Abstract: A photovoltaic module, particularly a thin-film photovoltaic module, includes at least one carrier panel preferably implemented as a glass panel, one or more coatings applied to the carrier panel for generating electrical current, at least one or more electrically conductive contacts, at least one cover coating for covering at least one partial region of the carrier panel with the coatings generating electricity, the electrically conductive contacts and optionally a glass cover panel. The cover coating is particularly implemented as a melted coating, at least one bulk granular granulate being used for the production thereof.

Abstract: A multilayer composite includes a metal substrate layer, an electrically insulating layer directly disposed on the metal substrate layer, and a light absorbing layer directly disposed on said electrically insulating layer. In one embodiment, the light absorbing layer includes carbon black. This multilayer composite is bifunctional having the characteristics of both energy generation upon the absorption of electromagnetic radiation of the solar spectrum (making it useful as the photovoltaic component of a solar cell) and electrical energy storage. Therefore, in one embodiment, the multilayer composite is included in a solar cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cleaning solution composition for a solar cell, comprising: organic alkali compounds, water-soluble glycol ether compounds, percarbonates, organic phosphoric acids or salts thereof, and water.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a substrate, a first electrode layer over the substrate, a first compound semiconductor layer including copper, indium, gallium and selenium over the first electrode layer, a second compound semiconductor layer including copper, indium, and sulfur on the first compound semiconductor layer, and a second electrode layer over the second compound semiconductor layer.

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: A method for forming a solar cell with selective emitters is disclosed, including selectively removing a portion of a barrier layer on a substrate to form an opening, performing a texture etching process to the substrate to form a second texture structure in a second region under the opening of the barrier layer, wherein the substrate surface in the first region does not change from the first texture structure. The first texture structure and the second texture structure include a plurality of protruding portions and recessing portions. The distance between neighboring protruding portions of the first texture structure is L1, the distance between neighboring protruding portions of the second texture structure is L2, and L1 is 2-20 times that of L2. The method for forming a solar cell with selective emitters further comprises removing the barrier layer and performing a doping process.

Abstract: A solar cell (100) includes a p-type amorphous semiconductor layer (11p), an n-type amorphous semiconductor layer (12n), and a recombination layer (R) interposed between the p-type amorphous semiconductor layer (11p) and the n-type amorphous semiconductor layer (12n).

Abstract: A solar cell include a polycrystalline semiconductor substrate of a p-type, an emitter region of an n-type and forming a p-n junction with the polycrystalline semiconductor substrate, a first electrode connected to the emitter region, and a second electrode connected to the polycrystalline semiconductor substrate, wherein the polycrystalline semiconductor substrate has a pure p-type impurity concentration of substantially 7.2×1015/cm3 to 3.5×1016/cm3.

Abstract: A thin-film solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same are presented, in which the dopant concentration turns low in a sloping way. The solar cell includes a substrate, a first contact region, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second contact region. The first contact region a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second contact region are disposed on the substrate. At least one of the first contact region and the second contact region contains an N-type dopant, and the concentration of the N-type dopant is decreased gradually in a direction towards the photoelectric conversion layer. Through the thin-film solar cell and the method for manufacturing the same, the conversion efficiency of the solar cell is improved, and the thin-film solar cell and the manufacturing method are capable of being integrated with an existing manufacturing process of a solar cell, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the cost.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide a barrier for protection of active layers associated with a vertical multi junction (VMJ) photovoltaic cell. Buffer zone(s) in form of an inactive layer(s) arrangement safe guard the active layers against induced stress or strain resulting from external forces/thermal factors (e.g., welding). The buffer zone can be in form of a rim on a surface of an end layer of a cell unit, to act as a protective boundary for such active layer, and to further partially frame the VMJ cell for ease of handling and transportation.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell of the present invention including: an electrode having, on one surface, a semiconductor layer with a sensitizing dye supported thereon, a counter electrode positioned opposing the semiconductor layer, and a charge transport layer disposed between the electrode and the counter electrode, wherein at least one of the electrode and the counter electrode is a transparent conductive film prepared by laminating an ITO film and an FTO film, and part or all of the crystal structure of the surface of the FTO film is orthorhombic.

Abstract: Solid state dye sensitized photovoltaic cells, as well as related components, systems, and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: A solar cell module capable of reducing stress to which an extraction wiring member connected to an extraction electrode portion is subjected from a sealer is obtained. This solar cell module includes a solar cell formed on a substrate having insulating properties, an extraction electrode portion extracting electric charges generated by the solar cell, formed on the substrate, an extraction wiring member collecting electric charges, connected to the extraction electrode portion, a covering member covering at least part of the extraction wiring member, and a sealer sealing the solar cell, the extraction electrode portion, the extraction wiring member, and the covering member in a state of covering the solar cell, the extraction electrode portion, the extraction wiring member, and the covering member.

Abstract: A package structure of a concentrated photovoltaic cell includes a ceramic baseplate whereon a cavity is formed, the cavity having two opposite internal walls respectively having staircase structures, each having an upper step and a lower step; a photovoltaic chip disposed on a bottom surface of the cavity; a first electrode circuit penetrating the ceramic baseplate and with a top end electrically connected to the photovoltaic chip; a second electrode circuit penetrating the lower steps on the two sides of the ceramic baseplate and connecting with the photovoltaic cell through bonded wires; and a transparent cover disposed on the upper steps for covering the cavity and the photovoltaic chip. A fabrication method for the aforementioned package structure is also provided. The aforementioned package structure has the advantages of being more efficient in heat dissipation and effective in protecting the photovoltaic chip.

Abstract: A solar cell and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The method includes forming a microstructure including a texturing on the surface of a semiconductor substrate of a first conductive type, forming a plurality of nanostructures on the surface of the semiconductor substrate, forming an emitter layer by implanting impurities of a second conductive type opposite to the first conductive type in a front face of the semiconductor substrate, forming an anti-reflective coating (ARC) on the emitter layer, forming a front electrode passing through a portion of the ARC and being coupled to the emitter layer, and forming a back electrode on a rear face of the semiconductor substrate of the first conductive type, the rear face being opposite to the face on which the front electrode is formed. A dominant light-collecting characteristic can be approached by forming nanostructures on a semiconductor substrate of a solar cell.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for making a photovoltaic cell are provided. The photovoltaic cell is able to have a substrate made of a composite material. The composite material is able to be formed by mixing a binder and a physical property enhancing material to form a mixer. The binder is able to be pitch, such as mesophase pitch. The physical property enhancing material is able to be fiber glass. The substrate of the photovoltaic cell is able to be flexible, such that the photovoltaic cell is able to be applied on various surfaces.

Abstract: The invention provides an organic dye, a composite dye and dye-sensitized solar cell using the same. The organic dye has Formula (I): wherein L is a linker group and comprises a substituted or unsubstituted C4-C20 aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted carboncyclic group, a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group or combinations thereof, and A is an electron acceptor group.

Abstract: There is disclosed ultrathin film material templating layers that force the morphology of subsequently grown electrically active thin films have been found to increase the performance of small molecule organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. There is disclosed electron-transporting material, such as hexaazatriphenylene-hexacarbonitrile (HAT-CN) can be used as a templating material that forces donor materials, such as copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) to assume a vertical-standing morphology when deposited onto its surface on an electrode, such as an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode. It has been shown that for a device with HAT-CN as the templating buffer layer, the fill factor and short circuit current of CuPc:C60 OPVs were both improved compared with cells lacking the HAT-CN template. This is explained by the reduction of the series resistance due to the improved crystallinity of CuPc grown onto the ITO surface.

Abstract: An essentially cylindrical deadleg having a first cross sectional area at one end of the deadleg and a second cross sectional area, the first cross sectional area being smaller than the second cross sectional area.

Abstract: Fluid flow control assemblies capable of being disposed in a wellbore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The fluid flow control assemblies can include valves that are actuated via controls from a component positioned at or near the surface to control direction of fluid flow downhole. Packers can be set, slurry can be circulated to screens, and hydrocarbons can be produced via a single trip through the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying two fluids separately into a reaction chamber is provided. The apparatus includes a first distribution network that is formed on a plate having a distribution face and a dispensing face. The first distribution network is defined by a plurality of recessed channels on the distribution face. The plurality of recessed channels includes a plurality of thru-ports that extend from the plurality of recessed channels to the dispensing face. The apparatus further includes a second distribution network that has passages formed below the plurality of recessed channels and above the dispensing face. A first set of ports extends from the passages to the distribution face and a second set of ports extends from a top surface of the distribution face to the dispensing face.

Abstract: A drain valve includes a valve body that defines an inlet seat and a first outlet seat downstream of the inlet seat. A first member has a first position in sealing engagement with the first outlet seat and a second position separated from the first outlet seat. A second member has a first location in sealing engagement with the inlet seat. A sensor downstream of the inlet seat generates a signal reflective of a pressure downstream of the inlet seat. A method for operating a drain valve includes moving a first element in a valve body to allow fluid flow through the valve body, moving a second element in the valve body to allow fluid flow through the valve body, and sensing a pressure in the valve body.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a load sensing hydraulic system, having a bypass valve (F), which is controlled by a pump pressure (P) and which when the hydraulic system is in operation diverts a pump flow of hydraulic fluid to a tank (E). The bypass valve (F) is pre-stressed towards a closed position and is put on load by the pump pressure (P) towards an open position against the action of the pre-stress. When the hydraulic system operates in a idling operation a first pre-stress element (I) limits the pre-stress to a first pressure and upon activation of the hydraulic system, a pressure regulator (10) increases the pre-stress to a second, substantially higher pressure by applying a hydraulic, constant second pre-stress force, that is added to the first pre-stress force and is substantially greater than this.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide apparatuses and methods for controlling the gas flow profile within a processing chamber. In one embodiment, a processing tool includes an ultraviolet processing chamber defining a processing region, a substrate support, a window disposed between a UV radiation source and the substrate support, and a transparent showerhead disposed within the processing region between the window and the substrate support and having one or more transparent showerhead passages between upper and lower processing regions. The processing tool also includes a gas distribution ring having one or more gas distribution ring passages between a gas distribution ring inner channel and the upper processing region and a gas outlet ring positioned below the gas distribution ring, the gas outlet ring having one or more gas outlet passages between a gas outlet ring inner channel within the gas outlet ring and the lower processing region.

Abstract: A substrate of a lab-on-a-chip system has two adjacent recesses, one serving as a flow channel and the other one being filled with an elastomer compound. In a first state, the elastomer compound and the substrate delimit the flow channel in a section. In a second state, the elastomer compound takes up the space in the recess in the substrate along a cross-section of the flow channel, thereby completely closing the flow channel. The substrate and the elastomer compound may be produced by injection molding techniques.

Abstract: An acoustic treatment panel that is connected to an air intake of an aircraft nacelle, includes at least one acoustically resistive structure (30) and a reflective layer (32), between which are located—in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the nacelle—bands (34) of alveolar cells spaced in such a way as to allow the passage of hot air provided for a frost treatment, characterized in that it includes pipes (36) for hot air that are each delimited by at least one partition that extends from the acoustically resistive layer (30) up to the reflective layer (32) in such a way as to insulate the bands (34) of cells in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An aircraft nacelle includes a lip whose surface contacts with the aerodynamic streams extends inside the nacelle by an inside wall that delimits a layer that empties at a power plant and outside of the nacelle by an outside wall, a first front frame connects the inside and outside walls, delimiting an annular pipe with the lip, and a rear frame connects the inside and outside walls at a junction zone between the inside pipe and power plant pipe, for a given cross-section of the nacelle along a plane that contains the longitudinal axis of the nacelle, a point A at the intersection between the rear frame and the inside wall, and a point B at the intersection between the rear frame and the outside wall, with B being offset toward the rear of the nacelle relative to A over more than 50% of the rear frame's periphery.

Abstract: An aircraft nacelle that makes it possible to channel a stream of air in a longitudinal direction and that includes at least two panels (50, 50?) placed end to end in the longitudinal direction, each including a so-called aerodynamic surface (52, 52?) that is in contact with the air stream and an edge (54, 54?) that is in contact with the edge of the other panel, characterized in that at least one of the panels includes—at its edge (54, 54?)—at least one partition (58) that projects relative to the edge that extends in the direction of the edge of the other panel, in a manner that is secant to the aerodynamic surface and in a plane that contains the longitudinal direction, so as to limit the circulation of air between the edges of the panels.

Abstract: A female coupler for a breakaway thread-lock quick disconnect coupling having a retainer wire positioned interiorly of an outer housing and a coupler support portion that prevents contamination of the retainer wire and a capture space formed by grooves in the outer housing and an inner housing, which may prevent degradation of performance and/or decrease the chances that the retainer wire is dislodged.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-interrupt meter change out device including a clamp assembly, at least one case assembly, and at least one collar, the clamp assembly including a frame and a distance adjuster.

Abstract: A pressure control and feedback system for an adjustable foam support includes a vacuum pump for drawing air from a hermetically sealed foam core to reduce the firmness of the core. A valve opens to permit and closes to block the passage of air into and out of the core. A remotely operated controller generates control signals to selectively start and stop operation of the pump, and selectively open and close the valve, which provides a selected level of pneumatic pressure and corresponding firmness in the core. A pressure sensor detects the pressure and firmness of the core and generates representative feedback signals. An indicator device responsive to the feedback signals indicates the sensed firmness of the core. Software calibrates the system and provides the system with intelligent operation.

Abstract: A housing has an upper end, a lower end, and an opening extending between the upper and lower ends, the housing being sealingly attachable to an inflatable device. A check valve has a body member with an upper end, a lower end, an outer surface sized and shaped to be selectively matingly received in the opening of the housing, and an inner surface defining a passageway. The check valve is coupled to the housing by a first tether. A cap has an upper end, a lower end, and an outer surface sized and shaped to be selectively matingly received in the passageway of the check valve. The cap is coupled to the housing by a second tether.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system is provided including a fluid supply, at least one conduit in fluid communication with the fluid supply, and at least one mountable fitting fluidly coupled to the conduit. The mountable fitting includes a body and a mounting base. The body defines a cavity having a plurality of ports in fluid communication with the cavity and the conduit, at least one port of the plurality of ports having a connection portion configured to fluidly couple to at least the fluid conduit. The mounting base extends a fixed distance from the body configured to be mounted to a structure to space the body a fixed distance from the structure.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a tank truck to an underground oil depot has a body, a handle, a transmission device and two locking arms. The body has a mounting tube and a connection tube respectively connected with an oil drain valve and an oil pipe. The handle is pivotally mounted on the body. The transmission device is pivotally connected to the handle and has a linking lever and two transmitting levers. The linking lever is pivotally connected to the handle, and the transmitting levers are pivotally and slidably connected to the linking lever. The locking arms are pivotally mounted on the mounting tube of the body, selectively extend into the mounting tube and are respectively connected securely to the transmitting levers. Each locking arm has a pushing protrusion mounted on the locking arm and is adapted to push against a joint on the oil drain valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to the metering of water, being especially useful for agricultural purposes and other applications. An integrated water meter and cut-off valve with electronic controls is provided. The integrated water meter comprises a hollow body having an inlet port and an outlet port for a fluid and a passage connecting the ports; a generator of ultrasonic pulses in operational communication with the body, operationally connected to a US (ultra-sonic) transmitter transducer and a US receiver transducer, and a diaphragm valve inside the passage in fluid communication with the passage.

Abstract: A pressure and flow control system includes a hydraulically-controlled component, a pilot valve, and a regulating valve. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The regulating valve is in fluid communication with the pilot valve, and is configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal, which controls the hydraulically-controlled component.

Abstract: Apparatus and a control system for monitoring (preferably digitally) and/or controlling pressure to a pneumatic load such as a proportional fluid control valve and using a measurement input from a fluid measurement device that responds to a flow rate, the liquid measurement input being used to control the pressure to the pneumatic load so that pneumatic load may be increased or decreased (to proportionally open or close the pneumatic valve) to change the flow rate of the fluid to a desired rate. The pneumatic load can also be adjusted (to proportionally open or close the pneumatic valve) to accommodate changes in temperature and viscosity of a fluid.

Abstract: A gas pressure regulator system comprises a regulator body and a separate port collar. The regulator body has a high pressure chamber and a low pressure chamber, and generally houses a regulator valve system to control the pressure of the fluid moving from the high pressure chamber to the low pressure chamber. The port collar has at least one high pressure port and one low pressure port, and is adapted to be mounted on the regulator body. When the port collar is in its mounted position, the high pressure ports are in fluid communication with the high pressure chamber, and the low pressure port is in fluid communication with the low pressure chamber. The port collar may be rotatable with respect to the regular body without disrupting the fluid communication between respective chambers and pressure ports. The high pressure ports may accommodate such fixtures as a high pressure burst disk assembly, a fill nipple or a pressure gauge. The low pressure port may accommodate a low pressure burst disk.

Abstract: The present application discloses novel systems for conducting the filtration of blood using manifolds. The manifolds integrate various sensors and have fluid pathways formed therein to direct fluids from various sources through the requisite blood filtration or ultrafiltration system steps.

Abstract: The gray water recycling system includes a first holding tank for filtering and storing gray water from a washer. The processed water passes through an inline filter to a second holding tank. The second holding tank includes a first float switch operatively associated with a pump that shuts off power to the pump when the second tank contains less than a predetermined amount of processed water. An outlet pipe inside the second tank includes another filter to clean the processed water as the water passes through the outlet pipe. A second float switch activates the pump to pump the processed water to a toilet tank when the toilet tank water drains below a predetermined level. A battery power unit is operatively connected to the pump, providing power for selective operation thereof.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to improve responsiveness in valve opening and valve closing of an electromagnetically driven intake valve unit in which a valve is provided on a pressurizing chamber side of a valve seat. The valve includes an annular abutting surface that abuts the valve seat to shut off a fuel intake passage and a bottomed cylindrical part provided at an inner peripheral part of the annular abutting surface. The bottomed cylindrical part is inserted into a fuel introduction hole formed in the valve housing inside the valve seat, and the outer surface of an end part of the bottomed cylindrical part is exposed to fuel in a low pressure fuel chamber provided upstream of the fuel introduction hole.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for transferring incoherent or liquid material from a discharge station (S1) to a collection station (S2) is provided with a tubular conduit (6) located between said stations (S1, S2), and a tubular bag (9) for transferring the material from the discharge station (S1) to the collection station (S2); the tubular bag (9) develops longitudinally inside the conduit (6) between the discharge station (S1) and the collection station (S2), and is kept adherent to the conduit (6) likewise an interior coating of same conduit (6) by a pneumatic device (24, 31) which exhibits a suction region distributed along the conduit (6) between two longitudinal ends (7) of same conduit (6).

Abstract: A closed nebulizing system for removing bubbles includes a first pump, a nebulizing module and a second pump. The first pump is for providing a fluid. The nebulizing module includes an outlet channel, an inlet channel connected with the first pump, and a plurality of nozzles for nebulizing and ejecting part of the fluid. The second pump is connected with the outlet channel for outputting non-nebulized fluid. The first pump, the nebulizing module and the second pump form a closed fluid loop, so that the fluid continuously contacts with the plurality of nozzles and bubbles generated during nebulization process are evacuated from the nebulizing module.

Abstract: A quick and efficient method to flush out engines, and appropriate machinery and tools for carrying out this operation. The machinery/tools are (a) a flange; and (b) a self-sealing quick connect-disconnect male-female coupling that connects to and through the center of the flange, terminates at a specified distance on the interior of a surface ending with threads or barbs or a quick disconnect, and is attached to a y-shaped connector, to provide a liquid to a cooling system for the engine.

Abstract: The new invention concerns a non-drip fluid coupling device intended for transferring a flow of at least one substance e. g. a fluid, where the fluid coupler comprises a first coupler and a second coupler, where the first coupler has first chamber connected to a first fluid communication and an first opening, a first valve body being biased against the first opening by a first biasing member, the second coupler has a second chamber connected to a second fluid communication and a second opening, a second valve body biased against the second opening by a second biasing member, a hollow needle element is positioned or formed within the second chamber and comprising a sealing element wherein the first and second coupler comprises guiding means adapted to aid the connection of the first and second couplers.

Abstract: A grease and lubricating oil line coupler includes a nozzle and a receiver which can be intercoupled for grease or lubricating oil delivery. Each component is equipped with a normally closed, sealed poppet, which prevents the entrance of dirt and other contaminants into the free ends thereof when decoupled, and which provides an easily-cleanable, flush-faced mating surface. The nozzle has a handle-operated internal valve with an interlock that is controlled by a quick disconnect slidable collar, which prevents the release of lubricants from the nozzle unless it is coupled to the receiver. Only when the nozzle and receiver are interconnected can the valve be opened, and only when the valve is closed can the nozzle be decoupled from the receiver. When the nozzle and receiver are coupled together, internal parts within the two components move to create a path through which lubricants can flow.

Abstract: A rotatable coupling for a vacuum cleaner is described. The rotatable coupling includes: an inner conduit having an outer surface; a compressible strip disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit; an outer conduit adapted to snugly fit over the strip and the first conduit. The rotatable coupling can include a non-reactive high-viscosity lubricant disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit adjacent the strip. The outer conduit of the coupling can be rotatable about the inner conduit and an interference fit is formed between the inner conduit and the outer conduit.

Abstract: A water tap is shown, employing a spherical sealing member which is urged into a sealing position by water pressure. The sealing member may be displaced centrally into the water flow in order to permit flow of water around the sealing member and through the tap.

Abstract: A simulator device configured to replace a filtration unit in a crossflow filtration system comprises a feed inlet (41), a first flow path (43) connected to the feed inlet (41) for simulating a retentate flow in the filtration unit, and a second flow path (44) connected to the feed inlet (for simulating a permeate flow in the filtration unit. Adjustable valve means (45, 46) are provided for controlling at least one of the simulated retentate flow and the simulated permeate flow.

Abstract: An energy recovery apparatus and method for recovering and harvesting energy from passing air is disclosed. Energy recovery and harvesting from passing air is accomplished by creating a pressure differential using high and low pressure ports. The energy represented by the pressure differential is extracted using a mass airfoil device which, in turn, is used to create alternative forms of energy which, in turn, is used to support auxiliary and main systems aboard any moving object or form of transport.