Abstract: This invention comprises manufacture of photovoltaic cells by deposition of thin film photovoltaic junctions on metal foil substrates. The photovoltaic junctions may be heat treated if appropriate following deposition in a continuous fashion without deterioration of the metal support structure. In a separate operation, an interconnection substrate structure is provided, optionally in a continuous fashion. Multiple photovoltaic cells are then laminated to the interconnection substrate structure and conductive joining methods are employed to complete the array. In this way the interconnection substrate structure can be uniquely formulated from polymer-based materials employing optimal processing unique to polymeric materials. Furthermore, the photovoltaic junction and its metal foil support can be produced in bulk without the need to use the expensive and intricate material removal operations currently taught in the art to achieve series interconnections.

Abstract: The invention teaches improved, novel methods and materials for the production of antennas. The invention contemplates the use of Directly Electroplateable Resins for the production of these antennas. The unique suitability of Directly Electroplateable Resins to allow facile manufacture of the antennas desired using a broad range of processing and manufacturing approaches is demonstrated.

Abstract: This invention comprises manufacture of photovoltaic cells by deposition of thin film photovoltaic junctions on metal foil substrates. The photovoltaic junctions may be heat treated if appropriate following deposition in a continuous fashion without deterioration of the metal support structure. In a separate operation, an interconnection substrate structure is provided, optionally in a continuous fashion. Multiple photovoltaic cells are then laminated to the interconnection substrate structure and conductive joining methods are employed to complete the array. In this way the interconnection substrate structure can be uniquely formulated from polymer-based materials employing optimal processing unique to polymeric materials. Furthermore, the photovoltaic junction and its metal foil support can be produced in bulk without the need to use the expensive and intricate material removal operations currently taught in the art to achieve series interconnections.

Abstract: The invention teaches improved, novel methods and materials for the production of antennas. The invention contemplates the use of Directly Electroplateable Resins for the production of these antennas. The unique suitability of Directly Electroplateable Resins to allow facile manufacture of the antennas desired using a broad range of processing and manufacturing approaches is demonstrated.

Abstract: The invention teaches novel structure and methods for producing electrical current collectors and electrical interconnections. Such articles find particular use in facile production of arrays of photovoltaic cells. The current collector and interconnecting structures are initially produced separately from the photovoltaic cells thereby allowing the use of unique materials and manufacture. Subsequent application of the structures to the cells allows facile and efficient completion of arrays. Methods for combining the collector and interconnect structures with cells and final interconnecting into arrays are taught.

Abstract: A bottle cap includes a top and a skirt depending from the top, the skirt having a bottom edge, a locking bead radially extending inward from an interior of the skirt intermediate the top and the bottom edge, a tear tab extending downward from the bottom edge, a first tear line proximate the tear tab and extending upward along the skirt from the bottom edge across the locking bead and terminating at a terminus adjacent to or below the perimeter. The first tear line is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cap. The first tear line and the longitudinal axis define a radially extending plane P. The bottle cap also includes a second tear line proximate the tear tab and spaced from the first tear line. An upper portion of the second tear line extending through the plane P and between the terminus and the longitudinal axis. A method of using the bottle cap is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is to novel articles and methods useful in the mass production of wireless communication devices. Methods and structures to achieve combining of electrical devices such as chips with antennas are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is to novel electrical connections between an electrical device such as a chip and an antenna. The connections are achieved by electrodeposition of metals to achieve electrical communication between the leads of the device and the antenna. The antenna can be formed by electrodeposition simultaneously with creation of the electrical connection. The connection technology is very suitable for continuous production of components for wireless applications such as RFID labels and tags.

Abstract: The invention teaches improved materials and processes for production of structures to shield against ingress or egress of electromagnetic radiation. The structures and processes taught are based on the recognition and use of directly electroplateable resins. The directly electroplateable resins are combined with electrodeposited metal-based coatings to result in uniquely suitable structures to achieve radiation shielding. Fabrication and compositional flexibility of directly electroplateable resins and low cost material possibilities contribute to the unique suitability of directly electroplateable resins in the production of improved electromagnetic radiation shields.

Abstract: A interconnected arrangement of photovoltaic cells is readily and efficiently achieved by using a unique interconnecting strap. The strap comprises electrically conductive fingers which contact the top light incident surface of a first cell and extend to an interconnect region of the strap. The interconnect region may include through holes which allow electrical communication between top and bottom surfaces of the interconnect region. In one embodiment, the electrically conductive surface of the fingers is in electrical communication with an electrically conductive surface formed on the opposite side of the strap through the through holes of the interconnect region. The interconnection strap may comprise a laminating film to facilitate manufacture and assembly of the interconnected arrangement.

Abstract: This invention involves unique electroplated items comprising electrically conductive polymers. In addition, novel processing is taught to facilitate continuous production of electrically treated items. Many embodiments employ directly electroplateable resins for particular advantage. Unique methods of establishing electroplated electrical connections are taught.

Abstract: The invention teaches improved, novel methods and materials for the production of antennas. The invention contemplates the use of Directly Electroplateable Resins for the production of these antennas. The unique suitability of Directly Electroplateable Resins to allow facile manufacture of the antennas desired using a broad range of processing and manufacturing approaches is demonstrated.

Abstract: A tamper-evident, snap-on, screw-off closure is used with a specially shaped container neck. The neck has at least one first helical thread on an upper neck stretch portion, and at least one external ratchet tooth on a locking wall portion below the upper neck stretch portion. The closure has an upper skirt having at least one second helical thread mating with the first helical thread of the neck. A downward extending lower skirt portion includes an outer skirt portion and a shoulder extending inwardly from said outer skirt portion. A frangible section interconnects the shoulder and the upper skirt portion. At least one substantially vertical castle projection is formed upstanding from the shoulder, preventing upward deformation of the lower skirt portion without breaking the frangible section. The lower skirt portion has at least one internal ratchet tooth, and is formed with a line of weakness extending through the outer skirt portion and the shoulder.

Abstract: This invention involves unique electroplated items comprising electrically conductive polymers. In addition, continuous production of electrically treated items is facilitated using electrically conductive resins. Many embodiments employ directly electroplateable resins for particular advantage. Unique methods of establishing electroplated electrical connections are taught.

Abstract: The invention teaches improved, novel methods and materials for the production of antennas. The invention contemplates the use of Directly Electroplateable Resins for the production of these antennas. The unique suitability of Directly Electroplateable Resins to allow facile manufacture of the antennas desired using a broad range of processing and manufacturing approaches is demonstrated.

Abstract: A bottle cap includes a top and a skirt depending from the top, the skirt having a bottom edge, a locking bead radially extending inward from an interior of the skirt intermediate the top and the bottom edge, a tear tab extending downward from the bottom edge, a first tear line proximate the tear tab and extending upward along the skirt from the bottom edge across the locking bead and terminating at a terminus adjacent to or below the perimeter. The first tear line is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cap. The first tear line and the longitudinal axis define a radially extending plane P. The bottle cap also includes a second tear line proximate the tear tab and spaced from the first tear line. An upper portion of the second tear line extending through the plane P and between the terminus and the longitudinal axis. A method of using the bottle cap is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention teaches improved, novel methods and materials for the production of electrically conductive patterns, antennas and complex circuitry. The invention contemplates the use of directly electroplateable resins for production of these article. The unique suitability of directly electroplateable resins to allow facile manufacture of the electrically conductive patterns desired using a broad range og processing and manufacturing approaches is demonstrated.

Abstract: This invention comprises deposition of thin film photovoltaic junctions on metal substrates which can be heat treated following deposition in a continuous fashion without deterioration of the metal support structure. In a separate operation an interconnection substrate structure is produced in a continuous roll-to-roll fashion. In this way the interconnection substrate structure can be uniquely formulated from polymer-based materials since it does not have to endure high temperature exposure. Cells comprising the metal foil supported photovoltaic junctions are then laminated to the interconnection substrate structure. Conductive interconnections are deposited to complete the array. The conductive interconnections can be accomplished with a separately prepared interconnection component.

Abstract: A tamper-evident, snap-on, screw-off closure is used with a specially shaped container neck. One neck has double lead external threads and, below the threads, a conical wall having external ratchet teeth. The closure has an upper skirt having internal threads mating with the neck threads. A conical lower skirt is connected to the upper skirt by a plurality of frangible bridges. The lower skirt has internal ratchet teeth to mate with the neck ratchet teeth. The cap skirt threads are double pitch and slightly over 360° in length. When the cap is applied to the neck it snaps on in two stages. The lower skirt has a tear tab which, when pulled, fractures the lower skirt on a vertical line. Continued pulling on the tab sequentially fractures the bridges. Another neck has a neck stretch with multiple neck threads and a locking wall below the neck stretch with a plurality of external teeth.

Abstract: Two cap modifications are disclosed for use on water bottles to be installed in water dispensers. A central conical well in the top of the cap is formed with a scoreline. When the bottle is lowered into a dispenser, a probe of the dispenser enters the well and causes it to split along the scoreline. When the bottle is raised, the well substantially returns to initial condition, inhibiting spillage of any liquid remaining in the bottle.