Abstract: A solar cell and a method for fabricating the same are described. A pyramid structure is formed on a silicon substrate. A laser treatment is performed on the pyramid structure, so that a top portion of the pyramid structure has an arc shape, and a round is formed at a crest line of the pyramid structure. Films formed during subsequent processes hence have a uniform thickness and conversion efficiency of the solar cell is improved.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device that exhibits superior electric power generation efficiency due to suppression of diffusion of oxygen from a transparent electrode layer into a microcrystalline silicon p-layer. A photovoltaic device (100) comprises a transparent electrode layer (2) and one or more photovoltaic layers (3) stacked on a substrate (1), wherein at least one of the photovoltaic layers (3) comprises a p-type crystalline silicon layer (41), an i-type crystalline silicon layer (42) and an n-type silicon layer (43), and an amorphous silicon layer (7) is disposed between and adjacent to the transparent electrode layer (2) and the p-type crystalline silicon layer (41).

Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric conversion device using a semiconductor nanomaterial, which converts light energy having photon energy into electrical energy, including: a substrate, a plurality of semiconductor nanomaterials arranged on the substrate, and a metal layer that is formed on the semiconductor nanomaterial and is joined with the semiconductor nanomaterial by a schottky junction, wherein electrical energy is generated by a rectified current generated between the semiconductor nanomaterial and the metal layer joined by the schottky junction.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device provided with an electron transport layer having an excellent electron transport ability and having an excellent photoelectric conversion efficiency, and electronic equipment provided with such a photoelectric conversion device and having a high reliability are provided. A solar cell, to which the photoelectric conversion device is applied, has a first electrode provided on a substrate, a second electrode arranged opposite to the first electrode and retained on a facing substrate, an electron transport layer provided between these electrodes and positioned on the side of the first electrode, a dye layer being in contact with the electron transport layer, and an electrolyte layer provided between the electron transport layer and the second electrode and being in contact with the dye layer. The electron transport layer is constituted of a monocrystalline material of multiple oxide as a main component thereof.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a transparent electrode, is presented. The transparent electrode includes a substrate and a transparent layer disposed on the substrate. The transparent layer includes (a) a first region including cadmium tin oxide; (b) a second region including tin and oxygen; and (c) a transition region including cadmium, tin, and oxygen interposed between the first region and the second region, wherein an atomic ratio of cadmium to tin in the transition region varies across a thickness of the transition region. The second region further has an electrical resistivity greater than an electrical resistivity of the first region. A photovoltaic device, a photovoltaic module, a method of making is also presented.

Abstract: A glass substrate may be processed at high temperatures without substantially losing its thermal-strengthening characteristics or deforming. In some examples, the glass substrate exhibits an increased annealing point and/or softening point as compared to standard glass substrates. In some examples, the glass substrate includes a relatively high amount of CaO and/or MgO, and/or a relatively low amount of Na2O, as compared to traditional soda-lime-silica-based glass. Depending on the composition, the glass substrate may be useful, for example, to fabricate a glass-based solar cell that mates two substantially flat glass substrates together.

Abstract: A solar cell has a metal contact formed to electrically contact a surface of semiconductor material forming a photo-voltaic junction. The solar cell includes a surface region or regions of heavily doped material and the contact comprises a contact metallisation formed over the heavily doped regions to make contact thereto. Surface keying features are located in the semiconductor material into which the metallisation extends to assist in attachment of the metallisation to the semiconductor material.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a photoelectric conversion device, a method for forming an embedded electrode is provided, which is suitable for a groove with a high aspect ratio. A first groove and a second groove intersecting with the first groove are formed in a crystalline silicon substrate, an i-type first silicon semiconductor layer, a second silicon semiconductor layer with one conductivity type, and a light-transmitting conductive film are sequentially formed on the surface of the crystalline silicon substrate and on the grooves, a conductive resin is injected into the first groove, and the second groove is filled with the conductive resin by a capillary action to form a grid electrode.

Abstract: A method for the application of solution processed metal oxide hole transport layers in organic photovoltaic devices and related organic electronics devices is disclosed. The metal oxide may be derived from a metal-organic precursor enabling solution processing of an amorphous, p-type metal oxide. An organic photovoltaic device having solution processed, metal oxide, thin-film hole transport layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a front electrode for solar cells including: filling a paste for forming electrodes in a mold in which a depression pattern corresponding to a pattern of a front electrode is imprinted, drying the paste and bringing an adhesive film in contact with the paste to transfer the paste from the mold, adding the adhesive film to the semiconductor substrate such that the paste is directed toward a semiconductor substrate, and baking the paste transferred from the adhesive film to form a front electrode on the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a structured electrically conductive coating on a substrate, in which first a monolayer or oligolayer of a surface-hydrophobizing substance is applied to a surface of the substrate and then a substance comprising electrically conductive particles is applied to the substrate according to a predetermined pattern. The invention furthermore relates to a use of the process for the production of solar cells or circuit boards and to an electronic component comprising a substrate to which a structured electrically conductive surface is applied, a monolayer or oligolayer of a surface-hydrophobizing material being applied to the substrate and the structured electrically conductive surface being applied to the monolayer or oligolayer.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell comprises a photoelectrode formed by using a stainless steel plate and a counter electrode formed by using a light-transmissive electroconductive material, wherein the photoelectrode comprises, as the substrate thereof, a stainless steel plate having a chemical composition containing Cr: at least 16% by mass and Mo: at least 0.3% by mass and having a roughened surface in which pit-like indentations are formed and which is controlled to have an arithmetic average roughness Ra of at least 0.2 ?m, and comprises, as formed on the roughened surface of the substrate, a sensitizing dye-carrying semiconductor layer, the counter electrode has a catalyst thin-film layer formed on the surface of the light-transmissive electroconductive material and has visible light tansmissiveness, and the semiconductor layer of the photoelectrode and the catalyst thin-film layer of the counter electrode face each other via an electrolytic solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dye-sensitized solar cell and a module using the same and more particularly, to a dye-sensitized solar cell in which a photoelectrode substrate and a catalyst electrode substrate are spaced apart from each other by a separating space and coupled together by an encapsulating material and the separating space is filled with an electrolyte, characterized in that the electrolyte contains optical beads, and a module using the same. Thus, light passing through the photoelectrode substrate is refracted or reflected by the optical beads, and irradiated onto the photoelectrode substrate, thereby to improve the efficiency of the solar cell. Particularly, the efficiency of a dye-sensitized solar cell for a BIPV system is more effectively improved, said solar cell not having a separate scattering layer for maintaining the translucency thereof.

Abstract: An article, such as a solar cell or module, is presented. In one embodiment, the article includes a photovoltaically active region and a photovoltaically inactive region. A filler material is disposed in the inactive region; the filler material includes a reflective material configured to scatter at least 50% of light incident on the filler material. Another embodiment is an article that includes a photovoltaically active region and a photovoltaically inactive region. A filler material is disposed in the inactive region; the filler material includes a wavelength converting material. Other embodiments are described herein in which the filler material described above and disposed in the inactive region includes both the reflective material and the wavelength converting material.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including a wave-guide containing a luminescent material which responds to incident light by emitting frequency-shifted light. A first portion of the frequency-shifted light is internally reflected within the wave-guide to a wave-guide output, and a second portion of the frequency-shifted light is transmitted out of the wave-guide. The apparatus further includes a diffuse reflector positioned proximal to the waveguide to reflect at least some of the second portion of the frequency-shifted light hack in to the waveguide to be internally reflected within the wave-guide to a wave-guide output.

Abstract: The invention provides a solar cell module stacked member in which a pressure sensitive-type adhesive for bonding together a support member and a solar cell module is not photodegraded, and there is no concern of separation of the support member and the solar cell module. In a solar cell module stacked member in which a support member and a solar cell module having an internal solar cell element are stacked, the support member and the solar cell module are bonded together; the support member and the solar cell module are bonded together by a reaction hardening-type adhesive in an outer rim portion of the solar cell module irradiated with sunlight; and the support member and the solar cell module are bonded together by a pressure sensitive-type adhesive in a portion which is on the inside of the outer rim portion of the solar cell module and in which sunlight is blocked.

Abstract: The present invention can simplify a process. In the present invention, a transparent conductive layer (5) is provided on an electrode side substrate (12); a porous semiconductor layer (7) is provided on the transparent conductive layer (5); and a counter electrode layer (9) in a state in which it is separated from the porous semiconductor layer (7) is provided. A cell partition wall (6) which is provided on the electrode side substrate (12) and surrounds the periphery of the porous semiconductor layer (7) is provided. In the sensitized solar cell module (11), electrolytic solution (10) is impregnated in the porous semiconductor layer (7) and the counter electrode layer (9), and a sealing material in the form of liquid is disposed in such a manner as to cover an upper portion of the cell partition wall (6) to seal the electrolytic solution (10). Then, the sealing material in the form of liquid is solidified.

Abstract: A thin-film solar cell and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The method of manufacturing the thin-film solar cell includes the steps of providing a substrate; forming a diffusion barrier layer on the substrate; forming a back electrode layer on the diffusion barrier layer; forming a precursor layer on the back electrode layer, and the precursor layer including at least Cu, In and Ga; providing an alkali layer on an upper surface of the precursor layer, and the alkali layer being formed of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, or an alkali metal compound; providing a selenization process for the precursor layer and the alkali layer to form an absorber layer, such that an atomic percentage concentration of the alkali metal in the absorber layer is ranged between 0.01%˜10%; forming at least a buffer layer on the absorber layer; and forming at least a front electrode layer on the buffer layer.

Abstract: A compositional range of high strain point alkali metal free, silicate, aluminosilicate and boroaluminosilicate glasses are described herein. The glasses can be used as substrates for photovoltaic devices, for example, thin film photovoltaic devices such as CIGS photovoltaic devices. These glasses can be characterized as having strain points ?570° C., thermal expansion coefficient of from 5 to 9 ppm/° C.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell includes a buffer layer disposed between a transparent conductive layer and a junction partner layer. The solar cell has an absorber layer made from a Group II-VI compound which is in contact with the junction partner layer. The buffer layer is made from at least one of cadmium doped tin oxide, indium sulfide, tin doped indium sulfide, gallium sulfide and tin doped gallium sulfide.

Abstract: A method is provided for portioning a flowable, optionally pressurized mass. In a first step a first pinch valve is opened and a second pinch valve located thereafter in a principal flow direction of the mass (m) is slightly closed. As soon as a desired quantity of the mass has passed the pinch valves the first pinch valve is closed. The second pinch valve is then opened. The opening, the slight closing and the closing of the first pinch valve and of the second pinch valve is accomplished by a pressure medium. A controller, a valve arrangement and a portioning device are also provided for executing the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to the saturation of different gaseous, liquid, gel-like, solid and mixed media with ingredients emitted by vegetative plants. The method for treating a medium by saturating it with useful substances emitted by plants involves supplying a gaseous medium to a chamber containing vegetative or cut plants and passing the gaseous medium saturated with plant excreta through the medium undergoing treatment. Furthermore, a low pressure or a low and a high pressure is generated in the above-mentioned gaseous medium in the chamber containing the vegetative or cut plants. The medium treating device comprises a means for pumping the gaseous medium, at least one chamber for plants emitting plant excreta, which chamber is connected by a pipe to the above-mentioned means on the intake side and to the pumping means on the discharge side; furthermore, the above-mentioned means is connected on the discharge side to at least one container for the medium undergoing treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water-discharging device of a high voltage battery pack that can automatically adjust the level of water collecting in an under cover such that high voltage parts, such as an expensive battery module and a BMS, equipped in the under cover are not damaged by the water, by making the BMS operate a water pump to forcibly discharge the water out of the under cover, when the water collects and increases in level in the under cover having a sealed structure.

Abstract: A pump for conveying a medium comprises a pump chamber having an intake opening and an outlet opening. A movable component is movably disposed in the pump chamber in order to convey a batch of the medium, which is located in the pump chamber, from the intake opening to the outlet opening. A ventilation device has a ventilation opening in fluid communication with the pump chamber. The ventilation opening is different from the intake opening and the outlet opening. The ventilation device is configured to reduce or at least substantially prevent, at least temporarily, the formation of a partial vacuum or a negative pressure in the pump chamber.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for the control of fluids and, in some cases, to systems and methods for flowing a fluid into and/or out of other fluids. As examples, fluid may be injected into a droplet contained within a fluidic channel, or a fluid may be injected into a fluidic channel to create a droplet. In some embodiments, electrodes may be used to apply an electric field to one or more fluidic channels, e.g., proximate an intersection of at least two fluidic channels. For instance, a first fluid may be urged into and/or out of a second fluid, facilitated by the electric field. The electric field, in some cases, may disrupt an interface between a first fluid and at least one other fluid. Properties such as the volume, flow rate, etc.

Abstract: Hydraulic pulses are produced each time that a pulse valve interrupts the flow of a pressurized fluid through a conduit. The pulse valve includes an elongate housing having an inlet configured to couple to the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid, and an outlet configured to couple to one or more tools. In the housing, a valve assembly includes a poppet reciprocating between open and closed positions, and a poppet seat, in which the poppet closes to at least partially block the flow of pressurized fluid through the valve. A pilot within the poppet moves between disparate positions to modify fluid paths within the valve. When the valve is open, a relatively lower pressure is produced by a Venturi effect as the fluid flows through a throat in the poppet seat, to provide a differential pressure used to move the pilot and poppet. An optional bypass reduces the pulse amplitude.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of making laminated devices (especially microchannel devices) in which plates are assembled and welded together. Unlike conventional microchannel devices, the inventive laminated devices can be made without brazing or diffusion bonding; thus providing significant advantages for manufacturing. Features such as expansion joints and external welded supports are also described. Laminated devices and methods of conducting unit operations in laminated devices are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus to measure the transient response of a mass flow controller (MFC). The size of a variable orifice, upstream of the MFC, is controlled such that the pressure between the orifice and the MFC is held constant during the entire time that the MFC is going through its transient response. The known relationship between the size of the orifice and the flow through it allows a determination of the transient response of the MFC.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a vacuum source and a food storage compartment including a drawer unit having a storage space. The food storage compartment is operable between a substantially air-tight retracted position and an open extended position. A vacuum source is in communication with the storage space of the drawer unit and is operable to reduce air pressure inside the drawer unit during an evacuation event. A sealing unit includes a base connected to the drawer unit. A sealing bracket is hingedly-connected to the base and operable between a raised position and a lowered position, the sealing bracket adapted to abut the base when in the lowered position. A heat sealing bar is disposed on one of the base and the sealing bracket. A control system is operable to activate the vacuum source and initiate the evacuation event when the drawer unit is in the air-tight retracted position.

Abstract: A shower arm-securing device for securing the placement of a shower arm comprising: an opening in the center of the device; an outer perimeter; an inner perimeter, where the inner perimeter is tapered from the opening and meets the outer perimeter; and a set screw, where the set screw secures the device to a shower arm. The shower arm-securing device may also include an adhesive surface on the backside that abuts the wall surrounding the shower arm.

Abstract: A fluid transfer system includes a transfer device coupled to a dry break coupler. The transfer device includes a valve assembly moveable between an open and a closed position. The valve assembly includes a main valve and a pilot valve. An actuator controls both the main valve and the pilot valve. A cam plate interconnects the actuator and the valve assembly. The cam plate provides a quick acting shutoff to quickly move the valve assembly to the closed position. A pivotal and rotatable connector couples the transfer device to the dry break coupler. A lock is integrated with the actuator to lock the valve assembly in the closed position.

Abstract: A septic system can include an improved and more reliable apparatus for distributing effluent uniformly to a plurality of portions or fingers of a drain field. In such apparatus, an effluent container, or collection tank, is connected with the outlet of a septic tank, and an effluent-operated valve controls effluent flow from an outlet of the effluent container, or collection tank, to an effluent distribution tank which is connected to a plurality of portions, or fingers, of a sewage drain field to uniformly distribute the effluent from the septic tank to the drain field.

Abstract: A bathroom flusher includes a body having an inlet in communication with a supply line and an outlet in communication with a flush conduit, a valve assembly in the body positioned to close water flow between the inlet and the outlet upon sealing action of a moving member at a valve seat thereby controlling flow from the inlet to the outlet, and an actuator for actuating operation of the moving member. The bathroom flusher includes one of several novel sensors and is controlled by one of several novel controllers, as described. The controller may execute a novel control algorithm.

Abstract: Regulated pneumatic gas is supplied through a gas supply tube (14) which is welded to a pilot valve housing (18) which accommodates a solenoid valve (16). When the solenoid valve is electrically activated and opened, the pneumatic gas flows through a bifurcated channel (22) which is welded to the pilot valve housing and to a fuel valve mechanism (24A) and to an oxidizer valve mechanism (24B). The force of the pneumatic gas causes pistons (38A, 38B) to actuate respective poppets (36A, 36B). Movement of the poppets results in the dispensing of fuel propellant from a fuel outlet chamber (44A) and the dispensing of oxidizer from an oxidizer outlet chamber (44B). The fuel valve mechanism and oxidizer valve mechanism are positioned and oriented such that the exiting fuel and oxidizer are mixed in a vortex rocket engine.

Abstract: A valve system includes a fusible plug valve that functions as a fusible plug valve and as a manual valve. When functioning as a fusible plug valve, the fusible plug valve opens at a high temperature to release gas from a high pressure tank to outside. When functioning as a manual valve, the fusible plug valve is opened manually to release the gas from the high pressure tank to the outside.

Abstract: The invention relates to a check valve for blocking a fluid-carrying line in case of reversal of the flow direction, containing a valve housing defining a flow path and having two connecting pieces and a valve seat therebetween, and a flap module mounted in the valve housing and containing a shut-off body interacting with the valve seat, a bearing device for pivotably supporting the shut-off body such that the latter is movable between an open position and a closed position, and a lever extending between the shut-off body and the bearing device and being connected to the shut-off body and the bearing device. For easier manufacturing, the invention proposes that a part of the flap module is formed by at least one sheet-metal shaped part.

Abstract: A fail-safe fluid, particularly, water distribution apparatus for use within residential, commercial and industrial buildings comprising (i) a conduit through which fluid is distributed; (ii) a fluid flow time-sensitive sensor cooperative with the conduit to operably detect fluid flow within the conduit over desired periods of time; and (iii) a fluid control valve to control the flow of the fluid within the conduit cooperative with the sensor.

Abstract: A method of fueling with compressed gas is described. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a supply of compressed gas; providing a storage tank with a fueling line, and a nozzle in the fueling line, the nozzle movable between at least a flow reduction position and a full fuel flow position; initiating fueling from the supply of compressed gas with the nozzle in the flow reduction position for a predetermined time or until a minimum pressure is obtained; when the predetermined time or the minimum pressure is obtained, moving the nozzle to the full fuel flow position; and fueling the storage tank from the supply of compressed gas with the nozzle in the full fuel flow position until fueling is completed. A vehicle incorporating the nozzle is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shape optimized header comprising a shell that is operative for collecting a fluid; wherein an internal diameter and/or a wall thickness of the shell vary with a change in pressure and/or a change in a fluid flow rate in the shell; and tubes; wherein the tubes are in communication with the shell and are operative to transfer fluid into the shell. Disclosed herein is a method comprising fixedly attaching tubes to a shell; wherein the shell is operative for collecting a fluid; wherein an internal diameter and/or a wall thickness of the shell vary with a change in pressure and/or a change in a fluid flow rate in the shell; and wherein the tubes are in communication with the shell and are operative to transfer fluid into the shell.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for supplying lubricant to a plurality of lubrication sites. Embodiments include a pump with venting and non-venting piston return, a pump with stirrer and direct feed mechanism, a pump with CAN system and self-diagnostics, a pump with heated housing and reservoir and a pump with stepper motor and overdrive control.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for supplying lubricant to a plurality of lubrication sites. Embodiments include a pump with venting and non-venting piston return, a pump with stirrer and direct feed mechanism, a pump with CAN system and self-diagnostics, a pump with heated housing and reservoir and a pump with stepper motor and overdrive control.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for supplying lubricant to a plurality of lubrication sites. Embodiments include a pump with venting and non-venting piston return, a pump with stirrer and direct feed mechanism, a pump with CAN system and self-diagnostics, a pump with heated housing and reservoir and a pump with stepper motor and overdrive control.

Abstract: A structure of an orifice plate for an engine mount filled with a magnetorheological (“MR”) fluid may include a core of which a center part may be formed at the center thereof and a blade part may be formed with a plurality of blades protruding in a radial direction from an outer periphery of the center part, and a coil assembly enclosing the outer periphery of the center part and wired up, wherein a gap may be formed between the blades so as to allow the MR fluid to flow between the blades and the coil assembly applied with current magnetizes adjacent blades to have different polarities.

Abstract: An arrangement for transferring a fluid, such as liquefied natural gas, to a ship. The arrangement includes a manifold and a device for offsetting a manifold connector beyond an edge of the ship. The device includes a fixed tubular portion connected to the manifold and a mobile tubular portion, mobile between a transfer position, in which the device is connected to a fluid transfer duct, and a rest position, inside the ship. The mobile tubular portion is pivotably mounted between the rest and transfer positions and is connected to the fixed tubular portion in the transfer position, and separated from the fixed tubular portion in the rest position. The manifold connector of the fixed tubular portion is located so that axes of opening apertures of the fixed and mobile tubular portions coincide in the transfer position of the mobile tubular portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for receiving liquids in an aircraft and/or releasing liquids therefrom, especially during the flight, said device being arranged especially in an airplane. The aim of the invention is to provide a device which can receive large quantities of liquids in a rapid, reliable and flexible manner. To this end, the device can include a tank module with at least one tank container that is connected to a collector using a connecting shaft and a bulkhead module that can be connected to the tank module by the collecting tank. A closing element in the open position releases liquid from the tank module. In addition, a refueling module which is connected to the tank module by a supply line and a tube arranged on a winding device, and a receiving element attached to the tube, can provide refueling of the device.

Abstract: An innerduct for segregating cables in a conduit is provided wherein the innerduct is constructed from one or more strip-shaped lengths of a woven textile fabric and configured to provide multiple longitudinal compartments for the cables, and the textile fabric has a warp of monofilament yarn ends and a filling of a combination of monofilament and multifilament yarn picks, with the multifilament yarn picks being multiple-inserted yarns.

Abstract: A tubular part with a complex geometrical shape, the tubular part is made of a composite material including, on the one hand, a core part made of a very high-temperature resin obtained by a 3-D direct-creation method using a very high-temperature thermoplastic resin and, on the other hand, a coating of resin-impregnated fibres. The part includes, for example, at least one internal separation of the tube into several conduits that do not communicate with one another. The part is suitable for conveying air flows in opposite or separate directions. One of the conduits can be a dedicated cable raceway.

Abstract: A waste collection tube for a dry electrophotographic printer is a molded, open construction. The molded open construction has mirror symmetry, and a first half and a second half connected by a flexible hinge. The first half and the second half open construction waste tubes have edges and labyrinth seals on the edges. A fastening device attaches the first half to the second half in a removable manner.

Abstract: A binding wire twisting apparatus for tying reinforcing bars. A motor rotates a shaft upon which a member reciprocates from a rearward to a forward position. The apparatus includes opposed fingers with opposed channels for fed binding wire. When in the rearward position, the member drives a wire feeding unit that feeds binding wire though the fingers and around the reinforcing bars. When the leading end of the fed wire impacts an actuator of a four-way valve, a pneumatic cylinder reciprocates the member from the first to the second position, and a cutter cuts the wire. Once in the second position, gripping surfaces entrap and hold the ends of the wire, and the rotating member, while holding the ends of the wire between first and second grip pieces, twists and ties the wire around the reinforcing bars, and a torque-release clutch decouples the motor from the shaft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cutting materials are disclosed herein In some embodiments, methods of at least partially severing a capillary vessel can include: focusing a laser on a predetermined point on the capillary vessel, said capillary vessel containing a biological sample; and cutting the capillary vessel using a laser at the predetermined point. In some embodiments, the methods further can include capturing an image of the capillary vessel and analyzing the image to determine the predetermined point. In some embodiments, a beam of the laser can be moved using one or more galvanometric mirrors. In some embodiments, the methods further can include cutting a plurality of capillary vessels using the laser. In some embodiments, the methods can include utilizing a plurality of lasers, and/or further can include rotating the capillary vessel while the laser can be cutting the capillary vessel. In some embodiments, cutting the capillary vessel can include cutting only a portion of the capillary vessel.