Abstract: Solar cells and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. An exemplary method may include providing a semiconductor substrate and introducing dopant atoms to a front surface of the substrate. The substrate may be annealed to drive the dopant atoms deeper in the substrate to produce a p-n junction while also forming front and back passivation layers. A reflective surface is sputtered on the back surface of the solar cell. It protects and generates hydrogen to passivate one or more substrate-passivation layer interfaces at the same time as forming an anti-reflective layer on the front surface of the substrate. Fire-through of front and back contacts as well as metallization with contact connections may be performed in a single co-firing operation. Associated solar cells are also provided.

Abstract: In various embodiments, solar cells include a junction including SiGe, a junction including at least one III-V material, and may be formed on silicon substrates and/or with silicon-based capping layers thereover.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell and method for fabricating the same are provided. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a photo electrode including a first electrode and a Zn-doped TiO2 porous layer disposed on the first electrode, wherein the Zn-doped TiO2 porous layer absorbs a dye. A second electrode is disposed opposite to the photo electrode, wherein the Zn-doped TiO2 porous layer is disposed between the first and second electrodes. An electrolyte is disposed between the photo electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A multi junction solar cell device includes a substrate having a first lattice constant, a first optoelectronic conversion layer having a second lattice constant, and a second optoelectronic conversion layer having a third lattice constant wherein the value of the first lattice constant is between that of the second lattice constant and the third lattice constant.

Abstract: Solar cells and methods for fabrication thereof are provided. A method may include forming a via through at least one dielectric layer formed on a semiconductor wafer by using a laser to ablate a region of the at least one dielectric layer such that at least a portion of the surface of the semiconductor wafer is exposed by the via. The method may further include applying a self-doping metal paste to the via. The method may additionally include heating the semiconductor wafer and self-doping metal paste to a temperature sufficient to drive at least some dopant from the self-doping metal paste into the portion of the surface of the semiconductor wafer exposed by the via to form a selective emitter region and a contact overlying and self-aligned to the selective emitter region.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a multilayer barrier film capable of encapsulating a moisture and/or oxygen sensitive electronic or optoelectronic device, the barrier film comprises at least one nanostructured layer comprising reactive nanoparticles capable of interacting with moisture and/or oxygen, the reactive nanoparticles being distributed within a polymeric binder, and at least one ultraviolet light neutralizing layer comprising a material capable of absorbing ultraviolet light, thereby limiting the transmission of ultraviolet light through the barrier film

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic module may include depositing a semiconductor material adjacent to a substrate; and depositing a back contact material adjacent to the semiconductor material, where depositing the back contact material may include directing a feed gas including hydrogen toward the substrate.

Abstract: A soldered connection between an outer surface of a semiconductor device, connected to a substrate by means of an adhesive layer, and a connector in the form of a strip. In order that tensile forces acting on the connector do not cause the semiconductor device to become detached from the substrate or the adhesive layer, it is proposed that a supporting location extends from the outer surface of the semiconductor device, which supporting location is formed of solderable material and makes contact with the outer surface by way of a contact surface A, in or on which the connector is soldered while maintaining a distance a from the outer surface where a?10?; and/or that the distance b between the edge of the contact surface between the supporting surface and the outer surface and the entry of the connector into the supporting location or the beginning of contact therebetween is b?50?.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dye-sensitized photovoltaic device in which a metal complex dye represented by Formula (1), or a salt thereof, is carried on a thin film of oxide semiconductor micrograins disposed on a substrate. (In Formula (1), m1 represents an integer from 1 to 2 and n1 represents an integer from 1 to 3. X1 represents an oxygen atom or sulfur atom. Y1 and Y2 each independently represent a thiocyanate group (—SCN) or isothiocyanate group (—NCS). M1 and M2 represent hydrogen atoms. R1 and R2 represent hydrogen atoms. R3 and R4 each independently represent a straight-chain alkyl group with 1 to 6 carbons. Further, when m1 is 2 and there are multiple of each of R3 and R4, each of R3 and R4 may be the same as or different from one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is an organic photoelectric conversion element that comprises a cathode; an anode, which is formed on a substrate by an application method; and an active layer, which is disposed between the anode and the cathode; wherein the anode contains polyaniline, a polyaniline derivative or a mixture of a polyaniline and a polyaniline derivative.

Abstract: A back sheet of solar module with high adhesivity comprises a substrate (3), a layer of fluorine-based film (2), and a layer of fluoro-silicone film (1) or titanium-silicon film (4) formed between the layer of fluorine-based film (2) and the substrate (3), as well as on outer surface of the layer of fluorine-based film (2). A method for manufacturing the back sheet of solar module comprises the treatment on the layer of fluorine-based film (2) and/or substrate (3) with compound of fluoro-silicone or titanium-silicon, so as to coat a layer of fluoro-silicone film (1) or titanium-silicon film (4).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solar cell, which includes a transparent substrate, an optical layer, a luminescent member and a photovoltaic device. The optical layer is disposed on the transparent substrate, and is capable of reflecting light having wavelengths in the range of about 500 nm to about 730 nm, and also transmitting light having wavelengths in the range of about 300 nm to about 600 nm. The luminescent member is disposed on the optical layer, and is capable of emitting a light having wavelengths in the range of about 500 nm to about 730 nm. The photovoltaic device is disposed on the luminescent member and is operable to convert light into electricity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solar cell integrating monocrystalline silicon and a SiGe film, which comprises an N-type amorphous silicon-germanium (SiGe) film formed on a P-type monocrystalline silicon substrate. The P-type monocrystalline silicon substrate has a roughened surface to capture sunlight. A transparent conductive layer is stacked on the N-type amorphous SiGe film. Metal electrodes are formed on the transparent conductive layer and penetrate the transparent conductive layer to contact the N-type amorphous SiGe film. A P-type polycrystalline SiGe film is formed on the backside of the P-type monocrystalline silicon substrate. A back surface field is arranged below the P-type polycrystalline SiGe film to prevent from the recombination of major carriers. A backside metal electrode layer is arranged below the back surface field to function as a backside electrode and decrease the contact resistance. Thereby, the present invention can effectively promote the absorption rate of solar energy.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement for use in a concentrating solar collector that involves a solar receiver that is covered by a shielding mirror. The shielding mirror is attached with and positioned over the solar receiver to help deflect incident light away from the underlying solar receiver. In various embodiments, the shielding mirror is arranged to direct the light to a photovoltaic cell on another solar receiver. Another aspect of the invention pertains to a concentrating solar collector that utilizes the above arrangement.

Abstract: A solar light-control module includes a light-propagation chamber, a plurality of micro structures, a refractive media, and at least one solar cell. The light-propagation chamber has a first face, a second face and at least one side surface. Ambient light is incident to the first face to enter the solar light-control module. The micro structures are disposed on the second face to deflect the ambient light and guide the ambient light to a predetermined area of the light-propagation chamber. The refractive media is disposed between the second face of the light-propagation chamber and the micro structures, and the solar cell is disposed on the predetermined area.

Abstract: A transparent superstrate for use with solar cells is disclosed. The superstrate has a transparent matrix and a plurality of transparent filler bodies. The transparent filler bodies are embedded in the transparent matrix.

Abstract: A conjugated polymer has a repeated unit having the structure of formula (I) where in n is an integer greater than 1, R1 and R2 are independently selected from alkyl groups with up to 18C atoms, aryls and substituted aryls, and wherein Ar is selected from monocyclic, bicyclic and polycyclic arylene, or monocyclic, bicyclic and polycyclic heteroarylene, or may contain one to five such groups, either fused or linked.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion element and a method for manufacturing the same which provide a dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion element capable of solving the problem of decreasing the efficiency of photoelectric conversion over time and significantly improving durability, and a method for manufacturing the same, and also relates to an electronic apparatus. A dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion element has a structure in which an electrolyte layer 7 is filled between a semiconductor layer 3 and a counter electrode 6. Z907 and dye A are bounded in different configurations as photosensitizing dyes to the semiconductor layer 3. The electrolyte layer 7 contains 3-methoxypropionitrile as a solvent.

Abstract: Provided herein are multicomponent semiconductor films having a broad range of bandgaps and charge carrier characteristics. The semiconductor films include copper, zinc, tin, at least one substitutional metal and at least one chalcogen. Substitutional metals include those capable of substituting for a portion of copper, zinc, or both in the semiconductor films. Also disclosed are methods for making the films, including single-bath electrodeposition methods, and devices incorporating the films, including photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: A solvent supply system for supplying a composite solvent is described. The solvent supply system comprises a first supply flow path with a first pump unit, the first supply flow path being adapted for supplying a flow of a first solvent to a mixing unit, the first pump unit operating periodically, and a second supply flow path with a second pump unit, the second supply flow path being adapted for supplying a flow of a second solvent to the mixing unit, the second pump unit operating periodically. The mixing unit is adapted for mixing the first and the second solvent and for supplying a composite solvent. The solvent supply system further comprises a control unit adapted for controlling operation of the first and the second pump unit, the control unit being adapted to prevent at least one of a predefined phase relation and a predefined frequency relation between the first pump unit and the second pump unit.

Abstract: A purging device for an assembled unit for a vehicle, having both a wheel comprising a rim and a tire. The purging device comprises a body connected to the inflation tube of the assembled unit, said body being designed to be subjected to the inflation pressure of the assembled unit, and a piston able to move inside the body, said piston operating an open/close element, fixed to the piston, between a closed position and a purging position of the body, said open/close element being normally closed, the open/close element and the piston each having a face designed to be exposed to the inflation air inside the body in the closed position, and the open/close element being opened by the action of an operating force on the piston. Also disclosed is a method for deflating an assembled unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of replacing a liquid of a circulation line in a substrate liquid processing apparatus of a single-wafer type, which can replace the liquid more efficiently, by relating the replacing method with a process-liquid replenishing method. A substrate liquid processing apparatus of a single-wafer type includes: a circulation line through which a process liquid is circulated; a tank disposed in the circulation line; a liquid level sensor disposed in the tank; a liquid replenish part configured to replenish the tank with a new process liquid, based on an output of the liquid level sensor; and a liquid-replacement control part configured to stop the operation of the liquid replenish part based on a predetermined replenish stop condition that is set cooperatively with a predetermined liquid disposal condition, and to discard all the process liquid in the tank based on the predetermined liquid disposal condition.

Abstract: A drag reducing composition comprising a primary polyolefin obtained by polymerizing mono-olefins containing from about 2 to about 30 carbon atoms, and a surfactant having an HLB in the range of 6.5 to 8.5 in an aqueous suspending media.

Abstract: A method for controlling the pressure and/or the flow rate of a fluid includes withdrawing flow energy from a fluid flowing through a pipeline (15). This energy is converted at least partially into electrical energy and used for the electrical control (65) of the flow rate and/or the pressure of a fluid. The device for controlling the flow rate and/or pressure of a fluid in a pipeline (20) has at least one electric generator (35), which is developed for the withdrawal of flow energy from a flowing fluid and for converting this energy at least partially into electrical energy. The device has a control mechanism (65) for controlling the flow rate and/or pressure of a fluid in a pipeline (20) with an electric driving mechanism supplied by the generator (35).

Abstract: A valve system (5) connectable to a fluid channel (3), wherein the valve system (5) includes an actuating element (33) and a closing element (17) for selectively closing and opening of the channel (3), wherein the valve system (5) includes a chamber (15) and a movable coupling member (37), wherein at least one section (48) of the coupling member (37) is located within the chamber (15) and the coupling member (37) is capable of moving under its gravitational force into a transfer position in which the coupling member (37) may transfer to the closing element (17) an external force acting on the actuating element (33) towards the closing element (17).

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a vapor vent system for an internal combustion engine such as an outboard marine fuel injected engine. The vapor vent system includes a snap assembly decoupled float vapor vent in order to vent vapors from the vapor separator. The snap assembly design reduces costs, vibration and assembly requirements.

Abstract: The floor drain possesses an inlet housing (11), which has an opening for floor water to be led away and which is connectable to a wall drain opening of a vertical wall. On the inlet housing (11) are arranged connecting means (44), which are adjustable with respect to the vertical wall and with which the inlet housing (11) can be connected in a sealtight manner to the vertical wall. The connecting means (44) are preferably adjustable in depth and/or height. They have at least one sealing foil (24), with which the connecting means (44) can be sealed against a floor (6) and/or a panelling (14).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic valve device having a fluid port arrangement (10) and having a movable control device (16) for at least partially controlling individual ports (P), (R), (LS), (P?A), (P?B) of the port arrangement (10), wherein to selectively hold the control device (16) fixed, a latching device (22) is provided, which latching device (22) has at least one latching part (26) which is guided in a guide part (24) and which, actuable by a control part (30) of the control device (16), can be placed into a latching position of a locking part (28).

Abstract: A device (100, 200, 200bis, 300, 300bis) for controlling a pilot pressure signal of hydraulic valves (3), for controlling the handling of gravitational loads (M), operating between two pilot lines (108, 109, 208, 209, 308, 309) between the valve (3) and a cylinder (1) adapted to sustain the load (M). The device (100, 200, 200bis, 300, 300bis) is a two-way and two-position valve for the communication between the cylinder stem-side pilot line (5) and the valve-side line (3) and is a valve which can take an open position and a partialized position, or anyway it never takes a closed position. The device (100, 200, 200bis, 300, 300bis) can take a position so that the fluid passage between the pilot lines (108, 109, 208, 209, 308, 309) is never completely closed.

Abstract: A hydraulic control valve with a monolithic body having four sides located between a top and a bottom, and all pilot ports on a body front side, valve work ports on the top side, three bores running within the body from the front side to a rear side, a spool in each bore, and a single three section spool port lock that locks two or three ports at the same time, the pilot ports presented machined female quick-connect connections, with spring wet cavities being provided for mechanically operated control spools.

Abstract: A system that prevents the backflow of fluid is disclosed. The system comprises a housing, two rubber flaps that are attached in such a way to create a one-way valve, and a water sensor. The flaps are anchored to the inside of the housing and open due to the force of fluid flowing in one direction. Fluid flowing in the opposite direction presses the ends of the flaps against each other, thus closing the valve and preventing water from backflowing through the system. A water sensor, mounted within the housing, is activated when a backflow fills the housing, thus providing an alarm to indicate a backflow event has occurred.

Abstract: A pressure control valve arrangement is provided for controlling the fluid pressure in an ABS brake system of a vehicle such that, in the event of a tendency of individual wheels of the vehicle to lock, the brake pressure in associated brake cylinders can be adaptively adjusted. At least two diaphragm valves, which have diaphragms which are loaded by spring elements, and at least one electromagnetic control valve, which can be activated by an electronic control device for the pilot control of the diaphragm valves, are provided in a housing of the pressure control valve arrangement. At least one valve seat of the at least one electromagnetic control valve is formed in a unipartite fashion with a housing part which is formed by a plastic injection-molded blank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic valve device having a fluid connector arrangement (10) comprising at least one pressure supply connector P for providing a pump pressure, a return flow connector R,—a section load sensing connector LS, two control connectors P?A and P?B, and two utility connectors A, B for providing a utility connection pressure, and having a displaceable control device (18) for at least partially controlling the connector arrangement (10), wherein a pressure balance (14) is connected upstream of the control device (18), and wherein the pressure balance (14) comprises a check valve (56).

Abstract: A fluid flow plate assembly may include a first manifold, a second manifold, a first flow channel, and a second flow channel. The first manifold may have a fluid inlet for receiving an incoming fluid and may extend along a first direction to provide a channel for transporting the incoming fluid along the first direction. The first manifold may have at least two distribution outlets, each located in at least a portion of a sidewall region of the first manifold. The first manifold releases at least one portion of the incoming fluid as a released fluid through each distribution outlet. The second manifold may have a fluid outlet for discharging a discharged fluid, and the discharged fluid includes at least one portion of the incoming fluid. The second manifold may extend along a second direction to provide a channel for transporting the discharged fluid along the second direction. The second manifold receives the discharged fluid through at least two discharged fluid inlets on the second manifold.

Abstract: Industrial polyolefin piping system with improved stiffness, impact strength for use at high service temperature, comprising single or multilayer pipes, fitting, chambers, valves and vessels, consisting of ?-nucleated propylene homopolymers with an IR??0.98 having a tensile modulus ?1500 MPa, a Charpy impact strength, notched, at +23° C.?30 kJ/m2 and a Vicat B temperature >90° C. and a Heat Distortion Temperature >100° C. The industrial polyolefin piping system is suitable for chemical plant constructions comprising single or multilayer pipes, fittings, chambers, valves and vessels with improved stiffness, impact strength and high service temperature, preferred for conveyance of natural gas, dangerous liquids and/or toxic liquids.

Abstract: A bi-directional valve system for an aquifer thermal energy storage system includes a hydraulic control valve fluidly connected to the aquifer pump and pipeline. A control pump is selectively actuated to hydraulically open and close fluid outlets of the hydraulic control valve. When the fluid outlets are closed, a full flow of water can be pumped from the aquifer, or pressure in the pipeline of the system maintained or increased. However, when the fluid pressure needs to be reduced or water reintroduced into the aquifer, the fluid outlets of the hydraulic control valve are selectively opened.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator (1) of the passive type is disclosed which has a fluid inlet adapted to be connected to a fluid reservoir and a fluid outlet (13) adapted to be connected to a patient's body. The regulator comprises a rigid substrate (2) and a resilient membrane (3) tightly linked together so as to define a cavity (6) there between which is disconnected to the fluid outlet while the membrane has a first surface (12) opposite the cavity which is connected to the fluid inlet. The membrane has a plurality of through holes (15) contiguous with the cavity, to define a pathway for a fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, and is flexible so as to be able to come into contact with the substrate as a fluid applies a sufficient pressure on the first surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for continuously mixing fed-out natural gas with oxygen to produce a burnable gas used for heating the pressurized natural gas before or after the relaxation thereof, comprising a mixing section having connections for a natural gas supply line, an oxygen infeed line, and a burnable gas discharge line. The mixing section is designed as a closed mixing container, which has a mixing chamber, at the center of which forming a mixing zone a distributing pipe for oxygen is disposed that is joined to the connection for oxygen infeed. The mixing chamber is filled completely, and the distributing pipe is filled at least partially, with a packing of ceramic granular material. The mixing chamber of the mixing container is equipped with temperature sensors for temperature measurement. The mixing container is designed as a standing container, which at the bottom has the connection of the natural gas supply and at the top the connection for the burnable gas discharge.

Abstract: A connector includes an inlet port into which liquid is poured and which has a first flow path for the liquid, a liquid discharge port to which a tube body is connectable and which has a second flow path discharging liquid from the first flow path to the connected tube body, a gas discharge which discharges air in the first flow path, and a blocking device which, when the liquid is poured in the first flow path, temporarily stops the liquid flow. Use of the connector involves sealing an opening section of the liquid discharge port, pouring liquid in the inlet port, causing air in the first flow path to be discharged, temporarily stopping the flow of the liquid in the first flow path, unsealing the opening section of the liquid discharge port, connecting the tube body to the liquid discharge port, and resuming flow of the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-way proportional control valve for actively controlling coolant and a proportional control method using the same. The three-way proportional control valve according to the present invention may preferably include a valve body including a pump port, through which coolant is introduced, and a radiator port and a bypass port, through which the coolant is discharged; a valve spool which linearly reciprocates on a valve path formed inside the valve body and opens and closes the radiator port and the bypass port; and a solenoid mounted on the valve body and pushing the valve spool such that the radiator port is opened and the bypass port is closed when electrical power is applied thereto.

Abstract: A valve chip may include a substrate having first and second faces and openings between the first and second faces, and a plurality of flexible valve flaps on one of the faces of the substrate with each flexible valve flap being associated with at least one of the openings. The valve chip may be packaged by forming a frame having an opening therein, and securing the valve chip in the opening of the frame. More particularly, the valve chip may be secured in the opening so that central portions of the first and second faces of the substrate are exposed through the opening in the frame and so that a fluid seal is provided between the frame and edges of the substrate. Related valves, valve assemblies, and methods are also discussed.

Abstract: A discharge extension assembly includes a main tube having at least first and second ends. The discharge extension assembly further includes at least one extension tube configured to telescope from within the main tube. The main tube and the at least one extension tube may include a plurality of collars that are configured to limit overextension of the at least one extension tube from the main tube. A first bracket is configured to mount to the first end of the main tube. A hinge assembly is configured to pivot the main tube and the at least one extension tube. The hinge assembly may include a stop and a sleeve slidably engaged with a shaft. The stop, the sleeve, and the shaft may be configured to limit movement of the sleeve. A second bracket may be configured to mount to the second end of the main tube.

Abstract: Use of thread forms with non-metallic threads is disclosed. These threads show differences between isotropic metals and an isotropic tubular composite.

Abstract: A tubular component with an end section has a profile, wherein the profile comprises a plurality of holding elements axially offset in longitudinal direction of the end section. The holding elements comprise at least one first azimuthal contour region and at least one second azimuthal contour region, wherein the outer contour of a holding element in the first contour region at least in sections is lowered or raised relative to the second contour region and wherein the first contour regions of at least two holding elements are offset relative to each other in azimuthal direction.

Abstract: A weaving machine for weaving a three-dimensional distance woven fabric including two outer fabrics and inter-yarns connected with the outer fabrics is provided. The weaving machine includes a warp let-off mechanism, heald frames, a picking mechanism, a beating-up mechanism, a yarn raising mechanism, and a take-up mechanism. The warp let-off mechanism includes at least two warp beams for providing and transferring warps. A plurality of vertically arranged heald wires are supported by each of the heald frames, wherein each of the heald wires has a heald eye for the warps passing through. The warps are driven and divided into two warp layers by the heald frames such that a shed is formed between the two warp layers. The picking mechanism transfers wefts to pass through the shed. The yarn raising mechanism is suitable for passing through the shed and raising parts of the warps functioning as the inter-yarns.

Abstract: In some embodiments, quality assurance systems for verifying branding of at least one medication container associated with at least one of a prescription and medication order are provided.

Abstract: A device for filling a flexible container and a method thereof are disclosed. The device may include a pressurizing chamber and an evacuation chamber. A first displacement piston is sealingly and slideably arranged within the pressurizing chamber to define an inner volume within the pressurizing chamber that is fluidly connected to a pressurizing conduit. A second displacement piston is sealingly and slideably arranged within the evacuation chamber to define an inner volume within the evacuation chamber that is fluidly connected to an evacuation conduit. A reservoir adapter is fluidly connected to the pressurizing conduit and connects to a liquid reservoir. A container adapter is fluidly connected to the evacuation conduit and connects with a flexible container. A transfer conduit is fluidly connected to the reservoir adapter and the container adapter. A valve fluidly connects the container adapter to the evacuation conduit or the transfer conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an un-inflated tire-wheel assembly for forming an inflated tire-wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least a first robotic arm and a second robotic arm forming a pair of robotic arms; an assembling end effecter attached to the first robotic arm; and an inflating end effecter attached to the second robotic arm, wherein the assembling end effecter is indirectly interfaceable with the inflating end effecter by way of the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly. One or more methods are also disclosed. One or more components are also disclosed. One or more systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for preparing an aqueous solution of calcium chloride, particularly for use as a surface deicer, comprising a containment tank which defines a body for containing the water in which the calcium chloride in solid form is to be dissolved and at least one fill opening for the calcium chloride in solid form, elements for mixing the water with the calcium chloride in solid form in order to obtain a solution of water and calcium chloride; the mixing elements comprise means for the forced circulation of the fluid contained in the containment body within the containment tank. It is also disclosed a device for distributing an aqueous solution for use as a surface deicer comprising a plurality of straight jet nozzles designed to direct, toward the surface onto which said aqueous solution is to be spread, a respective jet designed to strike a substantially point-like region of the ground.

Abstract: It is a fuel supply adaptor device which connects the apparatus having a fuel injecting portion including a power generator formed of fuel cells to the fuel cartridge having a fuel supplying portion and delivers the fuel in the fuel cartridge to the power generator, comprising a second connector for making connection to the fuel injecting portion of at least one apparatus, a first connector for making connection to the fuel supplying portion of at least one fuel cartridge, a connecting pipe for connecting the first connector to the second connector, and a holder, wherein the first connector, the second connector, and the connecting pipe are held by the holder.