Abstract: A cricothyrotomy syringe has a hollow body, a needle connector at an end of the body, an aperture at an opposite end of the body, a plunger in the aperture, the plunger having a seal that forms a liquid tight seal with an inner surface of the body and the plunger moveable within the body between an extended position and a compressed position and a ventilator adaptor extending from a side of the body, where an interior of the ventilator adaptor is in fluid communication with an interior of the body when the plunger is in the extended position.

Abstract: A curved tube having a proximal end, designed to allow insertion of tools and including a lip to prevent the tube from slipping out of a conventional tracheostomy tube, is provided herein. The curved tube also has a distal end that is pointed, sharpened, and beveled upwards. The distal end of the device is useful for cutting the throat and trachea of a patient in need of a tracheostomy, allowing the insertion of the device into the trachea of the patient. The proximal end of the device includes tubes of successively increasing size. Methods of performing a tracheostomy using the device are also provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus of contraception. The apparatus can include an implant sized for insertion into a fallopian tube. The implant can comprise a plurality of loose, bulked fibers. The fibers can be formed from one or more bioabsorbable materials, for example, the method can include inserting the implant into a fallopian tube and occluding the fallopian tube with the implant.

Abstract: A dental appliance for prevention of Bruxism includes a U-shaped buccal strap having opposing right and left aft end portions. A right bite pad assembly is slidingly connected to and completely encloses the right aft end portion of the buccal strap. A left bite pad assembly is slidingly connected to and completely encloses the left aft end portion of the buccal strap. The right bite pad assembly comprises a right upper bite surface member for contacting right upper molars of a wearer and a right lower bite surface member for contacting right lower molars of the wearer. The left bite pad assembly comprises a left upper bite surface member for contacting left upper molars of a wearer and a left lower bite surface member for contacting left lower molars of the wearer. A right channel extends through the right upper bite surface member and the right lower bite surface member. A left channel extends through the left upper bite surface member and the left lower bite surface member.

Abstract: A smoking article includes a tobacco rod and a wrapper, wherein the wrapper includes at least one zone treated with an inorganic salt providing reduced ignition propensity. Preferably, the porosity of the wrapper in the treated zones is larger than 10 CU. Suitable inorganic salts are, e.g., magnesium chloride, aluminum sulfate, alum, sodium tetraborate, the hydrated forms of these compounds, sodium chloride, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method of forming activated carbon from microcrystalline cellulose comprises converting the microcrystalline cellulose powder into microcrystalline cellulose beads using extrusion and spheronization, carbonizing microcrystalline cellulose to form carbonized microcrystalline cellulose and activating the carbonized microcrystalline cellulose to form activated carbon. The final size of the activated carbon beads, which preferably are of practically spherical shape, can be controlled through the process of making microcrystalline cellulose beads.

Abstract: A scrubbing device that includes a heel-shaped, plastic box that is attached to the floor within a bathtub or shower stall by the use of adhesive backing, and furthermore, includes an area available through the top surface of the box on which the individual could scrub and exfoliate a portion of their foot. The scrubbing area has an ovaloid shape to accommodate approximately the rear half of an individual's foot. An abrasive scrubbing material, pumice stone, or file-like material covers the surface of the scrubbing area.

Abstract: An iron for styling hair containing opposed plates having confronting surfaces for clamping a section of hair therebetween wherein surface one or both of the plates, is formed with a plurality of depressions, e.g., dimples, distributed over its surface. The depressions are of sizes that decrease from opposite outer edges of the plate toward the centerline of the plate. At least one of the plates is heated to a temperature in the range of 380° to 450° F. whereby heat can be applied to the section of hair while clamped between the plates. The plates are preferably formed of zeolite and coated with tourmaline. The hair iron is used to facilitate coloring of hair in which coloring is applied to the hair following which the hair is rinsed and is wet, in which the hair iron is used on the wet hair so as to dry the hair, in lieu of a hair dryer, thereby putting an end to all reactions in the coloring process.

Abstract: In an applicator for the application of cosmetic products such as mascara, comprising an oblong base body with a wand extension and a plurality of disc-like fitting elements which are arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the base body at a distance from one another, it is provided that the fitting comprises at least two segments, in particular halves, whose fitting elements are arranged at a different distance X1 or X2, respectively, from one another when seen in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The procedure includes: a first phase of blowing and suction; a second phase of cleaning by laser where the tool (3) on a positioner (4) is held under a laser head (2); a third phase of applying a releasing agent by spray, and a fourth phase for drying off this releasing agent by means of the aforementioned head (2).

Abstract: An exemplary acid pickling solution for treating a surface of a magnesium alloy workpiece. The acid pickling solution consists of 5 g/l to 30 g/l of citric acid, 1.5 g/l to 6 g/l of surface active agent, wherein the surface active agent is a water-soluble and silicone free agent. A method for treating a surface of a magnesium alloy workpiece is also provided.

Abstract: A dishwasher in the form of a programmable machine, in particular a commercial dishwasher, having a pre-cleaning station, which is disposed outside a treatment chamber of the dishwasher, and having a waste water transfer system, by which washing liquid can be fed from a wash tank of the dishwasher as pre-cleaning liquid to the pre-cleaning station.

Abstract: A method of determining one or more operational parameters of a washing system having a wash tank to which water and material are added. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring a concentration of material, which is decreased at least partially due to water being added to the wash tank. The method also includes maintaining the concentration of material by dispensing material into the wash tank during a material dispensing operation. Additionally, the method includes generating a parameter indicative of a rate at which the material is dispensed during the material dispensing operation. The method also includes determining a presence of a water flow abnormality based at least partially on the generated parameter.

Abstract: A dishwasher, in particular a domestic dishwasher, having a dishwashing compartment and apparatuses for washing tableware using washing liquor, wherein it is possible to set the pressure in the apparatuses for washing tableware. A feed apparatus for an additive is provided, and the pressure in the apparatuses for washing tableware can be set as a function of the metering of the additive in the feed apparatus.

Abstract: Mechanisms which rotate semiconductor substrates while immersed in wet chemicals are often complex due to a need to prevent leakage of the chemicals. Wear of the mechanisms necessitates replacement, entailing significant maintenance costs. A two-part semiconductor substrate roller is disclosed which consists of a rotary power coupler and an inexpensive replaceable roller component which attaches to the rotary power coupler in a simple manner. An external rotary power source turns the rotary power coupler through a mechanism that prevents leakage of the wet chemicals from the processing equipment. The replaceable roller component may be attached to the rotary power coupler by any of several mechanisms. The cost of the replaceable roller component is less than 10 percent of the cost of the rotary power coupler. A method of replacing the replaceable roller component and a method of processing semiconductor substrates using the instant invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub formed by a plurality of walls defining an interior and an exterior, a first conduit coupled to the tub, a valve coupled to the first conduit, a rack moveable between an engaged horizontal position and a disengaged horizontal position and moveable between an upper vertical position and a lower vertical position, and a second conduit coupled to the rack. A first portion of the second conduit is configured to engage the valve when the rack is in the upper vertical position and a second portion of the second conduit is configured to engage the valve when the rack is in the lower vertical position, and the valve permits fluid to flow from the first conduit to the second conduit when the rack is in the engaged horizontal position, and wherein the valve does not permit fluid to flow from the first conduit to the interior when the rack is in the disengaged horizontal position.

Abstract: A parts cleaner for use in a process whereby solvent is preferred to always be available and is preferred to be as clean or pure as possible for use, comprising two containers respectively for clean solvent and for capture of used solvent or a single container having separate zones for clean and used solvent, said clean container having an outlet for supplying clean solvent for cleaning. The clean container may have an outlet for supplying clean solvent for cleaning and an inlet for clean recycled solvent, the used solvent container having an inlet for used solvent, an outlet for supplying used solvent for cleaning and an outlet for supplying used solvent for recycling. The used solvent container may have an outlet for supplying used solvent for cleaning and means for automatically switching between the outlets supplying said clean solvent and said used solvent for cleaning.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having multiple spray nozzles located in the corner of a utensil rack in which case the wash liquid is sequentially sprayed from the corner spray nozzles.

Abstract: A substrate processing chamber for processing substrates such as semiconductor wafers, flat panel substrate, solar panels, etc., includes mechanism for in-situ plasma clean. The chamber body has at least one plasma source opening provided on its sidewall. A movable substrate holder is situated within the chamber body, the substrate holder assumes a first position wherein the substrate is positioned below the plasma source opening for in-situ plasma cleaning of the chamber, and a second position wherein the substrate is positioned above the plasma source opening for substrate processing. A plasma energy source is coupled to the plasma source opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus capable of decreasing the frequency of shutdown of the apparatus due to lack of processing liquid in a processing liquid supply unit 13, as well as efficiently using the processing liquid to improve a yield ratio. The substrate processing apparatus includes a plurality of liquid processing units 12 to conduct liquid processing of substrates a substrate carrying unit to carry the substrates in and out of the liquid processing units 12, a processing liquid supply unit 13 to supply the liquid processing units 12 with processing liquid, and a level gauge 161 to detect an amount of the processing liquid remaining in the processing liquid reservoir 16 of the processing liquid supply unit 13. The carry of the substrates in the liquid processing units 12 is suspended when the level gauge 161 detects that the amount of the processing liquid remaining in the processing liquid reservoir 16 is below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A mobility aid having interchangeable features is disclosed. A plurality of handles, shafts, and/or tips are provided of different shapes, sizes, and materials so that different users can select different features based on preference or changing support needs. Each handle and each tip is connectable to each of the provided shafts so that a user may switch out handles or tips as desired. Also disclosed is a shaft for a mobility aid having an upper portion and a lower portion with a telescoping relationship and a locking device, such as a rocking or rocker switch, interposed therebetween. The locking device allows the mobility aid to be locked into a fully expanded position, released for a semi-collapsed position, or released into a fully collapsed position.

Abstract: A cane tip having a body incorporating a resilient shock-absorbing member which has radial projections extending to the surface of the cane tip. The cane tip includes a bore defining a bore axis. The bore is configured to receive the shaft of a cane. Vertical ribs protrude radially into the bore and extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to the bore axis.

Abstract: Camping accessories have use in conjunction with transporting vehicles such as recreational vehicles (RVs), truck-mounted campers, camping trailers and the like for campsite organization requiring an increase of available living space and storage facilities including vehicle storage. Structures for added living space include tent-like enclosures, bathroom facilities and food storage facilities. Organizing accessories include bags, boxes, bins, shelving, waste containers, tool caddies and clothes racks suitably mounted for temporary use.

Abstract: A structure has at least one foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form at least one panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. A water tube is attached to the fabric material and connected to a water supply, and a water outlet is coupled to the water tube.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generation system for turbine engines and the like has at least one thermoelectric generator disposed proximate the turbine engine such that waste heat from the turbine engine can be converted into electricity. Vehicle performance and efficiency can be enhanced by mitigating the need for mechanically driven electric power generators, which undesirably drain power from the turbine engine thus adversely affect the vehicle's performance.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is formed on a low cost substrate 312 onto which is deposited a metal film 314 that serves as an intermediate bonding layer with a transferred film 324 of semiconducting material from a bulk semiconductor substrate 322. The metal film forms an intermetallic compound such as a silicide 316 and functions as a bonding agent between the low cost substrate and the semiconducting substrate, as a back surface field for reflection of minority carriers, and as a textured optical reflector of photons. The silicide also forms a low resistivity back-side ohmic contact with the semiconductor layer. This results in a low cost, flexible, high efficiency, thin film solar cell device.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module having long-term durability is obtained at low cost. A CIS based thin-film photovoltaic module 1 is obtained by bonding a cover glass 4 comprising, e.g., a semi-tempered white flat glass, which is inexpensive and durable, to a CIS based thin-film photovoltaic circuit 2 on a glass substrate 2A with a thermally crosslinked ethylene vinyl acetate (hereinafter referred to as EVA) resin film 3 (or sheet) as an adhesive. Use of the EVA resin film 3 reduces the amount of an EVA resin to be used. In the crosslinking, a gas generating from the EVA resin film is removed by vacuum suction to prevent bubble generation or inclusion, etc. A high-capacity storage capacitor 9 is disposed on that side of the glass substrate which is opposite to the circuit side to store the electricity optically generated by the circuit.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation system, wherein electrical power generated by multiple photovoltaic power generator units is gathered in a single unit group power collection control section and, in addition, supplied (transferred) to a single power converter corresponding to a single unit group power collection control section. The photovoltaic power generation system comprises generator unit groups formed by arrangement of multiple photovoltaic power generator units and unit group power collection control sections, which are connected with the photovoltaic power generator units through unit cables, and collect and control the electric power generated by the photovoltaic power generator units.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell has a photosensitive substrate and a plurality of fingers in ohmic contact with the substrate. At least one of the fingers has an average width of less than about 95 microns. The cell also has a plurality of busbars in ohmic contact with the fingers. At least two of the busbars that are spaced less than about 38 millimeters apart intersect the at least one finger (i.e., the finger(s) having an average width of less than about 95 microns).

Abstract: A light concentrating module for transforming light into at least one of electrical and thermal energy is provided. The light concentrating module may be coupled in flow communication with a fluid conversion module and include a primary optical element that has a reflective surface with a plurality of contoured sections. Each contoured section is shaped to reflect light that impinges the contoured section toward a corresponding focal region. The module may also have a receiver system that includes a plurality of energy conversion members positioned proximate to corresponding focal regions. The receiver system also has a working fluid passage for carrying a working fluid that absorbs the thermal energy. The working fluid can be conveyed away from the receiver system through a mounting post that holds the receiver system. In addition, the module may also generate electricity.

Abstract: An interconnector includes a strip-shaped and electrically conductive member for electrically connecting respective electrodes to each other of solar cells adjacent to each other. The conductive member includes a stress relief part that is planer and has a notch forming an obtuse angle at a lateral end or has a linear lateral end. This structure remarkably alleviates a stress due to a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the interconnector and the solar cells, so that a warp occurring to the solar cells is reduced and the reliability of connection between the interconnector and the solar cells is improved.

Abstract: A thin film photovoltaic panel and a method for making same including providing a photovoltaic layer on a substrate having at least one edge; a sealant is applied in a liquid form by a pump on a planar surface of the substrate; an adhesive layer is applied between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first adhesive layer is disposed between the photovoltaic layer and at least one of the first and second substrate; and the first and second are secured together to form the thin film photovoltaic panel. The sealant layer includes a desiccant material having a concentration of less than about 20 weight %, which increases the diffusion time lag time for the sealant to reach steady state, thereby extending the duration of the thin film photovoltaic panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to roofing products. The present invention relates more particularly to roofing products for use with photovoltaic elements, and to photovoltaic systems that include one or more photovoltaic elements is joined to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, a roofing product includes a flexible roofing substrate having a top surface, the top surface having one or more receptor zones thereon, each receptor zone being adapted to receive one or more photovoltaic elements, each receptor zone having a different surfacing than the area of the top surface adjacent to it.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of making moisture resistant solar cells, strings and modules is provided. The method includes reducing the roughness of the finger patterns by coating them fully or partially with a surface preparation film. The surface preparation film firmly attaches itself to underlying finger patterns and electrical leads while forming a smooth surface on which a moisture barrier film is subsequently deposited. Process flows to obtain moisture resistive solar cells, solar cell strings are described.

Abstract: A solar cell including a quantum dot, an electron conductor, and a conjugated bridge molecule disposed between the quantum dot and the electron conductor. The conjugated bridge molecule may include a quantum dot anchor that bonds to the quantum dot and an electron conductor anchor that bonds to the electron conductor. In some instances, the quantum dot anchor and/or the electron conductor anchor may independently include two anchoring moieties that can form ring structures with the quantum dot and/or the electron conductor. The solar cell may further include a hole conductor that is configured to reduce the quantum dot once the quantum dot absorbs a photon and ejects an electron through the conjugated bridge molecule and into the electron conductor.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a device, comprising a ink or paste on a silicon based semiconductor material, wherein the ink or paste comprises a mixture of inorganic conductive and additive nanoparticles and wherein the semiconductor material is silicon. An example is a mixture of silver and palladium nanoparticles.

Abstract: The invention is a leadframe receiver package comprising a first conductive element, a solar cell electrically coupled to the first conductive element and comprising an active area, and a mold compound disposed on the leadframe and the solar cell. The mold compound defines a first aperture wall over at least a portion of the active area and a second aperture wall over at least a portion of the first conductive element. The mold compound includes a reflective surface to improve heat resistance around an aperture wall receiving solar radiation.

Abstract: A plurality of dichroic filters are included in multifunction photovoltaic cells to increase efficiency. For example, in a multi-junction photovoltaic cell comprising blue, green, and red active layers, blue, green, and red dichroic filters that reflect blue, green, and red light, respectively, may be disposed proximal to the blue, green, and red active layers to reflect back light not absorbed on the first past. The dichroic filters may be used to demultiplex white light incident on the PV cell and deliver suitable wavelengths to the appropriate active layer, e.g., blue wavelengths to the blue active layer, green wavelengths to the green active layer, red wavelengths to the red active layer. The PV cell may additionally be interferometrically tuned to increase absorption efficiency. Accordingly, optical resonant layers and cavities may be employed in certain embodiments.

Abstract: A solar cell may include a light sensitive molecule such as a hyperpolarizable molecule. In one example, a solar cell may include a layer of hyperpolarizable molecules disposed between a p-type electrode and an n-type electrode. In some cases, at least some of the hyperpolarizable molecules may include an electron donating group that is bonded or otherwise linked to the n-type electrode as well as an electron accepting group that is bonded or otherwise linked to the p-type electrode. In some instances, at least some of the hyperpolarizable molecules may include an electron donating group that is bonded or otherwise linked to the p-type electrode as well as an electron accepting group that is bonded or otherwise linked to the n-type electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus may include an integrated circuit package substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface, a solar cell coupled to the first surface of the integrated circuit package substrate, and a light-transmissive element coupled to the second surface of the integrated circuit package substrate. The integrated circuit package substrate and the light-transmissive element form a hermetic seal or a semi-hermetic seal around the solar cell.

Abstract: A solar concentrator system, including at least two reflecting devices and a refracting lens, is provided. The reflecting devices focus light onto the lens which further concentrates the light on a solar cell. The lens increases the system's acceptance angle. In one embodiment the lens may be attached to the solar cell. In other embodiments, the lens is supported by a support structure, connecting element, and reflecting device.

Abstract: In a method of forming a concentration solar cell chip packaging structure, at least one solar cell chip is mounted on an electrically conducting plate, and the solar cell chip along with the conducting plate are encapsulated in a package made of a highly light-pervious and shock-absorbing polymer material. Moreover, a thin layer of low-iron, high-strength, and light-pervious material is attached to an outer surface of the polymer package. With the above method, the concentration solar cell chip packaging structure may be formed with shortened processing time and improved processing quality to give the packaged solar cell increased light transmittance and prolonged usable life.

Abstract: A system includes a leadframe comprising a first conductive element, a solar cell electrically coupled to the first conductive element and comprising an active area, and mold compound disposed on the leadframe and the solar cell. The mold compound defines a first aperture over at least a portion of the active area and a second aperture over at least a portion of the first conductive element.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] The object of the present invention is to provide a sealing film having excellent productivity, and improved light resistance and heat resistance, and a solar cell provided with the sealing film. [Means for Solving Problem] A sealing film for a solar cell comprising ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and an organic peroxide, wherein the organic peroxide comprises an organic peroxide A having a 10 hour half-life in the range of 110 to 130° C. in and an organic peroxide B having a 10 hour half-life in the range of 80 to 100° C.; and a solar cell having the sealing film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel organic electroluminescent compounds exhibiting high luminous efficiency, and organic electroluminescent devices comprising the same.

Abstract: A solar cell including a quantum dot, an electron conductor, and a rigid bridge molecule disposed between the quantum dot and the electron conductor. The rigid bridge molecule may include a first anchor group that bonds to the quantum dot and a second anchor group that bonds to the electron conductor. The solar cell may include a hole conductor that is configured to reduce the quantum dot once the quantum dot absorbs a photon and ejects an electron through the rigid bridge molecule and into the electron conductor.

Abstract: A method for operating a metering valve and a device for performing the method, providing for diagnosis of the metering valve which defines a flow rate of a reagent to be introduced into an exhaust gas area of an internal combustion engine. The diagnosis is performed on the basis of an analysis of a measure for the flow rate during a diagnosis time. According to a first embodiment, after a diagnosis start signal has occurred with the metering valve closed, the reagent is brought to a predefined diagnosis starting pressure via a pump; the metering valve is then set at a predefined flow rate and the pressure difference occurring during the diagnosis time is analyzed. According to another embodiment, the amount of reagent delivered by the metering valve during the diagnosis time into a graduated beaker is analyzed.

Abstract: An electromechanically-controlled ceramic based proportional valve is disclosed. The apparatus may be manufactured with an accompanying ceramic pressure breakdown orifice pack. The apparatus is designed to utilize the wear-resistant properties of ceramic valve components to control the flow of high-pressure fluids using a servo-driven mechanical actuator. The apparatus is designed to control the closing of the poppet valve to prevent slamming of the poppet head into the poppet seat during closing, further preventing wear and tear on the apparatus components. The accompanying pressure breakdown pack is designed to systematically reduce high pressure and high velocity water flow through the device to allow the water to exit at a prescribed lower pressure and flow rate. The breakdown pack also prevents harmful cavitation in the valve assembly by handling the cavitation internally rather than allowing it to propagate itself through the entire valve assembly.

Abstract: A system for distributing water within a building operates to distribute water from a pressurized water supply source to devices that receive water, such as faucets, toilets, showers, sprinklers, and hot water heating devices. The system includes at least one manifold which may be of unitary molded plastic construction and comprised of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC). The manifold includes an entry port and a plurality of outlet ports which are also referred to as sockets. The sockets are configured to receive fitting inserts of various types that include water line connectors. The sockets are also configured to accept standard plastic water conduits therein in cemented relation. The water line connectors may include metallic connectors such as barbed fittings, which can be used to connect the manifold and crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipe in nonthreaded relation. Manifolds may be connected together to provide suitable distribution arrangements.

Abstract: A pneumatic amplifier is provided comprising a supply air valve with a supply inlet connected to a pneumatic supply. A signal input for receiving a pneumatic input signal, a signal output for transmitting an amplified pneumatic output signal, a valve member for continuously opening or cutting off a pneumatic connection between the pneumatic supply and the signal output, and a diaphragm coupled with the valve member exposed at one side to the pneumatic input signal and having an opposite side. An exhaust air valve is provided with a bleed outlet, and a valve member for opening or cutting off a pneumatic connection between the signal output of the supply air valve and the bleed outlet, the valve members of the supply air valve and the exhaust air valve being structurally separated. The opposite side of the supply air valve diaphragm is exposed to the amplified pneumatic output signal.