Abstract: An abnormality detecting apparatus for an intake system of an internal combustion engine, which detects an abnormality of the intake system, is disclosed. The intake system has a throttle valve, a bypass passage bypassing the throttle valve, and an idling control valve for controlling the amount of air supplied through the bypass passage to the engine. A total intake air amount supplied to the engine is calculated. An amount of intake air supplied through the bypass passage is calculated based on a valve opening control quantity for the idling control valve. A parameter indicative of a leak air amount of the intake system is calculated according to the result of a comparison between the calculated total intake air amount and the amount of intake air supplied through the bypass passage.

Abstract: A cam is eccentrically journaled at one end of a compound archery bow and a pulley is journaled at the other end of the bow. A cable passes around the pulley to form a bowstring section and a second cable section, both sections forming a dual feed single cam compound bow. The amount of feed out to both ends of the bowstring is approximately the same. One embodiment of the cam provides a large radius cam groove and a smaller radius cam groove which are designed to synchronize the rate of cable feed out at both ends of the bowstring section during the drawing operation. An anchor cable is provided to tie the two limbs of the bow together during the flexing of the bow.

Abstract: A compound archery bow having a cable guard comprising a cable saver adjustably mounted on the cable guard for movement to and from the bow string.

Abstract: An arrow fall-off bumper system for maintaining an arrow in the desired position upon an arrow support rest. The arrow fall-off bumper system includes a side support member that is threadably attached within a threaded aperture of a bow adjacent a support rest. The side support member is generally comprised of a threaded shaft and a head wherein the head engages the shaft of the arrow when accidentally removed from the support rest. The head is preferably rounded and comprised of a molded rubber cap to reduce damage to the arrow. At least one spacer washer may be utilized to adjust the position of the head with respect to the support rest.

Abstract: An arrow holding device for retaining an arrow within an arrow support rest until the user is prepared to shoot without affecting the flight of the arrow. The arrow holding device includes a base plate that is attachable to the support rest, a guide arm extending from the base plate, a securing strap attached to the base plate, and a ring member attached to the distal end of the securing strap for removably engaging the guide arm. The securing strap is positioned about the shaft of an arrow and then the ring member is positioned upon the guide arm to prevent movement of the arrow within the support rest. When the user draws the arrow rearwardly the securing strap moves rearwardly until the ring member is pulled from the guide arm thereby releasing the securing strap from about the shaft of the arrow.

Abstract: A bulk loader for supplying paintballs to a paintball gun including a loader housing for internally storing a quantity of paintballs, this housing having a bottom outlet through which paintballs can sequentially drop. A feed tube is connected to this housing at the outlet and extends downwardly therefrom. A paintball moving device which can take the form of a vibrator housing, is mounted in the loader housing and is capable of vibrating in order to move paintballs located near the bottom outlet. A vibrator, which can include a small electrical motor, causes the moving device to vibrate when a paintball jam must be freed up. Preferably the vibrator is mounted in the housing forming the moving device. A control mechanism controls the operation of the vibrator and includes a switch mounted in or adjacent to the feed tube for sensing the absence of a paintball within the feed tube. The vibrator can include a vibration causing weight that is mounted on the output shaft of the motor.

Abstract: An electrically operated paintball gun operable to shoot paintballs including a barrel, a trigger, and a breech connected to a rear end of the barrel, as well as a bolt movable in the breech between a rearward position and a forward shooting position. A spring biases the bolt towards the rearward position. A pneumatic circuit is provided to drive the bolt towards the forward position and includes a control valve in the form of a solenoid valve to receive gas under pressure and direct it into a chamber at the rear of the bolt when the gun is shot. An electronic circuit controls the pneumatic circuit and is operated by an electrical switch operated by the trigger. A gas valve mechanism is opened by engagement by the bolt, when the latter is driven forwardly to the shooting position, to permit the passage of relatively high pressure propellant gas into the barrel to propel a paintball.

Abstract: A cutting machine has a blade mounted for reciprocating movement. A workpiece is rotated while the blade is reciprocated, and then the workpiece is rotated through smaller angles to complete the cut. A holder is attached to partially cut slices of the workpiece.

Abstract: A saw extension for supporting a hand-held portable rotary saw has a base, a plurality of wheels positioned to support the base above a surface, and an upwardly extending arm extending from the base to a control grip. The hand-held portable rotary saw is removably attached to the base with at least one locking pin positioned through a guide plate of the hand-held portable rotary saw and into at least one locking aperture of the base. The saw extension includes a power control mechanism mounted on the saw extension. The power control mechanism includes a power socket into which a saw power cord of the hand-held portable rotary saw can be plugged, a master power cord for electronically connecting the power socket with an external power source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diamond cutting method comprising the steps of: forming a square or rectangular table in a piece of gemstone; and forming a pavilion continuous to the table by cutting vertically from each side of the square or rectangular table to define the four lower-girdle facets and by cutting obliquely from each corner of the square or rectangular table to the culet of the pavilion to form four lower-main facets, whereby the upper opposite sides of each lower-main facet adjoining the adjacent lower-girdle facets whereas the lower opposite sides of each lower-main facet adjoining the confronting lower opposite sides of the adjacent lower-main facets. An enneahedral-cut diamond thus produced is a table-and-pavilion structure, permitting plural diamonds to be arranged side by side as a whole with their square or rectangular tables directed inward or outward.

Abstract: The BBQ Easy Cleaning Basket is made from expanded metal, metal mesh, etc. It has 2 parts; top and bottom held together by metal connecting screws, with a handle on each side. The basket is filled with various stones and/or briquettes and is to be placed in the BBQ body. The purpose is to keep all stones and/or briquettes together, therefore allowing even heat distribution while cooking. After cooking the stones and/or briquettes are covered by food residue and grease drippings. This is our main idea; that the stones and/or briquettes are rotated all at once and the residue is burned from the bottom, because the Easy Cleaning BBQ Basket is placed over the burner in the BBQ as shown.

Abstract: There is now provided a stove for cooking food or a cooktop for cooking food with at least one gas burner which is located in a cutout in a plate-shaped cover with a coating applied to the upper side of the cover plate.

Abstract: The primary object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive fryer, and a further object is to improve thermal efficiency and make cleanup easier. A box-shaped oil vat 10 in which cooking oil is filled has a bottom wall portion 11 that is formed sloping downward toward the rear of the fryer. A burner 20 is provided at the bottom wall portion 11, with which a wide heating area can be secured. An exhaust duct 30 for conveying combustion gas from the burner 20 to the outside the fryer is provided around the oil vat 10 for securing the heated area. With this configuration, it is possible to inhibit the radiation of heat from the cooking oil while promoting the heat exchange between the combustion gas and the cooking oil. Moreover, the cooking oil can be adequately heated by simply providing a single burner 20, so manufacturing costs are not increased.

Abstract: A prefabricated fireplace assembly and method of manufacturing same are disclosed. The assembly is configured for direct mounting to the framework of a rough opening of a building in which it is to be installed. A prefabricated fireplace box having a combustion chamber for either wood or gas fireplaces, is connected to and carried by a surrounding framework of building materials, to provide a zero clearance fireplace module assembly. The framework forms a permanent part of the fireplace assembly and acts as a shipping container, protecting the fireplace box until the assembly is installed. After installation, the framework becomes an integral part of the wall or structure to which the assembly is mounted. External siding of the building and interior room sheetrock can be directly secured to the assembly framework, eliminating the need for additional contractor framing around the fireplace assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the pressure within a waterproof case relative to the external ambient pressure of the source of pressurizing gas. The pressurizing gas is supplied by a variable volume reservoir pneumatically connected to the case and control is maintained by positioning the case relative to the plain of the source of pressurizing gas. When the reservoir of pressurizing gas is reduced in volume by an increase in ambient water pressure to thereby increase the internal pressure of the system according to Boyle's Law, the pressure increase is coupled to the waterproof case. Thus if the waterproof case is positioned below the reservoir, the pressure within the case will be less than ambient. Conversely, if the case is positioned above the reservoir, the pressure within the case will be greater than ambient. The preferred gas reservoir is the diver's rebreather or buoyancy compensation system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses both a method of operating CPAP apparatus, and the apparatus itself in which a breathable gas delivery device, or mask (1), is connected to a gas supply pump (14) via a conduit which includes a restriction to gas flow such as a small bore portion (3). A pressure transducer (11) is used to sense the gas pressure at the patient's nose and the transducer output is used to servo-control the pump (14) to maintian the sensed pressure substantially constant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable oxygen concentrator system adapted to be transported by a user. The portable oxygen concentrator system includes an energy source, an air separation device powered by the energy source and adapted to convert ambient air into concentrated oxygen gas for the user, at least one sensor adapted to sense one or more conditions indicative of the oxygen gas needs of the user, and a control unit interrelated with the air separation device and the at least one sensor to control the air separation device so as to supply an amount of oxygen gas equivalent to the oxygen gas needs of the user based at least in part upon the one or more conditions sensed by the at least one sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement for the ventilation mask, comprising an upper hood and a toroidal tube. The toroidal tube is made of soft silicone, and by first forming a tube type, the middle part of the tube type is formed into an “S” shape, whenever the lower part of the “S” is tuned upwardly and inwardly, the “S” part will form the toroidal tube. Air can be injected into the toroidal tube so as to conform the face of the patient. An assembly member is used to assemble the upper hood and the toroidal tube. The advantages of the ventilation mask according to the present invention are being comfortable, excellent air tightness, transparency. And the toroidal tube can be disassembled to disinfect for repeated use or for replacement. The upper hood does not have to be replaced, so the garbage is reduced.

Abstract: A connector arrangement joining a respiratory mask and headgear is adapted for single-handed disengagement by the patient. A first, rigid connector part 470 is formed into the rigid mask frame 400, with a mating second connector 600 attached to a strap of the headgear. The connectors are held away from the patient's face by the connection to the mask frame.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube which facilitates rapid intubation of the trachea, especially in situations where anatomical variation creates difficult intubating conditions, includes a portion that can be bent during placement to control the position of the distal end of the tube. The distal end of the endotracheal tube may be selectively curled or bent by a mechanism or fluid passage accessible from the proximal end of the endotracheal tube. The endotracheal tube provides for manipulation of the insertion end without occluding the lumen of the tube, to facilitate placement of the tube.

Abstract: A nasal mask has a shell portion that is a hollow enclosure with a rearwardly facing opening that is defined by edge portions of the shell portion. A resiliently deformable endless interface member engages and extends around the edge portion of the opening and forms a seal between the shell portion and the user's face. The shell portion and the interface member are generally symmetrical about a median place. The shell portion has two gas inlet orifices, one on each side of the median place. The shell portion has a tubular exhalation outlet extending from the face of the mask. The mask is further provided with a balloon exhalation valve connected to the exhalation outlet for alternately venting and sealing the interior of the mask during exhalation and inhalation, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compress or drape for single use, constituted by a plurality of alternating superposed sheets of hydrophilic cotton gauze and of non-woven hydrophilic web, and to a method of manufacturing it, the method comprising the following steps:

Abstract: A process for controlling the miss use of disposable medical products with the steps of: a unique ID code secured to a disposable medical accessory product, a control circuit built into a main, non disposable medical unit that can sense the introduction and time of use of the disposable medical accessory product, an ID reader built into the main, non disposable medical unit that does not allow the main medical unit to be turned on if it senses that the disposable medical accessory has already been used before, the ID reader only allowing the main medical unit to be turned on when it senses that the the ID tag on the disposable medical accessory has never been read before, the ID reader to be programmed to accept only particular numbers, known only to the manufacturer, thereby protecting against competitors who do not know the numbers, and An alternate embodiment that also can time the length of cleaning of a medical accessory that is meant to be re used but needs to first be cleaned or sterilized for a predet

Abstract: An improved method for performing a hysterectomy wherein the cardinal ligaments and the uterosacral ligaments attached to a uterus are not severed. Also, the wall of the vaginal apex is not cut. This is accomplished by coring through the cervical stroma of the uterus close to the wall of the endocervical canal and transformation zone and removing the endocervical canal and transformation zone from the cervical stroma. The opening left in the cervical stroma after removal of the endocervical canal and transformation zone is closed with sutures. This technique is practically bloodless. The nerve plexuses and the support system of the female internal organs are preserved. The chance of future cervical cancer is substantially eliminated. This is truly a technique for the 21st century.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of evaluating and selecting an absorbent article using the cardiac rate fluctuation of the wearer as a measure. The method enables evaluating and selecting absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins conforming to the user's physiological and psychological requirements.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for accessing the interior of the heart and performing procedures therein while the heart is beating. In one embodiment, a tubular access device having an inner lumen is provided for positioning through a penetration in a muscular wall of the heart, the access device having a means for sealing within the penetration to inhibit leakage of blood through the penetration. The sealing means may comprise a balloon or flange on the access device, or a suture placed in the heart wall to gather the heart tissue against the access device. An obturator is removably positionable in the inner lumen of the access device, the obturator having a cutting means at its distal end for penetrating the muscular wall of the heart. The access device is preferably positioned through an intercostal space and through the muscular wall of the heart.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for applying liquid product to the hair. The applicator assembly has an applicator that further has a base and multiple tines extending from the base. Opposite the tines, the base has a liquid distribution cavity. At least some of the tines have a tip at the end opposite the base, and may also have an enlarged fin section adjacent to the base. The enlarged fin section extends to a shoulder portion located less than half way upward between the base and the tip of the tine. The tines may also have an aperture that allows fluid to be distributed from the cavity directly to the hair. The tip of the tine may be relatively flexible, while its enlarged fin section provides a more rigid lower portion.

Abstract: The insulated makeup organizer includes three compartments in which the bottom compartment contains a coolant to keep makeup from melting. The coolant would be contained by a zippered, slide out tray, or velcrow to allow insertion of said coolant. This product will allow transport of makeup in and out of warm climates beaches, etc. while keeping makeup at it's original texture without destruction due to warm tempertures thus resulting in the loss of many expensive makeup products.

Abstract: A device for applying body care products onto the skin of a human body has at least one supply container for receiving a body care product. At least one spray nozzle arrangement is provided for dispensing the body care product in the direction onto the human body. A control device is provided that controls dispensing of the body care product as a function of a position of the skin to be treated with the body care product relative to the spray nozzle arrangement. A directed and uniform application of the body care product without spraying the body car product onto articles of clothing or the head and hair of the user is possible.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a capillary tube for use in a wire bonding tool includes the step of applying an ultrasonic wave to the capillary tube, with the tip of the capillary tube being immersed in a cleaning solution, and with a tungsten wire being inserted in the capillary tube. Before the cleaning step, the capillary tube is ground by an abrasive sheet, with the capillary tube being empty.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a CVD vacuum vessel which has an electrically conductive partition plate which divides an interior of the vacuum vessel into a plasma generating space and a film-deposition processing space, and in the electrically conductive partition plate there is a plurality of through-holes connecting the plasma generating space to the film-deposition processing space, the method includes the steps of feeding a cleaning gas into the plasma-generating space; generating active seeds by applying high-frequency electric power to electrodes arranged in the plasma-generating space; feeding the generated active species into the film-deposition processing space through the plurality of through-holes in the electrically conductive partition plate; and cleaning the film-deposition processing space by the active seeds which have been fed into this film-deposition processing space.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is provided with a processing bath to be filled with a cleaning chemical, an ultrasonic oscillator, and a retainer for holding a substrate to be immersed into a cleaning chemical. The front surface of the substrate is cleaned while ultrasonic waves are radiated from the ultrasonic oscillator onto the back surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a semiconductor structure using vapor phase condensation with a thermally vaporized cleaning agent, a hydrocarbon vaporized by pressure variation, or a combination of the two. In the thermally vaporized cleaning agent process, a semiconductor structure is lowered into a vapor blanket in a thermal gradient cleaning chamber at atmospheric pressure formed by heating a liquid cleaning agent below the vapor blanket and cooling the liquid cleaning agent above the vapor blanket causing it to condense and return to the bottom of the thermal gradient cleaning chamber. The semiconductor structure is then raised above the vapor blanket and the cleaning agent condenses on all of the surfaces of the semiconductor structure removing contaminants and is returned to the bottom of the chamber by gravity.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer is cleaned while a sponge or brush is pressed against the wafer with a constant forced applied utilizing a bias in a constant force pencil. The wafer is cleaned in the state wherein a collapsing portion of the constant force pencil with respect to the cleaning sponge cloth is set in such a way that the cleaning pressure, which is applied from the cleaning sponge to the wafer, can be constant and is adjustable. A method for cleaning wafers using a constant force pencil is also described.

Abstract: Whenever a dishwasher is operated a given number of times or whenever a given number of days transpire, an apparatus performs a process that removes minerals deposits that have built-up inside the dishwasher. The process commences by rinsing the dishwasher interior with water and draining the rinse water. A mixture of water and a chemical that dissolves the minerals is introduced into the dishwasher and a pump circulates the mixture inside the dishwasher for a period of time. Next the mixture is drained out and the dishwasher interior is rinsed again with fresh water.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for treatment of waste from suction canisters. The waste treatment system includes a canister-cleaning and a reservoir chamber. The canister-cleaning chamber holds the suction canister to be treated. The reservoir chamber is fluidly connected to the canister-cleaning chamber and to a water source. The reservoir chamber adapted to be raised and lowered relative to the canister-cleaning chamber to permit cleaning fluids to flow to and from the canister cleaning-chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing selected surfaces in a semiconductor process chamber by creating a temperature differential between the selected surfaces and contacting the surfaces with a reactant that preferentially react with a surface at one end of the temperature differential relative to the other selected surface(s). More particularly, the invention relates to the use of nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) gas for in situ cleaning of cold wall process chambers such as Rapid thermal Chemical Vaporization (“RTCVD”) systems.

Abstract: In a substrate cleaning apparatus, particles attached to the surface of the substrate are dislodged and removed using a shock wave created by high-speed flow of a gas stream in a tube or slot that is juxtaposed with respect to the surface to be cleaned. The shock wave is generated in a controlled gap between the substrate and the tube or slot. The pressure differential may result from either a reduced pressure or an increased pressure in the tube or slot with respect to an external pressure. With this technique, particles and process residue (from etch, CMP, etc.) may be effectively removed from the surface. The substrate may be a reticle or a semiconductor wafer, though other types of substrates, including other substrates used in semiconductor manufacturing processes, also may be cleaned.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus 8 for feeding a processing liquid and processing a substrate W with the processing liquid comprises holding member 22 for holding the substrate W, and a lower side member 42 which is moved relatively with respect to the back surface of the substrate W held by the holding member 22 between a processing position A near the substrate undersurface and a retreat position B remote from the substrate undersurface. The processing liquid is fed between a gap between the lower side member 42 moved to the processing position A and the back surface of the substrate held by the holding member 22, and the substrate undersurface is processed.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine wash process that facilitates reducing a formation of particulate matter within a gas turbine engine is described. The engine wash process includes injecting a first liquid into the engine to remove particulate matter formed within the engine and adversely affecting engine operation and performance. A second liquid is then injected into the engine to facilitate reducing a rate of formation of particulate matter within the gas turbine engine as the engine is operated in the future. More specifically, the second liquid is an anti-static liquid that coats compressor blades within the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for cleaning a liquid-containing vessel. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device (1), suitable for cleaning liquid-containing vessels (such as bathtubs or swimming pools), equipped with an energy storage means and a self-tracking means and/or a filter, wherein said device (1) is capable of floating and actively moving in said vessel.

Abstract: A cleaning unit (A) includes a movable cart (20) which carries a cleaning system for cleaning baked-on residues from walls (10) of a sterilizer chamber (12). Alkaline and acid cleaning solutions (180, 182), for removing organic and inorganic residues, respectively, from the chamber, are stored in a multi-compartment container carried by the cart and having two storage compartments (52, 54). The alkaline and acid solutions are sequentially sprayed over the chamber walls and returned to their respective compartments. After cleaning is complete, a wall (200) which separates the two compartments is punctured. The two cleaning fluids are thereby mixed together to form a neutral or near neutral solution which is disposable in a sanitary sewer system without further treatment.

Abstract: A bowl includes a bottom wall having a generally circular shape. A sidewall extends upwardly from the bottom wall to define a cylindrical chamber. The sidewall has a projection that extends into the cylindrical chamber. The projection has a top surface that defines a step in the cylindrical chamber and a sloped surface that extends between the top surface and an inner surface of the sidewall. The top surface of the projection is sloped slightly downwardly. The sloped surface of the projection is oriented relative to the top surface such that extensions of the top surface and the sloped surface define an angle in a range from about 30 degrees to about 45 degrees. A spin, rinse, and dry module including the bowl and a method for loading a semiconductor wafer into a spin, rinse, and dry module also are described.

Abstract: A steam mop. A housing contains a water reservoir for storing water and a heating plate outside the water reservoir. The reservoir dispenses water to the heating element which heats the dispensed water to produce steam substantially instantaneously. The reservoir preferably includes a mechanism for dispensing additional water to the heating element on demand to produce a “burst of steam.” Preferably an absorbent cloth to which is attached a relatively stiff perimeter frame adapted to fit around the bottom of the housing is provided, the cloth assembly being easily removable for cleaning.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning carriers used for handling semiconductor wafers including a box cleaner having a rotor within an enclosure. Box holder assemblies on the rotor include upper and lower hooks for securing boxes to the rotor. A box door holder assembly is also provided on the rotor. The box door holder assembly preferably has a plurality of box door holding positions. Each box door holding position advantageously has a door guide and door hooks for holding a door. The box door holder assembly allows both the boxes and their doors to be cleaned with the centrifugal cleaner, avoiding the need for separate cleaning of the doors. In one configuration, the rotor is provided with an even number of box holder assemblies symmetrically spaced about the rotor and an even number of door holder assemblies symmetrically spaced about the rotor.

Abstract: A fan assembly for an umbrella including a first integrated sub-assembly clampable about an umbrella pole. The first integrated sub-assembly has a split collar surrounding the umbrella pole, a support housing on a lower end of the collar defining a drive ring support plate, and a motor housing enclosing a motor therein on an upper end of the collar spaced from the drive ring support plate. A second integrated sub-assembly is rotatably disposable about the collar and the umbrella pole and includes a drive ring having a lower surface which is supported by the drive ring support plate of the support housing, a drive ring drive mechanism, and a plurality of fan blades coupled to the drive ring.

Abstract: A sunshade device has a lower hollow shaft, an upper shaft inserted in the lower hollow shaft, a plurality of stretchers connected to the upper shaft, and a sunshade awning disposed on the stretchers. The upper shaft has a lower end cover, a neck bar disposed on a bottom of the lower end cover, and a base disk disposed on a bottom of the neck bar. A first semicircular sleeve and a second semicircular sleeve are inserted in the lower hollow shaft to surround the neck bar.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least four panels, including a bottom panel, a first panel, a second panel and a third panel. Each panel has a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The fabric assumes the unfolded orientation of the frame member. Each panel further includes a first side and a second side, with the first side of one panel coupled to the second side of an adjacent panel, and with the bottom panel resting on the surface.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element is disposed in each of a plurality of recesses of a support. Light reflected by the inside surface of the recess shines on the photoelectric conversion element. The photoelectric conversion element has an approximately spherical shape and has the following structure. The outer surface of a center-side n-type amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer is covered with a p-type amorphous SiC (a-SiC) layer having a wider optical band gap than a-Si does, whereby a pn junction is formed. A first conductor of the support is connected to the p-type a-SiC layer of the photoelectric conversion element at the bottom or its neighborhood of the recess. A second conductor, which is insulated from the first conductor by an insulator, of the support is connected to the n-type a-Si layer of the photoelectric conversion element.

Abstract: Producing a photovoltaic panel, including forming holes in a first electrode plate, fitting, in the holes, photovoltaic elements, each having a P-N junction between a core and a shell, electrically connecting a first portion of the shell of each photovoltaic element to the first electrode plate, removing one second portion of the shell of each photovoltaic element located on both sides of the first portion of the shell, so that a third portion of the core of the each photovoltaic element that corresponds to the one second portion of the shell is exposed, and electrically connecting the third portion of the core of each photovoltaic element to a second electrode plate, wherein electrically connecting the first portion and electrically connecting the third portion includes soldering, a corresponding one of the first portion and the third portion to a corresponding one of the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate.