Abstract: Disclosed is a capnometry apparatus for receiving respiratory gas from a respiratory cannula positioned on a patient. An integrated host controller alerts a user if the capnometry apparatus is connected or not connected to the respiratory cannula based in part on a signal output from a capnometer located in the capnometry apparatus. The host controller also includes the functionality to shut off the capnometer pump with or without a time delay when the capnometer signal output indicates the capnometer pump is not connected to the cannula. An ambient-air pressure sensor located in the capnometry apparatus alerts the host controller if the capnometry apparatus has been moved to a new location with a substantially different altitude than the first location, in which case the host controller will issue an alert to a user prompting a calibration of the capnometry apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a respiratory cannula assembly to deliver and receive gases from a patient. The cannula assembly contains two oral prongs for delivering and receiving gases from the patient as well as at least one gas delivery nasal prong and at least one gas receiving nasal prong. The gas receiving nasal prong extends further into the patients nostril than the gas delivery nasal prong. The cannula assembly further contains a connector that aids in coupling to a medical device, the connector including independent oral and nasal moisture traps that remove moisture from exhaled patient gases.

Abstract: A bite block assembly for use during a diagnostic, surgical or other medical procedure is disclosed. This device includes a bite block body for insertion into the mouth of a patient containing two passageways, the first, a through passageway, positioned to receive a medical instrument to be inserted into the patient, the second, an air-sampling passageway, provides a pathway for exhaled air to exit the mouth of the patient. The air-sampling passageway is constructed to receive a gas sampling tube partially disposed in the air-sampling passageway or completely disposed in the air-sampling passageway. The gas sampling tube connects a respiratory cannula with gas sampling port, located on the face of the patient to the air-sampling passageway of the bite block.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oxygen delivery apparatus constructed from an oxygen delivery manifold, a respiratory cannula, and a host controller. The host controller contains an oxygen delivery program and accepts a respiration input regarding whether the patient is inhaling or exhaling, and whether the patient is breathing orally or nasally. The oxygen delivery program regulates the flow rate of oxygen based in part upon the respiration input provided. A first rates is used when the patient is inhaling and exhaling orally, a second rate is used when the patient is inhaling nasally, and a third rate is used when the patient is exhaling nasally.

Abstract: Described herein is a prophylactic garment for use by a human female wearer. The garment includes an elastomeric portion that provides a barrier against sexually-transmitted diseases, having a substantially form fitting segment configured to cover the perineum, each thigh, and abdomen of the wearer, forming a seal at each thigh opening and the abdomen opening, a tubular segment having an open end integral with the substantially form fitting segment and closed end configured for insertion into the vaginal canal of the wearer, and optionally a tear-resistant perimeter between the form fitting segment and the tubular segment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passive hearing protection earplug for being worn at least in part in the ear canal (12) of a user, comprising a hard shell (20) having an elasticity of from shore D 85 to shore D 65 and pulling means (26) which are adapted for being manually operated by the user and which are provided at the outer end of said shell, said shell having an outer surface individually shaped according to the measured inner shape of the user's ear canal and outer ear (18). The shell has a size and an outer shape which are adapted to enable said shell to be manually moved, by seizing the pulling means, from a sound attenuation position into a communication position from which it is automatically returned into the attenuation position by elastic forces exerted by deformed parts of the user's ear canal and concha upon release of the pulling means. The invention also relates to a use of such an earplug and a method for manufacturing such an earplug.

Abstract: An assembly comprising of a first layer, a second layer that contains the first layer and said second layer has vent holes. When entire assembly is added to sufficient heat, the first layer will begin to smolder and produce smoke suitable for adding flavor to foods.

Abstract: A thumb-sucking deterrent device which is characterized in a first preferred embodiment by a typically plastic base or plate which is flexible or pre-formed to conform to the curvature of a thumbnail or fingernail and at least one protuberance projecting from the opposite surface of the plate, such that the plate can be glued to a child's thumbnail or fingernail and thus utilized to deter thumb and finger-sucking behavior. A method of deterring thumb-sucking and finger-sucking which includes the steps of providing a flexible or pre-formed plate which substantially conforms to the curvature of the thumbnail or fingernail of a child, providing at least one upward-standing protuberance on the opposite surface of the plate and gluing the plate to the thumbnail or fingernail, wherein the protuberance contacts the tongue when the child inserts the thumb or the finger and the thumb-sucking deterrent device inside the mouth.

Abstract: A method of applying hair treatment agents such as bleach, colorants and highlighters to a predetermined number of isolated or segregated sections of hair within a larger body of hair, the method comprising the following steps: obtaining a hair highlighting device having a main body reservoir portion extending the width of the hair highlighting device, the main body reservoir portion defined by at least 2 end portions, 2 elongated sidewalls and an opening along an upper portion, the main body reservoir portion having a lower channel with an essentially V-shaped cross-section and a plurality of lower openings located within the channel, the hair highlighting device further having a plurality of rollers coupled within the lower openings in the channel at the bottom of the main body reservoir portion and a plurality of hair gripping teeth extending downward from the openings at the bottom of the hollow main body reservoir portion, the plurality of teeth each having hair gripping apparatus at a lower end of the t

Abstract: A device for propping up hair comprising a bob member for being attached to the back of the hair a comb attached to the bob member for supporting the bob member.

Abstract: A hair coloring strip having an appendage that extends to an exterior of the coloring strip. The appendage is affixed to the coloring strip so that, when the appendage is pulled by manual pressure, the hair coloring strip is released from the hair of the client for easy removal.

Abstract: A handheld device for sculpting hair includes a pliable member having a substantially smooth bottom surface. A plurality of spaced-apart bores are disposed in the bottom surface. When the handheld device is placed against a person's head, the pliable member at least partially deforms to conform to the shape of the person's head. By repeatedly pulling the bottom surface of the pliable member across the hair tangentially to the surface of the person's scalp, the plurality of spaced-apart bores disposed in the bottom surface cause clumps of hair to be formed at substantially regular intervals that are a function of the distance between ones of the spaced-apart bores.

Abstract: A mascara applicator is provided that has a handle, a rod connected to the handle that may have a flexible portion configured to deflect, and a head connected to the rod and having radially extending bristles configured to hold mascara, wherein the head is configured to rotate.

Abstract: An improved hairbrush that may be selectively manipulated from either end when in contact with hair on a body is provided having an elongated member or shaft with handles of dimensionally equivalent weight, shape and length rigidly attached to, and extending from, both sides of the shaft. Around the elongated central member is a tubular brush block formed with a plurality of air slots between radial tufts of brush bristles, so that air blown from a hot air styling dryer can be directed against the brush as the hair is brushed or as locks of hair are wrapped around the brush block to quickly straighten the hair. The axial holes at either end of the brush block are capped during manufacture with convex spacers which slip over each handle through a form fitted hole in the center of the cap. The brush can be manipulated with either handle during use.

Abstract: A hair curler made from an elongated tubular member that is divided into three sections by constrictors. At least one of the sections is filled with a filler material, preferably tapioca. The tubular member is placed in a microwave oven for between 30 seconds and 1 minute 30 seconds and is then placed in the individual's hair. The hair curler is removed from the hair after 20 to 30 minutes. The elongated tubular member is made from a decorative stretchy fabric and consequently the hair curler has the appearance of a decorative hair accessory. The curler can therefore be worn out in public thereby allowing the individual to style their hair while conducting other tasks.

Abstract: A dental floss holder including: a base portion; a pair of spaced-apart jaws extending from the base portion to accommodate a length of dental floss there-between; the spaced-apart jaws having at least one cavity for loading a composition containing flavor and/or a chemotherapeutic agent; and at least one flange for each cavity is disclosed. The dental floss holder provides an improved means for retaining flavor and or chemotherapeutic compositions within the cavity until the dental floss holder is used.

Abstract: Cleaning solutions and cleaning methods targeted to particular substrates and structures in semiconductor fabrication are described. A method of cleaning fragile structures having a dimension less than 0.15 um with a cleaning solution formed of a solvent having a surface tension less than water while applying acoustic energy to the substrate on which the structures are formed is described. Also, a method of cleaning copper with several different cleaning solutions, and in particular an aqueous sulfuric acid and HF cleaning solution, is described. Also, methods of cleaning both sides of a substrate at the same time with different cleaning solutions applied to the top and the bottom are described.

Abstract: An object is to improve the cleanness achieved by washing through effectively suppressing the residual of solvent remained on a wash-target after washing. The present invention is a wash-target holder soaked in a wash tank by holding a wash-target, which comprises a tray for placing the wash-target, a surrounding member, which is provided standing up on a wash-target placing face of the tray, for surrounding the periphery, and a defluxion-restricting member for restricting the defluxion of the wash-target from the tray. In the periphery of the wash-target surrounded by the surrounding member, an opening for letting in and out the solvent used for washing the wash-target is formed.

Abstract: A method of forming a contact hole in a semiconductor device, by which a PMD layer as an insulating interlayer is prevented from being overetched by wet cleaning for removing polymer and photoresist after forming a contact hole perforating the PMD layer in a manner of adjusting temperature and concentration of an NC-2 solution for the wet cleaning. The present invention includes the steps of forming a premetal dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming a contact hole perforating the premetal dielectric layer, and cleaning the substrate using an NC-2 cleaning solution at a temperature equal to or lower than about 55° C.

Abstract: In the ozone water treatment process, the silicon wafer is treated with the first ultra-pure water that includes ozone. The first ultra-pure water is refined by the ultraviolet ray sterilization method. The first ultra-pure water includes total organic carbon content of more than 1 ?g/liter and not more than 20 ?g/liter, so that the silicon wafer of the predetermined degree of cleanliness is obtained. The silicon wafer is treated by using the second ultra-pure water that has a lower TOC value than the first ultra-pure water in the ultra-pure water rinsing process (including the chemical solution cleaning process as required). The second ultra-pure water is refined by the ultraviolet ray oxidization method, and includes total organic carbon content with a concentration of 1 ?g/liter or less. Thus the silicon wafer of the predetermined degree of cleanliness is obtained.

Abstract: One embodiment of this invention is a cleaning device comprising a base including an upper surface and a lower surface; and an upstanding wall extending upwardly relative to the upper surface of the base. The upstanding wall includes a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface includes an abrasive material disposed thereon and the second surface does not include an abrasive material. A thickness of the wall is configured to be less than about 3 mm.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly having a multi-stage filtering arrangement which functions to trap soil particles contained in a washing fluid to reduce the number of fresh water fills required to perform a washing operation. All of the washing fluid is initially directed over a filter plate. A first portion of the washing fluid passes the filter plate into a pumping chamber, while a second, soil laden portion, enters a first filter chamber. The second portion is then directed through a medium filter into the intake chamber. The filtered washing fluid is pumped through a conduit to wash arms that spray the washing fluid onto kitchenware. The conduit includes a sampling port which directs a portion of the washing fluid to a second filtering compartment having a fine mesh screen. At the end of the washing operation, the washing water, along with the soil is expelled from the dishwasher.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly for establishing a recirculated wash fluid flow within a washing chamber. The pump assembly includes a housing having a recirculation portion and a drain portion. The recirculation portion includes an inlet passage, a recirculation passage and a pump mount. The inlet and recirculation passages share a common wall and open into the pump mount. The pump assembly further includes a pump having a housing, a motor drivingly connected to an impeller and a conduit having inlet and outlet portions projecting from the housing. The inlet and outlet portions are concentrically arranged within the conduit and fluidly connected with the impeller. With this arrangement, the pump unit can be readily secured to the pump mount and, during operation, draws washing fluid in through the inlet and redirects the washing fluid to the recirculation passage of the housing at approximately 180° from the inlet.

Abstract: Dishwasher cycle methods and systems are disclosed. A dishwasher can be equipped with a humidity sensor for monitoring humidity with the dishwasher in order to provide optimum humidity and heat during a dishwashing cycle thereof, thereby allowing the humidity and heat to modified in order to allow the soil (e.g., food soil) to soften for subsequent washing and/or rinsing during a dishwasher cycle thereof. A turbidity sensor is also provided for automatically monitoring the turbidity within the dishwasher in order to detect a cleaning action thereof to determine if the soil has been released from articles, such as dishes, within said dishwasher. Additionally, a spray injector can be utilized for injecting a spray into the dishwasher prior to the dishwashing cycle in order to release soil from the articles contained therein and provide humidity for the removal of the soil.

Abstract: A system (42) for treating a columnar element (22) at a remote location (28) includes a vehicle (68) having a moveable base (98), a clamp (100) attachable to the columnar element (22), a rotating member (104), and a jack (108) having an effector (112) coupled to the rotating member (104). The jack (108) and rotating member (104) lift the effector (112) above the base (98) and rotate the effector (112) about the columnar element (22). A vehicle controller (58), remote from the vehicle (68), but in communication with the vehicle (68), controls the components of the vehicle (68). A method (186) for treating the columnar element (22) using the vehicle (68) entails navigation and positioning of the effector (112) at the region of interest (30) via the vehicle controller (58), and enabling delivery of a medium (72) from the effector (112) about a circumference of the columnar element (22).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile or stationary waste container cleaning system used for residential, commercial and industrial waste, garbage, trash, storage or operations containers or receptacles. Other applications include, but are not limited to cleaning of chemical drums, grease dumpsters (e.g. behind restaurants), rain barrels and non-uniform residential, commercial or industrial dumpsters or waste containers. The container cleaning system can alternatively be used for rural areas, farms or ranches.

Abstract: A method for removing sludge from a petroleum storage tank is based on a two-step approach utilizing solvent extraction to dissolve organic components of the sludge followed by water wash to remove inorganic materials. Sludges contain both organic-based solids (e.g., waxes and asphaltenes) as well as inorganic-based solids (known to exist as salts such as chlorides, carbonates, and oxides). The organic components of the sludge are dissolved using petroleum-based solvent streams that have been identified to possess high solvent power. The dissolved material can then be processed and recovered in the refinery using conventional refining operations. A water wash following removal of the organic materials is effective to remove the inorganic materials that can then be disposed of without the complications of the having to treat the oily organics along with them. A beneficial part of the method includes mixing and heating to improve the dissolution of soluble materials in both steps of the process.

Abstract: A process for removing coloured stains from hydrophobic surfaces characterised in that the process involves the use of a formulation which comprises a salt of sulphophenyl alkyl carbonate is described. Also a process of removing colour stains from a plastics material, characterised in that the stained plastics material is treated in a dishwashing machine with a formulation comprising a salt of sulphophenyl alkyl carbonate is described.

Abstract: Diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA) and di-isopropylhydroxylamine can be used to remove iron deposits from the surfaces of closed loop systems. A closed loop system can be cleaned of iron deposits by first contacting the surface of the closed loop system having iron deposits with an aqueous solution of an oxygen scavenger; and then introducing diethylhydroxylamine, di-isopropylhydroxylamine, or mixtures thereof; into the closed loop system at a concentration sufficient to cause the iron deposits to release from the surface of the closed loop system. It can be desirable to use a filter or strainer to trap and remove the particulate iron deposits once they have been released from the surface of the closed loop system. In the alternative, a dispersant can be used to prevent released particulate iron deposits from reforming as scale.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a rinsing process on a workpiece surface, the apparatus including a platform adapted to seat the workpiece thereon, a chuck connected to the platform and adapted to spin the workpiece during the rinsing process, a mechanical arm adapted to sweep across at least part of the workpiece surface during the rinsing process, first and second rinsing liquid nozzles secured to the mechanical arm, a tensioactive vapor nozzle secured to the arm and disposed between the first and second rinsing liquid nozzles, and first and second flow control elements adapted to separately and independently control rinsing liquid flow rates for the first and second rinsing liquid nozzles, respectively.

Abstract: A method of cleaning equipment such as heat exchangers, evaporators, tanks and other industrial equipment using clean-in-place procedures and a pre-treatment solution prior to the conventional CIP cleaning process. The pre-treatment step improves the degree of softening of the soil, and thus facilitates its removal. The pre-treatment solution can be a strong acidic solution, a strong alkaline solution, or comprise a penetrant. A preferred strong acidic solution is an acid peroxide solution. In some embodiments, the pre-treatment may include no strong alkali or acid ingredient; rather, the penetrant provides acceptable levels of pre-treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spin cleaning and drying apparatus of single-wafer processing type which cleans a substrate with a cleaning liquid from a rinse nozzle while rotating the substrate and dries the substrate after cleaning while rotating the substrate, comprising: a spin chuck which holds and rotates the substrates; a cup which has an opening on an upper side, a water discharge port and an exhaust gas port in a bottom portion, and encloses the spin chuck; a flow regulating plate which has a gas injection port in a middle and is provided so as to be able to move backward and forward to a position opposed to the substrate and spaced therefrom at a prescribed distance and to an upward or sideward retracted position; and an exhaust cover, having multiple slit holes each with a hood which opens to an upper surface, is provided below the spin chuck.

Abstract: The invention provides a cleaning apparatus which can remove an organic material for an organic EL element attaching to a mask made of a thin metal film. The cleaning apparatus of the invention includes first and second cleaning tanks cleaning a mask with a predetermined cleaning solution, a vacuum evaporator vacuum-distilling the cleaning solution of the first and second cleaning tanks, a first cooler cooling the vacuum-distilled cleaning solution to room temperature, a first return pipe returning the cleaning solution cooled by the first cooler to the second cleaning tank, first and second rinse tanks rinsing the mask with a predetermined rinse solution, an atmospheric evaporator distilling the rinse solution of the first and second rinse tanks at atmospheric pressure, a second cooler cooling the rinse solution distilled at atmospheric pressure to room temperature, and a second return pipe returning the rinse solution cooled by the second cooler to the second rinse tank.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a pump assembly having a multi-stage filtering arrangement which functions to trap soil particles contained in a washing fluid to reduce the number of fresh water fills required to perform a washing operation. All of the washing fluid is initially directed over a filter plate. A first portion of the washing fluid passes the filter plate into a pumping chamber, while a second, soil laden portion, enters a first filter chamber. The second portion is then directed through a medium filter into the intake chamber. The filtered washing fluid is pumped through a conduit to wash arms that spray the washing fluid onto kitchenware. The conduit includes a sampling port which directs a portion of the washing fluid to a second filtering compartment having a fine mesh screen. At the end of the washing operation, the washing water, along with the soil is expelled from the dishwasher.

Abstract: The invention provides a cleaning apparatus which can remove an organic material for an organic EL element attaching to a mask made of a thin metal film. The cleaning apparatus of the invention includes first and second cleaning tanks cleaning a mask with a predetermined cleaning solution at room temperature, first and second rinse tanks rinsing the mask with a predetermined rinse solution at room temperature, and a carrying device holding the mask at a predetermined angle other than horizontally and carrying the mask held at the predetermined angle to the first and second cleaning tanks and the first and second rinse tanks without damage occurring to the thin metal film of the mask by stress caused by gravity. The carrying device holds the mask horizontally at first, stands up in a vertical direction while holding the mask to hold the mask at the predetermined angle.

Abstract: A toy is presented for washing an object by rotating the object in a chamber of liquid. The toy comprises a chamber partially filled with liquid and includes a mount to rotationally fix an object into the chamber. The mount includes a driving element to drivingly connect with a receiving element on the object to form a driving connection. An object rotating system then imparts a rotary motion to the mount to rotate the object within the chamber of water so as to wash the object. The object rotating system is a gear and axle drivingly connected with a gear rack. The gear rack is pulled by a user to impart a rotary motion to the gear and axle, which then rotates the mount and thus the object. In another embodiment, the object rotating system is a gear and axle drivingly connected with a motor.

Abstract: An ultrasonic optical cleaning system is provided for cleaning and deterring the buildup of organic and inorganic particulates from the surface of glassware used in water testing instrumentation. The system includes a transducer that is attached to the surface of the glassware. A connector cap carrying a plurality of spring contacts interconnecting the transducer with an ultrasonic transducer control circuit. The control circuit operates continuously to provide an electrical signal to the transducer that vibrates the transducer and the glassware so that the glassware is cleaned of contaminates.

Abstract: A forearm crutch cover that provides padding in the forearm cradle to increase the comfort of the user and covers the pivoting attachment junction that attaches the forearm cradle to the pole of the forearm crutch to help prevent injury or damage caused at the pivoting attachment junction when the forearm cradle is moved.

Abstract: A tent assembly includes a tent body, a flexible cover, and a curtain track. The curtain track includes a transverse rod mounted on the tent body, a guide rail sleeved removably on the transverse rod, and a plurality of hooks, each of which is coupled slidably to the guide rail and is connected detachably to the flexible cover.

Abstract: The present invention enables direct conversion of heat energy into electrical energy without generating any pressure difference between high- and low-temperature sides of electrolyte. In a container 107 creating a hermetic space, a solid electrolyte 101 comprising ?? alumina is brought into contact with sodium 102 connected to a cathode terminal 109 at the low-temperature side, and the solid electrolyte 101 is brought into contact with a porous electrode 103 connected to an anode terminal 108 at the high-temperature side. At the low-temperature side, the following reaction proceeds at the interface between the solid electrolyte 101 and sodium 102: Na?Na++e? At the high-temperature side, the following reaction proceeds at the interface between the solid electrolyte 101 and the porous electrode 103: Na++e??Na Accordingly, power generation is conducted, and electrical power is supplied to a load 106.

Abstract: In order to make a thermoelectric device usable in a high temperature environment of 300° C. or above, the necessity for solder is eliminated by bonding each electrode of a second substrate to one end of each thermoelectric element by using gold. Further, a conductive member, capable of accommodating expansion and contraction of the thermoelectric elements, is provided between each electrode of a first substrate, on which bonding by gold is not performed, and the other end of each thermoelectric element. Additionally, a lid is placed outside to the second substrate, and the lid and the first substrate are coupled so that pressure can be applied between the first and second substrates. Thus, the second substrate, the electrodes and the thermoelectric elements are held. This prevents the thermoelectric elements from being damaged due to thermal deformation as in the case where electrodes are bonded to thermoelectric elements by solder.

Abstract: In order that a thermoelectric device is caused to stably operate even under high temperature environment, the thermoelectric device includes: first and second substrates, each being provided with a plurality of electrodes; a plurality of thermoelectric elements arranged between the first and second substrates in such a manner that one ends of the thermoelectric elements are associated with the respective electrodes on the first substrate, and the other ends thereof are associated with the respective electrodes on the second substrate; a defining member defining positions of the respective thermoelectric elements; and a lid disposed outside of the second substrate, and connected to the first substrate in such a manner that pressure is applied between the second substrate and the first substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid state image pickup device, including a silicon substrate and a photoelectric conversion unit which receives external incident light and generates signals in accordance therewith, and which is formed on or above the surface of the silicon substrate, wherein a signal transmission circuit for reading out the signals generated in the photoelectric conversion unit is formed on the silicon substrate; the photoelectric conversion unit includes a photoelectric conversion layer which has a laminated structure of plural compound semiconductor layers, which are different from each other in light wavelength to absorb and are provided with the laminated structure so that the shorter a light absorption wavelength of a compound semiconductor layer is, the closer to a light incident side the compound semiconductor layer resides; and the plural compound semiconductor layers are respectively connected to pixel electrodes formed on the signal transmission circuit.

Abstract: A photoelectric cell comprising first and second electrodes, a plurality of nanowires which extend between the electrodes, an a structure disposed between the nanowires.

Abstract: A self-contained portable solar power supply system is specifically designed to convert solar energy into electrical energy, and charge a rechargeable storage battery to energize edge-lit lighted panels as back-lighting devices in the dusk to illuminate advertising graphics and messages installed on waste receptacles disposed on the city street curbs. The stored electrical energy is discharged by a dual control of a 24-hour timer unit and a photo light sensor control unit on a daily basis. To conserve the electrical energy consumption, the photo light sensor control unit is super-imposed as a second control over the time schedule of the 24-hour timer unit to ensure that the electrical energy will be discharged only when the photo light sensor control unit detects the light conditions in the immediate area diminish below a predetermined minimum light level setting. The photo light sensor control unit alleviates the need to reset the 24-hour timer unit as the local sunset time changes year-round.

Abstract: A structural building component for a residential or light commercial building includes a PV laminate and a plastic frame disposed at least around the PV laminate. The plastic frame includes a first electrical connector for communication with the PV laminate and receptive to electrical connection with a contiguous PV laminate. The first electrical connector is configured to facilitate electrical and mechanical connection with the contiguous PV laminate and the frame includes a means for facilitating attachment to the building structure.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) laminate backplane assembly includes an insulative substrate and a metal foil bonded to the insulative substrate on a first surface and is electrically receptive for mounting a solar cell on a second surface opposite the first surface. The metal foil includes a light concentrator disposed at exposed regions on the second surface of the metal foil and is configured to reflect incident light thereon to the solar cell to increase a concentration of light on the solar cell in a range of about 1.5× to about 4×.

Abstract: An external building element has the size and shape of a standard roofing or building product but incorporates a monolithically interconnected solar cell array within which a plurality of interconnected thin film solar cells are integrated on an electrically insulating substrate. The cells are positioned in one or more rows with the cells being electrically connected together in series and being connected by electrically conducting tracks to two output tracks. The output tracks of each element may be automatically interconnected to the output tracks of the adjacent elements when the elements are placed adjacent one another along a horizontal support rail so as to electrically connect the solar cell assemblies of the elements in parallel. Further similar elements may be positioned in overlapping rows. Such an element incorporating a solar cell array is substantially uniform in colour and may be designed to provide a very close visual match to standard building products, such as natural and synthetic slates.

Abstract: A system for mounting photovoltaic cells on a surface and utilizing the energy produced therefrom. Several cells are connected in series to produce DC power. The DC power is converted to AC power suitable for use in utility lines. The cells are pigmented to ensure efficient collection of available radiation.

Abstract: A solar cell having a multijunction solar cell structure with a bypass diode is disclosed. The bypass diode provides a reverse bias protection for the multijunction solar cell structure. In one embodiment, the multijunction solar cell structure includes a substrate, a bottom cell, a middle cell, a top cell, a bypass diode, a lateral conduction layer, and a shunt. The lateral conduction layer is deposited over the top cell. The bypass diode is deposited over the lateral conduction layer. One side of the shunt is connected to the substrate and another side of the shunt is connected to the lateral conduction layer. In another embodiment, the bypass diode contains an i-layer to enhance the diode performance.