Abstract: A large scale processing method for separating banana pulp from its peel is disclosed. In this method bananas are separated into two parts (generally in a transverse direction), each part having a tip end and a cut end. A compression force is applied to those banana parts such that the force increases from the tip end to the cut end. A device which implements that process, comprising a cutting device, a means for feeding bananas into the cutting device, and two processing conveyor devices (to apply the compression force to the banana parts), is also disclosed.

Abstract: A retrieval device is connected to a racquet and is structured to allow a user to pick a ball up off of the ground without having to bend down to do the same. The retrieval device includes an elongated retrieval member having a stationary section connected to the racquet via an attachment assembly, and a movable section which is disposed in cooperative engagement with a guide assembly, at least a portion of the guide assembly also being connected to the racquet via the attachment assembly. The movable section of the elongated retrieval member is disposable between a storage configuration and a retrieval configuration. More in particular, the storage configuration is at least partially defined by the movable section substantially conforming to a corresponding portion of the head of the racquet, and the retrieval configuration is at least partially defined by the movable section being disposed in a retrieving relation to the ball.

Abstract: Processes which utilize rapid thermal processing (RTP) are provided for inexpensively producing high efficiency silicon solar cells. The RTP processes preserve minority carrier bulk lifetime .tau. and permit selective adjustment of the depth of the diffused regions, including emitter and back surface field (bsf), within the silicon substrate. In a first RTP process, an RTP step is utilized to simultaneously diffuse phosphorus and aluminum into the front and back surfaces, respectively, of a silicon substrate. Moreover, an in situ controlled cooling procedure preserves the carrier bulk lifetime .tau. and permits selective adjustment of the depth of the diffused regions. In a second RTP process, both simultaneous diffusion of the phosphorus and aluminum as well as annealing of the front and back contacts are accomplished during the RTP step.