Abstract: A dental floss comprising a first connecting element and a second connecting element wherein the connecting elements interact to form a connecting assembly and thereby form a loop of dental floss. This dental floss can be used for forming a dental floss loop by engaging the first connecting element and the second connecting element.

Abstract: A dental floss clamp comprising a screw connection having a threaded nut and a threaded bolt which is moveable within a longitudinal axis of the threaded nut and can be screwed therein wherein the threaded nut comprises a jacket and has an interior thread and an interior groove; the threaded bolt has an exterior thread and an exterior groove; each turn of the interior thread has a first flank , and a second flank, each having a pitch; and wherein the pitch of the second flank with respect to the longitudinal axis of the threaded nut is greater than the pitch of the first flank.

Abstract: A method of preparing colored ultraviolet (UV)-curable compositions useful for adornment of natural and artificial nails and artificial nail extensions comprising dispersing a pigment in an organic liquid to form a pigment concentrate, the organic liquid comprised of one or more organic chemicals selected from solvents, ethylenically unsaturated monomers, and ethylenically unsaturated oligomers; and mixing the dispersed pigment concentrate with a radiation-curable nail gel composition comprising one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers, one or more ethylenically unsaturated oligomers, or mixtures thereof, and, optionally, one or more photo accelerators, fillers, inhibitors, plasticizers, non-reactive polymers, adhesion promotors, and/or photoinitiator(s) to form a resultant mixture, wherein if photoinitiator(s) is/are not present in the nail gel composition the photoinitiator(s) is/are added to the resultant mixture of the pigment concentrate and radiation-curable nail gel composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cationic 4-aminoindole of general formula (I), addition salts thereof with an acid and solvates thereof: in which: R1 is a linear or branched, saturated C2-C20 alkyl radical, substituted and/or interrupted with a cationic radical. The present invention is also directed towards a process for synthesizing this cationic 4-aminoindole, to the compositions, the uses, the hair dyeing processes and the devices using this cationic 4-aminoindole.

Abstract: An oxidative hair colorant composition to be dispensed from a manually-actuable, non-aerosol dispenser as a foam. The oxidative hair colorant composition contains a foam stabilizing agent and is essentially free of surfactant.

Abstract: A hair styling iron includes a pair of hinged elongate jaws having complementary hair-engaging surfaces configured to hold and engage hair between the surfaces. The iron is motorised for rotating or vibrating at least one of the jaws. At least one elastomeric rib extends along one of the hair-engaging surfaces, and allows the user to readily modulate the hair-gripping force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hair styling aid (1), in particular for curling hair. The hair styling aid (1) comprises guide means (16) for receiving a length of hair to be styled, and a rotatable element (20). In use, the rotatable element (20) rotates relative to the guide means (16), pushing a portion of the hair to one side and thereby causing it to be wound around a central protrusion (36).

Abstract: A method for producing a length of dental floss having a plastic part attached comprising the steps of providing a mould having a cavity; disposing a length of dental floss within the cavity; arranging the dental floss within the cavity such that the dental floss enters the cavity at a first location x and exits the cavity at a second location y and wherein the path length of the dental floss within the cavity is greater than the linear distance between the first location x and the second location y; and injecting a plastic material into the cavity to encapsulate the floss.

Abstract: A dental floss clamp, said clamp comprising a first limb and a second limb which are mutually hinged at a first end of each limb; each limb having a plurality of projections and recesses configured such that when the limbs are brought together the projections of the first limb can engage with the recesses of the second limb and the projections of the first limb press laterally on the projections of the second limb in order to clamp a length of dental floss.

Abstract: According to example embodiments, there is provided a method of cleaning a semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus. In the method, a fluorine-containing gas is provided into a chamber to clean a byproduct formed on a surface of a chamber during formation of a layer structure therein. A material is provided into the chamber to chemisorb the material on the surface of the chamber. The material is substantially similar to or the same as a source gas for forming the layer structure. A plasma is generated in the chamber, and the chamber is purged.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for cleaning polycrystalline silicon chunks in an acidic cleaning bath, wherein: (a) the cleaning includes several cleaning cycles, (b) a particular amount of acid is consumed in each cycle, (c) a computer-controlled dosage system integrator adds up those amounts of acid consumed in each cycle to give a current total consumption of acid in the bath, and (d) on attainment of a total consumption of acid in the bath corresponding to an optimal dosage of the dosage system, the dosage system supplies this optimal dosage of unconsumed acid withdrawn from a reservoir vessel to the bath. Another process for cleaning polycrystalline silicon chunks in an acidic cleaning bath includes an acid circuit in which acid is circulated, wherein the ratio of amount of acid circulated in liters to the mass of polysilicon chunks present in the bath in kg is greater than 10.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning debris from swimming pools includes a frame, a corresponding net, and retaining means for retaining the net on the frame. The preferred retaining means is an elongated strip of resilient, flexible material, having a generally U-shaped cross-section. The web portion of the cross-section includes an exterior surface smoothly shaped between its two edges to urge debris from the pool into the net. The leg portions of the cross-section include gripping portions to assist in engaging and/or disengaging the retaining means from the frame, to permit the net to be assembled, changed or replaced. Preferably, the retaining means is formed from at least two different materials. The preferred frame of the tool is fabricated from aluminum and includes an elongated, curved frame portion with its ends permanently assembled into the end of a tubular attachment member, to permit attachment of the tool to a handle, pole or similar structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning device (100) for dry cleaning, in particular dust removal, in particular of irregular objects (150) such as miniature models, drinking vessels and the like, comprising a hollow body (110) having a first opening (120) for introducing the object (200) into the hollow body, wherein the hollow body (110) is equipped on an inner face (111-114) with dry cleaning means (130).

Abstract: A scouring body which comprises a sponge body and a sheet like textile structure arranged on the sponge body, wherein the cleaning surface of the sheet-like textile structure is sealed, strengthened and provided with scouring particles by means of a binder, is described. The scouring particles comprise plastic particles. The scouring body is characterized by an extraordinarily high cleaning power, washing stability and hydrolysis resistance.

Abstract: The scraper blade device is provided for cleaning a surface, for instance a roadway surface, when moving in a forward direction relative to the surface. The scraper blade device includes an upper blade portion and a bottom blade portion. The bottom blade portion has a plurality of widthwise-disposed blade segments that are adjoined and juxtaposed to one another. The bottom edge of each blade segment is independently slidingly movable in an up and down movement out of alignment with reference to the bottom edge of the other blade segments and is biased towards a downward working direction. The bottom edge of the blade segments is also pivotally movable with reference to the surface to be cleaned about a pivot axis that is substantially parallel to the lowermost edge of the scraper blade device. The bottom edges is biased towards a forward working position.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing labels (12) and/or for washing containers (10) in recyclable plastic material; the containers (10) with labels (12) to be removed are supplied upwards from the bottom of a vertical screw feeder (15), in which a water flow is supplied from above to drag the removed labels (12?) downwards into a collection chamber (31) positioned underneath an inlet opening (20) for the containers (10) in the vertical screw feeder (15); the water flow for downwardly dragging the removed labels (12?), may also be used for removing contaminants and washing the containers (10) while they are moving upwards.

Abstract: A cleaning package for wires, method and system comprising said cleaning package, the package comprising a fiber-glass core, a synthetic fiber coating layer surrounding the fiber-glass core and interlaced with said fiber-glass core, and a coating layer surrounding, at least in part, the synthetic fiber coating layer, wherein the coating layer is a thermoplastic layer. The cooled-off galvanized wire is passed in between the at least two cleaning packages at a speed of up to 250 meters per second, while lasting up to eight hours.

Abstract: A system for maintaining production flow in a subsea pipeline having a proximate and a distal end, the pipeline being in fluid communication with a production facility on a distal end, the system comprising a flow loop comprising an inlet in fluid communication with at least one subsea well adapted to receive a hydrocarbon production flow, and an outlet in fluid communication with the proximate end of the pipeline; a pig launching system, adapted so that a pig may be selectively placed into the flow loop inlet; and a pig receiving system, adapted so that a pig may be removed from the hydrocarbon production flow from the flow loop outlet; wherein the flow loop has an inner surface roughness less than about 1000 micro-inches.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for efficiently reclaiming solvents used to clean surfaces of semiconductor wafers, etc. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide an in-situ reclaim approach that utilizes condensing mechanisms to reclaim evaporated solvent components. In these embodiments, the condensing can occur within a proximity head itself and/or along a vacuum line running from the proximity head to a vacuum tank. Other embodiments of the present invention provide an in-situ reclaim approach that prevents the evaporation of solvents at the onset by maintaining appropriate equilibrium gas phase concentrations between the liquid chemistries and gases used to process wafer surfaces.

Abstract: In the exemplary embodiment, a steam-cleaning apparatus is described for sanitizing and cleaning a surface or object. The apparatus has a first reservoir for receiving water, a heater for heating the water within the first reservoir, a second reservoir for receiving a sanitizing agent, a mixing nozzle, a first actuator for enabling the heated water from the first reservoir through the mixing nozzle at the surface or object for cleaning the surface or object; and a second actuator for enabling the sanitizing agent from the second reservoir to the mixing nozzle for mixing the sanitizing agent with the heated water therein, and for enabling the mixed heated water and sanitizing agent at the surface or object for sanitizing the surface or object deeply into its finest fissures and pores.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an installation for cleaning and/or degreasing manufactured parts. The installation applicator includes a first outlet nozzle connected to a device for producing vapor in order to produce a central jet consisting of the pressurized water vapor and a second outlet nozzle surrounding the first nozzle. The second nozzle is connected to a device for producing pressurized air in order to produce a peripheral jet consisting of the pressurized air. The nozzles form a composite treatment jet made of the central jet of pressurized water vapor and the peripheral jet of pressurized air with the peripheral jet surrounding the central jet.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a substrate treatment device which can more efficiently heat and more efficiently use a treatment solution to treat the surface of a plate-shaped substrate.

Abstract: According to exemplary embodiments, a dishwasher or other washing appliance includes a siphon break apparatus configured to substantially prevent a siphon effect in a fluid conduit configured to drain fluid from the dishwasher or other washing appliance. The siphon break apparatus may include a body portion that may be divided by a filter into a filter chamber and a flow chamber. The filter chamber may extend perpendicularly from the flow chamber. An aperture may be defined in the filter chamber and sealed shut by a domed closure of a normally-closed umbrella valve. The domed closure may unseal from the aperture and thereby allow air to enter the filter chamber, travel through the filter and into the flow chamber so as to relieve a low pressure region and substantially prevent a siphon effect in the fluid conduit. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a dishwashing appliance is provided. An actuator that is activated by heat provided by operation of the dishwasher is used to move a gate so as to provide an open position where one or more openings are created though which heat and fluid may be vented from the wash chamber. Upon cooling the actuator, it allows the gate to move to a closed position blocking the flow of heat and fluid from the wash chamber. The application of heat or cooling changes the shape of the actuator so as to provide for the positioning of the gate.

Abstract: A washer adapted to wash a part with a solution, the washer comprising spaced apart sidewalls, and at least one arm rotatably mounted near its center on at least one of the sidewalls. The arm has one end and another end, a central portion, and an angled portion near the one arm end and angled relative to its adjacent arm central portion. The washer also includes a plurality of nozzles spaced apart along the arm central portion and the arm angled portion between near the one arm end and near the other arm end.

Abstract: An appliance such as a dishwasher comprises an upper region and a lower region forming an appliance footprint. Positioned in the upper region is a spray arm assembly and a wash tub forming a wash zone. The wash zone has a low or reduced capacity, thereby holding fewer objects than conventional dishwashers but maintaining the appliance footprint so that the dishwasher fits an appliance opening, e.g., in kitchen cabinetry, that has a standard width dimension and a standard height dimension. In one embodiment, the wash zone has an opening through is received a rack, which supports the objects in the wash zone. The rack is moveable between a first position and a second position, and in one example, the rack is configured to move between the first position and the second position relative to the wash zone and independent of the spray arm assembly.

Abstract: Briefly, embodiments of methods or apparatuses used in conjunction with a walker are described.

Abstract: Foldable tent structure that includes the assembly of a number of curved half-poles that are connected to one another in their upper part according to a general radial arrangement to form, in the deployed state, the frame that supports the fabric of the tent and that can be folded against one another to store the frame.

Abstract: A device and method of manufacture of a:DLC multi-layer doping growth comprising the steps of: forming at least an a:DLC layer in one process over a conventional semiconductor layer, thereby creating a plurality of successively connected PIN/PN junctions, each PIN/PN junction being a photo diode, starting from a first junction and ending in a last junction, respective PIN/PN junctions having p-type, n-type, and intrinsic layers; varying the sp3/sp2 ratio of at least the respective p-type and n-type layers and doping with at least silver to enhance electron mobility in respective PIN junctions; and connecting the plurality of a:DLC layers between electrodes at the first side and the second side to create a device having optimized spectral response to being oriented to a light source. A device comprises at least any kind of PIN/PN junction and an a:DLC PIN/PN junction, and can be connected as an array of devices.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed to use thermoelectric generating (TEG) devices to generate electricity from heat generated by a power cable. An apparatus includes multiple thermoelectric generating (TEG) devices. Each of the TEG devices has a first surface configured to be positioned in thermal communication with an outer surface of the power cable and a second surface configured to be positioned proximate to an ambient environment around the power cable. The apparatus also includes a set of terminals electrically coupled to the TEG devices. When a temperature differential exists between the first surface and the second surface, the TEG devices convert heat into electricity presented at the set of terminals.

Abstract: A thin film photovoltaic module having a plurality of interconnected submodules and a manufacturing method thereof have been disclosed in the present invention. Each submodule has a front electrode layer, a semiconductor layer, and a back electrode layer which have separating lines in each case for forming series-connected photovoltaic cells. The outer cells of two adjacent submodules are united into a single common tap cell for current collection. The separating lines of the two adjacent submodules are disposed mirror-asymmetrically with respect to a perpendicular bisector of the common tap cell. According to the present invention, the thin film photovoltaic module can prevent leakage current and power drop.

Abstract: The photovoltaic device can also include an insulating layer (e.g., an insulating material strip) beneath said first lead and said second lead, which may extend over the dead cell, extend over only a portion of the dead cell (i.e., the insulating layer does not extend over the entire width of the dead cell), or does not extend over the dead cell at all (e.g., ending at the scribe line separating the dead cell from the plurality of serially connected solar cells). When the insulating layer extends over at least a portion of the dead cell, the solder layer can extend over the insulating layer. Methods are also generally provided for manufacturing a photovoltaic device.

Abstract: An impact resistant device includes an optical layer and electronics. The optical layer and electronics are comprised in a flexible foil structure which is supported by a backing structure in mechanical contact on a backside of the flexible foil structure. The backing structure includes a deformable material having a viscous response in a critical range, which critical range is defined for a given front impact event by a pressure threshold (?critical) and a stretching threshold (?critical) of the flexible foil structure such that the optical layer and/or electronics are not damaged by the impact event.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly includes a plurality of solar cells that are electrically connected to one another to forma series connection and that are aligned along an alignment direction. Each of the solar cells has opposite first and second end portions that are opposite to each other in the alignment direction. The first end portion of a subsequent one of the solar cells in the series connection is stacked on and is electrically connected to the second end portion of a preceding one of the solar cells in the series connection.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a platinum-dicyano-bisisocyanide complex cluster, having a small ?E distance, in particular between 500 cm?1 and 3000 cm?1, between the lowest triplet state and the overlying singlet state that is populated by means of thermal repopulation from the triplet, in an organic-electronic device for emission of blue light and for absorption in the ultraviolet and blue spectral range. The invention also relates to the use of the singlet harvesting method. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the high degrees of absorption of such platinum-dicyano-bisisocyanide complex clusters.

Abstract: Provided are a photovoltaic power generating apparatus and a method of manufacturing the apparatus. The photovoltaic power generating apparatus includes a substrate, a first backside electrode, a second backside electrode, and a separator. The first backside electrode is disposed on the substrate. The second backside electrode is disposed on the substrate and is spaced apart from the first backside electrode. The separator is disposed between the first backside electrode and the second backside electrode.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing a substrate for photoelectric conversion device including, on a substrate, a first electrode layer formed of a transparent conductive material. The method includes a first transparent conductive film forming step of forming a first transparent conductive film on the substrate, a second transparent conductive film forming step of forming a second transparent conductive film under a film forming condition that an etching rate is low compared with the first transparent conductive film at a later etching step, and an etching step of wet-etching the second and first transparent conductive films to form recesses that pierce through at least the second transparent conductive film, with the bottoms of the recesses being present in the first transparent conductive film.

Abstract: A PV module kit for non-penetrating rooftop installation, including a plurality of PV modules and a plurality of connectors. Each of the PV modules includes a PV laminate and a frame forming a mounting region assembled thereto. The connectors include a male connector having a male fastener extending from a head, and a female connector having a female fastener assembled within a head. The heads are entirely formed of plastic. The kit provides a mounted array state including a junction at which the mounting region of at least two of the PV modules are aligned and interconnected by engagement of the male connector with the female connector. The so-formed junction is substantially electrically insulated. The plurality of connectors can further include a spacer connector including a head forming a bore sized to slidably receive the male fastener, with all of the connector heads being identical.

Abstract: Solar cell structures that have improved carrier collection efficiencies at a heterointerface are provided by low temperature epitaxial growth of silicon on a III-V base. Additionally, a solar cell structure having improved open circuit voltage includes a shallow junction III-V emitter formed by epitaxy or diffusion followed by the epitaxy of SixGe1-x passivated by amorphous SiyGe1-y:H.

Abstract: A method of forming a photovoltaic device that includes bonding a substrate to a germanium-containing semiconductor layer with a stressor layer, wherein the stressor layer cleaves the germanium-containing semiconductor layer. At least one semiconductor layer is formed on a cleaved surface of the germanium-containing semiconductor layer that is opposite the conductivity type of the germanium-containing semiconductor layer to provide a first solar cell. The first solar cell absorbs a first range of wavelengths. At least one second solar cell may be formed on the first solar cell, wherein the at least one second solar cell is composed of at least one semiconductor material to absorb a second range of wavelengths that is different than the first range wavelengths absorbed by the first solar cell.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device and method include a doped germanium-containing substrate, an emitter contact coupled to the substrate on a first side and a back contact coupled to the substrate on a side opposite the first side. The emitter includes at least one doped layer of an opposite conductivity type as that of the substrate and the back contact includes at least one doped layer of the same conductivity type as that of the substrate. The at least one doped layer of the emitter contact or the at least one doped layer of the back contact is in direct contact with the substrate, and the at least one doped layer of the emitter contact or the back contact includes an n-type material having an electron affinity smaller than that of the substrate, or a p-type material having a hole affinity larger than that of the substrate.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type, an emitter region of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type and which forms a p-n junction along with the substrate, an anti-reflection layer positioned on the emitter region, a front electrode part electrically connected to the emitter region, and a back electrode part electrically connected to the substrate. The substrate includes a first area formed of single crystal silicon and a second area formed of polycrystalline silicon. A thickness of the anti-reflection layer positioned in the first area is less than a thickness of the anti-reflection layer positioned in the second area.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell can include a plurality of a plasmon-forming nanostructures. The plasmon-forming nanostructures can include a metal nanoparticle and a semiconducting oxide on a surface of the metal nanoparticle.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device and method include a doped germanium-containing substrate, an emitter contact coupled to the substrate on a first side and a back contact coupled to the substrate on a side opposite the first side. The emitter includes at least one doped layer of an opposite conductivity type as that of the substrate and the back contact includes at least one doped layer of the same conductivity type as that of the substrate. The at least one doped layer of the emitter contact or the at least one doped layer of the back contact is in direct contact with the substrate, and the at least one doped layer of the emitter contact or the back contact includes an n-type material having an electron affinity smaller than that of the substrate, or a p-type material having a hole affinity larger than that of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming a photovoltaic device that includes bonding a substrate to a germanium-containing semiconductor layer with a stressor layer, wherein the stressor layer cleaves the germanium-containing semiconductor layer. At least one semiconductor layer is formed on a cleaved surface of the germanium-containing semiconductor layer that is opposite the conductivity type of the germanium-containing semiconductor layer to provide a first solar cell. The first solar cell absorbs a first range of wavelengths. At least one second solar cell may be formed on the first solar cell, wherein the at least one second solar cell is composed of at least one semiconductor material to absorb a second range of wavelengths that is different than the first range wavelengths absorbed by the first solar cell.

Abstract: Processes for making a photovoltaic absorber by depositing various layers of components on a substrate and converting the components into a thin film photovoltaic absorber material. Processes of this disclosure can be used to make a photovoltaic absorber having a concentration gradient of various atoms. CIGS thin film solar cells can be made.

Abstract: A thin film type solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed, which is capable of providing a wide light-transmission area without lowering cell efficiency and increasing processing time, so that the solar cell can be used as a substitute for a glass window in a building. The thin film type solar cell generally comprises a substrate; a plurality of front electrodes at fixed intervals on the substrate; a plurality of semiconductor layers at fixed intervals with a contact portion or separating channel interposed in-between, the plurality of semiconductor layers on the plurality of front electrodes; and a plurality of rear electrodes at fixed intervals by the each separating channel interposed in-between, the each rear electrode being electrically connected with the each front electrode; wherein the each rear electrode is patterned in such a way that a light-transmitting portion is included in a predetermined portion of the rear electrode.

Abstract: Techniques for reducing the resistivity of carbon nanotube and graphene materials are provided. In one aspect, a method of producing a doped carbon film having reduced resistivity is provided. The method includes the following steps. A carbon material selected from the group consisting of: a nanotube, graphene, fullerene and pentacene is provided. The carbon material and a dopant solution comprising an oxidized form of ruthenium bipyridyl are contacted, wherein the contacting is carried out under conditions sufficient to produce the doped carbon film having reduced resistivity.

Abstract: A method for texturing a single-crystalline silicon substrate is provided in which inverted pyramids are formed within the textured single-crystalline silicon substrate. The textured single-crystalline silicon substrates containing the inverted pyramids provided by the present disclosure have a low reflectance associated therewith and thus can be used as a component of a silicon solar cell. The method includes forming a plurality of openings that extend beneath an upper surface of a single-crystalline silicon substrate, and forming inverted pyramids in each of the openings by expanding each opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paste for forming a solar cell electrode, comprising electrically conductive metal particles, glass frit, a cross-linkable agent, a photo polymerization initiator and organic solvent, wherein the content of the cross-linkable agent is 1.0 to 20.0 wt %, the content of the photo polymerization initiator is 0.2 to 15.0 wt %, the content of the organic solvent is greater than 1.0 wt %, based on the total weight of the paste, and wherein over 90 wt % of the organic solvent based on the total weight of the organic solvent has a boiling point at 85° C. or higher.