Abstract: A lightweight, portable tent having low volume, high pressure inflatable support air passages formed from the overlap and sealing of the wall panels of the tent, and a kit including the tent and an inflating device.

Abstract: A canopy system for increasing the coverage of multiple umbrellas has been disclosed. The canopy system includes a canopy portion and at least one fastener for removeably attaching the canopy portion to a first and second umbrella. The fastener can attach to unmodified portions of an umbrella so that the canopy system may be used with existing umbrellas and umbrellas not especially manufactured to couple with a canopy. The canopy system may advantageously include a support structure for supporting the canopy portion in a desired shape. The length of the canopy system can be adjustable and the system can be easily collapsed for storage and portability.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device (100) including a combination of thermoelectric elements (60, 62) and thermomagnetic elements (65) may be applied to a pyrometallurgical processing structure (20) whose operation generates a magnetic field. The generation and existence of the magnetic field provides an increase in the electrical energy generated over operation when the field does not exist. The device enhances overall cell efficiency by recovery of electrical energy from lost diffuse heat, while simultaneously enhancing the efficiency of the heat recovery through the effects of existing magnetic fields and improving control of freeze layer formation, in an electrolytic cell for aluminium production.

Abstract: A method to suppress thermal conductivities of nitride films by using stacking faults and/or nano-scale In-composition fluctuation(s). Therefore, the present invention reduces thermal conductivity of nitride while keeping electrical conductivity high. In addition, In composition fluctuations can enhance the Seebeck coefficient through thermionic emission. The present invention further discloses a nitride based (e.g. GaN) thermoelectric lateral device with a short length.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a segmented photovoltaic (PV) module which is manufactured from laminate segments. The segmented PV module includes rectangular-shaped laminate segments formed from rectangular-shaped PV laminates and further includes non-rectangular-shaped laminate segments formed from rectangular-shaped and approximately-triangular-shaped PV laminates. The laminate segments are mechanically joined and electrically interconnected to form the segmented module. Another embodiment relates to a method of manufacturing a large-area segmented photovoltaic module from laminate segments of various shapes. Other embodiments relate to processes for providing a photovoltaic array for installation at a site. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thin-film solar cell includes an insulating substrate and multiple unit solar cells. Each unit solar cell includes a photoelectric conversion portion having a first electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second transparent electrode layer, formed on a front surface of the insulating substrate, and a rear electrode layer formed on a rear surface of the insulating substrate. A portion of the first electrode layer of a first unit solar cell, taken from a plan view, overlaps an extending portion of the rear electrode layer of an adjacent second unit solar cell. The first electrode layer of the first unit solar cell is electrically connected to the rear electrode layer of the adjacent second unit solar cells via at least one connection hole passing through the insulating substrate and being connected to the extending portion.

Abstract: A solar panel mounting bracket having a pipe clamp portion defining a channel between spaced legs configured to clamp around a supporting pipe, a flange clamp extending from the pipe clamp portion configured to clamp a flange of a solar panel to the bracket. A solar panel mounting system including a bracket having a pipe clamp portion defining a channel between spaced legs and a flange clamp extending from the pipe clamp portion, a solar panel having a flange on its frame, and a pipe positioned within the channel of the pipe clamp portion.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method for fitting contact wires to a surface of a photovoltaic cell is provided. The method may include: feeding the contact wires to a contact wire positioning and placement device, wherein the contact wire positioning and placement device comprises a plurality of nozzles or eyes, wherein at least one contact wire is in each case passed through a respective nozzle or eye, for positioning and placement thereof onto the surface of the photovoltaic cell; positioning and placing the contact wires on the surface of the photovoltaic cell by means of the contact wire positioning and placement device; and attaching the contact wires to the surface of the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar photovoltaic assembly. The solar photovoltaic assembly, according to the invention, includes a solar panel, an input junction box, and an output junction box. The input junction box includes a first diode, a first electric connection body connected to the first diode, and first foils respectively spliced with the first electric connection body. The input junction box is positioned on a side of the second solar panel. The output junction box includes a second diode, a second electric connection body connected to the second diode, and second foils respectively spliced with the second electric connection body. The output second junction box positioned on another side of the solar panel. The input junction box mechanically and electrically connects to a second output junction box on a connecting solar panel using a cable.

Abstract: A deployable solar panel system includes a plurality of solar cell panels that are mechanically and electrically coupled to each other prior to shipment to an installation site, folded in a stacking arrangement within a packaging container for shipment to the installation site, and then unfolded to deploy the solar cell panels at a desired tilt angle during installation at the installation site. In one embodiment, the solar cell panels are mechanically coupled to each other using a hinge assembly, such as a hinge bracket and hinge pin. Each solar cell panel system is electrically coupled to each other using a series string. The series string may be electrically coupled to a DC-DC converter and/or a DC-AC inverter.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion is capable of converting the light energy into electrical power, comprising a tempered glass layer, a lens module, a substrate and a heat sink unit, wherein the lens module is formed from a plurality of lens units, which locate at one side of the tempered glass layer. A gap is formed via a plurality of protruding poles located between the lens units and the tempered glass layer. The gap is filled with transparent rubbers. A plurality of receiving units is located one side of the substrate for dissipating heat energy from the receiving units. The light energy is converted through the receiving units into the electrical energy by focusing the light to the receiving units via the tempered glass layer and the lens module.

Abstract: A torque tube supporter and a solar tracker using the same are provided. The torque tube supporter includes a cylindrical bearing supporting a cylindrical torque tube, a bearing cover having a cylindrical middle portion for supporting the bearing, a flange radially protruding from the circumference of the bearing cover, a half journal section having an arcuate upper portion to which the flange is fixed, and a post supporting the half journal section.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for producing solar power, comprising a rotating, circular platform that produces solar power and rotates about a vertical axis. Said platform (5, 6, 7) is provided with a plurality of floating troughs (9, 90, 91) with photoelectric cells (187, 199) which are covered by concentrating lenses (92, 182, 192). The platform (5, 6, 7) is surrounded by a circular, floating ring (10, 36) which is held in place by a device that grips only one area of the circumference of said floating ring (10, 36).

Abstract: Solar concentrators are disclosed that improve the efficiency of PV cells and systems using them. The solar concentrators may be designed such that they include one or more tuned chromophores that emit light substantially in a single direction to a PV cell. Various materials and components of the solar concentrators are also described.

Abstract: Luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) devices are provided herein. The provided LSCs include devices having an oriented luminophore in at least one layer of the LSC device. Other LSC devices include LSCs having both a collector wave guide, incorporating a luminophore, and a transport wave guide, having no luminophore, into which luminesced light from the collector wave guide travels. Additionally, wave guides for use in LSCs are provided that include guided-wave plasmon-polariton modes for improved optical transmission within LSC devices. The devices provided herein, either alone, or in combination, provide improved LSC device performance, particularly with regard to overall device efficiency.

Abstract: A corrugated plate structure having a solar panel is used for mounting at least one solar panel. The corrugated plate structure has at least one corrugated plate, the corrugated plate has a bottom plate portion and side plate portions bent from two opposite sides of the bottom plate portion, and an accommodation space is formed between the two side plate portions. Thus, the solar panel can be assembled in the accommodation space along the two side plate portions, so as to mount the solar panel on the corrugated plate. Thereby, the construction operation of mounting the solar panel is simplified, the bearing load of the building is reduced, the solar panel is easily dismounted for replacement, and meanwhile the integrity of the appearance of the building is maintained.

Abstract: A novel solar cell architecture consisting of multiple fiber-based photovoltaic (PV) cells. Each PV fiber element is designed to maximize the power conversion efficiency within a narrow band of the incident solar spectrum, while reflecting other spectral components through the use of optical microcavity effects and distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) coatings. Combining PV fibers with complementary absorption and reflection characteristics into volume-filling arrays produces an array of spectrally tuned solar cells with an effective dispersion element intrinsic to the architecture, resulting in high external quantum efficiency over the visible spectrum.

Abstract: A reliable solar cell module is provided whereby the liquid is less likely to stay thereon, thus dirt is less likely to occur on the light receiving surface of the solar cell module even in a prolonged use. A solar cell module comprising a solar cell panel, and a module frame. The solar cell module comprising a light receiving surface side member with a light receiving surface: a rear surface side member; and a solar cell element between the light receiving surface side member an the rear surface side member. The module frame fixed to the solar cell panel and surrounding the solar cell panel with its interior surface being abutted with an external peripheral part of the solar cell panel. The module frame comprises a notch extending from its inner part towards its external part in plan view from a side of the light receiving surface side member.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyte for photoelectric conversion elements, and a photoelectric conversion element and a dye-sensitized solar cell using the electrolyte, wherein high energy conversion efficiency can be achieved while substantially not including iodine. The electrolyte for a photoelectric conversion element of the present invention includes an ionic liquid (A) and a carbon material (B). The carbon material (B) is a carbon material (B1) displaying a pH, measured by a pH measuring method specified in Japanese Industry Standard (JIS) Z8802, of from 2 to 6 and/or a boron-modified acetylene black (B2). A content of the carbon material (B) is from 10 to 50 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the ionic liquid (A).

Abstract: Disclosed is a photovoltaic device that comprises: a first electrode including a transparent conductive oxide layer; a first unit cell being placed on the first electrode; a second unit cell being placed on the first unit cell; and a second electrode being placed on the second unit cell, wherein the intrinsic semiconductor layer of the first unit cell includes hydrogenated amorphous silicon or hydrogenated amorphous silicon based material, wherein an intrinsic semiconductor layer of the second unit cell includes hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon or hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon based material, and wherein a ratio of a root mean square roughness to an average pitch of a texturing structure formed on the surface of the first electrode is equal to or more than 0.05 and equal to or less than 0.13.

Abstract: A solar cell 1 has a p-n junction structure between a first solid material layer 3 comprising an insulator or a semiconductor and a second solid material layer 5 comprising an insulator or a semiconductor of a type different from the type of the first solid material layer 3, in which structure a Mott insulator or a Mott semiconductor is used as a solid material of at least one of the layers.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an optimized structure for an exciton-based photovoltaic cell, in which the bulk heterojunction between the electron donor (typically an organic polymeric semiconductor) and an electron acceptor (e.g., silicon or titanium or titania) minimizes the necessary exciton travel distance to the heterojunction in three dimensions. The configuration is arrayed in three dimensions, such that one member of the heterojunction pair, such as the electron acceptor is in the form of a number of nanoscale channels, extending to an electrode. The channels extend through a photovoltaic matrix material in a predetermined three-dimensional configuration.

Abstract: An organic solar battery (1) includes a photoelectric conversion layer that includes an electron donor layer (12) and an electron acceptor layer (14, 16, 17, 18) stacked on the electron donor layer, the electron acceptor layer including three or more electron acceptor materials, and at least one of the three or more electron acceptor materials being an organic material.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to enlarge flexibility with, respect to material selection for transparent conductive oxide layers within a solar cell device especially in view of the respective, material-specific vacuum deposition processes. This object is resolved by a solar cell device which comprises at least one thin film solar cell and an electrically conductive, transparent oxide layer wherein the addressed electrically conductive, transparent oxide layer is of doped TiOx.

Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric conversion element that has an nip structure formed of amorphous silicon and that is improved in energy conversion efficiency by a structure in which an n+-type a-Si layer is in contact with a transparent electrode formed by an n+-type ZnO layer. This makes it possible to realize photoelectric conversion elements and a solar cell module or facility with large area and high power with an influence on the global resources minimized.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type; an emitter layer that is positioned on the substrate and is a second conductive type that is opposite to the first conductive type; first electrodes that are connected to the emitter layer; and a second electrode that is connected to the substrate, wherein the emitter layer includes a first emitter portion and a second emitter portion, the first electrodes include a finger electrode, and a bus electrode intersecting and connected to the finger electrode, and the first emitter portion and the second emitter portion are positioned under the bus electrode.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell includes forming a textured surface having a plurality of jagged portion at a surface of a substrate of a first conductive type; forming an emitter portion by doping an impurity into the substrate, the emitter portion having a second conductive type opposite to the first conductive type; removing a portion of the emitter portion by using a dry etching method, to form an emitter region; forming an anti-reflection layer on the emitter region; and forming a first electrode connected to the emitter region and a second electrode connected to the substrate.

Abstract: A solar cell an n-doped silicon substrate, having n+ base regions provided in the first main surface and a p+ doped emitter region provided in the second main surface, a finger-like base contact structure applied to the first main surface, an emitter contact and base contact paths applied to the second main surface, each having solderable contact surfaces as well as through-connections (vias) which connect the finger-like contact structure of the first main surface to the base contact paths on the second main surface, thus connecting the emitter region as well as the base regions via the solder contact surfaces on the second main surface. The second main surface is free from p+ emitter doping in places, and the first main surface and predetermined regions of the second main surface have an n+n transition.

Abstract: A p-type electrode on p+ layer of solar cell comprising, prior to firing; (a) Electrically conductive particles comprising silver particle having a particle size of 0.1 to 10 microns and added particle composed of a metal alloy containing a metal selected from the group consisting of Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, W, Re, Os, Ir and Pt, (b) Glass frit, and (c) A resin binder, wherein the electrode is made from a fired conductive paste which is comprised of 40 to 90 wt % of the silver particle and 0.01 to 10 wt % of the added particle based on the weight of the paste.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell is discussed. The thin film solar cell includes a substrate, a front electrode positioned on the substrate, a back electrode positioned on the front electrode, and a photoelectric conversion unit positioned between the front electrode and the back electrode. The front electrode includes first and second front electrode layers each containing a conductive material with light transmissivity. The first front electrode layer is formed on the substrate and contacts the substrate, and a porous pin hole exposing a portion of the substrate is formed in a portion of the first front electrode layer. The second front electrode layer contacts the first front electrode layer and covers the porous pin hole of the first front electrode layer.

Abstract: An electricity generating apparatus using solar power includes a supporting device for supporting movably a solar power collecting unit that includes a solar power collecting plate carried on a carrier for converting solar power into electrical energy, and a condensing unit mounted on the carrier and disposed above the solar power collecting plate. The supporting device includes a disk member mounted rotatably on a top side of a hollow base body and driven by a drive unit in the base body to rotate relative to the base body in a central axis of the disk member, and a telescopic rod member and two upright supporting rods interconnecting said carrier and the disk member. A control module controls the drive unit and the telescopic rod member based on a solar radiating direction such that the power solar collecting plate is moved to face sunlight.

Abstract: The multilayer film serves as a laminate. The film is a multilayered structure that, in its base form, encompasses an intermediate layer with first and second outer layer affixed to opposing sides of the intermediate layer. The first outer layer is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer. The intermediate layer includes a polyester and the second outer layer is an olefinic polymer. The layers are bonded together in the noted order to provide the multilayer film.

Abstract: This invention provides a transition metal complex of formula MXY2Z and a manufacturing method thereof, wherein M is selected from iron, ruthenium, and osmium; X represents a ligand shown in formula (II) wherein R1 and R1? are independently selected from COOH, PO3H2, PO4H2, SO3H2, SO4H2, and derivatives thereof; Y is selected from H2O, Cl, Br, CN, NCO, NCS, and NCSe; Z represents a bidentate ligand having at least two fluorinated chains. In addition, this invention also provides photovoltaic cells and a manufacturing method thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of using magnetic or electric fields to align magnetically responsive nanoparticles in a polymeric matrix, which has not yet been completely solidified. The nanoparticles are preferably magnetically doped, then blended with photovoltaic polymer material to form devices. The methods provided are particularly useful for the formation of solar cell devices. The devices include nanostructured electron-conducting channels arranged approximately parallel to one another, where the channels comprise magnetically doped materials, as well as photovoltaic materials interspersed with the nanostructured electron-conducting channels. The method provides a way to control the morphology of blended photovoltaic devices, which will improve efficiencies. In addition, the new method provides a way to control the growth of novel, cheap, solar cells, which can in turn lead to enhanced performance.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device capable of improving conversion efficiency is provided. The photoelectric conversion device includes a work electrode, a counter electrode, and an electrolyte-containing layer. In the work electrode, a metal oxide semiconductor layer supporting a dye is provided. The dye contains a cyanine compound. The cyanine compound has heterocyclic skeletons containing indolenine skeletons bonded with both ends of a methine chain, an anchor group introduced to a nitrogen atom contained in the indolenine skeletons, and a phenanthrene skeleton contained in one of the heterocyclic skeletons. In the case where light enters the dye, electron injection efficiency to the metal oxide semiconductor layer is improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved chalcogen-containing, photovoltaic structures as well as related compositions, photovoltaic devices incorporating these structures, methods of making these structures and devices, and methods of using these structures and devices. According to principles of the present invention, the adhesion of PACB compositions is improved through the use of chalcogen-containing tie layers.

Abstract: An electronic faucet comprises a spout having a passageway configured to conduct fluid flow through the spout, an electrically operable valve coupled to the passageway, and a single capacitive sensor coupled to a portion of the faucet. The single capacitive sensor provides both a touch sensor and a proximity sensor for the electronic faucet.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an assembly for sealing an opening of a container, comprising (1) a first member operationally configured to connect to the container at the opening; (2) a second member operationally configured to abut the first member in a manner effective to cover the opening of the container; and (3) a temperature-sensitive fastening means operationally configured to releasably secure the second member to the first member in a manner effective to form a seal there between; wherein at least part of the fastening means is positioned apart from the second member.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a microfluidic device capable of allowing a fluid to stably flow in a microchannel without using an external source such as a pump or a suction device, and the microfluidic device, provided with a microchannel to which a sample liquid is transported, includes: an inlet reservoir which reserves a sample liquid to be introduced into said microchannel; an inlet which is provided on a sample-introduced side of the microchannel, and communicates with the inlet reservoir; an outlet provided on a sample-discharged side of the microchannel; and an open channel which is provided as communicating with the outlet, and part of at least one surface of which is opened to the outside atmosphere, wherein the inlet is provided at a higher position in a gravity direction than the outlet.

Abstract: A rotary flow valve apparatus and associated systems and methods, comprising: a front plate comprising a plurality of fluid entry ports running therethrough; a rear plate comprising one central fluid exit port running through a substantial center thereof and P peripheral fluid exit ports running through a substantially circumferential periphery thereof; P flow selector bars integrally connecting the front plate with the rear plate and fixing the front plate relative to the rear plate; P inter-bar flow channels defined between rotationally-adjacent pairs of the flow selector bars; and a selector cylinder seated over and freely and continuously rotatable around the flow selector bars and relative to the front and rear plates.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling fluids in microfluidic systems are generally described. In some embodiments, control of fluids involves the use of feedback from one or more processes or events taking place in the microfluidic system. For instance, a detector may detect one or more fluids at a measurement zone of a microfluidic system and one or more signals, or a pattern of signals, may be generated corresponding to the fluid(s). In some cases, the signal or pattern of signals may correspond to an intensity, a duration, a position in time relative to a second position in time or relative to another process, and/or an average time period between events. Using this data, a control system may determine whether to modulate subsequent fluid flow in the microfluidic system. In some embodiments, these and other methods can be used to conduct quality control to determine abnormalities in operation of the microfluidic system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a gas flow through a conjunction between one or more incoming streams and one or more outgoing streams through a conjunction. The method uses a biased mass flow imbalance value obtained by comparing the aggregate of incoming mass flow measurement value(s) with the aggregate of outgoing mass flow measurement value(s) and adding a bias component to provide the biased mass flow imbalance value. The flow of at least one of the incoming and outgoing streams (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) is adjusted to move the biased mass flow imbalance value towards zero. In addition, a conjunction pressure measurement (PC) is provided, which is used to adjust the bias component in response to a change in the conjunction pressure measurement (PC) relative to a pressure set point (PSP), to mitigate the change in the conjunction pressure measurement (PC) relative to the pressure set point (PSP).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of preventing isopipe sag when using the overflow drawdown fusion process for making flat glass sheets. The method applies a vertical restraint on at least one end of an isopipe resting on a support to thereby reduce sage and/or the rate of sag during use of the isopipe. Using the vertical restraint block in accordance with the invention, the sag and/or rate of sag has been found to be reduced by at least 40 percent relative to an isopipe that does not use the vertical restraints of the invention or a compressive force along the sides of the isopipe.

Abstract: A cleaning system for a dairy facility comprising a rinse system including a rinse sprayer, a flush system comprising a process system for processing waste water to obtain processed water, a collection system connected between the dairy facility and the process system, and a flush sprayer. The rinse sprayer sprays rinse water in a first zone of the dairy facility, where the rinse water becomes waste rinse water after the rinse water has been sprayed in the first zone of the dairy facility. The flush sprayer sprays the processed water in a second zone of the dairy facility, where the processed water becomes waste processed water after the processed water has been sprayed in the second zone of the dairy facility. The collection system collects the waste rinse water and the waste processed water to form the waste water and directs the waste water to the process system.

Abstract: A rotary inflation nozzle includes a block assembly seat, a housing, and a cap. A needle tube and a block member are mounted in the housing and the cap and mounted to a front end of the block assembly seat. The block assembly seat includes an end having a receiving section. The block assembly seat further includes an air passageway in communication with the receiving section. The receiving section has an inner diameter larger than that of the air passageway. A limiting section is formed on the front end of the block assembly seat and has an outer diameter larger than the block assembly seat. The needle tube includes first and second engaging ends. The first engaging end of the needle tube is received and retained in the receiving section. The block member includes a central hole. The central hole of the block member receives and is retained in place by the second engaging end of the needle tube.

Abstract: The main upright (14) on a paint sprayer (10) frame (12) is provided with a hose guide (16) and a swivel (18). Attached to the swivel (18) is a generally rectangular hose reel (20) having a retractable handle (22) and a releasable rotation lock (24). Reel (20) is formed from a generally rectangular (mirroring the sprayer frame) loop (20a) having secondary loops (20b) attached thereto. A swivel plate (20c) bisects loop (20a). The upper end of loop (20a) may be used as a handle for the sprayer (10).

Abstract: A valve for preventing the flow of fluid from an outlet when the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined threshold. The valve including: a body having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to pass through the outlet when the temperature of the fluid is below the predetermined threshold; and a shape memory actuator for substantially closing the at least one opening when the temperature of the fluid is above the predetermined threshold to prevent the fluid from passing through the outlet.

Abstract: A jet pump (14) is inserted between the low-pressure pump and a high-pressure fuel pump (16). A fuel metering unit (20) includes a metering valve (22) which delivers a regulated fuel flow to a feed line (30), and a bypass valve (24) which diverts to a primary intake (14a) of the jet pump the excess fuel flow supplied by the high-pressure pump. An overspeed protection unit (50) includes a control element (54) of the bypass valve (24) which causes said to fully open in the event of an overspeed of the engine. A shutoff and pressurization checkvalve (42) is mounted on the feed line and controlled by a servo-valve (44) having a high-pressure port (44a) brought to the high fuel pressure, a low-pressure port brought to the pressure of the primary intake (14a) of the jet pump and an output setting the pressure in a control chamber (42a) of the shutoff valve (42) to a value between those prevailing at the high pressure and low pressure ports.

Abstract: A multi-layer valve is provided for allowing oxygen to enter a package while maintaining a level of fluid and leak resistance. The multi-layer valve includes a first layer of adhesive that has a top and bottom face with the bottom face being adhered to a release liner. A permeable layer is provided over the first layer of adhesive, a second layer of adhesive that has a top and bottom face. The bottom face of the first adhesive layer is adhered to the permeable layer and the top face of the first adhesive layer is adhered to a cover layer such that the bottom face of the second layer of adhesive is separable from the permeable layer while the top face of the second layer of adhesive maintains adhesion with the cover layer.

Abstract: Fluid transfer apparatus including a body having a bore formed through at least a portion of its interior. Contained within the bore is a movable plunger that moves without changing the axial dimensions of the body. A first end of the body contains a face designed to be attached to an upstream component. A second end of the body is connected to a downstream component such as a filter, pipeline, etc. A first end of the plunger, when it is in the closed position, is in alignment with the face of the body, which combined form a steamable surface and a sterile barrier against the environment to the remainder of the interior of the body, the plunger and downstream components. An outer annular collar is rotatable relative to the body and causes the plunger to move axially within the bore from an open to a closed position.