Abstract: The disclosure provides mixed acid solutions for cleaning a vessel, such as a vessel used for growing a GaAs crystal, comprising nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid and water. Further, the disclosure also provides exemplary methods for cleaning a vessel for growing a GaAs crystal, by: a) immersing the vessel in a mixed acid solution; b) immersing the vessel in an ammonia solution; c) cleansing the vessel with a surfactant solution under supersonic vibration; and d) cleansing the vessel with deionized water under supersonic vibration.

Abstract: The invention provides a means capable of effectively inactivating and removing allergen or a precursor thereof. The invention relates to an allergen-reducing agent containing water and a water-soluble polymer compound having units having hydroxy or carboxy groups wherein at least a part of hydrogen atoms of the hydroxy or carboxy groups are substituted by specific groups containing a polyether group.

Abstract: Provided is a safety arrangement for a dishwasher. The safety arrangement may include a rack sensing component configured to determine whether a rack is in a washing location in a dishwasher and to provide a signal in response thereto. A processing unit may be in communication with the rack sensing component and may be configured to receive the signal. The processing unit may be further configured to prevent a washing procedure of the dishwasher when the signal indicates that the rack is not disposed in the washing location. The dishwasher may further include a user interface in communication with the processing unit, which user interface can provide an indicia of the rack not being disposed in the washing location and/or may be rendered inoperable by the processing unit when the signal indicates that the rack is not disposed in the washing location.

Abstract: A method of processing a substrate subjected to an exposure process includes the steps of: transporting a substrate subjected to the exposure process to a cleaning processing part and performing a cleaning process in said cleaning processing part on said substrate subjected to the exposure process. The method also includes the steps of transporting said substrate subjected to the cleaning process from said cleaning processing part to a heating processing part and performing a heating process in said heating processing part on said substrate subjected to the cleaning process. A first interprocess time interval between the instant at which the exposure process of a substrate is completed and the instant at which the heating process of the substrate is started is made approximately constant, and a second interprocess time interval between the instant at which the cleaning process of the substrate is completed and the instant at which the heating process of the substrate is started is made approximately constant.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a linear wet system includes a carrier and a proximity head in a chamber. The proximity head includes three sections in a linear arrangement. The first section suctions liquid from the upper surface of a semiconductor wafer as the wafer is transported by the carrier under the proximity head. The second section is configured to cause a film (or meniscus) of cleaning foam which is a non-Newtonian fluid to flow onto the upper surface of the wafer. The third section is configured to cause a film of rinsing fluid to flow onto the upper surface of the wafer as the wafer is carried under the proximity head. The third section is defined partially around the second section and up to the first section, so that the third section and the first section create a confinement of the cleaning foam with respect to the chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a maintenance liquid for inkjet printers, which comprises at least one of glycol ethers and glycol esters represented by the following general formulas (1) to (3), and 45 to 10 mg/L of dissolved oxygen: R1CO(OR2)xOR3??General formula (1) R4CO(OR5)YOCOR6??General formula (2) R7(OR8)ZOR9??General formula (3) wherein R2, R5, and R8 each independently represent an ethylene group or a propylene group, R1, R3, R4, and R6 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R7 and R9 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and X, Y, and Z each independently represent an integer of 1 to 4.

Abstract: A drip shield is mounted to a drawer of a drawer-type dishwasher so as to extend along an outer rear surface of the drawer and catch droplets of washing fluid falling from a lid of the dishwasher. The drip shield includes a shelf that extends between up-turned wall portions. The shelf is angled away from the tub so that any droplets of washing fluid that may fall onto the drip shield will migrate away from the drawer. The shelf is also formed such that first and second end portions are positioned higher than a central or intermediate portion. This construction forces the droplets of washing fluid to collect in a centralized drain point from where the droplets of water can be guided to a controlled location.

Abstract: A process of cleaning a semiconductor device fabrication equipment is provided. In one embodiment, the semiconductor device fabrication equipment is placed in a chamber; a fluid is introduced into the chamber; a pressure and temperature of the fluid is controlled to bring the fluid to a supercritical state; the semiconductor device fabrication equipment is cleaned by having the supercritical fluid contact the semiconductor device fabrication equipment; the supercritical fluid is removed from the chamber; and the semiconductor device fabrication equipment is removed from the chamber.

Abstract: A processing solution supply nozzle is moved relatively from one end to the opposite end of a semiconductor wafer having undergone a developing operation while discharging an anti-static processing solution in a discharge width equal to or greater than the width of the semiconductor wafer. The anti-static processing solution is thereby supplied onto the semiconductor wafer. The prevention of charging of the substrate avoids the occurrence of defects. The processing solution supplied almost uniformly on the entire surface of the substrate also avoids the occurrence of defects.

Abstract: A steam mop that includes a handle, an extension member, a base mount, a steam generator, and a mop head. The steam generator includes a body that at least partially contains a fluid tank, fluid pump and a heating element used to at least partially vaporize fluid. The body of the steam generator is designed to be releasably connected to the base mount such that the steam generator can be used as a steam producing device for the steam mop or can be disconnected from the base mount and be used as a stand alone steam producing device.

Abstract: A pump, particularly for dishwashers, is provided and includes a housing made of a housing bottom, a housing cover, and a heating device disposed in between the bottom and cover for heating a washing fluid. The heating device forms a ring-shaped side wall of the housing. An impeller is arranged in the housing, an intake connection is arranged axially in the housing cover relative to the axis of rotation of the impeller, and a pressure connection is arranged in the housing cover.

Abstract: A steam appliance, such as a steam mop having a main body including a water pump for pumping water from a water tank to a steam generator in response to any movement of the appliance is provided. Movement causes a pump actuator to slide within a frame. The actuator has a camming surface with a pump piston rod biased against the camming surface that causes the pump piston rod to move in and out of a pump cylinder when the actuator moves. This operates a the pump to pump water to the steam generator for feeding steam to a steam pad mounted on a steam frame connected to the steam generator outlet.

Abstract: A cleaning device that cleans inside of a vessel. The cleaning device includes a suction nozzle configured to be inserted into the vessel to suck liquid contained in the vessel; and a supply nozzle configured to be inserted into the vessel to supply cleaning liquid into the vessel. At least one of the suction nozzle and the supply nozzle is formed such that a wall cross-sectional area thereof is larger than an inner-diameter cross-sectional area thereof.

Abstract: Surface treatment equipment in which a working mechanism housed in a surface treatment tank is moved up and down while keeping the tank in a vacuum state, and the working mechanism can be rotated or oscillated, is provided.

Abstract: Device for removing dust from pharmaceutical tablets or capsules, comprising a dust removal column (1) with a first ramp (2) for controlled conveying in a helical shape, said ramp comprising a first base (3) having a front face (3a) and a rear face (3b), a first peripheral edge (5) and a first internal edge (6).

Abstract: Provided is a spin head supporting a substrate and rotating the substrate. The spin head includes a body, chuck pins installed on the body and moving between supporting positions where a substrate is supported and waiting positions providing space for loading/unloading of the substrate, and a chuck pin moving unit configured to move the chuck pins. The chuck pin moving unit includes a rotation rod coupled with each of the chuck pins, a pivot pin fixing the rotation rod to the body, and a driving member rotating the rotation rod about the pivot pin as a rotation shaft to move the chuck pin from the supporting position to the waiting position. When the body rotates, the rotation rod uses reverse centrifugal force to apply force to the chuck pin from the waiting position to the supporting position. The chuck pins include first pins and second pins that alternately chuck a substrate during a process.

Abstract: A pair of parallel metal lances is driven by a transversal drive into and out of heat exchanger tubes. The lances are supported by a plurality of spaced apart, retractable door supports so that the transversal drive mechanism can approach the tube sheet of the heat exchanger tubes as closely as possible. A pair of rotational drive motors rotates the lances at a user controllable speed. As the lances are moved into the tubes, the interlocked support doors retract one at a time, sequentially. Similarly, as the lances are withdrawn from the tubes, the support doors close one at a time in an interlocked fashion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning spray guns (S), particularly paint spray guns, having at least one cleaning nozzle (1) connected to a transport device (2) for cleaning fluid, and having a frictional cleaning device (3) for manually cleaning the spray guns or parts thereof Known cleaning devices of such a type can only insufficiently clean the paint spray channel. The object of providing a cleaning device by means of which parts of both the outer surface and the paint spray channel can be efficiently and environmentally soundly cleaned is achieved in that the cleaning nozzle (1) is disposed near and above the frictional cleaning device (3), so that cleaning fluid can be sprayed through the cleaning nozzle (1) into and/or on the spray gun (S), and the spray gun (S), and particularly the spray gun nozzle, can be simultaneously manually cleaned by friction using the frictional cleaning device (3).

Abstract: An activity walker has three wheeled legs positioned about an adjustable trunk surround member. The trunk surround member is hinged to open and is curved to approximate a user's oval-shaped midriff. An adjustable closure on the torso/trunk surround member compensates for users of various girths. A flexible sling support extends across the interior of the surround member from its rear portion to its front portion, with fixed rearward attachments and a releasable front attachment to the interior of the surround member. This sling support is shaped to pass between a user's legs and provides body/trunk support when the user is standing upright. A length of each leg may be adjustable. The lateral extension of each leg outwardly from the surround member may be adjustable to reconfigure the stance/footprint of the walker. A friction pin may be utilized to adjust the rolling rate of each wheel.

Abstract: A retractable awning, comprising a screen which may be extended and retracted, wherein there is provided a first motor arranged to extend the screen, a second motor arranged to retract the screen, and a control unit arranged to control the first and second motors, wherein the first and second motors are synchronised so as to maintain tension in the screen within predetermined values.

Abstract: A retractable motor-driven awning can be extended or retracted by energizing the motor in one direction or another. A manually operable system, however, is also employed for rotating the awning by hand in a direction to retract the awning in the event the motor drive becomes inoperable. The ability to hand rotate the roll bar to retract the awning is achieved by connecting the roll bar to the drive shaft of the motor with a manual override system. Implementations of a manual override mechanism include one-way bearings and various ratchet designs.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable military vehicle repair facility has a shelter constructed so that in can be put up with three people and a 12 foot ladder. A special tool is utilized to mount sections of the shelter support poles into place for connection. The ends of the poles are color coded so that can be easily matched for assembly. The shelter front door has an integrated detachable particulate screen portion. When the dual filter/ventilation system is running 24,000 CFM of air is drawn in through the facility and exhausted through the rear exhaust systems (12,000 CFM per system). The integrated particulate screen prevents dirt, dust, and other contaminants from being drawn into the facility and damaging the vehicle finish while eliminating the need to replace disposable air intake filters—the integrated particulate screens also eliminate another potential waste product from the system—dirty, disposable fiberglass filters.

Abstract: A foldable car cover tent having an opening comprises a base that has a first lateral plate parallel to a second lateral plate. The front and rear ends of the base are respectively connected to a front support set and a rear support set. A cover is provided for covering the front and rear support sets. The rear support set includes a first movable support and a second movable support, both of which have two sides pivotally connected to the first and second lateral plates respectively A rope is also provided. One end of the rope connects to the first movable support while another end passes through the second movable support. Thereby, the first and second movable supports together with the cover can be pulled simultaneously when the rope is pulled, and then an opening is formed for cars entering or exiting.

Abstract: The invention relates to microelectronic engineering, to the structural design of cooling thermoelectric modules in particular. The utility model can be used in single-cascade and multicascade thermoelectric modules. The aim of the invention is to provide a thermoelectric module design that absolutely excludes environmental factors. The invented thermoelectric module comprises at least one cascade of alternating n- and p-type thermoelectric elements (1), electrodes (2) connected to the thermoelectric elements (1), heat transfer substrates (5, 6) fixed on the heat-absorbing (3) and heat-rejecting ends (4) of the thermoelectric elements (1) by means of the electrodes, and an insulating film (7) continuously covering all the internal surfaces of the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: Provided are a thermoelectric device, a thermoelectric device module, and a method of forming the thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric device includes a first conductive type first semiconductor nanowire including at least one first barrier region; a second conductive type second semiconductor nanowire including at least one second barrier region; a first electrode connected to one end of the first semiconductor nanowire; a second electrode connected to one end of the second semiconductor nanowire; and a common electrode connected to the other end of the first semiconductor nanowire and the other end of the second semiconductor nanowire. The first barrier region is greater than the first semiconductor nanowire in thermal conductivity, and the second barrier region is greater than the second semiconductor nanowire in thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A solar cell module having an integrally-arranged light emitting device, including a reinforced glass; upper and lower EVA films underlying the reinforced glass; a plurality of solar cells arranged between the upper and lower EVA films and connected in series or parallel by conductive ribbons to convert solar energy into electric energy; a backing sheet underlying the lower EVA film; and a control box arranged under the backing sheet, and including a battery or capacitor and a circuit board. The light emitting device is arranged under the reinforced glass, wherein the circuit board controls electric energy, which is charged in the battery or capacitor by the solar cells at daytime, to be applied to the light emitting device at night to turn on the light emitting device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that controls the power produced by a string of solar cells, enabling the string to operate at its maximum power point when connected to a bus that operates at an externally controlled voltage. The apparatus and method can also be used to increase or decrease the output power of a string to any desired operating point.

Abstract: A solar battery module is provided with a plurality of solar battery cells which are connected to each other by connecting bus bar electrodes (21) formed on the surfaces of the adjacent solar battery cells with wiring material (41a, 41b). The bus bar electrode (21) is embedded in the wiring material (41b), and the solar battery cell (1) and the wiring material (41b) are bonded with a resin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for converting electromagnetic radiation, such as solar energy, into electric energy with increased efficiency when compared to conventional solar cells. A photovoltaic (PV) unit may have all electrical contacts positioned on the back side of the PV device to avoid shadowing and increase absorption of the photons impinging on the front side of the PV unit. Several PV units may be combined into PV banks, and an array of PV banks may be connected to form a PV module with thin strips of metal or conductive polymer formed at low temperature. Such innovations may allow for greater efficiency and flexibility in PV devices when compared to conventional solar cells.

Abstract: An inverter for converting the direct current provided by a solar generator to alternating current includes a control providing a control signal for a drive of the solar generator, for allowing tracking the solar generator after the sun, wherein the control is integrated in the inverter.

Abstract: A solar panel assembly with a first group of spaced-apart solar energy collector modules and a second group of spaced-apart solar energy collector modules. The first and second groups lie in respective parallel planes, which define an air gap therebetween, and are staggered with respect to each other. The staggering of the groups allows for light not harvested by the first row to be harvested by the second row and provides a low dead-space characteristic for the solar panel assembly. The gap between the planes and the space between individual solar energy collector modules of a same group allow for improved heat dissipation in the modules and for the solar panel assembly to offer low resistance to wind.

Abstract: A solar cell concentrating apparatus includes a parabolic reflector focusing a beam of light on an array of photovoltaic cells to generate electric current. The photocell array includes a number of triangular shaped segments arranged in a polygon. Surrounding the triangular shaped segments is another set of solar cells, each having a trapezoidal shape. The trapezoidal cells each have a larger surface area than that of the adjacent triangular shaped cell. The electric current produced by each trapezoidal cell is approximately the same as that of the smaller triangular shaped cells, which are subject to more intense incident light due to the beam's Gaussian spot profile.

Abstract: High-concentration photovoltaic concentrators can utilize much more expensive high-efficiency cells because they need so much less of them, but much of the solar resource is left ungathered thereby. The main cell is at the focal spot of the concentrator. Low-cost secondary solar cells are now added to the concentrator, surrounding the main cell. Diffuse skylight and misdirected normal rays irradiate these secondary cells, adding to output. Also, the power plant can have output on cloudy days, unlike conventional concentrators. As cell costs fall relative to other costs, this system becomes economically superior to both flat-plate and concentrator systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell module comprising a polymeric encapsulant sheet, wherein the polymeric encapsulant sheet comprises a blend composition of an ethylene copolymer A and an ethylene copolymer B, the blend composition having a melt flow rate of less than 100 g/10 min, as determined in accordance with ASTM D1238 at 190° C. and 2.16 kg, and wherein the ethylene copolymerA comprises copolymerized units of ethylene and about 3 to about 20 wt % of an ester or anhydride of a C4-C8 unsaturated acid having two carboxylic acid groups and the ethylene copolymer B comprises copolymerized units of ethylene and about 6 to about 40 wt % of a polar monomer selected from the group consisting of vinyl acetate, alkyl (meth)acrylates, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell module comprising a polymeric encapsulant sheet, wherein the polymeric encapsulant sheet comprises an ethylene copolymer composition, wherein the ethylene copolymer comprises copolymerized units of ethylene and about 5 to about 20 wt % of an ester of a C4-C8 unsaturated acid having two carboxylic acid groups.

Abstract: Semi-transparent thin-film photovoltaic modules and methods of making the same are described. A thin-film photovoltaic module comprises a transparent conductive oxide layer, a photoabsorptive layer and a reflective back contact layer. A series of scribes is created between application of each layer with some scribes rendering transparent portions of the final module.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprising front and back plates each comprising inner and outer faces, a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged side by side between the front and back plates and each comprising an antireflection layer, and a peripheral seal arranged between the front and back plates around the photovoltaic cells. The part of the inner face of the front plate delineated by the seal is coated with a polymer film presenting a refractive index comprised between that of the front plate and that of the antireflection layers of the photovoltaic cells, said film being in contact with the photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for attaching solar modules that enables an agreeable integration into a roof and which is easy to install. A frame is provided which consists of two lateral frame members, an upper and a lower frame member. Each of the four frame members comprises an area having a rectangular cross section with two long and two narrow sides. The four frame members are interconnected such that the long sides are disposed perpendicular to the main surface of the solar module or the solar cell. It is thereby achieved that the frame is torsion-resistant. Therefore, the solar module can be transported and mounted with comparatively few problems. Such a solar module is attached to a batten of a pitched roof with a projecting portion, in particular by bolting.

Abstract: The present invention provides mixed metal oxide based special effect pigments that can be incorporated into optically thin binder systems to produce a “metal flake” appearance that is superior to the “metal flake” appearance presently achievable using conventional special effect pigments. Special effect pigments according to the invention comprise at least 10 wt % of mixed metal oxides that exhibit the McConnellite (Cu1+Cr3+O2) crystal structure. Other metallic elements can be incorporated into the crystal lattice structure to alter the appearance effect of the pigments.

Abstract: Dyes for dye-sensitized solar cell are provided. Each of the dyes for a dye-sensitized solar cell according to an embodiment has a chemical structure: wherein each of X and Y may comprise a substituent, comprising aromatic hydrocarbon groups which are respectively independently substituted or unsubstituted, aromatic heterocyclic groups which are substituted or unsubstituted, and a combination thereof, Z may comprise aromatic hydrocarbon groups which are substituted or unsubstituted, heterocyclic groups which are substituted or unsubstituted, vinyl groups, and polyvinyl groups which are substituted or unsubstituted, and A may comprise acid functional groups.

Abstract: Described herein is a tile made up of: a ceramic base body having an absorption of water equal to or less than 0.5 wt %; a photovoltaic cell applied directly to a first surface of the ceramic base body; a device containing the electrical and/or electronic part, applied to a second surface of the ceramic base body; and an electrical connector, designed to connect the photovoltaic cell electrically to the device containing the electrical and/or electronic part through the ceramic base body.

Abstract: To obtain low resistance and high adhesion at the same time in a solar cell electrode, a conductive paste is offered. A conductive paste for solar cell electrode contains conductive powder, organic medium and glass frit which is mixture of more than one kind of glass frit such as a mixture of glass frit containing at least PbO and glass frit containing at least Bi2O3.

Abstract: A surface plasmon wavelength converter device includes a metallic film which has a plurality of nanofeatures. A wavelength conversion layer having a plurality of centers is disposed adjacent to the metallic film. The surface plasmon wavelength converter device is configured to respond to an incident electromagnetic radiation having a first wavelength by radiating away from the surface plasmon wavelength converter device an electromagnetic radiation having a second wavelength. A surface plasmon wavelength converter device having a metallic film and at least one center disposed in at least one of a plurality of nanofeatures of the metallic film is also described. A surface plasmon wavelength converter device having a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) film having a plurality of metallic nanofeatures, adjacent to a wavelength conversion layer, and a TCO film having a plurality of metallic nanofeatures with at least one center disposed therein is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface plasmon energy converter device which includes a first layer having a first layer dielectric constant. A plurality of nanofeatures is disposed in or on the first layer. A second layer has a second layer dielectric constant which differs from the first layer dielectric constant. The surface plasmon energy converter device is configured to respond to an incident electromagnetic radiation having a first wavelength by radiating away from the surface plasmon wavelength converter device an electromagnetic radiation having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. The invention also relates to a surface plasmon energy converter device which has a first layer having a first plurality of nanofeatures disposed on a first layer surface, a second layer having a second plurality of nanofeatures disposed on a second layer surface. The invention also relates to a surface plasmon energy converter device for generating electricity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nanostructure including a first set of nanowires formed from filling a plurality of voids of a template. The nanostructure also includes a second set of nanowires formed from filling a plurality of spaces created when the template is removed, such that the second set of nanowires encases the first set of nanowires. Several methods are also disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating a nanostructure including nanowires is disclosed. The method may include forming a first set of nanowires in a template, removing a first portion of the template, thereby creating spaces between the first set of nanowires, forming a second set of nanowires in the spaces between the first set of nanowires, and removing a second portion of the template.

Abstract: A solar cell includes: a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; uneven patterns disposed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the semiconductor substrate; a first impurity layer disposed on the uneven patterns and which includes a first part having a first doping concentration and a second part having a second doping concentration greater than the first doping concentration; and a first electrode which contacts the second part of the first impurity layer and does not contact the first part of the first impurity layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for converting electromagnetic radiation, such as solar energy, into electric energy with increased efficiency when compared to conventional solar cells. In one embodiment of a photovoltaic (PV) device, the PV device generally includes an n-doped layer and a p+-doped layer adjacent to the n-doped layer to form a p-n layer such that electric energy is created when electromagnetic radiation is absorbed by the p-n layer. The n-doped layer and the p+-doped layer may compose an absorber layer having a thickness less than 500 nm. Such a thin absorber layer may allow for greater efficiency and flexibility in PV devices when compared to conventional solar cells.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for converting electromagnetic radiation, such as solar energy, into electric energy with increased efficiency when compared to conventional solar cells. A photovoltaic (PV) device may incorporate front side and/or back side light trapping techniques in an effort to absorb as many of the photons incident on the front side of the PV device as possible in the absorber layer. The light trapping techniques may include a front side antireflective coating, multiple window layers, roughening or texturing on the front and/or the back sides, a back side diffuser for scattering the light, and/or a back side reflector for redirecting the light into the interior of the PV device. With such light trapping techniques, more light may be absorbed by the absorber layer for a given amount of incident light, thereby increasing the efficiency of the PV device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for converting electromagnetic radiation, such as solar energy, into electric energy with increased efficiency when compared to conventional solar cells are provided. A photovoltaic (PV) device generally includes a window layer; an absorber layer disposed below the window layer such that electrons are generated when photons travel through the window layer and are absorbed by the absorber layer; and a plurality of contacts for external connection coupled to the absorber layer, such that all of the contacts for external connection are disposed below the absorber layer and do not block any of the photons from reaching the absorber layer through the window layer. Locating all the contacts on the back side of the PV device avoids solar shadows caused by front side contacts, typically found in conventional solar cells. Therefore, PV devices described herein with back side contacts may allow for increased efficiency when compared to conventional solar cells.

Abstract: A solar cell structure is provided for reducing shadow losses without increasing series resistance in the solar cell device. The solar cell device may form an electrical contact to a solar cell emitter layer from the backside of the solar cell device. With this structure, the emitter contact shadow losses may be reduced significantly while simultaneously decreasing device series resistance.