Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic device (“PV device”), more particularly to an improved photovoltaic device with a multilayered photovoltaic cell assembly and a body portion joined at an interface region and including an intermediate layer, at least one interconnecting structural member, relieving feature, unique component geometry, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic device (“PV device”), more particularly to an improved photovoltaic device (10) with a multilayered photovoltaic cell assembly (100) and a body portion (200) joined at an interface region (410) and including an intermediate layer (500), at least one interconnecting structural member (1500), relieving feature (2500), unique component geometry, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic device (“PV device”), more particularly to an improved photovoltaic device with a multilayered photovoltaic cell assembly and a body portion joined at an interface region and including an intermediate layer, at least one interconnecting structural member, relieving feature, unique component geometry, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a connector and electronic circuit assembly (130) at least partially encased in a polymeric frame (200). The assembly including at least: a connector housing (230); at least one electrical connector (330); at least one electronic circuit component (430); and at least one barrier element (530).

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a through-roof connector assembly comprising one or more photovoltaic building sheathing elements capable of being affixed on a building structure, the photovoltaic building sheathing element including a sheathing element electrical connector along a sheathing element peripheral edge; a through-roof connector edge piece assembly that abuts a portion of the photovoltaic building sheathing element and includes: a body portion, an edge piece electrical connector, one or more wire leads that are connected on one end to the edge piece electrical connector; a wire guiding member with at least one conduit hole, the wire guiding member located under the through-roof connector edge piece assembly when assembled; and an under-roof junction device that is removably connected to the wire guiding member.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a multi-layer laminate structure and method of manufacture, more particularly to a method of constructing the multi-layer laminate structure utilizing a laminate frame and at least one energy activated flowable polymer.

Abstract: The invention a method of forming complex shape of styrenic polymer foams in which a pressing surface is created, for example, by planing/machining a layer of an as formed extruded styrenic polymer plank, contacting said plank with a contoured die face and pressing the foam to form the complex shape.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a connector device and method that can more easily electrically connect a plurality of PV devices or photovoltaic system components and/or locate these devices/components upon a building structure. It also may optionally provide some additional sub-components (e.g. at least one bypass diode and/or an indicator means) and may enhance the serviceability of the device.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a photovoltaic assembly system for securing and/or aligning at least a plurality of vertically adjacent (overlapping) photovoltaic device assemblies to one another. The securing function being accomplished by a clip member that may be a separate component or integral to one or more of the photovoltaic device assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a multi-layer laminate structure and method of manufacture, more particularly to a method of constructing the multi-layer laminate structure utilizing a laminate frame and at least one energy activated flowable polymer.

Abstract: The invention a method of forming complex shape of styrenic polymer foams in which a pressing surface is created, for example, by planing/machining a layer of an as formed extruded styrenic polymer plank, contacting said plank with a contoured die face and pressing the foam to form the complex shape.

Abstract: An improved flashing for sealing an opening of an architectural structure, comprising a generally vertically disposed substantially planar forward portion having an upper end and a lower end. A base portion rearwardly projects generally from the upper end of the forward portion and has an upper surface that includes a generally inclined portion and also includes a plurality of outwardly projecting spaced apart ribs. Kits and methods employing the flashing are described as well.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laminate structure. The laminate structure includes a peripheral edge, an internal edge or both. Trim can be provided at the edges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric-laminated plastic part and a novel process of locating the fabric upon a plastic substrate component where the fabric extends over a contour of the plastic substrate component.

Abstract: The present invention is a cost effective impact-absorbing insert which combines multiple functionality with parts consolidation and ease of customization that allows wide application anywhere tailored impact protection is desired. The impact-absorbing insert of the present invention mates with a user defined enclosure to produce a protective case for any fragile articles that are used in a portable environment, for example portable electronic devices such as cameras (35 mm and digital), instrumentation, tools, PDAs, web tablets, hand held computers, cell phones, pagers, gaming devices, electronic music players, voice recorders, global positioning systems (GPS), and the like.

Abstract: The present invention thus provides a fabric-laminated plastic part and a novel process where the fabric edges are covered with a second plastic component that adheres both to the fabric and to the first plastic material. A first plastic substrate component is prepared with an adhered fabric surface area and then the edges of the fabric are overlapped by a second molded-on, plastic edge-covering component. The second material covers the fabric edge to provide an aesthetically pleasing surface. This construction produces a more durable fabric edge covering and eliminates the tendency of the fabric to peel off the molded part during use.

Abstract: The present invention provides thin injection molded plastic articles with an attractive, surface area of at least two different materials, such as leather, fabric, wood, metal or other semi-rigid surface material. These molded articles have desired combinations of thin dimensions, aesthetics and/or durability with the true feel of the real materials. The molded plastic articles thus have a plastic substrate component with a front decorative surface having at least two decorative surface areas of layers of different first and second materials having adjacent and connecting surface areas that are generally coplanar or continuous, including at the border line where the two surface layer materials meet. Relative to the front surface, at least a portion of the first material is located on top of and overlaps at least a portion of the second.

Abstract: The present invention thus provides a fabric-laminated plastic part and a novel process where the fabric edges are covered with a second plastic component that adheres both to the fabric and to the first plastic material. A first plastic substrate component is prepared with an adhered fabric surface area and then the edges of the fabric are overlapped by a second molded-on, plastic edge-covering component. The second material covers the fabric edge to provide an aesthetically pleasing surface. This construction produces a more durable fabric edge covering and eliminates the tendency of the fabric to peel off the molded part during use.

Abstract: A protective enclosure is disclosed that provides protection and energy management for a sensitive or fragile part or device that can be enclosed. The enclosure comprises one or more rigid structural components and one or more soft touch surface components from which one or more ribs originate and pass through the rigid structural component(s) to provide the energy management for the part or device when it is enclosed. The soft touch surface and rib material can be a low modulus, plastic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer and can optionally be foamed to provide further softness for the soft touch surface effect and/or for the energy management needs in the pass through ribs. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a particularly suitable thermoplastic. It has also been found that the protective enclosure can be designed to utilize the soft touch component to provide a substantially continuous liquid and dust resistant seal for any moveable or removable structural components.

Abstract: The present invention thus provides a fabric-laminated plastic part and a novel process where the fabric edges are covered with a second plastic component that adheres both to the fabric and to the first plastic material. A first plastic substrate component is prepared with an adhered fabric surface area and then the edges of the fabric are overlapped by a second molded-on, plastic edge-covering component. The second material covers the fabric edge to provide an aesthetically pleasing surface. This construction produces a more durable fabric edge covering and eliminates the tendency of the fabric to peel off the molded part during use.