Abstract: A hearing protective earplug for insertion into the human ear canal of a user where the human ear canal has sidewalls and a typical curved portion. A soft resilient body has a main body element with a front end for insertion in the human ear canal. An elongated stem has two ends with one end attached to the main body element. The stem extends outward from the main body element and away from the front end. The other end of the stem forms a handle portion of the stem. The stem is sufficiently stiff as to allow manipulation of the main body element into the ear canal of the user. The stem member has a crooked or wavy configuration within the ear canal as it extends outward from the main body to the handle portion of the stem. As the front end of the main body element is inserted into the ear canal, the stem member is rotated during insertion with the handle portion to fit around the typical curved portion in the human ear canal.

Abstract: The invention provides transgenic plants, specifically tobacco plants, which accumulate the amino acid threonine in their leaves. The biosynthetic pathway leading to production of threonine is tightly regulated, and previous attempts to achieve a transgenic plant which overproduces threonine has compromised the fitness of the plants. This invention has overcome these difficulties and found a method of increasing the level of threonine in plant leaves above the corresponding wild type level without compromising plant fitness, comprising altering plant metabolism to achieve increased production of threonine after the initiation of leaf senescence. This invention involves a genetic construct comprising a senescence specific promoter operably linked to a coding sequence encoding a polypeptide having threonine insensitive aspartate kinase activity.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a tobacco composition for use in a tobacco product, the method including treating a tobacco pulp with supercritical carbon dioxide. The treated tobacco pulp may exhibit a benzo[a]pyrene concentration lower than the initial benzo[a]pyrene concentration and/or a TSNA concentration lower than the initial TSNA concentration. The treated pulp can be introduced into tobacco products including smoking articles, smokeless tobacco products, and aerosol-generating devices configured for non-combustion of plant materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electronic cigarette having L.E.D. indicators to indicate the usage of the electronic cigarette as well as memory devices for storing and generating data and charts on the usage of the electronic cigarette. The invention also relates to an improved cartomizer as well as a method of monitoring the inhalation of smoke from an electronic cigarette.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a biodegradable cigarette filter tow comprising composite filaments of cellulose and cellulose acetate, and a process for making such a filter tow comprising providing a solution dope comprising a blend of cellulose and cellulose acetate in an ionic liquid or in N-methylmorphilone-N-oxide (NMMO), and spinning casting the blend into a protic solvent to generate fibres or films, and converting the fibres or films into cigarette filter tow. The invention also concerns cigarette filters and cigarettes made from such a filter tow.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and materials involved in producing tobacco plants having reduced levels of conversion of nicotine to nornicotine. In certain embodiments, the invention is directed to mutations in a nicotine demethylase gene, tobacco plants comprising mutations in a nicotine demethylase gene, and tobacco compositions and products thereof.

Abstract: The invention features tobacco compositions and methods of their use and manufacture. Compositions of the invention may be based on a variety of technologies. Technologies include films, tabs, shaped parts, gels, consumable units, insoluble matrices, and hollow shapes. In addition to tobacco, compositions may also contain flavors, colors, and other additives as described herein. Compositions may also be orally disintegrable. Exemplary compositions and methods of their manufacture are described herein.

Abstract: A flexible sharp drill system with a single common drill controller, and a single foot speed controller. Each flexible sharp is associated with its own drill, thereby eliminating the need to change the flexible sharps. A common drill controller uses sensors to determine when a particular flexible sharp has been selected. When the selected flexible sharp has been identified by the sensor, the controller automatically turns the selected flexible sharp drill on and turns all other drills off. In addition, the single foot speed controller is automatically switched to control the selected flexible sharp.

Abstract: Novel radiation curable gel-based mammalian nail coating compositions, kits containing these compositions, and methods of their use are disclosed. The novel compositions and/or kits are useful, inter alia, for providing durable, “soak-off” type nail coatings.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for topical treatment of hair loss/alopecia including three natural, active ingredients, caffeine, saw palmetto berry extract, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). The invention also provides methods for using this composition to treat hair loss.

Abstract: The invention relates to cosmetic products containing, in a cosmetic carrier, a combination of (a) at least one polyamide that is a reaction product of at least one dimerized fatty acid and at least one diamino compound, and (b) at least one copolymer comprising at least one structural unit of formula (b-i) and at least one structural unit of formula (b-ii) wherein R is a linear or branched (C4 to C10) alkyl group, especially a branched (C4 to C10) alkyl group, and R? is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. The products are especially suitable for fixing a hairstyle. The combination of active ingredients provides the hairstyle with an excellent, flexible and long-lasting hold.

Abstract: Cosmetic product containing in a cosmetic carrier at least one polyamide that is liquid at 20° C. and is a reaction product of at least one dimerized fatty acid and at least one diamino compound. The product is suitable for controlling unmanageable and frizzy hair. The polyamides provide the cosmetic product with hair-fixing properties, as well as their anti-frizz behavior.

Abstract: Cosmetic product containing at least one polyamide that is a reaction product of at least one dimerized fatty acid and at least one diamino compound. The product is suitable for creating hairstyles that can be remodeled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for colouring or lightening human keratin fibres, comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium: (a) at least 25 wt. % of one or more fatty substances; (b) one or more salified or unsalified organophosphonic acids; (c) one or more alkalizing agents and/or one or more dyes selected from oxidation dyes, direct dyes and mixtures thereof; (d) one or more oxidizing agents. It further relates to a method of colouring or lightening employing it. Another object of the invention is constituted by kits with two or three compartments for obtaining, after mixing the compositions from the compartments, just before its application, a composition according to the invention.

Abstract: An applicator head for cosmetic products such as mascara is described. The applicator head has two arched supports, each with and outwardly directed applicator surface. The arched supports surround a clearance and define a relatively large, expanded configuration for loading and application purposes. The arched supports flex inwardly, into the clearance, so that the expanded configuration can collapse to permit the applicator head to be drawn through a relatively smaller wiper opening. The applicator head can be used in stock packaging.

Abstract: An applicator head for cosmetic products such as mascara is described. The applicator head has three arched supports, each with and outwardly directed applicator surface. The arched supports surround a clearance and define a relatively large, expanded configuration for loading and application purposes. The arched supports flex inwardly, into the clearance, so that the expanded configuration can collapse to permit the applicator head to be drawn through a relatively smaller wiper opening. The applicator head can be used in stock packaging.

Abstract: A dental floss apparatus comprised of a pair of handles that are configured for engagement with the fingers with strands of flossing substrate extending therebetween. The flossing substrates are spaced from each other, running substantially parallel and extending within an opening formed between the ends of the handles. A dissolvable substrate is positioned within this opening through an engagement with one or both of the handles or the flossing substrate, and upon contact with the surface of the teeth, dissolves, and deposits a residue on the surface of the teeth and the surrounding area of the mouth. The dissolvable substrate may be formed of two substrate pieces with a central gap between them defining a means for targeting insertion of the substrate between adjacent teeth and may be colorized or luminescent and have an additive material such as mouthwash, breath freshener, cooling agent, or flavor.

Abstract: A press cleaning device and method are described for removing coffee grinds from a French or coffee press. The device includes a stem having a handle and a circular disk-shaped declining plane ramp disposed at different ends. The circumference of the ramp is substantially the same as the inner circumference of the press. The ramp includes a radial cut running diametrically from the center of the ramp toward the outer circumference. The cut is fabricated to provide a lower or leading edge paralleling the horizontal floor of the press and trailing the leading edge an upward slanted ramp that follows like a circular inclined plane to an upper or ending edge. When rotated, the lower edge, which parallels the floor of the coffee press while slicing and shoveling, transfers the grinds from the bottom of the press up the ramp whereupon the grinds are stacked and can be removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for cleaning a nuclear fuel element in a liquid filled space. The fuel element comprises an inner space with an opening. The apparatus comprises a connecting element, which is adapted to be connected to a portion of the fuel element, which comprises said opening and flow means, which is adapted to create, at least during a part of a cleaning process of the fuel element, a liquid flow through inner space of the fuel element via said opening.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a method and an associated system for removing a forming or fully developed clog from a drain hose in a dishwasher. According to one embodiment, the system includes a drain pump configured to remove water from the dishwasher and a drain hose in fluid communication with the drain pump. The system further includes a control device in operable communication with the drain pump and configured to execute a drain routine in response to detecting a clog in the drain hose, wherein the drain routine comprises repeatedly activating and deactivating the drain pump to facilitate removal of the clog.

Abstract: Setting method for microplate washing devices has a receptacle for receiving a microplate and a washing head having washing cannulas. The cannulas are in an array corresponding to a well array with lowermost ends define a work plane. This work plane is parallel to a reference plane. In a first phase, the receptacle and/or washing head are moved together until the lowermost ends of the cannulas touch a surface defining the reference plane. A sensor device has a controller linked thereto and from the sensor device is registered using the controller and a relative altitude value is determined therewith, which indicates touching of the surface by the lowermost ends of the cannulas or for determining the position of this surface. Based on this, an active altitude of the lowermost ends of the washing cannulas in relation to an inner surface of the well bottoms of a microplate is determined.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate includes an operation of positioning a surface of a head proximate to a surface of the substrate. The surface of the head has a length and a plurality of ports that are configured in rows along the length of the head. Each row of ports can deliver a fluid to the surface of the substrate or deliver a vacuum to remove the fluid from the surface of the substrate. The method also includes an operation of controlling delivery of the fluid to one or more selected rows and delivery of the vacuum to one or more selected rows so that at least one meniscus is formed whose width depends on a desired exposure time of the meniscus to the surface of the substrate for a particular speed of relative movement between the head and the substrate.

Abstract: Cleaning agent combinations comprising a cleaning agent preparation B further comprising: (b1) at least one non-ionic surfactant; and (b2) at least one active cleaning enzyme; and a rinsing composition C further comprising: (c1) at least one non-ionic surfactant, are by virtue of their thermal stability particularly suitable for automatic dosing in automatic dishwashing. The cleaning agent combinations of the present invention also have the characterizing feature of markedly improved cleaning performance in comparison to conventional methods.

Abstract: A dishwasher has a wash system with a nozzle system with at least one wash nozzle for spraying wash liquid, a wash tank for collecting at least some of the sprayed wash liquid, and a wash pump by means of which wash liquid collected in the wash tank is fed to the at least one wash nozzle. A dirt-collecting system has at least one tank-covering screen, in order to separate off particles of dirt from the wash liquid which has been sprayed and flowed back into the wash tank under gravitational force.

Abstract: A clean-in-place device for a milk conveying system. The milk conveying system includes at least two separate areas (A, B) with surfaces difficult to clean. The clean-in-place device includes a steam source (24), steam passages (25, 26) extending between the steam source (24) and a respective outlet opening (25a, 26a) from which it is possible to supply steam to these areas (A, B) of the milk conveying system and control unit (7, 27) adapted to control the supply of steam from the steam source (24) to these areas (A, B) of the milk conveying system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a painting tool. The apparatus comprises an inlet for inflow of cleaning fluid, a first compartment in fluid communication with the inlet for buffering the cleaning fluid, a second compartment for insertion of a painting tool, where the second compartment is separated from the first compartment by a partition wall including one or more openings for the cleaning fluid buffered in the first compartment to pass through to the second compartment, and a dispersing element for dispersing at least a portion of the cleaning fluid passing through the one or more openings onto the painting tool.

Abstract: A water-conducting household machine, specifically a dishwasher, includes a compartment having a closable compartment opening, and at least one washing device for generating at least one water jet in the compartment. At least one baffle plate is disposed on an inner side of the compartment in at least one area of impact of the water jet and in such a way as to be vibration-free for noise reduction, particularly for noise damping and/or sound insulation.

Abstract: Parasol accessory that comprises a laminar body (4) provided with a fold (5) in the lower part thereof, for the insertion of a ballasting piece, and with means for the association thereof with the rib structure of the parasol in the upper part thereof. The laminar body (4) covers the distance from the upper canopy (3) to the ground. The fastening means comprise eyelets (6) and cords (7) for connecting the laminar body (4) to the ribs. In the central part thereof, there is an extension (8) for the association thereof to the supporting pole (2), which may comprise a bag or the like at the free end thereof.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a system generates electricity from a temperature differential using a thermoelectric module. At least one side of the temperature differential is supplied by a thermal element having a fluid flowing through it. The fluid contains suspended nanoparticles to enhance the transfer of heat between the fluid containing the nanoparticles and the thermal element, as compared with a similar fluid not containing the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may include metal ions, for example silver ions, copper ions, or both. The system may further include an ion generator for generating the ions within the fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods are herein disclosed for efficiently allowing current to bypass a group of solar cells having one or more malfunctioning or shaded solar cells without overwhelming a bypass diode. This can be done using a switch (e.g., a MOSFET) connected in parallel with the bypass diode. By turning the switch on and off, a majority of the bypass current can be routed through the switch, which is configured to handle larger currents than the bypass diode is designed for, leaving only a minority of the current to pass through the bypass diode.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, a method is described for fabricating a photovoltaic cell and includes providing a substrate; depositing a bottom-contact layer over the substrate; masking a portion of the bottom-contact layer; depositing a photovoltaic-absorber layer over the bottom-contact layer; and depositing a top-contact layer over the a photovoltaic-absorber layer. A portion of the bottom-contact layer is left exposed after depositing the photovoltaic-absorber layer and the top-contact layer as a result of the masking, thereby leaving the exposed portion of the bottom-contact layer suitable for use as an electrical contact.

Abstract: This invention takes the conditioned cool air from inside the structure and moves it across the solar panels to cool them into a higher state of electrical production. Air then returns to structures cooling system and then back into the structure. Also, invention will supply warm air into structure during winter months.

Abstract: A solar energy system drive apparatus includes: a rotor including a first circumferential surface and having a first radial dimension from a center axis of the rotor; a stator that is axially aligned with the rotor about the center axis and includes a second circumferential surface and having a second radial dimension from the center of the rotor, wherein the second radial dimension is different than the first radial dimension; and a plurality of planetary members arranged about the first and second circumferential surfaces of the rotor and stator respectively, wherein each of the planetary members has a stepped circumferential surface comprising a third surface and a fourth surface such that the third circumferential surface is in contact with the first circumferential surface and has a third radial dimension from a central planetary axis of the planetary member.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell string including at least two solar cells for generating electricity from sun light; a first sealing member and a second sealing member for sealing a front surface and a rear surface of the solar cell string, respectively; a front glass positioned on the first sealing member for protecting the front surface of the solar cell module; and a back sheet positioned on the second sealing member for protecting the rear surface of the solar cell module. Here, the back sheet includes an outer surface being an even surface including at least one of a plurality of dented portions and a plurality of protruded portions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a solar cell device. The device has solar cells having multijunction. A supplemental current source is connected with one of the solar cells having a smallest current in the device. Thus, through providing required current by the supplemental current source, usage performance of the device is enhanced.

Abstract: A raw module is provided that includes a substrate, a front electrode layer, a semiconductor layer, and a rear electrode layer. The layers are separated by structuring trenches into sub cells, which are electrically connected in series in an interconnection direction. The module has a first separating region separating the module into two sub modules along a first separating line running in the interconnection direction. The separating region includes: a first and a second isolation trench running parallel to one another and on both sides of the first separating line in the interconnection direction; a third isolation trench extending from the first isolation trench at least as far as the first separating line but not as far as the second isolation trench; and a fourth isolation trench extending from the second isolation trench at least as far as the separating line but not as far as the first isolation trench.

Abstract: A laminated solar battery (200) wherein four solar cell modules are incorporated and integrally laminated is provided with four types of solar cell modules (90, 100, 70 and 60) which have different sensitivity wavelength bands and are so laminated that the shorter the center wavelength in the sensitivity wavelength band is, the more near the module is located to the incidental side of sunlight, wherein each of the three types solar cell modules (90, 100 and 70) is constituted with cell group modules having plural nearly spherical solar cells (30, 40 and 10) aligned in plural columns and plural rows and the lowest solar cell module (60) is constituted with a planar light receiving module.

Abstract: A solar panel module comprises a photovoltaic panel supported on a frame for location on a supporting surface. The frame comprises two generally parallel side walls which taper upwardly from a nose section to a rear section of the frame to provide support for the photovoltaic panel above the roof surface. The frame further comprises connections for attaching it to adjoining frames of the solar panel assembly. The rear section has a curvilinear surface which terminates in a step which extends between the side walls of the frame and is formed in its riser with at least one opening which places the interior of the frame rear section in communication with the external atmosphere.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting photovoltaic panels on a support structure. The mounting system comprises photovoltaic panel frames in which the photovoltaic panels are mounted, panel support rails, and mounting brackets or cross beams for supporting the panel support rails. The panel frames have inwardly extending panel frame extensions on their back side. The panel support rails are mounted on the support structure with either pivoting brackets or cross beams. In either case, the support rails have pairs of stationary clamps and movable clamps with clamp lips that engage the panel frame extensions of the panel frames.

Abstract: A solar cell device includes a solar cell. The solar cell includes a first light-capturing element configured to receive photonic energy. The solar cell device also includes a device interface for communicatively coupling an electrically chargeable device with the solar cell to receive electrical energy converted by the solar cell from the photonic energy. The solar cell device also includes a second light-capturing element for receiving and providing photonic energy as a supplemental source of energy to the solar cell.

Abstract: The solar cell includes a substrate, a semiconductor layer, a first doped pattern and a second doped pattern. The substrate has a first surface adapted to receive solar light and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The semiconductor layer includes an insulating pattern formed on a first area of the second surface of the substrate and a semiconductor pattern formed on a second area of the second surface of the substrate in which the insulating pattern is not formed. The first doped pattern and the second doped pattern are formed either in or on the semiconductor pattern.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to photovoltaic devices. In one embodiment, a method for forming a gallium arsenide based photovoltaic device includes providing a semiconductor structure, the structure including an absorber layer comprising gallium arsenide. A bypass function is provided in a p-n junction of the semiconductor structure, where under reverse-bias conditions the p-n junction breaks down in a controlled manner by a Zener breakdown effect.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) device, comprising a PV interband cascade (IC) stage, wherein the IC PV stage comprises an absorption region with a band gap, the absorption region configured to absorb photons, an intraband transport region configured to act as a hole barrier, and an interband tunneling region configured to act as an electron barrier. An IC PV architecture for a photovoltaic device, the IC PV architecture comprising an absorption region, an intraband transport region coupled to the absorption region, and an interband tunneling region coupled to the intraband transport region and to the adjacent absorption region, wherein the absorption region, the intraband transport region, and the interband tunneling region are positioned such that electrons will flow from the absorption region to the intraband transport region to the interband tunneling region.

Abstract: A tandem-type organic photoelectric conversion element has at least a first electrode, a second electrode, and a plurality of bulk heterojunction layers each comprising a p-type organic semiconductor material and an n-type organic semiconductor material. The tandem-type organic photoelectric conversion element and a solar battery are characterized in that when the absorption wavelengths of the bulk heterojunction layers are such that a second bulk heterojunction layer absorbs up to a longer wavelength than a first bulk heterojunction layer, the LUMO energy level (LUMO(n1)) of the film of the n-type semiconductor in the first bulk heterojunction layer and the LUMO energy level (LUMO(n2)) of the film of the n-type semiconductor in the second bulk heterojunction layer satisfy the following equation (1): 0.4 eV?LUMO(n1)?LUMO(n2)?0.1 eV . . .

Abstract: The present invention provides a tunnel diode and a method for manufacturing thereof. The tunnel diode comprises a p-doped semiconductor region and an n-doped semiconductor region forming a pn-junction at least partly within a nanowire where semiconductor materials on different sides of the pn-junction are different such that a heterojuction is formed. The materials of the nanowire may be compound semiconductor materials. The heterojunction tunnel diode can be of type-I (Straddling gap), type-II (Staggered gap) or type-III (Broken gap).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to photovoltaic devices and more specifically, to metallic contacts disposed on photovoltaic devices and to the fabrication processes for forming such metallic contacts. In one aspect, a method for contact patterning on a photovoltaic device includes providing a semiconductor structure that includes a front contact layer and a window layer underneath the front contact layer, where the window layer also acts as an etch stop layer. At least one metal layer is deposited on the front contact layer, and a resist is applied on portions of the at least one metal layer. The at least one metal layer and the front contact layer are etched through to achieve the desired metallization.

Abstract: Techniques, apparatus, materials and systems are described for providing solar cells. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a high efficiency dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The DSSC includes three-dimensional nanostructured electrodes. The three-dimensional nanostructured electrodes can include a cathode; an electrolyte; and anode that includes TiO2 nanotubes arranged in a three-dimensional structure; and a photosensitive dye coated on the anode.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a silicon semiconductor substrate; an emitter layer formed on a surface of the silicon semiconductor substrate; an antireflection layer formed on the emitter layer: and a front electrode electrically connected to the emitter layer by penetrating the antireflection layer. The front electrode includes a finger line and a busbar electrode electrically connected to the finger line, and the busbar electrode includes at least a first electrode line and a second electrode line electrically connected to each other. The first and second electrode lines have a width same as or larger than a width of the finger line, and the first and second electrode lines have the width of 100 ?m or less.

Abstract: A solar battery according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an rear electrode formed on a substrate and separated by an first through-hole; an light absorbing layer formed on the rear electrode including the first through-hole; a second through-hole exposing the rear electrode through the light absorbing layer; a buffer layer formed on the upper surface and the side surface of the light absorbing layer; a front electrode layer formed on the buffer layer; and a connection wiring extending from the front electrode layer and formed within the second through-hole.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a silicon semiconductor device, and a conductive paste for use in the front side of a solar cell device.