Abstract: The present invention relates to a thin film solar cell having a photoactive layer interposed between two electrodes, wherein at least one of the two electrodes has an electric field emission layer including nanostructures having electric field emission effects. As the thin film solar cell of the present invention has electrodes with the above-described electric field emission layer, electrons and holes generated by the photoactive layer from light can be effectively delivered to each electrode, thereby improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell.

Abstract: A transparent conductive zinc oxide based film according to the present invention contains Ti, Al and Zn in such a proportion that satisfies the following formulae (1), (2) and (3) in terms of atomic ratio, and has a plurality of surface textures different in size on a surface, wherein a center-line average surface roughness Ra of the surface of the transparent conductive film is 30 nm to 200 nm, and an average value of widths of the surface textures is 100 nm to 10 ?m. 0.001?Ti/(Zn+Al+Ti)?0.079.??(1) 0.001?Al/(Zn+Al+Ti)?0.079??(2) 0.010?(Ti+Al)/(Zn+Al+Ti)?0.

Abstract: A device and method for fabrication of a multi-junction photovoltaic device includes providing a parent substrate including a single crystal III-V material. The parent substrate forms a III-V cell of the multi-junction photovoltaic device. A lattice-matched Germanium layer is epitaxially grown on the III-V material to form a final cell of the multi-junction photovoltaic device. The Germanium layer is bonded to a foreign substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a bulk heterojunction inorganic thin film solar cell and a method for fabricating the same. More particularly, the solar cell includes an inorganic thin film having a bulk heterojunction formed by using vertically grown n-type semiconductor nanostructure electrodes and filling the void spaces among the nanostructures with p-type semiconductor materials, unlike the known planar type inorganic thin film solar cells including n-type semiconductors and p-type semiconductors.

Abstract: A multijunction (MJ) solar cell grown on an InP substrate using materials that are lattice-matched to InP. In an exemplary three-junction embodiment, the top cell is formed from In1-xAlxAs1-ySby (with x and y adjusted so as to achieve lattice-matching with InP, hereafter referred to as InAlAsSb), the middle cell from In1-a-bGaaAlbAs (with a and b adjusted so as to achieve lattice-matching with InP, hereafter referred to as InGaAlAs), and the bottom cell also from InGaAlAs, but with a much lower Al composition, which in some embodiments can be zero so that the material is InGaAs. Tunnel junctions (TJs) connect the junctions and allow photo-generated current to flow. In an exemplary embodiment, an InAlAsSb TJ connects the first and second junctions, while an InGaAlAs TJ connects the second and third junctions.

Abstract: Mechanically stacked multijunction solar cells are provided. In one embodiment, a mechanically stacked, multijunction solar cell comprises: a first solar cell having a first bandgap; a second solar cell having a second bandgap; and a plurality of spaced apart metal pillars sandwiched between the first solar cell and the second solar cell.

Abstract: A crystal oriented metal back contact for solar cells is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic device and methods for making the photovoltaic device are disclosed. The photovoltaic device includes a metal substrate with a crystalline orientation and a heteroepitaxial crystal silicon layer having the same crystal orientation of the metal substrate. A heteroepitaxial buffer layer having the crystal orientation of the metal substrate is positioned between the substrate and the crystal silicon layer to reduce diffusion of metal from the metal foil into the crystal silicon layer and provide chemical compatibility with the heteroepitaxial crystal silicon layer. Additionally, the buffer layer includes one or more electrically conductive pathways to electrically couple the crystal silicon layer and the metal substrate.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device including at least one of a solar device, a semiconductor device, and an electronic device. The device includes a semiconductor unit. A plurality of metal fingers is disposed on a surface of the semiconductor unit for electrical conduction. Each of the metal fingers corresponds to a section of the optoelectronic device. A plurality of pad areas is available for connection to a bus bar, wherein each of the metal fingers is connected to a corresponding pad area for forming an electrical contact. The optoelectronic device includes a bad section, wherein the bad section is associated with a compromised metal finger and a compromised pad area. A dielectric spot coating is disposed above the compromised pad area to electrically isolate the bad section.

Abstract: Contact holes of solar cells are formed by laser ablation to accommodate various solar cell designs. Throughput of the solar cell ablation process is improved by incorporating linear base diffusion regions with narrow width, for example as compared to an overlying metal contact. Throughput of the solar cell ablation process may also be improved by having contact holes to base diffusion regions that are perpendicular to contact holes to emitter diffusion regions. To allow for continuous laser scanning, a laser blocking layer may be located over an interlayer dielectric to prevent contact hole formation on certain regions, such as regions where a metal contact of one polarity may electrically shunt to a diffusion region of opposite polarity. In a hybrid design, a solar cell may have both linear and dotted base diffusion regions. An electro-optical modulator may be employed to allow for continuous laser scanning in dotted base diffusion designs.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a dye sensitised solar cell or other mesoscopic solar cell, including the steps of coating at least a portion of a surface of a substrate with an electrode film or other functional layer, and applying an isostatic pressure over the coated substrate to thereby compact the electrode film or functional layer on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell having a selective emitter structure on a doped silicon substrate. The silicon substrate is mono-crystalline or multi-crystalline. A plurality of trenches are formed at the illuminated side of the silicon substrate. After one-time diffusion doping, the silicon substrate is processed through selective etching. The region outside the trenches obtains a lower doping concentration, while the region of the trenches remains to be highly doped. Thus, a selective emitter structure is formed.

Abstract: A tunneling photovoltaic (“TPV”) device using a high-? dielectric as a tunneling layer is disclosed. The TPV includes a P-type doped silicon semiconductor substrate. Formed on its surface is an interfacial layer, between the semiconductor substrate and the high-? tunneling layer. Formed on the high-? tunneling layer is an electrode layer, or stack electrode layer, receiving charge carriers that tunnel through the tunneling layer, generating a current when the device is illuminated by light. The tunneling layer can be hafnium oxide or other suitable high-? dielectrics. A method of fabricating a high-? TPV is also disclosed. The TPV device according to the embodiments has improved internal quantum efficiency.

Abstract: A thin film amorphous silicon solar cell may have front contact between a hydrogenated amorphous silicon layer and a transparent conductive oxide layer. The cell may include a layer of a refractory metal, chosen among the group composed of molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum and titanium, of thickness adapted to ensure a light transmittance of at least 80%, interposed therebetween, before growing by PECVD a hydrogenated amorphous silicon p-i-n light absorption layer over it. A refractory metal layer of just about 1 nm thickness may effectively shield the oxide from the reactive plasma, thereby preventing a diffused defect when forming the p.i.n. layer that would favor recombination of light-generated charge carriers.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell and a method of fabricating the same. The solar cell includes a back electrode layer; a light absorbing layer on the back electrode layer; a protrusion pattern on the light absorbing layer; a first anti-reflective layer having a first thickness on the protrusion pattern; and a second anti-reflective layer having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness on the protrusion pattern.

Abstract: Included are a semiconductor substrate including, on one surface side, a dopant diffusion layer, a light-receiving surface side electrode electrically connected to the dopant diffusion layer and formed on the one surface side of the semiconductor substrate, and a rear surface side electrode formed on the other surface side of the semiconductor substrate. A first unevenness structure including first projected sections each having a square pyramid shape in a light-receiving surface side electrode formation region in which the light-receiving surface side electrode is formed on the one surface side of the semiconductor substrate including the dopant diffusion layer. A second unevenness structure including second projected sections each having a square pyramid shape larger than the first projected sections in a region where the light-receiving surface side electrode is not formed on the one surface side of the semiconductor substrate including the dopant diffusion layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a copper indium selenium (CIS) or copper indium gallium selenium (CIGS) thin-film light-absorbing layer. The method includes forming a coating layer of CIGS slurry, removing a solvent, a dispersant and a binder from the coating layer to form a powder coat layer, pressing the powder coat layer to improve its particle packing density, and heating the powder layer to form a dense thin film. The method uses a powder process as a non-vacuum process to produce a CIS or CIGS thin film in high yield at low cost. Further disclosed is a method for manufacturing a thin-film solar cell including the production method.

Abstract: Photoactive polymers comprising first and second co-monomer repeat units, the first co-monomer repeat unit comprising a moiety selected from the group consisting of an alkylthieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione moiety and a 1,3-dithiophene-5-alkylthieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione moiety, and the second co-monomer repeat unit comprising a moiety selected from the group consisting of a 4,4?-dialkyl-dithieno[3,2-b:2?3?-d]silole moiety, an ethylene moiety, a thiophene moiety, an N-alkylcarbazole moiety, an N-(1-alkyl)dithieno[3,2-b:2?3?-d]pyrrole moiety and a 4,8-dialkyloxylbenzo[1,2-b:3,4-b]dithiophene moiety are described herein. These polymers are suitable for use in photovoltaic cells and field effect transistors.

Abstract: In the present invention, a dye-sensitizing solar cell with which high open voltage (Voc) and high short-circuit current (Jsc) are obtained is provided even though a conductive polymer is used as a hole transport material, whereby high photoelectric conversion efficiency can be obtained. Disclosed is a dye-sensitized solar cell comprising a substrate, a first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer comprising a semiconductor and a sensitizing dye, a hole transport layer comprising a solid stale hole transport material, and a second electrode, wherein the solid state hole transport material contained in the hole transport layer comprises a conductive polymer formed by polymerizing a compound having a thiophene structure, and the hole transport layer has an ionization potential of 5.0-5.5 eV.

Abstract: A gel electrolyte including a non-volatile polymer solvent including hydrogen bonding groups with at least two hydrogen bonding sites, and a dye-sensitized solar cell including the gel electrolyte. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes: opposing first and second electrodes; a porous layer disposed between the first and second electrodes, including an adsorbed dye; and the gel electrolyte, which is disposed between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon nanotube-invaded metal oxide composite film used as an N-type metal oxide conductive film of an organic solar cell, a manufacturing method thereof, and the organic solar cell with an improved photoelectric conversion efficiency and improved durability using the same, and more specifically, to a metal oxide-carbon nanotube composite film, a manufacturing method thereof, and an organic solar cell with an improved photoelectric conversion efficiency and improved durability using the same, characterized in that a single-wall carbon nanotube which has been surface-treated by a metal oxide is uniformly dispersed and is combined with the metal oxide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid crude hydrocarbon composition containing (a) a liquid crude hydrocarbon having an API gravity of less than or equal to about 20; and (b) a minor amount of a blend comprising (i) one or more hydrocarbon-containing solvents having an aromatic content of at least about 10 wt. %; and (ii) one or more asphaltene modifiers selected from the group consisting of an aromatic sulfonic acid or salt thereof, an aliphatic sulfonic acid or salt thereof and an alkyl-substituted hydroxyaromatic carboxylic acid or salt thereof. Also disclosed is a method for transporting a liquid crude hydrocarbon having an API gravity of less than or equal to about 20.

Abstract: A method for the transport of carbon dioxide from a feed means to a removal means in a pressure pipe, which method includes the production of a transport mixture containing up to 80 mol % carbon dioxide and an inert gas, in particular nitrogen, in the feed means, the pressurised feeding of the transport mixture into the pressure pipe, and the pressurised transport of the transport mixture in the pressure pipe to the removal means.

Abstract: A flow control device, including a flow path for a fluid therethrough; a geometry defining at least a portion of the flow path, the geometry operatively arranged to cause a pressure drop in the fluid thereacross; a material disposed along the flow path, the material having a surface energy less than that of an undesirable component of the fluid. A method of controlling inflow of an undesirable fluid including: receiving a fluid in a flow control device; and reducing an undesirable component of the fluid flowing out from the flow control device by directing the fluid along a flow path of the flow control device, the flow path at least partially defined by a geometry operatively arranged to cause a pressure drop in the fluid thereacross and at least partially defined by a material having a surface energy less than that of the undesirable component of the fluid.

Abstract: A rapid alternating process system and method of operating a rapid alternating process system includes a rapid alternating process chamber, a plurality of process gas sources coupled to the rapid alternating process chamber, wherein each one of the plurality of process gas sources includes a corresponding process gas source flow controller, a bias signal source coupled to the rapid alternating process chamber, a process gas detector coupled to the rapid alternating process chamber, a rapid alternating process chamber controller coupled to the rapid alternating process chamber, the bias signal source, the process gas detector and the plurality of process gas sources, the rapid alternating process chamber controller including logic for initiating a first rapid alternating process phase including: logic for inputting a first process gas into a rapid alternating process chamber, logic for detecting the first process gas in the rapid alternating process chamber, and logic for applying a corresponding first phase b

Abstract: Described herein is a graywater separation valve assembly that includes a main body portion, valve means remotely operable by a user, a motor operatively connected to the valve means, a receiver in electrical communication with the motor, and a remote control that includes a transmitter in communication with the receiver and for operating the valve means. The main body portion includes an inlet, which, in use, is connected to a graywater source, a first outlet, which, in use, is connected to a sewer line, and a second outlet, which, in use, is connected to a graywater line. The inlet, first outlet and second outlet all comprise no hub connectors. The remote control is operable to cause graywater received through the inlet to pass through either the first outlet or the second outlet.

Abstract: A single actuator multi-port flow control valve composed of a plurality of generally cylindrically shaped port bodies rotatably mounted within a valve body. The port bodies are serially driven by a single actuator via a drive link system composed of a drive pin on the inferior side wall of a serial superior port body selectively abutting, during rotation, a driven tab on the superior side wall of its serially inferior port body. The position of each port body is known to an electronic controller which selectively actuates the actuator to set each port body angular position.

Abstract: A gasification system including a gasifier, a feed injector, and a fuel feed system that includes a first feed line, a second feed line, and a controller that includes a processor. The processor is programmed to enable the first feed line to supply a fuel gas into the feed injector, enable the second feed line to supply oxygen into the feed injector, receive instructions to add a slurry to the gasifier, prevent the first feed line from supplying the fuel gas into the feed injector, enable the first feed line to supply the slurry into the feed injector, enable the second feed line to simultaneously supply the oxygen and the inert gas into the feed injector, and prevent the second feed line from supplying the inert gas into the feed injector.

Abstract: An apparatus generates and/or maintains fluid flow synthesizing and maintaining an artificial tornado. The apparatus includes a generally cylindrical frame having two chambers coupled with two channels each of one half the entire length of the frame, and having reversed angular coordinates. Each chamber operates to generate and/or maintain a vortex and each channel operates to induce and/or reinforce the vortex along the length of the frame.

Abstract: Described herein is a graywater separation valve assembly that includes a main body portion, a valve mechanism remotely operable by a user, a motor operatively connected to the valve mechanism, a receiver in electrical communication with the motor, and a remote control that includes a transmitter in communication with the receiver and for operating the valve mechanism. The main body portion includes an inlet, which, in use, is connected to a graywater source, a first outlet, which, in use, is connected to a sewer line, and a second outlet, which, in use, is connected to a graywater line. The inlet, first outlet and second outlet all comprise no hub connectors. The remote control is operable to cause graywater received through the inlet to pass through either the first outlet or the second outlet.

Abstract: A fluid management system and a method for managing fluid include a removable cartridge, a fluid reservoir, a fluid exchange pump, and a conduit. The conduit provides fluid communication between the removable cartridge and the fluid reservoir. The fluid exchange pump transfers a first fluid from the fluid reservoir to the removable cartridge in a first direction, and permits a flow of a second fluid from the removable cartridge to the fluid reservoir in a second direction.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for automating laboratory protocols utilizing cooperative efforts between differing components including fluidics, agitation and thermal control for processing a wide variety of disparate laboratory protocols are provided. In one aspect, a sample processing module is provided, including a housing configured to accommodate a pre-identified sample process, a temperature input capable of interfacing with a temperature controller, a fluid input capable of interfacing with an input fluid controller, a fluid output capable of interfacing with an output fluid controller, and a standardized agitation connector capable of interfacing with an agitator. A control system interfaces with the temperature input, fluid input, fluid output, and agitation connector to enable the system to perform laboratory protocols that require complex, sequential fluidic steps in association with the temperature and agitation control.

Abstract: A human body sensitive, touch-controlled water outlet device includes: a faucet body, a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet and a switch unit, with the switch unit including a touch sensitive module, a control module and a power source module. When a human body touches the switch control sensing zone or the water temperature switchover zone arranged on the faucet body, the touch sensitive module identifies the touch signal and outputs a corresponding sensed signal to the control module, and then the control module controls the water outlet device according to the sensed signal, so as to open or close the water outlet device and provide the selected type of outlet water. Further disclosed is a method for controlling the human body sensitive, touch-controlled water outlet device. The human body sensitive, touch-controlled water outlet device is convenient to use and has a high touch control precision.

Abstract: An exemplary valve device for controlling flow of a turbomachine fluid includes a housing and a flow control assembly within the housing. The housing has a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet. Movement of the housing to a first orientation causes the flow control assembly to move to a first position to restrict flow of a turbomachine fluid into the housing through the second inlet. Movement of the housing to a second orientation causes the flow control assembly to move to a second position to restrict flow of the turbomachine fluid into the housing through the first inlet.

Abstract: Microfabricated microvalves may be used with liquid-filled control channels and actuated using compact and battery-powered components, without the need for heavier or fixed infrastructure. The disclosed embodiments include microvalves with on-off fluid control with relatively fast response times, coordinated switching of multiple valves, and operation of a biological (enzyme-substrate) assay in a handheld configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for an extracting unit in the face of a mine, for actuating the hydraulic actuator in the sense of drawing, stepping, setting, and having a plurality of main valves for connecting the actuator of the extracting unit to a main pressure line and a main return line, and a similar plurality of pilot valves, each associated with a main valve for adjusting same and connected to the main pressure line via a pilot pressure line common to all pilot valves and connected to the main return line via a return line common to the main valves and the pilot valves. The pilot pressure line can be shut off and the return line can be blocked off from the main return line and connected to a measuring device for measuring escaping hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: The presently disclosed technology provides a venturi injector having a motive fluid inlet and a suction fluid inlet that mixes the motive fluid and the suction fluid at a desired mixing ratio over a variety of motive fluid flow rates. A pressure feedback loop fluidly links the motive fluid pressure at the motive fluid inlet of the venturi injector with the suction fluid pressure at the suction fluid inlet of the venturi injector.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and process of converting a standard, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) flow path to a flow path suitable for supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) are described. This reversible technique is applied to a variety of flow configurations including binary, high pressure solvent mixing systems and quaternary, low pressure solvent mixing systems than can be conventionally operated or automated. The technique is generally applied to the fields of supercritical fluid chromatography and high pressure liquid chromatography, but users skilled in the art will find utility for any flow system where pressurization components must be periodically applied to and removed from both ends of a flow stream in an automated manner.

Abstract: A pump system that includes a pump, an injector and a regulator with a calculation unit. The regulator controls the pump to pump a liquid through a hose to the injector which opens and closes in response to an injector control signal, the time for an opening and closing cycle being called injector cycle and designated Ts, and the injector's open period being designated ?. The injector has a pressure sensor to measure the pressure of the liquid in the injector and to deliver to the calculation unit a pressure sensor signal representing the pressure amplitude in the injector. The calculation unit calculates the hose's rigidity B as a function of measured pressured amplitudes A in the injector, the injector cycle Ts and the injector's open period ?, and the regulator determines the basis of B the control signal to the pump.

Abstract: A thermal variation source (e.g., a heater or a heat sink) is used to induce a temperature gradient across an interior surface of a storage tank. The storage tank stores a working fluid (e.g., a fuel, and oxidizer, or a monopropellant) that may have pockets of gaseous-phase working fluid interspersed within liquid-phase working fluid, or vice versa. In the absence of gravity or other significant forces on the working fluid, the temperature gradient is sufficient to cause phase-separation of the working fluid and allow either the liquid-phase or the gaseous-phase working fluid to be withdrawn from the storage tank, as desired.

Abstract: A supersonic inlet includes a relaxed isentropic compression surface to improve net propulsive force by shaping the compression surface of the inlet to defocus the resulting shocklets away from the cowl lip. Relaxed isentropic compression shaping of the inlet compression surface functions to reduce the cowl lip surface angle, thereby improving inlet drag characteristics and interference drag characteristics. Supersonic inlets in accordance with the invention also demonstrate reductions in peak sonic boom overpressure while maintaining overall engine performance.

Abstract: The subject invention described herein is directed to an improved fluid powered system for dispensing a selectively variable proportion of additives into a primary fluid supply line such as is commonly encountered in the firefight industry where it is desirable to proportion foam concentrates into a water line. The subject invention features a water driven motor that is integral to a variable displacement additive pump. A proportioning adjustment allows the solution % to be adjusted. Once set, the additive percent varies in direct proportion to the water flow rate in order to maintain a nearly constant solution percentage over a broad flow range.

Abstract: A faucet assembly may include a body housing and an anchor. The anchor may be positioned within a mounting deck, and the body housing may include a mounting tube. The mounting tube may include fingers that releasably engage with one or more structures of the anchor. A screw positioned within the body housing may engage the mounting tube, and draw the mounting tube into the body housing. The fingers of the mounting tube may engage with a structure of the anchor and may close around the structure as the mounting tube is drawn into the body housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lift axle valve unit of any type for lifting or lowering a lift axle of a utility vehicle having an air suspension. According to the invention, the lift axle valve unit comprises a heating device. By means of the heating device it Is possible to heat the lift axle valve unit when using the utility vehicle in regions and in wintertime with low temperatures. The heating device comprises a heating element built with a heating rod or a heating mat.

Abstract: Provided is a gasket (30), which is used in a motor-driven compressor including an inverter housing, including a flat core of metal (31) and an elastic foamed material (32) so disposed as to cover both surfaces of the core (31), and the gasket (30) has embossed recesses and projections (33) with predetermined shapes. It is possible to enhance sealing performance to seal the inverter housing by using this gasket (30). A motor-driven compressor using this gasket (30) enhances vibration prevention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Pneumatic System that can be employed within the residential environment. The system includes both a section mode and a pressure mode. Both of these modes, in turn, have both a low and a high pressure range. A variety of applications are disclosed for use in conjunction with the various modes of the system. These various applications are described in greater detail hereinafter.

Abstract: A water saving tank includes a tank box and a supplementary device. The tank box includes an inlet, a supplementary port and an outlet. The inlet collects the water from a shower head, the supplementary port connects to an exterior water source, and the outlet connects to a fill device in a cistern of a water closet. A position level of the tank box is higher than that of the cistern of the water closet. The supplementary device joints to the supplementary port; as the water in the tank box drops to a first predetermined water level, the water of the exterior water source flows into the tank box; as the water in the tank box is filled up to a second predetermined water level, the water of the exterior water source is blocked to flow into the tank box. The water is saved effective thereby and further is able to be reserved for spared.

Abstract: An auto flow steam trap has a hollow body, a partition panel mounted in the body, at least one float seat mounted on the partition panel and at least one float assembly mounted in the at least one float seat. Condensate flows through at least one condensate inlet formed on the body, the at least one float seat and at least one float assembly, and then is drained out of the steam trap from a transverse outlet formed on the body. No flash steam occurs when the condensate is drained out of the steam trap. With a non-return valve assembly of the float seat, the condensate and steam that have flowed out of the steam trap do not flow back into the steam trap so a float of the float assembly is not damaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil control valve for a variable valve lift system that obtains in a stable manner a constant hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic line connecting the oil control valve and the vale lift control actuator, and thereby reliably controls valve lift according to the number of revolutions and load of the engine.

Abstract: An aircraft store ejector systems and subsystems thereof. Embodiments can include a two-reservoir re-pressurization system wherein a remote reservoir is used to maintain desired pressure in a local ejector reservoir. The system can include a release valve having a vent valve and valve piston. The release valve can control release of pressurized gas to a pitch control valve. The pitch control valve can be configured to distribute the pressurized gas between two or more ejector piston assemblies. One or more of the ejector piston assemblies can include multiple concentric piston stages and piston chambers, the piston chambers configured to contain a volume of gas. The ejector piston assemblies can be configured to compress the volume of gas within the piston chambers as the piston stages are extended out from the aircraft. Such compression can provide a return force to the piston stages.

Abstract: A pressure regulation tracking valve for maintaining the pressure of a gas relative to that of a process fluid includes a device, responsive to change in the pressure of the process fluid, for changing the pressure of the gas by substantially the same amount. The valve further includes a device for accommodating a pressure transfer medium for transferring the pressure of the process fluid to the gas pressure changing device. As a result, contact between the process fluid and the gas pressure changing device is avoided.