the structural element is hoisted into place in a substantially non-horizontal position. Alternatively, the structural element may be used in the moving portion of a solar energy mounting apparatus that performs a tracking function. The use of reinforced concrete in the structural elements of solar energy mounting apparatuses allows for cost reduction over the prior art in that reinforced concrete is less expensive on a unit strength basis than other typical structural materials, such as steel and aluminum.

Abstract: A furnace and method using a heat pump for providing domestic hot water and forced hot or cooled air utilizing heat pump achieved efficiency levels in an on-demand and unlimited domestic hot water, heating, and cooling system. In the heating mode, recycled air acquires heat from the heat pump's condenser coil and transfers this heat to the on-demand hot water.

Abstract: An apparatus for networking solar tracking devices 32. The system includes one or more solar tracking devices 32, each comprising tracking controller 16. Tracking controllers 16 form wireless mesh communications network 18 managed by network manager 14. Tracking controller 16 receives operating data from and sends monitoring data to host computer 10. This operation and monitoring data travels across wireless communications network 18. Host computer 10 connects to wireless mesh communications network 18 either directly or via any communication channel 12 connected to any node on wireless mesh communications network 18.

Abstract: The invention is a wind resistant celestial tracking apparatus that uses gravitational forces acting on the moving elements of the structure to provide overturning resistance. A molded self curing compound, such as reinforced concrete, is used as the structural material that provides the mass, and thus the gravitational overturning resistance that reduces or eliminates the need for a massive ballasted or dug-in foundation. The combination of these features potentially lowers cost significantly over that of tracking apparatuses found in prior art. The invention is appropriate for use in any celestial tracking application with any number of axes of motion, but is particularly useful in two axis solar energy collection systems.

Abstract: A system and a method for feeding a solid into a solid deposition system is described. Solid contained in a hopper is directed into a vibratory bowl. The frequency of the vibrations of the vibratory bowl can be modulated by a feedback system. The solid can then be entrained in a carrier gas which can flow to a distributor for deposition on a substrate.

Abstract: A mounting bracket mounts a photovoltaic module to a support structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (42) for laser scribing coatings on glass sheet substrates by conveying the substrate adjacent a laser source (83) that provides a pulsed laser beam (84) with a wavelength at a near-infrared fundamental frequency and having a frequency in the range of 50 to 100 kilohertz and a pulse duration in the range of 8 to 70 nanoseconds, and by reflecting the beam by an XYZ galvanometer controlled mirror system (90) toward an uncoated surface of the substrate for passage therethrough to the coating on the other surface to provide overlapping ablations through the coating and scribing at a speed of at least 1000 millimeters per second.

Abstract: A structurally integrated solar collector. Roof and wall covering components are integrated with solar collectors to permit solar energy to be converted to heat, electricity and hot water for use within a building. A roof truss is described that additionally captures sunlight for illuminating a building. The roof and wall components are adaptable to heating and cooling seasons so as to minimize the loss of air-conditioned air in the summer time and to maximize solar heating during cold months. Solar energy captured by a structurally integrated solar collector can be directly converted to electricity through use of photovoltaic materials or by harnessing airflow through structurally integrated solar collector to obtain electricity through mechanical conversion.

Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition system (10) includes a housing (12) having an entry (30) and an exit (32) through which glass sheet substrates (G) to be coated are introduced and exited from a deposition chamber (14) defined by lower and upper housing portions (16, 18) having a seal assembly (22) at their horizontal junction which is higher than both the entry and the exit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (42) for laser scribing coatings on glass sheet substrates by conveying the substrate adjacent a laser source (83) that provides a pulsed laser beam (84) with a wavelength at a near-infrared fundamental frequency and having a frequency in the range of 50 to 100 kilohertz and a pulse duration in the range of 8 to 70 nanoseconds, and by reflecting the beam by an XYZ galvanometer controlled mirror system (90) toward an uncoated surface of the substrate for passage therethrough to the coating on the other surface to provide overlapping ablations through the coating and scribing at a speed of at least 1000 millimeters per second.

Abstract: Novel ligated compounds of tin, titanium, and zinc are useful as metal oxide CVD precursor compounds without the detriments of extreme reactivity yet maintaining the ability to produce high quality metal oxide coating by contact with heated substrates.

Abstract: A photovoltaic array (20, 20′) includes a plurality of elongated rails (28) each of which has a lower base (30) and an upper cap (32) of an extruded resin construction defining a pair of grooves (36) that open in opposite directions from each other to receive edges 36 of rectangular photovoltaic modules (22) so as to provide mounting thereof on a support surface (20, 24). The photovoltaic modules (22) are arranged in pairs (38) with the modules of each pair abutting each other and with each pair of modules being spaced along the elongated lengths of the rails from each adjacent pair of modules to provide openings (40) therebetween. Cross members (42) extend between the lower bases (30) of the rails to space the rails from each other and have upwardly opening shapes that receive electrical wiring (44).

Abstract: A photovoltaic array (20, 20′) includes a plurality of elongated rails (28) each of which has a lower base (30) and an upper cap (32) of an extruded resin construction defining a pair of grooves (36) that open in opposite directions from each other to receive edges 36 of rectangular photovoltaic modules (22) so as to provide mounting thereof on a support surface (20, 24). The photovoltaic modules (22) are arranged in pairs (38) with the modules of each pair abutting each other and with each pair of modules being spaced along the elongated lengths of the rails from each adjacent pair of modules to provide openings (40) therebetween. Cross members (42) extend between the lower bases (30) of the rails to space the rails from each other and have upwardly opening shapes that receive electrical wiring (44).

Abstract: A method and apparatus (42) for laser scribing coatings on glass sheet substrates by conveying the substrate adjacent a laser source (83) that provides a pulsed laser beam (84) with a wavelength at a near-infrared fundamental frequency and having a frequency in the range of 50 to 100 kilohertz and a pulse duration in the range of 8 to 70 nanoseconds, and by reflecting the beam by an XYZ galvanometer controlled mirror system (90) toward an uncoated surface of the substrate for passage therethrough to the coating on the other surface to provide overlapping ablations through the coating and scribing at a speed of at least 1000 millimeters per second.

Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition system (10) includes a housing (12) having an entry (30) and an exit (32) through which glass sheet substrates (G) to be coated are introduced and exited from a deposition chamber (14) defined by lower and upper housing portions (16, 18) having a seal assembly (22) at their horizontal junction which is higher than both the entry and the exit.

Abstract: A method of accelerated life testing of a solar cell includes directing a high-intensity diode laser light through at least one lens onto a small area of the solar cell continuously for a predetermined period of time to simulate long-term sun exposure. Performance of the solar cell is measured before and after exposure to the laser light so that life expectancy unless long-term sun exposure may be determined.

Abstract: Novel ligated compounds of tin, titanium, and zinc are useful as metal oxide CVD precursor compounds without the detriments of extreme reactivity yet maintaining the ability to produce high quality metal oxide coating by contact with heated substrates.

Abstract: Novel ligated compounds of tin, titanium, and zinc are useful as metal oxide CVD precursor compounds without the detriments of extreme reactivity yet maintaining the ability to produce high quality metal oxide coating by contact with heated substrates.