Abstract: A method of reducing levels of fasting plasma glucose and/or hemoglobin A1C in patients by the administration of an aliphatic amine polymer, such as colesevelam HC1, either alone or in combination with a statin. In particular, the invention reduces LDL-cholesterol, FPG and HbA1c in patients with or without glucose intolerance. Also, the invention provides a method of treating hyperglycemia and prevent or delay associated microvasular complications in patients with impaired fasting glucose, T2DM and insulin resistance.

Abstract: A water based solution consisting of extract of the plant Anaphalis magaritacea (Pearly Everlasting) and Prunus (Cherry tree). The solution provides an effective mask of human scent for use by deer hunters. The scent of the solution effectively prevents the deer from detecting the hunter's presence.

Abstract: A buck regulator or impedance converter is disclosed for operating a current limited power supply such as a photovoltaic array at or near its maximum power point. The maximum power point for such a supply is achieved at the compliance voltage which is an almost constant voltage. Means are provided for sensing the voltage at the input of the regulator and for using this sensed voltage to control a logic circuit which, in turn, controls the duty cycle of a switching transistor. The output from the switching transistor is coupled to an LC filter and from there to the load. The logic circuitry, responsive to the sensed voltage, controls the duty cycle of the switching transistor in such a manner as to maintain the input voltage approximately constant and thus to maintain the power supply at or near its peak power operating point.

Abstract: A voltage regulator is disclosed for regulating the voltage supplied by an energy source such as a photovoltaic array. The regulator includes a thermally activated switch which is coupled in series between the regulator input and output. A control circuit monitors the voltage supplied to a load and generates a control signal which is responsive to the measured to the load voltage. A heater, responsive to the control voltage, is positioned near the thermally activated switch and causes the switch to open when the sensed voltage rises above a prescribed limit. Hysteresis in the voltage regulator is provided by thermal insulation which retards the dissipation of heat from the vicinity of the switch causing the switch to remain open.

Abstract: An interconnection system for interconnecting a plurality of photovoltaic devices. The photovoltaic devices each have a first and a second side and the interconnect system is located on the second side of the photovoltaic devices. A sheet of dielectric material and a sheet of electrically conductive material are bonded together and positioned so that the dielectric material is next to the photovoltaic devices. A plurality of patterns are formed in the sheet of electrically conductive material. The patterns each have angled tabs punched therein so that the angled tabs are punched through both the electrically conductive material and the dielectric material. When a photovoltaic device is positioned within a group of angled tabs, the angled tabs can be brought into contact with electrical contacts on the first side of the photovoltaic device. The group of angled tabs are electrically common to a part of the pattern which has an extended portion which extends beneath an adjacent photovoltaic device.

Abstract: A surface etchant for silicon comprising an anisotropic etchant containing silicon is disclosed. The etchant provides a textured surface of randomly spaced and sized pyramids on a silicon surface. It is particularly useful in reducing the reflectivity of solar cell surfaces.

Abstract: An interconnection system for interconnecting a plurality of photovoltaic devices. The photovoltaic devices each have a first and a second side and the interconnect system is located on the second side of the photovoltaic devices. A sheet of dielectric material and a sheet of electrically conductive material are bonded together and positioned so that the dielectric material is next to the photovoltaic devices. A plurality of patterns are formed in the sheet of electrically conductive material. The patterns each have angled tabs punched therein so that the angled tabs are punched through both the electrically conductive material and the dielectric material. When a photovoltaic device is positioned within a group of angled tabs, the angled tabs can be brought into contact with electrical contacts on the first side of the photovoltaic device. The group of angled tabs are electrically common to a part of the pattern which has an extended portion which extends beneath an adjacent photovoltaic device.