Abstract: The present technology is directed to a surgical drape which decreases the likelihood of infection by protecting the surgical site both during and after the operation. Further, the present technology can be used in conjunction with a fluid-collection system for surgical procedures which result in a large volume of fluid to be collected from the surgical site.

Abstract: A medical drape has at least one suction port disposed. By one approach the medical drape includes a fenestration and the suction port is disposed within the fenestration. By one approach the fenestrated area includes an incise film (which may itself be fenestrated if desired) and the suction port is disposed through that incise film. Suction applied to this suction port facilitates maintaining the incise film in place on the patient. This suction port can have a first end configured to attach to suction tubing. The medical drape can include a patient-side spacer and this spacer can comprise a compressible, resilient material that is substantially permeable to liquids. If desired, such a spacer can be disposed over a patient-side suction opening of the suction port.

Abstract: A protective shield for use on a male penis comprises a rectangular shaped member, wherein the member is flexible and removably securable to the penis and itself. The protective shield also comprises a remover mechanism secured to an end of the member. The protective shield also comprises a guideline arranged along at least one edge of the member. The protective shield will be used to wrap the head and a predetermined portion of the shaft of the penis to protect it from abrasion encountered by males in everyday living.

Abstract: The present invention provides tobacco inbred plants ALBEX1F and ALBEX1MS. The present invention also provides parts of such plants and products made from those parts. The present invention also includes progeny of the provided plants including hybrids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smoking article comprising a carbonaceous dried gel (3), (such as a xerogel, aerogel or cryogel), a filter (2) for a smoking article comprising a carbonaceous dried gel and the use of a carbonaceous dried gel for the filtration of smoke.

Abstract: This invention provides for reducing free-radicals from cigarette smoke by using a filter impregnated by an extract of a rosemary plant in oil, containing carnosol, rosmanol, rosmadial, carnosic acid, genkwanin and rosmarinic acid. The extract is obtained by extraction with an alcoholic solvent or an aqueous alcoholic solvent, followed by extraction with a supercritical fluid.

Abstract: An attachable hair piece article is disclosed having a comfortable, elastic and breathable headband attachment means. The hair piece comprises a quantity hair attaching to the headband support substrate, which is wrapped circumferentially around a user's head and conforms thereto. The band is preferably an elastic mesh material, which allows conformity to a number of head sizes, while the attached hair is provided in segments or continuously therealong, hanging from the headband to promote the appearance of flowing, natural or straight hair. The band is of unitary construction or preferably separably attached using a strip of hook and loop fastening at its terminal ends. After securement, the headband can be covered by a hat or a head scarf, or alternatively the headband itself may employ a decorative outer surface that emulates a fashion headband that is visible to others.

Abstract: An applicator (100) for applying a treatment agent to one's hair includes a container connector (110) for connection with a dispensing container (ST) accommodating therein the treatment agent, an upper guide member (120) formed in a hollow shape so as to extend forward from the container connector (110) and including an outlet formed in a lower face for dispensing the treatment agent, a lower guide member (130) disposed parallel to the upper guide member so as to oppose the outlet, and a parallel supporting body (140) that displaces at least one of the upper guide member (120) and the lower guide member (130) up and downward, while maintaining the guide members parallel to each other. With the applicator (100) an individual user can easily apply the treatment agent uniformly to the hair.

Abstract: A novel gauging device and associated stencils facilitate the shaping of eyebrows according to a Golden Ratio standard. The gauging device is adapted to be placed over a woman's face and maintained in a fixed position relative to her eyes and nose. A nosepiece and knobs are adjusted such that a lower end of a guide rod may be rotated about various points relative to the nose and held in predetermined angles relative to the nose and eyes, possibly supported magnetically on a lower track adjacent the nostrils and an upper track above the eyebrows. An eyebrow stencil is held in a desired position relative to the previously positioned guide rod, which facilitates convenient application and symmetrical shaping, preferably with frictional clamps for permitting the stencil to be shifted in place so that a particular portion of the stencil is properly aligned with the guide rod after the guide rod has been aligned with an appropriate Golden Ratio marking on the stencil.

Abstract: A washing device [1000] is described which is uniquely adapted for use by elderly, handicapped, or other users which use one hand for support and have only one hand free to operate the device. The supply line [1010] directs the fluid to a fluid valve [1210] which is controlled by a first clicking mechanism 1231 which toggles the valve between an “open” position directing fluid flow to an additive valve [1240], and a “closed” position which stops fluid flow. Additive valve [1240] is also toggled between two positions by a second clicking mechanism [1232]. In its ‘fluid only’ position, only fluid is allowed to pass out of the additive valve [1240] through a mixing chamber [1400] and out of a changeable head [1700] to the user. In another embodiment, a single three-position valve performs the same functions.

Abstract: A Personal Care Vaporizer Device for Hands. The device has a main housing that is defined by a large aperture formed in its side. The side aperture provides access to an internal treatment chamber. The user can insert one or both hands into the chamber through the side aperture in order to provide therapeutic treatment for the skin of the hands. The device has a removable fluid reservoir that seats into the main housing. Fluid from the reservoir is ported to an internal cool mist vaporizor such as a transducer or other misting apparatus. Once vaporized, the mist is driven down a mist conduit by user-adjustable airflow. As the mist passes down the mist conduit, it passes a heating element that allows the user to selectively deliver heated or cool vapor into the treatment chamber. The user is able to utilize water and/or fluid having additives such as extracts, additives, therapeutic medications and essential oils as the raw material for formation of the mist.

Abstract: An innovative ergonomic toothbrush holder and toothpaste dispensing system that is particularly useful and helpful for people with limited motion in their hands and arms. This system allows the toothbrush to remain upright in a hygienic enclosure and further allows an individual to easily uncover the toothbrush and apply toothpaste with one hand. The present invention has the further attribute of storage in a hygienic enclosure that is also suitable for travel.

Abstract: A composition comprising a melted blend of polypropylene and an elastomeric block copolymer, and a plasticizer useful as an oral cleaning device. The elastomeric composition may be used as a dental floss.

Abstract: Methods for removing halogen-containing residues from a substrate are provided. By combining the heat-up and plasma abatement steps, the manufacturing throughput can be improved. Further, by appropriately controlling the pressure in the abatement chamber, the removal efficiency can be improved as well.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a template substrate processing apparatus used in imprint lithography, includes a stage which has a convex portion that engages with a concave portion formed at an underside of the template substrate.

Abstract: A system using electrochemically-activated water (ECAW) for manufacturing, processing, packaging, and dispensing beverages including: (a) using ECAW to neutralize incompatible residues when transitioning from the production of one beverage to another; (b) using ECAW to rehabilitate and disinfect granular activated charcoal beds used in the feed water purification system; (c) producing a carbonated ECAW product and using the carbonated ECAW for system cleaning or disinfecting; (d) using ECAW solutions in the beverage facility clean-in-place system to achieve improved microbial control while greatly reducing water usage and reducing or eliminating the use of chemical detergents and disinfectants; (e) further reducing biofilm growth in the processing system, and purifying ingredient water without the use of chlorine, by adding an ECAW anolyte to the water ingredient feed stream; and/or (f) washing the beverage product bottles or other packages with one or more ECAW solutions prior to packaging.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for reclaiming an enriched radioisotope starting material from a target body. The system and method enable reclaiming the starting material in a relatively short time (e.g., several hours) after the target body's bombardment with energetic particles, greatly simplifying the target body's chemical processing, as well as reducing the cost of such processing (e.g., reducing the need for costly long-term storage). Specifically, a chemical protective layer is disposed between a radioisotope starting material and a base material of the target body. After the target body is irradiated with a suitable source (e.g., particle accelerator), then the irradiated radioisotope starting material can be removed without removing the base material due to the protection provided by the chemical protective layer. The system and method also enable the operator to obtain three different radioisotopes in a single bombardment of the target body, further reducing cost of radioisotope production.

Abstract: An enhanced sponge mop is presented for extracting cleaning solution from a mop head. The enhanced sponge mop may include a mop block structure, a hinged connector, and a sponge structure. Also, a rod may be threaded through a mop handle and attached to the hinged connector on one end and a pressure applying member on the other end. When the pressure applying member is moved from one position to another, swivels located on the mop block structure may allow a sponge attached to the sponge structure to be wrung. In addition, the mop block structure may include rails that mate with teeth located on the hinged connector to give additional stability to the enhanced sponge mop.

Abstract: This invention is generally directed to a new metal parts quenching medium recycling apparatus. This device is composed of a heating furnace, a spray rinsing chamber, an immersion cleaning tank, a washing chamber, a liquid storage tank, a quenching chamber and a molten and mixing tank, in present invention, the recovering and recycling of quenching medium is carried out automatically in the molten and mixing tank, providing a minimized workload and safely procedure to recover and recycle the quenching medium. This procedure eliminates both the loss of the quenching medium, and the related environmental pollution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dishwasher comprising a washing chamber, a water collection sump, a circulation pump, a circulation filter system with a flat filter arranged between the washing chamber and the water collection sump and a discharge section arranged between a discharge pump and the washing chamber. In accordance with the present invention, the dishwasher is provided with a filter cleaning mode and the filter cleaning mode comprises the steps of: decreasing the power of the circulation pump (4) in such a way that the water level in the water collection sump (2) increases and at least some of the deposits of the flat filter (7) are floated increasing the power of the circulation pump (4) in order to draw the floating deposits into the discharge section (10).

Abstract: The present invention provides a steam cleaning apparatus (100) comprising a water tank (10), a first valve (20) in fluid communication with a water tank (10) to allow air to flow into the water tank and prevent air and/or water from flowing out therefrom, an electrically powered air pump (30) in fluid communication with the first valve (20). A second valve (50) is in fluid communication with the outlet (16) of the water tank (10) and an inlet (42) of an electrically powered boiler (40). The second valve (50) is arranged to allow water above a first predetermined pressure to flow into the inlet (42) of the boiler and to prevent steam from flowing out therefrom, a steam cleaning head (60) in fluid communication with the outlet (44) of the boiler, and an on-off switch (70) having an “on” state for supplying electrical power to the air pump (30) and to the boiler (40) and an “off” state for preventing supply of electrical power to the air pump and to the boiler.

Abstract: A nozzle for discharging droplets of a processing liquid for processing a substrate has a main body including a supply port, a drain port, a processing liquid flow passageway connecting the supply port and the drain port, and a plurality of discharge ports from which the processing liquid is discharged. The processing liquid flow passageway includes a plurality of branch flow channels, which branch out between the supply port and the drain port and collect together between the supply port and the drain port. The plurality of discharge ports form a plurality of columns respectively corresponding to the plurality of branch flow channels; and are aligned along and connected to the corresponding branch flow channels. A piezo element applies vibration to the processing liquid flowing through the plurality of branch flow channels.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for dispensing one or more jets of cryogenic fluid, particularly liquid nitrogen, comprising a fluid conveying pipeline feeding one or more fluid dispensing nozzles arranged at the downstream end of said pipeline, and a motor collaborating with the fluid conveying pipeline via a rotary transmission shaft and a transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A streamer cleaning device includes a plurality of cleaning modules affixed to a main frame in angularly spaced apart orientation. At least one cleaning module includes a drive wheel rotationally coupled to a cleaning element. At least one cleaning module includes a guide mounted thereon. The guide is configured to deflect devices mounted on the streamer out of a path traversed by the cleaning modules. At least one of the cleaning modules comprises a device for conversion of motion of water past the at least one cleaning module into rotational energy to drive the drive wheel thereon.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing container and an upper basket located in an upper region of the washing container for accommodating items to be washed. The upper basket has a floor wall and a side wall that circumferentially bounds the floor wall and projects upward. The upper basket has a static first partial region and a second partial region that is translationally displaceable between at least two positions relative to the first partial region and in parallel relation to the floor wall. The second partial region contains a section of the floor wall and exposes an opening in the floor wall in at least one of the two positions.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing container, and an upper basket located in an upper region of the washing container for accommodating items to be washed. The upper basket has a floor wall and a side wall that circumferentially bounds the floor wall and projects upward. The upper basket has a static first partial region and a second partial region that is movable relative to the first partial region between at least two positions, with the second partial region forming in the at least two positions at least one section of the floor wall. The section assumes different heights relative to a part of the floor wall of the first partial region in the at least two positions, wherein the section assumes for at least one of the at least two positions a height above a height of the part of the floor wall of the first partial region.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for controlling a dispenser reversibly positioned in a dishwasher. The dispenser or dishwasher is configured with light transmission and receiving units. Light pulses are transmitted into the interior of the dishwasher and received by the receiving unit. The time difference (tI2?tI1) between the pulses is determined and that time difference is used to encode an information item or a portion of an information item. Such information items include a control signal, a measured value, an operating state of the automatic dishwasher and/or of the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A foldable pocket umbrella is proposed that includes a handle cover and a support element of a truncated cone-shaped tripod element having air ducts for ventilation of the interior of a handle cover. The support and a three point bearing achieves optimal conditions conferring minimal frictional losses between support element and inner wall of the handle cover and resilient stability to the umbrella.

Abstract: A cane that can efficiently use a rubber tip (60) is provided from the aspect of ecology. The cane comprises a grip part (10) located at the upper end of a first cane body (20), the rubber tip (60) located at the lower end of the first cane body (20), and a button (52) and holes (36a-36d) for rotating the grip part (10) and rubber tip (60) in four steps, wherein the button (52) and holes (36a-36d) also serve as a fixing part for fixing the grip part (10) and rubber tip (60) after those have been rotated.

Abstract: My patent covers the use of solar panels on the tops and sides of freight trains or trucks, owned and installed by others, that may benefit from the production of electric power they generate for whatever purpose. The panels may be applied in rows or otherwise allowing walking space on all roofs of the vehicles in whatever manner best suited. Storage or collecting cells may be carried in selected fright cars with couplings, automatic or manual, and in a selected area of a truck or train.

Abstract: A flexible photovoltaic system for use on a landfill roof or other area includes a flexible membrane and flexible photovoltaic cells bonded to the membrane. Wires which connect various components of the system run in hollow protective raceways. The raceways include a hollow central arcuate portion and bonding flanges on either side. Wires are inserted in the hollow portion through a slit in the bottom of the raceway. The raceways are bonded to the membrane by welding or adhering the flanges to the membrane.

Abstract: A method of assembling elongate solar cells into an assembly may comprise forming a unitary structure comprising a plurality of elongate solar cell precursor structures from a semiconductor wafer and attaching an adhesive surface of a transfer structure to an edge of each of the plurality of elongate solar cell precursor structures. The method may further comprise attaching the plurality of elongate solar cells to an expandable fixture and expanding the expandable fixture to change at least one of an orientation and a position of the plurality of elongate solar cells relative to one another. Additionally, a solar panel assembly may comprise a plurality of elongate solar cells positioned on a substrate, major surfaces of the plurality of elongate solar cells oriented in a non-planar configuration. Furthermore, elongate solar cells may comprise non-linear shapes in an as-formed state. Transfer structures and expandable fixtures useful in performing methods of the disclosure are also described.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) panel and rack grounding connector may be constructed of a one piece extruded aluminum body. The body may have two extruded openings configured to accept a ground wire at one end and a PV panel or rack flange at the other. Both openings may have extruded serrations to pierce oxidation on the wire end and anodized plating on the PV panel or rack end. Stainless steel or other screws are provided on each end of the connector for securing the wire and panel, respectively, to the connector and to prevent corrosion. The connector may be asymmetric in that the opening on one end for the ground wire is a different shape than the opening on the opposite end for the PV panel.

Abstract: A solar battery module includes a first cell line formed by arraying a plurality of solar battery cells in a first direction, a first inter-cell lead that connects the solar battery cells in the first cell line in an array direction, a second cell line formed by arraying the solar battery cells in parallel to the first cell line, a second inter-cell lead that connects the solar battery cells forming the second cell line in an array direction, and an inter-line lead that extends in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and electrically connects the first inter-cell lead and the second inter-cell lead, in which at least a portion of the inter-line lead overlaps the solar battery cell.

Abstract: A solar panel assembly may comprise a support member, a plurality of elongate solar cells, at least one motive member, and at least one actuator. Each elongate solar cell of the plurality may be pivotally coupled to the support member at a first location on each elongate solar cell, and each motive member may be pivotally coupled to each elongate solar cell of the plurality of elongate solar cells at a second location on each elongate solar cell, the second location offset a distance from the first location. Additionally, each actuator may be operably coupled to the at least one motive member. A method of operating a solar panel assembly may comprise rotating each of a plurality of elongate solar cells within the solar panel assembly relative to each other of the plurality of elongate solar cells within the solar panel assembly.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module package and fabrication method. The module includes photovoltaic cells, a dielectric material, and metallized material. Each photovoltaic cells includes a substrate material having a sun side and a backside, first doped regions interdigitated with second doped regions, both doped regions being located on the backside, and one being positively doped and the being negatively doped, and electrical contacts on each of the first and second doped regions. The dielectric material is adhered to the backside of the substrate material. Vias are formed through the dielectric material, extending to at least a portion of the electrical contacts. The metallized material extends from the electrical contacts through the vias and are patterned on a backside of the dielectric material. The metallized material is formed of a material that is both electrically and thermally conductive.

Abstract: A window is provided, comprising at least one exterior layers, one or more photovoltaic (PV) cells configured to convert a first portion of solar radiation impinging on the window to electrical energy, and at least one thermal conduit configured to draw heat from the PV cells. The thermal conduits are in conductive thermal communication with at least one of the PV cells with at least one of the exterior layer.

Abstract: A solar concentrator module (80) employs a luminescent concentrator material (82) between photovoltaic cells (86) having their charge-carrier separation junctions (90) parallel to front surfaces (88) of photovoltaic material 84 of the photovoltaic cells (86). Intercell areas (78) covered by the luminescent concentrator material (82) occupy from 2 to 50% of the total surface area of the solar concentrator modules (80). The luminescent concentrator material (82) preferably employs quantum dot heterostructures, and the photovoltaic cells (86) preferably employ low-cost high-efficiency photovoltaic materials (84), such as silicon-based photovoltaic materials.

Abstract: This solar cell module (1) comprises a plurality of solar cell arrays (11). Each solar cell array (11) includes a plurality of spherical semiconductor elements (20) arranged in a row, at least a pair of bypass diodes (40), and a pair of lead members (14) that connect the plurality of spherical semiconductor elements (20) and the plurality of bypass diodes (40) in parallel. Each of the lead members (14) includes one or plural lead strings (15) to which the plurality of spherical semiconductor elements (20) are electrically connected and having a width less than or equal to the radius of the spherical semiconductor element (20), and plural lead pieces (16) formed integrally with the lead strings (15) at least at both end portions of the lead member (14), on which the bypass diodes (40) are electrically connected in reverse parallel to the spherical semiconductor elements (20), and having width larger than or equal to the width of the bypass diodes (40).

Abstract: Improved BIPV materials configured to meet various long-term requirements including, among others, a high degree of water resistance, physical durability, electrical durability, and an ability to withstand variations in temperature and other environmental conditions. In some embodiments, the disclosed BIPV materials include modules wherein two or more layers of the module are configured to be joined together during lamination to protect edge portions of the top sheet and/or back sheet of the module, such as in the vicinity of any multi-layer vapor barrier structure(s) of the module.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell module comprises a solar cell panel with a layer of solar cells, two bus bars extending along edges of the solar cell panel, and a junction box with a connecting circuit that extends along an edge of the solar cell panel. A bypass diode in the junction box connecting circuit prevents circuit breaking or reverse current from occurring in the cell panel. The two bus bars are connected to the junction box connecting circuit at opposite ends of the solar panel edge and on at opposite sides of the bypass diode. The thin film solar cell module has an improved appearance, is easy to assemble and maintain, and reduces the need for fastening and protection of cables.

Abstract: The invention relates to a module arrangement having the following: double module arrangements, each consisting of two solar modules oriented at an angle to each other; wherein the two solar modules (1) of the individual double module arrangements are coupled to each other at least in the region of their opposing upper edges; wherein the two solar modules (1) of each double module arrangement are coupled to each other via one or more connectors (6); wherein the connector (6) for connecting the two modules of a double module arrangement is formed at an angle and has two limbs (11,12) which form an angle ?, said angle being between 95° and 175°; wherein one or more profiles (5) are arranged under the solar modules, and in particular under glass-glass thin film laminate modules, said profiles having one or more chambers, wherein adjacent double module arrangements are connected to each other via at least one or more coupling devices, said coupling devices having anti-slip devices (4).

Abstract: A solar cell module of the present invention is arranged such that is at least one of two-dimensionally arranged solar cells is positioned on an extended line of a boundary line between other adjacent solar cells. This makes it possible to provide a solar cell module which is less likely to be broken even if a bending stress and/or a twisting stress is applied, as compared to a conventional solar cell module.

Abstract: The present invention, a photovoltaic device includes a substrate having a first doped-type, a first doped region having a second doped-type in the substrate, a second doped region in a portion of the first doped region and exposing the other portion of the first doped region, and a third doped region in the exposed portion of the first doped region. The polarity of the second doped-type is substantially reversed with that of the first doped-type. The second doped region has a polarity substantially identical to that of the first doped-type and a doped concentration substantially greater than that of the substrate. The third doped region has a polarity substantially identical to that of the second doped-type and a doped concentration substantially greater than that of the first doped region. The first doped-type is one of N-type and P-type, while the second doped-type is the other of P-type and N-type.

Abstract: A photosensitive device and method includes a top cell having an N-type layer, a P-type layer and a top intrinsic layer therebetween. A bottom cell includes an N-type layer, a P-type layer and a bottom intrinsic layer therebetween. The bottom intrinsic layer includes a Cu—Zn—Sn containing chalcogenide.

Abstract: The present disclosure coats an amorphous silicon (Si) layer on a doped Si substrate of a solar cell. Or, a silicon dioxide (SiO2) layer is grown on the doped Si substrate and beneath the amorphous Si layer. A heterojunction interface and a homojunction interface are formed in the solar cell in a one-time diffusion. Thus, a heterojunction solar cell can be easily fabricated and utilities compatible to those used in modern production can still be used for reducing cost.

Abstract: A stacked structure may include semiconductors or semiconductor layers grown on an amorphous substrate. A light-emitting device and a solar cell may include the stacked structure including the semiconductors grown on the amorphous substrate. A method of manufacturing the stacked structure, and the light-emitting device and the solar cell including the stacked structure may involve growing a crystalline semiconductor layer on an amorphous substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photovoltaic (PV) cell structure for enabling the conversion of incident light to potential electrical energy. The PV cell comprises at least one energy guiding means for converting incident light to potential electrical energy. The energy guiding means includes at least one electron donor and at least one electron acceptor adapted to be linked to a load therebetween. The electron donor is operable to release electrons based on absorption of photons and the electron acceptor may be operable to accelerate photons towards the electron donor and attract electrons released by the electron donor. The electron donor may include at least one photon receptor adapted to have a surface disposed at an angle normal to a range of incident photon angles.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a large solar battery cell capable of realizing sufficient conversion efficiency and a method of manufacturing the same. [Solution] There is provided a solar battery cell including: a p-type diffusion layer and an n-type diffusion layer formed on one surface and another surface of a silicon single crystal substrate; one electrode or more formed on part of the p-type diffusion layer; and one electrode or more formed on part of the n-type diffusion layer, wherein: a plurality of high-concentration p-type diffusion regions and low-concentration p-type diffusion regions each located between the high-concentration p-type diffusion regions are formed in the p-type diffusion layer; a plurality of high-concentration n-type diffusion regions and low-concentration n-type diffusion regions each located between the high-concentration n-type diffusion regions are formed in the n-type diffusion layer.

Abstract: A solar cell is formed on an n-type semiconductor substrate having a p+ emitter layer by forming spaced-apart contact/protection structures on the emitter layer, depositing a blanket dielectric passivation layer over the substrate's upper surface, utilizing laser ablation to form contact openings through the dielectric layer that expose corresponding contact/protection structures, and then forming metal gridlines on the upper surface of the dielectric layer that are electrically connected to the contact structures by way of metal via structures extending through associated contact openings. The contact/protection structures serve both as protection against substrate damage during the contact opening formation process (i.e., to prevent damage of the p+ emitter layer caused by the required high energy laser pulses), and also serve as optional silicide sources that facilitate optimal contact between the metal gridlines and the p+ emitter layer.