Abstract: An apparatus is provided for vaporizing a source of vaporizable substance for delivering an aerosol. The vaporizing apparatus comprises a housing defining a first combustion chamber, a second vaporizing chamber for receiving the vaporizable substance, and a transverse wall spanning the interior of the housing for separating the first chamber and the second chamber. A heat transfer element, comprising an elongated member of heat conductive material, extends from the first chamber through the wall and into the second chamber in heat transfer relation with the vaporizable substance for transferring heat from the first chamber to the vaporizable substance. A gas burner disposed in the combustion chamber converts fuel gas to a flame for heating the combustion chamber and the heat transfer element. The heat transfer element maintains the temperature in the second chamber at or above the vaporization temperature of the substance.

Abstract: An airway device (14), that is used to maintain a clear airway in a patient, e.g. for artificial ventilation during surgery, comprises an inflatable cuff (26), which is inflated when in position in a patient's airway (24). The inflated cuff (26) provides a seal to maintain the device (14) in position in a patient's airway (24), and to prevent leakage of infected oropharangeal secretions into the patient's lungs. A method and apparatus (10) for monitoring and controlling the pressure in the inflatable cuff (26) is described, which, in one embodiment, controls the pressure about a setpoint pressure, whilst preventing loss of sealing pressure during a patient's respiratory cycle. In other embodiments, the method and apparatus monitors for: leaks in the pressure system of the device (14) that includes the cuff (26); blockage in the pressure system, and/or malpositioning of the airway device (14) during use.

Abstract: A medical device that is fundamentally a releasable connection system for connecting two sections of tubing together or tubing to a medical device. It includes a male fitting further comprising a male shaft or couple and a female fitting called a socket, both structures having features to permit and provide hygienic connects with the fast or quick retention. The present invention is directed to tubing connection and disconnection apparatus. The device is used for the transport of both gaseous and liquid fluids such as oxygen, air, medicine (liquid or gas) and waste and drainage lines. It provides the medical field speed for a quick reaction to patient needs and the lower cost of the manpower/labor by medical personnel which provides savings opportunities. All this continues to provide reliable, clean and hygienic connections.

Abstract: A dry powder suitable for inhalation n a dry powder inhaler, the powder comprising a carrier, an active agent and at least 0.5% by weight of magnesium stearate, the powder being further characterized in that the less than 10% of the surface of the carrier material is covered with particles of magnesium stearate. The invention is also directed to a method of making dry powders by blending together the ingredients mentioned in a diffusion blender for a period of time that is less than 60 minutes.

Abstract: The present invention is antibiotic compositions, ventilator based systems and methods relating to ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and ventilator-associated tracheal (VAT) bronchitis. Antibiotic combinations of fosfomycin and an aminoglycoside, preferably amikacin, are administered via an in-line nebulizer within the airway of the ventilator. Humidified conditions create an improved aerosol mist to treat VAP and VAT.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8) for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient is provided that includes a patient contacting component (9, 90) having a patient contacting surface structured to engage the face of the patient when the patient interface device is donned by the patient, the patient contacting surface also including a plurality of ribs (40, 52, 62, 72, 82, 96) extending therefrom. The patient contacting component may be, without limitation, a mask having a mask cushion, a forehead support having a forehead cushion, a cheek pad or a chin pad.

Abstract: An endotracheal device that comprises an endotracheal tube sized and shaped for being disposed within the trachea so that at least a distal segment thereof being placed in the windpipe lumen of a patient and at least one self expending element disposed around a peripheral surface of the endotracheal tube and having a first thickness in a compressed state and a second thickness in an expanded state, the at least one self expending element switching from the compressed state to the expanded state when absorbing moisture. The first thickness is thinner than the second thickness.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to an intrauterine system (insertion device) including an intrauterine device (IUD), an insertion device or applicator for inserting the IUD into the cervix of a female patient, methods related to the insertion procedure, and methods of manufacture for the insertion device.

Abstract: An intrauterine system for the retention of a biologically active compound within the uterus of a female mammal is formed by a frame defining an interior space for receipt of a deposit of the compound. The frame has an open structure allowing access to a substantial part of an outer surface of the deposit and the deposit has a rate controlling structure that controls a rate of release of the compound within the uterus. Retention elements are provided on the frame for retaining the frame within the uterus.

Abstract: A foreskin-retaining device for an intact penis improves upon known devices by including a retaining section on an inner surface of the device, the retaining section having protrusions for contacting and holding the retracted foreskin. The protrusions may be rings, nodes, dull barbs, or a combination thereof. An adhesive may also be applied in the retaining section. The retaining section may be slightly wider than the rest of the device to provide the space needed to hold the loose skin. The device may have the characteristics of a condom, such as a flared head and reservoir tip, or may be used in conjunction with a condom for contraceptive purposes.

Abstract: A tongue and mandibular advancement device for pulling the jaw forward and keeping the tongue in an extended position includes upper and lower inserts conforming to upper and lower teeth respectively. A hook support is located on both sides of the upper insert at a forward position and a plurality of hook supports are located at a rearward position of both sides of the lower insert. Tension coil springs are fitted to each of the upper insert hook supports and to one of the plurality of lower hook supports. The plurality of lower insert hook supports provides discrete levels of tension force of the coil spring on each side of the appliance. A plastic tube may be fitted over the coil springs to prevent injury to the inside of a user's mouth. The upper and lower inserts each have a magnet that attracts a magnetizable member on or in a user's tongue to keep the tongue at an extended position.

Abstract: A garment for the treatment of sleep apnea and/or snoring includes a member for attachment to an individual afflicted with sleep apnea and an elongate, position control member at the rear of the garment and extending outwardly therefrom. The elongate member is a continuous member having transversely spaced-apart side surfaces, and the side surfaces are joined to an outer wall of the position control member at elongate side edges. The side surfaces and/or side edges are located to engage a mattress or other sleeping surface when an individual wearing the garment is sleeping in a lateral position to aid in supporting the individual in a lateral position.

Abstract: A device in connection with sleep apnoea, includes a dental splint (1) designed to engage with the jaws of the user in the position of use of the device and the device moreover includes elements (10, 11) for delivering air to the nostrils of the user from an external air source and a holder element (3) for supporting the elements (10, 11) for the delivery of air, the holder element (3) being connected to the dental splint (1). The holder element (3) is connected to the dental splint (1) by way of elements (7, 9) for adjusting the distance between the dental splint (1) and the holder element (3).

Abstract: An ear plug (1) for a hearing aid is made of a resilient material and provided with an extraction cord (4) for providing a grip by which a user can pull the ear plug (1) out of an ear canal. The extraction cord (4) is arranged partly in the resilient material and partly outside the ear plug. A securing bulge (6) is arranged on the part of the extraction cord arranged in the resilient material, in order to secure the position of the extraction cord in the resilient material. The extraction cord is bonded to the resilient material. The invention further concerns a method for manufacturing the ear plug.

Abstract: A backboard and backboard cover combination is provided for encapsulating and protecting a backboard from contamination. The backboard is a traditional construction having a top, bottom and rim. Preferably the backboard has one or more holes for ease of carry or for affixing straps. The cover has a length and width sufficient to cover the top and bottom of the backboard. In addition, the cover is made of a flexible, lightweight, chemically inert, mildew, moisture and fungus resistant material. Furthermore, the plastic cover has a cohesive side constructed to adhere to itself, while not adhering to other materials such as the wood or plastic of a backboard. The cover can be applied and encapsulate a backboard by simply crimping the edges of the cover together around the backboard's rim without the requirement for any additional adhesives, staples, velcro, or other fasteners.

Abstract: A system for patching and accessorizing a cigarette or cigar comprising is disclosed. Said system comprises a patch (having a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, a front, a back, a width, and a height) and an attaching means is disclosed. Said attaching means is capable of attaching said patch to a smoke (having a wrapper holding a smokeable material). Said patch comprises a rolling paper material. Said rolling paper material comprises a printed message. Said width of said patch comprises the distance between said first end and said second end of said patch. Said height of said patch comprises the distance between said top and said bottom of said patch.

Abstract: The invention provides a tobacco composition for use in a smoking article or a smokeless tobacco composition that includes an additive derived from a flower of the Nicotiana species. The additive can be a flower isolate derived from a flower of the Nicotiana species. In certain embodiments, the flower isolate is in the form of an extract from a flower of the Nicotiana species or in the form of a chemically transformed flower isolate, the chemical transformation being selected from acid/base reaction, hydrolysis, thermal treatment, and enzymatic treatment, the chemical transformation releasing at least a portion of a glycosidically bound compound in the flower of the Nicotiana species. The invention also provides smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions that include the flower additives described herein, and methods for preparing an additive derived from a flower of the Nicotiana species for addition to a tobacco composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric flue-cured tobacco. It includes a storage tank filled with extractant and an atomization device. The electric flue-cured tobacco also comprises a device for flue-curing tobacco, which includes a heating mechanism and a heated chamber for loading cigarette or tobacco. The heating mechanism comprises a heating element and a heater circuit for controlling the heating element to be heated to a setting temperature range. An inlet of the heated chamber is connected to an outlet of the atomization device, and its outlet is connected with an opening for suction nozzle. When the electric flue-cured tobacco is working, the extractant is atomized by the atomization device and then guided into the heated chamber. The heat produced by the heating element is applied to the cigarette or tobacco in the heated chamber to generate nicotine. The nicotine and atomized extractant are mixed together and then sucked out through the opening for suction nozzle.

Abstract: Provided is a vaporizing pipe having a separator 40 for maintaining a separation distance between a screen (or constriction) and a flame filter. In a simple, one-piece vaporizing pipe, it is necessary to mechanically fix the location of the screen and flame filter. Forming mechanical features for this function on inside surfaces of the pipe is difficult and expensive, particularly if the pipe is made of glass. In the present invention, the separator is disposed between the screen or constriction and filter, and functions to fix the location of the filter. The separator can be a wireform, for example. The separator greatly simplifies and reduces the cost of fabricating the present vaporizing pipe.

Abstract: A filter material of a filter element configured for application in a smoking article may include a fibrous substrate material finished with a fiber finish composition. The fiber finish composition may be formulated to selectively interact with at least one target component of mainstream smoke drawn through the filter element during use of the smoking article to selectively filter the target component from the smoke. The filter element may include multiple filter segments. Each filter segment may include a filter material having a finish composition formulated to selectively interact with a different target component. The various filter segments may be combined and/or arranged to selectively filter the mainstream smoke to achieve desired characteristics. Each filter segment may be formed from the same fibrous substrate material.

Abstract: An apparatus for hair care comprising an elongate foam body having tapered ends. A flexible core embedded within the foam body. Clips attached to the foam body, clips haying an open position and a closed position. Wherein the foam body is configured to be placed underneath a user's existing natural hair and to be covered by the user's existing natural hair when secured in position by the plurality of clips. Wherein the flexible core is configured to be adapted to a contour of the user's head.

Abstract: An all-purpose wig has a base including an ultrathin and moisture permeable film--shaped material, and hair materials adhered to one surface of the base. A first adhesion layer includes an adhesion agent having comparatively strong adhesion and a comparatively large degree of gelling. A second adhesion layer includes an adhesion agent having comparatively weak adhesion and a comparatively small degree of gelling. The first adhesion layer and the second adhesion layer are provided adjacent to each other with a tank layer therebetween. A first release layer is attached peelably to the whole surface of the second adhesion layer on the side that is fit to the skin, and a second release layer is applied peelably to the first adhesion layer and is layered on a portion of the surface between the first adhesion layer and the tank layer. The layers are layered in order, forming a flat surface.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel hair accessory comprising a monolithic curved base that is ornamental on the outer side and comprises multiple loop shanks on the inner side. The loop shanks are capable of holding an elastic band, affixing the elastic band to the base. The directionality of the look shanks alternates, increasing the difficulty with which the elastic band can be pulled free of the loop shanks accidentally. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the base is covered with an ornamental cover crafted from exotic leather or other high value material.

Abstract: In cosmetic equipment, the combination comprising, a support receptacle containing a chamber, a cosmetic device at least partly concealed in stored position in the chamber, a pusher to controllably displace the device from stored position so that at least a portion of the device protrudes from the chamber and is presented for use, a handle carried by and movable relative to the support receptacle to controllably displace the pusher.

Abstract: A cleaning method of a semiconductor manufacturing process is provided. The cleaning method is applied to a semiconductor component including a plurality of material layers formed thereon. An opening is defined in the material layers, and a side wall is exposed from the opening The side wall at least includes a first material layer and a second material layer. At first, a first cleaning process is performed till a lateral etched thickness of the first material layer is equal to a lateral etched thickness of the second material layer. Then, a byproduct formed in the first cleaning process is removed.

Abstract: A method of removing a metal protective layer from a surface of a reactor component comprising treating the metal protective layer with one or more chemical removal agents to remove at least a portion of the metal protective layer from the reactor component. A method of removing a metal protective layer from a surface of a reactor component comprising treating the metal protective layer to remove the metal protective layer from the reactor component, and determining a thickness of the reactor component following treatment.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning a personal care applicator, particularly an applicator for a product that is subject to dry out. In some embodiments, the invention is implemented as a reusable cleaning tool. In other embodiments, the invention is implemented as a disposable, single-use or limited use cleaning tool. The tool comprises a relatively flat body having first and second exterior surfaces, and one or more cleaning regions that extend through the body. As an applicator is drawn through the cleaning region, dried out product is scraped off the applicator.

Abstract: Provided are a window cleaning apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The window cleaning apparatus including first and second cleaning units which are respectively attached on both surfaces of a window using a magnetic force to move together with each other includes a first magnetic module provided in the first cleaning unit, a second magnetic module provided in the second cleaning unit, a magnetic force detection part for detecting a magnetic force between the first and second magnetic modules, and a magnetic force control part for controlling the magnetic force between the first and second magnetic modules.

Abstract: A method for cleaning glass surfaces, wherein the glass surface is transported relative to a cleaning device and the cleaning device moves a first, dampened microfiber cleaning face over the glass surface and a second microfiber cleaning face located downstream in the movement direction of the glass surface is moved over the glass surface.

Abstract: A top plate 32 is provided to be moved in a horizontal direction between an advanced position, in which the top plate 32 covers from above a substrate W held by a substrate holding unit 21, and a retracted position that is retracted from the advanced position. An air hood 70 configured to supply a purified gas downward is provided to be lifted between a lower position, in which the air hood covers from above the substrate W held by the substrate holding unit 21, and an upper position located above the lower position.

Abstract: A substrate processing method includes a removing step of removing unwanted matter from a substrate and a vaporizing step performed in parallel to the removing step. In the removing step, an HF vapor that contains hydrogen fluoride and a solvent vapor that contains a solvent capable of dissolving water and having a lower boiling point than water is supplied onto the substrate to etch and remove the unwanted matter. In the vaporizing step, the solvent on the substrate is vaporized.

Abstract: A top plate 32 is provided with a top plate rotation mechanism configured to rotate the top plate 32 in a horizontal plane. An outside cup peripheral case 50 disposed around a cup 40 is configured to move between an upper position, in which a top end of the cylinder 50 is positioned above the cup 40, and a lower position located below the upper position. A nozzle support arm 82 configured to support a nozzle 82a is moved, in a horizontal direction, between an advanced position, in which the arm 82 is advanced into the outside cup peripheral case 50 via a side opening 50m formed in a side surface of the outside cup peripheral case 50 when the cylinder 50 is located in the upper position, and a retracted position, in which the arm 82 is retracted outward from the outside cup peripheral case 50.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus supplies a resist stripping solution, formed by mixing sulfuric acid and a hydrogen peroxide solution, to a surface of a substrate. The substrate processing apparatus includes a nozzle that discharges the resist stripping solution toward the substrate, a hydrogen peroxide solution supply passage through which the hydrogen peroxide solution flows toward the nozzle, a plurality of sulfuric acid supply passages respectively connected to a plurality of mixing positions along the hydrogen peroxide solution supply passage that differ in flow passage length to the nozzle, and a sulfuric acid supply passage selecting unit that introduces the sulfuric acid from a sulfuric acid supply source to a sulfuric acid supply passage selected from among the plurality of sulfuric acid supply passages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure cleaning appliance, comprising a heatable heat exchanger for heating a liquid that can be discharged by the high-pressure cleaning appliance, a motor having a drive shaft that defines a drive axis, a pump unit for increasing the liquid pressure, a blower wheel for generating a combustion air flow, and a fuel pump for delivering a fuel to the heat exchanger, wherein the pump unit, the blower wheel, and the fuel pump are disposed along the drive axis and can be driven by means of the drive shaft and form an assembly together with the motor. In order to improve such a high-pressure cleaning appliance in such a manner that it has a more compact construction and a smaller space requirement, the assembly of the high-pressure cleaning appliance according to the invention, with regard to a height direction thereof, is disposed below the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for liquid, gas, and gas plasma sterilization of items. The apparatus includes two chambers and a holder to connectorlessly secure a lumened instrument such that a first portion of the lumened instrument lies in the first chamber and a second portion of the instrument lies in the second chamber, a liquid medium contained within the two chambers, and pumping means for simultaneously increasing fluid pressure within the first chamber of said container while decreasing fluid pressure within the second chamber of the container in a reciprocating fashion. The pumping means displaces at least a total internal volume of the liquid medium through the lumen for a given highest volume of a lumened instrument during a stroke.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for a walking aid are disclosed. The walking aid includes a walker having a frame con- figured to extend about a user of the walker to at least partially support the user and to facilitate the user progressing along a path from a current step to a next step while at least partially supported by the walker. A swivel mount is supported by the frame. A light source is connected to the swivel mount. The light source is configured to project a visual cue on a projection surface in the path between the current step and the next step to trigger the next step by the user. A controller is configured to adjust a visual property of the visual cue for use under indoor conditions and outdoor conditions.

Abstract: Protective shelters for enclosing one or more persons and/or animals are described. A capsule can be a spherical or substantially spherical, water-tight shell surrounding a frame and forming an interior portion which accommodates the one or more persons and/or animal; and at least one sealable entry door configured to seal at least one opening formed in the shell.

Abstract: The present invention features a chalk bag, a parachute tent and a flop clip. The chalk bag features a handle located on the interior of the bag and attached to at least one interior wall, which contains chalk. Chalk is deposited into the handle through an opening in the side of the bag. The opening is outfitted with an integrated funnel to facilitate pouring chalk into the handle. The chalk bag also features a hoop shifter located in a rim portion of the chalk bag, which is a sliding opening and closing mechanism. The parachute tent provides a combination of a parachute and a tent, which is functional as both a parachute and a tent, and once dropped contains all necessary components for the tent with no additional components. The flop clip is a reusable connection mechanism, which utilizes magnets.

Abstract: A portable retractable turbomachine enclosure canopy system includes a first rail member configured and disposed to be mounted to a first wall of the turbomachine enclosure, and a second rail member configured and disposed to be mounted to a second wall of the turbomachine enclosure. A first fixed canopy support member is mounted to the first rail member, and a second fixed canopy support member is mounted to the second rail member. A first sliding canopy support member is seated on the first rail member, and a second sliding canopy support member is seated on the second rail member. An adjustable canopy support element is moveably secured between the first and second fixed canopy support members to form a fixed canopy support, and an adjustable canopy support member is moveably secured between the first and second sliding canopy support members to form a sliding canopy support.

Abstract: A foldable tent having a frame assembly and a cover fixed to the frame assembly such that an enclosed area is provided when the tent is erected in an open configuration, and the frame assembly and cover are collectively compactly collapsed and folded together in a collapsed configuration of the tent. The frame assembly includes a plurality of independent frame members detached from each other. Each frame member has an upper frame member and a pair of side frame members, each comprising a plurality of pole sections. The upper frame member and the pair of side frame members are pivotally coupled together. A connector device pivotally couples a pair of upper frame member pole sections and permits positioning of the pole sections in a substantially aligned locked configuration or in a substantially parallel unlocked configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thermoelectric module. The thermoelectric module includes: an upper substrate and a lower substrate each having a plurality of grooves formed on one surface thereof; a plurality of heat radiation pads embedded in the plurality of grooves; a plurality of electrodes formed on surfaces of the plurality of heat radiation pads and corresponding to the plurality of heat radiation pads one by one; and thermoelectric elements including p-type elements and n-type elements and electrically connected to the plurality of electrodes. According to the present invention, the heat radiation pads are embedded in the respective grooves formed on the upper substrate and the lower substrate, thereby maximizing heat transfer efficiency, and functioning as an insulator for preventing an electric short between the substrates and the electrodes.

Abstract: There are provided a thermoelectric element and a thermoelectric module that are manufacturable at low cost, suffer little from deterioration in thermoelectric characteristics even after a long period of use, and excel in durability. A thermoelectric element of the invention includes a columnar thermoelectric element main body, an insulating layer disposed on a periphery of the thermoelectric element main body, and a metal layer disposed on an end face of the thermoelectric element main body, the metal layer covering an end face of the insulating layer. Accordingly, a reaction with a solder is prevented and high thermoelectric characteristics is maintained even during a long period of use.

Abstract: A method of providing electrical power in an underwater hydrocarbon well installation comprising a pipeline for conveying a hydrocarbon fluid is provided. The method comprises attaching at least one clamp to the pipeline at the outside of the pipeline, the clamp housing at least one thermoelectric generating device so that the device is in a temperature gradient resulting from a difference in temperature between the hydrocarbon fluid and the water surrounding the pipeline.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion element is provided as an element module with improved utility having an enhanced performance index and utilizing Fe2VAl type alloy thin-film under the condition of the drop in thermal conductivity. The structure of thermoelectric conversion element is comprised of a conductive buffer layer and plural repeating stages of single structures including thermoelectric conversion material layer and a conductive buffer layer, over a buffer layer formed on a substrate; and each of the thermoelectric conversion material layers is comprised of Full-Heusler alloy or Full-Heusler alloy thin film in a thickness range between 1 nm to 200 nm.

Abstract: Nanostructures and photovoltaic structures are disclosed. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables extending from a substrate, the nanocables in the array being characterized as having a spacing and surface texture defined by inner surfaces of voids of a template; an electrically insulating layer extending along the substrate; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables. A nanostructure according to another embodiment includes a substrate; a portion of a template extending along the substrate, the template being electrically insulative; an array of nanocables extending from the template, portions of the nanocables protruding from the template being characterized as having a spacing, shape and surface texture defined by previously-present inner surfaces of voids of the template; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes first and second photovoltaic cells, with each of the first and second photovoltaic cells having a substrate, a lower electrode disposed above the substrate along a deposition axis and that includes a conductive light transmissive layer, one or more semiconductor layers disposed above the substrate along the deposition axis, and an upper electrode disposed above the one or more semiconductor layers along the deposition axis. The semiconductor layers convert incident light into an electric current. The first and second photovoltaic cells are separated by first and second separation gaps. The first separation gap extend along the deposition axis through the lower electrode from the substrate and the second separation gap extends from a deposition surface of the light transmissive layer of the lower electrode and through a remainder of the lower electrode and the one or more semiconductor layers along the deposition axis.

Abstract: A back contact solar module and an electrode soldering method therefor are disclosed. The back contact solar module includes a substrate, two solar cells formed on the substrate, and a curved solder part. The curved solder part is soldered onto an electrode solder pad of each solar cell. The curved solder part has a curved portion between the two solder pads. The curved portion curves parallel to the substrate. Therefore, the invention utilizes the elasticity in structure or the allowable deformation of the curved portion to release the internal stress induced by the soldering on the electrode pads or by a following lamination packaging, which solves the problem in the prior art that the internal residual stress in an electrode solder part harmfully affects the electrical connection between solar cells.

Abstract: Solar cell including a substrate with first p-n-junction, separating the substrate into front portion having first doping and rear portion having second doping, being located close to front surface of substrate. A front layer having a p-n-junction, separating the front layer into front portion having first doping and rear portion having second doping. At least one first electric contact provided on front side of the solar cell electrically connected to front portion of the front layer, and second electric contact provided on rear side of solar cell electrically connected to a contact point provided on front side of the solar cell. Contact point is placed on a bottom surface of a groove open to front side of the cell and extending to rear portion of substrate, and an electrical connection between the second electric contact and the contact point is provided by the rear portion.

Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of discrete, interconnected solar cells mounted on a carrier by providing a first semiconductor substrate; depositing on the first substrate a sequence of layers of semiconductor material forming a solar cell structure; forming a metal back contact layer over the solar cell structure; mounting a carrier on top of the metal back contact; removing the first substrate; and lithographically patterning and etching the solar cell structure to form a plurality of discrete solar cells mounted on the carrier.

Abstract: A solar generator apparatus, which has suspending supports and is mounted on a fixed structure, includes a solar generator module, a middle column, three side columns and three elastic members. The solar generator module converts light into electricity. The middle column for rotatably supporting the solar generator module has a first end mounted on the fixed structure, and a second end pivotally connected to a middle portion of a bottom of the solar generator module. First ends of the three side columns are mounted on the fixed structure. The three elastic members for assisting in supporting the solar generator module respectively connect second ends of the three side columns to the solar generator module.