Abstract: A body cavity cleansing agent of the present invention is either poured into or applied to a navel cavity (N) or an ear hole and solidifies after a specified period of time, and the cleansing agent takes a form that can be removed from the navel cavity (N) or the ear hole together with dirt in the navel cavity (N) or the ear hole.

Abstract: A hair straightening device 1 comprises pair of handles pivotally joined at a hinge 4. The upper handle 2 comprises an upper plate 5 that is selectively heated. A water reservoir 8 is removably mounted to the upper handle portion 2. As the handle portions 2, 3 are closed toward each other, a valve actuating member 11 on the lower handle portion 3 contacts a rubber bulb 12 located on the upper handle portion 2 compressing the bulb 12 to force air through a tube 13 and through an air input opening 14 on the reservoir 8, forcing open a one-way, flexible valve 15 the allows the air to enter the interior 16 of the reservoir 8. The pressure of the entering air displaces the water stored in the reservoir and causes it to exit the reservoir 8 at an exit port 17 into a channel 18 of the upper handle portion 2 and plate 5. The plate 5 may have one or more openings to release the steam that is produced by the water, as the water receives heat from the plate 5 being heated.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic hair treatment device comprising a vibrator having a vibration element for generating ultrasonic vibrations and a receiver facing the vibrator as to apply the ultrasonic vibrations to a bundle of hairs which is pinched between the vibrator and the receiver, the vibration element has an oblong plate shape so as to have a plurality of resonance points arranged like a periodic lattice on a vibration face disposed in a thickness direction thereof, a plurality of circular recesses or grooves for trapping a hair treatment agent therein is formed on a vibration face of a head of the vibrator facing the receiver corresponding to the resonance points of the vibration element.

Abstract: A hair styling device includes a hair styling member having a number of extensions extended outwardly from a curved upper portion, and having one or more ratchet teeth formed on each of the extensions for engaging with user's hair and for stably anchoring the hair styling member onto the hair of the user and for allowing the hair styling device to be suitably shielded or covered within the hair of the user without additional clipping or clasping or clamping devices, the hair styling member includes a number of comb teeth extended from a curved lower portion for detachably anchoring the hair styling member onto the hair of the user, and includes a number of openings formed between reinforcing ribs for weight reducing purposes.

Abstract: An elastic band includes an elongate elastic core, a sheath, and an elongate friction member. The elongate elastic core comprising a continuous loop and the sheath has an outer surface and surrounds the elongate elastic core. The elongate friction member is disposed in the sheath, such that at least a portion of the elongate friction member protrudes past the outer surface of the sheath.

Abstract: The present invention includes coated monofilament dental tapes for removing plaque and/or food debris from interdental spaces of a mammal, which dental tapes have a core body with an aspect ratio of about 5:1 or greater, a first cleaning surface and a second cleaning surface opposite the first cleaning surface, a plurality of ribs disposed along the length of each cleaning surface, and a coating containing about 0.8 milligram per yard of dental tape or more of an abrasive and about 0.8 milligram per yard dental tape or more of sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of semiconductor processing equipment and methods and provides, in particular, methods and apparatus for in-situ removal of undesired deposits in the interiors of reactor chambers, for example, on chamber walls and elsewhere. The invention provides methods according to which cleaning steps are integrated and incorporated into a high-throughput growth process. Preferably, the times when growth should be suspended and cleaning commenced and when cleaning should be terminated and growth resumed are automatically determined based on sensor inputs. The invention also provides reactor chamber systems for the efficient performance of the integrated cleaning/growth methods of this invention.

Abstract: A conductor cleaning system for cleaning aluminum strands of all aluminum and steel reinforced conductors, such as ACSS, ACSR, ACAR, and AAA. The conductor cleaning system having a container adapted to receive a portion of a conductor to be cleaned, a housing adapted to receive and support the container, and a cleaning solution contained in the container for cleaning the portion of the conductor. The cleaning solution being adapted to clean the conductor without reacting with or damaging the conductor.

Abstract: The invention described herein is directed to a skid for cleaning subsea conduits, such as strakes and fairings, and a method of cleaning subsea conduits. This invention may be utilized for the removal of marine growth from subsea conduits.

Abstract: An acoustic panel for reducing the transmission of noise therethrough is provided. The acoustic panel may include a sound-absorbing surface with a plurality of convex and concave structures. The convex and concave structures may be organized in a regular array and may be spatially arranged to be alternating with one another. A dishwasher may use such an acoustic panel including a panel of sound absorbing material by placing such a panel inside the door, in or around the walls of the tub of a dishwasher, or the panel can also be used to reduce the transmission of noise with other products. A method of inserting a panel of sound-absorbing material into the door of a dishwasher is also provided. The panel may include protrusions extending from one of its surfaces in order to engage a supporting surface of the product to which it is attached.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a novel cleaner composition that not only reduces ignition by flame and has a small influence on the environment, but that also has an excellent property of dissolving flux residues adhered on narrow portions or in narrow gaps in an object to be cleaned that was subjected to soldering with a lead-free solder, and reduces recontamination of the object in the water-rinsing process. The present invention uses a halogen-free organic solvent (A) represented by a specific Formula; an amine-based compound (B) represented by a specific Formula; a chelating agent having no amino group (C); and, as required, water.

Abstract: In a process chamber of a substrate processing apparatus, such as an RTP apparatus, a carrier is placed and configured to carry out a contaminant that has been attached to it. In this state, a cleaning gas containing N2 and O2 is introduced into the process chamber, and cleaning is performed under conditions including a pressure of 133.3 Pa or less and a temperature of 700° C. to 1,100° C. This cleaning is repeatedly performed by sequentially replacing a plurality of carriers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) produced without mounting the water softener unit (Y) that is offered for use in places where water hardness is low, but when the water hardness level increases and the water softener unit (Y) is desired to be adapted, only the stopper (10) closing the outlet of the accumulative chamber (6), the lid (11) closing the opening (7) under the tub (2) and the insulations at the electrical connection terminals (8) are removed and the hydraulic, mechanical and electrical connections of the water softener unit (Y) can be easily made by the serviceman.

Abstract: In a agent supply device, a agent supplying unit is driven to supply a treatment agent to a head portion provided on a hair processing device after a cleaning unit cleans the head portion.

Abstract: A conductor cleaning system for cleaning aluminum strands of all aluminum and steel reinforced conductors, such as ACSS, ACSR, ACAR, and AAA. The conductor cleaning system having a container adapted to receive a portion of a conductor to be cleaned, a housing adapted to receive and support the container, and a cleaning solution contained in the container for cleaning the portion of the conductor. The cleaning solution being adapted to clean the conductor without reacting with or damaging the conductor.

Abstract: A shade assembly adapted to hold a photovoltaic panel thereon includes a shade panel. A first pocket part formed of a substantially clear plastic is connected to the shade panel along a plurality of first pocket edges thereof, a first pocket opening being defined between the shade panel. The first pocket part dimensioned to accommodate insertion of a first end of the photovoltaic panel therein. A second pocket part is also connected to the shade panel along a plurality of second pocket edges thereof, a second pocket opening being defined between the shade panel. The second pocket part is dimensioned to accommodate insertion of a second end of the photovoltaic panel therein. The first and second pocket part openings are substantially opposed. A closure flap extends between the first and second pocket parts and operable to cover the first and second pocket openings.

Abstract: The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets.

Abstract: A floating support that can be joined with a floating platform while the floating platform is at a deployment location is disclosed. The support provides functionality to the floating platform in order to change, augment, upgrade, or diversify the platform's overall capability. In some embodiments, the present invention eases the serviceability of the platform by enabling a first support that has diminished capability to be readily replaced by a second support having superior capability—without removing the floating platform from its deployment location. In some embodiments, the present invention enables platform operation that is analogous to “plug and play” electronics systems. Further, in some embodiments, hydrodynamic performance of the floating platform can be changed with the addition or removal of one or more floating supports.

Abstract: To provide a thin-film solar cell module capable of preventing damage to a cell and a contact line. A thin-film solar cell module of the present invention has a characteristic that it provides a cell module having a plurality of cell strings bidirectionally connected to each other in parallel, the cell strings each having a plurality of cells connected to each other in series via a contact line, wherein when an output from the cell module is P (W), an output from one of the cell strings is Ps (W), and an area of the contact line is Sc (cm2) under a condition of light source: xenon lamp, irradiance: 100 mW/cm2, AM: 1.5, and temperature: 25° C., (P?Ps)/Sc is 10.7 (kW/cm2) or less, Ps is 12 W or less, and P is 385 W or less.

Abstract: A solar power plant is disclosed for converting solar energy into electric energy, and having a plurality of solar cell units, each solar cell unit containing a first cell pole and a second cell pole. The cell poles can cooperate for feeding electric energy produced by the solar cell unit as direct current out of the solar cell unit. A direct-current converter can include a plurality of direct-current input poles and two direct-current output poles, each direct-current input pole being connected to at least one cell pole. The direct-current converter can convert input direct currents entered via the direct-current input poles, and having input voltages, into an output direct current having an output voltage, and feed the output direct current via the direct-current output poles out of the direct-current converter.

Abstract: A solar device includes a substrate structure having a surface region, a flexible and conformal material comprising a polymer material affixing the surface region. Additionally, the solar device includes one or more solar cells spatially provided by one or more films of materials characterized by a thickness dimension of 25 microns and less and mechanically coupled to the flexible and conformal material, the one or more solar cells having a flexible characteristic that maintains each of the solar cells substantially free from any damage or breakage. The solar device further includes an interconnect structure configured to couple one or more of the solar cells. The interconnect structure includes at least a first contact region and a second contact region within the flexible and conformal material.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion assembly for efficiently capturing solar energy by providing additional chances to absorb reflected sunlight. The assembly includes one or more solar cells that each include a light-receiving surface. A fraction of light incident upon the light-receiving surface is reflected. The assembly includes a photovoltaic (PV) enhancement film of transparent material such as plastic positioned to cover at least a portion of the light-receiving surface. The PV enhancement film includes a substrate positioned proximate to or abutting the light-receiving surface. The film includes a plurality of total internal reflection (TIR) elements on the substrate opposite the light-receiving surface.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion assembly for efficiently capturing solar energy by providing additional chances to absorb reflected sunlight and providing longer path lengths in the photovoltaic (PV) material. The assembly includes a PV device including a layer of PV material and a protective top covering the PV material (e.g., a planar glass cover applied with adhesive to the PV material). The assembly further includes a PV enhancement film formed of a substantially transparent material, and film is applied to at least a portion of the protective top such as with a substantially transparent adhesive. The PV enhancement film includes a plurality of absorption enhancement structures on the substrate opposite the PV device. Each absorption enhancement structure includes a light receiving surface that refracts incident light striking the PV enhancement film to provide an average path length ratio of greater than about 1.20 in the layer of PV material.

Abstract: A photovoltaic assembly has elongated photovoltaic modules. The photovoltaic modules each have a substrate with a photovoltaic material disposed on the substrate. Each respective photovoltaic module lies in the concave structure of a corresponding concentrator assembly. The concentrator assemblies have surfaces made with reflective material that form such concave structures. The concentrator assemblies each transmit light to their corresponding photovoltaic module. The surfaces of each concentrator assembly are shaped at least in part as an involute of the surface of their corresponding photovoltaic modules, and do not exceed the height of the their corresponding module. A frame is provided having a first support and a second support, where the modules extend between the supports. The concentrator is mechanically attached to the frame. A substantial portion of light striking the concentrator is ultimately redirected to the modules without associated tracking and/or control devices.

Abstract: Solar power station for processing various materials by solar energy with a parabolic collector provided in its focus with a receiver, fixed in a manner enabling its free rotation at least in two directions around the shaft at its convex side, of a double shell structure comprising arched segments clamped to a grated frame structure adjustable to follow the direction of sunshine, provided with supporting and moving elements where it contains a heat receiver developed as a processing working space, and is connected to material storing units and the conic receiver (7) of the collector (1) comprises a conic internal cavity the wall of which and the parallel external wall of the receiver (7) enclose another internal cavity furnished with material transporting structures, and serves as a processing working space for processing various materials by heat energy, further one of the material storing units (25) of the calotte (2) belonging to the collector (1) is connected by an ascending pipeline (64) provided with a

Abstract: Described herein are solar modules including spectral concentrators and related manufacturing methods.

Abstract: A grounding system for a solar panel system having a plurality of solar panel cells. The system may have an electrically conductive first frame section adapted to be secured to a first solar panel module having a first channel, the first frame section also having a hole that opens into the first channel. An electrically conductive second frame section is adapted to be secured to a second solar panel module which has a second channel, the second frame section also having a hole that opens into the second channel. An electrically conductive grounding splice member is positioned in the first and second channels. A pair of electrically conductive fasteners is disposed in the holes of the first and second frame sections and engages the electrically conductive grounding splice member, to electrically and mechanically couple the first and second frame sections together.

Abstract: A low softening point glass composition, which is substantially free from lead, bismuth and antimony and comprises oxides of vanadium, phosphorous, tellurium and iron, a softening point of the composition being 380° C. or lower.

Abstract: A heterojunction photovoltaic device for the production of electrical energy in response to the incident light includes an optically transparent substrate, a front contact formed of an transparent conductive oxide for collecting light generated charge carriers, an n-type window layer formed of cadmium sulfide or zinc sulfide, a p-type absorber structure disposed on the window layer, thereby forming a rectification junction therebetween, and a back contact comprising at least one metal layer. The p-type absorber structure has a plurality of p-type absorber layers in contiguous contact. Each absorber layer contains cadmium as a principal constituent and has a different composition and a different band gap energy. The first absorber layer is in contiguous contact with the n-type window layer. The band gap energy progressively decreases from the first absorber layer to the last absorber layer in the p-type absorber structure.

Abstract: A multijunction solar cell according to example embodiments may include a plurality of sub cells, each sub cell having a different band gap energy. At least one of the plurality of sub cells may be a GaAsN sub cell having alternately stacked first layers and second layers. The first layers may be formed of GaAsxN1-x (0<x<1), and second layers may be formed of GaxIn1-xNyAs1-y (0<x<1, 0?y<1).

Abstract: An energy-collecting medium including an optically transparent holographic layer is presented. The energy-collecting medium includes a photochemically active dye and an optically transparent polymer material. Also provided is a method for making an optically transparent holographic layer. An energy conversion device including the energy-collecting medium is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a protection cover of solar cell having processability at room temperature, solvent resistance, weather resistance and durability without impairing its transparency, and also a curable fluorine-containing coating composition being capable of forming the protection cover. The curable fluorine-containing coating composition for a protection cover of solar cell comprises (A) a curable fluorine-containing resin, (B) a curing agent and (C) a solvent and is used for forming a top coat layer (III) of a cured article comprising the fluorine-containing resin, in which the top coat layer is provided, directly or via a primer layer (IV), on a transparent resin layer (II) provided on the sunlight irradiation side of a solar cell module (I).

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to optical coatings including magnesium fluoride and/or organosilane based coatings, which may be disposed on textured or un-textured substrates (e.g., glass substrates). Surprisingly and unexpectedly, the magnesium fluoride coatings are temperable, while the organosilane based coatings are low temperature heat treatable. Additionally, surprisingly and unexpectedly, such coatings on textured and un-textured glass surfaces result in superior transmission increases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photovoltaic device comprising metal and a poly(vinyl butyral) layer that incorporates a suitable amount of 1H-benzotriazole. When electrical bias is applied to the photovoltaic device, 1H-benzotriazole forms a barrier layer at the metal/poly(vinyl butyral) interface, which, for example, unexpectedly virtually eliminated the yellowing of poly(vinyl butyral) in photovoltaic devices comprising silver components.

Abstract: Provided are an antireflection film of a solar cell, the solar cell, and a method of manufacturing the solar cell. The antireflection film of a solar cell includes a low dielectric film formed of a material having a first dielectric constant; a high dielectric film formed of a material having a second dielectric constant higher than the first dielectric constant; and a gradient layer disposed between the low dielectric film and the high dielectric film, and formed so as to gradually increase a dielectric constant from the first dielectric constant to the second dielectric constant. According to the present invention, light absorption efficiency of a solar cell can be increased.

Abstract: Provided is a solar cell module that comprises a solar cell assembly. The solar cell assembly is encapsulated by a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant and contains an oxidizable metal component that is at least partially in contact with the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. The poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant comprises poly(vinyl butyral), about 15 to about 45 wt % of one or more plasticizers, and about 0.5 to about 2 wt % of one or more hindered amine, based on the total weight of the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. Further provided are an assembly for preparing the solar cell module; a process for preventing or reducing the discoloration of a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant in contact with an oxidizable metal component in the solar cell module; and the use of the solar cell module to convert solar energy to electricity.

Abstract: Provided is a solar cell module that comprises a solar cell assembly. The solar cell assembly is encapsulated by a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant and contains an oxidizable metal component that is at least partially in contact with the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. The poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant comprises poly(vinyl butyral), about 15 to about 45 wt % of one or more plasticizers, and about 0.5 to about 2 wt % of one or more chelating agent, based on the total weight of the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. Further provided are an assembly for preparing the solar cell module; a process for preventing or reducing the discoloration of a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant in contact with an oxidizable metal component in the solar cell module; and the use of the solar cell module to convert solar energy to electricity.

Abstract: Polymers with low band gaps and high charge mobility, as well as related systems, methods and components are disclosed.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell device, e.g., solar cell, solar panel, and method of manufacture. The device has an optically transparent substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface. A first thickness of material (e.g., semiconductor material, single crystal material) having a first surface region and a second surface region is included. In a preferred embodiment, the surface region is overlying the first surface of the optically transparent substrate. The device has an optical coupling material provided between the first surface region of the thickness of material and the first surface of the optically transparent material. A second thickness of semiconductor material is overlying the second surface region to form a resulting thickness of semiconductor material.

Abstract: In various embodiments described herein, a device comprises an angle turning layer disposed over a light guiding layer that is optically coupled to a photocell. A plurality of surface features is formed on one of the surfaces of the light guiding layer. The surface features can comprise facets that are angled with respect to each other. The angle turning layer can comprise diffractive features that are volume features or surface-relief features. Light incident on the angle turning layer at a first angle is turned towards the light guiding layer at a second angle and subsequently redirected at a third angle by the surface features of the light guiding layer and guided through the light guide by multiple total internal reflections. The guided light is directed towards a photocell.

Abstract: Provided is a solar cell module that comprises a solar cell assembly. The solar cell assembly is encapsulated by a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant and contains a silver component that is at least partially in contact with the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. The poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant comprises poly(vinyl butyral), about 15 to about 45 wt % of one or more plasticizers, and about 0.1 to about 2 wt % of one or more unsaturated heterocyclic compounds, based on the total weight of the poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant. Further provided are an assembly for preparing the solar cell module; a process for preventing or reducing the discoloration of a poly(vinyl butyral) encapsulant in contact with a silver component in the solar cell module; and the use of the solar cell module to convert solar energy to electricity.

Abstract: Provided are a paste composition which is capable of sufficiently achieving at least a BSF effect equivalent to or greater than a conventionally achieved BSF effect even when the paste composition is used in either case where a thick back surface electrode layer is formed on a thick silicon semiconductor substrate or where a thin back surface electrode layer is formed on a thin silicon semiconductor substrate and which is capable of not only achieving the BSF effect equivalent to or greater than the conventionally achieved BSF effect but also suppressing a deformation of the silicon semiconductor substrate after being fired when the paste composition is used in the case where the thin back surface electrode layer is formed on the thin silicon semiconductor substrate; and a solar cell element comprising an electrode formed by using the above-mentioned paste composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound, a photoelectric converter and a photoelectrochemical cell. The complex compound (I) is obtained by coordinating a ligand represented by the formula (II) and a ligand represented by the formula (III) to a metal atom, wherein Y1 and Y2 each independently represent a group including an unsaturated hydrocarbon group and an aromatic ring, R1 and R2 each independently represent a protogenic group or a salt thereof, at least one of R1 and R2 is a protogenic group, R3 and R4 each independently represent an aprotogenic group, R3 and R4 may be bound together, A and B each independently represent a group including an element of group 14, 15, or 16 of the Periodic Table, m and n each independently represent an integer of 0 to 2, a, b, c, and d each independently represent an integer of 0 to 2, and a+b?1.

Abstract: A method and corresponding system for providing a uniform nanowire array including uniform nanowires composed of at least three elements is presented. An embodiment of the method includes growing an array of two-element nanowires, and thereafter uniformly doping or alloying each two-element nanowire, with respect to each other two-element nanowire, with at least one doping or alloying element through a wet chemical synthesis with a precursor solution, to produce the uniform array of nanowires composed of at least three elements. The two-element nanowire can include Zn and O, and the at least one doping or alloying element can be Mg, Cd, Mn, Cu, Be, Fe, and Co. Applications of the three-element nanowire array include solar cells and light emitting diodes with improved efficiencies over existing technologies.

Abstract: A method of characterizing hysteresis as a function of a device output comprising, applying an input signal across a first input signal range to a device, the input signal inducing a device function having a first output with a first output value range dependent upon the first input signal range. The input signal is further applied across a second input signal range to the device, the input signal inducing the device function to have a second output with a second output value range dependent upon (i) the second input signal range and (ii) device hysteresis. A difference between the second input signal range and the first input signal range is then measured across the first and second output value ranges. A method of operating a mass flow controller valve and a mass flow controller are also contemplated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing or avoiding deposition of a hydrocarbon hydrate on a surface that is in contact with a hydrocarbon flow which contains water, the method comprising controlling the nucleation of dry hydrocarbon hydrate crystals in the flow. The invention further relates to a method for transporting a hydrocarbon flow which contains a hydrocarbon hydrate and to a method for preparing a dry hydrocarbon hydrate.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a thermally induced single-use valve is provided including a silicon wafer having a top surface and a bottom surface and at least one cavity formed in the bottom surface of the wafer, a thermally deformable membrane suspended across the cavity on the top surface of the wafer and at least one resistive element patterned on top of the thermally deformable membrane.

Abstract: A self-contained valve actuator of the present invention can comprise an actuator component. This actuator can be linear or quarter turn depending on the valve. The actuator can be double acting which means the piston will move once to open and once to close. The self-contained valve system uses hydraulic fluid to operate the valve. The valve system is directly powered with electric power from a battery. Solar panels are also incorporated to capture solar energy and convert this energy into electrical energy. This converted electrical energy is stored in the battery which enables the battery to continuously supply energy while substantially reducing the possibility of exhausting battery power. This resupply of electrical energy and the use of the hydraulic fluid creates a self-contained valve actuation system.

Abstract: A gas cabinet including an enclosure containing at least one gas supply vessel and flow circuitry coupled to the gas supply vessel(s). The flow circuitry is constructed and arranged to flow dispensed gas from an on-stream gas supply vessel to multiple sticks of the flow circuitry, with each of the multiple sticks being joined in gas flow communication to a respective gas-utilizing process unit. The flow circuitry is valved to enable sections of the flow circuitry associated with respective ones of the multiple sticks to be isolated from other sections of the flow circuitry, so that process gas can be flowed to one or more of the sticks, while other sticks are being evacuated and purged, or otherwise are closed to dispensed gas flow therethrough.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use in detecting leaks is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve, a power source coupled to the valve, and a sensor coupled to the power source. The sensor is configured to close the valve when exposed to a predetermined amount of fluid.