Abstract: A system of brushes for coloring hair with each brush including an ergonomically shaped handle, recessed valley areas for comfortable and effective finger pressure points, each brush color coded to specific base colors, and each brush provided with a color changing system to alert the user to recent use.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system for use with a traditional prior art hygienic device such as a straight edge shaving apparatus is provided. The improved apparatus may be utilized with known straight edge disposable shavers, for example, whereby the apparatus may be adapted to fit a plurality of different disposable shavers and may be removably attached to the shavers to give the disposable razor a vibratory effect while still keeping the cost of the disposable razor affordable to the common user. Moreover, the present invention may utilize a renewable power source in order to effectuate the vibratory effect to the handle which may be placed over the existing handle of the disposable razor device.

Abstract: A toenail treatment kit for treating onychomycosis and improving nail appearance for persons suffering onychomycosis, including a highly concentrated or supersaturated solution of boric acid. The boric acid solution is poured into a soaking tray having a fluid reservoir for containing said boric acid solution and a footrest proximate the reservoir on which to expose toenails to the boric acid solution. The method of treating onychomycosis using the solution and soaking tray includes the steps of pretreating skin proximate the affected nails; preparing and maintaining a fresh supply of highly concentrated or supersaturated boric acid solution; pouring the boric acid solution into the soaking tray; and soaking the affected nails for a period of time between a few seconds up to 30 minutes at least once per day every day for a sufficiently long period of time for the condition to appreciably improve or to resolve.

Abstract: An applicator may be used to apply a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows. The applicator may include a stem having a distal stem portion extending along a longitudinal axis. The applicator may further include a brush extending from the distal stem portion. The brush may include a core supporting bristles. The core may extend along a longitudinal axis that is entirely contained within a plane. The core may further have a first curve that is concave towards a first side of the core and a second curve that is concave towards a second side of the core opposite from the first side of the core. The first curve may be different from the second curve. The longitudinal axis of the core may cross the longitudinal axis of the distal stem portion at least once. The core of the brush may extend along the longitudinal axis of the core towards a free end of the core without turning back towards the distal stem portion of the stem.

Abstract: Double profile mascara brush having a stem supporting a plurality of radially disposed bristles, said stem being connected at one end to a handgrip (capsule), the free ends of said bristles defining a lateral surface of the brush, which presents a make-up application portion for applying the mascara to the short eyelashes and to the base of the long eyelashes, followed in the direction of the handgrip by a definition portion of greater diameter, for defining and perfecting the ends of the long eyelashes.

Abstract: An improved hair iron for straightening or styling hair is presented. The hair iron comprises two arms pivotally connected at one end and includes a biasing spring near the pivot and connected to arms to bias the arms in a normally open position. Included on one arm is a positive temperature coefficient (“PTC”) heater with a tourmaline coating on the heating surface. Inclusion of a single heating surface on only one arm reduces the risk of heat damage to the hair-to-be-styled and likewise reduces the iron's energy consumption. Included on the other, non-heated, arm is a compressible element for gripping the hair-to-be-styled. The compressible element minimizes the risk of damage to the hair from potential over-compression of the arms of the iron by the stylist. Consequently, the fullness or volume of the styled hair is increased.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning the surface of a substrate using laser-induced plasma shockwaves and ultraviolet radiation is described. After defects such as organic, inorganic and metallic particles are detected during an inspection step, the substrate is mounted on a motorized stage inside a cleaning chamber. A laser beam is focused into a laser-cleaning nozzle within the chamber. The laser energy generates a laser-induced plasma shockwave inside the nozzle. The shockwave is amplified and exits the nozzle generating the necessary force to overcome the adhesion bond of the defects with the substrate. Coordinating defect locations from the preliminary inspection step the substrate is actively positioned only where defects are present for selective removal.

Abstract: An apparatus used for rapid removal of polymer films from plasma confinement rings while minimizing erosion of other plasma etch chamber components is disclosed. The apparatus includes a center assembly, an electrode plate, a confinement ring stack, a first plasma source, and a second plasma source. The electrode plate is affixed to a surface of the center assembly with a channel defined along the external circumference therein. A first plasma source is disposed within the channel and along the external circumference of the center assembly, wherein the first plasma source is configured to direct a plasma to the inner circumferential surface of the confinement ring stack. A second plasma source located away from the first plasma source is configured to perform processing operations on a substrate within the etch chamber.

Abstract: A system for regulating a reverse osmosis system to obtain zero wastewater. A reverse osmosis apparatus filters water from the fresh water supply into a concentrate rinse stream and a permeate rinse stream. A concentrate storage tank and a permeate storage tank are downstream of the reverse osmosis apparatus and receive the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream, respectively. A concentrate solenoid valve and a permeate solenoid valve control the flow of the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream from their respective storage tank. An institutional dishmachine receives the concentrate rinse stream and the permeate rinse stream during a rinse cycle of the institutional dishmachine. A control system is operatively connected to the concentrate solenoid valve and the permeate solenoid valve and control flow of the rinse streams into the institutional dishmachine.

Abstract: A method for operating a dishwasher is provided. The method includes heating a first amount of liquid in a first partial program step; at least partially storing the heated first amount of liquid in the interior of a liquid reservoir, wherein the heated first amount of liquid is in heat-conducting contact with the interior of a tub; circulating a second amount of liquid in a second partial program step; and emptying the liquid reservoir when the second partial program step has been completed.

Abstract: A teat cup cleaning device comprises a heating chamber provided with a discharge outlet that is closable by a valve and arranged for connection to a teat cup. A filling device is arranged for filling the heating chamber with an amount of cleaning liquid and retaining a given quantity of gas. The chamber is provided with a heating arrangement arranged to heat the contents of the heating chamber to a temperature T higher than the boiling point Tk of the cleaning liquid at ambient pressure. On operation of the valve superheated cleaning liquid is discharged to clean a teat cup.

Abstract: A method for conveying a chemical solution containing a phosphonic acid as an iron dissolving agent through the quaternary annulus chambers in forward combustion cans of a gas turbine to dissolve the iron oxide deposits and thereby facilitate cleaning of the internal fuel pathways. The method uses a cleaning flange attached to the quaternary fuel flange that has a flow directing baffle that enters the quaternary fuel orifice and directs the flow of cleaning solution in one direction in the quaternary annulus chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are a nozzle cleaning apparatus and a nozzle cleaning method, which are capable of effectively cleaning a nozzle for discharging a process liquid to a substrate, with a simple structure and a low cost. A nozzle 30 is accommodated in a cleaning container 2 having a funnel-shaped portion 2b. A solvent T as a cleaning liquid is supplied along an inner surface of the funnel-shaped portion 2b. The solvent T forms a vortex flow whirling around the nozzle 30. By exposing the nozzle 30 to the vortex flow, the nozzle 30 can be effectively, thoroughly cleaned.

Abstract: Disclosed are a nozzle cleaning apparatus and a nozzle cleaning method, which are capable of effectively cleaning a nozzle for discharging a process liquid to a substrate, with a simple structure and a low cost. A nozzle 30 is accommodated in a cleaning container 2 having a funnel-shaped portion 2b. A solvent T as a cleaning liquid is supplied along an inner surface of the funnel-shaped portion 2b. The solvent T forms a vortex flow whirling around the nozzle 30. By exposing the nozzle 30 to the vortex flow, the nozzle 30 can be effectively, thoroughly cleaned.

Abstract: A clean in place gassing manifold comprises a gassing module comprising a hub, the gassing module and the hub being formed as a unitary device; and a complementary clean in place module for coupling the gassing module, the complementary clean in place module comprising a head that inserts into the hub of the gassing module. The gassing module coupled with the complementary clean in place module allow a cleaning solution to be pumped through the coupled modules at and above a minimum flow rate and a minimum velocity for effective cleaning.

Abstract: A system for washing a gas turbine engine, the gas turbine engine having an inlet and an exhaust, the exhaust having an inner surface and an outer surface. The system comprises: a containment structure for capturing gaseous, liquid, and solid material emerging from the engine; a filtration system for separating the gaseous, liquid, and solid material; and a retaining ring for securing the containment structure to said exhaust; wherein the retaining ring is adjustable in at least one of size and shape so as to sealingly engage the inner surface of the exhaust.

Abstract: A bottle cleaner that inverts the bottles to spray solutions into them. The cleaner sends the bottles through two inverting passes for multiple stages of liquid cleaning. Thus, on the first pass, the bottles invert and receive, for example, a spray of a cleaning solution of some sort. The cleaner then returns the bottles to the upright orientation. On the second pass, the bottles again turn upside down and then may receive a liquid rinse. After returning the bottles to the normal orientation, the cleaner may then pass the bottles off to another location for further operations. Each pass of the bottles utilizes two sets of linked grippers arranged as a chain. One chain contacts the bottles on one side while the second chain contacts them on the other side. The two chains squeeze the bottles between them to firmly hold them. A single adjustment accomplishes a multitude of tasks. First, it sets a uniform distance between the two chains of each path through the cleaner at four different locations.

Abstract: Devices for cleaning drains and/or conduits and methods of using the same. In one example, an overflow drain cleaning device (7) includes a tube (9), a connecting adaptor (8) connected to one end of the tube (9), and a spray tip (23) connected to another end of the tube (9). The spray tip (23) may include an internal cavity or lumen and at least one (aperture 16) configured to spray or project liquid away from the spray tip. In one example, the connecting adaptor (8) can be threadably coupled to a faucet and establishes fluid communication between the connecting adaptor (8) and the spray tip (23).

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning system that includes an electrical power supply, and a plurality of ultrasonic transducers coupled in parallel, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic transducers are coupled to the electrical power supply. The ultrasonic cleaning system also includes a transducer fault indicator coupled between the electrical power supply and the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, wherein the transducer fault indicator consists essentially of a current sensing portion configured to detect electrical current, and an alarm mechanism coupled to the current sensing portion. Additionally, the alarm mechanism is configured to provide a signal, indicating a failure of the ultrasonic transducer, based on the magnitude of electrical current detected by the current sensing portion.

Abstract: A foldable umbrella with seamless single-piece canopy member includes a frame, a seamless single-piece canopy member, and a plurality of connecting pieces. The frame has a shaft, a runner, a plurality of stretchers, and a plurality of ribs. The runner is slidably disposed on the shaft. One end of each of the ribs is radially connected to the distal end of the shaft. A first rod of the rib has at least one fixing hole. One end of each of the stretchers is together connected to the runner, and the other end of each of the stretchers is connected to the first rods respectively. The seamless single-piece canopy member is integrally formed without seams, disposed on the ribs, and connected thereto via the connecting pieces through the inside of the seamless single-piece canopy member and the fixing hole of the first rod; therefore it can protect against the penetration of rain reliably.

Abstract: An integrated micro-combustion power generator converts hydrocarbon fuel into electricity. The integrated micro-scale power generator includes a micro-machined combustor adapted to convert hydrocarbon fuel into thermal energy and a micro-machined thermoelectric generator adapted to convert the thermal energy into electrical energy. The combustion reaction in the combustor flows in a path in a first plane while the thermal energy flows in a second plane in the generator; the second plane being nearly orthogonal or orthogonal to the first plane. The fuel handler in the combustor is adjacent and thermally isolated from the thermoelectric generator. The fuel handler may include a nozzle and gas flow switch, where the frequency of activation of the gas flow switch controls the amount of the fuel ejected from the nozzle.

Abstract: An elementary device to generate electric energy including a photovoltaic converter and a thermoelectric converter. The photovoltaic converter includes a stack of layers, resting on a supporting substrate in heat-insulating material, including a first conductive layer as an upper electrode, and a second conductive layer as a lower electrode, the upper and lower electrodes sandwiching a layer in photoactive material between them. The thermoelectric converter includes a third conductive layer acting as a hot junction and a fourth conductive layer acting as a cold junction, the hot and cold junctions sandwiching between them an element in thermoelectric and electrically conductive material. The thermoelectric and electrically conductive element is included in the thickness of the supporting substrate, so that one end is in contact with the hot junction and the other end is in contact with the cold junction.

Abstract: Provided is a thermoelectric module including electrodes and P-type and N-type semiconductors formed on a substrate by a printing method. The thermoelectric module includes upper and lower substrates (110 and 120) formed of ceramic or aluminum and forming upper and lower surfaces of the thermoelectric module; electrodes (130) disposed on surfaces of the upper and lower substrates (110 and 120), the electrodes being formed of an electrically conductive material for transmitting electric power; a plurality of P-type and N-type semiconductors (140 and 150) spaced between the electrodes (130), the P-type and N-type semiconductors (140 and 150) being forming by sintering a paste mixture of thermoelectric powder and an organic solvent, wherein the electrodes (130) and the P-type and N-type semiconductors (140 and 150) are formed by a printing method. With this configuration, thin thermoelectric module having various sizes and shapes can be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to Seebeck/Peltier bidirectional thermoelectric conversion devices and in particular to devices employing nanowires of conductive or semiconductive material defined on a substrate by common planar technologies.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator including a membrane maintained by lateral ends and capable of taking a first shape when its temperature reaches a first threshold and a second shape when its temperature reaches a second threshold greater than the first threshold; and mechanism capable of converting the motions and the deformations of the membrane into electricity.

Abstract: A solar cell and a solar cell module including a plurality of solar cells are discussed. The solar cell according to an embodiment includes a substrate of a first conductive type, an emitter layer of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type disposed on the substrate, a plurality of first electrodes electrically connected to the emitter layer, a second electrode electrically connected to the substrate, a first current collector electrically connected to the plurality of first electrodes, and a second current collector electrically connected to the second electrode. The second current collector includes a plurality of second electrode current collectors electrically connected to the second electrode, and a current collector connector for connecting the plurality of second electrode current collectors to one another.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention contemplate the formation of a solar cell module comprising an array of interconnected solar cells that are formed using an automated processing sequence that is used to form a novel solar cell interconnect structure. In one embodiment, the module structure described herein includes a patterned adhesive layer that is disposed on a backsheet to receive and bond a plurality of patterned conducting ribbons thereon. The bonded conducting ribbons are then used to interconnect an array of solar cell devices to form a solar cell module that can be electrically connected to external components that can receive the solar cell module's generated electricity.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a base body, a plurality of solar cell elements arranged at intervals over the base body, a resin layer disposed on the solar cell elements and comprising a plurality of recesses on its surface facing opposite to the solar cell elements, and a protective sheet disposed on the resin layer. The protective sheet comprises a plurality of protrusions which correspond to the recesses of the resin layer and which are in contact with the recesses. The height of first protrusion at a location corresponding to the interval between the solar cell elements among the plurality of protrusions is higher than the height of second protrusion at a location corresponding to the solar cell element among the plurality of protrusions. The interval between adjacent ones of the second protrusions in a portion corresponding to an end portion of the base body in longer than the interval between adjacent ones of the second protrusions in a portion corresponding to a central portion of the base body.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to solar panels to generate electrical energy. In particular, solar panels configured to efficiently receive scattered light are disclosed. Solar panels or other light-receiving devices may be utilized to measure or detect weather or sky conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic device configured to make use of features in terms of design quality and flexibility of a dye-sensitized solar cell. A solar cell-cum-display unit 61 has both a function of a solar cell and a function of a display unit that displays a predetermined display body, allows a predetermined character string such as “PONY” to be indentified, generates electric power from illuminating light or sunlight, and stores the electric power in a storage battery 62. A light source 63 such as a fluorescent lamp radiates light to the solar cell-cum-display unit 61 by the electric power stored in the storage battery 63, whereby the features of the dye-sensitized solar cell can be made use of. The present invention is applicable to a device including a dye-sensitized solar cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photovoltaics device for directly converting solar energy to electric power. Said device comprises a housing (10), provided with at least one light entrance panel from a transparent material, a plurality of solar cells (5), arranged at a respective distance to the at least one light entrance panel on its side facing away from the sun in the interior of the housing (10) and having a smaller surface area that a light entrance surface of the light inlet panel. The light entrance panel is provided with an optical unit for concentrating or bundling the solar radiation incident through the light entrance surface onto the smaller surface areas of the solar cells (5). The housing (10) comprises an injection-molded part from a first material that forms the lateral walls.

Abstract: A solar cell concentrating apparatus includes a parabolic or similar reflector focusing a beam of light on an array of photovoltaic cells to generate electric current. The reflector includes a large number of hexagonal mirrors each provided with an infra red reflective coating. A suitable reflective coating material is aluminum oxide, but a number of others are well known. Further aspects of the apparatus include use of a Fourier transform lens to alter an intensity profile of the light beam incident on the solar cells, and/or a beam altering device including a bundle of optical fibers that are interleaved and of varying lengths, for the same purpose.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to device fabrication of thin films used as solar devices or other electronic devices, and include textured back reflectors utilized in solar applications. In one embodiment, a method for forming a textured metallic back reflector which includes depositing a metallic layer on a gallium arsenide material within a thin film stack, forming an array of metallic islands from the metallic layer during an annealing process, removing or etching material from the gallium arsenide material to form apertures between the metallic islands, and depositing a metallic reflector layer to fill the apertures and cover the metallic islands.

Abstract: A reflector 11 for directing solar radiation on to energy converters provided within a defined area 14. The reflector is arranged for location around said area with a lower edge 18 of the reflector positioned adjacent the periphery of said area, the reflector comprising a panel formed of a material substantially transparent to solar radiation and having a front face 24 on to which solar radiation is incident. Behind the front face, the reflector is formed to have a plurality of prismatic units 25 within which total internal reflection of radiation incident on the front face takes place. In use solar radiation incident on the front face of the reflector is reflected within the reflector by the prismatic units to be directed on to the energy converters.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device and method of forming a photovoltaic device. The photovoltaic device includes a fluorine-containing photovoltaic material and a transparent electrode. Inclusion of fluorine in the photovoltaic material increases its thermal stability. The effect is particularly pronounced in photovoltaic materials based on disordered forms of silicon, including amorphous, nanocrystalline, or microcrystalline silicon. The higher thermal stability permits deposition or annealing of the transparent electrode at high temperature. As a result, high conductivity is achieved for the transparent electrode without degrading the photovoltaic material. The higher conductivity of the transparent electrode facilitates series integration of individual devices to form a module. The method includes forming a photovoltaic material from a fluorinated precursor or treating a photovoltaic material in a fluorine-containing ambient.

Abstract: There are provided a solar cell panel (2) and a frame (3) mounted to an edge of the solar cell panel (2), wherein: the frame (3) includes an elongated annular part (32) provided along the edge of the solar cell panel (2) and supporting the solar cell panel (2) from a back surface side; the annular part (32) includes an annular part having an annular shape in cross section orthogonal to a longitudinal direction thereof; the annular part includes a first part (321) abutting against the solar cell panel (2) in the cross section, and a pair of corners provided at both ends of the first part (321); and at least one of the pair of corners has an acute angle.

Abstract: To provide a lightweight and highly productive backsheet for a solar cell module, wherein a cured coating film layer of a fluoropolymer coating material formed on one or each side of a substrate sheet is free from problems such as cracking, fracturing, whitening and separation. A back sheet for a solar cell, comprising a substrate sheet and a cured coating film layer of a coating material formed on one side or each side of the substrate sheet, said coating material comprising a fluoropolymer (A) having repeating units based on a fluoroolefin (a), repeating units based on a crosslinkable group-containing monomer (b) and repeating units based on an alkyl group-containing monomer (c) wherein a C2-20 linear or branched alkyl group having no quaternary carbon atom, and a polymerizable unsaturated group are linked to each other by an ether bond or ester bond; and a solar cell module using such a backsheet.

Abstract: A photoelectrode for a dye sensitized solar cell, a method of preparing the same, and a dye sensitized solar cell using the photoelectrode. The photoelectrode includes mesoporous titanium dioxide particles with an average particle diameter in a range of about 100 to about 2000 nm and a specific surface area in a range of about 150 to about 300 m2/g, wherein the mesopores of the mesoporous titanium dioxide particles have an average pore diameter in a range of about 2 to about 7 nm.

Abstract: A disordered nanowire solar cell includes doped silicon nanowires disposed in a disordered nanowire mat, a thin (e.g., 50 nm) p-i-n coating layer formed on the surface of the silicon nanowires, and a conformal conductive layer disposed on the upper (e.g., n-doped) layer of the p-i-n coating layer. The disordered nanowire mat is grown from a seed layer using VLS processing at a high temperature (e.g., 450° C.), whereby the crystalline silicon nanowires assume a random interwoven pattern that enhances light scattering. Light scattered by the nanowires is absorbed by p-i-n layer, causing, e.g., electrons to pass along the nanowires to the first electrode layer, and holes to pass through the conformal conductive layer to an optional upper electrode layer. Fabrication of the disordered nanowire solar cell is large-area compatible.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate; a buffer layer located on the substrate; a SixGe(1-x) bottom cell located on the buffer layer; a first tunneling layer located on the SixGe(1-x) bottom cell; a GaNyAs(1-y) middle cell located on the first tunneling layer; a second tunneling cell located on the GaNyAs(1-y) middle cell; a GazIn(1-z)P top cell located on the second tunneling layer; and a contact layer located on the GazIn(1-z)P top cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substrates coated with films comprising compounds of general formula (I) below: and also to the process for manufacturing them and to their use as anode interface layer in electronic devices. The present invention also relates to organic electroluminescent diodes (OLED), polymeric electroluminescent diodes (PLED), organic field-effect transistors (OFET) and organic solar cells (OSC) comprising a substrate according to the invention, to specific organic solar cells and to the process for manufacturing them. Compounds of formula (I) as such also form part of the invention.

Abstract: A solar cell device of improved efficiency consists of a photovoltaic solar cell and an efficiency-improving antireflective nanocoating film that is applied on the solar cell and interacts with the photovoltaic process of the cell. The coating film has a thickness ranging from 100 nm to 100 ?m, and comprises a dielectric material that contains metal nanoparticles having dimensions from 4.5 to 10 nm and concentration ranging from 1 to 5%. The effect of improved efficiency is presumably obtained due to organization of nanoparticles into specific clusters. The method of manufacturing the solar-cell device of the invention comprises preparation of the polymer solution that contains uniformly dispersed metal nanoparticles of silver, gold, or another diamagnetic metal and forming the aforementioned coating film by heat-treating and drying the applied solution under specific conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ruthenium complex and a photoelectric component using the same, and the ruthenium complex is represented by the following formula (I): RuL1L2(NCS)2Am??(I) wherein L1, L2, A and X are defined the same as the specification. The ruthenium complex of the present invention is suitable for a Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSC). Hence, the photoelectric characteristics of the DSC manufactured with the ruthenium complex of the present invention are an improvement.

Abstract: An electronics module docking system includes docking member removably coupled to a photovoltaic module. The docking system includes a first connector port electrically coupled to one or more photovoltaic cells of the photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module is selectively coupleable to the docking member. The docking system includes a housing to enclose an electronics module. The housing may include second connector port that is selectively engageable to the power electronics module. The power electronics module and the photovoltaic cells are electrically coupled to one another upon selective engagement of the connector ports. The inverter housing is receivable by and removably coupleable to the docking member allowing the inverter housing to be removably coupleable to the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module may include a substrate; a semiconductor layer adjacent to the substrate; a lead foil adjacent to the semiconductor layer; a cover glass adjacent to the lead foil, where the cover glass includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and an opening, where the opening penetrates the top and bottom surfaces of the cover glass, and the opening includes an opening lateral dimension; and a barrier layer between the cover glass and the semiconductor layer, where the barrier layer includes a barrier lateral dimension, where the barrier lateral dimension is greater than the opening lateral dimension.

Abstract: A solar cell and a fabricating method thereof are provided. In the method of fabricating the solar cell, a p-type semiconductor substrate on whose light-receiving surface an anti-reflection coating is formed is loaded into a processing chamber. In this case, the p-type semiconductor substrate may be loaded on a substrate support of an apparatus of processing a plurality of substrates along the circumference of the substrate support, in the state where the back surface of the p-type semiconductor substrate faces upward. Then, a back surface field (BSF) layer having the characteristic of Negative Fixed Charge (NFC) is formed with AlO, AlN or ALON on the back surface of the p-type semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Ceramic materials with relatively high resistance to wetting by various liquids, such as water, are presented, along with articles made with these materials, methods for making these articles and materials, and methods for protecting articles using coatings made from these materials. One particular embodiment is an article that comprises a coating having a surface connected porosity content of up to about 5 percent by volume. The coating comprises a material that comprises a primary oxide and a secondary oxide, wherein (i) the primary oxide comprises a cerium cation, and (ii) the secondary oxide comprises a cation selected from the group consisting of the praseodymium and neodymium. The material is transparent to electromagnetic radiation of at least one type selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation.

Abstract: With a view to realizing a titanium oxide composite that has a large surface area and that enables efficient transfer of electrons by covering a surface of rod-like or fibrous carbon with a covering layer comprising titanium oxide particles connected to one another, an object of the invention is to develop a material useful as an active material for dye-sensitized solar cells, and a process for producing the material; a porous titanium oxide-covered carbon material composition, and a process for producing the composition; and a photoelectric conversion element comprising the titanium oxide-covered carbon material or porous titanium oxide-covered carbon material composition.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules with adhesion promoters and methods for fabricating photovoltaic modules with adhesion promoters are described. A photovoltaic module includes a solar cell including a first surface and a second surface, the second surface including a plurality of interspaced back-side contacts. A first glass layer is coupled to the first surface by a first encapsulating layer. A second glass layer is coupled to the second surface by a second encapsulating layer. At least a portion of the second encapsulating layer is bonded directly to the plurality of interspaced back-side contacts by an adhesion promoter.

Abstract: An energy collection system is provided. The system can include an energy collection device and an energy concentration device disposed proximate at least a portion of the energy collection device. The energy concentration device includes a non-periodic, sub-wavelength, dielectric grating.