Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide an efficient head for hubble-bubble device used in smoking and using tobacco with the capability of immediate tobacco replacement and easy regulation of the distance between charcoal and tobacco. A hubble-bubble device comprises the holder, the charcoal container arranged on top of the holder and the tobacco tray arranged on a bottom section of the holder. The tobacco tray is in the form of a drawer which provides for insertion and removal of the tobacco tray from the holder thereby facilitating quick replacement of the tobacco.

Abstract: A device which facilitates the absorption of nicotine in order to reduce the incidence of tobacco smoking is disclosed. The device includes a tube defining an interior space. The tube has a first end with an opening and a second end. An inhalable, flowable liquid or gel composition is disposed in the interior space of the tube. The composition may include water, at least one vitamin, a flavoring agent, and nicotine. The flavoring agent may include an intense sweetener such as sucralose, and a natural or artificial fruit flavor. A user inhales on the first end of the tube of the device as a substitute oral activity to tobacco smoking and thereby ingests a source of nicotine that reduces the withdrawal symptoms experienced when smoking is stopped.

Abstract: An antibacterial artificial hair of the present invention includes an artificial hair and organic resin particles adhering to the artificial hair. The organic resin particles are powdered fine particles including an organic resin and an aluminum salt that is chemically bonded to the organic resin. An antibacterial coating agent for artificial hair of the present invention is used for an artificial hair and obtained by dispersing the organic resin particles in an aqueous medium. The presence of the organic resin particles including the aluminum salt not only provides the luster and texture similar to those of human hair, but also imparts the antibacterial properties.

Abstract: A hair extension system provides a skin weft of flexible material having hair like fibers uniformly displaced thereon. Micro rings are fixed to the skin weft and provide an anchoring feature for strands of human hair from a scalp to be secured thereto. The micro rings are deformable and include a flexible protectant so as to minimize damage to the strands of hair. The hair system may be reused by re-opening the micro rings and reinstalling the hair extension system to another location.

Abstract: This application relates to components and methods for recovery of damaged skin and improving skin moisturisation. Presented is a shaving composition, particularly an emulsion, which comprises preferably a volatile hydrocarbon propellant. A volatile nitrogen base is incorporated in the shaving composition to bring the pH of the shaven skin to a desired value of from 4 to 5 directly after application to boost the skin repair properties. Preferably the shaving composition is soap-free, yet in the alkaline pH range so as to have the shaving advantages of soap and the skin care advantages of the pH control system. Advantagely, the shaving composition according to the invention can be used as a two-in-one products, such as in the two-in-one products shave&aftershave, deodorant&shave and shower&shave.

Abstract: A cosmetic nail cover for cosmetically disguising, with a temporary covering and conventional nail polish, an unattractive nail area on a hand or foot digit, which includes an elongated strip of tape with adhesive and a pad. The material of the tape is resistant to damage by conventional nail polish chemicals, and is suitable for application and adherence of a coating of the conventional nail polish by conventional means. The adhesive substantially coats the back side of the strip of tape, and is suitable for removable adherence to skin of the hand or foot. The pad is flexible and has a firm smooth top surface for adherence to the back side of the strip of tape. Preferably the tape material is transparent and non-glossy, and the pad has thickness comparable to that of a nail and is trimmed to the size and shape appropriate for the nail area to be covered by it.

Abstract: The invention provides for a dual-formula catalyst composition for maintaining a haircut. The composition comprises: a first formula, and a second formula, wherein at least one of the first formula or the second formula comprises at least two polymers. Each of the polymers may be selected from the group consisting of cationic polymers, anionic polymers, zwitterionic or bimodal polymers and neutral polymers. A method and kit are also provided.

Abstract: A hair cutting device and method for facilitating and enhancing the ability to cut hair. The hair cutting device comprises a first elongated guide member that includes a first surface. The first surface includes a gravity field orientation sensor, to sense angular orientation. The first elongated guide member also includes a first end and a second end. The hair cutting device also includes a second elongated guide member that includes a first end configured to selectably couple to the first end of the first elongated guide member. The second elongated guide member further includes a second end configured to pivotly couple to the second end of the first elongated guide member. The second elongated guide member includes a plate member selectably coupleable between the first and second elongated guide members. The gravity field orientation sensor is rotatably coupled to an exterior surface of the first elongated guide member, and rotates 360 degrees.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hair dyeing process comprising dyeing the hair by applying to the hair at least one dyeing composition comprising at least one dye precursor; rinsing the hair; and post-treating the hair by applying to the hair at least one aqueous composition comprising at least 30% of water and at least 20% of at least one organic silicon compound chosen from the silanes that comprise one silicon atom and the siloxanes that comprise two or three silicon atoms, wherein the least one organic silicon compound also comprises at least one basic chemical functional group and at least one hydroxyl group or hydrolysable group per molecule.

Abstract: A multi-functional wrap comprising an elongated tube of fabric material having mating fastener elements at opposite ends. The tube can be wrapped around one's head forming a head covering with a bun portion in back. It can also be wrapped around one's head and neck or used in a variety of ways.

Abstract: The invention called the Manetamer the ponytail holding device made for men, and used by everyone. I invented this product as the easiest way to put my hair in a ponytail without damaging my hair. It is made up of two basic parts, the first is a thin flat steel core that can be bent in a shape and keeps that shape until unbent, and the second part is a covering of the inner core material, this covering can be made of many flexible materials such as a fabrics can be sewed or glue with fabric glue around inner core, apply a rubber-based products. To use the Manetamer just hold one end of the Manetamer to your hair then roll/bend around your hair and back over the Manetamer forming a ring, locking hair in a ponytail.

Abstract: A cosmetic compact (1) comprises a container (9) to hold liquid cosmetics, and a stopper (5) for to the compact (1). The stopper comprises a protrusion (7) that cooperates with a dispensing orifice (8) of the container. The stopper is connected by a hinge (6) to a lid (2) or base (3) of the compact, preferably to the lid. The stopper may thus serve as a latch for the lid of the compact. The hinged connection (6) may be a web integrally formed with the stopper and the adjacent part of the compact, or it may comprise a pin or protrusion.

Abstract: A method for removing a coating layer from a substrate structure. The method includes the steps of positioning a sheet of interface material on the substrate structure with a first, inner face of the interface material in engagement with a predetermined area of the coating layer, and exciting a second, outer face of the interface material with an ultrasonic frequency kinetic energy. The ultrasonic energy causes the predetermined area of the coating layer in contact with the inner face of the interface Material to be substantially completely removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the treatment of surfaces with a plasma produced under atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A process for treating the surface of a substrate in the manufacture of a semiconductor device. The process comprises providing a concentrated acid or base, a peroxide and water, and delivering the acid or base, the peroxide and the water to the surface of the substrate. The acid or base and the water are delivered separately to the surface of the substrate and allowed to mix on the surface, and the water is delivered in pulses. The present invention also provides an apparatus adapted to carry out this process.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems permit selectively etching metal oxide from reactor metal parts (e.g., titanium and/or titanium alloys). The etching composition comprises an alkali metal hydroxide and gallic acid. The method is useful for cleaning reaction chambers used in the deposition of metal oxide films such as aluminum oxide.

Abstract: An appliance having a drain pump with a motor adapted to be supplied with an alternating supply voltage. The appliance also includes a controller adapted to monitor a current value supplied to the motor and to control the frequency of the supply voltage among a plurality of predetermined frequencies when the drain pump is operated in a full drainage mode. A storage medium associated with the controller stores for each predetermined frequency a maximum current value, a minimum current value and an optimal current value.

Abstract: A dishwasher (100) for pot washing, comprising a detector (160) for automatically detecting what type of washing basket (140) has been placed in the dishwasher (100). This enables automatic selection of water pressure and granule control, such that more sensitive crockery and plates are not damaged. The detector can be an inductive sensor (160) that detects an indicating member (141) of the washing basket. The washing basket can comprise one or several indicating members, for enabling a more reliable detection. A method of operating such a dishwasher (100) comprises the steps of automatically detecting what type of washing basket (140) is placed in the dishwasher, and then controlling the water pressure and granule addition according to what washing basket was detected. A system comprises an above dishwasher and an above washing basket.

Abstract: A chute type sterilizing and washing device for a cap, in which deformation of a cap is prevented by relaxing integral pressure acting on a synthetic resin cap in the chute, and sterilization and washing can be carried out efficiently by reducing the impact of hot water on germ-free water jetted at the upstream side on the hot water or germ-free water at the downstream side. The chute (5) has ascending chute portions (7, 9), a hot water pipe having a plurality of nozzles for jetting out hot water as a sterilizing and washing medium is arranged along the ascending chute portion, hot water is jetted to a cap fed to the ascending chute portion, the cap (35) receives a thrust for ascending the ascending shoot portion by the jet pressure of the hot water thus sterilizing and washing the cap with the sterilizing and washing medium and conveying.

Abstract: A cleaning system which includes an enclosure and having a door with a transparent window. The door is opened and closed to load and unload products to be cleaned. An operator puck on the outside of the enclosure couples magnetically to another actuator puck on the inside of the enclosure. This coupling allows an operator to move and direct the inside puck to actuate spray or air blast functions, without opening the enclosure. The outside operator puck includes one or more switches which turn on the various electronic components such as the liquid pump, light, or air blast valve. The cleaning system enables a user to efficiently direct cleaning action to parts inside to minimize the cleaning time, and to prevent exposure of chemicals. The cleaning fluid is cycled out of the enclosure continuously, and into a “trap” box, through a pump and back into the cleaner box in a closed loop cycle.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having a rotatable spray arm and at least one rotatable sprayer, with a drive for directly driving at least one of the spray arm and sprayer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in a hollow skiing or walking pole, said pole having at least a substantially hollow shaft part (1), a handgrip (2) in the upper part of the shaft part and a tip part (3) in the lower part of the shaft part. Inside the hollow shaft part (1) of the pole is an elastic element (4) adapted to be pulled at least partially out of the shaft part (1) and pushed at least partially back into the shaft part (1).

Abstract: A gazebo cover adaptable for gazebos having different sized canopies include a fabric panel having a central opening and a perimeter defining at least three adjacent perimeter portions. The fabric panel includes a plurality of centrally-converging gussets extending between the perimeter and the central opening. A closure, for example, a slide zipper, is provided for selectively opening the gussets to form a relatively large canopy sized to fit a predetermined large size canopy frame, and for selectively closing the gussets to form a relatively small canopy sized to fit a predetermined small size canopy frame. A peak cap is positioned over and attached to the central opening of the fabric panel for closing the central opening.

Abstract: An example method for providing a flexible base structure for a portable shelter includes the steps of forming a continuous loop of a flexible material and attaching a plurality of rib intersections such as grommets at respective locations along the flexible loop. An alternative method for constructing a flexible base structure for a floorless portable shelter includes forming a continuous loop of a flexible material and arranging a plurality of openings at respective locations along the continuous loop. An embodiment of a base structure for supporting the ribs of a portable shelter includes a flexible loop and a plurality of rib intersections arranged along the flexible loop. Each of the plurality of rib intersections forms an opening for receiving a respective end of a rib that supports the portable shelter.

Abstract: Tent structures include a plurality of upright poles (1, 4). The tent structures include predetermined locations for the tops of the upright poles (1, 4) and the bases of the upright poles (1, 4). Guy ropes (3) or triangular pieces of fabric (6) support the upright poles (1) and enable the users to place pegs at pre-determined locations in order that the upright poles (1) support themselves during pitching of the tent.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter assembly includes legs, a truss system, a cover, cover supporting rods and mounting brackets. Each of the legs has an upper and a lower end. The truss system is configured to link each pair of legs together and define a base perimeter. The brackets are adapted for mounting to the upper ends of the legs, for attaching to the rods at a predefined distance distal to ends of the rods and for defining an outer perimeter greater than the base perimeter. The cover is adapted for attaching about the ends of the rods for covering the outer perimeter.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material includes a multiple transition metal-doped type I clathrate crystal structure having the formula A8TMy11TMy22 . . . TMynnMzX46-y1-y2- . . . -yn-z. In the formula, A is selected from the group consisting of barium, strontium, and europium; X is selected from the group consisting of silicon, germanium, and tin; M is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gallium, and indium; TM1, TM2, and TMn are independently selected from the group consisting of 3d, 4d, and 5d transition metals; and y1, y2, yn and Z are actual compositions of TM1, TM2, TMn, and M, respectively. The actual compositions are based upon nominal compositions derived from the following equation: z=8·qA?|?q1|y1?|?q2|y2? . . . ?|?qn|yn, wherein qA is a charge state of A, and wherein ?q1, ?q2, ?qn are, respectively, the nominal charge state of the first, second, and n-th TM.

Abstract: An i-type amorphous silicon layer 14 and a p-type amorphous silicon layer 15 are formed on a part of an inner wall of a through hole of an n-type single-crystal silicon substrate 11. Further, an i-type amorphous silicon layer 12 and an n-type amorphous silicon layer 13 are formed on a part of the inner wall of the through hole of the n-type single-crystal silicon substrate 11. The inner wall surface of the through hole is covered with the i-type amorphous silicon layer 14 and the i-type amorphous silicon layer 12.

Abstract: A solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type; an emitter layer of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type on the substrate; a first electrode electrically connected to the emitter layer; a passivation layer on the substrate; a second electrode conductive layer on the passivation layer, the second electrode conductive layer including at least one second electrode electrically connected to the substrate through the passivation layer; and a second electrode current collector electrically connected to the second electrode conductive layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting solar power includes a photovoltaic array for generating a DC voltage; a discharge circuit for causing the DC voltage to decay from a first value to a second value; and an inverter circuit for transforming an output voltage from the discharge circuit into an AC voltage.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention discloses a solar power plant, comprising gradually installing the solar panels to reach the desired power output after a plant construction time. The construction time is longer than an otherwise full time construction of solar power plant, typically 2 to 30 times longer, and typically ranging from 10 to 30 years. The construction time can be selected to achieve a desired capital spending or a power selling price. In addition, a solar panel plant can be constructed on or in a vicinity of the solar power plant to produce the required solar panels.

Abstract: A solar power system for supplying electrical energy to a load based on solar energy comprising at least one solar panel, a power supply, and at least one mode select switch. The at least one solar panel comprises at least one solar cell. The at least one mode select switch is operatively connected to the at least one solar panel, the power supply, and the load. The at least one mode select switch is operable in a first mode and in a second mode. In the first mode, the at least one solar cell is capable of supplying electrical energy to the load. In the second mode, the power supply supplies electrical energy to the at least one solar cell such that the at least one solar cell generates heat.

Abstract: An assembly technique for assembling solar cell arrays is provided. During the fabrication of a solar cell, openings through the semiconductor layer are etched through to a top surface of the backmetal layer. The solar cells include an exposed top surface of the backmetal layer. A plurality of solar cells are assembled into a solar cell array where adjacent cells are interconnected in an electrically serial or parallel fashion solely from the top surface of the solar cells.

Abstract: A back metal electrode, a bottom cell using microcrystalline silicon for a photoelectric conversion layer, a front cell using amorphous silicon for a photoelectric conversion layer, and a transparent front electrode are formed in this order on a supporting substrate. At least one of the concentration of impurities contained in the front photoelectric conversion layer and the concentration of impurities contained in the bottom photoelectric conversion layer is controlled such that the concentration of impurities in the bottom photoelectric conversion layer is higher than the concentration of impurities in the front photoelectric conversion layer. Impurities do not include a p-type dopant or an n-type dopant but are any one, two, or all of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen.

Abstract: A solar receiver and system is provided that generates electrical power generation from very highly concentrated sunlight. The system has advantages in: cooling and packaging for electrical power devices; electrical circuit impedance; and low frequency and high frequency electrical properties. In one example, a Photo-voltaic Many Cell Module (“PvMcm”) includes a large substrate with many photo-voltaic (“PV”) cells mounted in a dense array. This substrate has a core of solid molybdenum, insulated on both faces with aluminum nitride. Atop this is one layer of molybdenum printed wire. This electrically connects the PV cells. Atop this is another dielectric layer. This substrate provides excellent thermal resistivity. This receiver also includes a Switch Many Chip Module (“SwMcm”) to convert DC to AC electrical power. This includes a second substrate that carries power switches mounted tightly on one surface. This substrate includes a metal core, ceramic insulation and several layers of printed wiring.

Abstract: A solar concentrator including a housing having a receiving wall, a reflecting wall and at least two end walls, the receiving, reflecting and end walls defining a three-dimensional volume having an inlet, wherein a vertical axis of the housing is generally perpendicular to the inlet, a receiver mounted on the receiving wall of the housing, the receiver including at least one photovoltaic cell, wherein a vertical axis of the receiver is disposed at a non-zero angle relative to the vertical axis of the housing, at least one clip disposed on the reflecting wall, an optical element received within the three-dimensional volume, the optical element including at least one tab, the tab being engaged by the clip to align the optical element with the receiver, and a window received over the inlet to enclose the housing.

Abstract: A device for the generation of electricity and for imparting thermal energy to a fluid. The device is composed of a panel of photovoltaic materials having a top surface which, when in use, is exposed to ambient solar radiation and a base for supporting the panel of photovoltaic materials. A plurality of micro channels are positioned within the base and in thermal contact with the photovoltaic material. The channels have open receiving ends and open discharge ends and are sized and positioned to receive a fluid at their receiving ends and to discharge the fluid at their discharging ends for transferring thermal energy from the bottom surface of the panel of photovoltaic materials to the fluid as the fluid travels within the channels.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a PV module frame, comprising: an module recess, a sidewall vertical to the module recess and a bottom portion vertical to the sidewall. Said bottom portion extends from the bottom of said sidewall along the opposite direction of the recess of said module recess. The present invention also discloses a PV module having said PV module frame and further discloses a PV module installation system for installing said PV module onto a support, wherein the bottom portions of the adjacent solar cell assemblies are socket jointed and fixed to at least one installation beam which is fixed to said support. The beneficial effect of the present invention is that: fast installation of a PV module could be realized only by using the improved frame and one installation beam, which reduces the quantity of the members in an installation system module and makes the installation more efficient, easier and more economical.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for securing two or more solar panels to a frame assembly is disclosed. The clamping assembly may include an extruded first clamping member having first and second surfaces and a receiving portion disposed between the first and second surfaces, the first and second surfaces being within a first plane and the first clamping member being free from a void between the first and second surfaces; a second clamping member configured to be attached to the receiving portion, first and second solar panels being disposed between the first and second clamping members; and a first fastener configured to be at least partially received by the receiving portion of the first clamping member and the second clamping member to secure together the first and second clamping members and the first and second solar panels.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module apparatus includes PV cells arranged in a planar array, the PV cells being electrically connected in at least one string having positive and negative terminals. Positive and negative conductors are connected to the positive and negative terminals respectively and front and back encapsulating sheets are disposed on the front and back sides of the array to form a sub-laminate. Each of the positive and negative conductors has a respective portion extending from the positive and negative terminals, between the front and back encapsulating sheets. Front and back protectors are disposed on the front and back encapsulating sheets to form a laminate. First and second terminating portions of the positive and negative conductors extend outwardly from the outer perimeter edge of the laminate. A frame including a frame member having a holder may be provided about at least one portion of the outer perimeter edge of the laminate.

Abstract: A photovoltaic array having a plurality of photovoltaic modules having first structural members. The photovoltaic modules are disposed upon and connected to a plurality of framework elements. The framework elements being interconnected to form a framework. The framework elements have electrically non-conductive second structural members with internally disposed electrical conductors. Electrical and mechanical connections to the photovoltaic module disposed upon the framework element and electrical connections among framework elements are internal to the framework elements. The output voltage of the photovoltaic array can be electrically referenced to an arbitrary voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety laminate or solar cell module comprising an acid terpolymer containing film or sheet, wherein the acid terpolymer comprises copolymerized units derived from an ?-olefin, about 15 to about 30 wt % of an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbons, and about 0.5 to about 40 wt % of an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid ester having 4 to 12 carbons, based on the total weight of the acid terpolymer.

Abstract: A gel-like or solid electrolyte containing (i) an electrolyte solution containing an electrolyte dissolved in an organic solvent, (ii) a lamellar clay mineral and/or an organically modified lamellar clay mineral and (iii) a polyvalent onium salt compound and a photoelectric transducer element and a dye-sensitized solar cell using the same.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules with increased performance are obtained by positioning a reflective polyvinyl adhesive film below the photosensitive layer, this adhesive layer containing a plasticizer of low polarity expressed by 100×O/(C+H)?9.4.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing photoelectric conversion elements, and a photoelectric conversion element, the apparatus and method being capable of highly efficiently forming a film at a high speed with microwave plasma, preventing oxygen from mixing, and reducing the number of defects. The invention provides a photoelectric conversion element manufacturing apparatus 100 that forms a semiconductor stack film on a substrate by using microwave plasma CVD.

Abstract: A device for generating electricity from solar radiation is disclosed. The device includes a wafer doped with a first dopant, the wafer including a front-side and a back-side, wherein the front-side is configured to be exposed to the solar radiation. The device also includes a fused Group IV nanoparticle thin film deposited on the front-side, wherein the nanoparticle thin film includes a second dopant, wherein the second dopant is a counter dopant. The device further includes a first electrode deposited on the nanoparticle thin film, and a second electrode deposited on the back-side, wherein when solar radiation is applied to the front-side, an electrical current is produced.

Abstract: A simplified manufacturing process and the resultant bifacial solar cell (BSC) are provided, the simplified manufacturing process reducing manufacturing costs. The BSC includes an active region located on the front surface of the substrate, formed for example by a phosphorous diffusion step. After removing the PSG, assuming phosphorous diffusion, and isolating the front junction, dielectric layers are deposited on the front and back surfaces. Contact grids are formed, for example by screen printing. Prior to depositing the back surface dielectric, a metal grid may be applied to the back surface, the back surface contact grid registered to, and alloyed to, the metal grid during contact firing.

Abstract: A simplified manufacturing process and the resultant bifacial solar cell (BSC) are provided, the simplified manufacturing process reducing manufacturing costs. The BSC includes an active region located on the front surface of the substrate, formed for example by a phosphorous diffusion step. The back surface includes a doped region, the doped region having the same conductivity as the substrate but with a higher doping level. Contact grids are formed, for example by screen printing. Front junction isolation is accomplished using a laser scribe.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells and methods for manufacturing photovoltaic cells. An example photovoltaic cell may include an electron conductor, a hole conductor and an active region situated therebetween. The electron conductor may include a nanowire array and a sheath disposed over the nanowire array. The nanowire array may include a material having an electron mobility that is greater than the electron mobility of the sheath. The sheath may have a density of states that is greater than the density of states of the nanowire array.

Abstract: An organic dye used in a dye-sensitized solar cell is described, having general formula (1): wherein Ar1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted arylene group, Ar2 and Ar3 each independently represent a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, Sp1 represent a single bond or a spacer group allowing conjugation between Ar1 and the furan moiety, Sp2 represent a single bond or a spacer group allowing conjugation between the furan moiety and Ac, Ac represents an acceptor group, and Y represents an anchoring group.