Abstract: Devices, including a wash ring assembly, and methods are provided for the removal of excess fluid or solids from the exterior or interior of a probe used to transfer fluids, for instance, in an automated assay device. Typically, a probe is used to aspirate and dispense a sample fluid material such as whole blood or a reagent. The devices and methods provided herein are useful for removing excess fluid from the exterior or interior of the probe so as to prevent dripping and cross-contamination between samples or reagents. It is also contemplated that, utilizing the devices and methods provided herein, washing and/or drying can be performed simultaneously as the probe is in motion, aspirating a sample and/or dispensing a sample.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided with an auxiliary dispenser to be selectively, conveniently attached to a dish rack for movement with the dish rack into and out of a dishwasher tub, with the dispenser including a storage compartment for housing a washing agent, an inlet leading to the storage compartment and an outlet leading from the storage compartment. When the dish rack is in the recessed position, the inlet of the dispenser is arranged in fluid communication with a fluid conduit system which delivers washing fluid to at least one spray nozzle of the dishwasher, while an outlet of the dispenser leads to a washing compartment of the tub. With this arrangement, at least a portion of the washing fluid directed to the at least one spray nozzle will be forced to flow through the storage compartment in order to pick up additional washing agent for enhanced cleansing purposes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a detergent dispenser configured to attach to an interior surface of a dishwasher door. The detergent dispenser may comprise a reservoir configured to hold detergent, wherein a portion of the upper wall of the reservoir has been removed to reduce a cross-sectional length thereof such that water flowing down the dishwasher door is encouraged into the reservoir. The detergent dispenser may also comprise a dispenser door comprising a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein the dispenser door is configured to cover the reservoir in the closed configuration. The detergent dispenser may be configured to encourage water flowing down the interior surface of the dishwasher door to enter the reservoir when the dispenser door is in the open or closed configuration.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a rinsing container having a rinsing chamber and a drying facility which is provided outside of the rinsing container and fluidically connected to the rinsing chamber for drying air charged with humidity from the rinsing chamber. A storage tank is fluidically connectable with the rinsing chamber for intermediately storing rinsing fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of household cleaning tools. The invention further relates to the use of an air-water jet for the cleaning of hardsurfaces. It is an object of the present invention to provide easier cleaning of hard surfaces. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a process of easier cleaning of hard surfaces, especially by means of a device that uses a relatively low water flow rate. Surprisingly it has been found that an external mix air-water jet device may be used for cleaning hard surfaces.

Abstract: A filter cleaning system for cleaning a filter element is provided. The filter cleaning system includes a set of pulse nozzles and a compressed air supply, which rotate together during a cleaning cycle to release pulse blasts at predetermined time intervals to clean the filter element.

Abstract: Robotized cleaning device used on ferromagnetic structures that includes two symmetrical cleaning arms (100, 200) and a caterpillar type tractor (300) device that moves using magnetic soles over the bands of said caterpillar robot; and where said arms (100, 200) are jointly attached to the tractor device (300) by means of a structural profile and are essentially comprised of a cleaning roller (1), each of them operated by a reduction motor (4) coupled to said roller (1) and a plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: A dishwasher with multiple, physically separate treating chambers includes a pump unit, a system for fluidly coupling the separate treating chambers to the pump unit, and a water supply system.

Abstract: A dishwasher with multiple, physically separate treating chambers includes a pump and filter unit and a system for coupling the separate treating chambers to the pump and filter unit.

Abstract: A dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher, includes a washing compartment having a loading opening which can be closed by a door. A determination device is provided for determining a position of the door and includes a signal transmitter and a signal receiver, with the signal transmitter or signal receiver being arranged in and/or on a movably mounted element and determining the position of the door, in particular the closed end position of the door.

Abstract: A cleaning system for solar collectors, characterized in that movably mounted cleaning nozzles for introducing steam or water are secured to collectors, which can be closed in pairs at the mirror ends. The cleaning process is to take place partially or completely in the closed state or protective position.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having at least one primary sprayer and at least one auxiliary sprayer located within a treating chamber. Wherein the at least one auxiliary sprayer is removably mounted in the treating chamber.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having a tub defining a treating chamber and a housing physically separate from the tub and defining a sump to receive liquid sprayed into the tub, the housing having an inlet fluidly connected to a liquid outlet of the tub and an outlet fluidly coupled to a sprayer located within the tub to define a recirculation path for the sprayed liquid.

Abstract: A safely operable handle device for an automatic foldable umbrella includes a grip shell coupled with a telescopic central shaft unit, a retained block releasably blocked to hold the umbrella in an opened state, a reel member rotatably mounted in the grip shell and biased to reel in a force transmission cord to restrict extending movement of the central shaft unit, a pawl member movable to engage or disengage from a ratchet tooth of the reel member, and a force-transmitting mechanism urged to move from a lower position to an upper position, and having a camming surface mated with a cammed surface of the pawl member to move the pawl member to engage the ratchet tooth so as to prevent undesirable unfolding of the central shaft unit as a result of accidental slip-off during folding.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a universal foot assembly having a foot pedal that may be attached to a desk or workstation that can be adjustably configured to allow for the foot pedal to vibrate, rotate, or move in a number of directions. The foot assembly comes as part of a kit and is configurable for retrofit attachment to existing desks and workstations. The foot assembly helps students having ADD or ADHD expend nervous energy. It also provides a valuable exercise mechanism for those trying to improve their physical health.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractable enclosure assembly and method of using the same. The assembly includes at least a base, a housing mounted to the base and a cover secured inside the housing. The assembly also includes a means mounted on the housing to engage the cover into the housing and to disengage the cover from the housing such that the disengagement of the cover functions to enclose the object and the engagement of the coyer functions to uncover the object.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device is disclosed. The device includes an insulating layer, a first conducting layer configured to induce charge of a first polarity on a first surface of the insulating layer, and a second conducting layer configured to induce charge of a second polarity on a second surface of the insulating layer, the second polarity opposite the first polarity, and the first surface opposite the second surface across a transversal axis, wherein by induction of opposing charges on the first surface and the second surface of the insulating layer spatially separated surface excitons are formed on the first and the second surfaces of the insulating layer, the spatially separated surface excitons generate a counterflow electrical current when a thermal gradient is provided across a longitudinal axis of the insulating layer. The surface excitons could potentially condense into a superfluid under appropriate conditions, giving rise to superfluidic thermoelectric current.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a direct wafer bonding method including providing a bonding layer upon a first and second wafer, and directly bonding the first and second wafers together under heat and pressure. The method may be used for directly bonding an GaAs-based, InP-based, GaP-based, GaSb-based, or Ga(In)N-based device to a GaAs device by introducing a highly doped (Al)(Ga)InP(As)(Sb) layer between the devices. The bonding layer material forms a bond having high bond strength, low electrical resistance, and high optical transmittance.

Abstract: Provided are novel methods of fabricating photovoltaic modules using thermoplastic materials to support wire networks to surfaces of photovoltaic cells. A thermoplastic material goes through a molten state during module fabrication to distribute the material near the wire-cell surface interface. In certain embodiments, a thermoplastic material is provided as a melt and coated over a cell surface, with a wire network positioned over this surface. In other embodiments, a thermoplastic material is provided as a part of an interconnect assembly together with a wire network and is melted during one of the later operations. In certain embodiments, a thermoplastic material is provided as a shell over individual wires of the wire network. A thermoplastic material is then solidified, at which point it may be relied on to support the interconnect assembly with respect to the cell. Also provided are novel photovoltaic module structures that include thermoplastic materials used for support.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell includes a base material that functions as an electrode, has flexibility, and has a porous layer, containing a dye-sensitizer-supported fine particle of a metal oxide semiconductor on one surface thereof. A counter electrode base material is arranged to oppose the base material for dye sensitized solar cell, functions as an electrode, and has flexibility. A solid electrolyte layer is provided between the base material for dye-sensitized solar cell and the counter electrode base material and contacts the porous layer. Among the base materials, at least one has transparency; and at least one has an insulating layer provided on a surface thereof. The insulating layer is provided in a region a region where the porous layer is formed, and where the base materials are opposed to each other. The insulating layer has an external communication portion that leads from an inside of the porous layer-forming region to outside.

Abstract: A package structure of solar photovoltaic module and method of manufacturing the same are provided. The package structure of solar photovoltaic module includes a transparent substrate, a backsheet disposed opposite to the transparent substrate, a plurality of solar cells between the transparent substrate and the backsheet, and several encapsulants sandwiched in between the transparent substrate and the backsheet, wherein the encapsulants encapsulate the solar cells. There is at least one embossing interface between the encapsulants, and the encapsulant having the embossing interface is a thermosetting material.

Abstract: A dimension solar panel including a plurality of solar cells that are arranged in a spacing. The solar panel has a convex configuration so that the solar panel comprises at least 10 percent more solar cells than a flat solar panel with a plurality of solar cells that are arranged in the spacing.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly, including an electric-optically transducing layer, an electrically conducting layer, and an electrically insulating layer positioned between the electric-optically transducing layer and the electrically conducting layer. The assembly includes a hydrophobic layer, a dielectric layer positioned between the electrically conducting layer and the hydrophobic layer, and a liquid microdroplet lens positioned in contact with the hydrophobic layer. The electrically conducting layer, the electrically conducting layer, the hydrophobic layer and the dielectric layer are substantially optically transparent.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use with photovoltaic cells, light emitting devices and the like. Reflective regions are formed on a sheet of flexible, non-metallic sheet material. The sheet material is folded to at least partially define a finished shape. Supports complete and maintain the folded condition such that one or more truncated parabolic troughs are defined. Incident light may be received and concentrated, or emitted light concentrated and projected, by way of the troughs.

Abstract: Fluid delivery systems and related structures and processes are provided, such as for use with water, treated water, and/or a cleaning solution, for any of cleaning, cooling or any combination thereof, for one or more solar panels in a power generation environment. Enhanced coatings are provided for the incident surface of solar panels, such as to avoid build up of dirt, scale, or other contaminants, and/or to improve cleaning performance. Reclamation, filtration, and reuse structures are preferably provided for the delivered fluid, and seal structures may preferably be implemented between adjoining panels, to minimize loss of the delivered water or cleaning solution. The fluid delivery system may preferably be linked to an automated control system, such as but not limited to integrated DMPPT modules and related systems.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to luminescent solar concentrators, processes for the production of the same and uses thereof. The luminescent solar concentrators comprise a composite substrate including two or more films containing luminescent compounds and wavelength-selective mirrors, which concentrators may be connected to photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A fluorescence conversion solar cell based on one or more panels composed of polymer doped with at least one fluorescent dye and/or glass panels coated with the doped polymer and photovoltaic cells mounted on the edges of the panels, which comprise one or more fluorescent dyes based on terrylenecarboxylic acid derivatives or a combination of these fluorescent dyes with further fluorescent dyes.

Abstract: A solar cell 10 comprising a light-receiving-surface electrode layer, a backside electrode layer 4 and a stacked body 3 provided between the light-receiving-surface electrode layer 2 and the backside electrode layer 4. The stacked body 3 includes a first photoelectric converter 31 and a reflective layer 32 reflecting a part of light, which has transmitted through the first photoelectric converter 31, toward the first photoelectric converter 31. The reflective layer 32 includes a low-refractive-index layer 32b containing a refractive index-modifier and a contact layer 32 interposed between the low-refractive-index layer 32b and the first photoelectric converter 31. A refractive index of a material constituting the refractive index-modifier is lower than a refractive index of a material constituting the contact layer 32a. A refractive index of the low-refractive-index layer 32b is lower than a refractive index of the contact layer 32a.

Abstract: A solar cell and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. A laser doping process is adopted to form positive and negative doping regions for an accurate control of the doping regions. No metal contact coverage issue arises since a contact opening is formed by later firing process. The solar cell is provided with a comb-like first electrode, a sheet-like second electrode corresponding to the doping regions to obtain high photoelectric conversion efficiency by fully utilizing the space in the semiconductor substrate. Furthermore, the sheet-like second electrode can be formed by a material having high reflectivity to improve the light utilization rate of the solar cell. The manufacturing process of the solar cell is simplified and the processing yield is improved.

Abstract: A solar cell is disclosed, including the following elements. A through hole passes through a substrate, wherein the substrate includes a third surface in the through hole. A first thin film semiconductor layer is disposed on the third surface in the through hole and extended to be over the second surface of the substrate, wherein the first thin film semiconductor layer is second type. A second thin film semiconductor layer is disposed on the first surface of the substrate. A through hole connection layer is disposed in the through hole and extended to be over the first surface and the second surface of the substrate, wherein a junction is formed between the first thin film semiconductor layer and the substrate to prevent shorts from occurring between the through hole connection layer and the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a bifacial solar cell. The bifacial solar cell includes: a transparent substrate having a first side and a second side facing each other; a first transparent electrode disposed on the first side of the transparent substrate; a first light absorbing layer disposed on the first transparent electrode and exposing the first transparent electrode at one edge; a second transparent electrode disposed on the first light absorbing layer; a first metal electrode pad disposed on the exposed first transparent electrode; a third transparent electrode disposed below the second side of the transparent substrate; a second light absorbing layer disposed below the third transparent electrode and exposing the third transparent electrode in correspondence to the exposed first transparent electrode; a fourth transparent electrode disposed below the second light absorbing layer; and a second metal electrode pad disposed below the exposed third transparent electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to semiconductor components, in particular solar cells made of III-V compound semiconductors, as are used in terrestrial PV concentrator systems or for electrical energy supply in satellites. However it is also used in other optoelectronic components, such as lasers and light diodes, where either high tunnel current densities are necessary or special materials are used and where stress in the entire structure is not desired.

Abstract: A photovoltaic apparatus includes a first photoelectric conversion portion so formed on an insulating surface of a substrate as to cover a first substrate electrode and a second substrate electrode isolated from each other by a first groove, a second photoelectric conversion portion formed on the surface of the first photoelectric conversion portion through a conductive intermediate layer, a first back electrode and a second back electrode formed on the surface of said second photoelectric conversion portion and a connecting passage portion for electrically connecting the first substrate electrode and the second back electrode, provided at a prescribed interval from the side surface of said intermediate layer.

Abstract: A multi-junction photovoltaic device includes a silicon substrate and a dielectric layer formed on the silicon substrate. A germanium layer is formed on the dielectric layer. The germanium includes a crystalline structure that is substantially similar to the crystalline structure of the silicon substrate. A first photovoltaic sub-cell includes a first plurality of doped semiconductor layers formed on the germanium layer. At least a second photovoltaic sub-cell includes a second plurality of doped semiconductor layers formed on the first photovoltaic sub-cell that is on the germanium layer that is on the dielectric layer.

Abstract: An organic dye and preparation method thereof and dye-sensitized solar cells using this organic dye are provided. The structure of the organic dye molecule is donor-conjugated unit(s)-acceptor. The organic dye with broad spectrum response and high molar-absorption coefficient is obtained by modifying the structure by using various conjugated unit(s) in combination with donor and acceptor. The conditions of preparation of the organic dye are mild and the yield is high, and the organic dye can be used for highly effective dye-sensitized solar cells.

Abstract: A stack-type photovoltaic element with improved conversion efficiency having an intermediate layer and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. A stack-type photovoltaic element according to the present invention includes a first photovoltaic element portion (a) and a second photovoltaic element portion from a substrate side, as well as at least one intermediate layer between the first photovoltaic element portion and the second photovoltaic element portion. The intermediate layer is formed from a metal oxide film having an oxygen atom concentration/metal atom concentration ratio not lower than 0.956 and not higher than 0.976.

Abstract: Methods of forming contacts for back-contact solar cells are described. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a thin dielectric layer on a substrate, forming a polysilicon layer on the thin dielectric layer, forming and patterning a solid-state p-type dopant source on the polysilicon layer, forming an n-type dopant source layer over exposed regions of the polysilicon layer and over a plurality of regions of the solid-state p-type dopant source, and heating the substrate to provide a plurality of n-type doped polysilicon regions among a plurality of p-type doped polysilicon regions.

Abstract: This invention describes a semiconductor material of general formula (I) Me12Me21-xMe3xMe4(C11-yC2y)4, in which x stands for a numeric value from 0 to 1, and y stands for a numeric value of 0 to 1, as well as its use as an absorber material in a solar cell. The metal Mel is a metal which is selected from the metals in group 11 of the periodic table of the elements (Cu, Ag or Au). The metals Me2 and Me3 are selected from the elements of the 12th group of the periodic table of elements (Zn, Cd & Hg). The metal Me4 is a metal which is selected from the 4th main group of the periodic table of elements (C, Si, Ge, Sn and Pb). The non-metals C1 and C2 are selected from the group of chalcogenides (S, Se and Te).

Abstract: The invention provides a solar cell which includes a solar cell, comprising: a first conductivity type semiconductor substrate, wherein the first conductivity type semiconductor substrate comprises a light receiving surface, a non-light receiving surface and a plurality of through holes extending from the light receiving surface to the non-light receiving surface; a second conductivity type semiconductor layer formed on the non-light receiving surface and extended into the first conductivity type semiconductor substrate, wherein the second conductivity type is opposite to the first conductivity type; a first electrode layer formed on the second conductivity type semiconductor layer; and a second electrode layer formed on the light receiving surface and extended to the non-light receiving surface by the through hole.

Abstract: A method for producing solar cells with back side contacting, which is based on a microstructuring of a wafer provided with a dielectric layer and a doping of the microstructured regions on the back side and also an emitter diffusion on the front side. Subsequently, the deposition of a metal-containing nucleation layer and also a galvanic reinforcement of the contactings on the back side is effected. Solar cells which can be produced in accordance with the foregoing method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving surface reflectance of silicon wafers are disclosed. The systems and methods improve surface reflectance by forming a textured surface on the silicon wafer by performing surface oxidation and dry etching processes. The surface oxidation maybe performed using a dry oxygen plasma process. A dry etch process is performed to remove the oxide layer formed by the surface oxidation step and etch the Silicon layer with oxide masking. Dry etching enables black silicon formation, which minimizes or eliminates light reflection or scattering, eventually leading to higher energy conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A main object of the invention is to provide an organic thin-film solar cell that offers high performance and is easy to form. To achieve the object, the invention provides an organic thin-film solar cell comprising: a metal electrode layer having an aluminum layer on a surface thereof, an electron extraction layer which is a zinc oxide layer formed on the aluminum layer of the metal electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion layer formed on the electron extraction layer, and a transparent electrode layer formed on the photoelectric conversion layer, wherein the electron extraction layer has a concentration gradient in which the content of oxygen atoms in the electron extraction layer tends to increase from the metal electrode layer side to the photoelectric conversion layer.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a photoelectric conversion layer and a front electrode on the photoelectric conversion layer. The front electrode includes a bus bar electrode; at least one first finger electrode directly connected to the bus bar electrode; a plurality of connecting electrodes extending from the bus bar electrode and having a width smaller than a width of the bus bar electrode, wherein the plurality of connecting electrodes includes portions that are spaced apart from each other to form a space therebetween; at least one second finger electrode connected to at least one of the plurality of connecting electrodes; and an auxiliary electrode formed at the space between the portions of the plurality of connecting electrodes.

Abstract: Formulations and methods of making solar cells are disclosed. In general, the invention presents a solar cell contact made from a mixture wherein the mixture comprises a solids portion and an organics portion, wherein the solids portion comprises from about 85 to about 99 wt % of a metal component, and from about 1 to about 15 wt % of a lead-free glass component. Both front contacts and back contacts arc disclosed.

Abstract: In order to inhibit peeling of a backside electrode of a photoelectric conversion module, a photoelectric conversion element, which is formed by sequentially layering a transparent conductive layer (22), a photoelectric conversion unit (24), and a backside electrode (26) over a substrate (20), and a first electricity collecting electrode (28), which is for collecting the current generated by the photoelectric conversion element, are provided. In this configuration, the first electricity collecting electrode (28) is formed across the backside electrode (26) and the transparent conductive layer (22) on a removed region (A) of a panel end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell module which has a higher degree of freedom for design and can be easily manufactured at lower cost. The solar cell module (10) includes a light guide plate (1); at least one adhesive layer (4) provided on respective at least one surface of the light guide plate (1); and a solar cell element (3) which is provided on another surface perpendicular to the at least one surface. The solar cell module (10) further includes at least one light-transmitting film (2) adhered to the light guide plate (1) via the respective at least one adhesive layer (4) in which a fluorescent substance is dispersed. Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare a light guide plate in which a fluorescent substance is dispersed. Moreover, the adhesive layer(s) (4) can be freely patterned and/or stacked.

Abstract: A substrate has a top side and a bottom side. A solar cell is secured to the top side of the substrate and has an anode and a cathode. A heat transfer element is secured to the bottom side of the substrate. An anode pad is formed on the top side of the substrate and is coupled to the anode of the solar cell; similarly, a cathode pad is formed on the top side of the substrate and is coupled to the cathode of the solar cell. The substrate coefficient of thermal expansion and the solar cell coefficient of thermal expansion match within plus or minus ten parts per million per degree C.

Abstract: A thin-film solar battery is constructed such that it includes a translucent insulating substrate, a first transparent conductive film formed of a crystalline transparent conductive film on the translucent insulating substrate, with an uneven structure on a surface thereof, a second transparent conductive film formed of a transparent conductive film on the first transparent conductive film, with an uneven structure on a surface thereof, where the uneven structure is more gentle than the uneven structure of the first transparent conductive film, a power generation layer formed on the second transparent conductive film and having at least one crystalline layer to generate power, and a backside electrode layer formed of a light-reflective conductive film on the power generation layer. A substantially convex hollow portion projecting from the translucent insulating substrate is provided between adjacent convex portions in the uneven structure of the first transparent conductive film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photoelectric conversion element for use, for example, as a dye sensitized solar cell that has a wide range of choices of additives and moreover offers better characteristics than when 4-tert-butylpyridine is used as an additive. In the photoelectric conversion element having a structure in which an electrolyte layer (7) is filled between a porous photoelectrode (3) formed above a transparent substrate (1) and a counter electrode (6), an additive having a pKa falling within the range of 6.04?pKa?7.3 is added to the electrolyte layer (7), and/or the additive having a pKa falling within the range of 6.04?pKa?7.3 is adsorbed to the surface of at least either the porous photoelectrode (3) or counter electrode (6) facing the electrolyte layer (7). A pyridine-based additive or an additive having a heterocycle is used as an additive. When the electrolyte layer (7) includes an electrolytic solution, a solvent having a molecular weight of 47.

Abstract: Methods, processes, and apparatuses for the large scale synthesis of carbon nanostructures are provided. The apparatus for continuous large scale production of SWNTs includes a chamber. Positioned in one end of the chamber is a piston and at the other end is a tangential vortex created by gases forced into the chamber from opposite sides of the chamber walls. The chamber can be heated to reduce or eliminate agglomeration of small particles. The piston is used to push the catalyst towards the vortex, and the injection rate is controlled by the speed of the piston and the gas flow rate to create the vortex that also act as the transport gas. Thus, greater than 1 kg/h of an aerosolized, deagglomerated dry powder catalyst can be delivered to the reactor at a constant flow rate.