Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising: a first electrode, a second electrode, and disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode an organic semiconductor layer capable of multiple exciton generation and an inorganic semiconductor layer, wherein an interlayer comprising an inorganic semiconductor such as a semiconductor nanocrystal is disposed between the organic and inorganic semiconductor layers.

Abstract: A pressure relief device for venting an internally pressurized container and an aerosol can having a can bottom containing this pressure relief device. The pressure release device includes a coined pressure vent within a domed can bottom. The pressure vent is characterized by a venting pressure greater than about 500 psig. In addition, the can bottom resists eversion and/or failure along the mechanical attachment to the container body at all pressures between the venting pressure and the longitudinal rupture pressure in the container body.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide magnetic media access heads with metal coatings. In a particular embodiment, a magnetic media head for accessing magnetic media comprises a base substrate configured to support a magnetic head layer. The magnetic head layer is formed on the base substrate and configured to magnetically access the magnetic media. A metallic layer formed over the magnetic head layer and disposed between the magnetic head layer and the magnetic media when the magnetic media is positioned for access by the magnetic head layer.

Abstract: A system for transporting substrates from an atmospheric pressure to high vacuum pressure and comprising: a rough vacuum chamber having an entry valve and an exit opening; a high vacuum chamber having an entry opening, the high vacuum chamber coupled to the rough vacuum chamber such that the exit opening and the entry opening are aligned; a valve situated between the exit opening and the entry opening; a first conveyor belt provided in the rough vacuum chamber; a second conveyor provided in the high vacuum chamber; a sensing element provided in the high vacuum chamber to enable detection of broken substrates on the second conveyor; and, a mechanism provided on the second conveyor belt enabling dumping of broken substrates onto the bottom of the high vacuum chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing energy usage are provided. In various embodiments, the systems and methods may receive weather information for a first set of geographical locations and correlate the weather information with energy demand information and economic information to generate one or more models indicating at least one energy usage pattern for a geographical location of interest based at least in part on the correlation of the weather information, the energy demand information, and the economic information.

Abstract: A pressure relief device of domed construction for venting an internally pressurized container. The pressure release device includes a coined pressure vent and is characterized by a relatively high venting pressure in combination with a failure pressure in the absence of venting which is higher than the intended venting pressure. The pressure relief device includes a sloped sidewall having an outer annular segment and a sloped annular intermediate segment. The sloped annular intermediate segment has a width dimension greater than the width dimension of the outer annular segment. A circular central plateau defines a flat dome top. The circular central plateau has a center point with an arc shaped coin line extending about an arc with the apex of the arc positioned at the center point of the circular central plateau.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the production of a composite frozen product in a container, the product being comprised of a frozen confection within an edible casing, wherein the apparatus comprises a forming element having an external surface corresponding to the internal shape of the container, the forming element being further characterised by a passage running through the forming element from an upper opening to a lower opening, the apparatus further comprising means for removing material from the passage of the forming element.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a ventilator system that can be manufactured quickly with minimal skill requirements and rapidly deployed in response to epidemic respiratory disease conditions. In one embodiment, the ventilator, having a minimal number of controls, is used to give ventilation or mechanical breathing to a patient suffering ARDS. The mechanical ventilation is based on pressure control and has variable pressure, breathing rate, and oxygenation. Preferably, the ventilator is rapidly deployable, easy and intuitive to operate, and capable of sustaining at least 75% of epidemic respiratory distress victims who require assisted ventilation until resuming normal breathing.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide magnetic media access heads with metal coatings. In a particular embodiment, a magnetic media head for accessing magnetic media comprises a base substrate configured to support a magnetic head layer. The magnetic head layer is formed on the base substrate and configured to magnetically access the magnetic media. A metallic layer formed over the magnetic head layer and disposed between the magnetic head layer and the magnetic media when the magnetic media is positioned for access by the magnetic head layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a supported polymer heterostructure and methods of manufacture. The heterostructure is suitable for use in a range of applications which require semiconductor devices, including photovoltaic devices and light-emitting diodes.

Abstract: A sealed insulating glass unit comprises two glass sheets held apart by a spacer, optionally with a sealant between the edges of the glass sheets outside the spacer. The insulating glass unit contains an electronic device, having information relating to the origin, manufacture and/or properties of the insulating glass unit capable of being read from the device by means actuated from outside the insulating glass unit. The device is embedded within the spacer or sealant so that it is concealed within the insulating glass unit.

Abstract: An infra-red (IR) device comprising a dielectric membrane formed on a silicon substrate comprising an etched portion; and at least one patterned layer formed within or on the dielectric membrane for controlling IR emission or IR absorption of the IR device, wherein the at least one patterned layer comprises laterally spaced structures.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for increasing Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) in a wireless communication system comprising a plurality of antennas each antenna providing a signal, a device for selecting a subset of signals provided by the plurality of antennas, a maximum ratio combiner for summing the selected subset of signals provided by the plurality of antennas, and a decision device for measuring the selected subset of signals against a predefined threshold. The device for selecting the subset of signals is coupled to the plurality of antennas. The maximum ratio combiner is coupled to the selected subset of signals and the decision device for measuring the selected subset of signals against a predefined threshold. The decision device is coupled to the selecting device such that one selected signal of the selected subset of signals is replaced by an unused signal provided by the plurality of antennas.

Abstract: A device (1) for controlling the rate of flow of a fluid such as fluid which is diverted from a part of a human or animal body. The device comprises: an inlet (2); an outlet (4); and a resistance member (6), operatively connected to the inlet (2) and the outlet (4), the resistance member (6) comprising: a first plate (8), a surface of which comprises a groove which defines a resistance flow channel, an entry of the flow channel being in fluid communication with the inlet (2) and an exit of the flow channel being in fluid communication with the outlet (4); and a second plate (12), the second plate being held in abutment with the grooved surface of the first plate (8) so as to define a resistance (tube 14).

Abstract: A high pressure hose for use within an umbilical includes a hose liner tube surrounded by a first reinforcement layer comprised substantially of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fibres and a second reinforcement layer surrounding the first reinforcement layer. The second layer comprises at least 50% aramid fibres. The hose has an outer thermoplastic extruded hose jacket.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing thermoformed articles from pre-cut thermoformable billets are provided. The system may include a heating apparatus for heating the billets, a billet thermoformer for thermoforming the billet into an article, a discharge system for evacuated the formed articles from the thermoformer, and an inspection system for inspecting each of the formed articles for the presence of a defect. Conveyors and billet carriers are provided for transporting the billets between the various components of the system, and loaders are provided for loading the billets onto the conveyor and/or billet carriers.

Abstract: A method for forming a conjugated polymer which is doped by a dopant includes the steps of (a) adding a doping agent comprising a dopant moiety to a solution containing the conjugated polymer or a precursor thereof and, optionally, a second polymer, the dopant moiety being capable of bonding to the conjugated polymer, precursor thereof or the second polymer; (b) allowing the dopant moiety to bond to the conjugated polymer, precursor thereof or the second polymer to perform doping of the conjugated polymer, wherein the amount of doping agent added in step (a) is less than the amount required to form a fully doped conjugated polymer.

Abstract: A system of electronically requesting, generating and processing a coupon over a payment processing network is provided. During a sales transaction, a purchaser at a point of sale (POS) terminal provides a customer identifier using a card with a magnetic stripe which is read by a magnetic card reader and then transmitted across the payment processing network along with product identifiers on the products being purchased. The customer identifier includes a banking identification number (BIN) which is read by a first server in the payment processing network and then forwarded to a coupon server. The coupon server uses the customer identifier and product identifier to select any coupons that are available for use by the purchaser and transmits the coupons back to the POS terminal, where the coupons are applied to the sales transaction.

Abstract: A system of electronically requesting, generating and processing a coupon over a payment processing network is provided. During a sales transaction, a purchaser at a point of sale (POS) terminal provides a customer identifier using a card with a magnetic stripe which is read by a magnetic card reader and then transmitted across the payment processing network along with product identifiers on the products being purchased. The customer identifier includes a banking identification number (BIN) which is read by a first server in the payment processing network and then forwarded to a coupon server. The coupon server uses the customer identifier and product identifier to select any coupons that are available for use by the purchaser and transmits the coupons back to the POS terminal, where the coupons are applied to the sales transaction.

Abstract: This invention relates to annual crop straw and stalk fibers having properties suitable for use in paper, paperboard, and related products disposable paper plates, cups, and bowls, molded and thermoformed pulp products, disposable food handling containers, tissue and toweling, and absorbent products such as airlaid roll goods, wipes, diapers and feminine hygiene articles. Annual crop straw or stalk is the waste product from the harvesting of the food including soy, wheat, corn, rice, and oats. The food chain is not impacted by use of these stalks and straw. Currently, most of the straw or stalk is burned, tilled under for soil amendment, or otherwise disposed of. Use of this stalk or straw for paper, paperboard and related products, and absorbent products manufacture including any product made from cellulose fibers represents an opportunity to provide additional income to farmers and a green alternative to wood pulp and therefore conserve trees.