Abstract: Solar cells include bus bars and high aspect-ratio gridlines that are printed on a substrate, and localized melting is induced to slump or flatten the gridline “vertex” portions that are disposed on the bus bars, while maintaining the high aspect-ratio of gridlines portions disposed on the substrate between the bus bars. The localized melting process is induced using one of several disclosed methods, such as rheological melting in which the two printed inks produce a compound that is relatively liquid. Localized melting is also induced using a deliquescing material (e.g., a flux or a solvent film) that is applied to the bus bar or gridline material. Also, eutectic melting is induced using a processing temperature that is between a melting point of the combined gridline/bus bar inks and the individual melting points of the inks alone. Laser-based melting and the use of copolymers is also disclosed.

Abstract: The textured transparent conductive layer according to the invention is deposited on a substrate intended for a photoelectric device and exhibiting a surface morphology formed from a sequence of humps and hollows. It is characterized in that its hollows have a rounded base with a radius of more than 25 nm; the said hollows are virtually smooth, which is to say that, where they exhibit microroughnesses, these microroughnesses have a height on average of less than 5 nm; and its flanks form an angle with the plane of the substrate whose median of the absolute value is between 30° and 75°.

Abstract: A method for forming a photovoltaic cell. The method includes providing a first silicon material characterized by a resistivity less than about 0.5 ohm cm?1 and a first conductive type impurity characteristic. The first silicon material forms a first conductor layer for a photovoltaic cell. The method deposits a polysilicon film material overlying the surface region. In a specific embodiment, the polysilicon material has the first conductive type impurity characteristics and a resistivity greater than about 0.5 ohm cm?1. In a specific embodiment, the first polysilicon film material is characterized by a grain size greater than about 0.1 mm. The method forms a second conductive type impurity region having a second conductive type impurity characteristics opposite to the first conductive type impurity characteristics in a vicinity of a first surface region of the polysilicon film material. A second conductor layer overlies the second conductive type impurity region to form a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A guided mode resonance solar cell includes a solar cell body and a guided mode resonance unit. The solar cell body is used for converting optical energy into electrical energy. The guided mode resonance unit is formed on the solar cell body, and includes a grating structure and a waveguide structure. The grating structure includes multiple sub-wavelength light pillars. When a light emitted from a light source is incident onto the grating structure, a resonant of the light occurs in the grating structure to facilitate trapping the light in the waveguide structure and elongating an optical path length.

Abstract: An exemplary working electrode includes a transparent conductive substrate, a nanorod layer formed on the transparent conductive substrate, and a porous semiconductor layer formed on the nanorod layer. The nanorod layer includes a plurality of nanorods. Each nanorod is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of iridium-iridium oxide and ruthenium-ruthenium oxide. The porous semiconductor layer has a dye sensitizer adsorbed thereon.

Abstract: A solar cell having a reflective structure is provided, which includes a front contact, a P layer, an I layer, an N layer, and a back contact that are stacked together. The solar cell having the reflective structure is characterized in that the N layer is a layer of low refraction index, and a refraction index of the layer of low refraction index is lower than that of the I layer. Furthermore, the N layer may be a multi-layer structure consisting of several films in which films with low refraction indexes and films with high refraction indexes are stacked alternately. The film in contact with the I layer in the multi-layer structure is a film of low refraction index. A refraction index of the film of low refraction index is lower than that of the I layer.

Abstract: An inexpensive system is provided for manufacturing a CdTe solar cell in a single pass using sputtering without the need for a wet process and without the need for high temperature gas diffusion. Thus, toxic gases and wet chemical baths are advantageously eliminated. A halogen gas, such as chlorine, and oxygen are added during the sputtering of a CdTe film, so that a wet process is eliminated and the deposited CdTe film can be annealed rapidly, such as by a rapid thermal anneal process (RTA).

Abstract: There are provided a frameless solar cell module and a manufacturing method thereof, in which the frameless solar cell module includes a sub-module including a substrate glass, a thin-film solar cell device formed on the substrate glass, a cover glass attached to a light receiving surface side of the thin-film solar cell device, and a filler for adhering and holding the substrate glass and the cover glass, and is characterized in that lamination surfaces at side ends of the sub-module are sealed with a metal sealing material.

Abstract: A conductive reflective film which is formed by calcining a substrate on which a composition containing metal nanoparticles is coated, the conductive reflective film including pores which appear on the film contact surface in the substrate side having an average diameter of 100 nm or less, an average depth of 100 nm or less in terms of position of the pores, and a number density of the pores of 30 pores/?m2 or less.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The thin film solar cell includes a substrate; a transparent layer positioned on the substrate and comprising a plurality of microlenses; a first electrode positioned on the transparent layer; an absorption layer to generate electron-hole pairs from incident light, and positioned on the first electrode; and a second electrode positioned on the absorption layer.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell provided at a center area of a support to expose an edge area of the support. An optical waveguide layer is provided on the edge area of the support to concentrate light to the solar cell.

Abstract: A solar cell unit is disclosed, wherein the solar cell module includes a solar cell unit converting light from the sun to a DC voltage and outputting the converted DC voltage; an inverting unit inverting the outputted DC voltage to an AC voltage; and an inverting outdoor unit protecting the inverting unit from outdoor space, wherein the inverting outdoor unit includes: a heat emitting unit emitting heat generated from the inverting outdoor unit or the inverting unit; and a thermal expansion protecting unit keeping temperature equilibrium between the inverting unit and the inverting outdoor unit.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is provided comprising an energy conversion material. The energy conversion material comprises nanosized semiconductor quantum structures comprising a first quantum dot and a second quantum dot. The first quantum dot has a first size, and the second quantum dot has a second size. The separation of the first and second quantum dots is of the same order of magnitude as the first or second size or smaller, such that, by irradiating the first quantum dot with a photon for producing one or more excitons in the first quantum dot, one or more further excitons are also produced in the second quantum dot.

Abstract: A reusable transfer substrate member for forming a tiled substrate structure. The member including a transfer substrate, which has a surface region. The surface region comprises a plurality of donor substrate regions. Each of the donor substrate regions is characterized by a donor substrate thickness and a donor substrate surface region. Each of the donor substrate regions is spatially disposed overlying the surface region of the transfer substrate. Each of the donor substrate regions has the donor substrate thickness without a definable cleave region.

Abstract: A system intermittently feeding liquid to animal cages has a duct feeding liquid to liquid dispensers for the animals. Each dispenser includes: a lower portion with a liquid dispensing pipette for supplying liquid to the animals, an upper portion having a liquid flow rate adjuster in fluid flow relationship with liquid in the duct, and a buffer between the pipette and flow rate adjuster. The duct includes a valve responsive to a signal so that, during normal operation, with animals in the cages, the valve intermittently feeds liquid in the duct to the dispensers. The volume of liquid fed via the duct to the dispensers during each intermittent liquid feed depends on: time interval between adjacent feeds, flow rates of the flow rate adjusters, volumes of the buffers, and the buffers never being filled with the liquid so an airspace is always in the buffers.

Abstract: An aircraft gas-turbine oil tank has a breather outlet tube 2 branching off from an upper area of the oil tank 1 and connecting to a breather and a connecting tube 6 joining to a bottom area of the oil tank 1. An air guide tube which is open at both ends is arranged in the upper area of the oil tank 1, with the air guide tube 3 protruding into the breather outlet tube 2 and extending into a middle area of the oil tank 1.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for providing a flow of particulate matter such as a catalyst to a reactor, comprising intermittently adding said particulate matter and a diluent to a mixing tank, and continuously withdrawing a slurry of particulate matter in diluent from the mixing tank for introduction into the reactor, wherein prior to each addition of particulate matter and diluent to the mixing tank, the concentration of particulate matter in the diluent already in the mixing tank is measured or calculated, and the amount of particulate matter and diluent subsequently added is measured so as to achieve the same concentration at the end of the addition as that measured or calculated prior to the addition. Preferably measurement of the amount of particulate matter and diluent added to the mixing tank is carried out before any diluent is added to the particulate matter.

Abstract: A foreign object in a discharge path defined and formed in a valve case is effectively removed.

Abstract: A safety device on a high-pressure connector of a hydraulic device has a shield that surrounds the high-pressure connector and catches hydraulic liquid that escapes at high pressure. The shield has a housing surrounding seal-tightly a pressure medium distributor on the hydraulic device and has furthermore a protective pipe connected to the housing and surrounding a connecting nipple for a high-pressure hose conduit adapted to be coupled by a hose coupling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hot tapping machine in which the cutter is rotated to cut a coupon from a pipeline by a drive mechanism located at the end of the machine closest to the pipeline. The cutter is advanced towards the pipeline by a second drive mechanism which can be located at the end of the machine remote from the pipeline.

Abstract: A by-pass valve for a heat exchanger circuit that includes a cooler has a chamber and ports for flow of fluid into and out of this chamber. A thermally sensitive actuator is mounted in the chamber and can extend or retract in dependence on its body temperature as influenced by temperature of the fluid. A by-pass valve seat is arranged in a valve housing along with a by-pass valve member movable by the actuator into or out of engagement with the seat. A relief valve is mounted in the chamber and has a relief valve member movable between closed and open positions in order to close or open pressure relief ports. This relief valve member is biased towards the closed position. Excessive pressure build up in an end section of the chamber causes the relief valve member to move to its open position.

Abstract: Cylinder mounting mechanism is provided in a working machine for mounting thereto a cylinder case having a cassette gas cylinder accommodated therein. Mouthpiece support section is provided in the mounting mechanism for supporting a mouthpiece portion of the cassette gas cylinder in the cylinder case. Fitting recessed portion is provided in one end portion of the cylinder case and capable of receiving the mouthpiece support section, the fitting recessed portion being defined by an inner peripheral wall part of the one end portion that has a tapering wall thickness such that the surface of the wall part slants gradually outwardly toward the distal end of the fitting recessed portion.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for gas bottle valve stems is provided comprised of an elongated tubular body configured to fit on a valve stem. A projection extends from an interior surface of the protective sleeve and is adapted to lockingly engage with an orifice in an opposing surface of the valve stem whereby the sleeve is prevented from being easily removed from the valve stem upon being placed thereover due to engagement of the projection with the orifice. A tear strip is provided within a side surface of the protective sleeve, whereby a portion of the protective sleeve may be removed to permit disengagement of the protective sleeve. A housing may be provided in the protective sleeve for storage of a washer which may be used to provide a seal between a regulator and the valve stem of the gas bottle.

Abstract: A safety device for closure elements (1) on pressure-medium-containing tanks, in particular on hydropneumatic devices such as hydraulic accumulators, wherein a screw connection is provided as a closure device on a filling or checking port, which screw connection has a closure screw (1) which is in threaded engagement on the port (3) and which blocks the port (3) when the screw connection is tightened and opens the port (3) when a now path is released, is characterized in that a means (25) is provided which limits the free movement path of the closure element (1) which is moved out of a closed position as a result of occurring overpressure.

Abstract: A valve comprising a body and a plug is disclosed. The body has a pair of ports and a tubular structure having a side wall and an open end and defining interiorly a first subchamber communicating with one port. The wall has an opening. The body defines a second subchamber communicating with the other port, extending around the wall and beyond the end to communicate with the end and the opening. The plug has an opening, is mounted to the structure and telescopes between first and second positions. At the second position, the plug is disposed at least partly in the second subchamber and the valve defines, between the ports: a first flow path through the wall opening; and a second flow path through the open end of the structure, via the plug opening. At the first position, the plug and structure restrict flow through the first and second paths.

Abstract: A pilot-operated check valve (1) including a valve housing (2) and a main slide (4), the main slide (4) being movable between a first and a second position in the valve housing (2), the main slide (4) communicating with at least two main ports (20, 22) in the valve housing (2), and a movable valve body (42), which cooperates with a valve seat (40) in the main slide (4), being arranged to block flow in a first direction between the main ports (20, 22), and to open to flow in an opposite second direction between the main ports (20, 22), and the valve body (42) bearing in an opening manner, possibly via intermediate components (30, 52), against the valve housing (2) when the main slide (6) is in its second position in the valve housing (2), whereby opening to flow in the first direction takes place.

Abstract: A metering body for a chemical injection system comprises a free piston having a pair of mechanically-actuated poppet valves which may individually open to permit fluid to pass from one side of the free piston to the other. The free piston slides within a cylinder having cylinder heads at opposing ends. Input/output ports are provided in the cylinder heads. In a preferred embodiment, the poppet valves have actuators that extend beyond the opposing faces of the free piston. If one face of the piston moves to within a predetermined distance of a cylinder head, the actuator contacts the cylinder head and further movement of the piston causes the corresponding poppet valve to open, permitting fluid to flow through the piston. In this way, a fault-tolerant system may be implemented. If a power interruption or other failure of the controller occurs, the system will continue to supply fluid at the most recently selected flow rate.

Abstract: A pilot valve (2) for controlling operation of a hydraulically-actuated pressure reducing valve, the pilot valve including a housing (4), and a first valve member (15) mounted in the housing for longitudinal movement along an axis relative to the housing and to a second valve member (22) in response to the outlet pressure of the pressure reducing valve. The first valve member is provided with an aperture (20) and the second valve member comprises a closure portion which varies the effective flow cross section of the aperture in accordance with relative longitudinal movement between the first and second valve members. An adjuster (26) controls the relative rotational position of the first and second valve members, the closure portion having a profile such that relative rotation between the first and second valve members causes the closure portion to vary the effective flow cross section of the aperture (20).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for connecting an external water feed line to an internal water line of a laundry care household appliance. The apparatus has a housing in which one end of an external water feed line is arranged and a safety valve for shutting off or opening a water line which is inside the housing. The housing has an opening for discharging leakage water.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel tank check valve including: a main tubular body attached on a fuel filler pipe; a valve element; a first tube that is disposed between the main tubular body and the fuel filler pipe and that has a first locking portion to engage with the fuel filler pipe; an annular seal member; and a second tube that is disposed to sandwich the annular seal member with the first tube and that has a second locking portion to engage with the main tubular body, wherein the fuel filler pipe is disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the first tube, wherein the first locking portion projects in an inside diameter direction, and wherein the first locking portion engages with an engagement hole in the fuel filler pipe from an outside.

Abstract: A demand type, multiple use, hot water distribution and freeze protection system and method that responds to the user's desire for hot water at a particular sink or fixture by delivering hot water rapidly to that fixture, and only that fixture, without running water down the drain is disclosed. The system requires only one pump at the water heater, and does not require a dedicated hot water return line, but works with a dedicated line in retrofit applications. Circulating water in the plumbing system can also be used to protect plumbing from freeze damage. Each valve and activation device operates by transmitting a start command to the valve controller which sends the pump controller a start signal, the valve to open, hot water to circulate and the valve to close when the hot water arrives at the fixture preventing heated water from filling the cold water line.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying waste streams exhausted from first and second chambers is provided. The apparatus comprises first conduit means comprising an inlet for receiving a waste stream exhausted from the first chamber, and an outlet, and a second conduit means comprising an inlet for receiving a waste stream exhausted from a second chamber, and an outlet. The outlets of the first and second conduit means are connected together. The first conduit means comprises means for generating sonic choking of gas being conveyed towards the outlet of the first conduit means in order to inhibit migration of a component of the waste stream exhausted from the second chamber towards the first chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to microfluidic devices including a manifold arrangement (1) with a terminal output channel (5) and a via (6) for connecting the terminal output (5) to the extreme end (11) of the manifold (1). The via (6) and channel (5) together form a bleed outlet. The shape of the via is such that it will always overlap the extreme end of the manifold, irrespective of the expected variability in via to manifold alignment. Preferably the manifold has a generally rectangular cross-section.

Abstract: A branching device or transition apparatus for controlling pulsation of a fluid in a piping system includes at least one large flow channel, at least two small flow channels, and at least one divider that transitions the single large flow channel into the two small flow channels internally, wherein the wall surfaces of the internal ports are generally smooth and continuous, and wherein the divider is adapted to prevent the creation of significant disturbances in fluid flow patterns through the device Typically the area of each of the small flow channels can be between about 25% to about 75% of the large flow channels, and the branching device can safely withstand pressures of between about 125 psig to about 2500 psig.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed for introducing botanical treatment liquid into water that is flowing from a hose bib into a hose. The apparatus includes a hose bib adaptor that can be connected to the hose bib with a flex hose and a treatment liquid input port that extends at an at least partly upward angle from the hose bib adaptor. In preferred embodiments, the hose bib adaptor includes a flexible segment to facilitate its adaptability to various configurations of hose bib.

Abstract: A separated-control valve device includes a valve seat having two inlets and two outlets respectively defined therein. A valve plate is irrotatably mounted on the valve seat and has two inlets and two outlets respectively corresponding to the two inlets and two outlets of the valve seat. A control module is mounted on the valve plate and including two valves slidably mounted on the valve plate. Each of the two valves has a guiding recess defined therein for selectively communicating with the inlet and outlet. A control seat is irrotatably mounted on the valve plate. Two levers are pivotally mounted in the control seat to respectively connect to the two valves for slidably moving the two valves.

Abstract: System security and control, also at distance through GSM module, of water supply, liquids and gas supply (of urban facilities for civil houses, cylinder, fixed gas cylinder) by opening and/or closing multiple automatic electromechanical valves. The management system is based on an electronic control divided into gas/section and liquid section and a series of sensors, as presence detectors, detectors of gas and liquids, located in the most appropriate place and at the discretion of the user. As Regards as the valves related to gas section, these valves should be installed outside the house or working place to prevent that the escape of gas that could happen in the section of pipe located before the electronic valve, may spread inside the environment that is monitored, thus thwarting, in this way the installation and use of the system itself. Also for the water/liquid section, for the positioning of the electronic valve, we use the same principles made for the gas section.

Abstract: A three-position diverter valve having a longitudinal stem with opposite actuating and operating ends, and a body member defining at least one inlet aperture and first and second outlet apertures. The actuating end defines a plug with a pair of O-rings attached thereto. The plug can be selectively positioned to: (1) block water entering the at least one inlet aperture; (2) permit fluid (i.e. water) communication between the at least one inlet aperture and the first outlet aperture; and (3) permit fluid communication between the at least one inlet aperture and the second outlet aperture.

Abstract: A water flow temperature control system is described. A hot and cold water flow respectively flow through a first and a second inlet passage of a valve and reach a temperature control sheet through a pressure equalization valve and two water seals. The quantities of the water flows are controlled by changing positions of two large or two small tapered adjusting holes on the temperature control sheet relative to the two water seals before flowing towards a water mixer of a mixing device. The water flows enter from a large opening portion of the water mixer, and are mixed in a helical direction. After that, the water flows pass through a number of outlet holes on a small opening portion of the water mixer towards an outlet passage of the valve. The center of the temperature control sheet is connected to a first end of a transmission shaft.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a diverter valve system includes a valve body defining an internal chamber having at least first, second and third ports, and a first valve seat associated with the first port and a second valve seat associated with the second port. A valve shaft structure includes an internal shaft portion positioned within the internal chamber, the valve shaft structure configured for rotation about a valve axis through a range of motion.

Abstract: A separated-control valve device includes a valve seat having a space defined therein. An inner lower periphery of the space has two inlets and two outlets are defined therein and communicated with the space. A control assembly is partially and pivotably received in the space in the valve seat. The control assembly has a first valve and a second valve for respectively adjusting water flowing from the inlet to the outlet. A limiter is mounted on the valve seat for confining the control assembly received in the space.

Abstract: A flexible extension device (10) for remotely operating a faucet (F). The faucet's handle (H) is removed for one end (12) of the device to be coupled to the faucet's stem (M). The handle is then attached to the other end (16) of the device. The device has a length sufficient so that when installed, the handle is readily accessible to the faucet's user. Because the extension device is flexible, it can be appropriately bent or twisted so the handle is now conveniently located for the user. The device, when installed, allows ready access for the user so they can remotely operate the faucet to open and shut it, and regulate the flow of water from the faucet.

Abstract: Provided are a connection structure for connecting corrugated synthetic resin pipes and a corrugated synthetic resin pipe used in the connection structure. The pipe is lightweight, low cost, and simply structured with a small number of components, having sufficient resistance to water and pressure, and excellent sealing performance without the use of robust material or requiring high precision, and capable of being easily connected and manufactured. A first corrugated synthetic resin pipe 1A is provided at an end 10 with a cylindrical insert end 3 formed by adhering a synthetic resin layer 5 to the outer surface of the end 10 so as to fill at least corrugated recesses a. A second corrugated synthetic resin pipe 1B is provided at an end 11 with a socket 4 formed by adhering synthetic resin to the outer surface of the end 11 and cylindrically extending the resin outwardly in the axial direction.

Abstract: A flexible hose for conveying fluids and suitable for high temperature environments, the hose comprising a core tube, a thermal insulating layer surrounding the core tube, a metal layer surrounding the thermal insulating layer, and a vented jacket surrounding the cover layer. The thermal insulating layer may be a fibrous material such as a silica fiber. The metal layer may also be a chemical resistant layer and be thermally stable up to at least about 550° F. The vented jacket may be a wire braid having interstices therein and formed from a corrosion resistant material.

Abstract: An insulated article having a first insulation region comprising a first polymeric material and first hollow ceramic microspheres and a second insulation region comprising a second polymeric material and second hollow ceramic microspheres. The first insulation region has a thermal conductivity that is no greater than the thermal conductivity of the first polymeric material and a volumetric heat capacity in a range of 60% to 90% of the volumetric heat capacity of the first polymeric material. The second insulation region has a thermal conductivity that is no greater than 90% of the thermal conductivity of the second polymeric material and a volumetric heat capacity that is less than 60% of the volumetric heat capacity of the second polymeric material. A method for making a composition for insulating an article is also described.

Abstract: A woven cloth is provided in which war yarns are relatively uncrimped compared to fill yarns. In some embodiments, the cloth includes flat filament warp yarns and textured fill yarns. In some embodiments, the woven cloth is sailcloth.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a cabling media using a wire pair including first and second conductor members, each of the first and second conductor members including a respective conductor and a respective insulation cover surrounding the conductor thereof, includes a wire pair twisting device and a wire pair twist modulator. The wire pair twisting device is adapted to twist the first and second conductor members about one another to form a twisted wire pair. The wire pair twist modulator is upstream of the wire pair twisting device. The wire pair twist modulator includes an engagement member to hold the first and second conductor members at a hold location to restrict rotation of the first and second conductor members about one another. The apparatus defines a twist zone extending from the hold location to a twist initiation location of the wire pair twisting device.

Abstract: A liquid distribution device including a liquid distributor having an inlet pipe connected to a piping manifold that further includes a plurality of liquid distribution pipes each liquid distribution pipe including an inlet connected to the piping manifold and an outlet, and a liquid impact portion having a plurality of pans located in close proximity to the outlet of one or more of the liquid distribution pipes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling closure for a docking device used for decanting, filling, and/or emptying containers, particularly in an environmentally isolated manner. Said coupling closure has a closure side and a container side and comprises a nozzle stub and a cap which is mounted in said nozzle stub so as to be pivotable about an axis and has an external side that faces the closure side in the closed position. The invention further relates to a docking device for decanting, filling, and/or emptying containers, particularly in an environmentally isolated manner. Said docking device comprises first and second disclosed coupling closures which can be placed flush against each other by means of the respective closure sides thereof. The invention also relates to a working platform, a locking unit for a docking device, and a method for decanting, filling, and/or emptying containers, particularly in an environmentally isolated manner.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems, methods and devices for containing a substance within a region. In some embodiments, one or more hollow structures are positioned around the region and the structures are at least partly filled (e.g., through fill openings) with a weighting material. Some embodiments relate to a curved device comprising steps, such that a first cross-section of the device comprises a round shape and a second cross-section comprises a plurality of substantially linear segments. Some embodiments relate to a tank connection device comprising a sleeve extending through a curved device.