Abstract: Container for receiving a composition, a device including such a container, a use and a method for applying the composition contained in such a container on the nails, the container comprising a side wall that extends along a central axis between a bottom and an opening, the side wall presenting a first outside constriction shaped to receive two adjacent fingers, other than the thumb, of a first hand of a user. The side wall also includes a second outside constriction shaped to receive two adjacent fingers, other than the thumb of a second hand of the same user, the second constriction being spaced apart from the first constriction along the central axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an application tool and method for applying a product to hair. The application tool may comprise a base and an applicator. The base may at least partially secure and enclose the applicator. The applicator may include a brush section that includes bristles and a comb section that includes teeth.

Abstract: A sectional wig includes a wig material adapted to cover a portion of the scalp, the portion being less than the entire scalp; a wig hair on a surface of the wig material; and an attachment mechanism to attach the wig material to the person's hair. At least some of the person's hair or scalp is exposed. The attachment mechanism may include a wig clip having teeth that clip to the person's hair, or a track of sewable material such as hair and a border on a side of the device, adapted to be sewn to the person's hair.

Abstract: Provided is a method for styling mammalian hair that includes contacting the hair with a composition that includes a poly(vinylamine-vinylformamide) copolymer and a first carrier, contacting the hair with a composition that includes a citrate and a second carrier, and styling the hair. The method of the present invention promotes improved hair styling properties such as improved curl retention and straightness retention, e.g., under conditions of high relative humidity and temperature. The method can be used for semi-permanently straightening or curling the hair. Also provided is a method for controlling fizz by applying the copolymer and citrate compositions.

Abstract: Provided is a method for styling mammalian hair that includes contacting the hair with a composition that includes a poly(vinylamine-vinylformamide) copolymer and a first carrier, contacting the hair with a composition that includes a cysteine and a second carrier, and styling the hair. The method of the present invention promotes improved hair styling properties such as improved curl retention and straightness retention, e.g., under conditions of high relative humidity and temperature. The method can be used for semi-permanently straightening or curling the hair. Also provided is a method for controlling frizz by applying the copolymer and cysteine compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides hair styling devices worn on the user's head to give the appearance of greater hair volume. The invention is adapted to be worn in the hair without being seen using a mechanism that secures one's natural hair to the device allowing for coverage as well as hiding the device. The device may or may not have comb-like appendages. The device may have coloration that mimics the general color of one's hair. The invention also provides for methods of using the devices.

Abstract: An electric eyelash brush has a housing, a motor driving module mounted inside the housing, an eyelash brush connected with the motor driving module and having one end protruding beyond the housing, and a cover detachably combined with the housing to receive one end of the eyelash brush. The motor driving module has a fixing member, a motor mounted inside the housing through the fixing member and a motor control circuit connected with the motor. The motor control circuit is electrically connected with a switch mounted on the housing to control motor to rotate the eyelash brush clockwise and counter-clockwise. The motor control circuit has a timer setting function to stop the motor after exceeding a reasonable operation time so as to secure operational safety. Besides, the eyelash brush can be replaced with eyelash brushes with different forms of eyelash brushes based on users' demand.

Abstract: A curling iron has a heatable barrel defining a lengthwise axis of the curling iron, a handle assembly having a grip, and a rotation mechanism coupled to a proximal end of the barrel and part of the handle assembly. The rotation mechanism permits rotation of at least part of the handle assembly relative to the barrel about the lengthwise axis of the curling iron between two or more different rotational orientations.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a workpiece, the apparatus comprising a first chamber configured to treat the workpiece at an elevated temperature, the first chamber including an opening for receiving the workpiece; a second chamber in operative communication with the first chamber, the second chamber including an opening for transferring the workpiece to and from the first chamber, wherein the first chamber opening is aligned with the second chamber opening, and wherein a selected one of the first and the second chambers comprises a gate valve configured to selectively open and close access to the first and second chamber openings; and a thermal isolation plate formed of a material effective to substantially prevent heat transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber, wherein the thermal isolation plate is disposed about the first and second chamber openings in a sealing relationship.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning generally upright surfaces, walls and windows of a building has a frame rotatably supporting one or more brushes adapted to engage the upright surface of a building. A davit supported on top of the building is connected to a cable pendently supporting the frame and brushes. A winch driven with a motor mounted on the frame operably connected to the cable operates to move the frame and brushes relative to the upright surface. A counterforce generator mounted on the frame establishes a force on the frame and brushes that maintains the brushes in effective continuous engagement with the upright surface during cleaning thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to an imaging member that facilitates removal of the imaging member coating layers disposed over the imaging member and environmentally or “green” methods for using the same. More specifically, the present embodiments disclose an electrophotographic photoreceptor that includes a specifically formulated undercoat layer that allows easy removal of the photoreceptor layers disposed on top of the undercoat layer. The present embodiments provide a simple yet efficient method for reclaiming recycling or remanufacturing electrophotographic photoreceptors.

Abstract: A multi-surface kitchen cleaning system is described that allows for easier cleaning of all residential and commercial kitchen surfaces from all angles, especially underneath a range hood and up inside an oven, and which comprises an alkaline/nonionic composition contained in and dispensable from a package comprising an angled-neck sprayer bottle fitted with an invertible trigger sprayer assembly, wherein the cleaning system may be used in an entirely upside-down orientation to spray upwards at an acute angle.

Abstract: A multi-surface bathroom cleaning system is described that allows for easier cleaning of all bathroom surfaces from all angles, especially under the rim of a toilet bowl, and which comprises an acid/nonionic composition contained in and dispensable from a package comprising an angled-neck sprayer bottle fitted with an invertible trigger sprayer assembly, wherein the cleaning system may be used in an entirely upside-down orientation to spray upwards at an acute angle.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a towel body formed from a single piece of fabric and having a top side and an opposite bottom side and formed of a towel material. The towel body has a soft terry cloth portion suitable for polishing a golf club head and a weaved portion at a first end of the towel body, the weaved portion having grooves to present a rough surface for cleaning a golf ball or a golf club head. There is a first binding on the first end of the towel body formed by folding over a first end of the single piece of fabric on itself and stitching. There is a second binding on the second end of the towel body formed by folding over the second end of the single piece of fabric on itself and stitching. There are also edge bindings along the edges of the towel body between the first end and the second end formed by stitching along edges of the single piece of fabric.

Abstract: The device is a simple system for multipurpose cleaning of difficult areas. This system is comprised of an absorbent cleaning material covering a foamed polymer structure that is attached to a base structure. The fabric collects loose material, provides some abrasive to remove solid deposits, and can be used dry or saturated with a liquid cleaning solution. This cleaning structure, the cleaning material and foamed polymer structure will be attached to a polymer or metallic handle so that a person can reach and clean difficult areas above and below themselves. This handle may be extendable so that any person can reach and adequately clean distant surfaces. This apparatus allows the user to reach and easily clean areas previously overlooked because of difficulty.

Abstract: A method of operating a sweeping machine, including a battery, a positioning receiver, a battery charge monitoring system and a computer, and having a cleaning and a transport mode of operation The method comprising the steps of: a) providing the computer with the location of a charging station, b) using the positioning receiver to provide the computer with the location of the sweeping machine, c) using the computer to provide an estimate of an amount of energy required to drive the sweeping machine from its location to the charging station in the transport mode, d) using the battery charge monitoring system to provide the computer with the amount of energy remaining in the battery, e) using the computer to compare the estimate with this amount of energy, and f) providing an operator notification when the amount of energy remaining in the battery falls below a predetermined amount of the estimate

Abstract: A floor cleaning device is disclosed. It comprises a brush, which is rotatable around an axis of rotation, and a cover having a cover surface which faces the axis of rotation and has a plurality of ridges constituting liquid channels between them for transporting liquid to outfalls provided at lower ends of the liquid channels. In addition, a method of cleaning a floor is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a brush, bringing the brush into contact with the floor, moistening the brush with a fluid, for example, a cleaning solution, rotating the brush, collecting droplets of fluid, released from the brush due to a centrifugal force associated with its rotational motion, in a plurality of liquid channels provided on a cover, and guiding the collected fluid through the liquid channels towards outfalls provided at lower ends of the liquid channels.

Abstract: A method of improving the clean, rinse and dry processes during the manufacture of ICs, MEMS and other micro-devices to conserve solution and energy while completing the process within a specified time. An electro-chemical residue sensor (ECRS) provides in-situ and real-time measurement of residual contamination on a surface or inside void micro features within the sensor representative of conditions on production wafers. The measured impedance can be used to determine what process variables and specifically how process conditions affect the rate of change of the measured impedance. The in-situ measurements are used to design and optimize a production process and/or to monitor the production run in real-time to control the process conditions and transfer of a patterned wafer through the processes.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and monitoring wear of screen cloths includes a feeding device for feeding used or contaminated screen cloths to, a cleansing unit arranged for receiving and cleansing the screen cloths, a preparation unit arranged for preparing the screen cloth for optical inspection in, an optical inspection station arranged to identify one or more damaged portions of the screen cloth and with a registering device for registering positions for the damaged portions, a measuring device for measuring and registering an extent of the damaged portions extent and degree of damage, a repair unit arranged for mending the damaged portions, and a feeding out unit for feeding out said repaired screen cloth.

Abstract: A reticle cleaning method for a lithography tool, wherein an inspection apparatus deployed in the lithography tool is used to perform the cleaning procedure on reticle in the EUV reticle pod, the reticle cleaning method comprising: transporting the EUV reticle pod to the upper chamber of the inspection apparatus; forming vacuum in the upper chamber of the inspection apparatus; transporting the inner box of the EUV reticle pod to the lower chamber of the inspection apparatus; forming vacuum in the lower chamber of the inspection apparatus; performing the cleaning process multiple times for gas filling and vacuum exhausting, wherein an inert gas is provided for the process of gas filling to be performed multiple times on the inner box to allow the particles in the inner box to be brought away by the flow field formed by the inert gas in the inner box; and transporting the inner box to a reticle library.

Abstract: A pressure flush process for removing debris from internal passageways of a cooled turbine blade includes a step of creating an agitated liquid/gas mixture and a step of injecting the agitated liquid/gas mixture under a positive pressure, into at least some of cooling holes in the blade to pass through the internal passageways and discharging the agitated liquid/gas mixture together with removed debris, through a larger root opening of the blade.

Abstract: A paper-roll core that is a soluble, disposable carrier for cleaning and/or disinfecting chemicals. The paper-roll cores are toilet paper roll cores and paper towel roll cores and are rapidly soluble in water and may release cleansers, disinfectants, colors, etc., upon dissolving. Described are: methods of using, manufacturing, advertising, and distributing the paper-roll cores; and methods of advertising and distributing such paper-roll cores to children, who will particularly enjoy the novelty; and methods of modifying existing paper-roll core manufacturing equipment to manufacture soluble cleanser-dispensing paper-roll cores.

Abstract: A tank cleaning device is provided, comprising a base member; a conduit attached to the base member having an inlet, an upper outlet, and a lower outlet; and a plurality of adjustable legs connected to and extending below the base member. The inlet of the conduit accepts a cleaning fluid, and a cleaning nozzle is attached to either the upper outlet or the lower outlet. A method of cleaning the tank is also provided, comprising placing the mounting device at a first location, spraying the tank with the cleaning fluid until a selected portion of the tank is cleaned, discontinuing the supply of cleaning fluid, and then repositioning the mounting device to a second location within the tank and resuming the supply of cleaning fluid. Multiple mounting devices may be employed and periodically repositioned within the tank to achieve quick and effective cleaning.

Abstract: A method and composition is provided for removing protein soil and preventing redeposition of soils onto a surface. The method includes introducing a protein-removing/anti-redeposition agent during a washing step of a wash cycle, introducing a cleaning composition during the washing step of the wash cycle, washing the surface of the substrate with the protein-removing/anti-redeposition agent and the cleaning composition during the wash cycle, and subsequently rinsing the surface of the substrate with a rinse aid. The protein-removing/anti-redeposition agent includes a poly sugar and the cleaning composition includes an alkalinity source and a surfactant component. The composition is substantially free of phosphorus-containing compounds and includes less than about 0.05% by weight alkali earth metal.

Abstract: A method of cleaning wafer cleaning includes: first a wafer stage for holding and rotating a wafer is provided. The wafer has a surface to be washed. A nozzle is positioned on the wafer for spraying a cleaning solution. The nozzle moves in non-uniform motion from a first given point to a second given point so as to make the time which the first given point is exposed to the cleaning solution equal to the time which the second given point is exposed to the cleaning solution. Furthermore, the nozzle moves faster when passing the center of the wafer and moves slower when passing the edge of the wafer.

Abstract: Particles are removed from a surface of a substrate by a method comprising causing liquid aerosol droplets comprising water and a tensioactive compound to contact the surface with sufficient force to remove particles from the surface.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for cleaning articles within a chamber of a warewash machine. The warewash machine has a rinse sump for collecting a rinse agent dispensed into the chamber and a wash sump for collecting a wash agent dispensed into the chamber. The method includes a wash phase during which the wash agent is dispensed into the chamber during and an auxiliary rinse phase during which the rinse agent is dispensed into the chamber. The wash machine includes a controllable deflector for directing the wash agent to the wash sump during the wash phase and the rinse agent to the rinse sump during the auxiliary rinse phase. The method also includes a final rinse phase during which water from an external source is dispensed into the chamber. The controllable deflector direct the water dispensed during the final rinse phase to the rinse sump such that the water combines with the rinse agent therein. The rinse agent is re-used during at least one subsequent auxiliary rinse phase.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing chamber surrounded by walls. The walls include a water-impermeable inner wall and an insulation layer. At least a first wall of the walls has in a first region on an outside thereof an emission changing device configured to change an emission of thermal radiation. The emission changing device includes a layer having a variable emissivity.

Abstract: Methods of cleaning backing plates of electrode assemblies, or electrode assemblies including a backing plate and an electrode plate are provided. The methods can be used to clean backing plates and electrode plates made of various materials, such as silicon electrode plates and graphite and aluminum backing plates. The backing plates and electrode assemblies can be new, used or refurbished. A flushing fixture that can be used in the cleaning methods is also provided.

Abstract: Household appliance (1), (17) comprising a program control for controlling program sequences for at least one operational parameter, such as temperature, pH value or the like, and/or the operation of at least one machine component, such as spray arms, pumps or the like, wherein the program control comprises a program mode for use of a metering device (6) that is not permanently integrated into the household appliance (1), (17), wherein the program sequence thereof is adapted for at least one operational parameter and/or at least one operation of at least one machine component to the ability of the sensor of a metering device (6) that is not permanently integrated to control the metering on the basis of operational parameters and/or operations detected by the sensor.

Abstract: Hunting blinds include a frame comprising two rod attachment structures at opposing longitudinal sides and a plurality of support attachment structures extending between and coupled to the two rod attachment structures. A rod is coupled to each of the two rod attachment structures, and a support member rod is coupled to each of the support attachment structures. Methods of using hunting blinds and methods of making hunting blinds are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the conversion of thermal energy from a surface (20) of a pyrometallurgical vessel associated with a magnetic field to electrical energy, the device comprising a thermoelectric device having at least one thermoelectric element (60) capable of converting a thermal energy differential into electrical energy whereby appropriate alignment in the magnetic field increases the ability of the thermoelectric device to generate electrical energy; and a support structure (50) engagable with the pyrometallugical vessel, the support structure being able to support the thermoelectric device in a fixed position relative to the pyrometallurgical vessel and in the associated magnetic field so that a temperature differential exists between a first side (30) and a second side (40) of the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A metal mixture is prepared, in which an excess amount of Te is added to a (Bi—Sb)2Te3 based composition. After melting the metal mixture, the molten metal is solidified on a surface of a cooling roll of which the circumferential velocity is no higher than 5 m/sec, so as to have a thickness of no less than 30 ?m. Thus, a plate shaped raw thermoelectric semiconductor materials 10 are manufactured, in which Te rich phases are microscopically dispersed in complex compound semiconductor phases, and extending directions of C face of most of crystal grains are uniformly oriented. The raw thermoelectric semiconductor materials 10 are layered in the direction of the plate thickness. And the layered body is solidified and formed to form a compact 12. After that, the compact 12 is plastically deformed in such a manner that a shear force is applied in a uniaxial direction that is approximately parallel to the main layering direction of the raw thermoelectric semiconductor materials 10.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is provided. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic device includes a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer deposited over the substrate, and a plurality of electrical conductive paths disposed in electrical contact with the TCO layer, wherein the plurality of electrical conductive paths extend discontinuously across opposing sides of the substrate.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell, a front protection plate disposed on a front side of the solar cell, and protrusions and depressions formed on a surface of the front protection plate, wherein the protrusions and depressions have a pitch equal to or less than a wavelength of visible light.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprises an electrode layer (1b) of a transparent, electrically conductive oxide which is deposited upon a transparent carrier substrate (7b). There follows a contact layer (11b) which is of first type doped amorphous silicon and has a thickness of at most 10 nm. There follows a layer (26) of first type doped amorphous silicon compound which has a bandgap which is larger than the bandgap of the material of the addressed contact layer (11b). Subsequently to the first type doped amorphous silicon compound layer (2b) there follows a layer of intrinsic type silicon compound (3b) and a layer of second type doped silicon compound (5b).

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for converging solar radiation includes a base which has a heating portion disposed thereon. Two supporting stands are oppositely pivotally mounted a top of the base. Two sensing sheets respectively oppositely disposed on two sides of each supporting stand. Each sensing sheet has a first end mounted on the supporting stand and a second end of the sensing sheet has an elastic unit connected thereto. A converging lens is pivotally mounted on the supporting stands. The converging lens is connected to the elastic units such that the converging lens is located above the heating portion. The sensing sheets slightly expanded and stretched when heated such that the elastic units are driven by the heated sensing sheets to pull the converging lens to incline toward the heated sensing sheets for tracking movement of the sun to maximize absorption of solar radiation.

Abstract: Fabricating a solar cell stack includes forming a nanopatterned polymeric layer on a first surface of a silicon wafer and etching the first surface of the silicon wafer to transfer a pattern of the nanopatterned polymeric layer to the first surface of the silicon wafer. A layer of reflective electrode material is formed on a second surface of the silicon wafer. The nanopatterned first surface of the silicon wafer undergoes a buffered oxide etching. After the buffered oxide etching, the nanopatterned first surface of the silicon wafer is treated to decrease a contact angle of water on the nanopatterned first surface. Electron donor material is deposited on the nanopatterned first surface of the silicon wafer to form an electron donor layer, and a transparent electrode material is deposited on the electron donor layer to form a transparent electrode layer on the electron donor layer.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell is discussed. The thin film solar cell includes a substrate, a first photoelectric conversion unit positioned on the substrate, and a back reflection layer for reflecting back light transmitted by the first photoelectric conversion unit to the first photoelectric conversion unit. The first photoelectric conversion unit includes a first intrinsic layer for light absorption. The back reflection layer includes a first back reflection layer doped with n-type or p-type impurities, and the first back reflection layer directly contacts the first intrinsic layer of the first photoelectric conversion unit.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to multiple quantum well (MQW) structures for intrinsic regions of monolithic photovoltaic junctions within solar cells which are substantially lattice matched to GaAs or Ge. The disclosed MQW structures incorporate quantum wells formed of quaternary InGaAsP, between barriers of InGaP.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments incorporate a “hybrid” design for the front electrode of solar cells, which advantageously combines naturally textured pyrolytic tin oxide and highly-conductive sputtered indium tin oxide (ITO). In certain example embodiments of this invention, a method of making a front electrode superstrate for a solar cell is provided. A glass substrate is provided. A layer of tin oxide is pyrolytically deposited on the glass substrate, with the layer of tin oxide being textured as a result of the pyrolytic deposition and with the layer of tin oxide being haze producing. A layer of indium tin oxide (ITO) is sputter-deposited on the layer of tin oxide, with the layer of ITO being generally conformal with respect to the layer of tin oxide. An amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin film layer stack is formed on the layer of ITO in making the front electrode superstrate.

Abstract: A method of implanting a substrate and the resulting apparatus are disclosed. The substrate, which may be a solar cell, is implanted with a p-type dopant. The p-type dopant may be, for example, boron, aluminum, gallium, or indium. Contacts are formed over the p-type region that is formed by the implant. An aluminum layer is formed around these contacts such that a surface of the contacts is still exposed. The implant may be a blanket implant across the entire surface of the substrate or a selective implant into a portion of the substrate. The substrate may be either n-type or p-type.

Abstract: Methods for texturing of single crystal silicon substrates, particularly for use as solar cells or photovoltaic cells. Texturizing of the wafer surface is carried out with a TMAH based solution. The texturizing solution may further include isopropyl alcohol and ethylene glycol at different dilutions in DI water to further improves results.

Abstract: This invention provides an optically transparent electrically conductive layer with a desirable combination of low electrical sheet resistance and good optical transparency. The conductive layer comprises a multiplicity of magnetic nanostructures in a plane, aligned into a plurality of roughly parallel continuous conductive pathways, wherein the density of the magnetic nanostructures allows for substantial optical transparency of the conductive layer. The magnetic nanostructures may be nanoparticles, nanowires or compound nanowires. A method of forming the conductive layer on a substrate includes: depositing a multiplicity of magnetic nanostructures on the substrate and applying a magnetic field to form the nanostructures into a plurality of conductive pathways parallel to the surface of the substrate. The conductive layer may be used to provide an enhanced silicon to transparent conductive oxide (TCO) interface in thin film silicon solar cells.

Abstract: A solar cell capable of improving cell efficiency, and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed, the solar cell comprising a substrate; a first electrode on the substrate; a photoelectric conversion portion on the first electrode; a second electrode on the photoelectric conversion portion; and plural beads on the second electrode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a buffer layer of a photoelectric conversion device having a stacked structure in which a lower electrode, a photoelectric conversion semiconductor layer that generates a current by absorbing light, the buffer layer, and a translucent conductive layer are stacked on a substrate, in which the buffer layer is formed by a CBD method, a pH variation of reaction solution for forming the buffer layer is controlled within 0.5 while deposition of the buffer layer by the CBD method is in progress, and the reaction solution includes a Cd or Zn metal and a sulfur source.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell structure comprises a substrate, a front electrode layer, an absorber layer, and a back electrode layer stacked on one another sequentially. A first isolation groove goes through the back electrode layer and the absorber layer, and a second isolation groove is disposed concavely in the front electrode layer and filled with an insulative material. A conductive groove is disposed concavely in the absorber layer and filled with a conductive material. Therefore, the front electrode layer is electrically conducted to the back electrode layer via the conductive material. By means of a method of patterning the first isolation groove, second isolation groove and conductive groove, a succinct design of the thin film solar cell structure can be achieved.

Abstract: The paste composition for an electrode are constituted with metal particles having copper as a main component, a phosphorous-containing compound, glass particles, a solvent, and a resin. Further, the photovoltaic cell has an electrode formed by using the paste composition for an electrode.

Abstract: The paste composition for an electrode includes metal particles having copper as a main component, glass particles including diphosphorus pentoxide and divanadium pentoxide and having a content of divanadium pentoxide of 1% by mass or more, a solvent, and a resin. Further, the photovoltaic cell has an electrode formed by using the paste composition for an electrode.