Abstract: The invention relates to an improved rib structure for using in a four-folded umbrella. The character of the present invention includes a solid first rib, a solid second rib, a solid third rib, and a solid tail rib. Accompanying with branch ribs and elastic ribs, the assembled umbrella can have a small closed volume by use of every rib to be closed to a shaft of the umbrella. Hence, the present umbrella can be used more conveniently and effectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved rib structure for using in a three-folded umbrella. The character of the present invention includes a solid first rib, a solid second rib, and a solid third rib. Accompanying with a branch rib and an elastic rib, the assembled umbrella can have a small closed volume by use of every rib closed to a shaft of the umbrella. Hence, the present umbrella can be used more conveniently and effectively.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for storing canes in an easily accessible location by the user through the use of magnets is described. One magnet is located at the end of the handle. This magnet can also be used to pick up metallic objects, such as keys, without having to bend over all the way to the ground. The second magnet is located at the center of the cane. This magnet can attach the cane to any metallic surface at a level that the user can re-grasp without having to bend over. Furthermore, attachments are included that can be attached to table tops or other furniture that is small, compact, transportable and metallic that can be put in place for attachment thereto by the magnetic cane in those situations where no metallic surface is pre-existing.

Abstract: A labor-saving pneumatic crutch includes a crutch body, an air pressure modulator and a support crutch body. The air pressure modulator of the pneumatic crutch is installed in the crutch body and fixed to the support crutch body, such that when a user sits or stands up, the weight of the user's body is pressed onto the pneumatic crutch, and the user can turn a switch brake plate of the air pressure modulator to drive the air pressure rod spindle to extend or shorten the length of the support crutch body in the crutch body.

Abstract: An ergonomic forearm crutch featuring an adjustable, ergonomic hand grip, a shock absorbing device and an ergonomically molded forearm cuff with integrated cuff hinge. The ergonomic forearm crutch is fully adjustable to meet the functional and ergonomic needs of crutch users.

Abstract: A portable car cover includes a flexible sheet like cover of plastic or fabric and four extendable or foldable legs. Each of the legs is connected to a base member by an adjustment mechanism for positioning the upper ends of the legs to stretch the cover over an automobile. The base members are held in place by the tires of the automobile and the adjustment mechanism angularly off set the legs in a longitudinal and lateral direction.

Abstract: A portable shelter that attaches to the outsides of the tires of the vehicle, as opposed to the body or wheel hubs of the vehicle. The shelter includes a canopy attached to an upper end of at least one mast, and a mast base that is attached to a lower end of the mast. The mast base comprises a threaded bolt, a plate having a threaded opening for receiving the bolt therethrough, and a holder for receiving a lower end of the bolt. The base also includes a plurality of arms that each have a first end attached to the holder and a second end attached to a hook. Braces are mounted between the plate and the arms so that when the bolt moves relative to the plate, the arms move relative to the holder so that the hooks on the arms can receive the outsides of a tire.

Abstract: A pole brace and ballasting device having a weight container adapted to retain and discharge a dry or fluid load bearing material therein, designed to be positioned upright against a tent pole or poles, of adequate length and sufficiently ridged to brace a pole. A clamp or clamps for attachment to a variety of pole dimensions both angular and round while allowing for the closing of the tent's outer protective cover with the capacity to selectively suspend the ballasting load to increase its effectiveness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device that in high wind conditions covers objects to deflect the wind around the object, holds down the object and protects the object from windblown debris. This invention provides in one embodiment, a wind protection device for securing over a structure to anchor points in the ground. The device includes a cover having a plurality of vents and non-vent portions, as well as a plurality of attachment portions disposed on the cover and being operably configured to be attachable to the anchor points. When the device is secured over the structure, the cover forms an angle relative to the structure defining a more aerodynamic profile for the device than the structure alone, and the non-vent portions of the cover block windblown debris from impacting the structure.

Abstract: In a pole (11) for holding and/or supporting tent sheets (3, 5) that can be assembled from interconnecting segments (15) to make an arch (12), the individual segments (15) can be connected together by intermediate elements (16) that can be inserted into them and a tensioning element (21) can be suspended from each of these intermediate elements (16) on the inside of an arch (12), with the ability for the tensioning elements (21) to be tensioned in the area of the ends (13, 14) of the pole (11). This configuration means that the tent (1) is always stable and its interior is not partitioned off or subdivided by tensioning straps. Also, the tent (1) can be pitched and struck within a short period of time (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The present invention provides thermoelectric or thermodiodic devices and methods for manufacturing such devices.

Abstract: A solar energy charging device includes a main body having a plurality of grooves disposed at a top surface thereof for inserting batteries or electronic devices; a plurality of indicator lights disposed at a peripheral portion of the top surface; a first solar panel pivotally attached to the top surface, the first solar panel is rotatable, and covers the grooves when the first solar panel is closed; at least one second solar panel attached at a side wall of the main body, the second solar panel is embedded in the main body when it is not in use, and will be take out when it is in an operation state.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated wiring member (46, 47, 48) for a solar cell module, including a first wiring member, a second wiring member, and an insulating and protecting film for insulating the first wiring member and the second wiring member from each other. Herein, the first wiring member and the second wiring member are integrated with each other through the insulating and protecting film.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a back sheet for photovoltaic modules that is excellent in various characteristics such as weather resistance, durability, water resistance, heat resistance, gas barrier properties, toughness and the like, and is particularly excellent in adhesiveness to the filler layer and in resistance to hydrolysis and voltage endurance, and that has favorable manufacturability and cost reduction capability, and a photovoltaic module using the same. The back sheet for photovoltaic modules of the present invention is a laminate having a front face side resin film, a barrier film and a back face side resin film in this order, in which the front face side resin film contains polyolefin (polyethylene) as a principal component. A voltage endurable film may be provided between the front face side resin film and the barrier film. An aluminum foil, or a laminated film of inorganic oxide layers may be used as the barrier film.

Abstract: A system (112) for providing continuous electric power from solar energy is provided. The system includes a solar concentrator (302) formed of an optically reflective material having a curved surface that defines a focal center or a focal line toward which light incident on the curved surface is reflected. The system also includes a PV/thermal device (310) positioned substantially at the focal center or along the focal line. The PV/thermal device is comprised of a photovoltaic array (500) and a fluid cooling system for the photovoltaic array. The fluid cooling system includes a thermal energy collector (504). A battery charging system (118) is coupled to the photovoltaic array. The battery charging system includes a battery charging circuit. The battery charging system is programmed to selectively provide a charging current for the battery charging circuit during periods when the solar concentrator is exposed to solar radiation.

Abstract: A Seebeck solar cell device is disclosed, combining both photovoltaic and thermoelectric techniques. The device may be formed using, for example, a conventional photovoltaic cell formed from a doped silicon wafer. The material used to form conductors to the front and rear regions of the cell are chosen for their thermoelectric characteristics, including the sign, or polarity, of their Seebeck coefficients. The distal portion of each conductor is insulated from the solar and waste heat and, in some embodiments, is also coupled to a cooling mechanism. Multiple such devices can be connected in series or parallel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for concentrating light onto a photovoltaic target. In one embodiment, the device may include a transparent concentrating lens having an outside surface and a top and bottom portion wherein the bottom portion may be configured to receive concentrated light. A photovoltaic strip including a conducting strip are then provided along with film adhered to at least a portion of the outside surface of the concentrating lens wherein the film engages the lens and positions the photovoltaic strip at the lens bottom portion. A dielectric fluid may then be located between the lens and the film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell module comprising at least one layer of a poly(allyl amine) or poly(vinyl amine)-primed polyester film, and the process for making the solar cell module.

Abstract: A mounting system is provided for an array of solar modules. The mounting system includes one or more rail assemblies that extend lengthwise in a first direction to support a plurality of solar modules that comprise the array. Each of the one or more rail assemblies may be configured to compress in order to retain an edge section of one or more of the plurality of solar modules in an operable position. A conductive element may be positioned to bond the edge section of at least one of the plurality of solar modules with at least a section of the rail assembly that retains that edge section in the operable position, so as to form a conductive path for electrical current.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a transparent solar cell system, which comprises: a light-permeable solar energy conversion device, balance units and conductive wires. The light-permeable solar energy conversion device has a transparent photovoltaic element, which is a PN semiconductor structure formed of two transparent conductive films. The transparent conductive films are respectively made of different oxides. The substrate of the transparent solar cell system is made of a common glass or a common plastic; therefore, the transparent solar cell system of the present invention is lightweight and environment-friendly. Further, the present invention has a simple fabrication process and a low fabrication cost; therefore, the present invention can be extensively applied to the windows and doors of buildings and vehicles and benefits the popularization of solar energy.

Abstract: The invention provides a thin flexible photovoltaic cell for building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications. The photovoltaic cell is deposited on a thin metallic substrate and is integrated with residential structures. These residential structures may be roofing slates, roofing tiles, building claddings and the like. An arrangement of conducting layers is described for increasing the conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic cell. The arrangement of the conducting layers result in high current collection. The photovoltaic cell is encapsulated by encapsulating layers, wherein the encapsulating layers are made of chemically inert and ultraviolet ray resistant polymers.

Abstract: A luminescent polymer comprising a triarylene repeat unit which comprises a triarylene of general formula (I) which is substituted or unsubstituted and an arylene repeat unit -[-Ar-]- that is different from the triarylene repeat unit wherein X, Y, and Z are each independently O, S, CR2, SiR2 or NR and each R is independently alkyl, aryl or H.

Abstract: A method to dice polycrystalline silicon into solar cell wafer by following grain growth direction of crystal so to allow larger grains to present on a surface of the solar cell wafer to reduce the grain number per unit area on the surface of the solar cell wafer and/or photo transfer interface; i.e., to reduce potential barrier and resistance created among grains; whereas extra foreign matters in the boundary will compromise photo transfer efficiency and electronic migration capability of the substrate surrounding the boundary, reduced number of boundary in turn upgrade photo transfer efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thin film solar cell structures and methods of manufacturing them. In particular and in one aspect the present invention is related to apparatus and methods for forming a solar cell structure in which an insulator film is disposed over a region of a conductive contact layer, which is either adjacent or below the absorber layer.

Abstract: A solar cell interconnect includes an elongated composite member having a nickel/iron based core of rectangular cross section peripherally metallurgically connected with a copper based covering, the core having elongated longitudinal grooves in opposed top and bottom into which the covering is mechanically swaged.

Abstract: An array of miniature lenses overlays a silicon solar cell panel generating a conforming array of intensely illuminated spots. A drastic saving of silicon material is achieved by restricting the size of the solar cells of the panel in accordance with the size of the sun's image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hybrid solar cells having a semiconducting oxide layer which is vapor deposited on a substrate.

Abstract: An inflation valve includes a main valve body having an outlet port, a rupture port, and a pull cord retainer. A puncture retainer body secures a puncture disc within the main valve body to seal the outlet port to gas flow. A slot in the puncture retaining body permits gas flow to the outlet port. A puncture pin received within the puncture retaining body includes a center bore permitting gas flow to the outlet port. A rupture disc breaks under high pressure conditions to permit pressurized gas to exit the rupture port. The rupture disc and puncture disc are interchangeable. A release assembly associated with the pull cord retainer permits manual release of the puncture pin. A vacuum washer is sealed between a vacuum retainer and the pull cord retainer to prevent gas from exiting the pull cord retainer when the inflation valve is activated under vacuum.

Abstract: A bursting disc assembly has a bursting disc and an outlet side support ring. In order to provide a safety warning, when the bursting disc assembly is incorrectly installed in a reversed orientation, the outlet side ring has a passage through it from its radial interior to its exterior, in the form of a full thickness slot or a groove. In an incorrect installation, this passage provides a leak path from the pressurised side of the disc.

Abstract: A simplified diaphragm pressure balancing valve assembly is claimed with a body having inlet and outlet water ports selectively connected to supply a shower or a spout. The body includes a cylindrical opening to receive a cartridge assembly including inlet and outlet parts for alignment with the inlet and outlet ports of the body. A compact stationary pressure balancing device is provided, to avoid scalding of a bather, which remains stationary when the valve is operated. The assembly includes a disc assembly which is selectively moveable in relation to each of the sealed hot and cold water outlet ports, allowing water to pass out of the cartridge, exiting the valve to a spout or a shower. Supplementary members of the housing, for example a trim nut and body nut, are provided to ensure a press fit between the members and the disc.

Abstract: An inexpensive, compact, conveniently installed drain tap for disposing of water from a condensate hose. The drain tap channels condensate water from a hose to a drain having at least one drain hole. The tap includes a base forming a hollow channel. The base has a spillway at one end of the channel, in fluid communication therewith. A peg extends downward from the base, including at least one hole barb adapted for retractable insertion into the drain hole. A hose connector is formed on the base, adapted for engagement with one end of the hose. The hose connector is in fluid communication with the base channel, so that when the peg is inserted into the drain hole and one end of the hose is engaged with the hose connector, water may flow through the hose, into the base channel and exit from the spillway onto the drain. In preferred embodiments, the hose connector includes at least one hose barb for gripping engagement of the hose.

Abstract: A valve comprises a valve body having a fluid inlet and fluid outlet, a valve seat located in the valve body between the fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve member movable towards and away from the valve seat for controlling the flow of fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, and a PTC heater in thermal contact with the valve seat for heating the valve seat. The heater is integrated in the valve in a manner where the valve seat is used as an electrical conductor to facilitate operation and assembly of the valve, and a unique valve construction is provided for enabling self-draining to avoid accumulation of water or other liquid in the valve that might negatively impact performance of the valve.

Abstract: A faucet incorporating vandal resistant features is provided to limit the possibility of tampering by limiting access to the valve cartridges of the faucet. The faucet includes a valve cartridge and a handle bat operatively attached to the valve cartridge. A hub covering the valve cartridge is freely rotatable about the valve cartridge, and a mechanical fastener attaching the handle bat to the valve cartridge includes a specially-configured driver pattern.

Abstract: An adapter includes an interface module that receives signals from a first sensor that indicate a first fill status of a holding tank. A control module of the adapter generates a control signal based on the first fill status. The toilet is at least partially controlled by a toilet control module that restricts a flush capability of the toilet based on the control signal. An isolation module of the adapter isolates the interface module and the control module from at least one of voltage and current fluctuations that are external to the adapter.

Abstract: A gauge assembly includes an indicator for providing an indication of an amount of fluid in a tank and a stop-fill assembly for stopping the flow of fluid flowing into the tank once the fluid reaches a particular level. The gauge assembly has a shaft that rotates as the fluid level changes in the tank. The indicator translates the rotational position of the shaft into a fluid level. The stop-fill assembly moves from an open position, where fluid can flow into the tank, to a closed position, where fluid is prohibited from flowing into the tank, depending on the rotational position of the shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure regulator for a fuel supply unit on a motor vehicle, whereby a membrane (11) is connected to an annular element (3) of the housing (1) and a moving piston (2) by a laser welding technique. A reliable sealing of the membrane (11) is thus guaranteed even at temperatures below 0° C. The region above the piston (2) is thus reliably separated from the region below the piston (2).

Abstract: Assembly comprising a housing having valve and regulator portions, with the housing having an inlet, an outlet and a fluid path extending through the portions. The regulator portion includes a cavity, an inlet connected to the cavity and a outlet connected to the cavity. The regulator portion includes a member selectively covering an area of the cavity and a diaphragm connected to the member for selectively moving the covering member to cover the area. The regulator portion further includes a biasing member biasing the diaphragm to a position such that the member covers the area, with the diaphragm moving against the biasing member when pressure in the first area is above a predetermined amount, thereby forcing the member to cover the area such that fluid is not able to pass through the area and therefore the regulator portion. The valve portion includes a stop valve for stopping gas flow therethrough.

Abstract: A check valve is provided for use in a low pressure differential system. The check valve includes a valve body, a support bar, stop supports, a shaft, a stop mechanism, and flappers. The valve body has a first and a second flow channel extending therethrough that each has an inlet and a corresponding outlet. The inlets have a cross sectional flow area that is greater than a cross sectional flow area of the corresponding outlet. The support bar extends radially across and axially along the valve body to separate flow channels and has a tapered upstream edge extending along a radial length thereof. The shaft is coupled to and extends between stop supports. The stop mechanism is coupled to and extends between the stop supports downstream from the shaft. Flappers are rotationally mounted to the valve body, moveable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A check valve assembly including a position indicator and method of operation, wherein the position indicator indicates the position of at least one of a plurality of flappers. The valve assembly including at least one bridge conductor and at least one pair of spaced apart mating conductors formed on at least one of a fluid flow opening and/or on a flapper stop. During operation, the bridge conductor bridges the pairs of conductors formed about at least one fluid flow opening thereby generating a signal to alert a controller that the flapper is in a closed position. Alternatively, or in addition to, the bridge conductor bridges the pair of conductors on the flapper stop thereby generating a signal to alert a controller that the flapper is in a full-open position.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit of an option device for an excavator is disclosed, which can constantly supply hydraulic fluid to an option device, such as a breaker and so on, selectively mounted on the excavator, irrespective of the size of a load occurring when the option device operates, and control respective flow rates required for various kinds of option devices. The hydraulic circuit includes a variable hydraulic pump, an option device, a first spool shifted to control hydraulic fluid fed to the option device, a poppet and a piston, an option spool shifted to control hydraulic fluid fed to the option device via the first spool, a second spool shifted to control hydraulic fluid fed to a back pressure chamber of the poppet, and a control means installed in the poppet and controlling hydraulic fluid passing through an orifice of the poppet when the piston and the poppet are pressed by the hydraulic fluid fed from the hydraulic pump, through the shifting of the second spool.

Abstract: A manifold assembly (100) for directing and filtering material (102) from fluid flowing into a medical waste collection device (104) includes a plurality of inlet ports (116) and an outlet port (118) with a filter (108, 110, 112) disposed between the ports (116, 118) along a fluid path (120). An outlet check-valve (114) is disposed at the outlet port (118) for opening in response to a predetermined vacuum pressure applied to the outlet port (118) from the medical waste collection device (104).

Abstract: A fluid flow control device (1) comprising at least one valve, the or each valve being controlled by an electrically-operate e actuator (32), a control means (27) for controlling the actuators and a communication means (28) to provide signals for the control means (27), wherein the device (1) includes an electrical power generation means (5) to generate electricity from the flow of fluid in the control device to operate the actuators (32), the control means (27) and the communication means (28). The device does not require an external electricity supply as it generates its entire electricity requirement locally. The device (1) may also receive instructions wirelessly to control the at least one valve.

Abstract: A pressure regulation device is provided, in particular for an oxygen emergency supply system in an aircraft. The device includes at least two parallel conduits in each of which at least two controllable valves are arranged in series. Further, a pressure sensor is arranged on the exit side of the valve arrangement, for the detection of the actual pressure value, and a controller is provided, which is signal-connected to the pressure sensor and controls the valves.

Abstract: A multi-stage pedal control water supply installation includes a tap provided with water inlet and water outlet, a control valve with orifice, a linking unit, one or a plurality of pedal, and a flow control unit; the flow control unit being disposed by one side of the pedal to interfere with displacement of the pedal thus for the linking unit to control the overlapped area between water inlet and water out at the valve orifice to achieve the purpose of water supply at various stages with variable amount of water supplied.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for micro-scale simulated moving bed chromatography (SMB) for continuous preparation of analytic quantities of highly pure fractions of target molecules. The present apparatus and method of the invention is adapted in a preferred embodiment to separations by affinity chromatography involving three discontinuous liquid flow loops. An alternative embodiment of affinity chromatography utilizes standard SMB operating under isocratic conditions.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body, a valve seat, and a valve plug. The valve body defines a flow path for a fluid. The valve plug is adapted for displacement between a closed position and an open position in the valve body. The valve plug includes a crown, a skirt and a protrusion. The crown is for sealingly engaging the valve seat when the valve plug is in the closed position. The skirt defines a flow path for accommodating the fluid when the valve plug is in the open position. The protrusion is substantially concentrically aligned with the skirt. Each of the skirt or the protrusion have a surface treatment for enhancing the flow of the fluid through the valve when in the one or more open positions.

Abstract: A fluid control device including a valve body, a control member, and a one-piece bonnet. The valve body defines a flow path for a fluid. The control member is disposed in the valve body and adapted for displacement between at least a first position and a second position. The one-piece bonnet is coupled to the valve body and defines a protrusion. The protrusion extends at least partially into the flow path and is arranged to direct at least some of the fluid flowing along the flow path when the control member is disposed between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A valve seal structure 20 seals an opening in a reservoir 10? of a fuel delivery module. The reservoir is constructed and arranged to be mounted with respect to a bottom of a fuel tank of a vehicle. The reservoir has wall structure 15 coupled with a bottom 14 to define an interior space 17. The bottom 14 has the opening 12 therein. The valve seal structure includes reservoir surface feature structure 22 disposed about a periphery of the opening 12 in the reservoir 10? and extending upwardly from the bottom 14 of the reservoir. A valve 24 is associated with the opening 12 and includes valve surface feature structure 28 extending towards the reservoir surface feature structure 22. A seal disk 26 is disposed between the reservoir surface feature structure 22 and the valve surface feature structure 28.

Abstract: An energy attenuation apparatus in fluid communication with tubing adapted to convey a liquid under pressure, and including a liquid-conveying unit in fluid communication with the tubing and having a diameter greater than the tubing diameter. The liquid-conveying unit has four chambers in series, at least one of which contains a tube, wherein an annular space is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the unit and the outer peripheral surface of the tube. One end of the tube is connected to and in fluid communication with an inlet or outlet end of the chamber, and another, free end is spaced by an open gap from the outlet or inlet end of the chamber. The tube has at least one aperture in the free end and/or on the peripheral surface thereof for providing fluid communication between the tube and the chamber.

Abstract: A plastic tubing organization system is provided that facilitates easy identification of the terminal ends of the tubing while also including an end cap that protects the pipe from contamination and facilitates installation thereof. The system generally includes an indexing card with a plurality of receiver positions therein and a plurality of end caps removably received within the receiver positions on the indexing card. Further, the end caps are coded to match the receiver positions thereby allowing easy correlation between the tubing bearing the end cap and the receiver position on the indexing card.