Patents Issued in December 1, 2011
  • Publication number: 20110290291
    Abstract: A collapsible privacy shelter includes an upper section, lower section, and roof section. The lower section includes a back wall, a pair of side walls pivotally connected to the back wall of the lower section and are operable to fold inward, a front wall pivotally connected to the plurality of side walls of the lower section, and a door pivotally connected to the front wall of the lower section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Dan Neal
  • Publication number: 20110290292
    Abstract: A boat storage canopy fitted to a boat storage lift has an entry portion, raised center portion and shore side portion with downwardly depending curtains on first and second sides and the shore side end with a hinged curtain at the entry end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel J. KAISER
  • Publication number: 20110290293
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thermoelectric module. The thermoelectric module includes: first and second substrates that are disposed to be separated from each other, facing each other and includes first and second grooves each formed on inner sides thereof; first and second electrodes that are received in the first and second grooves, respectively; and a thermoelectric device that is interposed between the first and second electrodes and is electrically bonded to the first and second electrodes. As a result, the present invention provide a thermoelectric module and a method for manufacturing the same capable of improving the figure of merit and reliability of the thermoelectric module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO.
    Inventors: Yong Suk Kim, Sung Ho Lee, Tae Kon Koo, Yong Soo Oh
  • Publication number: 20110290294
    Abstract: The present invention provides an energy converting device, which includes: a base substrate; and a plurality of thermoelectric element structures which are sequentially stacked on the base substrate and electrically interconnected in parallel to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Seung Seoup Lee
  • Publication number: 20110290295
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments provide techniques for improving the output of hybrid systems comprising photovoltaic (PV) and thermoelectric (TE) modules in conjunction with super-insulating, yet optically transmissive, vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit technologies. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to hybrid systems including hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (mc-Si), hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si), bulk hetero junction solar cell, and/or the like, that may be used together with a TE generator, that achieves high operational PV and TE efficiencies under ambient conditions. In that regard, certain example embodiments effectively partition the solar spectrum in order to yield an increased conversion efficiency of a PV-TE hybrid system with a solar cell operating at ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Vijayen S. Veerasamy
  • Publication number: 20110290296
    Abstract: A flexible photovoltaic module has a flexible substrate having integrated electrically conductive portions, an array of functional tiles on the substrate, wherein the functional tiles include solar cell tiles, the functional tiles being separated by a spacing which determines the bending radius of the module, the tiles at least partially in electrical contact with the electrically conductive portions, the solar tiles electrically connected in one of either electrical series or parallel configuration to produce an electrical power output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: JURGEN H. DANIEL, NOBLE M. JOHNSON, DAVID K. FORK, ROBERT A. STREET
  • Publication number: 20110290297
    Abstract: A photovoltaic system features at least one photovoltaic module, a substructure for accommodating the at least one photovoltaic module, a first supporting element and a second supporting element can be at least partially pushed one into another such that at least two guide elements on a first supporting element engage in the second supporting element. One of the supporting elements is arranged on the rear side of the photovoltaic module and the other supporting element is arranged on the substructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Goetz Springer, Annemarie Röuspies, Arthur R. Buechel
  • Publication number: 20110290298
    Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, a solar cell is provided, including a layer structure having at least one photovoltaic layer; and a plurality of contact wires running on the surface of the layer structure. The contact wires are wire-bonded radially with respect to their axis onto the surface of the layer structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: SOLARWORLD INNOVATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Krause, Martin Kutzer, Olaf Storbeck, Alexander Fuelle
  • Publication number: 20110290299
    Abstract: Provided is a solar cell module in which a stress of a solar cell string is relieved. A solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cell elements, each including a light receiving surface and a back surface positioned on a back side of the light receiving surface, and a plurality of conductor wires, each connecting one of the solar cell elements to any of the solar cell elements which is adjacent thereto and including connecting portions to be connected to one surface of one of the solar cell elements, wherein the plurality of solar cell elements is protruded toward the light receiving surface side in a perpendicular section to a longitudinal direction of the connecting portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Kyoda, Tetsuo Niwa, Motoi Tamaki
  • Publication number: 20110290300
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a) at least one polyalkyl(meth)acrylate and b) at least one compound according to formula (I), where the groups R1 and R2 independently represent an alkyl or cycloalkyl group with 1 to 20 carbon atoms, for the production of solar cell modules, particularly for the production of light concentrators for solar cell modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: EVONIK ROEHM GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Battenhausen, Ernst Becker, Klaus Schultes, Sven Strohkark
  • Publication number: 20110290301
    Abstract: A system for generating electric energy uses photovoltaic elements that are disposed on a supporting structure formed, in particular, by supporting cables and adjusting cables or the like. The elements can be pivoted about at least approximately vertically oriented axes, whereby they can track the east-west movement of the sun, and they can be pivoted about at least approximately horizontally oriented axes, whereby they can be adjusted to the altitude of the sun. The photovoltaic elements are attached on several supporting beams, which are oriented at least approximately parallel to each other and approximately horizontally, the supporting beams can be pivoted at one of the two ends thereof on a supporting cable or the like about an at least approximately vertical axis and are mounted rotatably about the longitudinal axes thereof. The supporting beams are coupled at the other end thereof to a pivoting and rotating device, which is formed by at least one supporting and adjusting cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: INNOVA PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Philipp Erhart, Hans Günter Czaloun
  • Publication number: 20110290302
    Abstract: A solar energy module includes a casing, a mirror, a transparent top, a pipe, a fluid within the pipe and photovoltaic cells. The casing has three walls including two end walls and one wall in the form of an elongated U-shaped structure. The mirror is parabolic and sits atop the bottom wall of the casing to produce a line focus within the casing. The transparent top closes the casing to form an air-tight enclosure. The pipe has flat walls and is positioned at the line focus. The flat walls are at least a top-facing planar wall and a bottom-facing planar wall. The photovoltaic cells are attached at least to the bottom-facing planar wall. The fluid is confined within the pipe and carries away the heat from the photovoltaic cells. The air-tight module is optionally holding a vacuum and/or contains inert gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Yi Pang
  • Publication number: 20110290303
    Abstract: An electrical connector is provided for electrically connecting a junction box of a photovoltaic (PV) module to an electrical cable of a power distribution system. The electrical connector includes a housing extending along a central longitudinal axis from a cable segment to a mating segment. The housing has an intermediate segment that extends between the cable and mating segments. The intermediate segment includes a flange. The housing is configured to be mounted to a frame for the PV module. An electrical contact is held by the housing and is configured to establish an electrical connection between the junction box and the electrical cable. A biasing mechanism extends over the intermediate segment of the housing. The biasing mechanism extends from a flange end to a frame end. The flange end is engaged with the flange of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Michael Weldon, Kyle D. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20110290304
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module having a textile substrate having conductors, an array of functional tiles on the substrate, wherein the functional tiles include solar tiles, the functional tiles arranged to be spaced apart from each other and to contact at least one conductor, and the solar tiles electrically connect in one of either electrical series or parallel configuration to produce and electrical power output. A method of manufacturing flexible, photovoltaic modules includes manufacturing at least one functional material, forming the functional material into functional tiles, mounting the functional tiles onto a textile substrate into an array of functional tiles, and forming circuitry on the flexible substrate to electrically connect the functional tiles to one of either input/output circuitry or other tiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventor: JURGEN H. DANIEL
  • Publication number: 20110290305
    Abstract: A cable reinforced matrix to support a solar panel array comprising array bracing beams which define a perimeter including longitudinal array bracing beams and latitudinal array bracing beams with coupling apertures at various points along the latitudinal array bracing beams; cable couplings at opposite points along the latitudinal array bracing beams; cabling traversing the latitudinal array bracing beams; solar panels atop the cabling; longitudinal I-beams; latitudinal I-beams; interpanel I-beam(s); grommets along the cabling; grommet clips; grommet clip fasteners; panel fasteners; columns at either end of the longitudinal array bracing beams; a first cantilever support post extending from the column to the distal portion of the longitudinal array bracing beam; a second cantilever support post extending from the column to the proximal portion of the longitudinal array bracing beam; a footing at the bottom of each column; and dampening/stabilizing element(s) to mitigate vibration and uplift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Steve Hoffmann, George Weiner, Steven Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20110290306
    Abstract: Provided is a photovoltaic (PV) array that is capable of being mounted as a unit onto a support structure. Also provided is a solar panel laminate that can be plugged into an electrical connector of the adjacent laminate by pressing the electrical connectors together or installing them in close proximity to one another. Additionally, a PV array is provided that comprises an array framework comprising a plurality of crossmembers that are prefabricated to match with the frame of the solar panel laminates. Also provided is support structures for PV arrays, including support structures that comprise a ballast. Further provided is a PV electrical generating power plant, and a system and method for optimizing power output from a PV array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Todd Roberts
  • Publication number: 20110290307
    Abstract: A modular solar panel system includes solar panels mechanically and electrically interconnectable to create a modular solar panel array, and an electrical connection module on each panel, the module having an input connection and an output connection for electrically interconnecting the panels in the solar panel array. A peripheral frame member is disposed about each panel, and includes a first set of receptacles arranged on a back face, and a second set of receptacles arranged along an outside edge. The second set of receptacles are arranged along each side so that the receptacles on one panel align with the receptacles on another panel when placed adjacent one another in a generally planar edge-to-edge manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Emmett Workman, Norm Krantz
  • Publication number: 20110290308
    Abstract: A monolithically integrated photovoltaic (PV) module is provided and includes a first electrically conductive layer and an insulating layer. The first electrically conductive layer is disposed below the insulating layer. The PV module further includes a back contact metal layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, a substantially intrinsic semiconductor layer with a median grain size of at least about five ?m and comprising cadmium and tellurium, and an n-type semiconductor layer. The substantially intrinsic layer is disposed between the p-type and the n-type semiconductor layers forming an active semiconductor stack. The back contact metal layer is disposed between the insulating layer and the active semiconductor stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Bastiaan Arie Korevaar
  • Publication number: 20110290309
    Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same, which facilitates to improve cell efficiency by smoothly drifting carrier such as hole or electron generated in a semiconductor wafer to first and second electrodes, the solar cell comprising a semiconductor wafer having a predetermined polarity; a first semiconductor layer on one surface of the semiconductor wafer; a first transparent conductive layer on the first semiconductor layer; a first electrode on the first transparent conductive layer; a second semiconductor layer on the other surface of the semiconductor wafer, wherein the second semiconductor layer is different in polarity from the first semiconductor layer; a second transparent conductive layer on the second semiconductor layer; a second electrode on the second transparent conductive layer; and at least one of first and second auxiliary layers, wherein the first auxiliary layer is formed between the first semiconductor layer and the first transparent conductive layer so as to smoo
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jung Hyun LEE
  • Publication number: 20110290310
    Abstract: A solar cell capable of restricting carrier loss and yields higher energy conversion efficiency than was conventionally possible and a method of producing a solar cell enabling formation of a light absorbing layer containing quantum dots through a low-temperature process using a coating or printing method requiring no vacuum equipment or complicated apparatuses. The solar cell includes a light absorbing layer containing quantum dots in a matrix layer, and the light absorbing layer is connected to an N-type semiconductor layer on one side and to a P-type semiconductor layer on the other side. In the light absorbing layer, the quantum dots are made of nanocrystalline semiconductor and arranged 3-dimensionally uniformly enough and spaced regularly so that a plurality of wave functions lie on one another between adjacent quantum dots to form intermediate bands. The matrix layer is formed of amorphous IGZO.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Teruhiko KURAMACHI, Makoto Kikuchi, Takeshi Hama, Atsushi Tanaka, Youichi Hosoya
  • Publication number: 20110290311
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell from which an electric current can be taken out by transferring carriers while obtaining phonon bottleneck effects of quantum dots. The invention is a solar cell comprising: a first material layer comprising a wetting layer and quantum dots formed in the wetting layer; a second material layer where the first material layer is formed on the surface; a negative electrode; and a positive electrode, the negative electrode or the positive electrode being connected with the wetting layer, wherein when the negative electrode and the wetting layer are connected, these are connected so that electrons existing in the wetting layer can travel to the negative electrode, and when the positive electrode and the wetting layer are connected, these are connected so that holes existing in the wetting layer can travel to the positive electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Yoshiki Fukada
  • Publication number: 20110290312
    Abstract: A compound semiconductor solar battery including a first compound semiconductor photoelectric conversion cell, a second compound semiconductor photoelectric conversion cell provided on the first compound semiconductor photoelectric conversion cell, and a compound semiconductor buffer layer provided between the first compound semiconductor photoelectric conversion cell and the second compound semiconductor photoelectric conversion cell, the first compound semiconductor photoelectric conversion cell and the compound semiconductor buffer layer being provided adjacent to each other, and a ratio of a difference in lattice constant between the first compound semiconductor photoelectric conversion cell and a compound semiconductor layer provided in a position closest to the first compound semiconductor photoelectric conversion cell among compound semiconductor layers constituting the compound semiconductor buffer layer being not less than 0.15% and not more than 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Takaaki Agui, Tatsuya Takamoto
  • Publication number: 20110290313
    Abstract: A solar cell with engineered spectral conversion elements or components includes a single crystal silicon solar cell having a back surface. At least one spectral conversion element is formed on the back surface. The conversion element includes single crystal rare earth oxide, and the single crystal rare earth oxide is crystal lattice matched to the back surface of the silicon solar cell. Material including silicon is formed on the back surface in a surrounding and embedding relationship to the at least one spectral conversion element. A back reflector is positioned on the material formed on the back surface so as to reflect light passing through the silicon formed on the back surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: MICHAEL LEBBY, Andrew Clark
  • Publication number: 20110290314
    Abstract: Light scattering articles comprising inorganic substrates having textured surfaces utilize hemispherical inorganic particles having average diameters of 300 nm or less. The articles have an enhanced absorption at wavelengths in the range of from 400 nm to 600 nm and can be used in photovoltaic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Andrey Kobyakov, Aramais Zakharian
  • Publication number: 20110290315
    Abstract: An electrochemical method for producing a hole extraction layer in a solar cell based on organic semiconductor materials. Conjugated polymers are used to build a hole extraction layer and a photoactive layer. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is used as a hole extraction layer and is deposited electrochemically from an aqueous solution on an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode. A nanofibrilar or nanogranular morphology of the PEDOT is achieved by carrying out the polymerization in the presence of a surfactant. A photoactive layer of poly(3-hexylthiophene)/[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT/PCBM) can be deposited by spin-coating technique on top of the PEDOT layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Kalle Levon, Eduard Nasybulin, Shu Wei, Ian Albuquerque
  • Publication number: 20110290316
    Abstract: Light scattering inorganic substrates and articles comprising soot particles and methods for making light scattering inorganic substrates and articles comprising soot particles useful for, for example, photovoltaic cells. The method for making the substrates and articles comprises providing an inorganic substrate comprising at least one surface, applying soot particles pyrogenically to the at least one surface of the inorganic substrate to form a coated substrate, and heating the soot particles to form the light scattering inorganic substrate. The invention creates a scattering glass surface that is suitable for subsequent deposition of a TCO and a thin film silicon photovoltaic device structure. The scattering properties may be controlled by the combination of substrate glass and soot composition, deposition conditions, patterning of the soot, and/or sintering conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel Warren Hawtof, Glenn Eric Kohnke, Jia Liu
  • Publication number: 20110290317
    Abstract: An electronic device module comprising: A. At least one electronic device, e.g., a solar cell, and B. A polymeric material in intimate contact with at least one surface of the electronic device, the polymeric material comprising (1) an ethylene-based polymer composition characterized by a Comonomer Distribution Constant greater than about 45, more preferably greater than 50, most preferably greater than 95, and as high as 400, preferably as high as 200, wherein the composition has less than 120 total unsaturation unit/1,000,000C, preferably the ethylene-based polymer compositions comprise up to about 3 long chain branches/1000 carbons, more preferably from about 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: John Naumovitz, Rajen M. Patel, Shaofu Wu, Debra H. Niemann
  • Publication number: 20110290318
    Abstract: A semiconductor device, in particular a solar cell, comprises a semiconductor substrate having a semiconductor substrate surface and a passivation composed of at least one passivation layer which surface-passivates the semiconductor substrate surface, wherein the passivation layer comprises a compound composed of aluminium oxide, aluminium nitride or aluminium oxynitride and at least one further element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Q-CELLS SE
    Inventors: Peter ENGELHART, Robert SEGUIN, Wilhelmus Mathijs Marie KESSELS, Gijs DINGEMANS
  • Publication number: 20110290319
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a thin-film solar cell with a photoactive layer (100) that has, on the front side, an electrode (104) optically transparent in the range of visible light, wherein an electrically conductive network (110) of conductor tracks is applied on the rear side and/or the front side of the photoactive layer (100), which network, macroscopically seen, is transparent in the range of visible light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Martin Melcher, Wolfgang Andreas Nositschka, Didier Jousse
  • Publication number: 20110290320
    Abstract: A method for producing a single crystal silicon solar cell including the steps of: implanting ions into a single crystal silicon substrate through an ion implanting surface thereof to form an ion implanted layer in the single crystal silicon substrate; forming a transparent electroconductive film on a surface of a transparent insulator substrate; conducting a surface activating treatment for the ion implanting surface of the single crystal silicon substrate and/or a surface of the transparent electroconductive film on the transparent insulator substrate; bonding the ion implanting surface of the single crystal silicon substrate and the surface of the transparent electroconductive film on the transparent insulator substrate to each other; applying an impact to the ion implanted layer; and forming a p-n junction in the single crystal silicon layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsuo Ito, Shoji Akiyama, Makoto Kawai, Koichi Tanaka, Yuuji Tobisaka, Yoshihiro Kubota
  • Publication number: 20110290321
    Abstract: A method for producing a single crystal silicon solar cell including the steps of: implanting ions into a single crystal silicon substrate through an ion implanting surface thereof; closely contacting the single crystal silicon substrate and a transparent insulator substrate with each other via a transparent electroconductive adhesive while using the ion implanting surface as a bonding surface; curing and maturing the transparent electroconductive adhesive into a transparent electroconductive film; applying an impact to the ion implanted layer to mechanically delaminate the single crystal silicon substrate to leave a single crystal silicon layer; and forming a p-n junction in the single crystal silicon layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsuo Ito, Shoji Akiyama, Makoto Kawai, Koichi Tanaka, Yuuji Tobisaka, Yoshihiro Kubota
  • Publication number: 20110290322
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate with a transparent conductive film, wherein an underlying layer and a transparent conductive film are arranged in this order on a transparent insulating substrate. The transparent conductive film-side surface of the underlying layer is provided with a pyramid-shaped or inverse pyramid-shaped irregular structures, and the transparent conductive film comprises a first transparent electrode layer which is formed on the underlying layer and a second transparent electrode layer which forms the outermost surface of the transparent conductive film. By forming a zinc oxide layer that serves as the second transparent electrode layer by a reduced pressure CVD method, a substrate with a transparent conductive film that is provided with an irregular structure smaller than that of the underlying layer can be obtained. The substrate with a transparent conductive film can improve the conversion efficiency of a photoelectric conversion device through an increased light trapping effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomomi Meguro, Kenji Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20110290323
    Abstract: A solar cell is discussed. The solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductivity type, the substrate having a via hole, an emitter disposed at the substrate and having a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type, an anti-reflection layer disposed on a first surface of the substrate and inside the via hole, a first electrode disposed on the first surface of the substrate and in the via hole, a first electrode bus bar disposed on a second surface of the substrate that is opposite the first surface and in the via hole, and a second electrode disposed on the second surface of the substrate and connected to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Youngsik Lee, Kyungchan Kang, Hwanyeon Kim
  • Publication number: 20110290324
    Abstract: Photovoltaic cells with thiazole-containing polymers, as well as related components, systems, and methods, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Konarka Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Gaudiana, Richard Kingsborough, Xiaobo Shi, David Waller, Zhengguo Zhu
  • Publication number: 20110290325
    Abstract: A valve control device includes an operating stem, a valve top plate, a valve seat rubber, a valve bottom plate, and a valve seat ring. The valve top plate has a conical base with at least three stabilizer arms extending therefrom. Each of the at least three stabilizer arms has a flat outer surface. The valve bottom plate secures the valve seat rubber between the valve bottom plate and a flat bottom surface of the valve top plate. The valve bottom plate, the valve seat rubber, and the conical base are mounted on the operating stem. The valve seat ring has multiple slots, with each of the slots corresponding to one of the at least three stabilizer arms. A standpipe drain system, a method of draining a standpipe, and a locking fire hydrant with a valve access channel drain also are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: George Sigelakis
  • Publication number: 20110290326
    Abstract: A method for reversible temperature sensitive control of the flow of fluid in oil and/or gas production, involves a control device or an autonomous valve operating by the Bernoulli principle and includes a moveable disk or body provided within a housing for opening and closing said valve, involving use of the Curie-effect in order to position said body in a preferred position within said housing at a temperature below a certain, preferred transition or Curie temperature. An apparatus for reversible temperature sensitive control of the flow of fluid in oil and/or gas production including a control device or an autonomous valve operating by the Bernoulli principle and including a moveable disk or body provided within a housing for opening and closing said valve, the body and housing including a ferromagnetic material having a certain, preferred Curie temperature, the temperature being selected in order to position the body in a preferred position in the housing during installation or operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: STATOIL PETROLEUM ASA
    Inventor: Sigbjørn Øvland
  • Publication number: 20110290327
    Abstract: A pitcher is provided as a preferred form of apparatus for use in a fishbowl cleaning procedure. The pitcher has a side wall extending from a floor to a rim. Holes are formed in the side wall spaced above a floor and below the rim. Water and fish can be poured from a fishbowl into the pitcher. The fish and residual water remain within the pitcher below lowermost holes in the side wall. Excess water drains through the holes in the side wall. The fishbowl can then be cleaned or otherwise reconfigured. Finally, the pitcher can be tilted to pour the residual water and the fish from the pitcher back into the fishbowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Tasvir S. Virk
  • Publication number: 20110290328
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydronic heating/cooling system. In the system, liquid is led along a main supply pipe (1) to a supply manifold (2) and distributed in the manifold into heating loops (3). The heating loops (3) return to return manifold (4). At least one of the manifolds (2, 4) has actuators (6) for controlling the flow in the heating loops (3). At least one loop is designated to be a bypass loop. The actuators (6) in the loops (3) are monitored and it is ensured that the actuator (6) of the bypass loop is open if all the other actuators (6) are closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Uponor Innovation Ab
    Inventor: Ulf Jonsson
  • Publication number: 20110290329
    Abstract: A system and methods for the redistribution of water as a resource across large geographic distances where water deficits are matched with excess water conditions. The system utilizes a large area network of water conduits that extend between nodes, generally between water reservoirs and water usage areas. The system receives water into the network from geographic areas experiencing excess water and distributes the excess water to areas experiencing water deficits. The system includes terminal nodes having water inlet/outlet systems with metering and pumping components coupled with flow control valves. Each terminal node positioned at an existing reservoir is controlled to permit the inlet of water into the system or the discharge of water from the system. Intermediate nodes incorporate similar flow metering and pumping components as well as flow control valve components. The system is monitored and controlled through wired or wireless communication from a central station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Regino A. GARZA, Pablo V. BALDERAS
  • Publication number: 20110290330
    Abstract: A method for removing fluid in a microfluidic device, the microfluidic device having a fluid channel, a first well, and a second well, the first well and the second well being coupled to a first end of the fluid channel, the method including applying a pressure difference between the second well and the first well, and applying a pressure difference between the first end and a second end of the fluid channel being below a certain threshold, for at least partly removing a first fluid from a first supply line coupled between the first well and the first end of the fluid channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Marcus Gassmann, Fritz Bek
  • Publication number: 20110290331
    Abstract: Water is supplied from a mains water supply station to a main supply conduit which feeds a plurality of regional supply networks, via respective pressure reducing valves, at respective regional pressures. Each regional supply network has a boundary value for a parameter related to a property of the water, which may be water pressure or concentration of a water treatment agent. Each network has a critical point at which the value of the parameter is deemed least acceptable. Water supply characteristics in respect of each regional supply network are monitored and the water supplied into the main supply conduit is processed to ensure acceptable values of the parameter are maintained at each critical point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: I2O WATER LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew Burrows
  • Publication number: 20110290332
    Abstract: A rotary valve position indicator utilizes a magnet keyed to a shaft, and a magnetic field sensor mounted beside the magnet, to indicate the angular position of the shaft. A magnetic pole sensor detects the initial polarity of the magnet during setup to determine how to correlate the output readings of the magnetic field sensor with the position of the valve. The sensors are located so they permit the shaft to extend through to a mechanical visual indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: SOLDO S.R.L. SOCIO UNICO
    Inventors: Giovanni Soldo, Mark E. Peters
  • Publication number: 20110290333
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a structure with cellular cores (202) that can be used in the structural panel of a turbojet nacelle, including at least one block of cellular cores (A, B) having a central portion (5a, 5b) with core honeycomb cells (7a, 7b) and at least two side portions (9a, 9a?, 9b, 9b?) each including side honeycomb cells (11a, 11b), wherein said method includes the following steps: A) forming junction walls on the side honeycomb cells (11a, 11b), the junction walls being capable of interacting for forming a junction area (213); B) unfolding the junction walls thus formed; and C) joining the walls thus unfolded (46) and belonging to two different side portions (9a, 9b) end-to-end so that said junction walls (46) are fitted together so as to form a junction area (213). The invention also relates to a structural panel and to a nacelle including a structure with cellular cores obtained by said method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Bertrand Desjoyeaux, Thierry Deschamps, John Moutier
  • Publication number: 20110290334
    Abstract: A cleanout assembly for removal of debris from a debris chamber in a wellbore cleaning tool. The cleanout assembly includes a mandrel, a boot radially surrounding the mandrel and a debris chamber defined radially between the mandrel and the boot. The boot has one or more windows therein to permit debris to be cleaned out of the debris chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Gregory Lee Hern
  • Publication number: 20110290335
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for winterizing a plumbing system, the apparatus including a fluid reservoir, an air manifold, and a house inlet line. The house inlet line is coupled to the fluid outlet of the reservoir and the outlet of the air supply. The apparatus includes an air flow valve, a fluid valve and a reservoir air inlet valve. The house inlet line is adapted to provide antifreeze, air, or both to the plumbing system depending on the arrangement of the valves. The method includes blowing the fluid from the hot water lines, introducing antifreeze to the hot water lines, pushing antifreeze through the hot water lines, blowing the fluid from the cold water lines, introducing antifreeze to the cold water lines, and pushing antifreeze through the cold water lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: David S. Foster
  • Publication number: 20110290336
    Abstract: The present invention is a flush unit that can quickly and safely connect to a conventional soda fountain dispenser for cleaning the drain system of the dispenser. The flush unit comprises a one-piece unitary flush block or housing, a flexible hose, and a nozzle. The flush block comprises a fluid conduit having a water inlet port and a water outlet port. The flush block further comprises a plug port for plugging the syrup outlet port of a conventional back block. The water inlet and plug ports are spaced to engage with the water and syrup outlet ports, respectively, of the back block. The flush block further comprises a fastener adapted to engage with a fastener of the back block. The flexible hose has a first end connected by a fastener to the water outlet port of the flush block and a second end connected to the nozzle. The present invention allows a person to quickly connect the flush unit to a conventional dispenser and flush the drain system of the dispenser using its own hydrostatic water source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Steven Wayne Campbell, Charles Ernest Smith, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110290337
    Abstract: A pressure relief device for a double isolation valve comprises a body with a valve cavity. The valve body has a pocket formed therein. A disc is disposed in the central section of the pocket. The disc is interposed between two spring-actuated seats. Each of the seats is in fluid communication with opposing valve sides. The pocket central section is in fluid communication with the valve body cavity. Each of the seats is provided with two different types of gaskets in series. In operation, reverse pressure causes retraction of the seats, thereby relieving valve body cavity overpressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Roberto Pozzati
  • Publication number: 20110290338
    Abstract: The specification discloses a valve arrangement (18) for directing water to an end user (24) from either a first source (22) such as a mains pressure water supply or a second source (23) such as a pump means (14) discharging water from water collected in a storage tank (12), the valve arrangement (18) including a first valve (25, 45) positionable in at least a first position or a second position for connecting or disconnecting respectively at least the first source (22) to or from the end user (24), the valve arrangement (18) further including an actuator (28) for positioning the first valve (25, 45) selectably in at least one of said first or said second positions, the actuator (28) being actuated by pressurized water from said second source (23) to move said first valve (25, 45) to at least one of said first or said second positions via a first communication flow passage (31) communicating with said second source (23), and a dump valve (35) in the first communication flow passage (31) permitting flow of pre
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Ugo Beltrami, David Beltrami, Antonio Beltrami
  • Publication number: 20110290339
    Abstract: A pump nozzle includes a housing body including a lateral edge. The lateral edge defines a valve connecting end and a lever connecting end. A lever is connected to the lever connecting end and is operably pivotal between a first position and a second position. Also, the lever includes a first extension and a second extension extending therefrom and angled thereto. When the lever is in the first position, its first extension is disposed in and adjacent to the lateral edge and is oriented towards the top edge of the housing body, and its second extension is disposed in and adjacent to the top edge and is orientated towards the valve connecting end of the housing body. When the lever is in the second position, the first and second extensions are disposed outside the lateral edge and top edge of the housing body, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Scott Wu
  • Publication number: 20110290340
    Abstract: A cartridge heater is accommodated in a heater bore in a shaft connected to a valve element, and a heating portion provided at an end portion of the cartridge heater is located at a joint portion of the shaft and the valve element. At the joint portion, a heat receiving groove and a pressurizing portion communicating with the heater bore are provided at a position between a surface of the valve element and that of the shaft located so as to oppose and to contact each other. The heat receiving groove includes an arcuate groove portion of the same radius as that of the heating portion of the cartridge heater, and the heating portion is pressed by the pressurizing portion to enter into plane-to-plane contact with an inner circumferential surface of the arcuate groove portion of the heat receiving groove, upon fastening the valve element and the shaft to each other with a bolt, with the heating portion located between the heat receiving groove and the pressurizing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuneo ISHIGAKI, Hiroshi Ogawa, Hiromi Shimoda