Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of constructing a smoking article using a retention member to provide a more tightly rolled smoking article and increase a volume of smoke of an ignited article. At least one or more sheets of material is provided and a retention member is positioned thereon. Next, the sheet of material is wrapped about the retention member and a portion of the sheet of material is sealed to form an inner wall. Filler material is then provided proximal to an outer surface of the inner wall whereby the filler material is distributed on both sides of the retention member. Opposite ends of the sheet material engage to then form an outer wall to enclose the tiller material between an inner surface of the outer wall and the outer surface of the inner wall. The retention member is then removed to form an inner bore within the inner shell.

Abstract: The invention provides a tobacco composition for use in a smoking article or a smokeless tobacco composition that comprises an extract derived from a component of a plant of the Nicotiana species. The invention also provides smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions that include the extracts described herein, and methods for preparing extracts derived from a component of a plant of the Nicotiana species for addition to a tobacco composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to the influencing of “flavour/smell” of cigarette while smoking, by injecting additives to the cigarette, at the filter side or the tobacco side, using a device specially designed for this purpose. The user controls the cigarette taste, intensity of taste, and the smell by choosing the liquid material and quantity to be injected into the cigarette before or while smoking. The invention is intended to improve the experience of smoking of any desired cigarette.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymer prepared from a substituted 1,3-butadiene (such as neophytadiene) derived from a plant of the Nicotiana species. The invention also provides smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions that include the polymers described herein. Further, the invention provides a method of polymerizing a substituted 1,3-butadiene derived from a plant of the Nicotiana species, the method including reacting a substituted 1,3-butadiene derived from a plant of the Nicotiana species with one or more reagents selected from the group consisting of an anionic initiator, a radical initiator, and a Ziegler-Natta catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an at least partially transparent cigarette filter tipping film comprising a biodegradable substrate, and softener in an amount of less than 25% by weight of the biodegradable substrate, and a cigarette filter comprising a filtration material encased in a cylinder of the said tipping film.

Abstract: A facial treatment mask to be attached to the face of a person so as to cover the face includes a mask body having an interior surface of a shape conforming to the shape of the face of the person.

Abstract: A nit picking device and method for mechanically stripping nits, eggs, and lice from human hair. The device includes a pair of cooperating tongs each of which is elongated and joined at one end to the juxtaposed end portion of the cooperating tong. The opposite ends of the tong serve to carry an abrasive pad capable of stripping nits from nit laden human hair shafts. As the pads are moved along the length of the hair, the nits are removed from the shafts and in one embodiment captured at least in part in the pads carried by tongs.

Abstract: Methods for disguising dermatological blemishes are provided. The method includes providing a package containing at least a viscous silicone material and a catalyst. The silicone material or the catalyst is preferably tinted with a cosmetic pigment. The package may also include one or more dispensers, such as double-barrel syringes. The syringes hold the viscous silicone material and the catalyst, separately. The package may also have mixing tips through which the silicone material and the catalyst may be dispensed, whereupon the silicone material and the catalyst are mixed and applied to a user's skin for curing. The method includes applying the silicone mixture on a dermatological area of interest, applying one of the at least one skin texturing pad to the silicone mixture before the silicone mixture cures to create texture to the silicone material, and allowing the silicone material to cure on a skin surface of the human user.

Abstract: A process for treating hair fibers comprising: applying to the hair fibers at least one cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one polysiloxane/polyurea block copolymer; and subsequently or simultaneously heating the hair fibers at a temperature ranging from 50 to 280° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for straightening keratin fibres, comprising: (i) a step in which a straightening composition containing at least two denaturing agents is applied to the keratin fibres, (ii) a step in which the temperature of the keratin fibres is raised, using a heating means, to a temperature of between 110 and 250° C.

Abstract: A composition and method oxidative colours hair based on at least one oxidative dye precursor and comprises at least one fatty acid soap, preferably selected from sodium, potassium soaps and their mixtures.

Abstract: Agent for lightening keratinous fibers comprising in a cosmetic carrier (i) at least one oxidation agent, (ii) at least one acylpyridinium derivative of Formula (I) and (iii) at least one ammonium compound comprising hydroxyl groups of Formula (II).

Abstract: Method for lightening keratinous fibers, wherein a cosmetic carrier comprises (i) at least one oxidation agent, (ii) at least one acylpyridinium derivative of formula (I) and (iii) at least one amino acid comprising hydroxyl groups and/or the physiologically compatible salts thereof and/or the alkyl esters thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an applicator device, in particular for a mascara applicator, having a core from which application organs extend. The applicator device can be produced using a primary forming process in which, at least in some portions, the application organs are disposed in a longitudinal extent in rows, as viewed along a longitudinal axis of the core, and comprise a central axis. The central axis of the application organs have at least one undulation with at least one change of curvature, and the central axis of an application organ lies completely or substantially completely within one plane or spanning a plane.

Abstract: A two-piece hair material applicator wand system and device for treating hair with hair treatment compositions, the wand having a common handle piece and interchangeable head pieces, sponge cover, a timer, various grip configurations, and the ability to connect to and communicate with a microprocessor.

Abstract: A hand-held tool for applying a solution to grouted tile surfaces includes a container, a cap assembly, a head assembly and an applicator body. The container contains the solution and provides an exit port. The cap assembly is coupled to the container and forms a conduit fluidly open to the exit port. The head assembly is rotatably coupled to the cap assembly and defines a support face. An aperture is fluidly connected to the support face and the conduit. The applicator body is retained by the support face and forms a perimeter defining a major dimension greater than a minor dimension. Solution is delivered from the exit port to the applicator body by a pathway including the conduit and the aperture, with the pathway remaining open as the applicator body is rotated relative to the container. The tool can be especially useful with stone or porous tile surfaces.

Abstract: A jewelry cleaning device may include the following components: a basin having a base portion and for holding a cleaning solution, a support post extending upwards from the base portion inside the basin and shaped to securely hold a piece of jewelry in place, and a sleeve sized to fit within the basin and having a plurality of bristles disposed therein with a handle portion on the top end thereof. A plastic dome may likewise be provided on a top end of the sleeve. All components may be modular and may be readily fitted together to form a unitary jewelry cleaning device. By rotating the sleeve using the handle portion while a piece of jewelry is supported within the cleaning solution of the basin on the support post, a user may cause the bristles to clean a piece of jewelry.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing condensed metal from the surfaces of metal processing chambers, such as, vacuum induction melting (VIM) furnaces having, for example, condensed Mg or Ti, are disclosed. The methods and apparatus provide a robotic arm end positioned in the furnace having a nozzle operatively connected to a source of dry ice. The robotic arm end directs a stream of dry ice particles against the surface of the furnace to displace condensed metal. The displaced metal is collected for reuse or disposal. Aspects of the invention provide a safe and automated process for cleaning process chambers and recovering metal that can typically be dangerous when performed by conventional methods.

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide “working device for internal pipe and working method for the same” characterized in that the travelling force in pipe is very large. SOLUTION: The working device for internal pipe is equipped with an annular pressure boundary seal of which the free end part comes into contact with the wall of the pipe and the seal divides the internal space of the pipe into two spaces, that is, a space A and a space B using the seal as a boundary. One end part of the space A close to the seal is connected to a suction pump through a hose and also connected to the space B through a vacuum breaking valve mechanism for adjusting the negative pressure in the space A, while the other end part of the space A far from the seal is closed, and the hose is arranged in the space B.

Abstract: A gutter cleaning robot can traverse rain gutters to agitate and remove debris. The gutter cleaning robot is equipped with a debris auger at a front end that contacts and ejects the debris, and has a drive system for propelling the gutter cleaning robot along the rain gutter. The debris auger can include a spiral screw or various other forms of auger, and may be interchangeable by the user so as to enhance the effectiveness of the gutter cleaning robot in various environments or modes of operation.

Abstract: Disclosed are a liquid processing apparatus and a liquid processing method that can prevent a substrate in a processing chamber from being contaminated due to contamination attached to a cup. The liquid processing apparatus includes: a processing chamber in which a substrate holding unit holding a substrate and a cup placed around the substrate holding unit are installed; a nozzle for supplying a processing liquid to the substrate held by the substrate holding unit; and a cup cleaning unit cleaning the cup by supplying a cleaning liquid to the upper part of the cup. A concave portion is formed in the upper part of the cup and the cup cleaning units supply the cleaning liquid to the concave portion in the upper part of the cup.

Abstract: Dosage elements to be consumed in use in a ware washing machine are made by (a) forming a main container part within a cavity of a mould; (b) providing the main container part with a first substance; (c) adhering a second substance to the underside of a part which is to form a lid of the dosage element; and (d) sealing the lid-forming part to the main container part so as to close the main container part and enclose the first and second substances within it; wherein the second substance covers at least 5% of the free area of the lid-forming part.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of neutralizing apatite surfaces, for example after a flow-through collection of a target and prior to cleaning the chromatography solid support.

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 reciprocate 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 treatment solution is also provided.

Abstract: Gravity and flow operated diverter valves are disclosed for diverting liquid flow from one source to either of two output destinations, the valves including a housing defining an inlet opening through a base wall, a first outlet opening through a first upper wall and a second outlet opening through a second upper wall. A valve member is movably suspended within the housing by a first end when no liquid is flowing into the inlet opening. The valve member is pivotable in a first direction to seal the first outlet opening and pivotable in a second direction to seal the second outlet opening. On successive liquid flows into the inlet opening the valve member automatically and alternatingly seals the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening. Related dishwasher designs are also disclosed.

Abstract: According to example embodiments, a dishwasher may include a siphon break apparatus configured to substantially prevent a siphon effect in a fluid conduit configured to drain a fluid from the dishwasher. The siphon break apparatus may include a first check valve in fluid communication with the fluid conduit and exposed to a pressure therein and a second check valve in fluid communication with the first check valve. The first and second check valves may be configured to be substantially closed when pressure in the fluid conduit increases as a result of fluid being pumped through the fluid conduit and substantially open when pressure in the fluid conduit decreases as a result of the fluid no longer being pumped through the fluid conduit. Thereby the siphon effect may be substantially prevented.

Abstract: Chair canopy system is a universal device that preferably attaches to the back of a manual or electric wheelchair, scooter, or chair. The device may be operated by manual means or electrically. This product allows the operator to handle daily activities and responsibilities while being protected from the elements. Disabled individuals will appreciate the protection from rain, snow, sun, and wind while running errands or attending recreational outdoor events. The portable shelter connects to the vehicle and is then pulled up and over to substantially ensure coverage of the operator. This product can be used to protect individuals from various kinds of weather and can also provide a barrier between the individual and airborne allergens and pollutants.

Abstract: A supplemental support assembly is provided for supporting a collapsible shelter structure, such as a ground blind for hunting. The support assembly includes a pole having a coupler at one end for coupling with a framework of the shelter structure, and a ground engaging point at the other end. The coupler has a generally cylindrical structure with a plurality of slots formed in a sidewall thereof. Each of the slots have an axial portion open at the top and a circumferential portion extending circumferentially from the axial portion. The axial portions of the slots are arranged to allow the coupler to be pushed over a central hub with spokes of the framework passing through the slots, and the circumferential portions of the slots are arranged to allow the coupler to be rotated into locking engagement with the spokes. The support assembly prevents the shelter structure from collapsing under heavy loads.

Abstract: A quick-release structure for a frame rod of a tent includes an upper rod, a middle rod, a lower rod, an upper joint, a lower joint and a quick-release assembly. The upper joint includes a first joint head and a second upper joint head. The first upper joint head is connected to the upper rod, and the second upper joint head is connected to the middle rod. The first upper joint head includes an eccentric cam. The lower joint includes a first lower joint head and second lower joint heads. The first lower joint head is connected to the middle rod, and the second lower joint head is connected to the lower rod. The quick-release assembly includes a pipe, a pulley, a pulley seat, an upper pin, an upper spring, a lower pin and a lower spring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sinkless electric generator for generating electrical power from temperature cycles encountered by the structure of an aircraft. The sinkless electric generator includes a thermoelectric generator which is in thermal contact with the structure of the aircraft (e.g., the aircraft's skin); an insulated housing containing a thermal mass; and a circuit for providing the energy generated by the thermoelectric generator during the temperature cycles encountered by the structure of the aircraft to a device. The insulated housing is positioned in thermal contact with the thermoelectric generator; wherein during the temperature cycles encountered by the structure of the aircraft, energy is created by the thermoelectric generator when heat is released from the thermal mass contained within the housing through the thermoelectric generator to the aircraft's structure and when heat is supplied from the aircraft's structure through the thermoelectric generator to the thermal mass.

Abstract: An electronic system includes an electronic system cabinet housing at least one electronic system component and a power generation system. The power generation system includes a cooling system having a cooling medium that generates a cooling energy. The power generation system further includes a thermoelectric conversion element having a first side and a second side. The first side is in a heat exchange relationship with the at least one electronic system component and the second side is in a heat exchange relationship with the cooling medium. Heat energy generated by the at least one electronic system component raises a temperature of the first side and the cooling energy generated by the cooling medium lowers a temperature of the second side to establish a temperature difference. The thermoelectric conversion element produces an electro-motive force based on the temperature difference.

Abstract: A thermoelectric energy harvester comprises a cyclic energy input terminal supplying heat energy in a first part of the cycle to a thermal storage reservoir through a low thermal resistance generator. During a second part of the cycle, the thermal storage reservoir returns stored heat energy to the environment through an independent thermal circuit and a higher thermal resistance thermoelectric generator.

Abstract: A thin-film solar cell includes a plurality of unit solar cells, each unit solar cell including a photoelectric conversion portion and a rear electrode layer. The photoelectric conversion portion has a first electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second transparent electrode layer, sequentially stacked on a front surface of the insulating substrate. The rear electrode layer is stacked on a rear surface of the insulating substrate. Each unit solar cell has a first overlap region in which a portion of the first electrode layer, taken from a plan view, overlaps with a portion of the rear electrode layer of an adjacent unit solar cell. Each unit solar cell has a second overlap region in which the photoelectric conversion portion and the rear electrode layer of each unit solar cell, taken from a plan view, overlap with each other.

Abstract: A solar cell array and a solar cell module with an extended area (Generally by increasing the width) active subcell are described. The solar cell array includes a fixing beam, at least one solar cell module and a fixing clip for fixing the at least one solar cell module on the fixing beam. The solar cell module further includes a dummy area formed on an edge of the solar cell module, a first active subcell formed next to the dummy area, and a second active subcell formed next to the first active subcell. The area of the first active subcell is larger than the area of the second active subcell to compensate for an area of the fixing clip overlapping on the first active subcell.

Abstract: Fabrication of a tandem photovoltaic device includes forming a bottom cell having an N-type layer, a P-type layer and a bottom intrinsic layer therebetween. A top cell is formed relative to the bottom cell. The top cell has an N-type layer, a P-type layer and a top intrinsic layer therebetween. The top intrinsic layer is formed of an undoped material deposited at a temperature that is different from the bottom intrinsic layer such that band gap energies for the top intrinsic layer and the bottom intrinsic layer are progressively lower for each cell.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate with a textured surface and a transparent conductive film formed on the textured surface that includes indium oxide containing hydrogen and cerium, and wherein X-ray diffraction peaks in an orientation in a (400) plane, measured by an X-ray diffraction method, range from 2?-diffraction angles of no less than 35.31° and no greater than 35.41°, and half-widths of no less than 0.10° and no greater than 0.30°, where ? is an x-ray diffraction angle.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of a photovoltaic module is provided, the method comprising providing one or more photovoltaic (PV) cells, each being configured to convert incident light into electrical energy, providing a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to electrically connect the PV cells to each other, disposing the PV cells on the PCB, providing a solder paste between the electrically conductive portions of the PV cells and PCB, and heating the PV cells and PCB to a temperature sufficient to melt the solder paste, thereby soldering the PV cells to the PCB.

Abstract: A photovoltaic fiber may include a first electrode surrounding a base fiber, a photoactive layer surrounding the first electrode and having a photovoltaic junction positioned in a radial direction. The photovoltaic fiber may also include a second electrode surrounding the photoactive layer is provided.

Abstract: A solar tracker system includes a solar collector, a track, a movable assembly supporting the mirror, the movable assembly including track-traveling mechanism configured to move along the track when actuated by a first actuator to adjust an azimuth of the mirror, and a second actuator to adjust an elevation of the mirror.

Abstract: A solar cell module is provided that has a plurality of electrically interconnected solar cells, wherein each solar cell comprises a photoelectric conversion body, one or more conductive ribbons, and one or more reflective strips. The electrically conductive ribbons are disposed over a portion of the front surface of the photoelectric conversion body. The reflective strips are disposed over the electrically conductive ribbons. The reflective strips have an average total reflectance of at least about 20% and a ratio of average diffuse reflectance to average total reflectance of at least about 0.2.

Abstract: Optical elements, concentrating photovoltaic devices and methods of forming optical elements are provided. An optical element includes a transparent material including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface has a Fresnel lens and the second surface has a plurality of microlenses corresponding to the Fresnel lens. One of the first surface and the second surface is configured to receive light. The optical element is configured so that light passing through the optical element is separated into a plurality of beamlets via the plurality of microlenses. The Fresnel lens has a height where, at the height of the Fresnel lens, a diffraction efficiency of at least two different wavelengths of the light passing through the optical element is maximized.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the efficiency and usability of a solar energy collection panel is provided. In one embodiment, the collection panel comprises a plurality of layers. The first layer is a photovoltaic layer that converts the solar energy into electricity. That layer is coupled to a thermoelectric conversion layer that sinks heat from the photovoltaic layer and generates electricity based on the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the layer. A fluid heating layer is then coupled to and sinks heat from the thermoelectric layer to heat up a fluid, e.g. air or water. Each of these layers is stacked together and placed above an insulation layer that supports the layers and thermally isolates them from the surrounding environment. In another embodiment, a flexible coiled solar energy collection panel is provided. In still another embodiment, a modular rail system is provided for simple and customizable installation.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method are provided in connection with a solar energy system. The arrangement includes solar panels and a converter for converting the DC voltage from the solar panels. The converter is arranged inside a container or a similar closed structure. The arrangement includes means for producing heat from the energy produced by the solar panels. The means are arranged inside the container or a similar closed structure and are electrically connectable to the solar panels.

Abstract: A reflector to reflect solar radiation, the reflector having a concave reflector surface, wherein the surface curves about a first axis and a second axis, the second axis being in a plane generally normal to the first axis and curved about the first axis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for collection and utilization of solar energy including at least one of the reflectors, and at least one photovoltaic cell associated with each surface and positioned relative to the associated surface so as to be positioned to receive radiation reflected by the associated surface and to convert the radiation to electrical energy. The apparatus further includes heat a conversion mechanism for converting excess solar radiation energy incident thereon to heat energy.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a photovoltaic device is provided. The photovoltaic device includes a first semiconductor layer; a p+-type semiconductor layer; and an interlayer interposed between the first semiconductor layer and the p+-type semiconductor layer, wherein the interlayer includes magnesium and tellurium.

Abstract: An integrated structure for solar modules may be formed by deposition of a transparent conductive material layer on a transparent support, forming scribe lines through the transparent conductive material layer, depositing a semiconductor window layer, depositing a solar cell absorber layer, depositing a first conductive layer, making cuts through the layers to expose a top surface of the transparent conductive material layer, depositing a second conductive layer and making isolation scribes that separate back contacts of adjacent solar cells from each other. Alternatively, two conductive films may be used with high resistance plugs, thereby permitting optimization of functions. The first film may be selected to optimize good ohmic contact with the absorber layer and/or to present a high diffusion barrier, whereas the second conductive film may be selected to optimize good ohmic contact with the transparent conductive material layer.

Abstract: A wire management device is disclosed. The device comprises a clip comprising an upper planar member and a lower planar member, each planar member having an inner and outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the upper planar member includes a post extending toward the inner surface of the lower planar member, a stem extending from the outer surface of the lower planar member, the stem including two outwardly-extending flanges, each of the first and second outwardly-extending flanges including an edge portion extending toward the outer surface of the lower planar member, and a transverse passage extending along the outer surface of the lower planar member, the transverse passage extending across the stem, wherein the stem has a recessed portion along the transverse passage.

Abstract: A solar array includes a plurality of solar modules arrayed along at least one of an X-direction and a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction in a not-overlapped state with rear surfaces of the solar modules being directed downwards, and a mounting member arranged between corners of the solar modules adjacent to each other. The mounting member includes a first member extending in at least one of the X-direction and the Y-direction, a second member including a support portion supporting the rear surface of the solar module, a third member including a clamping portion clamping the solar module in cooperation with the support portion of the second member, and a fixing member fixing the second member and the third member to the first member. The second member and the third member are movable along a lengthwise direction of the first member.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module with integral junction includes a photovoltaic assembly having at least one photovoltaic cell. A by-pass diode is located at the junction between a positive output cable and a negative output cable of the photovoltaic module. The diode selectively electrically joins the positive output cable with the negative output cable, thereby by-passing the photovoltaic cell assembly. Encapsulating material completely surrounds the photovoltaic assembly and the by-pass diode within a single integral unit. In one advantageous form, the encapsulating material is a polymer, such as ethylene vinyl acetate polymer.

Abstract: Laminated packages and photovoltaic modules having a glass substrate layer or a plurality of glass substrate layers encapsulated between top and bottom glass protective layers. The glass substrate layers can have similar CTE. Likewise, the top and bottom glass protective layers can have similar CTEs, CTEs that may be different from the CTE of the glass substrate layer or layers.