Abstract: Devices with lateral flow elements and integral fluidics are disclosed. The integral fluidics consist of injector pumps comprised of fluidic elements under instrument control. The fluidic element of an injector pump is fluidically connected to lateral flow elements and can be used to control fluid entry into containment chambers referred to as micro-reactors. The lateral flow elements comprise conductor elements that can be used for sample application and transport of analyte contained in the sample to the micro-reactor. Fluidic transport through the fluidic element of the injector pump is under instrument-control. Both the lateral flow element and the fluidic element may contain chemical entities incorporated along their length. The chemical reactions that can be used for analyte detection using the devices are described. Also described are methods of manufacture of these devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photovoltaic system comprising a casing having mounted therein a plurality of solar cells. The casing has a front and opposite thereto, a rear. The front of the casing is provided with a light-transmitting panel for transmitting solar light to the solar cells. The rear is a double wall. A first wall is in contact with the back of the solar cells, and on its side away from the solar cells is of a dark-opaque color, i.e. a solar light absorbing surface. The second wall is a light-transmitting enclosure of the dark-opaque colored side of the first wall, but spaced therefrom so as to produce a greenhouse effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar water heating system operating in a closed circuit and making use of a change of phase in a working fluid as a heat transfer medium, comprising: at least one collector to be exposed to sunlight for transmitting radiant solar energy to a working fluid and thus converting the fluid into a liquid-vapor mixture; a hot water storage reservoir connected to a heat exchanger; a pump for returning the working fluid to the collector; and a pipe means connecting all of the above mentioned components.

Abstract: A vapor pressure pump for delivering a liquid into a system operating at a higher pressure or located at a higher level by action of a vapor pressure produced from a portion of the liquid to be delivered. The pump comprises a closed reservoir for liquid, which includes an unidirectional liquid inlet, an unidirectional liquid outlet, a vapor exhaust valve adapted to balance the pressure between the unidirectional liquid inlet and the reservoir during its filling. The pump also comprises a vapor generator for producing vapor inside the reservoir at a pressure sufficient to force out the liquid contained therein through the liquid outlet, and a control device for operating the vapor generator only when the liquid fed by the liquid inlet has reached a predetermined level in the reservoir.