Abstract: The present invention includes a walking cane having a handle assembly, a support assembly and foot member. The handle assembly includes first and second generally upright rigid posts. A shaft adaptable for grasping by a user's hand connects to each end of the posts. Pliable mounts dispose between the terminal ends of the shaft and each post. The mounts, biased against the shaft, permit omni-directional movement of the shaft relative to each post. The support assembly connects to the handle assembly and includes three parallel elongated rods spaced apart from one another in a triangular formation. The handle assembly can be adjusted relative to the support assembly by means of two cooperating shims. The foot member connects to the support assembly and contacts the ground. The cane provides a light-weight shaft and a shock absorbing handle assembly to assist in relieving hand, wrist and arm strains.

Abstract: A removable shock absorbing tip for a walking aid. The tip may be comprised of a shaft engaging member for connecting the tip to the shaft of a walking aid, an outer shell, and a biasing member. The biasing member may disposed within the outer shell in abutment with the shaft engaging member. The biasing member may also be disposed around the shaft engaging member and in abutment with the outer shell. The biasing member may be a spring, a fluid-filled cushion, or a member formed of elastomeric material. The outer shell may be formed of transparent or translucent material to permit the biasing member to be visible to a user for ease of identification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a roof connecting mechanism of a foldable tent wherein a connecting hub is pivotally connected to roof strut rods so that the roof strut rods are movable in a compact manner relative to the connecting hub. The connecting hub includes pivoting cabinets in radial arrangement for pivoting the ends of each roof strut rod which has sufficient space to accommodate the ends of the roof strut rods when the tent is both in an open and folded configuration. The connecting hub also includes a stopper to limit the movement of the roof strut rods when in the open configuration. Such construction allows for a simple and compact opening and folding of the tent.

Abstract: A collapsible tent structure includes a plurality of poles coupled with a plurality of linkages. The tent structure also includes a plurality of rods where each rod is pivotally coupled to each pole on one end and pivotally coupled to a hub on an opposite end. A plurality of struts are further included in the tent structure and each strut is pivotally coupled to each rod on one end and pivotally coupled to each pole on an opposite end, and a locking mechanism is coupled to each of the rods. A plurality of eaves, each pivotally coupled to a locking mechanism, extend radially outward beyond the poles when in an extended position and retracted radially inward of the poles when in a retracted position while the tent is in an open configuration.

Abstract: The invention, the Concentrated Solar Thermoelectric Power System, herein abbreviated as C-STEPS, is a thermo-optical system configuration for the purpose of achieving a high solar energy-to-electricity conversion efficiency based on thermoelectric (TE) devices that use the Seebeck effect. It does so by implementing a system for concentrated solar energy using a design that combines a dual-function reflector/radiator component with an active or passive heat convection mechanism to ensure that TE module operation is maintained in a safe elevated temperature range with respect to the ambient temperature. Unsafe module temperatures are avoided by automatically adjusting the TE module hot side temperature directly or indirectly by regulating the TE cold side temperature using a variety of passive or active mechanisms, including the reflector/radiator component, phase change material, or convection/conduction mechanisms.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for diodeless terrestrial photovoltaic solar power arrays. In one or more embodiments, the method and device involve a solar power array device without blocking diodes and/or without bypass diodes. The method comprises providing a solar module, a solar array tracker, a power bus, a controller, and an inverter. In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises providing a circuit breaker and/or a bi-position switch. When the controller senses that the solar module power is below a threshold level, the controller commands the solar tracker to vary the solar module's pointing until the solar module is operating at its maximum power point for the solar module's level of illumination. In some embodiments, when the controller senses that the solar module power is less than a minimum bypass threshold level, the controller commands a bi-position switch to bypass current around the solar module.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a metal substrate, an insulation layer, series-connected solar cells, two output terminals, and a ground terminal. Each solar cell includes an underside electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion layer and a transparent electrode layer. The solar cell module further includes an electrical conductive layer for electrically connecting the metal substrate to the underside electrode of one grounding solar cell located in a range of plus 10% to minus 10% of the number of the solar cells from a solar cell located at a center of the line of the solar cells. The ground terminal is connected through the metal substrate and the conductive layer to the grounding solar cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrical interconnections utilized in devices adapted to capture solar energy, such as solar cells, solar panels and/or solar arrays is described. In one embodiment, a solar panel is described. The solar panel includes a first plurality of solar devices positioned in a center of the solar panel in electrical communication with a first circuit, and a second plurality of solar devices surrounding the first plurality of solar devices, the second plurality of solar devices in electrical communication with a second circuit, the second circuit being different than the first circuit.

Abstract: In a structure in which a plurality of structures, having a transparent electrode, a photovoltaic unit, and a backside electrode sequentially layered over a transparent substrate, are connected in series, a insulating groove is formed in a panel periphery in a direction intersecting the direction of series connection in which the transparent electrode, the photovoltaic unit, and the backside electrode are removed, and a separating groove is formed in a region near the separating groove and parallel to the separating groove in which the transparent electrode is left and at least the backside electrode is removed.

Abstract: A solar cell module that includes a plurality of solar cells each of which has a photoelectric conversion body configured to generate carriers upon exposure to light; and an electrode provided on the main surface of the photoelectric conversion body, and configured to collect the carriers from the photoelectric conversion body; a wiring member configured to electrically connect the plurality of solar cells; and a wiring substrate that covers main surfaces of at least two or more solar cells out of the plurality of solar cells, the wiring substrate comprising a groove provided along at least a part of the electrodes, wherein a conductive member is provided at a bottom of the groove, and the conductive member electrically connects the electrodes to the wiring member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a module for converting solar radiation into electricity comprising a panel having a front and a back main side, with a solar energy converting means arranged on or in the front main side and a means for fixing the module to an object. In various embodiments, in order to allow a mounting that prevents accumulation of dirt in the edge region of the panel the means for fixing the module is furthermore arranged over the back main side of the panel and away from the edges of the panel. Embodiments of the invention furthermore relate to a fixing device configured to receive such a module and to a combination of a module and a fixing device.

Abstract: A power generating system is manufactured and operated within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure.

Abstract: A terminal box has a box body that has a shape of a box having an opening on one surface, has a body-side hinge structure on an end thereof, and accommodates therein an output-cable connecting unit, and a cover that has a cover-side hinge structure forming a hinge structure with the body-side hinge structure, that is pivotally supported by the hinge structure an end thereof so as to pivotally open or close the opening of the box body. The hinge structure has an attitude holding structure that holds an attitude of the cover at a position where the cover is at a predetermined angle with respect to the box body.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a first carrier and a second carrier connected with each other through a plurality of supporting rods, a plurality of light collecting units disposed on the second carrier, and an actuating rod group movably disposed on the first carrier. The light collecting units each have an upper portion pivotally connected to the second carrier and a lower portion pivotally connected to the actuating rod group. When the actuating rod group moves, the lower portion of each of the light collecting units swings about the upper portion with an amplitude corresponding to the position of the sun such that a lens assembly on each of the light collecting units faces the sunlight, thereby enhancing the light collecting efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat dissipating device adapted for use in combination with a module provided with a mounting board. The heat dissipating device has a metallic heat-dissipating member including a body and a number of spaced-apart heat dissipating fins extending upwardly from the upper surface of the body. The body is formed at its central portion with a through hole adapted for receiving a protrusion block protruding from a back surface of the mounting board of the module opposite to a mounting surface on which electrical devices are mounted. The heat dissipating device further includes a pump unit, a fluid conduit and a fan unit disposed on the heat dissipating fins.

Abstract: A radiant energy concentrating or collimating system comprising an enclosure that shields its contents from environmental effects while allowing radiant energy to transmit through its top window; a plurality of energy concentrating or collimating assemblies, each on its own pivot mechanism and each comprising a plurality of optics, a support structure and an energy conversion device that is mounted on a heat dissipating structure; a drive mechanism controlled by a microprocessor to rotate the said energy concentrating or collimating assemblies on two orthogonal axes in unison so the assemblies are oriented towards desired direction at any given time.

Abstract: A high efficiency, environmentally friendly system comprising a plurality of photovoltaic solar collecting panels (PV panels) is disclosed. The system comprises an outer frame to which a plurality of inner frames are mounted to which the plurality of PV panels are attached. To minimize shadowing by the outer frame upon one or more PV panels, at least one PV panel may extend beyond an endpoint of the main frame. The system also comprises an outer frame rotation actuator that rotates the outer frame and an inner frame rotation actuator that rotates the inner frames and the plurality of PV panels. The solar tracking array frames disclosed herein help to improve the quality of the environment by conserving a variety of energy resources (e.g., fossil fuels, hydroelectric energy, etc.) The solar tracking array frames disclosed herein also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as solar tracking array frames do not produce carbon dioxide byproducts.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate for a thin-film photoelectric conversion device which makes it possible to produce the device having improved characteristics at low cost and high productivity. The substrate includes a transparent base member, with a transparent underlying layer and a transparent electrode layer successively stacked on one main surface of the transparent base member. The underlying layer includes transparent insulating fine particles and transparent binder, and the particles are dispersed to cover the one main surface with a coverage factor of particles—ranging from 30% or more to less than 80%. An antireflection layer is provided on the other main surface of the transparent base. The antireflection layer includes transparent insulating fine particles and transparent binder, and the particles are dispersed to cover the other main surface with a coverage factor greater than the underlying layer. The transparent electrode layer contains zinc oxide deposited by low-pressure CVD method.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system including a first component comprising a lamination of a non-glass photovoltaic module and a support panel having flanges positioned along opposing sides, and a second component configured for attachment to a roof and defining corresponding flanges, wherein the flanges of each component are aligned and secured together to attach the first component to the roof and maintain the photovoltaic module in a position elevated from the underlying roof to permit airflow between the module and the roof.

Abstract: Disclosed in one aspect is a voltaic cell assembly comprising one or more voltaic cells, a photovoltaic cell in one embodiment; an elastomeric film and a transparent film, the voltaic cell sandwiched there between. The elastomeric film can be formed from a natural rubber or an isobutylene-based elastomer. More particularly, the elastomeric film may comprise a DVA of a polyamide and a functionalized poly(isobutylene-co-p-methylstyrene). The assembly described is useful for a number of end use articles including roofing shingles, automotive components, building components, and, in general, solar arrays.

Abstract: A solar cell module and a method of manufacturing the same are discussed. The solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cells, an interconnector configured to electrically connect adjacent solar cells of the plurality of solar cells to one another, a protective layers configured to protect the plurality of solar cells, a transparent member positioned on light receiving surfaces of the plurality of solar cells, and a back sheet positioned opposite the light receiving surfaces of the plurality of solar cells. The interconnector includes holes in connection portions between the interconnector and electrode parts of the adjacent solar cells.

Abstract: A solar cell module and a method of manufacturing the same are discussed. The solar cell module includes a plurality of back contact solar cells, an interconnector that is positioned on back surfaces of the plurality of back contact solar cells and electrically connects adjacent back contact solar cells to one another, upper and lower protective layers for protecting the plurality of back contact solar cells, a transparent member that is positioned on the upper protective layer on light receiving surfaces of the plurality of back contact solar cells, and a back sheet that is positioned under the lower protective layer on surfaces opposite the light receiving surfaces of the plurality of back contact solar cells. The upper protective layer and the lower protective layer are formed of different materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polychlorotrifluoroethylene film having ultraviolet shielding ability, moisture resistance and small absolute values of thermal deformation rates. The present invention is a polychlorotrifluoroethylene film having an ultraviolet shield rate of not lower than 70%, a water vapor transmission rate of not higher than 1.00 g/m2·day and absolute values of thermal deformation rates after 30 minutes-heating at 150° C. of not higher than 5.0%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a layered structure (1) with semiconducting materials on a support layer (3) comprising at least one planar semiconducting layer (6) and several electrodes, in particular a first (4) and second (5) one. The semiconducting layer (6) has a top (8) and bottom (7) flat face extending essentially parallel and spaced apart from one another by the height of the layer (10). The semiconducting layer (6) is also applied by the bottom flat face (7) to a flat face of the support layer (2) and the two electrodes are connected to the semiconducting layer in an electrically conducting manner The at least two electrodes are applied by means of a structuring process and are disposed on two oppositely lying faces of the semiconducting layer and/or in planes at least approximately parallel between the two faces.

Abstract: A back sheet for a solar cell module excellent in barrier property and adhesiveness is provided. The back sheet for a solar cell module comprises two gas barrier films, wherein the gas barrier films each have a substrate film and a barrier layer comprising an inorganic layer comprising an inorganic oxide, an inorganic nitride or a mixture thereof on the substrate film, the outermost barrier layers each have an outermost surface having a surface roughness (Ra) of 0.1 to 3 nm, the barrier layers face to each other through the adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is obtained by curing a two-liquid type polyurethane adhesive.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element of the present invention includes: a first electrode being linear; a second electrode; and an electrolyte. The first electrode and the second electrode are disposed via the electrolyte. The first electrode includes a first linear material which includes a copper wire and a metal coating which coats the copper wire and a dye-carrying porous oxide semiconductor layer disposed on an outer circumference of the first linear material.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a UV-protective coating composition is described. The UV protective coating composition includes an acrylate polymer; and a non-crystallizing UV-absorber composition. The non-crystallizing UV absorber composition includes a dibenzoylresorcinol and at least one triazine compound. The dibenzoylresorcinol is present at a level in the range of from about 10 weight percent to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the coating composition. Also provided is an article that includes the UV protective coating composition, and a method to protect the article.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized semiconductor includes a semiconductor, and a copper(I) coordination compound comprising 2,9-dialkyl-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthrolinedisulfonate, on the semiconductor. The dye-sensitized semiconductor may be used as part of a photoanode in a solar cell, which also contains a counter-electrode, and a conductive medium containing a redox-active mediator, in contact with and separating the photoanode and the counter-electrode.

Abstract: A solar cell including a first semiconductor layer including a first impurity, a second semiconductor layer disposed on the first semiconductor layer, the second semiconductor layer including a second impurity, a first electrode electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer, and a second electrode electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer, wherein the first semiconductor layer includes a plurality of impurity-doped regions including a third impurity, wherein a type of the third impurity is the same as a type of the second impurity.

Abstract: Methods for making multi-layered anti-reflective coatings are disclosed. Un-solgel precursor compositions may be prepared having inorganic oxide precursors and UV curable acrylic monomer mixtures, deposited on a substrate, and subsequently the coated substrate may be cured by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, such as UV radiation. The coating layers may be heated using a temperature sufficient to burn off organic content and form a multi-layer anti-reflective coating. Substrates comprising such coatings and photovoltaic devices comprising such substrates and coatings are also disclosed.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell is described having emitter portions formed at both a light-facing surface and a back surface of the cell. In some embodiments, heavily doped emitter regions extend between the front and back emitter regions, connecting them electrically. Use of this structure is particularly well-adapted to a cell formed by implanting a semiconductor donor body with hydrogen and/or helium ions, affixing the donor body to a receiver element, cleaving a lamina from the donor body, and completing fabrication of a photovoltaic cell comprising the lamina. The emitter portion formed at the unbonded surface may comprise amorphous silicon. The lamina may be thin, for example 10 microns thick or less.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a semiconductor substrate including; a p-type layer, and an n-type layer disposed adjacent to the p-type layer, a dielectric layer positioned on one surface of the semiconductor substrate, a protective layer positioned on one surface of the dielectric layer, a first electrode electrically connected to the p-type layer of the semiconductor substrate and a second electrode electrically connected to the n-type layer of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a dye-sensitized solar cell, etc. capable of preventing, even when a highly-conductive electrolyte is employed, a short circuit between a transparent conductive film of a working electrode and the electrolyte, and thereby enhancing reliability with improved photoelectric conversion characteristics and improved durability. A short circuit-prevention layer is patterned in a frame shape so as to surround the periphery of a dye-supported metal oxide layer on a region of a conductive surface where the dye-supported metal oxide layer is not formed. The short circuit-prevention layer is formed to be thinner than the dye-supported metal oxide layer, and the dye-supported metal oxide layer is formed so as to cover the conductive surface in the frame of the short circuit-prevention layer and to extend onto the short circuit-prevention layer.

Abstract: An electrically conductive paste for a solar cell comprises a metal powder, an inorganic adhesive, an aqueous adhesive and an auxiliary agent. The aqueous adhesive comprises a water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: An illuminant transparent solar cell device, comprising a transparent substrate and the following layers disposed from bottom up sequentially on the transparent substrate: a transparent fluorescent layer, a p-type transparent conductive oxide layer, an intrinsic-type transparent conductive oxide layer, a n-type transparent conductive oxide layer, and an anti-reflection layer serving as a protection layer. In the illuminant transparent solar cell device, the characteristics of a p-type and an n-type transparent conductive oxide layers as well as a transparent fluorescent layer are utilized so that sunlight can not only be used to provide natural lighting in daytime but also be used to generate electricity which is stored in an electricity storage device by transmitting through this device while the electricity stored therein can be used to provide indoor lighting at night, thus saving the consumption of fossil fuel energy.

Abstract: Disclosed are lead free glass frit powder for manufacturing a silicon solar cell, its producing method, a metal paste composition containing the same and a silicon solar cell. The lead free glass frit powder for manufacturing a silicon solar cell includes Bi2O3; B2O3; and any one metal oxide selected from the group consisting of ZnO, Al2O3 and BaCO3, or mixtures thereof. The glass frit powder is free of lead, and thus, it is environmental friendly. A front electrode of a solar cell formed using the glass frit powder has low resistance against contact with a substrate and high adhesion to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device having patterned electrode films includes providing a soda lime glass substrate with an overlying lower electrode layer comprising a molybdenum material. The method further includes subjecting the lower electrode layer with one or more pulses of electromagnetic radiation from a laser source to ablate one or more patterns associated with one or more berm structures from the lower electrode layer. Furthermore, the method includes processing the lower electrode layer comprising the one or more patterns using a mechanical brush device to remove the one or more berm structures followed by treating the lower electrode layer comprising the one or more patterns free from the one or more berm structures. The method further includes forming a layer of photovoltaic material overlying the lower electrode layer and forming a first zinc oxide layer overlying the layer of photovoltaic material.

Abstract: A solar unit glass plate having a composition comprising the following constituents, the amounts of which are expressed as percentages by weight: SiO2 60-75%; Al2O3 0-5%; Na2O 10-18%; K2O 0-5%; CaO 0-11%; MgO 0-5%; SO3 0-1%; Fe2O3<0.15%; and one or both of: SrO 0-15% and BaO 0-15%, with the proviso that the summed amount of SrO and BaO is greater than 1%. Also a glass plate for use as a cover plate or backing plate for a solar unit, the plate having a composition comprising the following constituents, similarly expressed: SiO2 65-74%; Al2O3 0-3%; Na2O 12-15%; K2O 0-2%; CaO 0-11%; MgO 0-2%; SO3 0-1%; Fe2O3 (total iron)<0.1%; and one or both of: SrO 2-10% and BaO 1.5-10%, with the proviso that the summed amount of SrO and BaO is greater than 2%.

Abstract: Disclosed are a reflect-array lens (or a planar lens) and a solar cell module having the same. The reflect-array lens for a solar cell includes: a planar dielectric substrate having a first permittivity, wherein a plurality of recesses are formed on one surface of the planar dielectric substrate and filled with a dielectric having a second permittivity different from the first permittivity. The reflect-array lens can be easily fabricated and has an excellent concentration degree, and the solar cell module having the reflect-array lens has improved photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a monocrystalline film and a device formed by the above method, and according to the method mentioned above, lift-off of the monocrystalline silicon film is preferably performed and a high-purity monocrystalline silicon film can be obtained. A monocrystalline silicon substrate (template Si substrate) 201 is prepared, and on this monocrystalline silicon substrate 201, an epitaxial sacrificial layer 202 is formed. Subsequently, on this sacrificial layer 202, a monocrystalline silicon thin film 203 is rapidly epitaxially-grown using a RVD method, followed by etching of the sacrificial layer 202, whereby a monocrystalline silicon thin film 204 used as a photovoltaic layer of solar cells is formed.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion apparatus (100) having a photovoltaic layer (3) comprising a crystalline silicon i-layer (42) formed on a large surface area substrate (1) of not less than 1 m2, wherein the crystalline silicon i-layer comprises regions in which the Raman peak ratio, which is the ratio, within the substrate (1) plane, of the Raman peak intensity of the crystalline silicon phase relative to the Raman peak intensity of the amorphous silicon phase, is within a range from not less then 3.5 to not more than 8.0, and the surface area proportion for those regions within the substrate (1) plane having a Raman peak ratio of not more than 2.5 is not more than 3%.

Abstract: A target adapted for a sputtering process for making a compound film layer of a thin film solar cell includes a composition having a formula of CuB1-xCxSeyS2-y, wherein B and C are independently selected from Group IIIA elements; x ranges from 0 to 1; and y ranges from 0 to 2. A thin film solar cell made by sputtering using the target and a method of making the thin film solar cell are also disclosed. Specifically, the thin film solar cell includes a compound film formed with substantially columnar grains. The energy gap of the compound film layer may be varied using different work pressures during a sputtering process. At least one interlayer may be included in the compound film layer to control the size of columnar grains in the compound film layer.

Abstract: A method of producing a photoelectric conversion element, which the element contains an electrically conductive support, a photosensitive layer having porous semiconductor fine particles, a charge transfer layer; and a counter electrode; containing the steps of: applying a semiconductor fine particle dispersion liquid, in which the content of solids excluding semiconductor fine particles is 10% by mass or less based on the total amount of the dispersion liquid, on the support, to form a coating; heating the coating, to obtain porous semiconductor fine particles; and sensitizing the porous particles by adsorption of the following dye: wherein X represents a group of non-metallic atoms necessary for forming a 7-membered ring; Y represents a dye residue; n represents an integer of 1 or more; Z represents a substituent; m represents 0 or a positive integer; and R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a specific substituent.

Abstract: A compressed fluid microvalve for controlling flow of compressed fluid from a region of high pressure to a region of low pressure is provided. A chamber includes an inlet port, a region of high pressure, and an outlet port leading to a region of low pressure. A cantilever beam includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The cantilever beam is anchored to a portion of the chamber and is suspended in the chamber such that the first portion and third portion of the cantilever beam are exposed to the region of high pressure on all sides. The second portion of the cantilever beam overlaps the outlet port. The cantilever beam includes a first position in contact with the outlet port to prevent fluid flow from the chamber through the outlet port and a second position removed from contact with the outlet port to permit fluid flow from the chamber through the outlet port.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and shutting off water flow through a conduit in which a user sets a time period for which water may flow through the apparatus. Once the time limit has been reached, the apparatus of the invention shuts a valve, ceasing water flow to a water-using appliance.

Abstract: A hot water heater comprises a hot water tank, a supply pipe to be connected to the public water mains and a discharge pipe to be connected to a tap. The hot water tank has a circumferential wall which encloses the interior of the tank and which is provided with a heating element disposed inside the hot water tank and with a temperature control device. The circumferential wall of the tank comprises a part which is bellows-shaped so as to be deformable under pressure, thus enabling the tank to expand and contract. The bellows-shaped part of the tank wall is surrounded by a gas chamber containing a gas under pressure, which is capable of balancing the expansion of the tank. The invention further relates to a method for supplying hot water.

Abstract: A hydraulic manifold has features adapted to the needs of hybrid vehicle applications. In one embodiment, multifunction valves selectively regulate fluid flow among primary and auxiliary flow paths. A normally closed butterfly valve is biased by a relatively small secondary biasing force against rotation in first and second (opposite) directions, and by a relatively large principal biasing force against rotation in the first direction past a transitional angular position at which the principal biasing force takes effect. An actuator selectively controls the transitional angular position and the magnitude of the principal biasing force. In the first direction, flow must overcome only the secondary biasing force to pass the valve. In the second direction, any flow sufficient to overcome the secondary biasing force but not the principal biasing force will divide into a first flow passing the valve and a second flow induced to enter an auxiliary path upstream.

Abstract: A system and method for managing hydraulic fluid load flow requirements for a tractor having a single pump hydraulic system. The system connects a hydraulic implement in parallel and gives precedence to the tractor's essential operations, such as a hydraulic steering system, to be controlled independently of the hydraulic pressure requirements of the implement system. The method includes determining the essential operation fluid pressure requirement; determining the implement fluid pressure requirement; and maintaining the essential operation fluid pressure requirement by providing hydraulic fluid flow to the essential operation regardless of the implement fluid pressure requirement.

Abstract: A fluid control system may comprise a pressurized fluid path; at least two sensors for determining a state of fluid within the main fluid path; an isolation valve; and fluid-filled connection paths between the main fluid path and each of the at least two sensors. The connection paths may comprise first sensing tubes connected between the main fluid path and the isolation valve; the isolation valve; and second sensing tubes connected between the isolation valve and the at least two sensors. Upon closure of the isolation valve, the connection paths may be interrupted so that the sensors may be isolated from the main fluid path and so that they may be removed from the system without a need to de-pressurize or drain the fluid from the main fluid path of the system.

Abstract: A self cleaning valve assembly includes a valve body having an internal valve cavity. A cylinder member received in the valve cavity has a first sealing surface and a cylinder wall, and divides the valve cavity into a liquid-free cavity portion and a flow cavity portion. A spindle includes a spindle body contacting the first sealing surface to continuously prevent pressurized fluid in the flow cavity portion from entering the liquid-free cavity portion. A spindle piston end has a wiper member in a receiving groove frictionally contacting the cylinder wall. A handle pinned to the valve assembly directly contacts the piston end. Handle rotation displaces the spindle from a valve closed to a valve open position permitting pressurized fluid flow into the flow cavity portion. The wiper member wipes a contaminant off the cylinder wall and further prevents contaminant entrance into the liquid-free cavity portion.