Abstract: A makeup tool set for a handicapped person. The makeup tool set includes a makeup tool (110), into which a finger is inserted, to apply cosmetics; and a custody case (120) including a seat groove (122) in which the makeup tool (110) is mounted. A hand handicapped person can easily hold a makeup tool to apply color cosmetics for makeup such as eye makeup, lip makeup, and cheek makeup, and can easily keep the makeup tool in the custody.

Abstract: A dental hygiene threading tool used to insert floss between teeth of a user who has permanent oral implants. Traditional flossing for individuals with oral implants and the methods of flossing between implants and the gum line presently available are time consuming and difficult, due to the lack of the space between the two structures. The disclosed device comprises a hollow tube used to guide a floss threading line or pull through guide into these tight spaces. The tube is then removed once the threading line has been inserted. A user feeds a strand of dental floss through the threading line loop and pulls the threading line with the dental floss through the space. Once the dental floss has been fed through the teeth, the flossing procedure may commence. The device dramatically reduces time and effort required to thread floss between teeth and oral implants.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing a cord and comprises a housing having a cavity arranged to hold the cord. The housing also has a top cover and a bottom cover to enclose the cord. The dispenser further comprises a knob, handle or button on the dispenser, for example on the top cover or side for use in feeding the cord from the dispenser, an aperture that provides an outlet for the retraction cord to exit the housing, and a cutter near the aperture to cut the dispensed cord.

Abstract: A method for the detection of tin is presented. A specimen is first contacted with a ruthenium-containing species to create a contacted region of the specimen. At least a portion of the contacted region is then irradiated by an excitation radiation and monitored for a relaxation radiation emitted in response to the excitation radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate cleaning device provided with: a generation unit that generates ozone micro-nanobubble water; a nozzle header unit provided with a plurality of spray nozzles that spray the ozone micro-nanobubble water; and a substrate support unit that supports a substrate to be treated. The surface of the substrate supported by the substrate support unit is cleaned by spraying the ozone micro-nanobubble water from the plurality of spray nozzles onto the substrate.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for cleaning internal optical components of a fiber optic connector includes a cleaning strip that is advanced past one or more optical surfaces of the connector to wipe the connector free of contaminants. The cleaning tool includes a drive mechanism that is operated by rotating a drive, thereby advancing the cleaning strip along a cleaning strip path and into contact with the one or more optical surfaces. The cleaning tool comprises a cleaning tip that functions to place the cleaning strip in proper alignment within the connector in order to clean the optical surfaces that are not available for cleaning at the endface of the connector. Alignment features are provided in the cleaning tip to properly position the cleaning strip relative the optical surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a windshield wiper device (1) having a wiper motor (11) that can be actuated by means of a control unit (12) and that actuates a wiper (101, 102) in order to wipe a predetermined wiping area. The control unit (12) adjusts the wiping area of the wiper (101, 102) depending on an environmental and/or wiper parameter (13, 14). The invention further relates to a method for operating such a windshield wiper device (1).

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes an elongated housing bounding a chamber with a motor disposed therein. A drive shaft is at least partially disposed within the chamber of the housing, the drive shaft being coupled with the motor such that during selective operation of the motor the drive shaft is rotated. A hub having a rotational axis about which the hub rotates is coupled with the drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft facilitates rotation of the hub. A cleaning head is removably coupled with the hub such that rotation of the hub causes rotation of the cleaning head. A disengaging system is movable between a first position where the cleaning head is securely engaged to the hub and a second position where the cleaning head is freely removable from the hub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning implement based on melamine formaldehyde foams comprising, abrasive particles and to a method of cleaning a hard surface with said cleaning implement.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and apparatus for ex-situ cleaning of a chamber component. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and apparatus for endpoint detection during ex-situ cleaning of a chamber component used in a semiconductor processing chamber. In one embodiment, a system for cleaning parts disposed in a liner with a cleaning fluid is provided. The system comprises a portable cart, a liquid particle counter (LPC) carried by the portable cart, the LPC configured for detachable coupling to a fluid outlet port formed through the liner, the LPC operable to sample rinsate solution exiting the line, and a pump carried by the portable cart and configured for fluid coupling to the liner in a detachable manner, the pump operable to recirculate rinsate solution through the liner.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cleaner concentrate comprising: greater than 10 weight percent of a freezing point depressant, 0.5 to 35 weight percent of oxalic acid, and an azole compound, wherein weight percent is based on the total weight of the cleaner concentrate.

Abstract: A automatic car washing apparatus is provided with a preparation station including a spray bar joined with an armature. The spray bar is manually moveable to selectively spray certain portions of a vehicle determined by the attendant. The armature provides forces to assist the user in manually manipulating the spray bar to prepare the vehicle to undergo subsequent and/or additional washing or cleaning procedures. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A household cleaning appliance includes a bulk dispensing system configured to receive a removable cartridge containing multiple doses of treating chemistry and configured to deliver a charge of treating chemistry from the cartridge to a treating chamber and a water supply configured to be selectively coupled to the bulk dispensing system to flush at least a portion of the bulk dispensing system.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system, device and method for removing a layer of sediment formed on the bottom of a pond. A submersible vacuum unit associated with in-line import and export sections made from at least 2 inch diameter tubing is supported by a single ski or wheel that is in contact with the pond bottom surface, with a flexible hose connected to the export and directed outside the pond for disposal or filtering of suctioned water. In certain embodiments, leaf /debris bagging mechanisms or mulching mechanisms are employed to facilitate removal of large debris from pond bottoms, while fine silt material is contained in a region and suctioned off the bottom surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable and self contained washing and sanitizing apparatus. The apparatus finds particular application in washing small baby items such as bottles, nipples, teething rings or toys. The apparatus includes three primary components: a container for housing the items to be washed; a water reservoir for storing and collecting wash water; and a housing for interconnecting the container and reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hot rolling high-pressure fluid descaling method and descaling apparatus. The apparatus comprises at least one descaling unit, a axial direction of a main pipe header of the descaling unit and a rolling stock transportation direction intersect. Each nozzle ejects fluid onto a surface of the rolling stock to form an impact region. The adjacent impact regions are presented in an alternate pattern on the surface of the rolling stock. The center lines of the impact regions along a longitudinal direction are spaced apart by a specific distance, and the center lines are essentially perpendicular to the rolling stock transportation direction. The interference caused by the rebounding of the jet sprays from the adjacent nozzles is reduced. Hence, the descaling quality is improved, that is, the roll-in-scale in the surface of the products is reduced and the surface quality of the products is enhanced.

Abstract: A plurality of spray units spray a cleaning liquid to a plurality of spray-target regions between which a site to be cleaned is interposed. The plurality of spray-target regions are linearly extending. The plurality of spray-target regions each has a spray pattern characterized in that a spray direction when viewed from a direction where the plurality of spray-target regions are linearly extending is perpendicular to a plane including the spray-target region. The spray units are disposed such that the plurality of spray-target regions are arranged in juxtaposition each other. The cleaning liquid sprayed from the spray units crashes against the plurality of spray-target regions and thereby generates cleaning liquid flows headed for the site to cleaned.

Abstract: A steam appliance having a split handle with the upper part biased away from the handle base and an actuator for a water pump. When the appliance is pushed, the handle upper part is depressed and displaces a pump actuator to activate the pump. Use of a steam frame and steam towel allows an iron to be used as a steam cleaner. When a pole is mounted on the upper handle part, the appliance may be used as a steam mop that is activated by pushing the pole which depresses the handle to actuate the pump.

Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning one or more valve seats in a valve and for cleaning one or more interior surfaces of said valve with a cleaning agent, where said cleaning system are preferably arranged in a mixproof valve (1) consisting of at least a valve body (2), one or more valve seats (5, 9), a first valve plug (4) with a first stem (6) and a second valve plug (8) with a second stem (10), the second valve plug having a central hollow part (11) for guiding the first stem. Said cleaning system has nozzle means (17) for creating two different spray patterns, said nozzle means being arranged between and/or on the first stem and the hollow central part of the second valve plug, where a first spray pattern is primarily used for cleaning the interior surfaces of said valve and where a second spray pattern is primarily used for cleaning one or more of said valve seats, while the valve is open between a product area (14) and a drain area (15).

Abstract: A UV disinfection system for waste water and drinking water, including a number of UV radiators arranged in cladding tubes and a cleaning device for the cladding tubes. The cladding tubes are configured essentially symmetrically to a longitudinal axis. The cleaning device for the cladding tubes includes (a) at least one cleaning ring for each cladding tube, which surround the cladding tube, (b) at least one drive for driving the cleaning ring in the direction of the axis, wherein the at least one cleaning ring is disposed at a distance (d) from the surface of the cladding tube, (c) openings directed in the cleaning ring towards the cladding tube, and (d) a supply of pressurised liquid under high pressure into the openings so that the pressurised liquid is directed as a cleaning jet onto the surface of the cladding tube.

Abstract: A portable passive anti-corrosion vehicle enclosure comprising a support frame system and a flexible enclosure. The support frame system is disposed within the flexible enclosure. The flexible enclosure comprises a floor sheet, a side sheet and a ceiling sheet, where the side and ceiling sheets are supported by the support frame system. The flexible enclosure further comprises a closure means configured for enabling entry and exit of a vehicle and/or a driver. When the vehicle enclosure is erected and sealed, the volume defined by the support frame system is substantially isolated from its surrounding environment. A non-powered passive corrosion protection means is provided within the volume to eliminate or reduce corrosion of exposed vehicle metal components within the volume.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure, addresses a hunting blind with the appearance of a hay bale having a frame comprising a plurality of and a covering with an fibrous outer surface having the appearance of baled hay, straw, or similar agricultural material. The frame components are preferably connectable by hand without the use of tools. In some exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a hay bale hunting blind that is relatively easy to assemble, disassemble, and transport through the use of detachably connectable frame components that are preferably easy to connect and disconnect by hand without the use of tools.

Abstract: A portable barrier includes a pedestal assembly and a cover assembly. The pedestal assembly includes (i) a plurality of legs that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of legs include a first lateral leg having a first free leg end, and a second lateral leg having a second free leg end, and (ii) a first limiter connected to the first lateral leg and the second lateral leg. The cover assembly including (i) a plurality of arms that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of arms include a first lateral arm having a first free arm end and a second lateral arm having a second free arm end, and (ii) a covering connected to the first lateral arm and the second lateral arm. The portable barrier is configured to be moved between a protection mode and a storage mode.

Abstract: A method to increase the efficiency of a solar cell comprises applying one of a transparent pyroelectric film and a plurality of films in a stack on a front surface of the solar cell and applying one of an opaque pyroelectric film and plurality of films in a stack on another surface of the solar cell. An electromotive force is generated to bias the solar cell such that an open circuit voltage is created. The method also includes increasing a short circuit current through the pyroelectric film. A constant temporal temperate gradient is created in the pyroelectric film to increase the short circuit current with a temperature. The method also includes biasing a p-n junction of the solar cell with the electromotive force produced from the pyroelectric film.

Abstract: Embodiments of a thin-film heterostructure thermoelectric material and methods of fabrication thereof are disclosed. In general, the thermoelectric material is formed in a Group IIa and IV-VI materials system. The thermoelectric material includes an epitaxial heterostructure and exhibits high heat pumping and figure-of-merit performance in terms of Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity over broad temperature ranges through appropriate engineering and judicious optimization of the epitaxial heterostructure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell apparatus. The solar cell apparatus includes a support substrate, a solar cell on a top surface of the support substrate, and a circuit board connected to the solar cell and provided on both the top surface of the support substrate and a lateral side of the support substrate.

Abstract: A foldable solar energy collector has a base and a panel body. The base has an elevatable telescopic shaft mounted thereon. The panel body has a bottom board and multiple side panels pivotally mounted around a perimeter of the bottom board. Two foldable panels are respectively and pivotally mounted on two edges of each side panel. A link assembly is pivotally mounted between the panel body and the telescopic shaft and has multiple inside and outside links pivotally connected to each other. One end of each inside link away from a corresponding outside link is pivotally mounted on the telescopic shaft. One end of each outside link away from a corresponding inside link is pivotally mounted between adjacent two of the foldable panels. When the telescopic shaft is elevated, the link assembly is pulled to drive the panel body to unfold or fold, rendering convenience in operation and storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar power generation apparatus, which comprises: torque tubes which are arranged to form a plurality of columns; a plurality of solar panels which are installed along each torque tube; posts which rotatably support each torque tube; lever arms which are coupled with each torque tube; a linkage which is disposed on the lower side of the torque tubes and is connected to each lever arm; an actuator which reciprocates the linkage in the longitudinal direction of the linkage, thereby rotating the torque tubes around an axis based on the longitudinal direction of the torque tubes; and a bed frame which is installed between some of the plurality of posts, wherein the actuator is supported thereon.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system can include a drive configured to adjust a tilt position of a solar collector assembly so as to tract the sun. The drive can include hardware for providing feedback control of the orientation of the solar collector assembly. A method for calibrating the drive can include moving the drive to a reference position and saving an output value from a sensor configured to detect the orientation of the drive. The reference value output from the sensor can then be used in determining the target output value from the sensor required to achieve a desired orientation.

Abstract: The system is an integrated solar energy system which provides solar generated electricity by photovoltaic panels, provides solar generated hot water by solar collector thermal panels and which has a heat recovery ventilation system which can provide heated or cooled air. The system further provides a durable long lasting roof membrane.

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical regenerative photovoltaic cell is provided that includes an electrode structure having a semiconductor photoelectrode layer, and a pinhole-free metal oxide layer disposed on the semiconductor photoelectrode layer forming the electrode structure, where the pinhole-free metal oxide layer is less than 10 nm in thickness, where the thickness of the pinhole-free metal oxide layer protects the semiconductor photoelectrode layer from i) oxidation, ii) dissolution, or i) and ii) when in contact with an electrolyte solution, where the pinhole-free metal oxide layer has a band gap that is transparent to solar radiation and provides band offsets that permit facile electron or hole transport between the electrolyte solution and the semiconducting photoelectrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for disposing and supporting a solar panel array are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for supporting a solar panel array includes the use of support columns and cables suspended between the support columns, with the solar panels received by solar panel receivers that are adapted to couple to the cables. The solar panel array may then be used to provide power as well as shelter. Cooling, lighting, security, or other devices may be added to the solar panel array. Embodiments of the invention include differing ways to support the solar panels by receivers of differing construction. Special installations of the system can include systems mounted over structure, such as parking lots, roads and aqueducts.

Abstract: A solar cell module, having a solar cell panel including a front-surface light-transmitting member, a rear-surface light-transmitting member, and a solar cell arranged between these members, and a terminal box for taking out an electric current from the solar cell panel, and further having a bus bar laid to transmit an electric current generated from the solar cell inside the solar cell panel through an end of the solar cell panel to a terminal plate inside the terminal box, wherein the terminal box is fitted to the panel in a manner so as to cover the end of the solar cell panel, through which the bus bar is passed, and further cover a light-receiving surface side region of the front-surface light-transmitting member, and a light-receiving surface side region of the rear-surface light-transmitting member, these regions being adjacent to the end.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell assembly with excellent photocurrent collection efficiency. The solar cell assembly includes a solar cell and a surface barrier layer. The solar cell includes a window layer. The surface barrier layer is provided on the window layer. The surface barrier layer is made of phosphide or arsenide.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells with one or more subcells are provided with a wide band gap, pseudomorphic window layer of at least 15 nm in thickness and with an intrinsic material lattice constant that differs by at least 1% from an adjacent emitter layer. This window layer has a higher band gap than a window layer with substantially the same intrinsic material lattice constant as the adjacent emitter layer, which increases the light transmission through the window, thereby increasing the current generation in the solar cell. The quality of being pseudomorphic material preserves a good interface between the window and the emitter, reducing the minority carrier surface recombination velocity. A method is provided for building a wide band gap, pseudomorphic window layer of a photovoltaic cell that has an intrinsic material lattice constant that differs by at least 1% from the adjacent emitter layer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a back sheet for a solar cell that improves weather resistance while also being advantageous in terms of cost. In a back sheet 7 for a solar cell of a preferred embodiment, a liquid crystal polyester that composes a liquid crystal polyester base material is formed of structural units represented by the following formulas (1), (2) and (3).

Abstract: Provided are an interconnection sheet, a solar cell with the interconnection sheet, and a solar cell module. In the interconnection sheet, a wire for p type and a wire for n type are disposed in a second direction alternately one by one with a distance therebetween to configure an alternating array portion, and an outflow suppression portion is provided outside the alternating array portion. Also provided are a solar cell with an interconnection sheet having a bonding layer provided between a back electrode type solar cell and the interconnection sheet, and the outflow suppression portion provided outside the bonding layer, as well as a solar cell module using the solar cell with the interconnection sheet.

Abstract: In a solar battery cell, a plurality of silver electrodes are formed in a dot shape with a predetermined gap therebetween linearly along a rear surface tab line. Pitches among the silver electrodes are set so as to be large in a central part of a silicon substrate and small at the ends of the silicon substrate. By arranging many silver electrodes at ends of the silicon substrate having a large stress, the rigidity at the ends is improved, and the warpage is decreased, thereby suppressing cell cracking.

Abstract: A method of producing a photovoltaic device includes providing a stretchable substrate for the photovoltaic device; and stretching the substrate to produce a stretched substrate. The method further includes depositing a structure comprising hydrogenated amorphous silicon onto the stretched substrate; and subjecting the deposited hydrogenated amorphous silicon structure and the stretched substrate to a compressive force to form a compressively strained photovoltaic device.

Abstract: Solar energy concentrator architectures employ an array of electro-optical liquid prism modules to deflect sunlight onto PV cells. Without any mechanical moving parts, the dynamic liquid prism allows the concentrator to adaptively track the daily changes of the sun's orbit. The liquid prism modules may be arranged, for example, into a sheet-shaped beam steering array; a condenser device such as a Fresnel lens is then used to focus the light deflected by the modules onto one or more PV cells—preferably CPVs. Another possible concentrator architecture requires arranging a plurality of liquid prism modules into a semi-spherical pattern, such that light impinging on the modules is directed onto one or more PV cells or CPVs.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell containing at least one substrate, two electrode layers, an organic photovoltaic layer situated between the two electrode layers, and an oxygen scavenger composition.

Abstract: A solid-state p-n heterojunction comprising an organic p-type material in contact with an n-type material wherein said n-type material is surface-sensitised by at least two sensitizing agents comprising an energy donor sensitizing agent and an energy acceptor sensitizing agent and optionally at least one intermediate sensitizing agent, wherein the emission spectrum of the donor sensitizing agent overlaps with the absorption spectrum of the acceptor sensitizing agent and/or at least one intermediate sensitizing agent where present, and the emission spectrum of at least one intermediate sensitizing agent where present overlaps with the absorption spectrum of the acceptor sensitizing agent and wherein the acceptor sensitizing agent individually has a maximum Absorbed Photon to electron Conversion Efficiency of no less than 40% in an equivalent heterojunction when used as sole sensitizing agent.

Abstract: An organic photovoltaic cell which comprises an anode, a cathode, and an organic active layer provided between the anode and the cathode. The organic active layer comprises a first electron-donor compound, a second electron-donor compound and an electron-acceptor compound, and the difference between HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) energy level of the first electron-donor compound and HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) energy level of the second electron-donor compound is 0.20 eV or less. The organic photovoltaic cell has high photovoltaic efficiency.

Abstract: A fullerene derivative having two or more structures represented by the formula (1) can increase light absorption in a long wavelength range when used for an organic photovoltaic cell. In the formula (1), C1 and C2 represent carbon atoms constituting the fullerene skeleton. m represents an integer from 1 to 6, and n represents an integer from 1 to 4. p represents an integer of 0 or more, and R represents a monovalent organic group. Q represents a single bond, an arylene group, or a divalent heterocyclic group. When m is plurally present, these m may be the same or different from each other.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an organic photovoltaic cell is provided that prevents organic layer deterioration during manufacture, wherein the organic photovoltaic cell contains: a pair of electrodes including a first electrode provided on a first substrate and a second electrode provided on a second substrate; and an active layer placed between the pair of electrodes. The method includes: forming a first electrical charge transport layer on the first electrode; forming a first layered structure body by forming an active layer on the first electrical charge transport layer; forming a second layered structure body by forming a second electrical charge transport layer on the second electrode; and joining the first layered structure body and the second layered structure body by bringing the active layer provided on the first layered structure body and the second electrical charge transport layer provided on the second layered structure body into contact with each other.

Abstract: An organic photovoltaic cell comprising: an operative part containing a pair of electrodes and an active layer that is located between the pair of electrodes and containing an organic compound; and a sealing layer covering at least a part of the operative part, in which the sealing layer contains a substance having an oxygen absorption property and/or a water absorption property has excellent photovoltaic efficiency.

Abstract: An organic PV solar cell that has an anode double interlayer situated between an electrode and an organic photoactive layer displays superior power conversion efficiency over that of equivalent devices with an anode single interlayer. The anode double layer can comprise a hole extraction layer adjacent to the anode and an organic hole accepting electron blocking material layer that comprises an aromatic amine compound with a plurality of N atoms. The hole extraction layer can be a metal oxide or an n-type organic semiconductor.

Abstract: A hydraulic system that includes a controller controlling multiple hydraulic pumps to power multiple hydraulic functions. Any ratio of flow can be directed from each of the pumps to each of the functions, including having a pump dedicated to each function, or having one pump dedicated to one function and another pump supplying multiple functions including the one function. The controller can receive machine feedback and failure data indicating regions of the system with functional disruptions, and can direct flow from the pumps to the functions along routes that avoid the functional disruptions. The system can include operator input devices that provide operator inputs to the controller for controlling the system. The system can operate the hydraulic system in different modes, including modes to improve fuel efficiency and to improve productivity. The system can include a mode switch for operator selection of a desired mode.

Abstract: A flush valve is provided for discharging fluid from a tank. The flush valve includes a flapper. The flapper includes a frame portion and a hollow float portion rotatably connected to the frame portion. A relative rotational position between the frame portion and the float portion adjusts at least one opening formed between the frame portion and the float portion, and controls an amount of fluid discharged from the tank by variably adjusting buoyancy of the flapper.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system having bulk beds. The fluid to be treated essentially streams from the bottom up through a bulk bed, while the bulk material migrates through the bulk beds in countercurrent to the fluid essentially from the top down. This is accomplished by removing partial quantities of bulk material at the lower end of the bulk bed, and delivering partial quantities of the bulk material to the bulk bed at the top. At least one charging wagon provided with optionally sealable bulk material outlets is able to traverse a charging channel between a charging position and several partial bulk bed release positions above the bulk beds. Provided below the bulk material outlets and the bulk material valve of the charging wagon are bulk material through pipes, the bulk material outlet mouths of which end on bulk material cones of an underlying bulk bed.