Abstract: An implant for treating an obstructive airway disorder includes an elongate implant body configured for implanting in airway-interface tissue. The implant body has a medial portion extending between first and second anchoring end portions. The medial portion of the implant body is axially compliant and the end portions are axially non-compliant. Methods of treating an airway disorder comprising implanting an axially-extending implant in an airway-interface tissue are also provided.

Abstract: An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency comprises a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source.

Abstract: An oral device for improving airway patency comprises a tongue constraint and a negative pressure source. The tongue constraint engages the patient's tongue to maintain a clear region below the palate in an oral cavity. By applying a negative pressure in the clear region, an airway behind the soft palate or tongue of the patient can be maintained. The tongue constraint is usually connected to an anchor. The anchor may be held between the patient's teeth or may engage the inferior surface of the palate. Another oral device for improving airway patency comprises a lateral tongue structure and a negative pressure source.

Abstract: A radiation shield assembly and method of providing a sterile barrier to radiation is provided. An assembly includes a rigid support member and a radiopaque sheet operably fixed to the support member. A sterile flexible drape covers the radiopaque sheet. Another assembly includes a sterile flexible drape and a through opening. A radiopaque member is disposed about the through opening. A method includes laying a first flexible drape having an access opening over a patient and then laying a radiopaque member substantially about the access opening on the first flexible drape. Another method includes providing a flexible drape having a sterile outer surface and a through opening and disposing a radiopaque member about the through opening. Another method includes laying a sterile flexible drape having a pocket and a through opening over a patient. Then, disposing at least one radiopaque member in the pocket about the through opening.

Abstract: A product useful in assisting one to stop using smokeless tobacco products includes small sponge-like particles having a size similar to shredded tobacco, and moisture content similar to shredded tobacco. The particles further include a flavoring agent and, preferably, a pharmaceutically acceptable stimulant. The particles, preferably shredded sea sponge, can be placed in the mouth as a substitute for shredded tobacco products. They have the same feel as shredded tobacco products, provide a stimulate effect similar to a tobacco product, but do not have any adverse health effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a special, highly efficient cigarette filter. In particular, the invention relates to a new cigarette filter, in which materials of natural origin not used before in this special field are applied. More particularly, the present invention relates to a special, highly efficient cigarette filter, which can be used favorably for adsorbing the toxic components of the cigarette smoke, and neutralizing the free radicals produced during burning of the cigarette.

Abstract: Provided is an artificial nail having a three-dimensional ornament attached thereto, including: a sticker main body including a flexible planar film layer, and an adhesive layer provided with an adhesive component on both surfaces thereof and attached to the lower surface of the film layer; a three-dimensional ornament attached to the top of the sticker main body by an ornament attachment system operating along a programmed trace; and an artificial nail formed into a fingernail shape and having the sticker main body attached to the top surface thereof, wherein the planar sticker main body provided with the three-dimensional ornament is attached to the top surface of the artificial nail having a curved shape. The artificial nail having a three-dimensional ornament attached thereto realizes uniform adhesion strength between the three-dimensional ornament and the artificial nail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making up the nails which consists in adhesively bonding, to the nail, an article comprising a prethermoformed backing composed of at least one first noncrystalline thermoplastic material having a softening temperature T3I and at least one second noncrystalline thermoplastic material not having a softening temperature of less than or equal to TSi, and then heating the article applied to the nail so as to soften the said at least one first noncrystalline thermoplastic material for the purpose of completing the matching of the article to the profile of the nail.

Abstract: A packaging and applicator device for applying a cosmetic composition, including an applicator with a stem and an applicator endpiece that is carried by the stem; and a container containing the composition for application, and having a body, an outer neck for fastening the applicator on the container; and an inner sleeve that is molded integrally with the neck, the sleeve having first and second portions that extend consecutively towards the bottom wall of the container, with a change in slope between the two portions, the first portion extending without contact with the stem, and the second portion coming into leaktight contact with at least one of the applicator endpiece and the distal half of the stem when the applicator is in place on the container.

Abstract: A hair moisturizing topical composition comprising materials that emit electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths that affect tertiary structure (breaking of disulfide bonds) in human hair, and that bring about changes in secondary structure of hair proteins. The intensity of the radiation is controlled and sufficient to cause or facilitate altering of protein structure. The invention includes methods of using such topical compositions. Testing indicates that the level of tightly bound water in hair is increased, and there is no damage to hair of the type characteristic of heat and chemical treatments.

Abstract: A process for straightening or relaxing hair involving the steps of: (a) providing a hair straightening/relaxing composition containing: (i) from about 0.1 to about 50% by weight of at least one weak non-hydroxide base; and (ii) remainder, to 100%, a cosmetically acceptable medium, all weights based on the weight of the hair straightening/relaxing composition; (b) contacting the hair with the hair straightening/relaxing composition to form treated hair; (c) optionally, rinsing the hair straightening/relaxing composition from the treated hair; (d) optionally, contacting the treated hair with a non-volatile oil; and (e) smoothing the treated hair using a combination of heat and means for physically smoothing hair.

Abstract: A hair dyeing agent, a combination of the hair dyeing agent and a softener for dyeing hair and the method of using the combination are disclosed. The hair dyeing agent comprises a dye active, a mordant active, a stabilizer, water, and a carrier and/or an excipient. The dye active is selected from gallic acids, salts and esters thereof and their combinations. The mordant active is a ferrous salt selected from ferrous sulfate, ferrous chloride, ferrous nitrate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous lactate and ferrous fumarate.

Abstract: A method levels hair colour, especially lighter coloured hair or including lightened streaks or bleached streaks or bleached 0as a whole and after certain period of time contrast—difference in colour—between the re-growth and formerly lightened parts is clearly visible. The method comprises at least two parts wherein one part being the part not closer to scalp which is artificially colour changed to a lighter colour by means of lightening and/or colouring and/or bleaching than the other part closer to scalp which is preferably undamaged and has its natural colour, wherein hair is optionally shampooed and optionally towel dried and the part directly at the scalp, preferably undamaged and preferably has its natural colour, is applied a composition resulting from mixing two compositions, A and B, prior to application.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing hoods in the limn of hair nets having meshes, creating hoods having a first dimension over the head from front to rear and a second dimension crosswise thereto. A strand (20) of a net having a mesh (23) is created from threads (21). The strand (20) has two longitudinal sides. The number of meshes (23) of the net crosswise to the longitudinal sides corresponds to the number of meshes (11) of the hair net to be produced along the first or second dimension of the hair net. On or neighboring the two longitudinal sides of the strand (20), one elastic thread (22) each is fed into the outer meshes (23) of the net. At specified, regular distances, the two elastic threads (22) are guided together and connected to one another.

Abstract: A conventional substrate processing apparatus for generating plasma cannot generate plasma with high density and thus throughput of substrate processing is low. In order to solve this problem, provided is a substrate processing apparatus including a reaction vessel having a tubular shape and provided with a coil installed at an outer circumference thereof; a cover installed at a first end of the reaction vessel; a gas introduction port installed at the cover; a first plate installed between the gas introduction port and an upper end of the coil; a second plate installed between the first plate and the upper end of the coil; a substrate processing chamber installed at a second end of the reaction vessel; and a gas exhaust part connected to the substrate processing chamber.

Abstract: A method is provided for receiving the wafer on a support, the support being configured for movement along a direction. While moving the wafer, dispensing a cleaning material to clean contaminants from the surface of the wafer, the dispensing applied as a film over a diameter length of the wafer. The cleaning material contains a cleaning liquid, a plurality of solid components, and polymers of a polymeric compound. Each of the plurality of solid components and polymers being greater than zero and less than 3% of the cleaning material, and wherein the polymers become soluble in the cleaning liquid and the solubilized polymers having long polymer chains that capture and entrap solid components and contaminants in the cleaning liquid. Then, rinsing the film off of the wafer with a rinsing meniscus. The rinsing meniscus applied along the diameter length of the wafer and the film is rinsed after the dispensing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus including a processing vessel in which a target substrate W is processed by using a high-pressure fluid in a supercritical state or a subcritical state, and pipes that are divided into a first pipe member and a second pipe member in a flowing direction of the fluid and circulate the fluid are connected to processing vessel. A connecting/disconnecting mechanism moves at least one of first and second pipe members between a connection position and a separation position of first pipe member and the second pipe member, and opening/closing valves are installed in each of first and second pipe members and are closed at the time of separating pipe members.

Abstract: In the printer, after ink is discharged from nozzle openings by making a closed space area, formed by bringing a cap into contact with a recording head, enter into a negative pressure state due to negative pressure accumulated in a discharge flow path by driving a pump, when making the negative pressure state of the closed space area be subjected to a pressure change in a direction of coming to an atmospheric pressure state, after the air flows into the closed space area by making a second opening and closing valve provided at an inflow flow path which makes the closed space area and an aerial space communicate with each other be in an opened state, the inflow of the air into the closed space area through the inflow flow path is stopped in a state where negative pressure remains in the closed space area.

Abstract: Provided are a piping cleaning nozzle which effectively prevents back flow of a cleaning agent poured into piping in a building to clean the inner wall of the piping and to exterminate noxious organisms, and a piping cleaning method using the piping cleaning nozzle. An expanding and contracting body (4) is mounted to the front end side of a pipe (3) constituting a nozzle inserted into piping. The expanding and contracting body (4) is adapted to cover nozzle holes (8) for discharging a cleaning agent and consists of a material such a rubber expanded by the cleaning agent discharged to the inside of the expanding and contracting body (4). In cleaning operation, the pressure of the cleaning agent discharged from the nozzle holes (8) expands the expanding and contracting body (4) to close the piping. As a result, the expanding and contracting body (4) functions as a lid for blocking the cleaning agent which comes out of a discharge opening (6) and tried to flow back.

Abstract: A pet waste removal device including an elongated hand held boom having an open bottom shield disposed at a bottom end of the boom for positioning over a pile of animal waste. A motor driven agitator is disposed within the shield and driven by a motor to rotate between a counterclockwise and a clockwise rotation to mechanically break up pet waste. Fluid jet nozzles are supplied water via a garden hose connection and are arranged to direct water jets into the shield to wash away the pet waste as it is broken up by the agitator. A chemical dispenser for dispensing a chemical solution can also be provided.

Abstract: A cleaning system for removing contaminants on a surface of a patterned substrate for defining integrated circuit devices is provided. The system includes a substrate carrier for supporting edges of the patterned substrate, and a cleaning head positioned over the patterned substrate. The cleaning head includes a plurality of dispensing holes to dispense a cleaning material on the surface the patterned substrate for defining integrated circuit devices, wherein the cleaning material includes polymers of a polymeric compound. The cleaning head is coupled to a storage of the cleaning material, which is coupled to the cleaning material preparation system. A support structure holds the cleaning head in proximity to the surface of the patterned substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a substrate support assembly for holding the semiconductor substrate and a dispense head for applying a cleaning material to clean the contaminants from the substrate surface. The dispense head extends across a length of the semiconductor substrate and is positioned proximate to the substrate surface at a distance of between about 0.1 mm and about 4.5 mm. The proximate position enables application of a force to the cleaning material as it is applied to the substrate surface as a film, and the cleaning material provided through the dispense head contains a cleaning liquid, a plurality of solid components, and polymers of a polymeric compound, each of the plurality of solid components and polymers being greater than zero and less than 3% of the cleaning material, the plurality of solid components and the polymers are dispersed for application through the dispense head.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning substrates on a carrier, which has in the interior thereof a plurality of longitudinal passages, which run parallel to one another and are connected to the outside at the underside of the carrier via openings. There is provided a plurality of elongated pipes, which are arranged on a pipe holder and are connected in a fluid-conducting manner to a fluid supply. A centring template is provided, which encompasses the pipes and is displaceable in the longitudinal direction thereof between an attachment position in the end region of the pipes away from the pipe holder and a working position, which lies between the attachment position and the pipe holder. The centring template bears against the carrier, such that the pipes are then aligned exactly with the longitudinal passages.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to a cleaning device for a portioning utensil for portioning ice cream or the like, which is intended to be utilized in receptacles, respectively in rinsing tanks. Here, the cleaning device includes a carrier module which can be mounted in the receptacle and a cleaning module which is releasably coupled to the carrier module. Moreover, the cleaning device includes an actuating device being disposed in the cleaning module, and the cleaning device includes an actuating valve which can be controlled via the actuating device and which is closed in the initial position. The embodiments of the invention are characterized by a closing valve which is designed in the form of a separate valve or which at the same time acts as an actuating valve. The closing valve is formed and arranged in the carrier module, thereby making it possible that the closing valve is closed when the cleaning module is removed from the carrier module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a propelling tool (1) enabling a forward drive for operation in a pipeline (3), a casing, a well, or any other cavity. The propelling tool comprises a supply tubing (4) containing the supply fluid, a housing (5) connected to the supply tubing having a supply inlet provided in the rear end of the housing for supplying pressurised supply fluid from the supply tubing, a supply outlet provided in the rear end of the housing for ejection of the supply fluid, a suction inlet provided in the front end for an intake of cavity fluid surrounding the tool into the housing, and a suction outlet provided in the rear end for an outlet of cavity fluid, and a pump (10) for suction of cavity fluid in through the suction inlet and out through the suction outlet. The pump is driven by the pressurised supply fluid for pulling the tool forward in a cavity.

Abstract: The umbrella is equipped with a lower ring and upper ring pivotally attached to the bases of each rib and each stretcher, and a main shaft part including an interior pole which is fixed to the upper ring in the upper part, and a circular pipe which is connected to the lower ring in the upper part and is slidably inserted outside of the interior pole. At the opening/closing motion of the umbrella, in response to the umbrella closing operation (umbrella opening operation) to an operation part provided in the lower part of the umbrella, the circular pipe which extends toward the operation part is driven in the direction in which the lower ring approaches (separates from) the upper ring. Consequently, the umbrella opening operation and umbrella closing operation using a single hand become possible in a simple structure.

Abstract: There is provided a tip configured for removable attachment to a walking aid device. The tip includes a base member, a shaft, and a plurality of spaced apart ribs. The shaft includes a bore therein extends upward from a central portion of an inner surface of the base member to accept a distal end of a walking aid device. The plurality of spaced apart ribs extend from an outer rim of the base member to the shaft and are configured to flex in response to a downward compressive force on the shaft.

Abstract: An elevated floor camper tent for SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) type vehicles having electric, hybrid or other energy-saving, lower horsepower engines and top hinged rear doors. The entire tent assembly fits inside the vehicle for aerodynamic maximization and the state-of-the-art materials minimize the total weight. A set of continuous slides provides support and, with integrated footpads, facilitates setup on hard or soft surfaces. The campers sleep within the relative safety of the vehicle and utilize the main part of the tent as a living area. The standard features, under actual test conditions, suggest the design as safe, effective and user-friendly plus the stable, framed living area having built in rail-type support braces and kick panels help prevent the users from accidents.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator apparatus disposed on a high-temperature surface of an object (as a heat source), at least includes a heat concentrator, a thermoelectric module and a cold-side heat sink. The heat concentrator has a top surface and a bottom surface contacting a high-temperature surface of the object, and an area of the bottom surface is smaller than that of the high-temperature surface. The thermoelectric module is disposed on the top surface of the heat concentrator. The cold-side heat sink is disposed on the thermoelectric module. Heat generated by the heat source is concentrated on the heat concentrator and flows to the hot side of the thermoelectric module for increasing the heat flux (Q?) passing the thermoelectric module and the hot side temperature of the thermoelectric module. Consequently, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency (?) is improved, and the power generation of the thermoelectric module is increased.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module comprising a matrix comprising junctions having two N-type and P-type thermoelectric chips, said junctions being electrically connected to form an electric circuit. Flow of an electric current in the circuit heats one surface of the matrix by Peltier effect. Heating of one surface of the matrix makes an electric current flow by Seebeck effect. The module comprises a first group of junctions of two N-type and P-type thermoelectric chips exposed to a first operating temperature. A second group of junctions of two N-type and P-type thermoelectric chips is exposed to a second operating temperature. The second temperature is lower than the first temperature and the two groups of junctions are separated by a thermal insulator.

Abstract: A solar cell module with current control and a method of fabricating the same are provided. A plurality of rectifying diodes is formed simultaneously in series at a bus line formation area when solar cell units are fabricated. The rectifying diodes formed in series at the bus line formation area enables the solar cell to have the efficacy of current rectification when being shaded, and the output power of the solar cell is stabilized.

Abstract: A glass window for a vehicle that is divided into a hidden area and a visible area is provided, which includes a glass portion, a solar cell portion provided inside the glass portion and composed of a substrate made of a flexible material and a plurality of solar cells disposed on an upper surface of the substrate in the hidden area, and a solar cell adhesive film disposed between the glass portion and the solar cell portion. Since solar cells are provided in a black band/hidden portion of the glass window instead of mounting the solar cells within a separate thick piece of glass of the roof of the vehicle, the amount of weight traditionally added to a vehicle can be minimized.

Abstract: Photovoltaic module and method for making same. The module includes a first sub-module and a second sub-module. The first sub-module includes a first plurality of photovoltaic cells. The first plurality of photovoltaic cells is connected in series starting with a first photovoltaic cell and ending with a second photovoltaic cell. The first photovoltaic cell includes a first front electrode. The second photovoltaic cell includes a first back electrode. The second sub-module includes a second plurality of photovoltaic cells. The second plurality of photovoltaic cells is connected in series starting with a third photovoltaic cell and ending with a fourth photovoltaic cell. The third photovoltaic cell includes a second front electrode. The fourth photovoltaic cell includes a second back electrode. Additionally, the photovoltaic module includes a first bus bar and a second bus bar.

Abstract: The connector for PV cells is a strip of electrically conductive material which has a flat cross-section with two broad sides and with two narrow sides which each connect opposite edges of the broad sides. At least one broad side has a corrugated structure running in longitudinal direction of the strip and is pre-tinned in an area the length of which is somewhat less than the length of the edge of a PV cell.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell module includes a substrate; a plurality of first cells positioned in a central region, where one or more first cell include at least one photovoltaic unit; and a plurality of second cells positioned in edge regions of the substrate, where one or more second cell include at least one photovoltaic unit. Among the photovoltaic units positioned in the same layer the photovoltaic unit of the one or more second cells have higher band gap energy than that the photovoltaic unit of the one or more first cells.

Abstract: A solar module configured for electrical connection via a solar cable includes at least one connecting unit having at least one electrically conductive connection between the solar cable and a conductive strip configured to connect a plurality of solar cells in the solar module to one another in an electrically conductive manner. The at least one connecting unit includes a bendable molded part configured to receive the at least one electrically conductive connection, a section of the solar cable and a section of the conductive strip. A bendable laminate encloses the plurality of solar cells and the conductive strip. The bendable laminate further encloses the molded part with a positive-fit. The molded part has a bendability corresponding to a bendability of the laminate.

Abstract: A multijunction solar cell including an upper first solar subcell disposed adjacent the top surface of the multijunction solar cell; a middle second solar subcell adjacent to the first solar subcell; a graded interlayer adjacent to the second solar subcell; and a lower solar subcell adjacent to the interlayer; a metal contact layer adjacent to the lower solar subcell for making an electrical contact thereto; and a cut-out extending from a peripheral edge along the top surface of the solar cell to the metal contact layer to allow an electrical contact to be made to the lower subcell from the top surface of the solar cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar cell which comprises the following layers: (a) a semi-conducting layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein on the first surface a plurality of first contact points and second contact points are formed, which have opposing polarities; (b) a first single- or multi-layered, perforated foil, made of an electrically non-conductive material, which has a plurality of first holes; and (c) a structured electrically conductive layer on a surface of the perforated foil facing away from the semi-conducting layer; wherein the perforated foil and the semi-conducting layer are positioned to each other such that at least a part of the first holes and of the first contact points and of the second contact points are located opposite of each other, wherein at least a part of the first contact points and of the second contact points are connected by way of a solderless electrically conductive connection to the structured electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: A transport roller for transporting articles comprises a spindle (3) and a coil (5) on the spindle (3). The coil (5) comprises a flexible central section (17), and a first end section (13) and a second end section (15) that are affixed at two opposite sides of the flexible central section (17) to the spindle (3).

Abstract: With a solar cell module (1A) according to one embodiment, a plurality of solar cells (3) are formed in rows and disposed in parallel on an insulating substrate (2), and are connected in series. The proximal ends of lead wires (7) are connected to end electrodes (6) provided at both ends of the serial connection. These lead wires (7) are guided from the end electrodes (6) along the insulating substrate (2), and are formed in a curved shape. The shape of the lead wires (7) may also be that of a mesh formed from fine copper or aluminum wire.

Abstract: A solar tracker device based on a mechanical technique adapted to synchronously rotate mounted solar panels or mirrors along their approximate main axis, in one or two directions. The device enables building large solar fields with multiple panels or mirrors each rotated along its approximate location of its own main axis by single motor per axis.

Abstract: A solar energy harvesting system including a sunlight concentrating member (e.g., a lens array) for focusing direct sunlight at predetermined focal points inside a waveguide containing a stimuli-responsive material (SRM) that is evenly distributed throughout the waveguide material such that the SRM assumes a relatively high transparency state away from the focused sunlight, and small light-scattering portions of the SRM change to a relatively opaque (light scattering) state only in focal zone regions adjacent to the concentrated sunlight. The outer waveguide surfaces are locally parallel (e.g., planar) and formed such that sunlight scattered by the light-scattering SRM portions is transmitted by total internal reflection through the remaining transparent waveguide material, and outcoupled to one or more solar energy receivers (e.g., PV cells) that are disposed outside the waveguide (e.g., along the peripheral edge).

Abstract: Methods and devices for increase power output from solar devices. In one embodiment, the technique enables the front hot solar panel surface to be cooled by attachment of a thermoelectric multilayer stack to the back solar panel surface. The thermoelectric stack cools the solar panel front surface by drawing heat from the front to the back of the panel. That heat is transformed into mechanical vibrations using an inverse Peltier effect and that mechanical energy then transformed into electrical energy using a piezoelectric effect. Power output is first increased by lower operating temperature on front, resulting in a higher power conversion efficiency for the photovoltaic effect taking place in the CIGS/CdS active layers or other thin films, then from an additional power output from secondary electrical energy created from mechanical arising from the temperature-gradient driven occurrence of the thermoelectric effect.

Abstract: A solar electricity and heating system comprises at least one photovoltaic panel mountable above a sloped roof surface for providing photovoltaic electricity and providing heating a space between the panel and the roof surface. A heat conduction collector is positioned in the space between the panel and the roof surface for collecting air warmed by the panel. A closure system is mounted to at least two sides of the photovoltaic system for partially enclosing the space, which produces a chimney effect for the air heated by the panel. A liquid heat transfer system may be coupled to the collector for thermally coupling the collector to at least one of a heat storage system and a heat circulation system. A thermostat-activated pump may be provided for circulating liquid through the heat transfer system.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a concentrator having a circular paraboloid-shaped reflective surface, and receiver facing the concentrator. The concentrator has a plurality of circular paraboloid-portion-shaped mirrors, made of hot formed glass, and has respective circle-arc-shaped inner edges, which, in the mutually assembled condition, delimit a discharge hole at the center of the concentrator.

Abstract: A solar thermal system for transporting air is provided. The solar thermal system comprises a backpass collector having collector modules which transport air in parallel. Each collector module includes an intake channel, an air intake, a return channel, a connector connecting the intake channel to the return channel, and an absorber surface for absorbing energy. The solar thermal system also comprises a plenum for receiving air in parallel from each return channel. The plenum has a receiving face which includes a plurality of alternating openings and closures, where each opening is aligned with a respective return channel and each closure is aligned with a respective intake channel. For each collector module, the outside air is drawn into the intake channel, is conveyed out of the intake channel and into the return channel by the connector, and passes from the return channel into the plenum.

Abstract: An assembly includes a first and a second apparatus, each to accommodate at least one photovoltaic module. The first apparatus is coupled by its first end to a first end of the second apparatus so that a second end of the first apparatus located opposite the first end, and a second end of the second apparatus located opposite the first end are arranged at a distance to each other on a surface which is at a distance from the coupling of the first ends.

Abstract: A structure includes a barrier layer which can include a silicon aluminum oxide, and a transparent conductive oxide layer which can include a layer of cadmium and tin.

Abstract: A structure installation rack in one embodiment is formed with horizontal rails (15) obtained by connecting a plurality of rail members (151, 152) having a pair of side plates extending in the same direction, and having a shape in which the sides of the pair of side plates extending in the direction are linked by the main plate. The connected rail members (151, 152) have a shape in which part of at least one end of the main plate or each side plate is cut off. One end of each side plate of each of the rail members (151, 152) and the other end of each side plate are connected in a state in which the one end of each side plate is superposed on the inside or outside of the other end of each side plate.

Abstract: Substrates may be bonded according to a method comprising contacting a first bonding surface of a first substrate with a second bonding surface of a second substrate to form an assembly; and compressing the assembly in the presence of an oxidizing atmosphere under suitable conditions to form a bonding layer between the first and second surfaces, wherein the first bonding surface comprises a polarized surface layer; the second bonding surface comprises a hydrophilic surface layer; the first and second bonding surfaces are different.