Abstract: A combined tent and tent canopy for use with motor vehicles is disclosed. The combined tent and tent canopy includes a tent structure formed using a plurality of flexible poles; a tent cover section that is attached to the plurality of flexible poles; and at least one extendable cover canopy sleeve section extending from the top and sides of the tent cover section. The extended canopy sleeve sections are configured to be connectable to a motor vehicle and thereby provide a covered connection to the motor vehicle. As used in connection with a sport utility vehicle or a mini-van, the combined tent and tent canopy provides a covered extension to the interior of the vehicle. The combined tent and tent canopy further incorporates a plurality of tie-down lines to anchor the tent and canopy to the ground and/or to the vehicle, to secure the tent and tent canopy structure.

Abstract: An adjustable tent structure for use with and incorporation into the cargo bay sections of a range of vehicles or pickup trucks is disclosed. The tent structure elements include a plurality of flexible poles that, when assembled, form the tent skeletal structure; a tent cover section that is attached to the plurality of flexible poles and forms the tent structure. The adjustable entryway configuration of the tent structure allows for use within a wide variety of vehicle cargo bay sizes. Accordingly, the tent structure may be used in, and fit in smaller truck cargo bay, as well as a larger vehicle cargo bay, where the vehicle cargo bay has different lengths and/or widths. The tent structure has a plurality of tie-downs that may be attached, for stability of the tent structure, to the vehicle cargo bay, other vehicle structure, and/or to the ground surrounding the vehicle.

Abstract: A collapsible tent structure formed from at least one flexible support pole, and a flexible cover with a plurality of elements for attaching the flexible cover to the support pole, such that the flexible cover and attaching elements are configured so that at least one extended section of said at least one flexible support pole is shaped to be in contact with a substantially planar support surface, is disclosed. In an embodiment with two flexible support poles, a first support pole forms a roof line of the collapsible tent structure, and a second support pole forms the floor perimeter of the collapsible tent structure. In different embodiments, the flexible cover may be manufactured from nylon ripstop, canvas, polyvinylchloride, and/or polyethylene material. The collapsible tent structure may also include one or more openable doors and/or windows incorporated into the flexible cover.

Abstract: A night sky viewing tent structure having specific features for enhanced night sky viewing is disclosed. In one embodiment, the night sky viewing tent structure comprises roof cut-outs to allow telescope lenses to extend through the roof for star viewing while still protecting users. In other embodiments, the tent structure roof cover is at least partially transparent with one or more sections providing magnification for improved night sky viewing. In another embodiment, the tent structure covering is at least partially photochromic, such that it is clear in low light conditions, and substantially tinted in full light or day light conditions. In other embodiments, the tent structure cover is manufactured with one or more coatings to absorb ultraviolet rays of less than 400 nanometers. In various embodiments, the night sky viewing tent structure is formed using at least one flexible rib element and a cover element.

Abstract: A multi-sectional tent structure system using interconnectable tent sections or modules is disclosed that allows users to configure the shape and size of a tent system and configuration for a wide variety of uses and applications. The multi-section tent structure comprises at least two modules or tent sections that are connectable by removably attaching one side panel of a module to a side panel of a separate module. The connecting elements may be one or more of hook and loop sections, a zipper, a plurality of snaps or buttons, or pole elements within loops or sleeves. The separate modules may be of different sizes and/or different configurations and shapes. The ready connection and separation of tent sections allows users to expand or reconfiguration tent modules and systems to accommodate varied needs, including separate rooms or expanded tent structures.

Abstract: An integral tent structure and system that, through the use of flexible and specifically configured rib elements, along with selectively placed restraining elements to position and hold sections of the configured rib elements in proximity to each other, allows for easy folding, collapsing, storage, transportation, and then equally easy unfolding, assembly, and usage of the tent, is disclosed. The rib elements are designed to, with minimal directional force, fold, and collapse into a compact, readily storable configuration. The tent cover of the tent structure incorporates specifically placed connection and securing elements to provide means for securing the folded tent structure in the folded configuration. Because the rib elements are folded or collapsed with a resistive or expanding spring force, upon release of the securing elements, the integral tent structure automatically unfolds into the normal operative shape and configuration with little to no effort.

Abstract: A modular tent structure system using detachable side panels is disclosed that allows users to configure the shape and size of the tent for a wide variety of applications. Moreover, through the use of flexible and specifically configured rib elements, along with selectively placed restraining elements to position and hold sections of the configured rib elements in proximity to each other, allows for easy folding, collapsing, storage, transportation, and then equally easy unfolding, assembly, and usage of the tent, is also disclosed. The detachable side panels allow users to readily connect, assemble, and configure three-sided structures up to any number of plurality of connectable side panels. The tent structure system further includes a flexible bottom or floor panel, and a top or ceiling panel that is sized to accommodate a wide variety of tent structure configurations.

Abstract: An integral tent structure and system that, through the use of flexible and specifically configured rib elements, along with selectively placed restraining elements to position and hold sections of the configured rib elements in proximity to each other, allows for easy folding, collapsing, storage, transportation, and then equally easy unfolding, assembly, and usage of the tent, is disclosed. The rib elements are designed to, with minimal directional force, fold and collapse into a compact, readily storable configuration. The tent cover of the tent structure incorporates specifically placed connection and securing elements to provide means for securing the folded tent structure in the folded configuration. Because the rib elements are folded or collapsed with a resistive or expanding spring force, upon release of the securing elements, the integral tent structure automatically unfolds into the normal operative shape and configuration with little to no effort.

Abstract: A solar cell device and a method of fabricating the same are described. The method of fabricating a solar cell includes forming a photovoltaic substructure including a substrate, back contact, absorber and buffer, forming a transparent cover separate from the photovoltaic substructure including a transparent layer and a plasmonic nanostructured layer in contact with the transparent layer, and adhering the transparent cover on top of the photovoltaic substructure. The plasmonic nanostructured layer can include metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a solar cell generally comprises delivering a solar cell substructure to a chamber. Electromagnetic radiation is generated using a wave generating device that is coupled to the chamber such that the wave generating device is positioned proximate to the solar cell substructure. The electromagnetic radiation is applied onto at least a portion of the solar cell substructure to facilitate the diffusion of at least one metal element through at least a portion of the solar cell substructure such that a semiconductor interface is formed between at least two different types of semiconductor materials of the solar cell substructure.

Abstract: Provided are methods for forming antireflective layers on solar cells using wet chemical processes and solar cells with anti-reflective layers formed of ZnO based nanorods. Self-assembling ZnO nanorods are generated in the chemical solution without any catalysts. The nanorods are formed to different shapes such as hexagonal, cubic, and circular in cross-section. The refractive index of the ARC layer formed of the nanorods is modulated by controlling the diameter and length of the nanorods by controlling the Molarity of the solution used to form the nanorods. A correlation is established between the refractive index and solution Molarity and a solution is prepared with the desired Molarity. The nanorods are formed from HMT ([CH2]6NH4) and a dissociative Zn2+/OH? chemical such as Zn(NO3)2.

Abstract: A solar cell device and a method of fabricating the same are described. The method of fabricating a solar cell includes forming a photovoltaic substructure including a substrate, back contact, absorber and buffer, forming a transparent cover separate from the photovoltaic substructure including a transparent layer and a plasmonic nanostructured layer in contact with the transparent layer, and adhering the transparent cover on top of the photovoltaic substructure. The plasmonic nanostructured layer can include metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a solar cell generally comprises delivering a solar cell substructure to a chamber. Electromagnetic radiation is generated using a wave generating device that is coupled to the chamber such that the wave generating device is positioned proximate to the solar cell substructure. The electromagnetic radiation is applied onto at least a portion of the solar cell substructure to facilitate the diffusion of at least one metal element through at least a portion of the solar cell substructure such that a semiconductor interface is formed between at least two different types of semiconductor materials of the solar cell substructure.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a substrate, a back contact layer disposed above the substrate, an absorber layer comprising an absorber material disposed above the back contact layer, and a buffer layer disposed above the absorber layer. The buffer layer includes a first layer comprising the absorber material doped with zinc, and a second layer comprising a zinc-containing compound and a cadmium-containing compound.

Abstract: A solar cell includes an absorber layer, a buffer layer on the absorber layer, a front contact layer where a glass substrate, a back contact layer on the glass substrate, the absorber layer on the back contact layer, the buffer layer, and the front contact layer are manufactured as a first module at a temperature exceeding 500 degrees Celsius. The solar further includes an extracted portion from the first module where the extracted portion includes the absorber layer, the buffer layer, and the front contact layer, and where the extracted portion is applied to a flexible substrate or other substrate.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a photovoltaic device includes forming an absorber layer for photon absorption over a substrate, forming a buffer layer above the absorber layer, wherein both the absorber layer and the buffer layer are semiconductors, and forming a layer of intrinsic zinc oxide above the buffer layer through a hydrothermal reaction in a solution of a zinc-containing salt and an alkaline chemical.