Abstract: A medicine ejecting device 1 having a medicine ejecting section 2 is mounted to a cleaning device 12. Then, the cap section 16 and the cleaning liquid feeding section 17 of the cleaning device 12 are connected respectively to the medicine ejecting section 2 and the cleaning liquid injecting section 5 of the medicine ejecting device 1. Cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid storing section 13 of the cleaning device 12 to the cleaning liquid injecting section 5 and introduced into the medicine ejecting section 2 by way of a three-way changeover valve 8 by means of a cleaning liquid feeding pump 19. After the cleaning operation, the waste liquid is collected from the medicine ejecting section 2 to the waste liquid collecting section 14 by way of the cap section 16 of the cleaning device 12.

Abstract: A composition for stripping a color filter and a color filter regeneration method are provided. A composition for stripping the color filter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes glycol and potassium hydroxide (KOH), in which either (a) the concentration of the glycol is in the range of 83 wt % to 91 wt % and of the concentration of the potassium hydroxide satisfies the condition: (wt % of KOH)?6?(0.065*(wt % of the glycol)), or (b) the concentration of glycol is more than 91 wt % and the concentration of potassium hydroxide (KOH) is more than 0.2 wt %.

Abstract: Device and method for preventing foreign matters from adhering in a dishwasher, the device including a circulating pump including a washing motor for providing a driving source to pump up washing water from a sump, an impeller designed to receive driving force from the washing motor and rotate for pumping the washing water from the sump to spray nozzles, and a disposer designed to receive driving force from the washing motor and rotate, for removing foreign matters introduced together with the washing water, sensing means for sensing a rotation speed of the washing motor, and a system control unit for controlling a rotation direction and/or speed of the washing motor according to the rotation speed sensed at the sensing means, thereby preventing the washing motor from being restricted by food remnants to improve product reliability by providing means for effective removal of the food remnants adhered to the washing motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing residue from a surface comprising: contacting the surface with a composition comprising at least one unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of compounds having the formula E- or Z—R1CH?CHR2, wherein R1 and R2 are, independently, C1 to C6 perfluoroalkyl groups, or C1 to C6 hydrofluoroalkyl groups, and recovering the surface from the composition.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes: a supply unit to supply at least an initial amount of cleaning solution to a specific portion of an object to be cleaned; an agitator to induce agitation in the cleaning solution supplied to the object; a monitoring unit to monitor an amount of the cleaning solution and to provide a signal indicative thereof; and a control unit to detect a threshold amount of reduction in the cleaning solution based on the signal from the monitoring unit and accordingly to control the supply unit to supply an additional amount of cleaning solution to the specific portion of the object.

Abstract: A paint roller cleaning and drying assembly having a hollow cylindrical body having open top and bottom ends and a hingedly attached cover selectively movable between be closed and open position. A nozzle plenum disposed on an inside body surface substantially parallel to the major axis thereof carries a row of spray nozzles. The nozzle plenum may optionally have an interior cross sectional area that varies along its length to equalize fluid pressure delivered to nozzles disposed along the length thereof. A fluid inlet tube with a hose fitting and valve passes through the wall of the body delivering fluid to the nozzle plenum. Legs support the body in an upright orientation. Notches in the bottom of the legs support the apparatus on the lip of a bucket or pail. A roller support bar has one or more roller cover supports depending downwardly from a lower surface.

Abstract: In order to produce a cleaning plant for cleaning work pieces which comprises at least one cleaning station in which the workpiece is subjected to a cleaning process in such a manner that the cleaning process can be organized in a flexible manner and easily adapted to changes in the workpiece, it is proposed that the cleaning plant should comprise at least one manipulating device which picks up a workpiece prior to treatment in a treatment area of the cleaning station, supplies the workpiece to the treatment process within the treatment area of the cleaning station and passes on the workpiece after the treatment in the treatment area of the cleaning station.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a surface comprises a pressurised container containing a cleaning composition; a nozzle through which the composition is arranged to be dispensed, in use, upon an actuation of a valve; a shroud attached to the container and surrounding the nozzle. The shroud has a hollow generally cylindrical portion adjacent to the nozzle for guiding the dispensed product in the direction in which it leaves the nozzle, and a flared portion at the end of the cylindrical portion furthest from the nozzle forming a spreading plate for guiding the dispensed product laterally when in contact, in use, with a surface to be cleaned. The nozzle is arranged to be actuated by movement of the container towards the shroud. The device comprises a reservoir. The nozzle and shroud are configured so that, in use, the cleaning composition is directed across the surface to be cleaned and into the reservoir.

Abstract: A reusable, self-inflating umbrella comprising an inflatable envelope (11) made of a flexible material and an inflation mechanism (12). The interior of the envelope (11) can be connected to the inflation mechanism (12), in which a gaseous substance with which the interior of the envelope (11) is inflated can be generated by a chemical reaction. The chemical reaction may consist in dissolving a sodium (bi)carbonate granulate in citric acid. The citric acid may be accommodated in a container which is made to rupture by pressure being applied externally to the inflation mechanism (12) by a user, thus triggering the chemical reaction.

Abstract: A crutch apparatus to assist a person with ambulation comprises a vertical stabilizer including a main shaft, an underarm body, a bracket, a handle, and also includes an adjustable foot telescopingly engaging the floor. The bracket includes a first section engaging the main shaft, a second section extending parallel the first section, and a brace extending between the first and second sections. A cradle assembly includes a cradle on the second section for receiving a person's knee adjustable for height and lower leg engaging the floor at bottom of the second section. The vertical stabilizer and cradle are adjustable for different height persons, and are also adjustable to change a tilt of the apparatus relative to the person, whereby the person can adjust the tilt to a most stable condition for use.

Abstract: A multipurpose exercise cane having a top end that is similar in construction to that of a typical crutch and the bottom end includes a detachable foot. However, it further incorporates an improved hand grip on the top end for ease of use while walking. More importantly, the exercise cane also includes optional features of choice. Such as additional hand grips distanced apart and/or a centralized resistive twisting assembly, a water bottle, a microchip, an outwardly extending feeler, etc. Furthermore, the novel cane is of a unique shape that is substantially flat as opposed to most standard canes that are round or circular in shape.

Abstract: The quickly erectable dome shelter includes an extendible perimeter truss assembly with link members connected between adjacent legs, a central truss assembly of link members, and a roof framework, including pairs of curved upper and lower peak truss members, that is movable between a lowered, collapsed configuration and a raised, upwardly arching position. The shelter also includes telescoping peak pole members coupled to the central truss assembly of link members and the roof framework, and may also include telescoping peak truss brace members connected between a peak truss member and a link member of the perimeter assembly of link members.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generation apparatus, which is provided with a thermoelectric conversion element, can be used even when exposed to a high-temperature environment such as being heated on an open fire, and is inexpensive. Onto the bottom surface or the like of a container (11) which can be used even when heated by heat from an ignition source, the thermoelectric conversion element (12) made from the same material which can be used even when heated by the heat generated from the ignition source is installed fixedly. Thus, a thermoelectric conversion apparatus (10), which can be used even when exposed to the high-temperature environment such as an open fire, and is inexpensive, is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an insulating construction and solar panel comprising an insulating core that defines at least one opening. A rigid skin covers the insulating core and defines a ridge extending along a first edge and a channel extending along a second edge. A crystalline photovoltaic module is fitted within the opening, and a translucent pane covers the outer surface of the crystalline photovoltaic module. The insulating construction and solar panel is configured to connect to a second and third insulating construction and solar panel by interconnecting the corresponding ridges and channels.

Abstract: Provided is a tandem-type thin film silicon solar cell module having a structure wherein an intermediate layer is arranged. The module suppresses a problem of a current leak through the intermediate layer and has high light conversion efficiency by suppressing expansion of an ineffective area not contributing to power generation. A method for manufacturing such module is also provided. The module has a structure wherein a separating groove is arranged between the intermediate layer and a connecting groove, the separating groove is embedded with a crystalline silicon film, and a separating member does not exist between the separating groove and the connecting groove.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for high-efficiency solar cells. In one embodiment, a high current photovoltaic apparatus is provided comprising of a thin-film absorber layer solar module of arbitrary size having an electrical output with a current of greater than about 2 amperes when the module is under AM1.5G illumination at 25° C. Optionally, the current is at least about 5 amperes. Optionally, the current is at least about 15 amperes. Optionally, the current is at least about 50 amperes. Optionally, the current is at least about 100 amperes.

Abstract: The flexible photovoltaic module (1) with good external fire performance comprises photovoltaic cells (1c) on plastic substrate and plastic sheet or adhesive layer (1d) under cell based on polyolefin, and/or copolymer of ethylene or propylene with vinyl acetate or (meth)acrylates or neutralized acrylic acids (ionomers). The plastic sheet or adhesive layer contains at least 50 (preferably 100) g/m2 halogenated (preferably brominated) flame retardant. The layers above plastic sheet allow release of flame poisoning substances coming from plastic sheet when fire is set to module.

Abstract: An invention proposes a heat sink system for large-size photovoltaic receivers of tower-type solar power stations with application of an array of heliostats intended to concentrate solar radiation on the photovoltaic receiver. The heat sink system is designed as a two-phase thermo-siphon and it can ensure a stable temperature on all photovoltaic cells installed on the large-size receiver with very small deviations of the temperatures from one photovoltaic cell to another.

Abstract: Solar light utilizing systems and solar devices are provided, the solar light utilizing system includes a main body portion, a solar light collecting unit associated with the main body portion and a tracking unit configured to change an orientation of the solar light collecting unit by moving a center of mass of the solar light utilizing system.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a hybrid methodology and apparatus between photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar panels to lower the photovoltaic solar energy production cost. In particular, the disclosed methodology addresses a simple quasi-parabolic trough PV (QPTPV) low concentration system with greater tolerance to tracker pointing errors. The quasi-parabolic trough (QPT) reflector is defocused to cover the width of a linear solar cells array, which is reduced from a large rectangular solar cells panel. In summary, the QPTPV system consists of low cost quasi-parabolic reflectors, a compact linear PV cells array and a lower cost relaxed pointing 2-axes tracker. The combination of these low cost technologies disclosed can achieve the lowest cost per kilowatt hour of photovoltaic energy production.

Abstract: The present invention provides composite organics and optoelectronic devices, including photovoltaic devices, comprising the same. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic cell comprising a radiation transmissive first electrode, a photosensitive layer electrically connected to the first electrode, the photosensitive layer comprising a plurality of composite organic layers, wherein each of the plurality of composite organic layers comprises a polymeric phase and a nanoparticle phase, the nanoparticle phase comprising at least one exaggerated nanocrystalline grain.

Abstract: Device for the external electrical connection of a photovoltaic panel (1), which comprises a male connector (100) which is arranged on the edge of the photovoltaic panel (1) and which comprises a plurality of external connection strips (5, 5?, 5?) which are electrically connected to the electricity-generating cells, a bar for electrically interconnecting the external strips (160), comprising electrical junction means (165) with respect to the external connection strips and electrical circuits which are suitable for the interconnection of the electricity-generating cells, a first external connector (180) which comprises an electrical junction means (181) with respect to a first external connection strip and a second external connector (190) which comprises an electrical junction means (191) with respect to a second external connection strip and a means (140) for retaining the assembly of the male connector (100), the interconnection bar (160), the first (180) and the second (190) external connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of plasticizer-containing films based on polyvinyl acetal and having a high alkali titre for the production of photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: A multijunction solar cell comprising an upper first solar subcell having a first band gap; a middle second solar subcell adjacent to the first solar subcell and having a second band gap smaller than the first band gap, and having a base layer and an emitter layer; a graded interlayer adjacent to said second solar subcell, having a third band gap greater than the second band gap; a lower solar subcell adjacent to the grading interlayer, having a fourth band gap smaller than said second band gap such that the third subcell is lattice mismatched with respect to said second subcell; and a metal electrode layer deposited on said lower subcell and having a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially similar to that of the subcells.

Abstract: A process for producing three dimensionally structured thin film photovoltaic devices with self-aligned back contacts. The photovoltaic device is constructed using electrodeposition on micrometer-scale interdigitated electrodes on an insulating substrate. During fabrication, these interdigitated electrodes serve as the active electrodes for deposition of materials including semiconductors. After fabrication, these interdigitated electrodes serve as back contacts for carrier collection when the device is in use. The process can be used to fabricate homojunction, heterojunction and multijunction photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a plurality of nanowires arranged such that diameters of the nanowires sequentially increase in a first direction along a path of incident light. In a method of forming nanowires, a catalyst layer is formed on a substrate, a plurality of nanoparticles are formed by thermally processing the catalyst layer, and nanowires are grown from the plurality of nanoparticles. The catalyst layer has a thickness that increases in a first direction, and the plurality of nanoparticles have diameters that increase in the first direction.

Abstract: A solar cell is disclosed. The solar cell includes a substrate, a first electrode on the substrate, a second electrode, and a photoelectric transformation unit between the first electrode and the second electrode. The photoelectric transformation unit includes a first intrinsic (referred to as an i-type) semiconductor layer formed of amorphous silicon doped with at least one of carbon (C) and oxygen (O) as impurities and a second i-type semiconductor layer formed of germanium (Ge)-doped microcrystalline silicon.

Abstract: A method for producing monocrystalline n-silicon solar cells having a rear-side passivated p+ emitter and rear-side, spatially separate heavily doped n++-base regions near the surface, as well as an interdigitated rear-side contact finger structure, which is in conductive connection with the p+-emitter regions and the n++-base regions. An aluminum thin layer or an aluminum-containing thin layer is first deposited on the rear side of the n-silicon wafer, and the thin layer is subsequently structured so that openings are obtained in the region of the future base contacts. In a further process step, the aluminum is then diffused into the n-silicon wafer in order to form a structured emitter layer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device on a non-semiconductor substrate is disclosed. The device comprises two semiconductor layers forming an active region; at least one of the semiconductor layers is formed by a high-purity plasma spray process; optional layers include one or more barrier layers, a cap layer, a conductive and/or metallization layer, an anti-reflection layer, and distributed Bragg reflector. The device may comprise multiple active regions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for converting electromagnetic radiation, such as solar energy, into electric energy with increased efficiency when compared to conventional solar cells. In one embodiment of a photovoltaic (PV) device, the PV device generally includes an n-doped layer and a p+-doped layer adjacent to the n-doped layer to form a p-n layer such that electric energy is created when electromagnetic radiation is absorbed by the p-n layer. The n-doped layer and the p+-doped layer may compose an absorber layer having a thickness less than 500 nm. Such a thin absorber layer may allow for greater efficiency and flexibility in PV devices when compared to conventional solar cells.

Abstract: The invention provides an organic solar cell, containing a substrate having a first electrode formed thereon, an organic photoactive layer including a crystalline, first organic molecule of a first conductive type and a second molecule of a second conductive type opposite to the first conductive type; and a second electrode overlying the organic photoactive layer. The invention further provides a method for forming the organic solar cell.

Abstract: A 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 to the first conductive type; and at least one first electrode positioned from a first surface of the substrate to the at least one via hole, and at least one first electrode current collector positioned from the at least one via hole to a second surface of the substrate, wherein the at least one via hole has a radius of about 10 ?m to about 40 ?m, and at least one of a portion of the at least one first electrode and a portion of the at least one electrode current collector, in the at least one via hole, includes at least one cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new organic sensitizer compounds and to photoelectric conversion devices, in particular dye-sensitised solar cells comprising the new sensitizers. The present invention also relates to flexible photoelectric conversion devices, which are based on ionic liquid electrolytes or organic charge transporting materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rear-contact solar cell and to a method for producing the same, wherein elongate emitter regions (5) and elongate base regions (7) are defined in a semiconductor substrate (1) in a finely interleaved manner on the surface of the rear side of the cell. The elongate emitter regions (5) are contacted by elongate emitter contacts (11) that extend at a right angle thereto, and the elongate base regions (7) are contacted by elongate base contacts (13) that extend at a right angle thereto, the structural width of the emitter and base regions (5, 7) being substantially smaller than the structural width of the emitter and base contacts. The finely interleaved arrangement of emitter and base regions (5, 7) results in good current collecting properties and low series resistances within the semiconductor substrate. Owing to the less complicated structures of the metal contacts, the latter can be produced in a simple and reliable manner.

Abstract: There is provided a dye-sensitized solar cell that may improve power generation efficiency by suppressing light absorption of a wiring part. The dye-sensitized solar cell 10 includes a first electrode substrate 11, a second electrode substrate 16, and an electrolyte layer 17. The first electrode substrate includes a porous oxide semiconductor layer 15 and a wiring part 19 on a side of one surface thereof. A dye is carried on the porous oxide semiconductor layer, and the wiring part is provided at a portion adjacent to the porous oxide semiconductor layer 15. The second electrode substrate is disposed so as to face the porous oxide semiconductor layer 15 of the first electrode substrate 11. The electrolyte layer is disposed at least at a part of a gap between the first and second electrode substrates 11 and 16.

Abstract: A novel photoelectric conversion device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The photoelectric conversion device includes an insulating layer over a light-transmitting base substrate; a single crystal semiconductor layer provided with a plurality of depressions which are filled with the insulating layer; a plurality of first impurity semiconductor layers formed in stripes having one conductivity type and a plurality of second impurity semiconductor layers formed in stripes having a conductivity type which is opposite to the one conductivity type, which are arranged alternately and do not overlap with each other, in a surface layer or over a surface of the single crystal semiconductor layer; first electrodes which are in contact with the first impurity semiconductor layers; and second electrodes which are in contact with the second impurity semiconductor layers.

Abstract: A solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes a first doped region of a first conductive type formed on a semiconductor substrate of the first conductive type, a second doped region of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type formed on the semiconductor substrate at a location adjacent to the first doped region, a passivation layer exposing a portion of each of the first and second doped regions, a first electrode formed on the exposed portion of the first doped region, and a second electrode formed on the exposed portion of the second doped region. The first electrode includes a metal seed layer directly contacting the first doped region, and the second electrode includes a metal seed layer directly contacting the second doped region.

Abstract: The present invention provides phosphonium ionic liquids (11) and coatings made therefrom. Highly fluorinated phosphonium ionic liquids based on (11) having been produced exhibiting high thermal stabilities, low melting points and temperature dependent solvent miscibilities. These salts and derivatives of (11) have also been employed in the preparation of superhydrophobic surfaces, indicating that ionic liquids are not only new alternative solvents, but also viable functional materials. All derivatives of (11) form biphasic systems with common laboratory solvents of ranging polarity at room temperature. Based on the solvent miscibility experiments with water and the high fluorine loading, the PILs showed obvious evidence of being hydrophobic. Coatings made with these phosphonium ionic liquids (11), salts and derivatives thereof were superhydrophobic with water contact angles were measured and all of the surfaces were determined to be superhydrophobic with contact angles >150°.

Abstract: The invention relates polysilazane-containing coatings for increasing the light permeability of sun-facing covers of solar cells. The coating for surfaces contains at least one polysilazane of formula (1) —(SiRR?R?—NR??1)n— (1), wherein R?,R?,R?? are the same or different or represent an optionally substituted alkyl, aryl, vinyl or (trialkoxysilyl)alkyl group, n being an integer and n being chosen in such a manner that the perhydropolysilazane has a number average molecular weight of 150 to 150,000 g/mol, a solvent and a catalyst. The cured coating has a thickness of at least 0.50-10 micrometer, preferably 0.2 to 5 micrometer, especially preferred 0.5 to 1.5 micrometer. It is especially suitable as transmission-promoting coating for use in sun-facing covers of solar cells.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell is provided, which includes: a pair of electrode substrates (1,1?) bonded to each other with a seal member (7) with their electrically conductive electrode surfaces facing inward, one of the electrode substrates being opaque or translucent, the other electrode substrate being transparent; and an electrolyte solution contained therein. The seal member (7) is composed of a material cured by photopolymerizing a photopolymerizable composition essentially comprising a hydrogenated elastomer derivative having at least one (meth)acryloyl group at least one of its opposite molecular terminals, and the electrode substrates (1, 1?) each have a portion coated with a silane coupling agent of a (meth)acryloxyalkylsilane in contact with the seal member (7). Therefore, the dye-sensitized solar cell has higher adhesive sealability and excellent durability.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion device of the present invention has high energy conversion efficiency, even if the amount of iodine added into the electrolyte solution is significantly reduced. The dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion device has a porous photoelectrode layer comprising dye-sensitized semiconductor particles, an electrolyte solution layer, and a counter electrode layer in order. The electrolyte solution layer comprises an electrolyte solution containing 0.05 to 5 M of an aliphatic quarternary ammonium ion, 0.05 to 5 M of an imidazolium ion, and 0.1 to 10 M of iodide ion. The ions are dissolved in an organic solvent. Consequently, the amount of iodine added into the electrolyte solution can be reduced significantly.

Abstract: A non-imaging lens includes a transparent member, a conical protrusion, and a plurality of annular protrusions. The transparent member includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface and the second surface are planar. The conical protrusion is defined on the first surface of the transparent member. The annular protrusions are concentrically defined on the first surface around the conical protrusion. Each of cross-sections of the annular protrusions approximately forms a right triangle. Each of the triangles includes a first angle, a second angle, a bottom surface, a first surface and a second surface. The first angle exceeds the second angle. The first angle is less than or equal to 90°. The second angles increase in turn outwards from the conical protrusion. The width of the bottom surface is equal to the radius of the conical protrusion.

Abstract: A solar cell with a doped transparent conductive oxide layer is disclosed. The doped transparent conductive oxide layer can improve the efficiency of CdTe-based or other kinds of solar cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for materials using compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials. This invention provides a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, transparent conductive materials, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. This invention further relates to thin film AIGS, AIS, and AGS materials made by a process of providing one or more polymeric precursor compounds or inks thereof, providing a substrate, depositing the compounds or inks onto the substrate; and heating the substrate at a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 650° C.

Abstract: An identification system comprises removable fittings for the pressure lines or hoses. The identification system in particular comprises sets of matched identification fittings which are joinable together, but separable for individual mounting to respective ones of a pressure line fitting and the port to which the pressure fitting is connected. The identification fittings have matched surface indicia, which has a unique identifier that is common to both of the matched identification fittings provided as a set. For example, one set of identification fittings may each be marked with a visible indicator such as a common letter such as a capital A.

Abstract: An automatic draining system is provided. The system includes a floating valve having a density less than a first fluid and greater than a second fluid. The floating valve has a floating position that allows the first fluid to pass through a floating valve opening when the floating valve compartment is filed with the first fluid, and a sealing position that prevents the first and second fluids from passing through the floating valve opening when the floating valve compartment is not filled with the first fluid. Also included is a solenoid valve in fluid communication with the floating valve compartment. The solenoid valve has a solenoid opening that is open when the solenoid valve is energized and is closed when the solenoid valve is de-energized. Further included is a filter media downstream of the solenoid valve that filters the first liquid prior to the first fluid exiting the system.

Abstract: A flow control valve (100;200;300) for a ventilation or exhaust duct comprises a housing (102;202;302), which defines a longitudinally extending passage (104;204;304) between a flow inlet and a flow outlet. A closing element (110;210;310) in the passage is movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position. A motor or actuator (116;216;316) is provided for moving the closing element. The motor or actuator may be located inside the closing element (110;210;310). The flow passage (104;204;304) through the housing may have sections of different diameters to obtain a venturi-like diffusor. A pressure difference sensor may be provided, which in combination with a position of the closing element allows for computation of the flow rate through the valve without the need for a separate flow meter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and apparatuses for performing controlled liquid handling, and particularly, for performing controlled liquid handling in micro conduit systems. The invention involves pressing the liquid to be controlled against an enclosed gas to pressurize the gas, and controlling the flow of the liquid by controlling the subsequent evacuation of the pressurized gas. The present invention may be use for liquid handling in chemical and biomedical analysis systems.

Abstract: A device for freeing a seized valve having an elongate valve actuating stem projecting out of the valve is described, which comprises gripping means for gripping and engaging with a projecting portion of the valve actuating stem and means enabling the gripping means, when gripping the valve actuating stem, to be subjected to impact forces in a rotational direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the valve stem.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the process of a system of pipes that convey any flowable medium, such as chemicals, food and in particular, oil and gas, and more particularly to a system of pipes having different coatings or linings for the interior and exterior surfaces of such pipes, depending on the environment in which the pipes are used. The pipes may be coated with different materials, which may be of different thicknesses, with various configurations of coatings or linings. Such coating may be done on the interior and/or the exterior of the pipes.