Abstract: A two-part solar energy collection system for installation on a planar support surface (e.g., a rooftop) includes a permanent positioning component including a base structure and a replaceable solar collector component including solar energy collection elements fixedly mounted on a support frame. Each collection element includes an optical element arranged to focus solar radiation onto a focal line, and a linearly-arranged solar energy collector (e.g., PV cells) fixedly maintained on the focal line. The replaceable solar collector component is secured to a rotating platform of the base structure such that the focal lines of the solar energy collection elements are maintained in a plane that is substantially parallel to the support surface, and the rotating platform and replaceable solar collector component are collectively pivoted by a positioning system around a rotational axis to align the PV cells) parallel to the received sunlight beams.

Abstract: A device for increasing the luminous flux per unit area with the ability to reduce the light-taking distance in respect to the opposite light source of the present invention mainly comprises a front lens part, a rear lens part, an axial mutually-perpendicular bi-axial support, a movable support, a fixed base, dampers for automatically limiting tilt speed, tilt gravity generators and photoelectric conversion array, etc. Based on the principle of light group field effect, the device can increase the luminous flux and light intensity per unit area of excident light by use of lens array group so that the photoelectric conversion system is able to get more light energy. The device is able to automatically keep pace with the motion of the sun in two dimensions without measuring sensors. The device is mainly applied in solar energy photovoltaic generating technology and recycling of different light energies.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a photovoltaic device (PVD) having a quantum dot (QD) array structure that is capable of performing wavelength conversion. The PVD is configured to generate charge carriers from incident photons. An electric field generator is operable to apply an electric field to the PVD. Strength of the electric field is sufficient to cause the charge carriers to transition through a plurality of discrete energy states formed within a corresponding one of a conductive band and a valence band of the QD array structure. The transition of the charge carriers through the plurality of discrete energy states enables the PVD to generate emitted photons being radiated as an electromagnetic wave. A frequency (and hence wavelength) of the emitted photons being radiated as the electromagnetic wave is tunable by configuring physical attributes of the QD array structure and controlling the electric field strength.

Abstract: Provided is a solar cell panel that hardly retains any moisture between a solar cell panel body and a frame and enables automation of the process of attaching the frame to the solar cell panel body. The solar cell panel includes a solar cell panel body, a frame, and a joint. The solar cell panel body includes a substrate having a first surface on which photoelectric conversion elements are mounted. The frame has an approximately L-shaped cross-section. The joint bonds the frame and a second surface, opposite to the first surface, of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an oxide electrode for a dye-sensitized solar cell including metal oxide nanoparticles by using a miller, and a dye-sensitized solar cell manufactured by using the same. More particularly, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing an oxide electrode for a dye-sensitized solar cell. The method includes (a) mixing metal oxide nanoparticles, a binder resin, and a solvent to prepare a metal oxide paste, (b) coating the metal oxide paste to a miller and pulverizing the metal oxide nanoparticles to prepare a paste including the metal oxide nanoparticles uniformly dispersed therein, and (c) coating the paste including the metal oxide nanoparticles dispersed therein on a conductive transparent substrate, performing a heat treatment of the resulting substrate, and adsorbing a dye thereon to manufacture the conductive electrode.

Abstract: Improved photovoltaic devices and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exemplary photovoltaic device includes a semiconductor layer and a light-responsive layer (which can be made, for example, of a semiconductor material) which form a junction, such as a p-n junction. The light-responsive layer can include a plurality of carbon nanostructures, such as carbon nanotubes, located therein. In many cases, the carbon nanostructures can provide a conductive pathway within the light-responsive layer. In another embodiment, an exemplary photovoltaic device can include a light-responsive layer made of a semiconductor material in which is embedded a plurality of semiconducting carbon nanostructures (such as p-type single-wall carbon nanotubes). The interfaces between the semiconductor material and the semiconducting carbon nanostructures can form p-n junctions.

Abstract: A graphene sheet including an intercalation compound and 2 to about 300 unit graphene layers, wherein each of the unit graphene layers includes a polycyclic aromatic molecule in which a plurality of carbon atoms in the polycyclic aromatic molecule are covalently bonded to each other; and wherein the intercalation compound is interposed between the unit graphene layers.

Abstract: A frame includes longitudinal members secured to one another. The longitudinal members support a spline that is normally open in a first position to provide a cavity. A fabric, such a mesh screen, is arranged over the frame so that the perimeter of the screen is received within the cavities of the longitudinal members. A movable platen is actuated to engage the spline. The splines are forced into the cavities to a second position in which the perimeter of the screen is pinched between the splines and the longitudinal members. A radius nose of the splines is retained in a channel of the longitudinal members securing the screen without tearing it when under load.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell by providing a first substrate; depositing on the first substrate a sequence of layers of semiconductor material forming a solar cell; mounting and bonding a surrogate second substrate on top of the sequence of layers; removing the first substrate; and thinning a plurality of discrete, spaced-apart portions of the backside of the surrogate second substrate so as to reduce its weight.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for current loss compensation in multi-junction photovoltaic cells. The use of direct electrical contact with the interconnect layers in a multi-junction PV cell can improve cell efficiency over variable lighting conditions. Electrical contact with some or all of the interconnect layers can advantageously permit disconnection of subcells operating at low current or voltage. The result is multi-junction PV cells that can adapt to variable lighting conditions and compensate for a decrease in current in certain subcells, thereby advantageously improving a multi-junction PV cell's total output current.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a silicon nano wire, a solar cell including the silicon nano wire and a method for fabricating the solar cell. The solar cell includes a substrate, a first++-type poly-Si layer formed on the substrate, a first-type silicon nano wire layer including a first-type silicon nano wire grown from the first++-type poly-Si layer, an intrinsic layer formed on the substrate having the first-type silicon nano wire layer, and a second-type doping layer formed on the intrinsic layer.

Abstract: Thin film solar cell and a manufacturing method for the same are disclosed. Thin film solar cell according to one embodiment of this document comprises a substrate, a first electrode positioned on the substrate including a plurality of conductive particles and having unevenness on the surface thereof, an absorption layer positioned on the first electrode, and a second electrode positioned on the absorption layer.

Abstract: A solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes a semiconductor layer containing first impurities, a first portion positioned on a first part of one surface of the semiconductor layer, the first portion being more heavily doped with second impurities different from the first impurities than the semiconductor layer, a second portion positioned on a second part of the one surface of the semiconductor layer, the second portion being more heavily doped with the first impurities than the semiconductor layer, and a third portion positioned between the first portion and the second portion, the third portion having an impurity concentration lower than an impurity concentration of the first portion and an impurity concentration of the second portion.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell includes a photovoltaic layer having a first node and a second node. A first conductive layer is electrically coupled to the second node of the photovoltaic layer so the first conductive layer does not block light from the photovoltaic layer. A second conductive layer is adjacent to but electrically insulated from the first conductive layer, so the second conductive layer is positioned where it does not block light from the photovoltaic layer. At least one through silicon via is electrically coupled to the first node of the photovoltaic layer and the second conductive layer, but is electrically insulated from at least a portion of the photovoltaic layer and the first conductive layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflectively coated semiconductor component which has a semiconductor layer, a functional layer which substantially comprises silicon and carbon, and at least one further layer which substantially comprises silicon and carbon. This further layer functions as reflector for light incident upon the semiconductor component. The invention also relates to a method for the production of semiconductor components of this type. Semiconductor components are used in particular as solar cells or as components of sensors or optical filters.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell can include a substrate having a transparent conductive oxide layer, a heterojunction layer, and a cadmium telluride layer. The layers can be deposited by sputtering or by chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: A large surface area photovoltaic device having high conversion efficiency and excellent mass productivity is provided. A photovoltaic device 100 having a photovoltaic layer 3 comprising a crystalline silicon layer formed on a substrate 1, wherein the crystalline silicon layer has a crystalline silicon i-layer 42, and the crystalline silicon i-layer 42 has a substrate in-plane distribution represented by an average value for the Raman peak ratio, which represents the ratio of the Raman peak intensity for the crystalline silicon phase relative to the Raman peak intensity for the amorphous silicon phase, that is not less than 4 and not more than 8, a standard deviation for the Raman peak ratio that is not less than 1 and not more than 3, and a proportion of regions in which the Raman peak ratio is not more than 4 of not less than 0% and not more than 15%.

Abstract: Plasticizer-containing films of polyvinyl acetal having a plasticizer content of a maximum of 26% by weight and containing a mixture of at least one high-viscosity polyvinyl acetal having a viscosity of 40-300 mPas and at least one low-viscosity polyvinyl acetal having a viscosity of 5-500 mPas are suitable for the production of photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell having opaque and highly reflective particles and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The thin film solar cell at least includes a substrate, a front electrode layer, a first photo-electric converting layer, a second photo-electric converting layer, and a back electrode layer. The particles are made of a highly conductive material, disposed between the first photo-electric converting layer and the second photo-electric converting layer, and distributed in a discontinuous manner. When an incident light strikes the surfaces of the particles, the incident light is reflected within the first photo-electric converting layer and the second photo-electric converting layer so as to increase the propagation path of the incident light through the first photo-electric converting layer and the second photo-electric converting layer.

Abstract: A solar cell, a method and apparatus for manufacturing a solar cell, and a method of depositing a thin film layer are disclosed. The manufacturing apparatus of a solar cell includes a substrate; a first electrode disposed on the substrate; a second electrode; and a photoelectric conversion layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the photoelectric conversion layer includes a micro-crystalline silicon layer, and sensitivity of the micro-crystalline silicon layer is about 100 to about 1,000, the sensitivity being a ratio expressed as photo conductivity (PC)/dark conductivity (DC).

Abstract: The invention describes an extensible membrane system to which a photovoltaic device is removably attached via hook and loop fabric, or equivalent thereof.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device including at least one photovoltaic cell and a transformerless inverter electrically coupled to the at least one photovoltaic cell. The at least one photovoltaic cell and the transformerless inverter are integrated into a photovoltaic package.

Abstract: A rotational trough reflector solar-electricity generation device includes a trough reflector that rotates around a substantially vertical axis and includes a solid optical element having a linear parabolic convex surface that serves as a base for automatically positioning a mirror to focus sunlight onto a focal line, and a flat aperture surface that serves to support a strip-type photovoltaic (PV) receiver on the focal line. A tracking system rotates the trough reflector such that the trough reflector is aligned generally parallel to the incident sunlight (e.g., in a generally east-west direction at sunrise, turning to generally north-south at noon, and turning generally west-east at sunset). A disc-shaped support structure is used to distribute the reflector's weight over a larger area and to minimize the tracking system motor size. Multiple trough reflectors are mounted on the disc-shaped support to maximize power generation.

Abstract: Plasmonic nanocavity arrays and methods for enhanced efficiency in organic photovoltaic cells are described. Plasmonic nanocavities offer a promising and highly tunable alternative to conventional transparent conductors for photovoltaic applications using both organic and inorganic materials systems.

Abstract: A solar cell which can increase its open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and fill factor (F.F.), thereby enhancing its conversion efficiency is provided. The solar cell of the present invention comprises a p-type semiconductor layer and an n-type semiconductor layer, formed on the p-type semiconductor layer, containing a compound expressed by the following chemical formula (1): ZnO1-x-ySxSey??(1) where x?0, y>0, and 0.2<x+y<0.65.

Abstract: Materials for photoelectric conversion devices, consisting of polyacene derivatives represented by general formula (I) below; and photoelectric conversion devices made by using the materials. The materials for photoelectric conversion devices have excellent workability and productivity, exhibit low toxicity, are easily flexibilized, and have high photoelectric conversion efficiencies. In the formula, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, A1, A2, A3, and A4 are independent from each other, either the same or different, and each represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms, or the like. n is an integer of 1 or more.

Abstract: A drill cuttings transfer device that includes a pump having an inlet for receiving the drill cuttings and an outlet for discharging the drill cuttings; and a feed hopper in fluid connection to the inlet of the pump, the feed hopper comprising: at least one air nozzle configured to provide a flow of air to the drill cuttings is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking mechanical component parts, such as tools in machine tools, uses optical devices for emitting and receiving a light beam, for example a laser beam, and sensors for detecting the interruption of such light beam. A protection device for at least one of the optical devices includes pneumatic conduits and a nozzle outputting an air stream from a plurality of holes located around the central conduit through which the light beam passes, so generating a tubular shield which embraces the light beam. The protection device further includes a shutter which can be displaced from a rest position, wherein the central conduit is closed and the inside of the protection device is pressurized, to a working position, wherein the nozzle delivers the air stream in the form of a tubular shield. Passing from the rest position to the working position, the shutter assumes an intermediate transit position in which an air blast is outputted through the central conduit for a short time interval.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a non-ported expanding gate valve and method of use, including an expanding gate assembly and a slotted guide, fixedly positioned on the valve body and slidably coupled with a gate assembly. The guide has slots of varying widths that are used with a pivoting rocker arm coupled with the gate assembly to adjust the thickness of the gate assembly at the proper timing. The guides perform multiple functions, including: centralizing a rocker arm during opening between seats; collapsing the gate assembly when opening; allowing and controlling expansion when closing; guiding lateral movement during operation of the gate assembly between opposing guides on the sides of a flow passageway; guiding axial movement during operation of the gate assembly between opposing guide side flanges; retaining seats in position when the valve is open; and/or stiffening the guide in a lateral direction to control movement of the gate assembly.

Abstract: A safety apparatus and method for automatically disabling a utility of a facility. One safety apparatus may be connected, for example, in a basement of a house in line with a water pipe just after a water meter. Another safety apparatus may be connected, for example, in an apartment building in line with a gas utility pipe just after a gas meter. Still another safety apparatus may be connected, for example, in a house in line with a home heating oil pipe. Any of the safety apparatuses include means for measuring a rate of flow of a fluid from a utility fluid source, means for determining if the measured rate of flow indicates the existence of an abnormal flow condition, and means for disabling the flow of fluid from the utility fluid source if the abnormal flow condition is determined to exist.

Abstract: A gauge assembly includes an indicator for providing an indication of an amount of fluid in a tank and a stop-fill assembly for stopping the flow of fluid flowing into the tank once the fluid reaches a particular level. The gauge assembly has a shaft that rotates as the fluid level changes in the tank. The indicator translates the rotational position of the shaft into a fluid level. The stop-fill assembly moves from an open position, where fluid can flow into the tank, to a closed position, where fluid is prohibited from flowing into the tank, depending on the rotational position of the shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a relief valve comprising a first valve body (3) for opening and closing a fluid passageway (33) between a first valve connection (31) and a second valve connection (32), a second valve body (4) which is disposed on the first valve body (3) and is used for opening and closing a valve passageway (3A) located between the first valve connection (31) and a valve interior (9) in the first valve body (3), at least one throttle duct (11) that establishes a connection between the valve interior (9) and a face (3B) of the first valve body (3), a spring (10) for moving the second valve body (4) in an opening direction of the second valve body (4), and an actuator (2, 7) for moving the second valve body (4) in a closing direction.

Abstract: A pressure-compensated accumulator bottle is provided. In one embodiment, the accumulator bottle includes a housing and an interior wall that generally define first, second, and third chambers within the housing. In this embodiment, a spring is disposed in the second chamber and configured to apply a biasing force on a first piston disposed within the first chamber. Further, in this embodiment, an additional piston is disposed within the third chamber and is configured to facilitate balancing of the pressure of a fluid disposed in the second chamber with the pressure of the external environment such that the magnitude of a second biasing force applied on the first piston by the pressure of the fluid depends at least in part on the pressure of the external environment. Hydraulic circuits and systems including a pressure-compensated accumulator bottle are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention offers a solution to the potential hazards associate with an accidental overbearing of a full compressed gas cartridge, by offering an automatic heat-actuable pressure discharge system.

Abstract: An adjustable automatic recirculation valve includes a valve body, a main valve disk, a bypass valve and a dynamic adjustment assembly. The main valve disk is positioned within the valve body and opens in response to fluid flow between a main inlet and a main outlet. The bypass valve controls the flow of fluid between the main inlet and the recirculating outlet. A dynamic adjustment assembly, housed within the valve body controls the operating lift associated with the maximum opening of the bypass valve to regulate fluid flow capacity to the recirculating outlet.

Abstract: A fluid hydrant is provided that includes an improved plunger and stem screw, which controls the position of the plunger. More specifically, a plunger having a generally flat face is provided that helps users appreciate when the hydrant is in a closed position. Furthermore, the stem screw is provided that prevents rotational motion of a control rod that controls the location of the plunger.

Abstract: A sump for a fuel dispenser which allows wiring to pass from beneath the ground vertically upwards through the footprint of the fuel dispenser without compromising a wall of the sump and without providing access to the ground positioned beneath the footprint of the fuel dispenser for a fluid contained within the fuel dispenser, including fuel leaks from the piping contained within the dispenser. In an exemplary embodiment, a sump frame is provided which mates with an open upper portion of the sump which provides access to the sump. The portion of the frame extending over the opening to the sump is generally open, allowing passage of fluids from within the fuel dispenser to the sump. The sump frame further includes a conduit entry frame adapter which extends beyond the perimeter of the sump, but which is positioned within the footprint of the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: In a pipeline fluid flow blocking device, a hollow housing unit has a cylindrical shape whose one side is opened and is coupled to a pipeline to communicate with the pipeline. A transfer unit moves in a longitudinal direction of the housing unit inside the housing unit. A first driving unit moves the transfer unit in a gear method. A blocking unit is hinge-coupled to one side of the transfer unit, is disposed to move between the housing unit and the inside of the pipeline through the opened one side of the housing unit by the transfer unit, and is radially expanded or shrunk to shut off the inside of the pipeline. A second driving unit makes the blocking unit be expanded or shrunk. Therefore, as the blocking unit is expanded in a gear method, resistance force against a fluid of very high pressure inside the pipeline is greatly improved, thereby more stably shutting the inside the pipeline.

Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus is for connecting a device including at least a part of a power generation section that has a fuel cell and having a fuel injection section with a fuel cartridge having a fuel supply section so as to send fuel in the fuel cartridge to the power generation section side. The fuel supply apparatus includes a holder having a first connector to be connected to the fuel injection section of the device, a second connector to be connected to the fuel supply section of the fuel cartridge, and a connecting pipe connecting the first connector with the second connector. A guide member for guiding connection between the first connector of the holder and the fuel injection section of the device is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pre-assembled constructional unit (1) of a fresh air system (2) for an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle. Said constructional unit comprises an electrical unit (3) having respective coils (5) for a plurality of cylinders of the internal combustion engine for actuating a fuel injection valve, said electrical unit having an electric wiring (6) for actuating the coils (5), a plurality of parallel insertion openings (10) that extend coaxially through the coils (5), and a plastic element (9) that is injection-molded on the coils (5) and the wiring (6).

Abstract: The container is mounted onto the structure and attached to the bottom of the rain gutter. It collects rain gutter water and pumps the water out across the lawn area using a battery/solar powered system, using a sump pump with hoses and nozzles. It also keeps leaves and debris from collecting in the unit and thus expelling them out of the unit using a debris disposal mechanism which is also powered by the battery/solar system. It is mounted on the structure using a T-channel bracket with siding shims. The solar panel is mounted onto the unit and is used to charge the battery which is inside the container.

Abstract: A construct for making a drainage device for a basement waterproofing system is made from a sheet of waterproof material with two generally parallel sides. A series of longitudinal slots is provided parallel to one of the sides, and a series of tabs that fit in the slots is provided along the other side. The bottom surface is scored to provide a series of fold lines to facilitate folding the construct into a rectangular tubular shape, with the tabs fitting into the slots to hold the shape. Perforations are provided in the device to allow water to flow easily through three of the sides of the device when folded to its rectangular tubular shape. A portion of the device may be folded upward to cover the lower portion of a building wall, or a separate piece may be used to bridge the gap between the device and the wall.

Abstract: The invention provides a protection system for a fluid compartment of variable volume. The protection system comprises a detection means for detecting when the volume of the fluid compartment is outside a predetermined acceptable limit. The protection system also comprises a valve arrangement mountable on at least one port that is in selective fluid communication with the fluid compartment. The protection system further comprises an actuator, wherein the detection means is coupled to the valve arrangement via the actuator. When the detection means detects that the volume of the fluid compartment is outside the predetermined limit, the actuator causes the valve arrangement to change state and alters the volume of the fluid compartment. The protection system can be used with a compensator to protect a movable part of the compensator from damage.

Abstract: A flow control device is disclosed. The flow control device includes a solenoid, the solenoid including an armature. Also, a piston connected to the armature. The piston includes a primary orifice. The piston having an open position and a closed position. A piston spring connected to the piston is also includes and at least one secondary orifice. The movement of the piston to the open position at least partially opens the at least one secondary orifice and the movement of the piston to the closed position at least partially closes the at least one secondary orifice. The movement of the armature actuates the piston movement and controls fluid flows from the primary orifice through the at least one secondary orifice.

Abstract: Multi-stage fluid regulators are described. An example fluid regulator includes a regulator body having an inlet in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid. A first fluid valve is disposed within the regulator body and coupled to the inlet to regulate a pressure of the pressurized fluid at the inlet. A second fluid valve is disposed within the regulator body and coupled to the inlet and, via a passageway, to the first fluid valve. The second fluid valve is to cause a fluid pressure in the passageway to be regulated to a predetermined portion of the pressure of the pressurized fluid at the inlet.

Abstract: A valve device of a high-pressure tank for a vehicle has a valve box that is attached to the high-pressure tank and that houses a gas inlet opening, a gas outlet opening, a flow path connecting the gas inlet opening, the gas outlet opening and the high-pressure tank, and a valve disposed on the flow path. The gas inlet opening, the gas outlet opening, at least a portion of the flow path, and the valve are provided on a plane that intersects perpendicularly with an axis direction of the high-pressure tank.

Abstract: A valve device is installed on a gas tank and opens and closes a gas filling passage. The valve device includes: a housing having a housing portion therein; a first check valve that is fixed to the housing and has a through hole, through which the housing portion and the filling passage communicate with each other; and a valve pressing member. The housing has a filling port, through which the outside and the housing portion communicate with each other. The housing portion contains a filter, disposed between the filling port of the housing and the through hole of a passage member, and a valve element that is moved between the filter and the filling port by the flow of gas. When the gas in the gas tank flows into the housing portion, the valve element moved toward the filling port seats on a valve seat and closes the filling port.

Abstract: The invention provides an uncomplicated ball check valve whose components can be economically manufactured, assembled and connected and wherein, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, the ball check valve is configured for use as a pressure vessel. In one embodiment of the invention, the ball check valve comprises a housing defining one or more inlet, an outlet and a passageway therebetween. A ball support system is mounted within the housing, wherein one or more balls are supported by the ball support system. The ball support system is configured to allow a ball to close off and open a respective inlet. The housing generally comprises an inlet section which can have one or more inlets, wherein each inlet defines a ball seat sealingly engageable with a ball for sealing the inlet. The housing further comprises a centre section providing adequate space to allow movement of the ball and an outlet section comprising an outlet for transferring the fluid to a subsequent portion of a piping network.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve having a first fluid chamber hydraulically connected to a pressure source, a second fluid chamber hydraulically connected to a pressure operator, and a blocking member for controlling fluid flow between the first and second chambers. The blocking member substantially blocks fluid flow between the first and second chambers when a pressure of fluid in the first chamber is greater than a minimum pressure and less than a pressure of fluid in the second chamber. The blocking member is displaceable to enable fluid flow between the first and second chambers when the pressure of fluid in the first chamber is below the minimum pressure.

Abstract: A valve assembly in which, even if a housing corrodes, application of a radially inward compression force to a heat-resistant filter can be suppressed. The valve assembly includes the housing having a gas path and a valve shaft hole, a valve having a valve shaft movably inserted in the valve shaft hole and also having a valve element connected to the valve shaft, and tubular heat-resistant filters installed between the inner peripheral surface of the valve shaft hole and the outer peripheral surface of the valve shaft and capturing dust in exhaust gas. The housing is made of cast iron. The valve assembly further has reinforcement collars installed between the inner peripheral surface of the valve shaft hole and the outer peripheral surfaces of the heat-resistant filters. The reinforcement collars have higher rigidity than the heat-resistant filters. At least the surfaces of the reinforcement collars are made of a high corrosion resistant material having higher corrosion resistance than the cast iron.