Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element has a structure in which an electrolyte layer composed of a porous film containing an electrolyte solution is provided between a porous photoelectrode and a counter electrode.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a first conductivity type crystalline semiconductor substrate, a first amorphous silicon region, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The crystalline semiconductor substrate may include a plurality of pyramidal-shaped projections or a plurality of reverse-pyramidal shape depressions on at least one surface thereof. The first amorphous silicon region may be positioned on the crystalline semiconductor substrate and have a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type. The first electrode may be positioned on the first amorphous silicon region, and a second electrode positioned on the substrate. At least one pyramidal-shaped projection or at least one reverse-pyramidal shape depression may include two adjacent inclination surfaces, and a rounded edge portion where the two adjacent inclination surfaces meet.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a first conductivity type substrate; an emitter unit having a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type, and forming a p-n junction with the substrate; an anti-reflective film positioned on the emitter unit; a plurality of first electrodes positioned on the anti-reflective film and connected with the emitter unit; and a second electrode connected with the substrate, wherein the emitter unit includes a first region and a second region that are positioned between an outermost first electrode among the plurality of first electrodes and the edge of the substrate, and a thickness of the first region gradually increases in going from the edge of the substrate to the outermost first electrode, and a thickness of the second region is uniform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semiconductor based structure for a device for converting radiation to electrical energy comprising various combinations of rare-earths and Group IV, III-V, and II-VI semiconductors and alloys thereof enabling enhanced performance including high radiation conversion efficiency.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating photovoltaic devices include forming a plurality of subcells in a vertically stacked arrangement on the semiconductor material, each of the subcells being formed at a different temperature than an adjacent subcell such that the adjacent subcells have differing effective band-gaps. The methods of fabricating also include inverting the structure, attaching another substrate to the second semiconductor material, and removing the substrate. For example, each of the subcells may comprise a III-nitride material, and each subsequent subcell may include an indium content different than the adjacent subcell. Novel structures may be formed using such methods.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell such as a solar cell is disclosed. The cell comprises (a) a semiconductor substrate having a front surface, (b) one or more anti-reflection coating layers on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate, (c) a plurality of silver-containing fingers in contact with the one or more anti-reflection coating layers and in electrical contact with the semiconductor substrate; and (d) one or more base metal containing buss bars each in contact with the one or more anti-reflection coating layers and the silver-containing fingers. The base metal may be selected from one or more of copper, nickel, lead, tin, iron, indium, zinc, bismuth and cobalt. Methods for making protovoltaic cells with base metal containing buss bars are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode of a dye-sensitized solar cell using an inkjet printing process, an electrode formed thereby, and a dye-sensitized solar cell having the electrode. According to the method, a metal electrode is formed by jetting an ink solution containing nano metal powder on a transparent substrate or a transparent substrate in which a barrier layer is deposited to improve coating performance of a transparent conductive layer. A transparent conductive layer is formed on the transparent substrate on which the metal electrode is formed. The transparent conductive layer protects the metal electrode from liquid electrolyte.

Abstract: Method for providing at least one contact on a back surface of a solar cell comprising a silicon substrate comprising depositing a passivating layer onto the silicon substrate and thereafter providing at least one contact site and further providing a patterned exposed silicon surface. Then depositing a metal layer and annealing the structure to form metal silicide. Thereafter the process involves optionally removing excess metal and finally applying metal onto the silicide to form at least one contact. A solar cell comprising a back surface, the back surface comprising a contact, produced by the above mentioned method. A contact for back surface of a solar cell comprising a silicon substrate, an amorphous silicon layer deposited onto the silicon substrate, a reflective layer with at least one opening deposited onto the amorphous silicon layer, in the at least one opening there resides silicide, with additional metal covering the silicide.

Abstract: To provide a glass frit for forming an electrode, to be used for forming a light-receiving surface electrode for a solar cell, which has suitable glass fluidity and Si reactivity required to form a light-receiving surface electrode and a sufficient water resistance. A glass frit for forming an electrode to be used for forming a light-receiving surface electrode 12 for a solar cell 1, which comprises from 3 mol % to 20 mol % of SiO2, from 10 mol % to 40 mol % of Bi2O3, from 15 mol % to 45 mol % of B2O3, from 10 mol % to 60 mol % of ZnO and from 2 mol % to 10 mol % of Ti2O, wherein the total content of Bi2O3 and ZnO is from 35 mol % to 70 mol %.

Abstract: There is provided a back electrode type solar cell including a semiconductor substrate, and an electrode for first conduction type and an electrode for second conduction type disposed on one surface side of the semiconductor substrate, a center in a width direction of a first contact region, which is a region of the semiconductor substrate with which the electrode for first conduction type is in contact, being shifted in position from a center in a width direction of the electrode for first conduction type. There is also provided a solar cell with an interconnection sheet using the back electrode type solar cell, and a solar cell module using the back electrode type solar cell.

Abstract: A substrate with a thin film formed by layering a transparent substrate, a silicon compound film, and a transparent electroconductive film in this order, wherein the surface of the silicon compound film on the side of the transparent electroconductive film is an irregularly shaped surface provided with irregularities, the surface of the transparent electroconductive film opposite from the silicon compound film is an irregular surface shaped so as to follow the irregularly shaped surface, and the silicon compound film includes fine transparent particles having a different refractive index than the refractive index of the silicon compound film.

Abstract: A solar battery module has a structure in which a solar battery cell formed by a transparent electrode, a power generating element, and a back electrode is formed on a substrate, and it is sealed with a resin material such as EVA. However, there has been a problem that water enters from a gap between the substrate and a resin sealing material, thereby resulting in the corrosion of the resin or the solar battery cell. A barrier layer made of inorganic substances having portions in contact with the substrate and the second electrode is provided. Here, the barrier layer is formed by laminating at least SiO2 and an inorganic layer having a lower density than SiO2, and the film having a lower density than SiO2 is directly formed on the substrate and the second electrode.

Abstract: A sealant composition which may be applied between two substrates in a solar panel provides consistent rheology, high weatherability, acts as a moisture barrier, and has low conductivity. The sealant composition preferably includes a rubber component, at least one rheology modifier, an adhesion promoter, a flow modifier, a stabilizer, and a high level of carbon black.

Abstract: CdSe-quantum dots are formed on a TiO2 patterned layer by chemical deposition from a solution of aminotriacetic acid/cadmium (NTA/Cd) and sodium selenosulfate. CdSe-quantum dots are useful as sensitizers for solar cells. The conversion efficiency of light of light power to electric power is enhanced by adjusting the ratio of potassium aminotriacetate to cadmium (NTA/Cd) as well as the chemical bath deposition (CBD) temperature and time.

Abstract: A flexible solar cell is assembled by forming a TiO2 patterned layer on a flexible substrate electrode. Quantum dots (QDs) are formed on the TiO2 patterned layer. A gasket is disposed between the flexible substrate electrode and a flexible counter electrode forming a sandwich. Electrolyte and sealant are injected between the substrate electrode and flexible counter electrode to form the flexible solar cell.

Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric conversion element containing at least: a semiconductor layer containing a semiconductor and a dye which is supported by the semiconductor, and a hole transport layer containing a hole transport compound, wherein the dye is a compound represented by Formula (1), and the hole transport compound is a polymer made from 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene:

Abstract: An organic solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: An organic solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: Rotary valves are provided having an elongate spool defining coaxially aligned inlet and outlet ports for respectively receiving and discharging a fluid, and spool inlet and outlet orifices. A rotary cage assembly defines an annular cage recess and cage inlet and outlet orifices in communication with the recess and coaxially surrounds the spool for reciprocal rotations thereabout. An actuator assembly is coupled to the rotary cage assembly for moving the rotary cage assembly between open and closed positions. When in the open position the cage inlet and outlet orifices are in fluid communication with the spool inlet and outlet orifices, respectively, to allow fluid to flow from the spool inlet port to the spool outlet port by way of the annular cage recess. When in the closed position however fluid communication is blocked between at least the cage and spool outlet orifices.

Abstract: A well drain system for use with a synthesizer. The well drain system comprises a well plate, a well adapter plate and a drain plate detachably coupled together. The well plate comprises a matrix of wells for receiving one or more vials, wherein the matrix has a plurality of rows. The well adapter plate comprises an arched plate body and a plurality of apertures in communication with one or more of the wells. The drain plate comprises a plurality of channels in communication with one or more of the apertures. As a result, a user is able to selectively drain the vials found within individual rows of the well plate instead of all the vials at once.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the number of input/output connections required to connect a microfluidic substrate to an external controller for controlling the substrate. A microfluidic processing device is fabricated on a substrate having a plurality of N independently controllable components, (e.g., a resistive heating elements) each having at least two terminals. The substrate includes a plurality of input/output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller, and a plurality of leads for connecting the contacts to the terminals of the components. The leads are arranged to allow the external controller to supply control signals to the terminals of the components via the contacts using substantially fewer contacts than the total number of component terminals. The components are independently controlled by arranging the leads so that each component's terminals are connected to a unique combination of contacts.

Abstract: A method operates a tank for receiving fluids in a sanitary system of a rail vehicle. First in a step a) the fill level of the tank is registered. In step b), in the event that the fill level registered in step a) is equal to or greater than a fill level specified for the tank, an ice formation is permitted for a time period specified for the tank. In step c), in the event that the fill level registered in step a) falls below the specified fill level, the tank is emptied.

Abstract: A method and a device for maintaining, in a filling machine, a gas flow barrier between two volumes of a channel, wherein the channel is used for transportation of packages in a length direction thereof, and the volumes comprise a first volume having a first degree of sterilization and a second volume having a second degree of sterilization, and wherein the first volume comprises a gas injection mechanism, the second volume comprises a gas evacuation mechanism, and the first and the second volume meet in an interface area extending in a length direction of the channel. The method comprises arranging, divergent jets flowing from the gas injection mechanism such that the divergent jets of gas cooperate in the interface region for the generation of a unidirectional flow in the direction from the first volume towards the second volume in the interface area, and thus forming a gas flow barrier.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include electromagnetic flow regulators for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, nuclear fission reactors, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant, and methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor.

Abstract: A burner insert for use with a burner is provided. The burner insert includes a cylindrical body member having an inlet end and an outlet end. The cylindrical body includes a central passage and a plurality of openings disposed about the central passage. One or more fins are axially disposed within the central passage. A plurality of rib members are coupled to the body, each of the plurality of rib members axially disposed within one of the plurality of openings.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a fuel metering unit of the type incorporating a temperature sensor is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: sensing a change in temperature; using the sensed change in temperature to derive a fast temperature correction factor; using the sensed change in temperature to derive a slow temperature correction factor; using the fast and slow temperature correction factors in combination with a fuel demand to determine a metering valve position; and moving the metering valve to the determined metering valve position.

Abstract: A fluid flow characteristic regulator (58) which provides a variable volume flow path in which a fluid flow can be continuously adjusted by a control fluid (57) to regulate at least one fluid flow characteristic of the fluid flow (11) within the variable volume flow path.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include electromagnetic flow regulators for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, nuclear fission reactors, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant, and methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor.

Abstract: A method and a fuel tank system for adjusting a pressure in a fuel tank are described. Evaporated fuel tank escapes from the fuel tank under overpressure with respect to the ambient and is transferred to a temporary storage for at least one substance of the evaporated fuel. A venting means, through which the evaporated fuel escapes, is controlled by at least one parameter different from a pressure or at least one information provided in form of data. The pressure in the fuel tank can thereby be more variably adjusted.

Abstract: A dialysis machine method includes in an embodiment applying a pneumatic closing pressure to a first valve chamber and arranging a compliance chamber to flex and absorb energy from the pneumatic closing pressure so as to tend to prevent the pneumatic closing pressure from opening an existing closure of a second valve chamber.

Abstract: A rapid response self-closing pressure equalization vent employs a frame supported in a compartment divider and a movable vent portion having a periphery sealingly engaging the frame in a closed position. Multiple resilient extension elements are attached to the frame and engage the movable vent portion for even displacement around a periphery of the movable vent portion relative to the frame to an open position responsive to a pressure differential on the movable vent portion. The resilient extension elements retract upon equalization of the pressure differential to reseat the movable vent portion in the frame.

Abstract: An improved outlet valve for a frost-preventing faucet substantially employs an axial slot defined at a central top inside the inlet passage for being inserted by an elastic element and an axial post. A first stop ring is disposed around the stop valve. The first stop ring and the stop valve are inserted into a limiting slot of a hollow stop sleeve disposed under the stop valve. A second stop ring disposed around the stop sleeve is inserted into a lower section of an inner wall of the inlet passage. A bottom of the second stop ring is disposed above a top of the top porcelain. Cooperating the subject improved configuration with the top porcelain allows the water to be supplied upward since outlet gates of the bottom porcelain and the top porcelain stay abreast without a blockage. When a water pressure is larger than a rebounding force of the elastic element, the stop valve upwardly compresses the elastic element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid composite, a device for producing the fluid composite, and a system for producing an aerated fluid composite therewith, and more specifically a fluid composite made of a fuel and its oxidant for burning as part of different systems such as fuel burners or combustion chambers and the like. The invention also relates to an emulsion, an apparatus for producing an emulsion, a system for producing an emulsion with the apparatus for producing the emulsion, a method for producing a dynamic preparation with the emulsion, and more specifically to a new type of a stable liquid/liquid emulsion in the field of colloidal chemistry, such as a water/fuel or fuel/fuel emulsion for all spheres of industry.

Abstract: An air pressure adjustable elastic body is integrally formed with an inflation/deflation module on a joining member which is formed by plastic injection molding. With the inflation/deflation module, the user can adjust the air pressure in the elastic body as desired, improving the application of the elastic body. Furthermore, since all components of the elastic body are formed by the plastic injection molding, the manufacturing procedure can be simplified, reducing the production cost while enhancing the economic benefit. In addition, since the elastic body is formed by the integral injection molding, it has no structural defects.

Abstract: A device and method for sealing an inflated balloon includes providing a balloon-tying pump nozzle that has an air nozzle defining an air passageway adapted for communicating air between an air-collection chamber of an air pump and the environment and a balloon-neck-engaging extension adjacent to and extending substantially parallel to the air nozzle, the balloon-neck-engaging extension defining a channel between the balloon-neck-engaging extension and the air nozzle, wherein the channel is sized to accept a neck of a standard party balloon therein while inhibiting a lip of the standard party balloon from passing therebetween.

Abstract: An improved downspout diverter to diffuse water flowing out of a downspout in order to avoid erosion. The improved downspout diverter employs a highly effective progression of diffuser elements, and also provides a more aesthetic appearance, improved manufacturability, a stronger molded design, and eliminates the problem of debris clogging the diverter.

Abstract: A device for making projecting elements, such as faucet handles, suicide resistant comprising a fixture free of hanging points which is provided with one or more lumens which are adapted to house one or more projecting elements in such a manner that such elements cannot be used as a point of attachment for a rope, belt or similar means for committing suicide by hanging.

Abstract: A valve lock assembly includes a cover for selective placement over a valve. The cover has opposing sidewalls, each sidewall including at least one cover aperture. The assembly further includes a strap to secure the cover to the valve, the strap having opposing end portions each of which include at least one strap aperture. A locking pin is to be placed through both the strap apertures and the cover apertures when they are aligned. The assembly also includes a lock body, which features a first bore to receive the locking pin, and a second bore which receives a locking mechanism that prevents removal of the locking pin from the lock body. The lock body is freely rotatable about the locking pin so that the valve lock assembly may be installed or removed from a wide range of angles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the flow of fluids such as liquids or gasses. The apparatus may include an input control valve, an input manifold, first, second, and third further control valves, first, second, and third flow meters, first, second, and third check valves, and an output manifold. The apparatus may further include a control central processing unit which controls the input control valve, the first, second, and third further control valves, and the output control valve. The control central processing unit may receive one or more signals concerning fluid flow through the first, second, and third flow meters and may control flow through the meters by controlling one or more valves. Each of the first, second, and third flow meters may be a coriolis flow meter.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor seat assembly, an oxygen sensor assembly, and an anesthesia machine are disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve assembly (10) adapted to be mounted to a transmission control module (15) and having a valve body (12), a valve bore (16), and at least one pressure supply port (26) as well as at least one pressure control port (28) that establish fluid communication between a source of pressurized fluid and a component to be controlled by the valve assembly. A valve member (18) is supported in the valve bore (16) and is selectively movable between predetermined positions to direct the pressurized fluid between the pressure supply port (26) and the pressure control port (28). In addition, the hydraulic valve assembly (10) includes a biasing mechanism (80, 180, 280, 380) that is responsive to the flow of hydraulic fluid through the valve body to generate a biasing force acting on the valve body (12) in a direction toward the pressure supply port (26).

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a trim cartridge, a diaphragm assembly, and a control element. The trim cartridge defines a cartridge supply port and an upper planar surface. The cartridge supply port is disposed along a supply path of the volume booster and the upper planar surface is disposed along an exhaust of the volume booster. The diaphragm assembly defines an exhaust port on the exhaust path. The control element is movably disposed in the trim cartridge and includes a supply plug, an exhaust plug, and a stem. The supply plug engages the cartridge supply port and the exhaust plug engages the exhaust port. The exhaust plug further includes a lower planar surface that is coplanar with the upper planar surface of the trim cartridge.

Abstract: Steam distributor for air treatment units, including at least one diffusion duct provided with steam outlet orifices, and at least one outer shell for thermally shielding said diffusion duct provided with openings corresponding to said orifices of said duct.

Abstract: A flow rate controller is disclosed that maintains constant flow rate with changes in pressure drop across the valve by maintaining a constant pressure drop across a restrictor with the aid of a spring balanced piston that mates a cone to a seat to dissipate the majority of pressure drop across the valve.

Abstract: A valve assembly couples a plurality of hydraulic actuators to a variable displacement pump and to a tank. A separate valve is associated with each hydraulic actuator and comprises a variable flow source orifice between the supply conduit and a summation node coupled to a pump control port, a variable metering orifice between the summation node and the associated hydraulic actuator, and a variable bypass orifice between the summation node and the tank. As a valve operates to enlarge the metering orifice, the flow source orifice also enlarges, and the bypass orifice shrinks. When the valve operates to shrink the metering orifice, the flow source orifice also shrinks and the bypass orifice enlarges. Those operations vary fluid flow in and out of the summation node, which alters pressure applied to the pump control, thereby causing the pump output to vary as required to drive the associated hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: An oil supply system of an automatic transmission may remarkably reduce the total consuming power of oil pumps by discharging the entire oil on the basis of a low-pressure part and controlling only some of the oil, which is required by a high-pressure part, at high pressure, and then supplying the oil to high-pressure part. The oil supply system may considerably improve power transmission efficiency of the transmission, and may improve fuel efficiency and durability of the oil pumps and reduce noise and pressure vibration.

Abstract: A water supply module for hydrotherapy, which includes a pump, a water inlet, a micro bubble water outlet, a pressurized water outlet, a relief valve, and a mixer. The water inlet is connected to the pump. The micro bubble water outlet and the pressurized water outlet are connected to an outlet of the pump. The relief valve is installed in between the outlet of the pump and the micro bubble water outlet, and the mixer is installed in between the water inlet and the relief valve. A drain valve is further connected off the bottom of the pump to drain out the residual water from the pump and the piping. The integrated water supply module provides space-saving advantage. Furthermore, by draining the residual water, the water supply module also improves SPA hygiene by reducing the risk of skin diseases and infections.

Abstract: A first coupling member 10 has a body 11 and an internal poppet 16. The exterior of the body 11 includes flats 30. A lug 31 is formed on one of the flats 30 during machining of the flats 30. A dust cover attached to the first coupling member 11 includes a cover portion 40 and a tether portion 41. The cover portion 40 protects an exterior surface 19 of the body, and the cover portion 40 to and tether portion 41 each protects one lateral side of the lug 31. The tether portion 41 includes an annular ring portion 43 disposed in an annular groove 25. A second embodiment 110 of the first coupling member is also disclosed. A second coupling member 210 may be coupled to or uncoupled from either of the first coupling members 10 or 110.

Abstract: A switching device for sanitary fittings such as showers and bathtubs, characterized in that said switching device comprises a control rod element movable in a support associated with a mixing cartridge, said control rod element having at least two water delivery positions thereat a mixed water flow is conveyed either to one or to the other of two or more separated directrix lines corresponding to two or more separated using places.

Abstract: The invention presents a gas releasing and/or regulating mechanism, equipped with: a body (1) with a passage, a gas intake (2) and outlet (3), the intake and outlet being connected to the passage; elements to block (5, 6, 7, 8) the passage; mobile elements (9) which associated to the body (1) of the mechanism, define a low pressure chamber (11) below the blocking elements (5, 6, 7, 8), the mobile elements (9) operating the blocking elements (5, 6, 7, 8) depending on the pressure within the low pressure chamber (11). The blocking elements (5, 6, 7, 8) are made of a first shutter (5, 6) and a second shutter (7, 8) below the first in the passage; and the first and second shutters (5, 6, 7, 8) are mechanically connected so that the first shutter (5, 6) closes before the second one (7, 8).