Abstract: By providing an ear plug product incorporating water absorbing capabilities, a highly effective and easily employed ear plug product is realized which is capable of being used for removing water contained in the ear canal of an individual. In one preferred embodiment, the ear plug product of the present invention incorporates water absorbing material integrally formed in the ear plug which immediately draws the water from the ear canal into the ear plug product for being retained in the ear plug. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the ear plug product incorporates at least one elongated, longitudinally extending channel or passageway formed along substantially the entire length of the ear plug product. By incorporating the elongated, longitudinally extending passage-way or channel in the ear plug product, the desired water absorption is achieved.

Abstract: An ashtray assembly for temporarily storing and containing rubbish, such as the ash and butts of cigarettes and cigars. In one aspect, the ashtray assembly can include a base assembly, an insert assembly, and a cover assembly. The base assembly can comprise a flexible body, which can include a storage container adapted to receive the rubbish. The flexible body can be made of a flexible material and can be manufactured by a molding process. Because the flexible body can be a silicon-container polymer, it may discolor when a lit end of a cigarette makes contact with the base assembly. The insert assembly can comprise an extinguishing member adapted to extinguish cigarettes, cigars, or both, and can be made of a generally non-marking and rigid material. The insert assembly can provide structural integrity and can be removably secured within the base assembly. The cover assembly covers a portion of the base assembly and can protect contents in the storage container.

Abstract: An ornamental design of a make-up brush with a replaceable brush head includes a handle portion having an elongated central axis and a snap fastener. A first portion of the snap fastener is fastened to the handle portion and a second portion of the snap fastener is fastened to a replaceable head. A third portion of the snap fastener includes a push button aligned with the snap fastener along an elongated central axis, wherein the decorative make-up brush is symmetrical. The replaceable head and handle portion are wobble free secured.

Abstract: A tool for applying hair color other spreadable material to strands of hair includes: a handle having first and second ends; a point at the first end of the handle for separating the strands; a semi-rigid insert at the second end of the handle; and a flat, semi-flexible, head, attached to the insert, for spreading the spreadable material onto the strands. The head and point are utilized to apply the spreadable material to the strands.

Abstract: A curling mascara apparatus is disclosed. The curling mascara apparatus has a barrel for holding mascara liquid therein, a cover coupled to a mouth of the barrel, a makeup unit provided on an end of a support cylinder which extends inside the cover along a central axis thereof, and a button manipulating part for manipulating the makeup unit. The makeup unit includes a slide bar which is slidably inserted into the support cylinder and operated in conjunction with the button manipulating part, a lower tong which is integrally provided at an end of the slide bar, an upper tong which is hinged at an end thereof to the lower tong so as to perform a clamping operation, and an elastic member which provides elastic force such that the lower and upper tongs are rotated around a hinge axis to be opened.

Abstract: A headband has a body and two end members with comfort tips, adjustable-length tips, or both. In some embodiments, comfort tips are provided by soft pads positioned on the inner surface of the end members. In other embodiments, adjustable-length tips are provided by extension mechanisms including for example one or more fingers along which the body and the end members axially slide relative to each other, laterally extending tabs, and openings into which the tabs are received to retain the end members in position. In addition, a discrete-positioning mechanism can be provided for example by notches in the fingers that receive posts of the end member to form a detent.

Abstract: A hair band assembly includes a lower band element and an upper band element defining a cavity there between. A pair of eyeglasses, including a frame element enclosing lenses therein, is connected to the hair band assembly via a connector that allows the eyeglasses to pivot between two positions an extended position on the individual's face, and a refracted position within the cavity of the hair band. The frame element on the eyeglasses includes a tab that projects outwardly from the side of the eyeglasses. The tab fits into a recess defined within the upper band element to allow easy retrieval. The frame element also includes a protrusion that mates with a recess on the lower side of the upper band element, such that the recess forms a protrusion snap lock for holding the eyeglasses in place within the cavity. The hair band assembly encompasses a reversible decorative element that is removable from the hair band.

Abstract: A device to aid in flossing teeth including a jaw hook body, a pair of floss retaining projections on one end of the jaw hook body, and a grip handle at an opposite end of the jaw hook body.

Abstract: A remote plasma process for removing unwanted deposition build-up from one or more interior surfaces of a substrate processing chamber after processing a substrate disposed in the substrate processing chamber. In one embodiment, the substrate is transferred out of the substrate processing chamber and a flow of a fluorine-containing etchant gas is introduced into a remote plasma source where reactive species are formed. A continuous flow of the reactive species from the remote plasmas source to the substrate processing chamber is generated while a cycle of high and low pressure clean steps is repeated. During the high pressure clean step, reactive species are flown into the substrate processing chamber while pressure within the substrate processing chamber is maintained between 4-15 Torr.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of cleaning steel sheet, said method of cleaning steel sheet feeding a cleaning solution activated by ultrasonic waves of a frequency of 0.8 MHz to 3 MHz to a surface of steel sheet at an angle inclined by 1 to 80° with respect to a line perpendicular to the surface of the steel sheet in a direction opposite to the running direction, thereby enabling megasonic waves to be applied to cleaning of running steel sheet and improving the cleaning effect and cleaning speed, and a continuous cleaning system of steel sheet.

Abstract: Disclosed are a substrate processing apparatus and a substrate processing method to efficiently remove a resist residue of a substrate surface by using sulfuric acid without hydrogen peroxide solution that is not stable in a high temperature, or by using sulfuric acid together with hydrogen peroxide solution that is not stable in a high temperature. The substrate processing apparatus to process a substrate by using a first processing liquid including sulfuric acid and a second processing liquid including water includes a liquid-film forming device to form a liquid film of the first processing liquid maintained at a temperature higher than room temperature on at least one surface of the substrate, and a vapor/mist supply device to supply vapor or mist of the second processing liquid on the surface of the substrate on which the liquid film of the first processing liquid is formed.

Abstract: A film cleaning system for removing debris from film is described. The film cleaning system includes at least one cleaning member. Associated with each cleaning member is an adhesive member. As the film begins its transport through the cleaning system and is brought into contact with the cleaning member the adhesive member is engaged with the cleaning member. The cleaning member removes debris from the film and the adhesive member prevents the cleaning member from being loaded with debris from the film providing a self-cleaning attribute as well as improving the quality and cleanliness of the film.

Abstract: A system is provided for providing automated washing for debris removal from the skin of a user's hands. At least some embodiments of the present include a friction enhancing structure such as a brush. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the system includes an RFID capability for identifying when at least one component, such as a removable brush, is due to for replacement for sanitation reasons.

Abstract: Collection system for facilitating engine gaspath cleaning and a water-sealed, chemically resistant suit that at least partially covers the body of a turbojet or turbofan engine. Sealed connections between the suit and hoses convey water and cleaning fluid. An input hose transmits cleaning fluids and water from a cleaning pump into the jet engine and one or more effluent output hoses transmit effluent fluids from the engine to a filtering system. The filter system may filter the effluent fluid of toxic chemicals and pump the filtered effluent fluid into containers for re-use or for environmentally safe disposal.

Abstract: Steam cleaner, comprising a water tank, heating means for forming steam, at least one connecting socket for a steam hose, a receiving tank for waste and a suction device for sucking waste into said receiving tank, wherein the receiving tank is provided with at least one inlet for steam into said receiving tank.

Abstract: To improve cleansing quality of wall surfaces of micro-flow channels in a micro-flow channel cleansing method. During cleansing of wall surfaces of micro-flow channels having at least one branching channel, by causing cleansing fluid to flow therethrough, the cleansing fluid is caused to flow through the at least one branching channel such that there is no residual fluid on the wall surfaces thereof.

Abstract: Certain aspects of this disclosure relate to an isolated protease, and cleaning compositions containing the same. In some embodiments, the protease may comprise an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to the wild type Streptomyces 1AG3 protease. Isolated nucleic acid encoding the subject protease, recombinant nucleic acid containing the same and host cells containing the recombinant nucleic acid are also provided.

Abstract: The liquid composition is based on surfactants and enzymes, and is particularly useful for manual cleaning of instruments. In manual and ultrasonic application the composition in use concentration shows low foaming and gives a cleaning solution which is not cloudy at least at a temperature in the range from 16° C. to 40° C. In addition, the composition has good cleaning efficacy over a broad temperature range (20 to 55° C.) and shows good material compatibility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dish washing machine, and more particularly to a dish washing machine having a structure in which a bottom surface of the dish washing machine is not wet with water. The dish washing machine includes a washing chamber (150) for washing dishes, a fan (90) for discharging air from the washing chamber (150), a housing for a space to install the fan (90), an exhaust duct (92) for guiding the air from the housing (94) to an outside of the dish washing machine, and a passage for draining water to an outside of the housing (94) whenever the water is present in the housing (94).

Abstract: A collapsible umbrella has an open position and a collapsed position. In a collapsed position, the umbrella of the present invention can be used as a towel, to clean, wipe, and or dry objects, hands, faces, and the like. In an open position, the umbrella function is enabled, so as to protect a person or objects from rain and/or sun. In one embodiment, the canopy of the umbrella is constructed from material having two surfaces performing different functions. In one embodiment, the umbrella of the present invention contains a mechanism adapted to collapse the umbrella in a manner that turns the canopy inside out when in the collapsed position, so as to hide the water-resistant surface of the canopy and expose the absorbent surface. The absorbent surface then becomes naturally accessible for use when the umbrella is in the collapsed position.

Abstract: The invention originates with a mast on the upper end of which a locking and tiltable jib support is arranged. A jib is guided in the jib support such that said jib can be slid and fastened and carries a roof construction on the outer end thereof, wherein said roof construction can be extended like a canopy, fan, or frame. To make the extension and retraction of the jib easier, it is proposed that the jib support be designed with at least four guide and locking rollers, of which at least two engage in a left-handed track and two in a right-handed track of the jib.

Abstract: A kind of outdoor wind proof umbrella includes an umbrella cover, an umbrella framework, the umbrella cloth center of the umbrella cover which is fixed between the umbrella cap of the umbrella framework and long rib umbrella disk; its feature is that the upper part of the flexible rib and upper part of the main long rib of the umbrella framework is connected and fixed to extend outward to form the long rib, the external side of the umbrella cloth and external side of flexible rib is connected and fixed. The upper side of the flexible rib is used with screw or river to be fixed to the top of main long rib and is extended to external side along the top of main long rib. It can make the umbrella cover automatically move upward to release from the umbrella rib automatically and withdraw automatically, to reach the effect of conquering the unyielding with the yielding and protect the umbrella framework according to the stressing condition of the umbrella cover.

Abstract: A portable, light-weight, removable system for covering an open dumpster or refuse container mechanism. This instant system is designed for easy installation, removal and storage. Once installed, the system covers the open dumpster container, preventing accumulation of rain, snow, sleet, and any mix thereof inside the container and/or contents of the container.

Abstract: A hub assembly for use in collapsible structures, said assembly comprising: a hub body (20) having a centre opening and a plurality of slots extending from the centre opening to a periphery of the hub body (20), a cover (22) disposable in the centre opening, a plurality of flexible members (24) having a plurality of first portions and a plurality of second portions, the first portion being disposed in the slots and a plurality of poles (26) coupled to the second portions of the flexible members (24) by a plurality of hinges (28), wherein the flexible members (24) are operable to move about a plurality of interface points (36) between the first portions and the second portions to rotate each of the poles having a constant rotating centre between a close position and an open position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoelectric conversion module, comprising plural first electrode films (11, 12, 13) formed apart from each other on the top surface of an insulating body (10), plural p- and n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element films (16, 19) and (17, 18) formed thereon, which are arranged apart from each other so that p- and n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element films alternate with each other, and second electrode films (20) connecting p-type thermoelectric semiconductor element film (19) and n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element film (18) over the gaps between the first electrode films; and a terminal electrode is connected to each of the p-and n-type thermoelectric semiconductor element film (16, 17) at the end; and a production method thereof.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generator is disclosed for use to generate electrical power from heat, typically waste heat. An intermediate heat transfer loop forms a part of the system to permit added control and adjustability in the system. This allows the thermoelectric power generator to more effectively and efficiently generate power in the face of dynamically varying temperatures and heat flux conditions, such as where the heat source is the exhaust of an automobile, or any other heat source with dynamic temperature and heat flux conditions.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device (31) includes a plurality of alternating p-type and n-type semiconductor thermoelectric elements (32, 34, 36; 33, 35 37) the elements (32-37) being separated by electrically and thermally conductive interconnects (40-45), alternating interconnects (40-44) extending in an opposite direction from interconnects (41-45) interspersed therewith. Each thin-film element comprises several hundred thermoelectric alloy A superlattice thin-films interspersed with several hundred thermoelectric alloy B superlattice thin-films, the thin-film elements being between 5 and 25 microns thick and preferably over 10 microns thick. The thin-film elements may be interspersed with opposite type thin-film elements or with opposite type bulk elements (33a, 34a). The interconnects are preferably joined to the elements by diffusion bonding.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure comprises a first photovoltaic cell comprising a first material, and a second photovoltaic cell comprising a second material and connected in series to the first photovoltaic cell. The conduction band edge of the first material adjacent the second material is at most 0.1 eV higher than a valence band edge of the second material adjacent the material. Preferably, the first material of the first photovoltaic cell comprises ln].?Al?N or lnt_yGayN and the second material of the second photovoltaic cell comprises silicon or germanium. Alternatively, the first material of the first photovoltaic cell comprises InAs or InAsSb and the second material of the second photovoltaic cell comprises GaSb or GaAsSb.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell is provided. The photovoltaic cell includes a concentrator optic structure separating the solar spectrum of light into a plurality of spectral bands. The concentrator optic structure focuses these spectral bands into a plurality of concentric tightly focused ring-shaped spots and a central round spot. A multitude of circular sub-cells are each approximately positioned at a ring-shaped spot associated with a respective spectral band produced by the concentrator optic structure.

Abstract: An artificial light power generation system that includes a housing, at least one artificial light source disposed within the housing, and at least one photovoltaic panel disposed within the housing in light receiving relation to the artificial light source. The photovoltaic panel includes a direct current electrical output to an inverter, which converts the direct current into alternating current and outputs this alternating current through an alternating current electrical output.

Abstract: A Group II-VI photovoltaic solar cell comprising at least two and as many as five subcells stacked upon one another. Each subcell has an emitter layer and a base layer, with the base of the first subcell being made of silicon, germanium, or silicon-germanium. The remaining subcells are stacked on top of the first subcell and are ordered such that the band gap gets progressively smaller with each successive subcell. Moreover, the thicknesses of each subcell are optimized so that the current from each subcell is substantially equal to the other subcells in the stack. Examples of suitable Group II-VI semiconductors include CdTe, CdSe, CdSeTe, CdZnTe, CdMgTe, and CdHgTe.

Abstract: A composition for electrode formation containing metal nanoparticles dispersed in a dispersion medium, wherein the composition also comprises one or more organic polymers selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymers, polyvinyl alcohols, and cellulose ethers.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for a magnetically induced photovoltaic solar cell device and the process for creating the magnetic and/or electromagnetic field(s) utilizing a basal underlying structure consisting of the body of any and all types of photovoltaic solar cell devices within which a magnetic and/or electromagnetic field will be created and/or generated through the overlayment of the previously mentioned photovoltaic device structure with a magnetic inducement layer and/or coating which is comprised of a carrier/binding medium and magnetic particle inclusions. The addition of the magnetic inducement layer serves the specific purpose of creating and/or generating greater photon and electron excitement, retention and absorption within the crystalline matrix of the underlying photovoltaic solar cell device.

Abstract: A solar cell comprising at least one nanostructure-film electrode is discussed. The solar cell may further comprise a different conducting material, such as a conducting polymer, to fill pores in the nanostructure-film. Additionally or alternatively, the solar cell may comprise an electrode grid superimposed on the nanostructure-film. Likewise, the solar cell may have a single or multiple active layer(s), wherein nanostructure-film(s) may form at least semi-transparent anode(s) and/or cathode(s) through use of buffer layer(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ruthenium complex represented by the following formula (I): RuL2(NCS)2Am ??(I) wherein L, A and m are defined the same as the specification, and a photoelectric component using the same. The ruthenium complex of the present invention can be used in a Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC). Hence, the photoelectric characteristics of the DSSC manufactured with the ruthenium complex of the present invention can be improved.

Abstract: Devices incorporating an interferometric stack in a photovoltaic device and method of manufacturing a photovoltaic device comprising an interferometric stack. In one example, a photovoltaic device includes a photovoltaic active layer, an absorber layer, and a first optical resonant cavity layer. The optical resonant cavity layer is disposed between the absorber layer and photovoltaic active layer forming an interferometric modulator. The interferometric modulator is configured to reflect a uniform color. In another example, a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic device includes depositing a photovoltaic active layer on an interferometric stack. The interferometric stack can include an absorber layer and a first optical resonant cavity. The photovoltaic active layer is deposited on the optical resonant cavity and the formed photovoltaic device is reflects a uniform color.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photovoltaic cell comprising a photovoltaic absorbent material, said cell including a front face substrate (10), particularly a transparent glass substrate. A main surface of the substrate is provided with a transparent electrode coating (100) formed by a stack of thin layers including at least one metal functional layer (40) based, in particular, on silver, and at least two anti-reflective coatings (20, 60). The invention is characterised in that the anti-reflective coating (60) disposed on top of the metal functional layer (40) on the side opposite that of substrate includes a current-conducting layer (66) located farthest from the substrate and having a resistivity ? of between 2.10?4 ?·cm and 10 ?·cm, based, in particular, on TCO.

Abstract: Provided is a semitransparent crystalline silicon thin film solar cell using a crystalline silicon thin film, including a transparent substrate, an antireflection layer, first transparent electrodes, electricity generation regions, second transparent electrodes, insulating layers. The electricity generation regions include crystalline silicon thin films. Accordingly, the semitransparent crystalline silicon thin film solar cell has a simpler manufacturing process as compared with a semitransparent thin film solar cell using a conventional amorphous thin film and can control transmittance by controlling a thickness of the crystalline thin film without additional apparatuses.

Abstract: There is provided porous silica having a low refractive index and being stable when exposed to water. The porous silica is configured to have a refractive index of 1.3 or lower and to have a difference of the refractive index at a wavelength 550 nm between before the immersion into water and after the immersion into water for 24 hours of 0.15 or lower.

Abstract: A new solar cell structure called a heterojunction barrier solar cell is described. As with previously reported quantum-well and quantum-dot solar cell structures, a layer of narrow band-gap material, such as GaAs or indium-rich InGaP, is inserted into the depletion region of a wide band-gap PN junction. Rather than being thin, however, the layer of narrow band-gap material is about 400-430 nm wide and forms a single, ultrawide well in the depletion region. Thin (e.g., 20-50 nm), wide band-gap InGaP barrier layers in the depletion region reduce the diode dark current. Engineering the electric field and barrier profile of the absorber layer, barrier layer, and p-type layer of the PN junction maximizes photogenerated carrier escape. This new twist on nanostructured solar cell design allows the separate optimization of current and voltage to maximize conversion efficiency.

Abstract: Devices incorporating an interferometric stack configured to reflect a certain color and transmit longer wavelengths through the interferometric stack. In one example, a color filtering includes two partial reflectors comprising an extinction coefficient that is less than about one at wavelengths greater than about 800 nm. The two partial reflectors define an optical resonant cavity forming an interferometric stack configured to reflect color and transmit some electromagnetic waves. In another example, a photovoltaic device includes two photovoltaic active layers that act as partial reflectors to form an interferometric stack. The photovoltaic device is configured to reflect color and produce power.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module is a glass-glass thin film solar cell. It comprises a transparent glass substrate arranged on the front side of the module, i.e., in the direction of the light source. A layer system is deposited on the substrate which comprises a front electrode layer, e.g., a TCO layer, an active semiconductor layer and a second electrode layer, which may also be a TCO (transparent conductive oxide) layer. The active semiconductor layer comprises semiconducting areas of different conductivity type and a junction between these areas. The junction may be a p-n or a p-i-n junction between a p-doped area and an n-doped area. The layer system is sandwiched between the glass substrate and a glass encapsulation element. The glass encapsulation element is bonded to the substrate and the layer system, respectively, by means of a bonding layer. According to the invention the bonding layer is configured as a white lambertian back reflector.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a backside reflection layer containing a high-k dielectrics. The backside reflection layer includes a reflection film containing HfO2 or ZrO2 and a backside passivation layer containing of HfSixOy, ZrSixOy or SiO2, which are formed on a rear side of a substrate onto which solar rays are input. Thus, the solar cell exhibits excellent optical trapping for solar rays and low recombination rate of carriers on the rear side. Also, since the reflection film and the backside passivation layer have excellent thermal stability, it is possible to form electrodes by applying various processes such as thermal treatment.

Abstract: A conductive paste for solar cells, which makes it possible to form an electrode for a solar cell 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 solar cells, comprising conductive particles, glass fits, an organic binder and a solvent, in which paste the conductive particles comprise (A) silver and (B) one or more selected from the group consisting of copper, nickel, aluminum, zinc and tin, and the weight proportion (A):(B) is 5:95 to 90:10.

Abstract: A compound film may be formed by formulating a mixture of elemental nanoparticles composed of the Ib, the IIIa, and, optionally, the VIa group of elements having a controlled overall composition. The nanoparticle mixture is combined with a suspension of nanoglobules of gallium to form a dispersion. The dispersion may be deposited onto a substrate to form a layer on the substrate. The layer may then be reacted in a suitable atmosphere to form the compound film. The compound film may be used as a light-absorbing layer in a photovoltaic device.

Abstract: Materials, components, and methods consistent with the present invention are directed to the fabrication and use of micro-scale channels with a fluid, where the temperature and flow of the fluid is controlled through the geometry of the micro-scale channel and the configuration of at least a portion of the wall of the micro-scale channel and the constituent particles that make up the fluid. Moreover, the wall of the micro-scale channel and the constituent particles are configured such that collisions between the constituent particles and the wall are substantially specular.

Abstract: A faucet includes a proximity sensor, a logical control, a handle, a spout, and a touch control operably coupled to at least one of the spout and the handle. The logical control includes a mode controller that changes the faucet between a first mode and a second mode in response to substantially simultaneous touching of the spout and the handle.

Abstract: An instant hot water delivery system for efficiently heating water when necessary to provide instant hot water to a faucet. The instant hot water delivery system generally includes a water heater including an inlet and an outlet, a cold water supply line introducing cold water into the inlet, a hot water supply line connecting the outlet to a faucet and a recirculation line connected to the hot water supply downstream of the outlet and the cold water supply line upstream of the inlet. The recirculation line forms a first recirculation loop for water within the water heater to flow during a first water heating process. A recirculation pump is connected to the cold water supply line between the recirculation line and the inlet for circulating the water during the water heating process. In one embodiment, the control unit is used to retrofit an existing gas or electric water heater.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and associated methods for controlling the flow through a flow restrictor using a reshapable lumen. The lumen reshapes as a function of the pressure differential over the flow restrictor. Because flow rate is proportional by the fourth order of magnitude to the diameter of the lumen, small changes in the pressure differential allow for larger changes in the flow rate over conventional flow restrictor systems and provides for real time, fine-tuned adjustments to the flow rate.

Abstract: A vacuum valve for use with a blow mold in an I.S. machine. When the blow molds close around a parison, vacuum is applied to the wall of the blow mold. At some time following the application of the vacuum, final blow will occur blowing the parison into a bottle. This vacuum will be applied until the parison has been blown into a bottle. During the period during which vacuum is applied but final blow has not started, vacuum is reduced by operating a needle valve in the vacuum line.