Abstract: A washing device for washing a portion of a user's head includes a discharge section which discharges a cleaning liquid into a washing cap attached to a portion of a user's head, and a recovery section which drains the cleaning liquid out of the washing cap so as to recover it. The device again discharges the cleaning liquid recovered by the recovery section from the discharge section, and recirculates the cleaning liquid so as to wash the portion of the user's head covered by the washing cap. When the cleaning liquid is dispersed into the washing cap, the cleaning liquid passes through a nozzle unit so that a lot of microbubbles are generated in the cleaning liquid. The microbubbles are very fine air bubbles, and can remove fine particles of dirt down to the order of a few microns but do not damage the user's scalp and hair.

Abstract: A rotative cleaning system includes a flexible member mounted in a stationary location and having an object engagement edge that contacts an exterior surface or region of an object as is rotates within the cleaning system, to dislodge dirt, paint, fluid or other substance from the object.

Abstract: A portable system for an outdoor umbrella includes a portable housing, a detachable locker, and an audio device. The portable housing includes a first housing body and a second housing body defining a mounting slot for a shaft of the outdoor umbrella fitting therewithin. The detachable locker includes a first locker provided at the first housing body and a second locker which is provided at the second housing body and is releasably locked with the first locker so as to detachably lock up the second housing body with the first housing body. The audio device includes a speaker supported in the first housing body and an audio input operatively coupling with the speaker such that when the audio input sends an audio signal to the speaker, the speaker is adapted for producing audio sound as an additional function for the outdoor umbrella.

Abstract: A walk assistance device capable of transmitting a force generated by a leg link to a user's trunk via a load transfer portion, wherein the leg link includes an upper first link portion connected to the load transfer portion via a first joint portion, a lower second link portion connected to a foot attachment portion via a second joint portion, a middle third joint portion connecting the first link portion to the second link portion such that a distance between the first joint portion and the second joint portion is variable, and a driving source that drives the third joint portion. The moment of inertia around the first joint portion of the leg link is reduced to decrease a load on the user's leg in walking. The driving source is disposed above the third joint portion of the first link portion so that the center-of-gravity of the entire leg link is located above the third joint portion.

Abstract: Aspects of the inventive technology include, in various embodiments, novel ambulation assistance apparatus with upper and lower force absorbers, perhaps with different displacement per force rates, novel crutches or canes that are convertable and/or foldable, and novel axilla area force receivers that may conform to part of a user's thorax, for use as part of a crutch.

Abstract: A folding shed including a roof with a first roof section pivotally connected to a first sidewall and a second roof section pivotally connected to a second sidewall. The folding shed may further include foldable first and second end walls, each pivotally connected to the first and second sidewalls. The folding shed may be transformed from an operation to a storage configuration by outwardly pivoting the first and second roof sections until the exterior surface of each roof section approximately abuts the exterior surface of the sidewall to which it is connected and inwardly moving foldable end walls until the interior surfaces of the sidewalls approximately abut the interior surfaces of the end walls.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the invention, a power source comprising an electrical charging device comprising a thermal conductor, a thermoelectric source (TES) for converting thermal energy into electrical energy, and a battery for accumulating electrical charge generated by the converter. The battery provides electrical power to a cell-phone, laptop computer or the like. In a second aspect of the invention, an RFID tag is attached to the cell-phone, laptop or the like to prevent loss or theft.

Abstract: A flexible thermoelectric device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. Flexible substrates are formed by using LIGA process, micro-electro-mechanical process or electroforming technique. The flexible substrates are used to produce thermoelectric device. The structure and the material property of the substrates offer flexible property and tensile property to the thermoelectric device. Thermal transfer enhancement structures such as thermal via or metal diffusion layer are formed on the flexible substrates to overcome the low thermal transfer property of the flexible substrates.

Abstract: A thermoelectric element includes at least one thermopair and a pn-junction. The thermopair has a first material with a positive Seebeck coefficient and a second material with a negative Seebeck coefficient. The first material is selectively contacted by way of a conductor with the p-side of the pn-junction, and the second material is selectively contacted by way of a conductor with the n-side of the pn-junction.

Abstract: A solar collector which is illuminated by the sun through a glass panel wherein the glass panel is constructed of glass without low-e coatings with a first surface coating of a magnetron sputtered vapor deposition coating consisting primarily of titanium dioxide. The titanium dioxide achieves a hydrophilic photocatalytic surface to produce a solar collector which is self-cleaning for increased solar energy transmittance with less cleaning cost.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes a first photovoltaic cell, a second photovoltaic cell and an energy storage device, such as a battery or capacitor, integrated into the module.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bypass component is provided for use with a string of solar cells. Each solar cell is operable to generate power in response to light. A current may flow through all of the solar cells of the string to deliver the power generated by the solar cells of the string out to a load. The bypass component provides a bypass route for the string of solar cells in the event that at least one solar cell of the string is not generating power. The bypass component includes at least two transistors connected in series with each other and in parallel with the string of solar cells, each transistor having a control terminal. Control logic for the bypass component provides a control signal to the control terminal of each of the at least two transistors. The control signal turns on the at least two transistors so that current flows through the at least two transistors, thereby bypassing the string of solar cells, when at least one solar cell of the string is not generating power.

Abstract: A system and method of utilizing redeployable insulted self-ballasted photovoltaic modules comprises an insulative panel removeably attached to a substrate such as a roof, wall or other structure. A photovoltaic module is attached to the insulative panel. The insulative panel has tongue and groove attachment ends to fit a plurality of panels together. In one embodiment, an elastomeric coating is applied to the surface of the insulative panel to attach the photovoltaic module and to weatherproof the surface. In another embodiment, adhesives are used to attach the modules. A structural panel may be used to enhance performance. In one embodiment, a corrugated channel panel is used to circulate a fluid like water through the channels to cool the photovoltaic panels and or heat water. Various raceways and associated wiring is installed to complete the system. An elastomeric coating may be used to enhance the weatherability of the system.

Abstract: In a module of photovoltaic cells, a method of forming the module interconnects includes a single cutting process after the deposition of all active layers. This simplifies the overall process to a set of vacuum steps followed by a set of interconnect steps, and may significantly module quality and yield. According to another aspect, an interconnect forming method includes self-aligned deposition of an insulator. This simplifies the process because no alignment is required. According to another aspect, an interconnect forming method includes a scribing process that results in a much narrower interconnect which may significantly boost cell efficiency, and allow for narrower cell sizes. According to another aspect, an interconnect includes an insulator layer that greatly reduces shunt current through the active layer, which can greatly improve cell efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for a concentrator/solar collector for splitting solar radiation into various spectral colours by means of colour-selective mirrors, and for concentrating the same onto a plurality of semiconductor-photovoltaic cells optimised for various light colours. The inventive device is used to convert the energy of the solar radiation into an electrical current and heat with a high efficiency.

Abstract: A photovoltaic solar installation includes solar trackers, respective fixed support structures, and a mobile frame assembled on each support structure. The mobile frame bears a solar panel for rotation in relation to the fixed structure to orient the solar panel to follow the movement of the sun to obtain impingement of sunlight on the solar panels. A connection element attaches to all the mobile frames and to drive means. Control means controls the drive means in order to move the connection element in both directions to make all the mobile frames rotate simultaneously. A circular structure concentric to the axis of rotation of each mobile frame provides a support track for the connection element so that the connection element runs over at least part of a peripheral contour of the circular structures of the mobile frames, being fixed at a point of the peripheral contour of each circular structure.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprising an elongated substrate in which at least a portion of the elongated substrate is rigid is provided. One or more solar cells are disposed on the elongated substrate and each comprise: (i) a back-electrode disposed on the elongated substrate, (ii) a semiconductor junction layer disposed on all or a portion of a surface of the back-electrode, and (iii) a transparent conductive layer, having a first refractive index, is disposed on all or a portion of a surface of the semiconductor junction. The photovoltaic module further comprises a filler material, having a second refractive index that is smaller or equal in value to the first refractive index, disposed on the transparent conductive layer of the one or more solar cells. The photovoltaic module further comprises a transparent casing disposed on the filler material thereby sealing the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: With small dimensional optics, small photovoltaic cells have heat distribution surfaces, very high concentrations and subsequently high utilization of the semiconductors can be achieved. Discrete photodiodes can be formed as spherical and other geometric shaped, cells with high performance characteristics, precision dimensions, and low cost. This invention positions discrete photovoltaic cells by using their geometric shape, elastic electrical mounts, couples them to small optical concentrator systems of refractory and or reflective optics and makes electrical network connections to those photodiodes, reliably, adjusting for thermal expansion, and at low cost to form low cost and reliable electrical power arrays. The electrical connectors and network can form part of the reflective optics and heat removal system. The electrical interconnection system can also form a reliable network that is self-correcting and tolerant of point failures.

Abstract: One photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and at least one device selected from a sensor, a data storage device and an indicator. Another photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a flexible circuit configured to act as an antenna for electromagnetic radiation. Methods of using such photovoltaic modules are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are easy-to-install rooftop photovoltaic systems. One rooftop photovoltaic system includes a roofing material piece, a photovoltaic module disposed on the roofing material piece and an inverter configured to convert DC from the photovoltaic module into AC. Another rooftop photovoltaic system includes at least one active unit including one or more photovoltaic modules each including photovoltaic cells shaped as shingles to provide a roofing material appearance; and one or more inactive units having the roofing material appearance.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic electricity generating system having a heat source generating a thermal emission having a plurality of wavelengths. There is an optical filter filtering the thermal emission into a filtered emission. There is also a thermophotovoltaic device receiving the filtered emission. The thermophotovoltaic device is configured to absorb the thermal emission converting the thermal emission into electricity.

Abstract: A drawing-out opening part and a first insertion slit formed in a back-surface-side sealing body in a direction almost orthogonal to the principal surface of the solar cell module are designed not to overlap each other on a projection plane in parallel to the principal surface of the solar cell module.

Abstract: A high efficiency triple-junction solar cell and method of manufacture therefor is provided wherein junctions are formed between different types of III-V semiconductor alloy materials, one alloy of which contains a combination of an effective amount of antimony (Sb) with gallium (Ga), indium (In), nitrogen (N, the nitride component) and arsenic (As) to form the dilute nitride semiconductor layer GaInNAsSb which has particularly favorable characteristics in a solar cell. In particular, the bandgap and lattice matching promote efficient solar energy conversion.

Abstract: A metal oxide dispersion comprising metal oxide particles with a necking structure, and a solvent, wherein the liquid droplet contact angle of the metal oxide dispersion to an ITO film (Indium-Tin Oxide type film) formed is from 0 to 60°. A metal oxide dispersion for the production of a dye-sensitized solar cell electrode, comprising Metal Oxide Particle Group F having a necking structure formed by m connected particles, Metal Oxide Particle Group G having only 0.2 m or less connected particles, and a solvent, and being formable into a film at 200° C. or less. A metal oxide electrode comprising an electrically conducting substrate having thereon a metal oxide layer comprising metal oxide particles bound by a binder, wherein the binder content is from 0.005 to 5 mass % based on the metal oxide film and the metal oxide layer has a pencil scratch strength of H or more according to JIS5600.

Abstract: A single-side contacted solar cell and method for production of a single-side contacted solar cell provide a direct arrangement of a contact grid on one side of an absorber layer. A free surface of the contact grid is coated with an electrically non-conducting insulation layer. An emitter layer is deposited on a whole surface such that the contact grid is arranged between the absorber layer and the emitter layer. The emitter layer is provided with a contact layer. For back face contact, the emitter layer is arranged on a back face of the absorber layer to avoid additional absorptive losses.

Abstract: A photovoltaic apparatus includes a second groove so formed as to cut at least an intermediate layer, an insulating member so formed as to cover at least a cut portion of the intermediate layer in the second groove and extend along an upper surface of a second photoelectric conversion layer, and a third groove so formed as to pass through a first photoelectric conversion layer, the intermediate layer, the second photoelectric conversion layer and the insulating member on a region opposite to a first groove with respect to the second groove, wherein the insulating member is so formed as to extend up to at least a region opposite to the first groove with respect to the third groove.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the generation of a transparent conductive oxide coating (TCO layer), in particular a transparent conductive oxide coating as a transparent contact for thin section solar cells. The TCO layer consists at least of a first layer of high conductivity and a second layer of low conductivity, with the second layer generated by DC sputtering of at least one target, which contains zinc oxide and additionally aluminum, and the process atmosphere contains oxygen. Further, the present invention relates to a TCO layer as well as thin section solar cells on CIGS and CdTe basis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-junction thin-film photoelectric converter having high conversion efficiency at low cost by improving the film quality of the crystalline silicon photoelectric conversion layer and improving the light trapping effect. A thin-film photoelectric converter according to the present invention is a three-junction thin-film photoelectric converter and has a structure in which a first amorphous silicon photoelectric conversion unit, a second amorphous silicon photoelectric conversion unit, a reflective intermediate layer, and a crystalline silicon photoelectric conversion unit are stacked in that order from the light incident side, wherein the photoelectric conversion units are disposed on a transparent base having surface unevenness, and the reflective intermediate layer has an unevenness depth that is smaller than that of the base.

Abstract: A photovoltaic assembly includes a photovoltaic panel and a light leveling element. The photovoltaic panel includes a plurality of spaced photosensitive regions for receiving and converting light energy into electric energy. The light leveling element is disposed above the photovoltaic panel. The light leveling element includes a base, a plurality of first lenses and a plurality of second lenses. The first lenses are arranged on a central portion of the base. The second lenses are disposed on a peripheral portion of the base. The first and the second lenses are vertically aligned with the respective photosensitive regions. The refraction indices of the first lenses are less than that of the second lenses.

Abstract: A solar power generating device includes a solid cylindrical conductive body partially surround by a hollow cylindrical conducting layer with an insulating layer located between them, and a solar energy converter located at an end of the conductive body with two electrodes separately electrically connected to the conducting layer and the conductive body, so that the solar power generating device is configured as a plug-in module that could be very easily mounted to and dismounted from a circuit board.

Abstract: System and method for forming solar cell structures using a foundry compatible process. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a solar cell. The method includes providing a substrate. The substrate includes a support region. The method also includes transferring a photovoltaic material overlying the support region of the substrate. The photovoltaic material is characterized by a first thickness. The method further includes forming an emitter region on the photovoltaic material by a diffusion process. The emitter region is characterized by a first impurity type. In addition, the method includes forming a mask overlaying the emitter region. The mask exposes at least a first contact region. The method also includes forming the first contact region within the first thickness of the photovoltaic material. Furthermore, the method includes doping the first contact region with a second impurity type.

Abstract: An electroactive photonic device (D) comprises a substrate (1), at least one cathode layer (2), at least one anode layer (4), and at least one layer of active material (3) based on organic compounds and interposed at least partially between the anode and cathode layers (2, 4). The layers (2, 3, 4) are arranged on the substrate (1) in a predetermined configuration such that the device (D) can convert luminous energy into electrical energy or vice versa. The substrate (1) is made of float glass.

Abstract: A mud saver valve for retaining drilling fluid in the Kelly of a rotary drilling rig for insertion into a Kelly sub with an enlarged opening inside having a valve and hollow piston closing the flow in a first position and having flow through when the hollow piston is moved by flow against a spring to an open position compressing a spring to stack height, the spring being magnetized to provide magnetic latching to assist in holding the hollow piston in the open position at flow rates lower than it would otherwise be held open.

Abstract: An internal valve (10, 10? or 10?) and its methods of use for stabilizing and reinforcing inflatable objects are disclosed. The internal valve is a novel, simple modification to conventional check valves with the addition of a discharging means for external control (14, 22 or 28). An internal supplemental chamber comprises one or more partitions that are secured, directly or by I-beams (40?), to main chamber's walls (40) of an inflatable object and stretched when the main chamber is inflated. With the internal valve as the passage to and from the main chamber, the enclosed or isolated supplemental chamber (30, 30?, 32, 34, 36 or 38) functions as a stabilizing or reinforcing component. A plurality of chambers 36 can form cylinder beams for an inflatable mattress.

Abstract: A pressure-regulating valve with an integrated pressure gauge has a body, an inlet nipple, a pressure-control device and a knob assembly. The body is tubular and has an inlet opening, an outlet and an adjustment end. The inlet nipple is connected to the inlet opening of the body and connects to a compressor. The outlet is a tube formed on the body and connects to a pneumatic tool or the like. The pressure-control device is movably placed inside the body and controls pressure of a gas flowing from the compressor to the outlet of the body. The knob assembly is rotatably mounted on the adjustment end of the body, is connected to the pressure-control device and displays and controls the pressure of the gas flowing from the compressor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic valve arrangement (1) having at least two working connections (A, B), a check valve (5, 6) being allocated to each working connection (A, B), and a pressure relief valve (7, 8) being allocated to each check valve (5, 6), each pressure relief valve (7, 8) being connected to a control pressure passage (17, 18). The valve arrangement shall ensure a reliable, pressure-less lowering, also in connection with single-actuated consumers, and further enable a pressure-less float position. For this purpose, the check valves (5, 6) can be opened by means of tappets (20, 21), whose sides facing away from the check valves (5, 6) are ending in a pressure chamber (22), which is connected to the control pressure passage (17, 18) of one of the pressure relief valves (7, 8).

Abstract: A dispenser for delivering beverages (e.g. beer) including a main body (20), an inlet (21), an outlet (23) and a piston stop valve (23). In use, the piston moves from a first closed position (A) to a second position (B) where fluid is permitted only through restrictive channels (30) that causes turbulent flow and hence foam formation for the head of the beverage. In a third position (C), flow is completely open from the inlet to the outlet and foam formation is minimised.

Abstract: A bleed valve apparatus includes a valve body having a sliding hole in which a spool is axially movable. A seat member and the spool define a bleed chamber. An open-close unit opens and doses a bleed port of the seat member to control exhaust of fluid from the bleed chamber through the bleed port. The spool has a spool end surface at the side of the seat member. The spool end surface and a seated surface of the seat member are inclined with respect to each other to therebetween define an inclination clearance, which communicates a supply port with the bleed chamber to supply fluid to the bleed chamber through the supply port when the spool is seated to the seated surface.

Abstract: A one piece double membrane diaphragm is disclosed. The double membrane diaphragm has an upper (308) and lower diaphragm membrane (310) joined together by a central section (312). The upper diaphragm membrane (308) is configured to seal against a top sealing surface (222) when the diaphragm is in a first position. The lower diaphragm membrane (310) is configured to seal against a bottom sealing surface (224) when the diaphragm is in a second position. An upper rim (318) may be attached to the upper diaphragm membrane (308) where the upper rim (318) is configured to hold the upper diaphragm membrane (308) into the valve. A lower rim (320) may be attached to the lower diaphragm membrane (310) where the lower rim (320) is configured to hold the lower diaphragm membrane (320) into the valve. The diaphragm may also be made from a resilient material and shaped ia such a way as to create a spring force holding the diaphragm into a default position in the valve.

Abstract: A diaphragm-sealed valve having communication mechanisms operatively connecting neighbouring pairs of grooves is provided. Each communication mechanism has a communication port opening in an interface of a valve cap, between the neighbouring grooves. The communication mechanism also has a communication conduit extending within the valve cap and connecting the communication port and one of the neighbouring grooves. It also has a recess within a valve body aligned with the communication port and with the other one of the neighbouring grooves, a flexible sealing surface of the diaphragm being seated within the recess and resiliently biased away from the interface of the valve cap. A plunger assembly is also provided, including plungers movable to push flexible sealing surface towards the communication port.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to adapting an existing macerating pump to allow fluid arriving at the inlet side of the pump to travel to the discharge port of the pump without requiring the pump to be operating. In particular, a passageway is made from the inlet port to the discharge port which bypasses the impeller portion of the pump. In this way, fluids and slurries may pass through the pump even though the pump is turned off.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for inserting a flexible, inflatable and electrically heatable bladder conveying and installing a thermally responsive repair material into the interior of a pipe. The device is portable and can be used to repair pipe accessible from only one location.

Abstract: Thermosetting or thermoplastic arrangement for the manufacturing of pipes (1), made up of a pile of plies (3) in composite materials, characterized in that it comprises at least one structural ply (5) and at least one rigidity ply (7). More specifically, the said at least one rigidity ply (7) takes the form of a perforated or meshed ply and is placed on at least part of the length of the said pipe (1). Further, the said at least one rigidity ply (7) is placed last while forming the pile. Alternatively, the arrangement according to the invention comprises reinforcement means (2) and/or sealing means (6).

Abstract: A rotary swaging method for the tapering of metal tubes is disclosed. The method comprises the use of a rotary swaging machine comprising a die comprising a die taper comprising a length of greater than about 12 inches, a diameter reduction of greater than about 30%, and/or a taper angle of less than about 12 degrees.

Abstract: A papermaker's press felt includes: a base fabric comprising: a set of top machine direction (MD) yarns; a set of bottom MD yarns; and a set of cross machine direction (CMD) yarns interwoven with the top MD yarns and the bottom MD yarns. The top MD yarns, bottom MD yarns, and CMD yarns are interwoven in a series of repeat units in which each top MD yarn forms a long MD paper side float above certain consecutive ones of the set of CMD yarns. The press felt further comprises at least one batt layer attached to the base fabric. In this configuration, the long paper side floats of the base fabric can provide a desirable balance of properties.

Abstract: A conveyor belt reinforcing fabric weave is disclosed, having a plurality of center tension warps crimped about a plurality of middle wefts. Upper and lower wefts lie above and below the middle wefts. The upper and lower wefts are in opposition to each other and in non-opposition with the center wefts. Binder warps are interlaced above and below the central tension warps in alternating sequence, with at least one of the binder warps interlacing upper and lower wefts other than those interlaced by an adjacent binder warp. Interlacing of the middle wefts by the central tension warps locks the wefts in place, providing enhanced resistance to faster pullout. The lack of straight tension warps provides a highly flexible fabric that can be used in multi-ply applications. A conveyor belt incorporating one or more plies of the inventive fabric is disclosed, as is a method for manufacturing the belt.

Abstract: A control device (53) for a clutch assembly (11) of a dobby comprises a selecting finger (28) that is driven by an electromagnet (37). The selecting finger is rigidly connected to an armature (47) that has a curved armature section and a straight armature section. Together with an appropriately curved pole (45) of the magnetic circuit, the curved armature section forms an air gap (48) that is preferably not influenced by the pivot position of the selecting finger. The other pole (46) of the electromagnet (37) forms a preferably straight air gap (49), said air gap being variable and having a size that is a function of the pivot position of the selecting finger. Due to the existing lever ratios, the maximum width of the trapezoidal gap is substantially smaller than the path of the outer end of the selecting finger (28) between its two selection positions. The distance (A) between the pivot center (32) and the variable air gap (49) is substantially smaller than the length of the selecting finger (28).

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing small quantities of powder into a receptacle, the apparatus comprising a hopper (1), the hopper in use containing powder to be dispensed therefrom, a support for the hopper whereby the hopper can in use be held above a receptacle (8) into which the dispensed powder is to be received, at least one actuator for delivering impact energy to the hopper for causing powder to be dispensed therefrom and powder compaction means for enhancing the compaction of at least some of the powder in the receptacle.

Abstract: A liquid absorbent device in the form of a fuel spillage interceptor arranged for mounting on a fuel dispensing nozzle, the fuel spillage interceptor being arranged to enclose a portion of the spout of the dispensing nozzle, and where an essentially annular body is formed by a cloth that is permeable to liquid, and which defines a volume of at least one liquid absorbent material.

Abstract: An automatic positioning system is provided for a filling device of a filling machine, wherein the filling device has a plurality of filling head mounted on a support to fill a plurality of containers positioned on filling positions with a material. The automatic positioning system comprises a first automatic positioning system for controlling the support to shift along a vertical linear route to and fro and positioning the support at a desired position in the linear route. The first automatic positioning system further controls a rising speed of the support. The automatic positioning system also comprises a second automatic positioning system for controlling a container-supporting unit to provide the containers with a supporting force.