Abstract: A photovoltaic panel has an absorbent photovoltaic material, particularly based on cadmium, said panel including a front side substrate, particularly a transparent glass substrate with a transparent electrode coating, where the antireflection coating placed above the metal functional layer opposite the substrate has a single antireflection layer, based on mixed zinc tin oxide over its whole thickness, or where the antireflection coating placed above the metal functional layer opposite the substrate has at least two antireflection layers including, on the one hand, an antireflection layer which is closer to the functional layer and is based on mixed zinc tin oxide over its whole thickness and, on the other, an antireflection layer which is further from the functional layer and is not based on mixed zinc tin oxide over its whole thickness.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell includes forming a passivation layer on a rear surface of a substrate of a first conductivity type; forming connecting electrodes having a plurality of electrical contacts that are in contact with the rear surface of the substrate by using a first paste for a first temperature firing on portions of the passivation layer; and forming a rear electrode layer by using a second paste for a second temperature firing on the passivation layer and the plurality of electrical contacts, wherein a temperature of the second temperature firing is lower than a temperature of the first temperature firing.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is formed with a passivated light receiving first surface of a semiconductor material layer of a first dopant type. A region of oppositely doped semiconductor material is formed to create a p-n junction on at least part of a second surface located opposite to the light receiving first surface of the semiconducting material layer. First contacts are formed on the light receiving first surface of the first dopant type semiconductor material layer, and second contacts are formed on the oppositely doped material on the second surface of the semiconductor material layer.

Abstract: Light scattering inorganic substrates having an inorganic sheet having composite features distributed on a surface of the inorganic sheet, wherein the composite features each have at least a first and a second size scale. The first size scale enhances light absorption at wavelengths in the range of from 350 nm to 600 nm, and the second size scale enhances light absorption at wavelengths in the range of from 600 nm to 1100 nm. The substrates are, useful, for example, for photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: A three-dimensional, microscale-textured, grating-shaped organic solar cell geometry. The solar cells are fabricated on gratings to give them a three-dimensional texture that provides enhanced light absorption. Introduction of microscale texturing has a positive effect on the overall power conversion efficiency of the devices. This grating-based solar cell having a grating of pre-determined pitch and height has shown improved power-conversion efficiency over a conventional flat solar cell. The improvement in efficiency is accomplished by homogeneous coverage of the grating with uniform thickness of the active layer, which is attributed to a sufficiently high pitch and low height of the underlying gratings. Also the microscale texturing leads to suppressed reflection of incident light due to the efficient coupling of the incident light into modes that are guided in the active layer.

Abstract: A solar cell element according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a semiconductor substrate that includes a first semiconductor layer of one conductivity type and a second semiconductor layer of the opposite conductivity type, and a plurality of linear current collector electrodes that are arranged on a first main surface of the semiconductor substrate at the second semiconductor layer side, the plurality of linear current collector electrodes being arranged at intervals in a direction from a middle part toward both end parts of the first main surface. A distance between neighboring ones of the current collector electrodes located in the middle part and a distance between neighboring ones of the current collector electrodes located in the both end parts are different from each other.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a crystalline semiconductor substrate containing a first impurity of a first conductive type, a first non-crystalline impurity semiconductor region directly contacting with the crystalline semiconductor substrate to form a p-n junction with the crystalline semiconductor substrate and including a first portion in which a second impurity of a second conductive type is doped with a first impurity doping concentration and a second portion in which the second impurity is doped with a second impurity doping concentration, the first impurity doping concentration being less than an impurity doping concentration of the crystalline semiconductor substrate and the second impurity doping concentration being greater than the impurity doping concentration of the crystalline semiconductor substrate, a first electrode connected to the first non-crystalline impurity semiconductor region, and a second electrode connected to the crystalline semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate containing a first impurity of a first conductivity type and made of a crystalline semiconductor, an emitter region positioned on the substrate and containing a second impurity of a second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type, the emitter region being made of a non-crystalline semiconductor, a surface field region positioned on the substrate and containing a third impurity of the first conductivity type, the surface field region being made of non-crystalline semiconductor, a first electrode connected to the emitter region, and a second electrode connected to the surface field region, wherein at least one of the emitter region and the surface field region is made of amorphous metal silicide containing a metal material.

Abstract: A solar cell is discussed. The solar cell includes a substrate made of a crystalline semiconductor, an emitter region made of a non-crystalline semiconductor forming a p-n junction with the substrate, a first passivation region positioned on the substrate and made of an oxide material, a first electrode electrically connected to the emitter region, and a second electrode electrically connected to the substrate.

Abstract: A sealing material for a solar cell and a solar cell including the same, and the sealing material includes a polymer resin having a vicat softening point at 100° C. or 130° C. or between 100° C. and 130° C.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell includes a transparent substrate, a first transparent conductive layer, a photovoltaic layer, a second transparent conductive layer, a first adhesive layer and a reflective layer is provided. The first transparent conductive layer is disposed on a back surface of the transparent substrate. The photovoltaic layer is disposed on the first transparent conductive layer. The second transparent conductive layer is disposed on the photovoltaic layer. The first adhesive layer is disposed on the second transparent conductive layer. The reflective layer is disposed on the first adhesive layer. The surface of the first adhesive layer in contact with the reflective layer is a texture structure. The light beam passing the first adhesive layer is reflected by the texture structure or the reflective layer and transmitted back to the photovoltaic layer, and the wavelength range of the reflected light beam is substantially between 600 nm and 1,100 nm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a film used for a solar cell module and the module thereof, in which the film includes a substrate and at least one light-regulating layer, and the light-regulating layer includes a fluoro resin and a plurality of light diffusing additives. By applying the film of the subject invention in a solar cell module, the film can make the solar cell have good light utilization.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device that includes a silicon substrate, selective emitters and field-induced emitters (inversion type) on one side of a silicon substrate; selective back-surface field (BSF) regions or front-surface field (FSF) regions on the other side of the silicon substrate (accumulation-type regions), insulating films on both sides of the silicon substrate, fixed charges of the opposite signs on the opposite sides of the silicon substrate built in the insulating films, respectively, and self-aligned contact regions at least to the selective emitters. A majority of the aforementioned components are produced only by essentially electrical means and without conventional thermal diffusion and masking processes. Entire devices can be manufactured according to a simple method and are characterized by high efficiency, reduced cost, and increased throughput in the field of solar cell fabrication.

Abstract: Photosensitive optoelectronic devices are disclosed including at least one compound comprising at least one polycyclic aromatic substructure wherein the substructures are directly substituted with at least one alkynyl group. The devices exhibit a high degree of stability. In one form the devices may be used in the generation of solar power.

Abstract: A structure and method of making a thin-film solar cell. A thin-film solar cell includes a substrate, absorber layer and a buffer layer. The absorber layer is deposited by a single-step bulk electrochemical process, or a multi-layer electrochemical process. The buffer layer is deposited by an electrochemical deposition process such as a multi-layer deposition or an atomic layer deposition. The absorber and buffer layers are non-toxic materials which can include sulfur incorporated during the deposition process or incorporated after deposition by an anneal step.

Abstract: An intelligent thin film solar cell having temperature dependent infrared light transmittance capability, comprising: a transparent substrate, an upper electrode layer, a photovoltaic layer, a lower electrode layer, a temperature dependent optical layer, and an ultra-thin conductive layer. Said upper electrode layer is disposed on said transparent substrate, said photovoltaic layer is disposed on said upper electrode layer, and said lower electrode layer is disposed on said photovoltaic layer. Said temperature dependent optical layer is disposed between said photovoltaic layer and said lower electrode layer, and its transmittance to infrared light is dependent on variations of temperature. When temperature of said temperature dependent optical layer increases to a specific range, transmittance of said temperature dependent optical layer to said infrared light is reduced.

Abstract: Copolyester ether elastomer compositions and methods for preparing copolyester ether elastomer compositions. Such compositions can comprise a copolyester ether, a thermoplastic elastomer, and a compatibilizer resin. Improved properties of such compositions can be useful in making various articles of manufacture, such as, for example, laboratory and medical application tubing.

Abstract: A supply manifold for a hydronic heating or cooling system has a housing a plurality of valves disposed on respective outlets of the housing in a linear arrangement. Each outlet is adapted to connect to a conduit for delivering the liquid to a zone. Each valve controls a flow of the heating or cooling liquid into each respective conduit. The supply manifold has a single actuator for individually actuating one of the valves. A first displacement mechanism, e.g. a screw drive power by an electric motor, displaces the actuator along a longitudinal axis parallel to the linear arrangement of the valves to thereby access any one of the valves. A second displacement mechanism, e.g. a solenoid, displaces the actuator orthogonally to the longitudinal axis to thereby cause engagement or disengagement of the actuator with a selected one of the valves for opening or closing.

Abstract: A vapour recovery process for a SAGD (Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage) system for a heavy oil recovery facility, the process comprising a venturi ejector having one active inlet, one passive inlet and one outlet, the active inlet being supplied with natural gas to provide gas flow sufficient to operate the ejector, the passive inlet being connected to a mixture of vented vapours from storage tanks and low pressure equipment, and the outlet supplying fuel to a system along with the natural gas; wherein the movement of the natural gas through the ejector creates a vacuum so as to draw the vapours from the tanks and low pressure equipment into the ejector and then toward the low pressure fuel system, wherein the vented vapours are burned, instead of being released to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A device for,supplying water containing dissolved gas and a process for producing water containing dissolved gas are provided. The device and the process are capable of stably supplying water containing dissolved gas having a low dissolved gas concentration, or low degree of saturation. Oxygen gas is supplied through a gas feeding pipe (31) to a gas phase chamber (13), and a vacuum pump (35) is operated to evacuate the gas phase chamber (13). Raw water is supplied through a raw water pipe (21) to a liquid phase chamber (12). Portion of the oxygen gas in the gas phase chamber (13) permeates a gas permeable film (11) and dissolves in the raw water in the liquid phase chamber (12), and thus water containing dissolved gas is produced. Remaining oxygen gas in the gas phase chamber (13) is sucked by the vacuum pump (35) together with condensed water and is discharged through a discharge pipe (33).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a process. The process is carried into effect in an installation or a facility which includes closed conduits filled with a liquid, process equipment filled with the liquid, control equipment, as well as at least one flow meter. The flow meter emits pulses to a register in the control equipment. The register is stepped forwards by the pulses, so that the register, together with the control equipment, emits signals for executing the process steps necessary for the process cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for supplementing an aerobic-treated supply of water in an aerobic sewer pump tank using water from a separate source, the apparatus including an electronic controller device to control the occurrence of injection of water from a separate source at a first predetermined time and for a predetermined length of time. A valve member is in electrical controlling communication with the electronic controller device. An inlet connection member is disposed on one end of the control valve. A conduit member has one end disposed on the other opening end of the control valve. The conduit member further includes a flow redirection member. The flow redirection member injects the separate source water into the receiving orifice of a normally closed trap sealer. The trap sealer deposits the separate source water into the pump tank. A housing member positions the conduit member and the trap sealer.

Abstract: A system for isolating and flushing contaminants in a water supply system is disclosed. The system includes a monitoring and detection subsystem, a communication subsystem, and a flushing subsystem. Components of the system for isolating and flushing contaminants may be housed in a hydrant.

Abstract: Methods, systems and controllers for detecting a surge event based on pattern of evolution of a discharge pressure of a compressor, and for relocating a surge margin relative to a surge parameter value recorded at the beginning of the surge event are provided. A controller has an interface configured to receive values of the discharge pressure from a compressor, and to output signals and alarms, a surge event detection unit connected to the interface and configured to detect a surge event in the compressor based on evolutions of the discharge pressure, a rate of the discharge pressure and a rate change of the rate, and a surge margin relocation unit connected to the surge event detection unit and the interface, and configured to relocate a surge margin relative to a surge parameter value recorded at a beginning of the surge event.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a fluid process control system having a control loop for controlling the flow of a material through a path in the fluid process control system. The control loop a control valve, a valve controller, and a fluid control line. The control valve is disposed in the path and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The valve controller is for controlling movement of the control valve. And, the fluid control line couples the valve controller to the control valve. The method detects a first pressure in the control loop with a first pressure sensor. Then, a second pressure can be detected at a location that is external to the control loop with a second pressure sensor. Finally, the method can include determining a characteristic of the control loop based on the first pressure.

Abstract: An aircraft nacelle including a pipe (32), a peripheral wall (34), a lip (36), and a front frame (38) connecting the peripheral wall (34) and the pipe (32) and forming with the lip (36) a space (50) in which the hot air that is provided for frost treatment can circulate, with the pipe (32) including a coating (44) for the composite material acoustic treatment, is characterized in that the nacelle includes at least one element (52) made of a heat-conducting material inserted between the lip (36) and the pipe (32) ensuring the continuity of the aerodynamic surfaces of the lip (36) and the pipe (32) and the propagation of heat from the space (50) toward the rear of the nacelle, whereby the at least one element (52) includes a coating (54) for acoustic treatment that is made of a heat-resistant material.

Abstract: Aluminum-based alloys for casting or wrought processing having improved combinations of properties, including improved high temperature strength, are provided. The alloys generally comprise copper, magnesium, silver, and titanium, along with scandium and/or cobalt. Zirconium, zinc, and/or vanadium may also optionally be present in the alloy. When cobalt is present in the alloy, nickel may also optionally be present. Cast and wrought products, as well as methods of making the same using the alloys, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A micro fluidic probe head includes a first layer, a second layer, and a first tubing port extending from an upper face of the first layer. The first layer has a first via, enabling fluid communication between the first port and a lower face of the first layer. The second layer includes a first aperture on a face, and a first microchannel enabling fluid communication between an upper face of the second layer, facing the lower face of the first layer, and the first aperture. The head enables fluid communication between the first via and the first microchannel. At least a portion of the first microchannel is a groove open on the upper face of the second layer, closed by a portion of a lower face of a layer of the head. The probe head further comprises a second tubing port, a second via, a second aperture and a second micro channel.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve device includes a mount adapted to be mounted on an inflatable article, and having an abutment mount defining a valve port, a valve disc disposed outwardly of the abutment mount to be axially movable to open and close the valve port, and having a stem extending through the abutment mount for connecting a biasing member. Once internal air pressure of the article exceeds a preset pressure determined by the biasing member, the stem is forced by an excess pressure of the internal air to lift the valve disc away from the valve port so as to permit escape of the internal air out of the article through the valve port for relieving the overpressure in the article.

Abstract: A detachable impact sprinkler head repair clip is disclosed for repairing broken attachment clips of closed-case impact sprinkler heads. The detachable impact sprinkler head repair clip includes a base plate defining a lateral plane, from which four legs descend to distal ends comprising cammed latching clips, and from which a plurality of engaging components ascend around a longitudinal axis to distal ends which detachably engage the cover plate of closed-case impact sprinkler head.

Abstract: A faucet capable of accepting different types of control valves includes an adapter disk, whereby a precise ceramic control valve can be mounted to the faucet. When the faucet is used alone without the adapter disk, a safety control valve can be mounted in the faucet. In this way, the faucet can accept two different kinds of control valves, thereby increasing the functionality thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device suitable for retrofitting in laid pipelines. Said device is intended to be able to be placed and fixed in place in the pipeline. Transport of the device to the installation location is intended to be performed using as little force as necessary, and the sealing element is intended to be displaced without contact and thus without wear. To this end, the device, in the interior of which a shut-off device (6) is disposed, is designed so that an offset, conically tapering region (10) is adjacent to a front cylindrical region (3) and is bounded by a stop collar (12) on which a connecting contour (7) for a coupling piece of a drive element is connected. A sliding piece (13) made of an expandable material is displaceably disposed in the axial direction on the conically tapering region (10), comprising a circumferential groove in which a spring-loaded clamping ring (15) is supported.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cutoff valve control apparatus capable of predicting a failure of devices therein with a failure diagnosis based on an operation test when the cutoff valve control apparatus is set. The cutoff valve control apparatus includes a judging device to judge a normal state or an abnormal state of the apparatus based on a pressure characteristic of an internal pressure of a cylinder measured with a pressure sensor when an air is supplied to the cylinder of an air cylinder from an air supply source, and a memory device storing beforehand the pressure characteristic of the internal pressure of the cylinder of an initial normal operation of the apparatus and the pressure characteristic of a failure prediction boundary.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a leak in a beverage dispensing system and sealing a leak in a beverage dispensing system includes a deactivating means including a channel, a sealing ball, a sealing element and a reset means. The sealing ball and sealing element are located within the channel. When a leak is present, the sealing ball is moved from its resting position. Once the leak reaches a predetermined level, the sealing ball is pressed against the sealing element by the force of the gas in the chamber. This seals the chamber and prevents further gas flow through the system.

Abstract: A slide-type pressure control valve having an improved damping behavior is described.

Abstract: Provided is a closing body mounted in a valve housing (4), the closing body being designed as a valve plate (9) and maintained in an operating position by a spring load action and/or by the effect of the fluid flow in the valve housing. The valve plate is hinged in the valve housing.

Abstract: A pressure control valve designed as a slide valve and having an axially situated supply port.

Abstract: A ball check valve that prevents vibration of the ball that occurs when fluids are conducted, so as to limit noise, without reducing the flow rate of the fluid includes a cylindrical valve main body having two opening parts and provided on an inner face with axially oriented elongate protrusions; a holding ring, which is held on the upstream opening part of the valve main body, abutting end faces of the elongate protrusions; a seat ring, which is disposed adjacent to or fitted with the holding ring; and a globular valve element, which is held so as to be able to reciprocate between stop faces on the elongate protrusions and a valve-closed position.

Abstract: A constant pressure valve used in a high pressure cylinder contains a body including an inlet end, a channel, and an outlet end; a control structure being comprised of a controlling shaft, a sleeve member, and a rotary handle; an explosion protection valve disposed in the channel; a pressure displayer mounted in the channel; an air inflow member secured in the channel; a constant pressure output member including a check element abutted against by a resilient element and a spring to push a constant pressure column, the channel including a second opening formed on a predetermined position thereof ahead of the constant pressure column; wherein the channel is connected with the explosion protection valve, the controlling shaft, the pressure displayer, the air inflow member, and the constant pressure output member, and the channel includes a first opening formed on a front end of the controlling shaft.

Abstract: The regulator comprises at least a cylinder (2) with a fluid inlet connector (1) for receiving fluid at an inlet pressure and a fluid outlet connector (4) for delivering fluid, at least one chamber (3), a rod (5) in said cylinder with one side submitted to the inlet pressure and the other side submitted to the outlet pressure generating a net force counter-balanced by at least one spring means (7) acting on one side of said rod (5) against said inlet pressure, wherein a fluidic pathway is formed between said rod (5) and said cylinder (2) as the major fluidic resistance of the device, wherein a change of the inlet pressure induces a move of the rod along the axis of the cylinder thereby modifying the fluidic resistance of said fluidic pathway, wherein the fluidic resistance of said pathway varies with the applied pressure at the inlet in a predefined range of pressure, inducing a regulated flow rate in the considered range of pressure.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system including an elongated manifold defining fluid ports, lengthwise ridges, and radial ridges. Label plates couple to the manifold and have a planar body with a front side for indicating information related to the respective port. A finger extends from each label plate and has two inwardly turned prongs for coupling to a first lengthwise ridge. The prongs form a space for capturing a radial ridge. A collar also extends from the planar body for coupling to the port. The planar body also has three stiffening bars on a back side thereof. Each stiffening bar includes a feature for coupling to a second lengthwise ridge on the manifold body.

Abstract: A potable water system capable of being drained in flight. The system provides positive separation between the potable and gray water systems. The design of the system will allow draining of components such as water tanks or interconnect lines that are below the level of the drain point. The systems will allow draining of components such as water tanks or interconnect lines that would not gravity drain due to the routing of their interconnect lines. This invention would apply to aircraft that need the capability to drain their potable water system in flight.

Abstract: A laundry treating machine includes a casing (1) accommodating therein a laundry container (6) and a basement portion (14). The basement portion (14) has seats (18A-18F) adapted to receive machine operational devices (5) and further provides at least one air path. The at least one air path extends over two levels of the basement (14) at different height, and a conveyor (21, 40) is provided for reversing the air path from one of the levels to the other.

Abstract: The devices and systems are medical fluid treatment therapies. The device and systems are configured and capable of operating based on small volumes of fluids. The devices and systems include a pump configured for small volume of a fluid. The pump may include a first conduit configured for inflow of the fluid; a second conduit configured for outflow of the fluid; a fluid chamber configured to move the fluid through the pump; a diaphragm configured to force the fluid through the fluid chamber by indirectly exerting force on the fluid chamber; and a connector configured to removably attach the pump to a motor.

Abstract: A pressure vessel includes a pump having a passage that extends between an inlet and an outlet. A duct at the pump outlet includes at least one dimension that is adjustable to facilitate forming a dynamic seal that limits backflow of gas through the passage.

Abstract: A working vehicle, wherein flows of hydraulic oil delivered under pressure from two or more hydraulic pumps are joined together and the joined hydraulic oil can be taken out. A working vehicle is provided with two hydraulic pumps independent of each other and adapted to deliver hydraulic oil under pressure, a mode switching valve (230) capable of being switched to a flow joining position (K) at which flows of the hydraulic oil delivered under pressure by the two hydraulic pumps are joined together, PTO ports (260, 261) out of which the hydraulic oil is taken, and a PTO switching valve (240) provided downstream of the mode switching valve (230) and switching flow of the hydraulic oil so that the oil can be delivered under pressure to the PTO ports (260, 261).

Abstract: An oil control valve includes: a housing that is connected to an oil passage via which an oil is fed to and drained from a hydraulic device; an elongated spool that changes a state of oil feeding-drainage for the hydraulic device by moving in the housing; and a drain passage which is formed in the spool such that the drain passage extends in an axial direction of the spool and an outlet of the drain passage is provided at a radial side face of an axial end portion of the spool, and via which the oil that has entered the housing from the hydraulic device is drained, wherein the spool includes an elongated spool body, and an attachment that is separate from the spool body and is fixed at an axial end portion of the spool body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a manifold valve, comprising at least one valve inlet, at least one valve outlet, at least one housing, and a first valve device rotatable around a first rotational axis arranged within the housing at least partly for opening and closing at least one connection between the valve inlet and the valve outlet, wherein at least two valve inlets and/or at least two valve outlets and at least a second valve device rotatable around a second rotational axis are arranged in the housing at least partly as well as a fluid circuit, in particular a coolant circuit.

Abstract: A check valve including a cylindrical valve well defining a chamber, a valve disk, a pin centrally connecting the valve well to the valve disk; the valve disk being axially symmetrically positioned with respect to the valve well. The valve disk forms a fluid seal with an annular rim of the valve well when a first pressure acting on the valve disk is greater that a opposing second pressure within the chamber. The check valve further includes a plurality of vanes disposed within the chamber, where the vanes prevent the valve disk from collapsing into the chamber due to an excessive first pressure on the valve disk.

Abstract: An aircraft having a dihedral wing configuration with a wing fuel tank and a vent system for ventilating the fuel tank, the vent system comprising: a combined vent-surge tank disposed inboard of at least part of the wing fuel tank; a vent fluidically connecting the combined vent-surge tank to ambient; and a vent line fluidically connecting the upper part of the fuel tank to the combined vent-surge tank, wherein the vent line has its lowest point at the combined vent-surge tank.