Abstract: A system for applying a vacuum to a floor structure, a platform assembly for allowing a user to extract fluids from a floor structure, a system for extracting invasive liquids from a floor structure, a drive system for allowing a user standing on a platform assembly to displace the platform assembly along a floor surface, and/or A method of applying a vacuum to a floor structure.

Abstract: A cleaning assembly for containers, particularly for bottles, having a conveying device on which the containers are arranged by means of a receptacle means. To economically and ecologically improve the cleaning assembly, the receptacle means contains a liquid-tight tubular for an individual cleaning of the containers.

Abstract: The device (1) comprises: a body (2) in which is formed a receptacle (3) having a mouth (4) and intended to receive a quantity of washing agent, a cover (5) connected to the body (2) and movable between a position in which the mouth (4) of the said receptacle (3) is closed and a position in which the mouth is open, and a return spring tending to move the cover (5) towards the open position. The cover (5) has a first portion (5a) hinged to the body (2) about a first axis (7) parallel to the mouth (4) of the receptacle (3) and translatable along guides (6) provided in the body (2), and a second portion (5b) connected to a crank element (8) by hinging about a second axis (9) parallel to the first axis (7). The crank element (8) is, in turn, hinged to the body (2) about a third, fixed axis (10) which is parallel to the first and second axes (7, 9).

Abstract: A rinse system including providing a chemical rinse including a corrosion inhibitor, and rinsing a wafer with the chemical rinse reducing defects on silicon and a dielectric, and maintaining integrity of a metal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic cleaning system for removing a high dose ion-implanted photoresist in supercritical carbon dioxide. Specifically, the ultrasonic cleaning system includes one or more ultrasonic horns mounted inside a high pressure reactor to be operated in supercritical carbon dioxide and having a cross-section enabling uniform processing of an overall surface of a wafer, so that ultrasonic waves can be superposed in the high pressure reactor and uniformly distributed over the surface of a support provided as a cleaning target in a cleaning bath, thereby minimizing damage to a fine pattern on the surface of the support while effectively removing a high dose ion-implanted photoresist.

Abstract: A sealing device for a dishwasher is provided, comprising at least one flange member. Each flange member is adapted to interact with at least one of a gasket member, a tub portion, and a door member. Each flange member is configured to extend along at least one opposing side of a front opening of the tub portion. Each flange member is cantilevered so as to extend between each opposing side of the front opening of the tub portion and the door member, upon closing thereof, so as to deflect washing fluid within the tub portion away from the gasket member forming a seal between the door member and the tub portion. An associated apparatus and method are also provided.

Abstract: A solar power cleaning system is provided including a fluid supply line. A first end of the fluid supply line is utilized for receiving water. A second end of the fluid supply line is coupled to a plurality of nozzles for dispensing fluid onto solar panels. The cleaning system also includes a housing. Disposed within the housing is a valve for regulating soap from a storage compartment into the fluid supply line. The valve is controlled by a programmable controller. When the valve is open, soap mixes with water and is dispensed onto the solar panels via the nozzles. When the valve is closed, water may be dispensed onto the solar panels. A filter may be coupled to the fluid supply line to remove impurities from the water before dispensation onto the solar panels. A motor and pump may also be disposed within the housing to regulate the fluid pressure within the fluid supply line.

Abstract: A door assembly and associated components for a dishwashing appliance are provided, wherein the dishwashing appliance includes a tub portion defining a forward access opening. The door assembly is pivotably engaged with the tub portion and cooperates therewith to cover the forward access opening. The door assembly includes an integrally formed and structurally reinforced inner door member, without a separate reinforcement panel. The inner door member includes at least one reinforcing member integrally formed therewith and along a contour thereof so as to provide reinforcement thereof. The dishwashing appliance further includes a covering member configured to encompass a wiring arrangement associated with the inner door member, for protecting the wiring arrangement within the dishwashing appliance. Associated apparatuses and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is an anti-slip crutch tip apparatus comprising: at least one vent opening, located on the side wall of a generally cylindrical section of a crutch tip body and extending into the tip body, so that the vent opening is surrounded by structure forming a portion of the generally cylindrical section of the tip body; and wherein the at least one vent opening is in physical communication with a portion of at least one channel formed into a surface contact portion of the tip body, so that an unbroken fissure in the tip body resides as a structural breach extending between the side-wall entrance of the at least one opening and the physically communicative association of the at least one vent opening with the portion of the at least one channel. A corresponding method of preventing slipping of a support device tip is also provided.

Abstract: A shelter of the type having collapsed and expanded configurations. In one of several example embodiments, the expanded configuration includes a tunnel-shaped portion forming a pair of opposing side walls and a roof section. The roof section has a peak positioned above the side walls and the tunnel-shaped portion may include opposing ends with a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end, each opening capable of accommodating an end wall. A first sheet is foldable along at least first and second crease lines to define the walls and roof section, the walls having an upper separation distance between the first and second crease lines when the shelter is expanded. The first sheet is segmented into panels with pairs of adjoining panels forming pleats each having a vertex extending from a crease line to an adjoining footing flap, the walls having a lower separation distance between footing flaps on different walls when the shelter is expanded.

Abstract: A hybrid means for producing and storing power derived from a photovoltaic source through pneumatic, mechanical and chemical means utilizing pressure tanks, air turbines and batteries. To regulate the device a plurality of control and routing devices are utilized to redistribute additional energy to an appropriate chemical or pressurized means for storing potential energy for later use.

Abstract: Example embodiments provide a non-linear solar cell module. The non-linear solar cell module may include a plurality of photovoltaic cells. Each of the photovoltaic cells may comprise a lower electrode on a substrate, a photovoltaic conversion layer on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode formed on the photovoltaic conversion layer, and the photovoltaic cells may be in a non-linear shape.

Abstract: The conductive adhesive film of the invention is a conductive adhesive film for electrical connection between photovoltaic cell surface electrodes and wiring members, which comprises an insulating adhesive 2 and conductive particles 1 and has a (t/r) value in the range of 0.75-17.5, where r (?m) is the mean particle size of the conductive particles 1 and t (?m) is the thickness of the conductive adhesive film, wherein the content of the conductive particles 1 is 1.7-15.6 vol % based on the total volume of the conductive adhesive film.

Abstract: A portable solar power source is provided which will convert solar energy into electrical energy to provide electrical power to an array of devices normally accompanying those who enjoy being in outdoor areas or on rivers or lakes. The device is made to be portable by having wheels and a handle so that it may be pulled like a cart or wagon. The portable device of the present invention further includes one or more solar panels, which are deployed from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position with respect to the transport device. In the preferred embodiment the solar panels are double junction amorphous solar panels. Such panels have the greatest efficiency and produce electrical energy from light energy even if the solar panels are not in the direct sunlight.

Abstract: Laminate structures are disclosed, comprising a metal foil supporting a polyimide dielectric layer. The polyimide dielectric layer comprises a polyimide derived from at least one aromatic rigid rod diamine and at least one aromatic rigid rod dianhydride to provide a thermally and dimensionally stable polyimide. A bottom electrode is formed directly on the polyimide dielectric layer surface, and a CIGS absorber layer is formed directly on the bottom electrode. The CIGS laminates of the present disclosure can be incorporated into CIGS type solar cells, and the laminates further allow such CIGS solar cells to be monolithically integrated into a photovoltaic module on a single substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated device (10) comprising at least one inorganic photovoltaic cell (16), a substrate supporting the at least one inorganic photovoltaic cell, a prefabricated thin battery (34) coupled to the at least one inorganic photovoltaic cell, and an encapsulation for sealing the integrated device, wherein one of the substrate and the encapsulation is formed by the prefabricated thin battery. The present invention also relates to a method for the manufacturing of such a integrated device.

Abstract: Solar cell modules are provided having a solar cell layer and a colored multi-layer encapsulant sheet where an uncolored surface sub-layer of the encapsulant sheet is in direct contact with the solar cell layer.

Abstract: Provided is a solar cell module having improved energy efficiency. The solar cell module includes a frame, first solar cells arranged at the frame, and second solar cells smaller than the first solar cells. The second solar cells are disposed in regions surrounded by the first solar cells. The first solar cells have a substantially circular shape. The second solar cells have a rectangular shape, and each of the second solar cells is surrounded by four of the first solar cells.

Abstract: A method of forming a multijunction solar cell including an upper subcell, a middle subcell, and a lower subcell, the method including: providing a substrate for the epitaxial growth of semiconductor material; forming a first solar subcell on the substrate having a first band gap and including a pseudomorphic window layer; forming a second solar subcell over the first solar subcell having a second band gap smaller than the first band gap; forming a graded interlayer over the second subcell, the graded interlayer having a third band gap greater than the second band gap; and forming a third solar subcell over the graded interlayer having a fourth band gap smaller than the second band gap such that the third subcell is lattice mismatched with respect to the second solar subcell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polysilicon emitter solar cells, and more particularly to polysilicon emitter solar cells with hyperabrupt junctions, and methods for making such solar cells. According to one aspect, a polysilicon emitter solar cell according to the invention includes a nitrided tunnel insulator. The nitridation prevents boron diffusion, enabling a hyperabrupt junction for a p-poly on n-Si device. According to another aspect, a nitrided oxide (DPN) is used in a tunnel oxide layer of a MIS solar cell structure. The DPN layer minimizes plasma damage, resulting in improved interface properties. An overlying polysilicon emitter can then provide a low sheet resistance emitter without heavy doping effects in the substrate, excess recombination, or absorption, and is a significant improvement over a conventional diffused emitter or TCO.

Abstract: Provided is a photovoltaic power generation and solar heat collector which can be installed in a small area and can simultaneously maintain a high collection efficiency and a high photoelectric conversion efficiency. The photovoltaic power generation and solar heat collector (10) includes a dye-sensitized photovoltaic cell (11); and a heat collection panel (12) provided on top of the dye-sensitized photovoltaic cell (11). Sunlight is incident on a top surface of the heat collection panel (12).

Abstract: A hybrid photovoltaic cell module includes a substrate and a photopolymer composition disposed on the substrate. The photopolymer composition includes an organic photopolymer, a plurality of nanoparticles, and a dendrimer that disperses the nanoparticles in the composition. The dendrimer has a number average molecular weight of from 300 to 10,000 g/mol and a core having a carbon atom directly bonded to X1 and X2 and two —CH2 groups. X1 is a hydrogen atom, a functional group, or a chain including a functional group. X2 is a chain including a functional group that is the same or different from the functional groups of X1. Each —CH2 group is bonded to a chain that independently includes a functional group that is the same or different from said functional groups of X1 and X2. The module is formed using a method that includes the step of disposing the photopolymer composition on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds for electronic material, and organic electroluminescent devices or organic solar cells comprising the same. Specifically, the compounds for electronic material according to the invention are characterized in that they are represented by Chemical Formula (1): Since the compounds for electronic material, when being applied to an organic electroluminescent device, show good luminous efficiency and excellent life property of material, OLED's having very good operation life can be manufactured therefrom.

Abstract: A method for passivating at least a part of a surface of a semiconductor substrate, wherein at least one layer comprising at least one SiOx layer is realized on said part of the substrate surface by: —placing the substrate (1) in a process chamber (5); —maintaining the pressure in the process chamber (5) at a relatively low value; —maintaining the substrate (1) at a specific substrate treatment temperature; —generating a plasma (P) by means of at least one plasma source (3) mounted on the process chamber (5) at a specific distance (L) from the substrate surface; —contacting at least a part of the plasma (P) generated by each source (3) with the said part of the substrate surface; and —supplying at least one precursor suitable for SiOx realization to the said part of the plasma (P); wherein at least the at least one layer realized on the substrate (1) in subjected to a temperature treatment in a gas environment.

Abstract: A conductive paste for forming electrodes, which makes it possible to form an electrode for a crystalline silicon substrate that is low in cost and has an equal degree of contact resistance and ohmic electrical contact, as compared to conventional silver electrode pastes, is obtained. It is a conductive paste for forming an electrode for a crystalline silicon substrate, comprising conductive particles, glass frits, an organic binder and a solvent, in which conductive paste is characterized by comprising zinc particles as the conductive particles.

Abstract: The present invention concern a method for sampling and mixing different flowable material materials from a plurality of wells in arbitrary order.

Abstract: A method of using one or more microjets to create and/or control oblique shock waves. The introduction of microjet flow into a supersonic stream creates an oblique shock wave. This wave can be strengthened—by increasing microjet flow rate or the use of many microjets in an array—in order to form an oblique shock. Such an oblique shock can be used to decelerate flow in a jet aircraft engine inlet in a controlled fashion, thus increasing pressure recovery and engine efficiency while reducing flow instability. Adjusting the pressure ratio across the microjet actually alters the angle of the oblique shock. Thus, the use of microjets allows decelerating shock waves in an inlet engine to be properly positioned and controlled. Microjet arrays can also be used to ameliorate shock waves created by external aircraft surfaces, such as sensor pods and weapons.

Abstract: A method and a computer program product controls the water supply in a sanitary installation having a cold water supply line and a hot water supply line, a valve battery, which is connected to a power supply, and a sensor unit connected to the power supply. At least one trigger means outputs an action signal to an electronic controller when activated by a user by tapping on the trigger means that is embodied as a switch or by at least partially penetrating into the detection area of a trigger means that is embodied as a proximity sensor.

Abstract: A tank system includes a high-pressure tank, a detection unit for detecting a temperature increase in at least a portion of the high-pressure tank, a decompression unit for decompressing the high-pressure tank, and a control unit for controlling the decompression unit to decompress the high-pressure tank when a temperature increase in at least a part of the high-pressure tank is detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: Valve control assemblies are disclosed which accommodate out of plumb conditions using a flexible set of rings linked to the temperature control, and a projection/axial slot arrangement linked to the volume control. Different wall thicknesses are accommodated using one or more adaptors/extensions between a temperature bonnet control and a portion of the valve cartridge which controls temperature. There is also a combined shroud/tool for protecting the valve during rough-in and permitting it to be tested.

Abstract: Improvements in a hot water circulator are disclosed. The hot water circulator is placed in proximity to one or more water faucets or tubs. The construction of the hot water circulator creates a venture in the cold water line. When a user turns on the cold water the flow of cold water through the cold water line draws a portion of water from the water heater through the hot water line and into the cold water line. Because only a small portion of water is being drawn into the cold water line the temperature difference is negligible, but the hot water is brought to close proximity to the hot water valve where it is more quickly available. There is a reduced amount of water being wasted to bring hot water to the hot water valve. Hot water is delivered in seconds rather than minutes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a frost-free sillcock is provided. The sillcock has a single handle which rotates to control the temperature of the discharged fluid. The handle also moves axially toward and away from a mounting surface to control the volume of fluid discharged from the sillcock.

Abstract: The present invention provides an open-topped flood-prevention sump well extension. A cylindrical wall placed around a sump pit extends above the floor level to the proximity of a sewer or septic drain. A connecting pipe automatically drains the overflow attendant to a malfunctioning or overloaded sump pump to the sewer or septic system. A means for preventing backflow of sewer discharge is provided by a one-way valve or a plumbing trap. An alarm system is provided for signaling rising water level.

Abstract: Apparatus to regulate fluid flow are disclosed. The apparatus includes an example regulator valve and an example automatically-adjusting or self-adjusting amplifier valve to maintain fluid flow during low downstream demand fluid flow conditions, and to maintain the operational accuracy and stability of the regulator valve during higher downstream demand fluid flow conditions.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present invention include devices and methods for relieving excess pressure or vacuum pressure from a tank interior. An embodiment of a pressure relief device includes a housing having an opening associated with a first end, an opening associated with a second end, and an over-pressure opening. The device further including a pressure relief valve for selectively relieving pressure from a tank, the valve including an over-pressure opening seal biased by a first pressure bias means against a pressure valve seat associated with the over-pressure opening. The device also including a guide block translatable in an axial direction of a second bore of the housing and being biased toward the pressure valve seat by a second pressure bias means. The guide block is translatable independent of the over-pressure opening seal. The device also includes a vacuum relief valve for selectively relieving vacuum pressure in the tank.

Abstract: This invention facilitates the dispensing of preheated water at a sink or shower by repurposing the latent cold water within the hot water supply line of a sink to fill the tank of a nearby toilet.

Abstract: In a vacuum unit for use in drawing a vacuum on a steam sterilizer, a pump circulates water through an ejector and a reservoir. Fresh water is injected at the pump inlet to maintain a low temperature in the ejector so that it can operate efficiently. Excess water is taken from a location adjacent the bottom of the reservoir through an internal dip tube, and passed through a U-shaped conduit that serves as a condensate trap. To maintain the water discharge temperature below a predetermined level, fresh water is injected into the U-shaped conduit through a valve controlled by a temperature sensor downstream from the water injection point.

Abstract: A double check valve is provided that includes an in-line inlet check valve and an outlet check valve that cooperate to prevent back flow of fluid through the valve. The check valve also includes at least one vent that allows for fluid trapped within the check valve to drain, thereby preventing freezing of the check valve and hydrant to which it is interconnected. The check valve provided omits many superfluous components and thus is smaller and easier to install than check valves of the prior art.

Abstract: A valve device includes: a valve housing defining a cylindrical space connected to a high-pressure source, and having a first communication hole open at a valve seat located at a bottom portion of the valve housing and providing fluid communication between the cylindrical space and a low-pressure source; a seal member arranged in the cylindrical space and providing or shutting off fluid communication between the high-pressure and low-pressure sources so that the seal member moves away from or contacts the valve seat; and a stem having an accommodating recess at one end of the stem and moved axially. The seal member is fitted and held in the accommodating recess. The seal member has a second communication hole that provides fluid communication between a bottom face of the accommodating recess and the low-pressure source when the seal member is in contact with the valve seat.

Abstract: A valve comprises an inlet portion configured to couple to a source of a fluid, and a body portion in fluidic communication with the inlet portion. The body portion defines a modulated flow path and a constant flow path adjacent to the modulated flow path.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the inventive technology may be described as a position control apparatus that comprises a fluidic drive system configured to drive, with a single fluidic displacement, each of a plurality of positioners in a first relative direction; and a bias system that includes a plurality of biasers that bias the positioners in a direction that is opposite the first relative direction. In particular embodiments, and as but a few of the many possible design features, positioner actuators may be fluidicly linked in parallel and with the fluid compressor, the positioner actuators may each include a piston; and a plurality of positioners may each be responsive to at least one of the pistons.

Abstract: A method of inserting a cured in-place pipe from a cleanout includes positioning a lining along a portion of a length of a bladder, wherein the lining is frangibly connected to the bladder, inserting the bladder through the cleanout, to a position wherein the lining is within the pipe and does not block the pipe.

Abstract: A tube (1) of fabric reinforced PVC for suspension from a ceiling of a tunnel or the like comprises a tube shaped fabric with an internal and an external coating of PVC. The internal coating is of black, electrically conducting PVC and the external coating is of white, electrically isolating PVC. The tube (1) is provided with an external, longitudinal strip (2) of black, electrically conducting PVC in contact with the internal coating. The strip (2) is earthed by a suspension arrangement (3-5) for the tube (1) to the ceiling.

Abstract: A multi-layer tube of thermoplastic resin exhibiting barrier capacity, flexibility, transparency, kink resistance and chemical resistance especially used to transport and supply various types of liquids, which multi-layer tube realizes high steam barrier performance and excels co-extrusion forming performance. There is provided a multi-layer tube comprising at least a flexible elastomer layer, a fluoro resin layer excelling in steam barrier performance and chemical stability and an adhesive resin layer disposed for bonding the layers. This multi-layer tube can find application in medical use including fluid infusion or blood transfusion tubes, use in automobile including cleaning liquid or fuel liquid tubes and use in machine instruments including ink supply tubes of printer units provided in printer, various measuring equipments and observation equipments, etc.

Abstract: A multi-layer hose (10) of a laminated layer structure having laminated an intermediate layer (12) including a resin containing a polyester or a polyamide, an inner layer (11) disposed on an inner periphery of the intermediate layer (12), and an outer layer (13) disposed on an outer periphery of the intermediate layer (12) and containing a rubber, the inner layer (11) containing epichlorohydrin rubber or hydrin rubber and directly laminated to the intermediate layer (12) by a vulcanized adhesion.

Abstract: The loom, in particular a ribbon loom, has at least one electrically-driven thread transport device for the weft threads for processing at least one thread or a group of threads over at least the distance between two lengths of weft. It also contains a fabric outlet for the woven fabrics and an electronic control device for controlling the loom based on a pattern program for the woven fabrics to be produced. The loom can be better adjusted to the woven fabrics to be produced, in other words to the pattern and the thread material used, if the control device has control means for adjusting automatically at the thread transport device the feed length of the thread to be delivered according to the data predefined in the pattern program, the fabric outlet, and the width of the woven fabrics to be produced.

Abstract: A three-dimensional multilayer fabric is provided. The fabric comprises a surface layer, a backing layer, and an intermediate layer connecting the surface layer and the backing layer. The surface layer includes sequential unstitched surface portions and sequential stitched surface portions formed in an alternating and repeating pattern. The unstitched surface portions of the surface layer are essentially composed of surface warp threads only, and the stitched surface portions of the surface layer are composed of the surface warp threads and intermediate warp threads. The backing layer includes sequential unstitched backing portions and sequential stitched backing portions formed in an alternating and repeating pattern. The unstitched backing portions of the backing layer are essentially composed of backing warp threads only, and the stitched backing portions of the backing layer are composed of the backing warp threads and the intermediate warp threads.

Abstract: A method and a clamping device for clamping a weft thread in a jet weaving machine are proposed. The weft thread wire or strand runs through the beginning section (2.1) and the end section (2.2) of a mixing tube. The two sections between themselves form an engagement opening (8) and are connected with a first holding magnet (11) by a counter support (9). An actuator (6) in the form of an elastomeric bellows, which comprises a chamber (10), is located on the beginning section (2.1) of the mixing tube. The chamber (10) is connected to a valve (16) via a supply line (20) and is acted on variably with compressed air. By deformation of the actuator (6), a clamping element (7) connected thereto carries out a tilting movement between the counter support (9) and a contact stop part (19), which contains a second holding magnet (12). The holding magnets (11, 12) lead to an exact and reliable clamping of the weft thread (3).

Abstract: A reversible container is provided with a hollow housing and removable closures at each end. The container is filled with a substance, and when at least some of the substance has been removed, the container is refilled with the substance and inverted. In this way, the user is able to use substantially all of the contents of the container, and is able to use completely the older substance first, because the older substance is at the top of the container after the container is inverted.

Abstract: A procedure for a reasonability check of the signal of a temperature sensor that is arranged in a reducing tank, in particular a HWL-tank, is thereby characterized, in that the tank level is detected by a tank level sensor that is arranged almost at the same filling level position as the temperature sensor, in that the tank level sensor signal is compared to the temperature sensor signal and then, if default tank level sensor signals correlate within default limits with default temperature sensor signal values, a functioning temperature sensor and/or a functioning tank level sensor are indicated.