Abstract: A power cable or a hybrid power-data cable includes power conductors and a plurality of continuity wires positioned radially outside of the power conductors. The continuity wires are positioned relative to the power conductors such that a cut in the cable will sever one of the plurality of continuity wires before a cut into the power conductors can occur.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a photovoltaic solar cell is provided. A plurality of generally spherical semiconductor elements are provided. Each of the semiconductor elements has a core and an outer surface surface forming a p-n junction. An anti-reflection coating is deposited on the outer surface of each of the semiconductor elements and each of the semiconductor elements is bonded into a perforated aluminum foil array thereby providing ohmic contact to a first side of the p-n junction. The anti-reflection coating is removed from a portion of each of the semiconductor elements and then the core is exposed, thereby allowing ohmic contact to be made to a second side of the p-n junction.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for attaching solder members (114) to a substrate (112). The method includes forming a decal (110) with a plurality of solder members (114). The method further comprises aligning the decal (110) with the substrate (112) and transferring the solder members (114) on the decal (110) to the substrate (112).

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for attaching solder members (114) to a substrate (112). The method includes forming a decal (110) with a plurality of solder members (114). The method further comprises aligning the decal (110) with the substrate (112) and transferring the solder members (114) on the decal (110) to the substrate (112).

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for attaching solder members (114) to a substrate (112). The method includes forming a decal (110) with a plurality of solder members (114). The method further comprises aligning the decal (110) with the substrate (112) and transferring the solder members (114) on the decal (110) to the substrate (112).

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for forming solder (114) on a substrate (112). The method includes forming a decal (110) with a plurality of solder regions (113). The method further comprises aligning the decal (110) with the substrate (112) and transferring the solder regions (113) on the decal (110) to the substrate (112).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming semiconductor particles (42) for solar cells using an optical furnace (30). Uniform mass piles (26) of powered semiconductor feedstock are almost instantaneously optically fused to define high purity semiconductor particles without oxidation. The high intensity optical energy is directed and focused to the semiconductor feedstock piles (26) advanced by a conveyer medium (16) thereunder. The semiconductor feedstock piles (26) are at least partially melted and fused to form a single semiconductor particle (42) which can be later separated from a refractory layer (18) by a separator (50), preferably comprised of silica. The apparatus (10) and process is automated, providing a high throughput to produce uniform mass, high quality spheres for realizing high efficiency solar cells. The apparatus is energy efficient, whereby process parameters can be easily and quickly established.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming semiconductor particles (42) for solar cells using an optical furnace (30). Uniform mass piles (26) of powered semiconductor feedstock are almost instantaneously optically fused to define high purity semiconductor particles without oxidation. The high intensity optical energy is directed and focused to the semiconductor feedstock piles (26) advanced by a conveyer medium (16) thereunder. The semiconductor feedstock piles (26) are at least partially melted and fused to form a single semiconductor particle (42) which can be later separated from a refractory layer (18) by a separator (50), preferably comprised of silica. The apparatus (10) and process is automated, providing a high throughput to produce uniform mass, high quality spheres for realizing high efficiency solar cells. The apparatus is energy efficient, whereby process parameters can be easily and quickly established.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing semiconductor particles (30) of uniform mass. A template (12) is used to meter out uniform mass piles (28) of semiconductor feedstock upon a refractory layer (14). These piles (28) of semiconductor feedstock are then melted briefly to obtain semiconductor particles (30) of uniform mass. Silica is the preferred refractory layer, and is separated from the particles after the melt procedure. Subsequent melt procedures can be implemented to ultimately obtain perfect spheres of the semiconductor material. The present invention is well suited for forming semiconductor spheres to be implemented in photovoltaic solar cells. Semiconductor grade or metallurgical grade feedstock can be implemented to obtain particles of high purity. High yields of uniformly massed spheres can be obtained to produce high efficiency photovoltaic cells at a moderate cost.