Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for washing gas turbine engines comprising a manifold comprising one or more tubes; a pumping system for providing pressurized washing liquid to the manifold, the pumping system comprising a pump, and one or more valves; and a control unit for regulating the pumping system according to washing parameters associated to a particular engine.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus (1) of the present invention is the substrate cleaning apparatus (1) for cleaning a substrate (wafer 7) with the use of a cleaning agent (e.g., Caro's acid) that is generated by reacting plural kinds of chemical liquids (e.g., sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide solution). The substrate cleaning apparatus (1) comprises: a mixing unit (31) for mixing plural kinds of chemical liquids, a supplying unit (32) for supplying the chemical liquids that have been mixed by the mixing unit, onto a surface of a substrate to be cleaned; and a heating unit (14) for heating the chemical liquids that have been supplied onto the surface of the substrate by the supplying unit, on the surface of the substrate. In particular, the mixing unit (31) includes a reaction restraining mechanism (33) for restraining a reaction of the mixed chemical liquids, and the reaction restraining mechanism (33) is on a cooling mechanism for cooling the mixed chemical liquids.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for use in the processing of substrates. The dispenser has a dome shaped body with a convex upper surface and has a number of conduits designed to supply fluid to the surface of a substrate at predetermined points.

Abstract: An agricultural sterilizing and detoxifying assembly for vegetables and fruit has a rough-washing tank, a re-washing tank, a water-clarifying assembly and a sterilizing assembly. The rough-washing tank holds vegetables and fruit to be washed for the first time. The re-washing tank communicates with the rough-washing tank and holds vegetables and fruit to be washed again. The sterilizing assembly provides purified water to the re-washing tank and the water-clarifying assembly. Purified water is full of ozone, free radicals and emulsified bubbles to breakdown insecticides and to destroy microorganisms adhering to the vegetables and fruit. Sediment and wastewater can flow to the water-clarifying assembly to be purified, and purified water will flow back to the re-washing tank and rough-washing tank to recycle the water.

Abstract: A process is provided for removing polymer from a backside of a workpiece. The process includes supporting the workpiece on the backside in a vacuum chamber while leaving at least a peripheral annular portion of the backside exposed. The process further includes confining gas flow at the edge of the workpiece within a gap at the edge of the workpiece on the order of about 1% of the diameter of the chamber, the gap defining a boundary between an upper process zone containing the wafer front side and a lower process zone containing the wafer backside. The process also includes providing a polymer etch precursor gas underneath the backside edge of the workpiece and applying RF power to a region underlying the backside edge of the workpiece to generate a first plasma of polymer etch species concentrated in an annular ring concentric with and underneath the backside edge of the workpiece.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus that can reduce the number of parts. A first gas introduction hole through which the hydrogen fluoride gas is introduced into a GDP is formed in an upper lid. A second gas introduction hole through which hydrogen fluoride gas is introduced from a hydrogen fluoride gas source is formed in a processing vessel. When the upper lid engages the upper portion of the processing vessel, one end of the first gas introduction hole is joined with one end of the second gas introduction hole to form an introduction path through which the hydrogen fluoride gas is introduced into a chamber.

Abstract: Device or arrangement for cleaning a pipe separator (1) in which the separator body (2) consists of an extended, tubular body with an inlet (4) and an outlet (5) having essentially the same diameter as the separator body. At the outlet, there's a bend or a loop (3) designed to maintain a fluid level in the separator. Just before the bend, there's an outlet (6) with an outlet pipe (9) for fluid, e.g. water, from the separator. Sand or other particulate materials introduced into the outlet (6) are returned, using a pump (7) arranged on the outlet pipe (9), together with the fluid from the outlet, to the separator after the bend (3) by means of reversal with a valve (8) via a return pipe (11); in connection with the outlet (6), there's a flushing device comprising a pipe loop (12) connected to the outlet pipe (9) for the return of fluid from the outlet to the nozzles (14) arranged in the outlet, designed to flush in a direction downstream of the outlet, any particles having accumulated in the outlet chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring operation of a dishwasher device is provided. Such an apparatus comprises a light projection device operably engaged with the dishwasher device and configured to project light therefrom. The projected light is configured to form at least one of an alphanumeric character and a graphical character, corresponding to a status of the dishwasher device. The projected light is adapted to be directed onto a surface adjacent to the dishwasher device such that the status is readable by a user. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus has an ejection part for ejecting conductive processing liquid toward a substrate in a state where the processing liquid flows continuously and constantly. A conductive liquid contact part is provided in the vicinity of an outlet in the ejection part, and is connected to a potential applying part. The substrate to be processed is charged by induction because of charging of a cup part surrounding the substrate. When the substrate is processed by applying the processing liquid onto the substrate, an electric potential is applied to the processing liquid through the liquid contact part at the start time of ejection of the processing liquid, to decrease an electric potential difference generated between the substrate and the processing liquid ejected onto the substrate. With this operation, it is possible to suppress damage to the substrate caused by electric discharge occurring between the processing liquid and the substrate.

Abstract: An adjustable crutch, cane or similar walking aid for assisting everyday movement for temporarily injured and even permanently handicapped persons, the crutch having telescoping crutch tubes; encasing a locking gas spring crutches which can instantaneously and controllably be adjusted in length during use, thereby considerably facilitating such common physical activities as sitting down, standing up, negotiating stairs or other obstacles and other similar everyday mobile activities. The locking gas spring functions by internal gas pressure and the telescoping crutch tubes are extended as the internal gas pressure seeks to reach the lowest energy state by maximizing its internal volume. For safety purposes a disengagement mechanism is provided so that extension occurs up to a preset level dictated by the user, and can even be overridden if desired.

Abstract: An automated awning comprises a main shaft connected to a screw rod through a sleeve by a screw means. The screw rod is driven to activate a first support rod and a second support rod to slide forward or backward sliding motion. A main support bracket is disposed between the main shaft and a second support rod, and a spring is disposed between the main support bracket and the main shaft. There are deep and shallow grooves and a slopped surface within the second support rod; a free rotor and a fixed rotor are inserted therein. A tube body is mounted on a mount and enclosing the first support rod. The tube body is then inserted into an outer tube. As the screw rod drives the first and second support rods forward, a gear teeth strip on one side of said first link rod stretches a spring so as to open a sun roof by extending the second main support rod, the second link rod and the third main support rod; the rotors are retained on the slopped surface for fixing the main support bracket.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein are directed to devices for cooling. In certain examples, a thermoelectric device comprising a substrate and a superlattice coupled to the substrate is disclosed. In some examples, the superlattice includes a first semi-conducting material and a second semi-conducting material coupled to the first semi-conducting material to provide an interface between the first and second semi-conducting materials.

Abstract: An MOCVD process provides aligned p- and n- type nanowire arrays which are then filled with p- and n-type thermoelectric films to form the respective p-leg and n-leg of a thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric nanowire synthesis process is integrated with a photolithographic microfabrication process. The locations of the p- and n-type nanowire micro arrays are defined by photolithography. Metal contact pads at the bottom and top of these nanowire arrays which link the p- and n-type nanowires in series are defined and aligned by photolithography.

Abstract: A solar panel apparatus and method. The apparatus has an optically transparent member comprising a predetermined thickness and an aperture surface region. The apparatus has a solar cell coupled to a portion of the optically transparent member. In a specific embodiment, the solar cell includes a transparent polymeric member and a plurality of photovoltaic regions provided within a portion of the transparent polymeric member. In a specific embodiment, the plurality of photovoltaic regions occupies at least about 10 percent of the aperture surface region of the transparent polymeric member and less than about 80% of the aperture surface region of the transparent polymeric member.

Abstract: A power generation diode module adapted in a roof tile; the module containing a substrate, multiple GaAs chips being disposed on the substrate, each GaAs chip is disposed with a package; sun light being irradiated into those packages where to be refracted, converged inter the GaAs chip to convert light source into electric power before being transmitted from the substrate to a power consumption object in a house built up with multiple roof tiles.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a photovoltaic material located between and in electrical contact with the first and the second electrodes. The photovoltaic material comprises i) semiconductor nanocrystals having a bang gap that is significantly smaller than peak solar radiation energy to exhibit a multiple exciton effect in response to irradiation by the solar radiation; and/or ii) a first and a second set of semiconductor nanocrystals and the nanocrystals of the first set have a different band gap energy than the nanocrystals of the second set. A width of the photovoltaic material in a direction from the first electrode to the second electrode is less than about 200 nm while a height of the photovoltaic material in a direction substantially perpendicular to the width of the photovoltaic material is at least 1 micron.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell module of see-through type and method of fabricating the same is provided. The method includes forming scribe lines in two directions in a first electrode material layer disposed on an opaque substrate so as to avoid short circuit caused by a high-temperature laser scribing process and reduction of the process yield. Moreover, the thin film solar cell module of see-through type has holes through the opaque substrate so that the cell module increases the transmittance of the cells.

Abstract: The electricity generation device contains one or more photovoltaic members arranged into an array. Each photovoltaic member contains a solar cell and a reflection mirror. The solar cell is positioned above the reflection mirror with its light incidence plane facing downward towards the reflection mirror. The reflection mirror is formed by piecing a number of reflection plates side by side into a circular dish or by arranging a number of reflection dishes into a ring. The reflection plates or dishes are arranged so as to reflect the light beams towards the solar cell. The reflection mirror can also be an upside-down cone having slant inner surface or a dish having parabolic inner surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting light energy into electric energy has a concentrator with at least a first and second wall. The walls are made at least in part of a material that reflects light. The concentrator has an opening defined by the walls, and is operable to admit light energy into an interior portion of the apparatus. An elongated photovoltaic module is disposed between the walls. The module has a substrate, and a photovoltaic covering disposed on the substrate. The module can generate electric energy from light energy that directly strikes the module and light energy redirected from the concentrator to the module. The walls are substantially the shape of an involute of the module. The walls are limited to the height of the topmost portion of the elongated photovoltaic module. The module is disposed upon or above a joining of the walls.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module with a first sheet of a transparent material, an optional second sheet, and at least one photovoltaic cell positioned between the first sheet and the optional second sheet. The transparent material has a camouflaged pattern which can camouflage a photovoltaic module or photovoltaic array on a roofing application. The camouflaged pattern may also include a substantially textured pattern. Also disclosed is a method for making a photovoltaic module comprising sealing at least one photovoltaic cell between a first sheet and a second sheet, wherein the first sheet comprises a camouflaged pattern.

Abstract: A laminate of dielectric materials is disclosed for use in protecting an electronic device. The laminate includes at least one layer of a polymeric material having an active material dispersed within the polymeric material and having a first thickness. The active material is responsive to external electric fields such that a higher voltage external electric field may be applied to one side of the laminate without any voltage passing through the laminate than a maximum voltage that could be applied to the laminate without passing through the laminate when the active material is not present within the polymeric material having the first thickness.

Abstract: The electroconductive thick film paste of the present invention is a silver electroconductive paste, which includes silver particles, glass particles, and an organic vehicle, and is used in an electrode for connecting a back face terminal on the silicon substrate of a solar cell, and is characterized by the fact that the average particle diameter of said silver particles is 3.0-15.0 ?m. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the composition as detailed above and a solar cell comprising said electrode.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device having multi-junction nanostructures deposited as a multi-layered thin film on a substrate. Preferably, the device is grown as InxGa1-xN multi-layered junctions with the gradient x, where x is any value in the range from zero to one. The nanostructures are preferably 5-500 nanometers and more preferably 10-20 nanometers in diameter. The values of x are selected so that the bandgap of each layer is varied from 0.7 eV to 3.4 eV to match as nearly as possible the solar energy spectrum of 0.4 eV-4 eV.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photovoltaic device including an electrode such as a front electrode/contact. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode of the photovoltaic device includes a multi-layered transparent conductive coating which is sputter-deposited on a textured surface of a patterned glass substrate. In certain example embodiments, a maximum transmission area of the substantially transparent conductive front electrode is located under a peak area of a quantum efficiency (QE) and/or QEx (photon flux of solar radiation) curve of the photovoltaic device and a light source spectrum used to power the photovoltaic device. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode includes a transparent conductive layer of or including one or more of (i) titanium zinc oxide doped with aluminum and/or niobium, and/or (ii) titanium niobium oxide.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element is disclosed. comprising a compound represented by the following formula between a pair of opposed electrodes: wherein Ar1, AR2 and Ar3 are each a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group, x is an organic residue having an acidic group and n is an integer of 2 to 8. A solar cell comprising the photoelectric conversion element is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed of fabricating a solar cell system. A solar cell is formed over a substrate. The substrate is attached to a carrier. A translucent or transparent protective cover is overlaid over the solar cell to produce the solar cell system, which is deployed onto an exterior of a building.

Abstract: A diverter assembly configured to be connected to a faucet assembly that may be installed on a sink. The diverter assembly includes a diverter and a mechanism for dispensing fluid, such as a sprayer. The diverter assembly may be connected to a tube connected to an outlet of the faucet. The diverter assembly may redirect flow from the outlet of the faucet to the sprayer upon activation of the sprayer.

Abstract: A method to optimize fluid flow distribution in two-phase heat exchange systems is provided. Also provided is a heat transfer device and method that incorporate restricted flow tubes to optimize fluid flow in two-phase systems.

Abstract: A fluid absorbent tape is divided into sections that can be separated to customize the length of the tape and simplify use. In one embodiment of the invention, the fluid absorbent tape includes an absorbent material enclosed in a fluid permeable cover to form an elongated fluid absorbent tape. Separating structure formed in a transverse direction through the elongated fluid absorbent tape divides the elongated tape into a first section of fluid absorbent tape and a second section of fluid absorbent tape. The first section of fluid absorbent tape is separable from the second section of fluid absorbent tape along the separating structure. In another embodiment of the invention, the fluid absorbent tape includes a fluid absorbent material including a super absorbent polymer. An elongated fluid permeable cover having a length encloses the fluid absorbent material, and is divided into sections along the length.

Abstract: An activation rupture disc unit is provided that is capable of withstanding a substantially higher back pressure than its burst activation pressure. The unit includes a tubular housing having a fluid passage. Tapered wall structure defines at least a portion of the passage with the fluid outlet thereof being of greater area than the fluid inlet. A rupture disc is carried by the housing and has a central bulged section in fluid-blocking relationship to the passage. A tapered, self-releasing solid plug is positioned in and conforms to the tapered portion of the passage. The plug has a curved surface conforming to and positioned in full supporting relationship to the central section of the rupture disc. The plug is of sufficient mass to prevent rupture of the central section of the disc under a back pressure substantially greater than the activation pressure of the disc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature-sensitive safety valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a first pressurised fluid region, which region has a first outlet and a second pressurised fluid region, which region has a heat-sensitive sealing means. A valve between the first and second regions is adapted to be actuated by the pressure of a first pressurised fluid in the first region against biasing means to open the outlet. The heat-sensitive sealing means in the second region fails at high temperature so as to de-pressurise the second region, thereby actuating the valve to move under the biasing means to close the first outlet and seal the first region. The valve assembly comprises a relay unit, which is arranged to sense a parameter, and react to the sensing of the parameter by sealing the first region. The temperature-sensitive safety valve assembly is remotely electronically operable in a wireless manner.

Abstract: A cartridge for an admixing arrangement of a manually operable arrangement for spraying a solvent, in particular water, into which an additive in the form of a liquid concentrate, such as a plant or crop protection agent, has been mixed, includes an outer cartridge housing; a pressure-sensitive inner container for accommodating the liquid concentrate; a mixing chamber, the mixing chamber having a device with a first outlet opening, for the concentrate or plant spray, an inlet opening, designed as a throttle, for the solvent or water, and a second outlet opening for the concentrate/solvent mixture.

Abstract: A system disconnector (10) for physically disconnecting an upstream liquid system from a downstream liquid system by means of an outlet valve (48) provided in a housing (16), the disconnecting being effected depending on the pressure drop between the upstream and the downstream liquid system, and wherein the housing (16) is provided with a bore (28) and an opening (26) in alignment with said bore (28), said opening adapted to be closed, includes a pressure reducer (66, 36) in the form of a cartridge provided in said bore (28), which is adapted to be removed in one piece from the housing (16). The system disconnector (10) is provided with an upstream backflow preventer (40), a downstream backflow preventer (42), and an outlet valve body in the form of a piston (44) biased by a spring, said outlet valve body disposed between said backflow preventers, wherein the pressure reducer cartridge (34, 36), the backflow preventers (40, 42), and the outlet valve body (44) are disposed in alignment inside the bore (28).

Abstract: A fluid carrying system is disclosed including a fluid transport component and an overmold component.

Abstract: A septic field dosing system is described which utilizes a self starting true siphon to deliver a dose of septic tank effluent into a conventional septic field. The precision siphon unit described by present invention not only eliminates the need for electrical services to the septic tank, thereby eliminating the need for pumps and solenoid operated valves and switches at the septic tank, but also contains the effluent handling equipment in a small unit which uses the available features of the septic tank to assist in the performance of its operations. For example, the drawdown of the septic tank which is now determined by the configuration of the siphon unit is used to entirely control the operation of the dosing siphon. Further, the dimensional configuration of the precision siphon taught by the invention operates within the boundaries of the draw down to deliver a proper size dose to the septic field.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid into a tank, such as a fuel tank on heavy equipment. An inlet valve includes a head portion for making connection with a nozzle, a receiver attached thereto and a piston which closes against a face in the head portion. A float valve includes a float and a valve which seals when a predetermined fluid level is reached. A bleed line is used to connect the receiver to the float valve. The unique design allows placement of the float valve at any desired height within the tank, and placement of the bleed line inside or outside of the tank as may be desired for the application.

Abstract: A mechanism for opening or closing a shut off valve, the mechanism having a lever mounted on a spindle to which the valve is attached for mounting the valve from a normally open position to a closed position. A trigger mechanism including the lever and a biasing spring which when activated, rotates the lever, spindle and valve. A retainer mechanism ordinarily holds the trigger mechanism in a cocked position corresponding to the open position of the valve. The float, when subjected to water, releases the retainer mechanism permitting the trigger mechanism to close the valve.

Abstract: An excess flow valve having a housing, a valve seat, a poppet and an adjusting ring. The adjusting ring lies within a bore in the housing and there is an opening through the housing permitting access to the adjustment ring from outside the bore of the housing. Rotation of the adjusting ring controls the maximum travel distance between the poppet and the valve seat. In an embodiment a travelling valve guide is rotatably mounted within the adjustment ring to change the maximum travel distance between the poppet and the valve seat. A spring may bias the poppet and the valve seat away from each other.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a volume flow control system, in particular, for air conditioning systems and ventilation systems, for adjusting a butterfly valve that is pivotably disposed inside a flow channel, comprises a differential pressure sensor for measuring a differential pressure that prevails in the flow channel, a control unit that adjusts the butterfly valve in dependence on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor for adjusting a desired volume flow in the flow channel, and means for adjusting control parameters, wherein the means comprise a first switch for selecting one of a plurality of control parameters, and a second switch for adjusting the value of the respectively selected control parameter.

Abstract: A leaky check valve for preventing sudden decompression while allowing the air to exit at a safe and slow rate. The valve comprises a hollow cylindrical connector typically equipped at either ends with a coupling means. This connector holds on the inside a) an annular valve seat in the shape of a truncated cone, oriented such that the truncated apex of the cone faces the inlet, and the inner surface of the cone faces the outlet. The inner surface of the valve seat is indented with at least one radial groove; b) a ball positioned within the cylindrical connector, between the annular seat and the outlet; and c) a ball restraint located between the ball and the outlet.

Abstract: A solenoid-operated valve has an exhaust seat (42) through which fluid can flow to an exhaust port (32) of the valve. Fluid can also flow through a control/supply seat (46) from a supply port (30) of the valve to a control port (28) of the valve. An axially rigid assembly includes first and second ball (40, 48) distanced from each other but connected such that pressure against one ball that is sufficient to cause it to move always moves the other ball. The exhaust seat (42) is blocked by the first ball (40) when the control/supply seat (46) is not blocked, and the control/supply seat (46) is blocked by the second ball (48) when the exhaust seat (42) is not blocked.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device including a valve body fluidly coupled to an electrically insulating waterway assembly. The waterway assembly may include a molded base.

Abstract: One-handle and two-handle valve cartridges have an increased maximum flow rate and/or a decreased size (e.g., volume). Accordingly, the valve cartridges achieve an improved flow rate to volume relationship.

Abstract: A one-handle valve cartridge has a housing that functions as a stop for an actuating mechanism of the valve catridge to define a range of flow rates and/or temperatures for which the water flowing through the valve cartridge is delivered.

Abstract: An improved abrasion resistant rotor assembly and valve and system related thereto is disclosed. The assembly includes a rotor body defining an annular opening which surrounds a drive shaft and a plurality of vanes radially extending from the rotor body. The rotor is made up of a unitary ceramic component, such as silicon carbide. The valve also includes a body for defining a bore that receives the rotor assembly, where the body bore is likewise comprised of a hardened ceramic material. This valve may thus be used to convey abrasive particulate in an efficient manner from a supply container to a pressured line for further processing or disposal.

Abstract: A water delivery system is disclosed including a first component coupled to a fluid transport member, the first component including an interface, and a second component coupled to an aerator. The second component positioning the first component relative to the aerator. The aerator and the interface of the first component cooperate to form a water tight seal there between.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods for pipeline rehabilitation include deploying a tubular liner along an inside of a pipeline, deflating the tubular liner to form a trough, and injecting grout into the pipeline by injecting grout into the trough. Other embodiments include deploying a tubular liner along an inside of a pipeline, inserting a first swab into the front end of the pipeline, the first swab having a core hole, placing the tubular liner through the core hole, injecting grout into the pipeline between the tubular liner and the inside of the pipeline, and advancing a second swab through the tubular liner to distribute the grout between the tubular liner and the pipeline and to advance the first swab ahead of the second swab from the front end to the back end of the pipeline.

Abstract: A fluid distribution apparatus is positioned within an interior passageway of an existing conduit. The conduit is part of a fluid collection system. The fluid distribution apparatus includes at least one stabilizing member and at least one receptacle. The at least one stabilizing member engages at least a portion of a sidewall of a portion of the conduit defining the interior passageway extending through the conduit. The at least one receptacle is supported by the stabilizing member. The at least one receptacle has at least one passageway extending therethrough. The at least one passageway sized and dimensioned to receive at least one pipe while permitting fluid to flow through the interior passageway of the existing conduit.

Abstract: A corrugated tube assembly for use in connection with a plumbing fixture. The corrugated tube assembly includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member coaxially receiving the first tubular member. The first tubular member illustratively includes a cross-linked polymer, and the second tubular member illustratively includes a plurality of interconnected strands.

Abstract: A triple layer papermaker's fabric includes: a set of top MD yarns; a set of top CMD yarns interwoven with the top MD yarns to form a top fabric layer; a set of bottom MD yarns; a set of bottom CMD yarns interwoven with the bottom MD yarns to form a bottom fabric layer; and a set of stitching yarn pairs that interweave with the top MD yarns, wherein at least one of the yarns of each stitching yarn pair interweaves with the bottom MD yarns. The top MD yarns and the top CMD yarns are interwoven in a series of repeat units and the bottom MD yarns and the bottom CMD yarns are interwoven in a series of corresponding repeat units. The set of top MD yarns comprises a first number of top MD yarns in each repeat unit, and the set of bottom MD yarns comprises a second number of bottom MD yarns in each repeat unit, wherein the second number being greater than the first number. Each bottom MD yarn follows a different interweaving pattern than that followed by each of its two immediate neighboring bottom MD yarns.