Abstract: A wind-resistant umbrella is disclosed. The wind-resistant umbrella includes a canopy having one or more cutout sections. Each cutout section is covered by a flap. The flap is attached to the canopy at an upper edge. The flap is held in place by a limiting element such as an elastic strip. Ideally, the flaps cover and overlap the cutouts. Thus, when wind blows, air flow can take place through the cutout sections from the underside of the canopy. The flaps will be displaced by the air flow. Once the air flow dips below a threshold level, the flaps return to their closed position. Thus, the umbrella functions to provide shade or rain protection, but will not be damaged or blown about with a gust of wind as the cutout sections allow air to flow through the canopy.

Abstract: A walker with armrests has a pedestal including a first side frame, a second side frame and two bridging rods connecting between the first and second side frames to form a stable structure to the walker. The two side frames each has two foot rods and a top lateral rod extending between the two foot rods. Two armrests are mounted on the top lateral rods of the first and second side frames, respectively. Thereby, a physiotherapy patient may rest his armpits on the armrests to avoid leaning forward when holding the top lateral rods of the walker.

Abstract: A free floating canopy shade system for use in a pool or at a beach. The canopy has four legs each leg supported by an open top float, each float having an outer tapered cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall, the inner cylindrical wall being sized to receive a leg, an attachment to attach the leg to the float. The float being water tight and open at the top. Wherein an open shaded area is created beneath the canopy bounded only on four corners by each float.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material and a method of using a thermoelectric device are provided. The thermoelectric material includes at least one compound having a general composition of (Bi1-x-zSbxAz)u(Te1-ySey)w. The component A includes at least one Group IV element, and the other components are in the ranges of 0?x?1, 0?y?1, 0<z?0.10, 1.8?u?2.2, and 2.8?w?3.2. The method of using a thermoelectric device can include exposing the thermoelectric material to a temperature greater than about 173 K.

Abstract: There is provided a thermoelectric (TE) element. The TE element includes a plurality of pn junctions each formed by bonding an n-type TE semiconductor and a p-type TE semiconductor with a metallic layer interposed therebetween, and a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to the n-type TE semiconductor and the p-type TE semiconductor, respectively. The plurality of pn junctions are laminated with insulating layers interposed therebetween, and are connected electrically in parallel to each other. Even in the case that a section of components does not operate electrically, the operation of the entire element is not adversely affected, thereby improving stability of the TE element.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator includes: a high temperature member which conducts thermal energy of a high temperature medium; a low temperature member which is provided on a side opposing to the high temperature medium of the high temperature member and is provided with a low temperature medium passage therein; a thermoelectric module which is sandwiched between the high temperature member and the low temperature member and carries out a thermoelectric conversion element converting a thermal energy to an electrical energy using a temperature difference between the high temperature medium and the low temperature medium supplied to the low temperature medium passage, and at least one tie rod fastening between the low temperature member and the high temperature member.

Abstract: A watertight connection includes a male side and female side pair of terminal fittings. Each of the terminal fittings is mounted to an end part of an electrical line. Plug housings having male side and female side terminal fittings of two poles are correspondingly mounted, male side-to-male side and female side-to-female side. Insulation members each house a rear end part of a plug housing and an end part of an electrical lines. A sealing material member prevents moisture from penetrating into the insulation member. Openings, which expose the front end part of each plug housing outside of the insulation member, are formed in an inner wall surface of the insulation member. An outer circumferential surface of the rear end part of each of the plug housings is brought into close contact with the sealing material member to couple the plug housings and the insulation member in a watertight state.

Abstract: The invention relates to an element capable of collecting light, comprising a first substrate having a glass function and forming a cover, and a second substrate forming a support, said substrates sandwiching between two electrode-forming conductive layers at least one functional layer based on an absorber material for converting light energy into electrical energy. The second substrate is provided on its lower face with a plurality of profiles (17, 18) oriented parallel to one of the sides of said element.

Abstract: A thin film type solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed, the thin film type solar cell comprising a substrate; front electrodes arranged at fixed intervals on the substrate by separating parts for dividing the solar cell into a plurality of unit cells, wherein each separating part is interposed between the front electrodes; semiconductor layer patterns arranged at fixed intervals on the front electrodes by the interposed separating parts; rear electrodes arranged at fixed intervals on the semiconductor layer patterns by the interposed separating parts; and auxiliary electrodes to electrically connect the front electrodes with the rear electrodes, in which the front electrode is electrically connected with the rear electrode through the use of auxiliary electrode, so that it is possible to minimize the laser-scribing procedure for dividing the solar cell into the plurality of unit cells, thereby preventing the particles from being generated.

Abstract: A solar cell employs an optical fiber and semiconductor nanowires grown around the fiber. A p-n junction based design, organic-inorganic heterojunction, or a dye-sensitized structure is built at the surfaces of the nanowires. Light entering the fiber from a tip propagates through the fiber until it enters a nanowire where it reaches a photovoltaic element. Light entering the fiber cannot escape until it interacts with a photovoltaic element, thereby increasing the solar conversion efficiency. The fiber can transmit light, while the nanowires around the fibers increase the surface area of light exposure.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for increasing the usable surface area of a semiconductor wafer having a substantially planar surface and a thickness dimension at right angles to said substantially planar surface, the method including the steps of selecting a strip thickness for division of the wafer into a plurality of strips, selecting a technique for cutting the wafer into the strips at an angle to the substantially planar surface, in which the combined strip thickness and width of wafer removed by the cutting is less than the thickness of the wafer, cutting the wafer into strips using the selected technique and separating the strips from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to flexible photovoltaic (PV) modules, and in particular to those having a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) glazing layer. The PVDF layer may be a monolayer or a multi-layer structure.

Abstract: Thin-film photovoltaic cells and methods for manufacturing thin-film photovoltaic cells. An example method for manufacturing a thin-film photovoltaic cell includes providing a substrate, forming an imprinted surface on the substrate, and depositing one or more thin-film photovoltaic layers on the imprinted surface. An example thin-film photovoltaic cell may include a substrate layer having an imprinted surface, with a one or more thin-film photovoltaic layers disposed on the imprinted surface. A filler layer may be provided on the thin-film photovoltaic layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hot carrier type photovoltaic device capable of effectively improving conversion efficiency even when the residence time of carriers in a light absorbing layer is short. The photovoltaic device includes: a light absorbing layer that absorbs light and generates electrons and holes; an electron moving layer that is provided adjacent to one surface of the light absorbing layer; a hole moving layer that is provided adjacent to the other surface of the light absorbing layer; a negative electrode that is provided on the electron moving layer; and a positive electrode that is provided on the hole moving layer. The electron moving layer has a conduction band that has an energy gap narrower than that of a conduction band of the light absorbing layer and selectively transmits the electrons with a predetermined energy level.

Abstract: The invention relates to glass compositions useful in conductive pastes for silicon semiconductor devices and photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to glass compositions useful in conductive pastes for silicon semiconductor devices and photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell structure includes a substrate, a metal layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, an n-type semiconductor layer, a high resistivity layer, an assistant electrode layer, and a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer is formed on the substrate, and comprises a plurality of p-type electrode units separated from each other. The p-type semiconductor layer is formed on the metal layer. The n-type semiconductor is formed on the p-type semiconductor layer, thereby forming a p-n junction. The high resistivity layer is formed on the n-type semiconductor layer. The assistant electrode layer is formed on the high resistivity layer and the p-type electrode units. The transparent conductive layer is formed on the assistant electrode layer, the high resistivity layer and the p-type electrode units. Accordingly, at least one cell is formed on each of the p-type electrode units. The assistant electrode layer and the transparent conductive layer are connected to the cells in series.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a solar cell. The solar cell includes a metallurgical-grade Si (MG-Si) substrate, a first layer of heavily doped crystalline-Si situated above the MG-Si substrate, a layer of lightly doped crystalline-Si situated above the first heavily doped crystalline-Si layer, a backside ohmic-contact layer situated on the backside of the MG-Si substrate, a second layer of heavily doped crystalline-Si situated above the lightly doped crystalline-Si layer, a first layer of dielectric situated above the second heavily doped crystalline-Si layer, a second layer of dielectric situated above the first dielectric layer, and front electrodes situated above the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: A method for an intrinsic type microcrystalline silicon layer is provided. In one embodiment, the microcrystalline silicon layer is fabricated by providing a substrate into a processing chamber, supplying a gas mixture into the processing chamber, applying a RF power at a first mode in the gas mixture, pulsing the gas mixture into the processing chamber, and applying the RF power at a second mode in the pulsed gas mixture.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concentrating solar energy without tracking the sun are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a solar collector assembly for collecting and concentrating light for solar cell assemblies, the collector assembly including an array of solar collectors, each including a funnel shaped collector including a side wall defining a tapered opening having a base aperture and an upper aperture, the side wall including an outer surface, and a solar cell assembly positioned at the base aperture, where the outer surface is coated with a material that substantially reflects light, where the upper aperture is wider than the base aperture, where the funnel shaped collector is configured to substantially confine light, incident via the upper aperture, within the funnel shaped collector until the light exits proximate the base aperture, and where the solar cell assembly is configured to capture light exiting the base aperture.

Abstract: A solar photovoltaic device is provided and includes a solar cell body, a window layer on the solar cell body, and a current collection layer on the window layer. The current collection layer includes a patterned structure, and a portion of the window layer is exposed by the patterned structure.

Abstract: An electronic structure includes a first area having silicon grains having a size smaller than 100 micrometers and a second area superposed to the first area and having silicon grains having a size greater than or equal to 100 micrometers. The first and second areas form a support. At least one layer of an epitaxial semiconductor material is disposed on the second area.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a solar cell. The method includes providing a thin metallic substrate in roll form. The method also includes applying an abrasive grit to a surface of the thin metallic substrate. The method includes mechanical-polishing the surface with the abrasive grit such that the surface is polished to remove at least one defect from the surface. Mechanical-polishing the surface of the thin metallic substrate is by a roll-to-roll polishing process of the surface of the thin metallic substrate. Moreover, the method includes depositing an absorber layer of the solar cell on the thin metallic substrate.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a thin film photovoltaic material structure used in absorbing light of a selective bandwidth. A multitude of dielectric front coatings are positioned on the thin film photovoltaic material structure so as to maximize admittance over the selected bandwidth. The thicknesses and indices of each of the front coatings are chosen by a global-optimization procedure to maximize the short-circuit current of the solar cell.

Abstract: Panchromatic photosensitizers having a Formula of ML1L2X were synthesized, wherein M comprises ruthenium atom; X is a monodentate anion; L1 is heterocyclic bidentate ligand having one of formulae listed below: wherein G2 has one of formulae listed below: and L2 is a tridentate ligand having a formula listed below: The substituents R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 of L1 and L2 are the same or different, and represent alkyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, alkylamino, halogenated alkyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl group, carboxylic acid or counter anion thereof, sulfonic acid or counter anion thereof, phosphoric acid or counter anion thereof, amino-group, halogens, or hydrogen. The above-mentioned photosensitizers are suitable to use as sensitizers for fabrication of high efficiency dye-sensitized solar cell.

Abstract: A solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type having at least one via hole, an emitter layer of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type on the substrate, a first conductor electrically connected to the emitter layer, a second conductor electrically connected to the first conductor through the via hole, and a third conductor electrically connected to the substrate. The third conductor is electrically separated from the second conductor. A portion of the first conductor and a portion of the second conductor are positioned inside the via hole.

Abstract: A solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type having at least one via hole; an emitter layer only on at least a portion of the via hole and at least one selected from a group consisting of an incident surface and side surfaces of the substrate, the emitter layer having a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type; at least one first electrode on the incident surface, the first electrode being electrically connected to the emitter layer; a second electrode connected to an opposite surface to the incident surface; and at least one first electrode current collector on the opposite surface, the at least one first electrode current collector being insulated from the second electrode and being electrically connected to the at least one first electrode through the via hole.

Abstract: A solar cell comprises a substrate configured to have a plurality of via holes and a first conductive type, an emitter layer placed in the substrate and configured to have a second conductive type opposite to the first conductive type, a plurality of first electrodes electrically coupled to the emitter layer, a plurality of current collectors electrically coupled to the first electrodes through the plurality of via holes, and a plurality of second electrodes electrically coupled to the substrate. The plurality of via holes comprises at least two via holes having different angles.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a thin film solar cell includes providing a soda lime glass substrate comprising a surface region and a concentration of sodium oxide of greater than about 10 wt % and treating the surface region with one or more cleaning process, using a deionized water rinse, to remove surface contaminants having a particles size of greater than three microns. The method also includes forming a barrier layer overlying the surface region, forming a first molybdenum layer in tensile configuration overlying the barrier layer, and forming a second molybdenum layer in compressive configuration using a second process overlying the first molybdenum layer. Additionally, the method includes patterning the first molybdenum layer and the second molybdenum layer to form a lower electrode layer and forming a layer of photovoltaic material overlying the lower electrode layer. Moreover, the method includes forming a first zinc oxide layer overlying the layer of photovoltaic materials.

Abstract: A method of forming an indium-containing transparent conductive oxide by reactive sputtering a metal target containing indium in an oxygen containing atmosphere and then depositing the resulting indium oxide on a substrate. Metal targets used in the method and photovoltaic devices utilizing the transparent conductive oxides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Solar cell structures and methods of fabricating solar cell structures having increased efficiency are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrode used in a solar cell that exhibits good conductivity at the N layer and P layer and to a conductive paste used for producing such an electrode.

Abstract: The construction principles according to the present invention make possible large sheet-like solar modules with low weight, which have great mechanical toughness, are inured to rough climatic environment influences and withstand thermal stress due to solar irradiation and shadowing effects. The solar modules have front and back panes, one of which has a thickness of at least 3 mm and the other of which has a thickness of at most 2 mm. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the thicker pane is preferably greater than that of the thinner pane. In preferred embodiments burling or a wavy structure is provided on one side of the front pane and/or the back pane.

Abstract: The invention relates to glass compositions useful in conductive pastes for silicon semiconductor devices and photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are textured substrates for thin-film solar cells. According to various embodiments, the textured substrates are characterized by substrate patterns exhibiting low-frequency roughness or flatness and long range order. The substrates may be metallic or non-metallic substrates, and in certain embodiments are stainless steel foils. According to various embodiments, the substrates may be provided in the form of a web, ready for deposition of thin-film photovoltaic stacks. Also provided are textured back contact thin films.

Abstract: An improved solar reflector with a frame structure suitable for spanning longer distances that utilizes light-weight side beams, ridgecaps and tensioned cables to form a truss-system.

Abstract: An optical element for reflecting solar light has excellent weather resistance, and furthermore, a high reflectance in a wide band. When solar light enters an optical element (OE), light (L1) in a short wavelength band among the solar light is reflected by a dielectric multilayer film (DF). Other light (L2) in longer wavelength bands are passed through the dielectric multilayer film (DF), then a base material (SS), and reflected by a metal deposition film (MV) to pass through the base material (SS) and the dielectric multilayer film (DF). Thus, high reflectance in a wide band is ensured.

Abstract: A thin film type solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed, which the thin film type solar cell comprises a front electrode, a semiconductor layer, and a rear electrode sequentially deposited on a substrate; and a buffer layer between the substrate and the front electrode so as to enhance an adhesive strength between the substrate and the front electrode, and to improve transmittance of solar ray incident through the substrate.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising a photovoltaic cell and at least one layer, the photovoltaic ceil and at least one layer wrapped from the inside out to form the photovoltaic device having a vertical geometry is provided. The photovoltaic device can be a variety of shapes. These shapes include a cylinder, square, oval, rope, ribbon, oblong and rectangular. Generally, the photovoltaic cell has at least on semiconductor, a hirfi work-function electrode and a low work-function electrode.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, an active layer between the two electrodes and an interlayer between the active layer and at least one of the electrodes. The interlayer is formed from a non-conducting material and has a thickness such that charge carriers can tunnel through. The device shows significantly improved voltage-current characteristics compared to prior art devices and is particularly suitable as a low light level detector.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate, a first electrode located over the substrate, where the first electrode comprises a first transition metal layer, at least one p-type semiconductor absorber layer located over the first electrode, an n-type semiconductor layer located over the p-type semiconductor absorber layer, and a second electrode located over the n-type semiconductor layer. The first transition metal layer contains (i) an alkali element or an alkali compound and (ii) a lattice distortion element or a lattice distortion compound. The p-type semiconductor absorber layer includes a copper indium selenide (CIS) based alloy material.

Abstract: A method for actuating a hydraulic servo system with a proportional valve that converts an electrical control signal into a hydraulic pilot pressure with which the hydraulic servo system is actuated. An additional impulse is fed to the proportional valve at the beginning of a desired change of the electrical control signal.

Abstract: An impedance seat (10) having an impedance element (19) that can be mounted in conjunction with a seat in a ball valve (52). The impedance seat has a concave surface (16) matching the curvature of the ball (76) and a plurality of flow paths (18) formed through it. An impedance assembly can have a plurality of stacked plates (34) that define the flow paths. The impedance seat can have a full flow window (104) having a radius that matches the profile of a flow bore (86) of the ball valve in an intermediate position. The impedance seat can be easily fabricated to provide improved impedance characteristics, and can be used in an original ball valve, or in a retrofit for an existing valve.

Abstract: A method for controlling a heating system for uniformly heating respective rooms by proportionally calculating heat supplies required by the respective rooms, even when the heat supplies required for heating the respective rooms are different from each other, depending on indoor temperature conditions and external conditions of the respective rooms. The method adjusts flow rates of heating water supplied to the respective rooms by adjusting opening rates of room valves installed in heating water pipes. Current temperature differences between temperatures set for the respective rooms and indoor temperatures measured in the respective rooms are calculated, and opening rates of other room valves of other rooms, excluding rooms having a current temperature difference larger than a previously set temperature difference, are reduced.

Abstract: A device and a method of controlling fluid flow are provided. The method includes providing a moving fluid including a fluid flow characteristic; providing a fluid control device including a fluid control surface, a portion of the fluid control surface being moveable; causing the fluid to contact the fluid control surface of the fluid control device; and causing the fluid to interact with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device by moving the moveable portion of the fluid control surface while the fluid is in contact with the fluid control surface such that the fluid flow characteristic of the fluid after interacting with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device is different from the fluid flow characteristic of the fluid before interaction with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device depending on the position of the moveable portion of the fluid control surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering process materials in a bulk delivery system includes a plurality of pumps arranged in series along a material supply line, wherein the capacity of each pump is such that less than all of the pumps operating simultaneously can provide a desired level of system performance for a given application. In at least one preferred embodiment, a plurality of pumps include three pumps are arranged in series. Preferred embodiments provide several benefits over a parallel arrangement of two larger pumps including, in the case of a single pump failure, that the remaining pumps are signaled to increase speed to restore system performance to restore supply line pressure with less perturbation than that realized in a two-pump, parallel arranged system. Methods are also provided herein for determining which of the three pumps is a failed pump in such a case.

Abstract: There is provided a method for transporting a fluid, in which even if the fluid is transported for a long period of time, dehydration after transportation is not needed, and the transported fluid can be used immediately after transportation. Specifically, there is provided a method for transporting a fluid, comprising steps of: dehydrating some of the transportation fluid during transportation by using a dehydration system comprising a separation membrane through which water permeates, and returning the dehydrated fluid to the transportation fluid so as to keep water content in the transportation fluid in a fixed range.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatuses and techniques for controlling flow between a manifold and two or more connecting microchannels. Flow between plural connecting microchannels, that share a common manifold, can be made more uniform by the use of flow straighteners and distributors that equalize flow in connecting channels. Alternatively, flow can be made more uniform by sections of narrowed diameter within the channels. Methods of making apparatus and methods of conducting unit operations in connecting channels are also described.

Abstract: The intake cone for a gas-turbine engine is wound in one piece from fiber compound material with fiber layers crossing one another. It is provided with a fiber compound belt, wound in the circumferential direction of the intake cone, in the connecting area with a mounting flange, which is of segmented design and thus features reduced circumferential stiffness, of a metallic retaining ring attached to a fan rotor disk. The intake cone is easily manufacturable with almost constant wall thickness and in high quality, can reliably be subjected to non-destructive testing and, in combination with the mounting flange, which is flexible in the radial direction, ensures safe connection of the two components despite the different thermal and elastic behavior of the respective materials.

Abstract: An apertured rupture disc support member (32, 90) is provided for use in a rupture disc assembly (70). A rupture disc (30, 30a) comprising one or more embossed segments (80) that are complemental with the support member apertures (56) is also disclosed. The pressure relief assembly (12) is particularly suited for use in sanitary pressure relief applications.