Abstract: A tandem photovoltaic (PV) may include III-V semiconductors, silicon, a cathode electrode, an anode electrode, and a gold-to-gold metal bridge electrode. The semiconductors include p-typed and n-typed regions. To form a tandem PV structure, bottom and top PV cells can be independently fabricated. The bottom and the top PV cells are electrically connected by the gold-to-gold metal bridge interconnection, which is positioned between the bottom and the top PV cells. The metal bridge may be formed by cold-welding compression technique. This structure is compatible to the development of tandem PVs as well as thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cells.

Abstract: A floating solar system comprising a grid comprising a plurality of rod-cables, at least some of the rod-cables comprising fiber reinforced polymer, the grid providing a support structure for the floating solar system. The floating solar system further including a plurality of solar floats to provide buoyancy, each solar float coupled to the grid, the plurality of solar floats not providing structural support. The floating solar system designed to support a plurality of solar panels, each solar panel coupled to a corresponding solar float, the solar panel providing shade for the corresponding solar float.

Abstract: A floating solar system comprising a grid comprising a plurality of rod-cables, at least some of the rod-cables comprising fiber reinforced polymer, the grid providing a support structure for the floating solar system. The floating solar system further including a plurality of solar floats to provide buoyancy, each solar float coupled to the grid, the plurality of solar floats not providing structural support. The floating solar system designed to support a plurality of solar panels, each solar panel coupled to a corresponding solar float, the solar panel providing shade for the corresponding solar float.

Abstract: A floating solar system be used on water, utilizes an aluminum support structure, aluminum, HDPE floatation elements which are designed to have minimal solar exposure. The aluminum support structure is designed to absorb all structural torque and other forces.

Abstract: A data delivery system is disclosed in this specification. The system implements an authentication process that verifies data recipients using anonymised geospatial references. Verifying information for each user is stored in client accounts. A server system uses the information to process data requests and generate verification tags for data deliveries. The verification tags include an irreversible encoding of a delivery reference for receipt of a data delivery. Recipient client systems implement a compatible encoding process to generate a delivery authentication tag. The encoded authentication tags are compared to corresponding verification tags to validate data deliveries based on the location of the client system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for authentication using physical location, in an embodiment as a second factor in an authentication process. The method comprises the steps of obtaining verified location data based on an actual physical location of a verifying party. The actual physical location is anonymized by an anonymising process, in order to conceal the actual physical location. This allows use of the location data whilst protecting the privacy of the verifying party.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a scanning electron microscope (SEM) (1) positioned over a manipulation chamber (2) which houses a sample holder (3). The walls of the manipulation chamber (2) support two probes (4, 4a) and the sample holder (3) is able to hold a sample (5), such as carbon nanotubes (10a) carried on a substrate (10). The apparatus can selectively move and apply voltages and currents to the probe or probes (4, 4a) and sample holder (3) under the SEM (1). By controlling the current that is passed across a contact between the probe (4) and a carbon nanotube (10a), a conditioned weld is formed. Likewise, by controlling the current that is passed along a carbon nanotube (10a), the nanotube (10a) can be annealed. Using both the probes (4, 4a) a carbon nanotube can be held and cut at any position along its length. This allows the formation of novel carbon nanotube structures.

Abstract: A thermionic cathode (100) comprises an individual carbon nanotube (102) attached between two electrodes (104, 106). The electrodes (104, 106) each comprise a post (110, 112) and a carbon fibre (114, 116). A gap (118) narrower than the length of the nanotube (102) is provided between the two carbon fibres and the carbon nanotube (102) bridges the gap. This provides an extremely efficient thermionic cathode (100).

Abstract: A personal traction transportation vehicle which includes two pulley-motor-wheels which drive a connected chassis forward. The chassis is stabilized by a connection to a drag pole which is controlled by the operator. The vehicle is electrically driven by a removable battery pack. At least one drag pole of the two simulated ski poles is attached to the chassis through joints in a manner allowing the handles of the ski poles to be free to move in the plane normal to the direction of forward movement. The other drag pole can be connected through a universal joint. The vehicle is steered by differentially pulling on the drag poles. The user is not restricted in the typical operating range of vertical movement the stabilizing pole, since the chassis is able to rotate within broad constraints about the axis of the drive wheels.

Abstract: A valved cap is provided for the top of a riser pipe connected to a flow line under pressure such as may be found in irrigation systems and is normally closed when the system is in operation. The valve automatically opens when the system is stopped to admit air for preventing a vacuum build up and closes under pressure when the system is started up during which time air in the riser pipe is permitted to escape to avoid a pressure build up while the valve is closing. An apertured fitting connected to the valve stem within the riser pipe connects to a flexible air vent hose extending down the riser pipe and into the main flow line in the direction of the flow and air trapped in the riser pipe after the valve is closed is siphoned through the hose into the main flow line to be expelled into the atmosphere at an outlet in the main line.