Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub having a door that provides access to the tub. The door has a handle which extends a top surface of the door beyond a front surface of the door. A touchscreen panel is mounted to the top surface of a door to provide a user interface. The user interface includes a carrousel of icons via which a user may select a wash cycle. The user interface further includes a programmed delay interface via which a user may specify a desired start time and/or stop time for the wash cycle. The user interface may further provide the user with usage guidance to aid the user in the usage of the dishwasher.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub having a door that provides access to the tub. The door has a handle which extends a top surface of the door beyond a front surface of the door. A touchscreen panel is mounted to the top surface of a door to provide a user interface. The user interface includes a carrousel of icons via which a user may select a wash cycle. The user interface further includes a programmed delay interface via which a user may specify a desired start time and/or stop time for the wash cycle. The user interface may further provide the user with usage guidance to aid the user in the usage of the dishwasher.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a dairy animal milker unit and applying dip to a dairy animal, the system includes a main control, an air supply, a water supply, a backflush fluid supply, a dip supply, a stall control for receiving the air, water, backflush fluid and dip supplies, and a safety valve that is adjacent to a downstream portion of the milker unit to control backflush and dip fluids being fed to the milker unit.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a shank, a fixed ring mounted on the shank, a movable ring mounted on the shank, a plurality of connecting members pivotally connected with the fixed ring and the movable ring, a plurality of locking mechanisms each mounted in the respective connecting member, a plurality of ribs each detachably mounted on the respective connecting member on the fixed ring and each releasably locked onto the respective locking mechanism, and a plurality of spreaders each detachably mounted on the respective connecting member on the movable ring and each releasably locked onto the respective locking mechanism. Thus, each of the spreaders and the ribs can be detached from the respective connecting member easily and quickly by operation of each of the locking mechanisms.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a shank, a fixed ring mounted on the shank, a movable ring movably mounted on the shank, a plurality of mounting brackets secured on the fixed ring and the movable ring, a plurality of ribs each detachably connected with the respective mounting bracket on the fixed ring, a plurality of spreaders each detachably connected with the respective mounting bracket on the movable ring, and a plurality of locking mechanisms each mounted in the respective rib and the respective spreader and each detachably locked onto the respective mounting bracket to detachably lock each of the ribs and the spreaders onto the respective mounting bracket. Thus, each of the spreaders and the ribs can be detached from the respective mounting bracket, so that each of the spreaders and the ribs can be removed for replacement.

Abstract: An umbrella device with a hood portion having a length greater than the distance between a tip of the user's head to his waste.

Abstract: A tent assembly includes a storage container, a tent body, a first fold guide and a second fold guide. The tent body is configured to transition from an erect position to a collapsed position and is configured to be folded along a plurality of predetermined fold lines to fit within the storage container when the tent body is in the collapsed position. The first fold guide is coupled to the tent body and is spaced a first distance from and positioned on a first side of one of the plurality of predetermined fold lines. The second fold guide is coupled to the tent body and spaced the first distance from and positioned on a second side of the one of the plurality of predetermined fold lines, wherein the second side is opposite the first side. Other tents, tent bodies and associated methods are also described.

Abstract: A foldable tent includes a frame unit, a driven mechanism, and a driving mechanism. The frame unit includes first and second upright posts, and a connecting rod rotatably interconnecting the first and second upright posts. The driven mechanism includes two supporting units, and two tent covers, each of which has a first securing portion connected fixedly to the connecting rod, and a second securing portion connected fixedly to a respective one of the supporting units. The driven mechanism is convertible between an unfolded state, where the tent covers are unwound, and a folded state, where the tent covers are wound on the connecting rod. The driving mechanism is mounted on the frame unit for driving the connecting rod to rotate to thereby convert the driven mechanism between the unfolded and folded states.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. X-shaped truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a thermoelectric material for thermoelectric purposes at a temperature of 150 K or less, said thermoelectric material is a material corresponding to the stoichiometric formula FeSb2, wherein all or part of the Fe atoms optionally being substituted by one or more elements selected from the group comprising: Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, La, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Tr, Pt, Au, Hg, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu and a vacancy; and wherein all or part of the Sb atoms optionally being substituted by one or more elements selected from the group comprising: P, As, Bi, S, Se, Te, B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb and a vacancy; with the proviso that neither one of the elements Fe and Sb in the formula FeSb2 is fully substituted with a vacancy, characterised in that said thermoelectric material exhibits a power factor (S2?) of 25 ?W/cmK2 or more at a temperature of 150 K or less.

Abstract: A wire-based hanging wire-way for photovoltaic modules or module groups is described. A photovoltaic system includes a first and a second photovoltaic module group. A wire-based hanging wire-way is coupled with the first and the second photovoltaic module groups. A first bundle of electrical cables is supported by the wire-based hanging wire-way. One or more electrical cables from the first bundle of electrical cables are coupled to the first photovoltaic module group. The photovoltaic system also includes a power distribution network adapted to receive a second bundle of electrical cables, the second bundle of electrical cables including the first bundle of electrical cables. Further, one or more electrical cables from the second bundle of electrical cables is coupled to the second photovoltaic module group.

Abstract: A solar cell having an open loop voltage that approaches a critical voltage range when exposed to light. A circuit, connected to the solar cell, is configured to load the solar cell when the open loop voltage of the solar cell reaches a threshold within a predetermined range of the critical voltage range.

Abstract: A fused wiring harness having a fused wiring assembly and a second wiring assembly. The fused wiring assembly includes a first primary conductor, a first secondary fused conductor, and a second secondary fused conductor. The first secondary fused conductor is conductively connected to the first primary conductor at a first junction. The second secondary fused conductor is conductively connected to the first primary conductor at a second junction. The second wiring assembly includes a second primary conductor, a first secondary conductor, and a second secondary conductor. The first secondary conductor is conductively connected to the second primary conductor at a third junction. The fused wiring harness further includes a first overmold portion at least partially enveloping the first junction and the third junction, thereby securing the fused wiring assembly to the second wiring assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically or remotely rendering a solar array safe during an emergency or maintenance. A watchdog unit is disclosed for monitoring a signal from a central controller. If the signal is lost, interrupted, or becomes irregular, or if a shutdown signal is received, then the watchdog unit can shutdown one or more solar modules. Shutting down a solar module can mean disconnecting it from a power bus of the solar array or lowering the solar module voltage to a safe level.

Abstract: Rotationally translated PV cells exhibit enhanced efficiency relative to identical cells provided in a flat array statically arranged parallel to the plane of the earth or designed to follow the arc of the sun. A solar energy converting article that includes a shaft and a plurality of outwardly extending vanes, each of which bears a plurality of photovoltaic cells, can produce larger amounts of current than the same area of photovoltaic cells arranged in a plane. The article can be used as part of an assembly with a motor or generator.

Abstract: The present application provides a geothermal heating and cooling system for a power conversion system within an enclosure. The geothermal heating and cooling system may include a heat exchanger positioned about the power conversion system and within the enclosure, one or more pipes positioned within the ground, and a heat transfer medium circulating within the heat exchanger and the pipes so as to transfer heat between the power conversion system and the ground.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power generation system including a solar cell module having a plurality of layers and a sun tracking device to change an incident angle of solar energy upon the solar cell module. The sun tracking device is mounted at one of the layers such that the sun tracking device is combined with the solar cell module into a module.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that comprises photovoltaic cells provided on a first rotatable member, an electric motor having an axial shaft, and a second rotatable member provided with an impeller. The photovoltaic cells capture and convert the solar energy into electrical energy. The electric motor is connected to and is in electric communication with the photovoltaic cells for powering the electric motor. The electric motor converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy for rotating the photovoltaic cells in a first direction about a central axis and for rotating the axial shaft connected to an impeller in a second direction about the central axis. The rotating axial shaft rotates the impeller at high revolutions per minute which generates a flow of air that is directed to the rotating photovoltaic cells on the first rotatable member. The photovoltaic cells are cooled by the air-flow and operate at a lower temperature.

Abstract: A solar collector utilizes multiple reflections of light passing down a tapered, pyramidal-type structure made of highly-reflective mirrored surfaces. A right-angled truncated reflective pyramidal structures have been discovered to have many properties which make them superior to existing concentrator geometries. The use of a tapered, pyramidal-type structure creates multiple reflections which appear at the collector output in the form of a Buckminster-Fullerene display, providing improved collector efficiency and amplification when compared to prior art “concentrators” of the Fresnel lens or parabola type.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes interconnected solar cells, a transparent cover over the front sides of the solar cells, and a backsheet on the backsides of the solar cells. The solar cell module includes an electrical insulator between the transparent cover and the front sides of the solar cells. An encapsulant protectively packages the solar cells. To prevent polarization, the insulator has resistance suitable to prevent charge from leaking from the front sides of the solar cells to other portions of the solar cell module by way of the transparent cover. The insulator may be attached (e.g., by coating) directly on an underside of the transparent cover or be a separate layer formed between layers of the encapsulant. The solar cells may be back junction solar cells.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a photovoltaic array assembly which includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules and a frame surrounding and supporting each of the photovoltaic modules in an array. A plurality of pivot bearings are advantageously integrated into the frame along a single axis. Another embodiment relates to a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic array assembly. The method includes manufacturing a frame to surround and support a plurality of photovoltaic modules in an array. The method further includes integrating a plurality of pivot bearings into the frame and inserting the plurality of photovoltaic modules into the frame. Other embodiments, features and aspects are also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a photovoltaic (PV) module assembly with integrated junctions manufactured in a factory. The assembly includes a plurality of PV laminates and a frame surrounding and supporting each of the PV laminates in the module. A plurality of environmentally-protected electrical junctions interconnect the photovoltaic laminates. Another embodiment relates to a method of manufacturing a PV module assembly in which pin terminals of PV laminates are inserted into corresponding sockets of junction boxes that are integrated into a frame of the assembly. Another embodiment relates to a method of manufacturing a PV module assembly in which non-insulated conductors are extended from PV laminates, electrical junctions are formed between the conductors, and material is applied to encapsulate the junctions. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for removing charge buildup/leakage from solar modules. A discharge controller may be coupled between a solar module and a string bus of a solar array. The discharge controller may be configured to disconnect the solar module from the string bus, and to connect a grounded frame to solar cells of the solar module. Since the grounded frame of the solar module may be grounded, connecting the grounded frame and the solar cells allows charge buildup/leakage to discharge into ground.

Abstract: Fullerene-capped Group IV nanoparticles, materials and devices made from the nanoparticles, and methods for making the nanoparticles are provided. The fullerene-capped Group IV nanoparticles have enhanced electron transporting properties and are well-suited for use in photovoltaic, electronics, and solid-state lighting applications.

Abstract: A solar cell uses a sliver of a silicon wafer as a substrate. The sliver has a front side that faces the sun during normal operation. The front side of the sliver includes a surface from along a thickness of the wafer, allowing for more efficient use of silicon. Metal contacts are formed on the back side of the sliver. The metal contacts electrically connect to the emitter and base of the solar cell, which may be formed within the sliver or be made of polysilicon. The emitter of the solar cell may be a P-type doped region and the base of the solar cell may be an N-type doped region, for example. The solar cell may include an anti-reflective coating formed on the front side of the sliver. The anti-reflective coating may be over a textured surface on the front side of the sliver.

Abstract: A solar cell device includes a solar cell with a semiconductor having at least one p-doped region and at least one n-doped region. Electrical p-contacts and n-contacts on the back of the solar cell are connected to correspondingly doped regions of the semiconductor. At least one p-busbar is connected to the electrical p-contacts and at least one n-busbar is connected to the electrical n-contacts. The busbars collect current of the electrical contacts and form a direction of longitudinal extension and a connection arrangement providing an electrically conductive connection of at least one busbar of the solar cell to at least one busbar of an adjacent solar cell. The connection arrangement includes at least one first connection section extending essentially perpendicular to the direction of longitudinal extension of the busbars, which connection section, by way of connection regions, is connected in a point-like manner with at least one busbar.

Abstract: A method of making semiconducting oxide nanowire arrays on such as rutile is disclosed wherein a substrate is heated in the presence of a reaction mixture of non-polar solvent, semi-conductor metal oxide precursor source and strong acid to produce a nanowire array of a semiconducting oxide on the substrate. Dye sensitized solar cells that employ these nanowire arrays also are disclosed.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a photoelectric conversion module having a light incident surface and a europium-doped cover glass applied on the light incident surface. The photoelectric conversion module is configured for receiving light and converting the light into electric energy. The cover glass includes two phases each having a phase size of less than 500 nanometers. At least one of the phases is interconnected three-dimensionally throughout the cover glass. The cover glass being capable of converting first light of a first wavelength into second light of a second wavelength, the second wavelength is greater than the first wavelength.

Abstract: A solar concentrator for concentrating and communicating lower energy light than sunlight to a solar cell, having a chromophore comprised of at least one of neodymium, ytterbium, or vanadium, and having an optical waveguide for directing light to an optical communication region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible energy conversion device, comprising a first flexible substrate, a transparent electrode disposed on the first flexible substrate, a first nanostructure disposed on the transparent electrode and comprising a transition metal oxide or semi-metal oxide, a second nanostructure disposed on the first nanostructure, a second flexible substrate disposed on the second nanostructure, and a sealing layer for sealing the first flexible substrate an the second flexible substrate. A method of manufacturing the flexible energy conversion device is also provided.

Abstract: A first solar battery unit and a second solar battery unit are stacked between a front-side electrode and a backside electrode and sandwiching an intermediate layer having conductivity, and a Schottky barrier is formed between the intermediate layer and an electrode connecting layer which connects the front-side electrode and the backside electrode.

Abstract: A solar cell receiver comprising a solar cell having one or more III-V compound semiconductor layers, a diode coupled in parallel with the solar cell and operable to be forward-biased in instances when the solar cell is not generating above a threshold voltage, a coating substantially encapsulating the diode, an undercoating that substantially eliminates any air gap between the anode and cathode of the diode, and a connector adapted to couple to other solar cell receivers.

Abstract: A solar cell module comprises a transparent substrate, e.g., a glass substrate. On top of the glass substrate a layer system is deposited. The layer system comprises a front electrode which may be a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer. Furthermore, the layer system comprises a thin film semiconductor layer deposited on the front electrode layer. A back electrode is formed on the thin film semiconductor layer which includes a very thin metal layer having a thickness d smaller than 50 nm. A Lambertian reflective layer is deposited on the thin metal layer in order to reflect light transmitted through the metal layer.

Abstract: A solar cell includes two backside metallization materials that are simultaneously extrusion deposited on a semiconductor substrate such that both a back surface field (BSF) metal layer (e.g., Al) and a solder pad metal structure (e.g., AgAl) are coplanar and non-overlapping, and the two metals abut each other to form a continuous metal layer that extends over the backside surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the solder pad metal is formed directly on the backside surface of the substrate, either by co-extruding the two materials in the form of a continuous sheet, or by depositing spaced apart structures that are then flattened to contact each other by way of an air jet device. In another embodiment, the solder pad metal is disposed over a thin layer of the BSF metal (i.e., either disposed directly on the BSF metal, or disposed on an intervening barrier layer) using a co-extrusion head.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is disclosed herein that, in various aspects, includes a conductive layer, and a substantially crystalline lamina with a first surface oriented toward the conductive layer and a second surface oriented away from the conductive layer. The lamina thickness is within the range between about 0.2 microns and about 50 microns. An aperture passes through the lamina from the first surface to the second surface. A connector in electrical communication with the conductive layer is disposed through the aperture. Methods of manufacture of the photovoltaic devise are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for efficiently producing closely-spaced parallel gridlines and perpendicular bus bar structures on a substrate during a single pass of a multi-nozzle printhead assembly over the substrate. A first section of the parallel gridlines is printed adjacent to one edge of the substrate while moving the printhead assembly in a first direction. The printhead assembly is then reciprocated in a second direction (X-axis) orthogonal to the first direction, whereby the extruded material forms a bus bar structure extending perpendicular to the gridlines. Movement of the printhead assembly in the first direction is then resumed to form a second section of the gridlines. The second direction reciprocation process is repeated for each desired bus bar structure. The entire gridline/bus bar printing process is performed without halting the extrusion of material (i.e., using a continuous bead).

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell structure includes a substrate, a metal layer, a high resistivity layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, an n-type semiconductor layer and a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may include molybdenum and be formed on the substrate to be a back contact metal layer of the cell. The high resistivity layer (e.g., V2O5) is formed on the metal layer. The p-type semiconductor layer is formed on the high resistivity layer and may include compound of CIGS or CIS. The n-type semiconductor layer (e.g., CdS) is formed on the p-type semiconductor layer, thereby forming a p-n junction. The transparent conductive layer is formed on the n-type semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell structure includes a substrate, a metal layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, an n-type semiconductor layer and a transparent conductive layer. The substrate has a rough surface. The metal layer may include molybdenum and be formed on the rough surface. The p-type semiconductor layer is formed on the metal layer and may include CIGSS, CIGS, CIS, or compound of two or more of copper, selenium, sulfur. The n-type semiconductor layer is formed on the p-type semiconductor layer thereby forming a rough p-n junction surface. The n-type semiconductor layer may include CdS. The transparent conductive layer is formed on the n-type semiconductor layer. In an embodiment, the roughness Ra of the rough surface is between 0.01 to 100 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical device and to a method of fabricating the same. In embodiments, the invention relates to a photovoltaic device or solar cell. The optical device comprises a first electrode and a second electrode and an active element disposed between the first and second electrodes. The active element comprising a plurality of semiconducting structures extending in a lengthwise direction from the first electrode and being in contact with the first and second electrodes; the active element comprises an np-junction. For the semiconducting structures, at least a part of the structures is of a general plate or flake shape. In embodiments, the semiconducting structures have at least one characteristic dimension in the nanometer range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection and junction box (1) for a photovoltaic solar module (24), which box in a mounting state, is put on the solar module (24) with open contact clamp(s) (22), and the contact clamps are actively closed for contacting the flexible flat conductor band(s) (28). Preferably, the actuating the contact clamp(s) (22) is automatically carried out by means of a device between two housing parts (2, 50), when putting on.

Abstract: Provided are a dye-sensitized solar cell and a method of fabricating the same. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a lower substrate, an upper substrate, a dielectric, a semiconductor electrode layer, a dye layer, and an electrolyte. The upper substrate is spaced from the lower substrate and has a light emitting surface facing a surface of the lower substrate and a light incident surface opposite to the light emitting surface. The dielectric is disposed on the surface of the lower substrate. The semiconductor electrode layer includes electrode dots disposed on the dielectric. The dye layer is disposed on surfaces of the electrode dots. The electrolyte is disposed between the lower substrate and the upper substrate.

Abstract: An organometal material gas is supplied into a low electron temperature and high density plasma excited by microwaves to form a thin film of a compound on a substrate as a film forming object. In this case, the temperature of a supply system for the organometal material gas is controlled by taking advantage of the relationship between the vapor pressure and temperature of the organometal material gas.

Abstract: A method for forming an emitter structure on a substrate and emitter structures resulting therefrom is disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes forming, on the substrate, a first layer comprising semiconductor material. The method also includes texturing a surface of the first layer, thereby forming a first emitter region from the first layer, wherein the first emitter region has a first textured surface. The method also includes forming a second emitter region at the first textured surface, the second emitter region having a second textured surface.

Abstract: A solar cell includes abutting P-type and N-type doped regions in a contiguous portion of a polysilicon layer. The polysilicon layer may be formed on a thin dielectric layer, which is formed on a backside of a solar cell substrate (e.g., silicon wafer). The polysilicon layer has a relatively large average grain size to reduce or eliminate recombination in a space charge region between the P-type and N-type doped regions, thereby increasing efficiency.

Abstract: A solar concentrator for concentrating and communicating lower energy light than sunlight to a solar cell, having multiple chromophores physically separated by a sufficient distance for luminescence, and an optical waveguide for directing light to an optical communication region.

Abstract: A highly-efficient photoelectric conversion device is provided without complicating the manufacturing process. The photoelectric conversion device includes a unit cell having a semiconductor junction, in which a first impurity semiconductor layer having one conductivity type, a semiconductor layer including a first semiconductor region having a larger proportion of a crystalline semiconductor than an amorphous semiconductor and a second semiconductor region having a larger proportion of an amorphous semiconductor than a crystalline semiconductor and including both a radial crystal and a crystal having a needle-like growing end in the amorphous semiconductor, and a second impurity semiconductor layer having a conductivity type opposite to the conductivity type of the first impurity semiconductor layer are stacked in this order.

Abstract: A chip package structure including a heat dissipation substrate, a chip and a heterojunction heat conduction buffer layer is provided. The chip is disposed on the heat dissipation substrate. The heterojunction heat conduction buffer layer is disposed between the heat dissipation substrate and the chip. The heterojunction heat conduction buffer layer includes a plurality of pillars perpendicular to the heat dissipation substrate. The aspect ratio of each pillar is between about 3:1 and 50:1.

Abstract: The present invention is a heat conducting system for a solar energy device. The system includes a shield made of a heat conducting material that conforms to the convex side of a hollow curved mirror in a solar energy device. The present invention may reduce the temperature differential over an area of the mirror via passive heat conduction. The conductance of the shield of this invention is greater than the conductance of the mirror. The shield may be a layer of metal such as a metal tape. The tape may be applied as one or more strips that have ends which are separated by a seam or gap. The ends of the strips may be oriented in the same direction in an array of mirrors in a manner that provides for minimal exposure to concentrated solar irradiation at the gap or seam.

Abstract: A solar concentrator for concentrating and communicating lower energy light than sunlight to a solar cell, having a chromophore, an optical waveguide for directing light to an optical communication region, and a light turning structure.

Abstract: Nanocomposite photovoltaic devices are provided that generally include semiconductor nanocrystals as at least a portion of a photoactive layer. Photovoltaic devices and other layered devices that comprise core-shell nanostructures and/or two populations of nanostructures, where the nanostructures are not necessarily part of a nanocomposite, are also features of the invention. Varied architectures for such devices are also provided including flexible and rigid architectures, planar and non-planar architectures and the like, as are systems incorporating such devices, and methods and systems for fabricating such devices. Compositions comprising two populations of nanostructures of different materials are also a feature of the invention.