Abstract: Solar cell contact structures formed from metal paste and methods of forming solar cell contact structures from metal paste are described. In a first example, a solar cell includes a substrate. A semiconductor region is disposed in or above the substrate. A contact structure is disposed on the semiconductor region and includes a conductive layer in contact with the semiconductor region. The conductive layer includes a matrix binder having aluminum/silicon (Al/Si) particles and an inert filler material dispersed therein. In a second example, a solar cell includes a substrate. A semiconductor region is disposed in or above the substrate. A contact structure is disposed on the semiconductor region and includes a conductive layer in contact with the semiconductor region. The conductive layer includes an agent for increasing a hydrophobic characteristic of the conductive layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making rice capable of being frozen and then defrosted by conventional means rather than microwaved to defrost. The product includes cooked sushi rice kernels that have been coated with trehalose such that the total sugars consist of between 9% and about 60% trehalose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cost effective production methods of high efficiency silicon based back-contacted back-junction solar panels and solar panels thereof having a multiplicity of alternating rectangular emitter- and base regions on the back-side of each cell, each with rectangular metallic electric finger conductor above and running in parallel with the corresponding emitter- and base region, a first insulation layer in-between the wafer and finger conductors, and a second insulation layer in between the finger conductors and cell interconnections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cost effective methods for metallization and or metallization and interconnection of high efficiency silicon based back-contacted back-junction solar panels and solar panels thereof having a multiplicity of alternating rectangular emitter- and base regions on the back-side of each cell, each with rectangular metallic electric finger conductor above and running in parallel with the corresponding emitter- and base region, a first insulation layer in-between the wafer and finger conductors, and a second insulation layer in between the finger conductors and cell interconnections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cost effective production methods of high efficiency silicon based back-contacted back-junction solar panels and solar panels thereof having a multiplicity of alternating rectangular emitter- and base regions on the back-side of each cell, each with rectangular metallic electric finger conductor above and running in parallel with the corresponding emitter- and base region, a first insulation layer in-between the wafer and finger conductors, and a second insulation layer in between the finger conductors and cell interconnections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cost effective production methods of high efficiency silicon based back-contacted back-junction solar panels and solar panels thereof having a multiplicity of alternating rectangular emitter- and base regions on the back-side of each cell, each with rectangular metallic electric finger conductor above and running in parallel with the corresponding emitter- and base region, a first insulation layer in-between the wafer and finger conductors, and a second insulation layer in between the finger conductors and cell interconnections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cost effective methods for metallisation and or metallisation and interconnection of high efficiency silicon based back-contacted back-junction solar panels and solar panels thereof having a multiplicity of alternating rectangular emitter- and base regions on the back-side of each cell, each with rectangular metallic electric finger conductor above and running in parallel with the corresponding emitter- and base region, a first insulation layer in-between the wafer and finger conductors, and a second insulation layer in between the finger conductors and cell interconnections.

Abstract: A method of duplicate detection for data items in a stream of data items, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a data item from the stream of data items; applying at least two different hashing algorithms to the data item to generate hash keys that identify elements in a first bloom filter data structure having a plurality of elements; checking a state of each of the identified elements to determine if the data item is a potential duplicate, the determination depending on whether the identified elements are indicated as having been also identified for a previous data item received from the stream; and in response to the determination that the data item is a potential duplicate, checking an index of hash keys to determine if at least one of the generated hash keys exists in the index to identify the data item as an actual duplicate.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for delivery of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide, and methods of its use and manufacture. The apparatus includes a sachet constructed in part with a hydrophobic material. The sachet contains one or more reactants that generate a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. The apparatus can also include a barrier layer and/or a rigid frame. In another embodiment, the apparatus is combined with a reservoir that can be used to deliver a gas to the reservoir and, optionally, a conduit. In another embodiment, the apparatus is incorporated into a fluid dispersion system that includes a dispersion apparatus, e.g., a humidifier.

Abstract: A method of duplicate detection for data items in a stream of data items, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a data item from the stream of data items; applying at least two different hashing algorithms to the data item to generate hash keys that identify elements in a first bloom filter data structure having a plurality of elements; checking a state of each of the identified elements to determine if the data item is a potential duplicate, the determination depending on whether the identified elements are indicated as having been also identified for a previous data item received from the stream; and in response to the determination that the data item is a potential duplicate, checking an index of hash keys to determine if at least one of the generated hash keys exists in the index to identify the data item as an actual duplicate.

Abstract: WORM safeguards are provided in a magnetic disk drive in which the disks are pre-magnetized or pre-recorded such that all magnetic domains on each recording surface are completely aligned pointing in the same direction. A special write head which can magnetically write only in the direction opposite to the pre-magnetization orientation is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for using chlorine dioxide, e.g., pure chlorine dioxide solutions, for cleaning, regenerating and/or sterilizing chromatographic media. Such methods may be carried out in situ, e.g., without removing the media from a column.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are reusable apparatus for the generation of a gas including a reactant chamber defined at least in part by a gas permeable material and a resealable opening. In certain embodiments the gas permeable material is substantially impervious to the passage of liquid and/or allows for the controlled passage of gas. Also disclosed are methods for using the apparatus, reusable reactant chambers, kits including reactants and reactant refill kits.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel transgenic plant cells that include a heterologous (e.g., human) receptor polypeptide, or fragment thereof. The plant cells can be used to identify molecules (i.e., ligands) that can interact with the receptor polypeptide or fragment. The plant cells can be used to identify ligands that are endogenous to transgenic plant cells, or exogenous ligands that are applied to the plant cells. Such receptor polypeptide ligands can be used to identify novel pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: An electrode assembly comprising concentric tubular electrodes is provided for high temperature processing of materials. The electrode assembly is connected with a power supply that includes switching means for alternatively operating the electrode assembly in a transferred mode of operation, in a non-transferred mode of operation, or according to a controlled sequence of non-transferred and transferred modes of operation. The power supply system includes variable inductors, such as leakage-coupled reactors, for controlling the electrical power supplied to the electrodes for producing a DC arc. The electrode assembly can be incorporated into an arc furnace for processing waste material in the furnace. The electrode assembly is also suitable for use in the practice of in-situ vitrification and remediation of contaminated soil.

Abstract: A signage system includes a folding A-frame sign and at least one ground engaging support that is used when the sign is in its deployed, unfolded orientation. The support interdigitates the deployed sign to constrict and stiffen the sign and to prevent the sign from folding and collapsing and from being laterally displaced. In addition, the support functions as lever that utilizes the weight of the sign to minimize the likelihood that the sign will tip over when subjected to an extraneous force. A user can, while standing, readily attach the support to the sign by utilizing one of his or her feet. The support can be used with different sign constructs.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for delivery of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide, and methods of its use and manufacture. The apparatus includes a sachet constructed in part with a hydrophobic material. The sachet contains one or more reactants that generate a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. The apparatus can also include a barrier layer and/or a rigid frame. In another embodiment, the apparatus is combined with a reservoir that can be used to deliver a gas to the reservoir and, optionally, a conduit. In another embodiment, the apparatus is incorporated into a fluid dispersion system that includes a dispersion apparatus, e.g., a humidifier.

Abstract: A method for collecting information at a vehicle, such as an emergency vehicle, involves receiving at the vehicle a request regarding a patient. The method further involves collecting information on the patient using a mobile computer at the vehicle. The method also involves transmitting the patient information as an electronic file from the mobile computer to a hospital over a network. As part of this method, billing information concerning the patient may be collected. Additionally, a method for processing billing information concerning a patient involves collecting billing information regarding the patient from a mobile computer at a vehicle over a network. The method further involves classifying a service provided to the patient in at least one billing category based on the billing information. In addition, the method further involves generating a bill for the patient based on the billing information.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for delivery of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide, and methods of its use and manufacture. The apparatus includes an envelope, and a sachet within the envelope that contains reactant, which generates a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. The envelope allows release of the gas from the envelope. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes an envelope and a partition that separates two reactants within the envelope. The envelope allows an initiating agent into the envelope and release of the gas generated by the reactants in the presence of the initiating agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for delivery of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide, and methods of its use and manufacture. The apparatus includes an envelope, and a sachet within the envelope that contains reactant, which generates a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a barrier layer, a sachet layer disposed adjacent to the barrier layer, a reactant disposed between the barrier layer and the sachet layer that generates a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, and an envelope layer disposed adjacent to the sachet layer.