Abstract: An aspect of the present invention provides a system and method for controlling a wafer cleaning system having a wafer carrier and a driving portion. The wafer carrier can move along a path in a first direction and a second direction. The driving portion can controllably move the wafer carrier in the first direction and the second direction. The control system includes a vibration sensor portion and a wafer carrier position controller. The vibration sensor portion can detect vibration of the wafer carrier and can output a vibration signal based on the detected vibration. The wafer carrier position controller can instruct the driving portion to modify motion of the wafer carrier based on the vibration signal to reduce the detected vibration.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a mixing vaporizer is provided. The mixing vaporizer includes a first hole that a raw material flows in therethrough, a second hole that carrier gas flows in therethrough, a mixing space that generates mixed gas by mixing the raw material and the carrier gas, a carrier gas nozzle that is connected to the second hole for supplying the carrier gas to the mixing space, and a third hole that discharges the mixed gas. The cleaning device cleans the mixing vaporizer by circulating a cleaning solution through at least one the first hole, the second hole, and the third hole.

Abstract: A megasonic processing apparatus matches the fundamental resonant or higher-level harmonic frequencies of megasonic thickness-mode transducers to the fundamental resonant or higher-level harmonic frequencies of a plate or other mounting structure upon which the transducers are mounted. The multifrequency transducers are piezoelectric transducers operating in thickness mode at different operating frequencies. The thickness of the mounting plate at the transducer locations is selected to provide a resonant or harmonic frequency matched to that of its corresponding transducer. Two or more megasonic transducers are bonded to the same radiating surface.

Abstract: A cleaning system for solar panels includes a number of solar cells and a transparent protection pane covering the solar cells. The cleaning system includes a frame, a cleaning device, and an operating device. The frame includes a first sidewall and a opposite second sidewall facing away from the first sidewall. The cleaning device is affixed on the transparent protection panel. The operating device includes a motor, a pulley and a belt. The motor is affixed on one end of the first sidewall. The pulley is affixed on the other end of the first sidewall. The belt is wrapped around the rotating shaft of the motor and the pulley. The cleaning device includes an axle connected to the operating device and a washer provided on the axle. The cleaning device is driven by the operating device to clean the solar panel.

Abstract: A compressible wheel tip for a walking aid that restricts rolling when a force is applied down on the walking aid. The tip may have a compressible wheel configured to deform under an applied pressure and thereby restrict shifting or rolling of the wheel. The compressible wheel may include rigid spokes and a compressible material forming an arcuate perimeter between the spokes to define a wheel shape. The compressible material may be a resilient elastomeric material adapted to deform under an applied force and return to its original shape when the force is no longer applied. The spokes may be formed of plastic or metal, or formed of the same material as the spokes and structured to better resist deformation.

Abstract: A novel crutch comprising a series of elements angled with respect to each other so as to provide a stable platform for supporting a user's weight while reducing injury.

Abstract: This invention discloses a walking stick including a main body, a pivot connector and a socket. The main body is of the shape of stick and connects to the socket through the pivot connector. A sphere is inside the pivot connector. A sliding-proof elastic element locates between the bottom of the main body and the sphere. The sliding-proof elastic element and the sphere are mounted inside the pivot connector. A bottom of the sphere reaches the socket through the pivot connector. The sphere rotates inside the pivot connector as the socket moves, while being urged against the sliding-proof elastic element. The sliding-proof elastic element has characteristics of sliding proof, elasticity and wear resistance. Thereby the walking stick of the invention offers all-round support for the user in use. Especially the sliding proof effect of the sliding-proof elastic element restrains the instant movement of the sphere, and its elasticity offers an effect of shock resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a connector for connecting end portions of a plurality of tent poles that intersect with one another. In one embodiment, a connector for tent poles includes a body and first, second and third pole insertion holes formed in the body. In the connector for tent poles, the first and second pole insertion holes maintain a central angle of less than 180 degrees at an intersection point at which the center lines of the first and second pole insertion holes intersect with each other, the radius direction outsides of the first and second pole insertion holes from the intersection point are opened so as to be first and second openings, respectively, and first and second wall portions are formed at the radius direction insides of the first and second pole insertion holes, respectively.

Abstract: A shelter of the type having collapsed and expanded configurations. In one of several example embodiments, the expanded configuration includes a tunnel-shaped portion forming a pair of opposing side walls and a roof section. The roof section has a peak positioned above the side walls and the tunnel-shaped portion may include opposing ends with a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end, each opening capable of accommodating an end wall. A first sheet is foldable along at least first and second crease lines to define the walls and roof section, the walls having an upper separation distance between the first and second crease lines when the shelter is expanded. The first sheet is segmented into panels with pairs of adjoining panels forming pleats each having a vertex extending from a crease line to an adjoining footing flap, the walls having a lower separation distance between footing flaps on different walls when the shelter is expanded.

Abstract: A flame-resistant fabric for shelters including a flame-resistant interior layer, an flame-resistant, insulating middle layer adjacent the interior layer, and a flame-resistant exterior layer adjacent the insulating middle layer. The flame-resistant fabric is capable of being formed into a flame-resistant, insulated shelter for use in extreme weather.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator may comprise a pair of thermally conducive top and bottom plates having a foil assembly positioned therebetween. The foil assembly may comprise a substrate having a series of alternating thermoelectric legs formed thereon. The thermoelectric legs may be formed of alternating dissimilar materials arranged in at least one row. Each one of the thermoelectric legs may define a leg axis oriented in non-parallel relation to the row axis. Thermally conductive strips mounted on opposite sides of the substrate may be aligned with opposite ends of the thermoelectric legs in the rows such that one end of the thermoelectric legs is in thermal contact with the top plate and the opposite end of the thermoelectric legs is in thermal contact with the bottom plate. The thermally conductive strips define thermal gaps between the thermoelectric legs and the top and bottom plates causing heat to flow lengthwise through the thermoelectric legs resulting in the generation of electrical voltage.

Abstract: A method of depositing a kesterite film which includes a compound of the formula: Cu2?xZn1+ySn(S1?zSez)4+q, wherein 0?x?1; 0?y?1; 0?z?1; ?1?q?1. The method includes contacting hydrazine, a source of Cu, and a source of at least one of S and Se forming solution A; contacting hydrazine, a source of Sn, a source of at least one of S and Se, and a source of Zn forming dispersion B; mixing solution A and dispersion B under conditions sufficient to form a dispersion which includes Zn-containing solid particles; applying the dispersion onto a substrate to form a thin layer of the dispersion on the substrate; and annealing at a temperature, pressure, and length of time sufficient to form the kesterite film. An annealing composition and a photovoltaic device including the kesterite film formed by the above method are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a greenhouse including transparent solar batteries disposed on an outer wall of the greenhouse. Since the transparent solar batteries are disposed on an outer wall of the greenhouse, the greenhouse may generate pollution-free energy while allowing greenhouse cultivation.

Abstract: The solar canopy support system has at least two beam support columns. Each beam support column has a first end connected to a ground surface and extends substantially vertically along a longitudinal axis from the first end to a second end. There is also a “C”-channel support beam connected at the second end of each beam support column. The “C”-channel support beam includes a longitudinal axis within about 0 degrees to about 30 degrees of perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of each beam support column. There are also two or more “C”-channels. Each “C”-channel has a first end connected to an upper portion of one “C”-channel support beam and has a second end connected to an upper portion of another “C”-channel support beam. Each “C”-channel includes a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of each “C”-channel support beam; at least one solar power array connected on an upper portion of at least two “C”-channels.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a photovoltaic assembly system for securing and/or aligning at least a plurality of vertically adjacent photovoltaic device assemblies to one another. The securing function being accomplished by a clip member that may be a separate component or integral to one or more of the photovoltaic device assemblies.

Abstract: Provided are a dye-sensitized solar cell wherein a counter electrode composed of a stable counter electrode conductive layer and a catalyst layer is formed on a porous insulation layer, and a dye-sensitized solar cell module wherein the dye-sensitized solar cell is utilized. A dye-sensitized solar cell includes a supporting body made of a light-transmissive material, and a laminate wherein a conductive layer, a photoelectric conversion layer having a porous semiconductor layer with a dye adsorbed therein, a porous insulation layer, a counter electrode conductive layer, and a catalyst layer are laminated in the order presented. The photoelectric conversion layer and the porous insulation lay are filled with a carrier transport material.

Abstract: Provided is a solar battery module wherein solar battery cells are electrically connected to each other by using a wiring board having a predetermined wiring pattern formed on a resin base material. A method for manufacturing such solar battery module is also provided. In the wiring board of the solar battery module, a direction wherein a design margin is small is permitted to be a direction wherein the thermal contraction ratio of the resin base material is small, by the shape of an electrode pattern on the solar battery cell and that of the wiring pattern on the wiring board. At the time of manufacturing such solar battery module, temperature in a heat treatment step is set at 100° C. or higher but not higher than 180° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides shade tolerant wiring solutions for solar systems. Elements are grouped and wired in parallel within a group such that the total current of a group is substantially the same among multiple groups. Such a wiring scheme can be applied to solar targets (e.g., solar cells), solar , and solar modules.

Abstract: An asymmetric compound parabolic concentrator (ACPC) coupled with a photovoltaic cell is disclosed according to some embodiments. The disclosed ACPC can concentrate solar light from a large full acceptance angle toward the photovoltaic cell. In some embodiments, the ACPC can be submerged within a liquid (e.g., water). The liquid can increase the full acceptance angle, provide temperature damping, and provide structural inertia to the system. In some embodiments, the ACPC can be constructed from acrylic or other resins.

Abstract: A tracking system configured to orient light concentrators to face a light source. The system includes a movable support structure for providing global alignment of the light concentrators with the light source. The system also includes a light concentrator (LC) module that is coupled to the support structure and has an array of light concentrators that are in fixed positions with respect to each other. The system also includes a secondary alignment mechanism having a module joint that movably couples the LC module to the support structure and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly is configured to selectively move the LC module about two axes relative to a pivot point of the module joint thereby orienting the array of light concentrators.

Abstract: A luminescence concentrator (LK) may concentrate both incident direct and diffuse light by way of frequency shift and total internal reflection. It differs fundamentally from geometric concentrators. With sufficient geometric expansion of the collector plate, nearly arbitrarily high concentration can be achieved in the LK. A luminescence disperser is an apparatus which holds both directional and nondirectional incident light captive in a transparent body by way of frequency shift and total internal reflection and emits it diffusely or directionally uniformly distributed across an area by way of luminescence emission. The object of the invention is a method for the technical implementation of the LK and luminescence disperser, using zeolite crystals having a nanotube structure, into which the luminescent dyes are embedded such that they have antenna properties. Using the resulting novel structures, problems can be solved which made the technical use of LK impossible or at least considerably limited it.

Abstract: A solar cell and a solar cell module including the solar cells are disclosed. The solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type; an emitter layer of a second conductive type positioned at a light receiving surface of the substrate; a plurality of first electrodes that are positioned on the emitter layer and are electrically connected to the emitter layer; and at least one first current collector that is positioned on the emitter layer in a direction crossing the plurality of first electrodes, wherein a thickness of each of the plurality of first electrodes is different from a thickness of the at least one first current collector, and a difference of the thickness of the each first electrode to the thickness of the at least one current collector is equal to or less than about 0.5 times the thickness of the at least one first current collector.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a photovoltaic assembly system for securing and/or aligning at least a plurality of vertically adjacent (overlapping) photovoltaic device assemblies to one another. The securing function being accomplished by a clip member that may be a separate component or integral to one or more of the photovoltaic device assemblies.

Abstract: A strong, aesthetically pleasing solar power structure comprising a hollow-beam frame, a plurality of photovoltaic panels, a sub-assembly for holding the PV panels, and a plurality of columns is provided. Also provided is a kit for making such a structure.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a photovoltaic device suitable for directly mounting on a structure. The device includes an active portion including a photovoltaic cell assembly having a top surface portion that allows transmission of light energy to a photoactive portion of the photovoltaic device for conversion into electrical energy and a bottom surface having a bottom bonding zone; and an inactive portion immediately adjacent to and connected to the active portion, the inactive portion having a region for receiving a fastener to connect the device to the structure and having on a top surface, a top bonding zone; wherein one of the top and bottom bonding zones comprises a first bonding element and the other comprises a second bonding element, the second bonding element designed to interact with the first bonding element on a vertically overlapped adjacent photovoltaic device to bond the device to such adjacent device or to the structure.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate, a lower conductor layer, an anti-reflection coating (ARC) layer and an upper conductor layer. The substrate has a front side, a back side and a doped region adjacent to the front side. The lower conductor layer has a first portion embedded into the doped region and a second portion other than the first portion. The ARC layer is disposed on the front side of the substrate and covers the lower conductor layer such that the second portion of the lower conductor layer is disposed in the ARC layer. The upper conductor layer has a first portion embedded into the ARC layer and a second portion other than the first portion of the upper conductor layer. The second portion of the upper conductor layer is exposed out of the ARC layer, and the upper conductor layer is electrically connected to the lower conductor layer.

Abstract: A thermo-photovoltaic power generator for efficiently converting thermal energy into electric energy including a selective thermal emitter having micropatterned structures for receiving thermal energy and emitting thermal radiation with black body emissivity over a range of wavelengths, low-bandgap photocells responsive to thermal radiation at wavelengths within a particular band of said range of wavelengths and operative to convert such thermal radiation to electric energy, and a band pass filter disposed between the thermal emitter and the photocells for transmitting thermal radiation from the emitter at wavelengths within the particular band to the photocells, and for reflecting thermal radiation at wavelengths outside the particular band back to the emitter.

Abstract: A solar cell and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The solar cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer and a non-conductive reflector. The first electrode including a nano-metal transparent conductive layer is disposed on a transparent substrate. The nano-metal transparent conductive layer substantially contacts with the photoelectric conversion layer. The second electrode is disposed between the photoelectric conversion layer and the transparent substrate. The photoelectric conversion layer is disposed between the first and the second electrodes. The non-conductive reflector is disposed on the first electrode.

Abstract: A polarization resistant solar cell is provided. The solar cell uses a dual layer dielectric stack disposed on the front surface of the cell. The dielectric stack consists of a passivation layer disposed directly on the front cell surface and comprised of either SiOx or SiON, and an outer AR coating comprised of SiCN.

Abstract: A polarization resistant solar cell using an oxygen-rich interface layer is provided. The oxygen-rich interface layer may be comprised of SiOxNy, which may have a graded profile that varies between oxygen-rich proximate to the solar cell to nitrogen-rich distal to the solar cell. A silicon oxide passivation layer may be interposed between the solar cell and the SiOxNy graded dielectric layer. The graded SiOxNy dielectric layer may be replaced with a non-graded SiOxNy dielectric layer and a SiN AR coating.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for thin film solar cell manufacturing. In one embodiment, the method includes displacing the residual insulator in vias with the pins of the present invention, which may greatly reduce the amount of material to be removed and hence make the laser more cost-effective. It is still desirable to use a laser or other device to completely clear the bottom of the via of residual material (to prepare for making a good electrical connection) but the film remaining under the pins would be microns in thickness, compared to the hundreds of microns of via depth.

Abstract: Article comprising a substrate; and a conductive metal oxide film adjacent to a surface of the substrate, wherein the conductive metal oxide film has an electron mobility (cm2/V-s) of 35 or greater are described. Photovoltaic devices comprising conductive metal oxide films are also described.

Abstract: A solar cell device including an electrode formed by applying a conductive paste containing at least a conductive powder, glass frit and an organic vehicle onto a semiconductor substrate provided with a silicon nitride layer on a surface thereof and firing the applied conductive paste, wherein the electrode has a structure comprising a front electrode layer comprising silver as a main component, a glass layer comprising tellurium glass as a main component, and a silicon oxide layer containing plural silver particles precipitated by the firing. The solar cell device is provided with an electrode formed using a conductive paste not containing lead glass and has good solar cell characteristics.

Abstract: An electrode substrate for a photoelectric conversion device includes a current-collecting electrode on a transparent conductive substrate and a coating film coating a surface of the current-collecting electrode substrate, wherein the coating film is formed by coating the surface of the current-collecting electrode with a glass paste composition and baking the current-collecting electrode coated with the glass paste composition, and when a thickness of the coating film is a ?m and a maximal length of a pore in the coating film is b ?m, a condition of b?0.5a is satisfied.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to an electrode (e.g., front electrode) for use in a photovoltaic device or the like. In certain example embodiments, a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) of the front electrode for use in a photovoltaic device is of or includes titanium oxide doped with one or more of Nb, Zn and/or Al. Additional layers may also be provided in the front electrode in certain example embodiments. It has been found that the use of transparent conductive TiOx(:Nb) or TiZnOx(:Al and/or Nb), in a front electrode of a photovoltaic device, is advantageous in that such materials have a high refractive index (n) and have a higher transparency than conventional titanium suboxide (TiOx).

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell having high long-term reliability is provided by inventing a glass composition, which is hardly eroded by an iodine electrolyte solution and has a low-melting point property, and a material using the glass composition. The glass composition for a dye-sensitized solar cell of the present invention is characterized by including as a glass composition, in terms of mass %, 20 to 70% of V2O5 and 10 to 50% of P2O5.

Abstract: Provided is an electrode including a conductive surface connected to a matrix; the matrix including a plurality of semiconductor nanoparticles and noble metal nanoparticles, substantially each of which is connected to another nanoparticle of the plurality of nanoparticles by at least one matrix connecting group and at least a portion of the plurality of nanoparticles of the matrix is each connected to the conductive surface by at least one surface connecting group. Further provided are photovoltaic cells and devices including electrode of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to electroplating additives for the deposition of a group IB metal/binary or ternary group IB-group IIIA/ternary, quaternary or pentanary group IB-group IIIA-group VIA alloy on substrates useful for thin film solar cells. The additives have the general formula (A): wherein X1 and X2 may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of arylene and heteroarylene; FG1 and FG2 may be the same or different or are selected from the group consisting of —S(O)2OH, —S(O)OH, —COOH, —P(O)2OH and primary, secondary and tertiary amino groups and salts and esters thereof; R is selected from the group consisting of alkylene, arylene or heteroarylene and n and m are integers from 1 to 5.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell substrate having a transparent conductive film formed on a glass substrate, wherein the thermal expansion coefficient of the glass substrate is from 50×10?7 to 110×10?7/° C. The present invention also provides a solar cell substrate having a conductive film of fluorine-doped tin oxide or antimony-doped tin oxide formed on a glass substrate having a thickness of from 0.05 to 2 mm, wherein the strain point of the glass substrate is 525° C. or higher.

Abstract: An optical device (1) is provided. The optical device comprising a switchable layer (2) at least one alignment layer (6) a light guiding system (5), whereas the switchable layer (2) comprises a luminescent material (3) for absorbing and emitting light, whereby the alignment of the luminescent material (3) is changeable and the light guiding system (5) guides the emitted light, whereby the switchable layer (2) is in contact with the at least one alignment layer (6) and the luminescent material (3) exhibits anisotropic properties, whereby the optical device (1) comprises a light energy-converting means (7), wherein the light guiding system (5) is in physical contact with the energy converting means (7).

Abstract: A solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same are discussed. The solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type, an emitter portion that has a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type and forms a p-n junction along with the substrate, a first anti-reflection layer that is positioned on the emitter portion and has a thickness of about 5 nm to 35 nm, a second anti-reflection layer positioned on the first anti-reflection layer, a first electrode electrically connected to the emitter portion, and a second electrode electrically connected to the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a self-assembled structure of a poly(3-hexylthiophene)-based block copolymer, including: providing a polymer composition containing a block copolymer having a ?-conjugated poly(3-hexylthiophene) polymer and a non-conjugated polymer introduced thereto, and a solvent; and coating the polymer composition onto a substrate. According to the method disclosed herein, it is possible to control a self-assembled structure of a poly(3-hexylthiophene)-based block copolymer merely by a relatively simple process including coating the poly(3-hexylthiophene)-based block copolymer onto a substrate with a selected solvent. In this manner, it is possible to control the alignment of conductive domains in the block copolymer so that it is suitable for various organic electronic devices.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to novel organic dye and a method for preparing the same. The dye compound of the present invention, when used for a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC), shows improved molar absorption coefficient, Jsc (short circuit photocurrent density) and photoelectric transformation efficiency, compared to dyes of the prior art, thus largely improving solar cell efficiency, and it may be purified without expensive column thus remarkably lowering dye synthesis cost.

Abstract: A method of solenoid valve control includes measuring voltage across the solenoid valve and current through the solenoid valve, and using the results to aid in controlling the solenoid valve. For instance, one or both of the measured values may be used to determine when actual engagement of the solenoid valve occurs. An initial lower voltage and lower current can be used, and then as conditions change, the changes in condition can be accounted for by increasing voltage and current to maintain the desired response time of the solenoid valve. By measuring and controlling voltage and current less of a margin can be used, both in setting voltage/current levels and in selecting the time over which a pull voltage/current is utilized. This reduces the wasted energy in the system, as well as reducing the temperature rise in the solenoid valve.

Abstract: In a method for operating a fluid valve for controlling or regulating a fluid, having at least one movable valve component is displaceable with the aid of at least one electrical actuating signal which contains at least one first actuating signal portion which causes an oscillating valve motion of the valve component. Pressure oscillations generated in the fluid due to the oscillating valve motion are detected, and are used for regulation of the oscillating valve motion caused by the first actuating signal portion.

Abstract: In a method for initialization of a microfluidic device including a first substrate including a microfluidic channel disposed therein, a valve seat disposed in a microfluidic channel and protruding from the first substrate, and a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate and including a space formed therein and corresponding to the valve seat, and a polymer film disposed between the first and second substrates, the method includes separating the polymer film from a surface of the valve seat by applying a positive pressure into the microfluidic channel of the first substrate and applying a negative pressure into the space of the second substrate.

Abstract: A fluid check valve consisting of a pair of leaflets contained within an annular body member (10). These leaflets (16 and 17) open and close hemodynamically as a reaction to the natural pumping action of the heart. They open from the center outward based upon their S shape profile (45). Blood flows through the interior surface (12) of the annular body member and leaflets. These leaflets open and close relying upon, protruding rails from the annular body member (20 and 21) and their integrated stop means (31-38). The protruding rails guide the leaflets in a floating pivot action that virtually eliminates area of stasis and prevent thrombosis.

Abstract: A method of using hydrocarbon fugitive gases diluted with air as a primary or supplementary fuel for an engine. The composition of the fugitive gases and air in ensured to fall outside the upper and lower explosive limit for the composition. The total volume of the composition is also calculated to be maintained within a predetermined percentage of the volume of the primary fuel supplied to said engine.

Abstract: A reducing agent tank, which is intended for providing a reducing agent to an exhaust gas system and which has a first tank for storing the reducing agent, a second tank for storing the reducing agent, a line for recirculating the reducing agent from the second tank into the first tank and a check valve for closing the line in a selective fluid-tight manner, includes a diagnostic device, with which an incorrect function of the check valve can be detected.

Abstract: A method of operating a control valve assembly for a hydraulic system includes detecting the current operation of a first position sensor and a second position sensor to determine if at least one of the first position sensor and the second position sensor is inoperable. A pressure of the fluid at a first work port and a second work port is measured, and one of a first valve and a second valve is actuated when one of the first position sensor and the second position sensor is determined to be inoperable. The first valve is actuated based upon the fluid pressure measured at the second work port to adjust the flow of the fluid through the first work port. The second valve is actuated based upon the fluid pressure measured at the first work port to adjust the flow of the fluid through the second work port.