Abstract: An applicator is provided for applying a composition to a user's eyelashes. The applicator includes an applicator element having a large section, a medium section, and a small section, which are adapted to cover the outer, middle, and inner portions of a user's eyelashes, respectively, with a composition (e.g., mascara). The three sections of the applicator element include bristles sized and spaced in such a way as to facilitate even application of the composition without clumping.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a product to the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows including: a first application member including a first untwisted core, notably at least partially or even entirely made of synthetic material, and first application elements, a second application member including a second core twisted over at least a portion of the length of the first application member and second application elements supported by the second core, the first application member having, over at least a portion of its length, a spiralling induced by the twisting of the second core on the first application member.

Abstract: A mascara system comprising, in combination: (a) a mascara applicator comprising a substantially longitudinal stem having a major axis A and a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom, wherein at least two adjacent protrusions are spaced from one another at a distance R at the base of the stem; (b) a mascara composition comprising primary particles that are at least about 5 microns in equivalent diameter; and (c) a dermatologically acceptable carrier. The mascara applicator is a molded applicator, the distance R is from about 0.75 mm to about 3.0 mm, and at least one of the primary particles is a wax primary particle composed primarily of one or more waxes.

Abstract: A hair coloring apparatus includes a case having a base and a lid. The lid is pivotally coupled to a back wall of the base, the lid being movable between an open configuration providing access to an interior area and a closed configuration preventing access to the interior area. The apparatus includes a minor panel removably and pivotally coupled to the front wall of the base, the mirror panel movable between a storage configuration completely in the case interior area and a deployed configuration substantially displaced from the base interior area. A template member is situated in the base interior area that defines a plurality of recesses. A non-powder coloring substance and a powder coloring substance are situated in respective recesses. The apparatus includes first and second applicators, each one having a tip particularly configured to apply the powder and non-powder coloring substances, respectively.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a process for winding tape to prevent or reduce telescoping of the tape (e.g., dental tape) as it is wound onto a bobbin spool. Dispensers comprising such bobbins are also discussed herein.

Abstract: A pulse detonation system is provided for delivering a shock wave to an operating device to clean accumulation or buildup of particles within the operating device. The pulse detonation system includes a support structure, a camera apparatus and a pulse detonation chamber. The pulse detonation chamber is supported by the support structure and extends into the interior portion of the operating device. The pulse detonation chamber receives fuel and air to create a shock wave. The shock wave exits the pulse detonation chamber and interacts with the buildup of particles in the operating device. The pulse detonation chamber includes a plurality of pulse detonation tubes that are detachable and portable, such that the pulse detonation system can be detached and moved from a first location to a second location.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a surface of a component of a plasma chamber, wherein the component has an aluminum or anodized aluminum surface, the method including the steps of: soaking the surface of the component in a diluted sulfuric peroxide (DSP) solution; spray rinsing the surface with water following removal of the surface from the DSP solution; soaking the surface in a dilute nitric acid (HNO3) solution; spray rinsing the surface with water following removal of the surface from the dilute nitric acid solution; and repeating at least twice the steps of soaking the surface in dilute nitric acid followed by spray rinsing the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid chemical for forming a water repellent protective film at least on surfaces of recessed portions of a metal-based wafer, the liquid chemical for forming a water repellent protective film being characterized by comprising a surfactant which has an HLB value of 0.001-10 according to Griffin's method and includes a hydrophobic moiety having a C6-C18 hydrocarbon group and water, and characterized in that the concentration of the surfactant in the liquid chemical is not smaller than 0.00001 mass % and not larger than the saturated concentration relative to 100 mass % of the total amount of the liquid chemical. This liquid chemical can improve a cleaning step which tends to induce a metal-based wafer to cause a pattern collapse.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning kit for jewelry and other intricate objects. The new and unique kit is used for wet or dry cleaning utilizing an assortment of brushes and buffing tools of various sizes and configurations for getting into small crevices of jewelry and intricate objects. A battery operated vibratory handle is provided that has unique characteristics for use in cleaning of jewelry and intricate objects. Also included are recipes for cleaning solutions, cloth(s) for polishing, buffing or drying of jewelry and an appropriate container to keep the kit together in a convenient location.

Abstract: In a submersible camera housed within a spherical, transparent enclosure with instrumentation for driving the camera to different positions in photographing underwater activity, a cleaning arm is mounted on the external surface of the enclosure and is magnetically driven either by single or multiple drive magnets driven around an interior circular wall of the enclosure; and in the case of multiple drive magnets the cleaning arm has slave magnets in alignment with one or more drive magnets of opposite polarity to cause the cleaning arm to traverse the external surface of the enclosure at periodic intervals one or more cycles each time that the drive magnets are activated.

Abstract: A system and method for washing a jet engine of an aircraft are disclosed. The method comprises creating a collecting bowl under the jet engine by coupling a suit to the jet engine to the aircraft and coupling an apron of the suit to the jet engine. After the suit is coupled to the jet engine, a cleaning cycle is performed, which includes injecting cleaning fluid into the jet engine, turning over the jet engine, and collecting resultant effluent in the bowl. Further, the effluent remains in the bowl until actively removed by a user. The suit may be coupled to the aircraft by wrapping a strap around a pylon that couples the jet engine to the aircraft.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting whether a filter is properly installed in a dishwashing appliance and for using such detection in the operation of the appliance. For example, the present invention provides for determining whether a filter is present or properly seated and, if not, provides for a notification to the user of the appliance. The present invention can also provide for modifying the operation of the dishwashing appliance if a filter is not properly detected. Additionally, the present invention can provide notification to the user of the appliance that a filter needs replacement after a predetermined period of use.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning an article may include a cleaning head. The cleaning head may have a lower edge and may include an annular steam chamber and a steam nozzle. The annular steam chamber may define a vacuum chamber that may be configured to receive the article therewithin. The annular steam chamber may have a plurality of discrete apertures positioned in vertically spaced relation to the lower edge. The steam nozzle may be configured to provide steam to the annular steam chamber for discharge through the apertures into the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A purging agent by which excellent cleaning effect is obtained even under severe environment of narrow flow passage and high temperature like a die portion of a melt molding machine is provided. The present invention relates to a purging agent comprising a hydrocarbon resin and at least one of the metal salts of Groups 1 and 2 metals in the short form periodic table, wherein the content of the metal salt based on the hydrocarbon resin is more than 1 wt % in terms of the metal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for cleaning a showerhead electrode my include sealing a showerhead electrode within a cleaning assembly such that a first cleaning volume is formed on a first side of the showerhead electrode and a second cleaning volume is formed on a second side of the showerhead electrode. An acidic solution can be loaded into the first cleaning volume on the first side of the showerhead electrode. The first cleaning volume on the first side of the showerhead electrode can be pressurized such that at least a portion of the acidic solution flows through one or more of the plurality of gas passages of the showerhead electrode. An amount of purified water can be propelled through the second cleaning volume on the second side of the showerhead electrode, and into contact with the second side of the showerhead electrode.

Abstract: A dispenser used when attached to an opening of a squeeze bottle to discharge a content liquid when inverted. The dispenser has a first channel to discharge a straight forward-moving liquid and a second channel to discharge a foaming liquid. The first channel has a first through channel connecting a first inlet for the content liquid to a first outlet. The second channel has a conduit that has an opening at an inner bottom of the bottle, extends to a foaming chamber, serves as an air supply channel, and has an inner diameter; the foaming chamber is connected to the conduit and mixes the content liquid with air to foam the content liquid; and a second through channel connecting the foaming chamber to a second outlet.

Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus of the present disclosure includes a rotatable substrate holder that holds a wafer from above, and a top plate nozzle that supplies at least rinse liquid to the wafer and is provided in the rotation center of the substrate holder. The top plate nozzle is movably configured with the substrate holder in the top-bottom direction, and the rinse liquid is supplied to the wafer from the top plate nozzle while the top plate nozzle is spaced from the substrate holder. When the top plate nozzle approaches to the substrate holder, the rinse liquid is supplied to the lower surface of the substrate holder from the top plate nozzle to clean the lower surface of the substrate holder.

Abstract: A vertical dish washing machine is disclosed to include a dish basket for carrying dishes for washing and a vertical loop conveyer system including a first transmission mechanism adapted to carry the dish basket vertically front a front top location to a front bottom location, a second transmission mechanism adapted to carry the dish basket horizontally from the front bottom location to a rear bottom location, a third transmission mechanism adapted to carry the dish basket vertically from the rear bottom location to a rear top location, and a fourth transmission mechanism adapted to carry the dish basket from the rear top location to the front top location.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cleaning assembly may include a modular electrode sealing housing, an acid injection inlet, and a fluid injection inlet. The modular electrode sealing housing may include a high pressure closure member that contains a first cleaning volume and a low pressure closure member that contains a second cleaning volume. The acid injection inlet can be in fluid communication with the first cleaning volume of the high pressure closure member. The fluid injection inlet can be in fluid communication with the second cleaning volume of the low pressure closure member. During normal operation, a showerhead electrode can be sealed within the modular electrode sealing housing such that the first cleaning volume is located on a first side and the second cleaning volume is located on a second side of the showerhead electrode.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate treating apparatus. The substrate treating apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention may include a cleaning chamber cleaning foreign objects on a substrate, and a recycling unit recycling by recovering a mixed solution including a first chemical and a second chemical used in cleaning of the substrate, wherein the recycling unit includes a separation unit separating the mixed solution recovered from the cleaning chamber, a recovery line connecting the separation unit and the cleaning chamber and allowing the mixed solution to flow into the separation unit, a decompression line having one end connected to the separation unit and exhausting the mixed solution evaporated from the separation unit, and a decompression unit installed in the decompression line and reducing pressure in the separation unit.

Abstract: A conduit for a dishwashing appliance that is height adjustable to is provided that can accommodate different vertical positions of a rack assembly. One end of the conduit moves up and down with the rack assembly while maintaining a connection with e.g., a spray arm assembly suspended from the bottom of the rack assembly. The other end of the conduit remains in a relatively fixed vertical position during height adjustments so as to enable connection and reconnection at the fixed position of a main fluid supply conduit.

Abstract: Provided is an anti-cleanser dispersing element for use in a dry washing device which disperses cleanser by an air stream to allow the cleanser to collide with an object for washing. The anti-cleanser dispersing element is disposed on a side of a holder of the object opposite to a side with which the cleanser collides. The anti-cleanser dispersing element is configured to be deformed by its own weight or pressure in accordance with an outer shape of the object, to tightly attach to the object with no gap and prevent the cleanser from moving to the opposite side of the holder.

Abstract: A cleaning diffuser is disposed above a fluff-laden component and receives rinsing fluid for distributing the rinsing fluid to the fluff-laden component to detach fluff and carry it away. The diffuser is constructed to enable a buildup of dynamic pressure in the rinsing fluid and has two feed ducts which extend at a distance from one another in substantially parallel relationship so that rinsing fluid entering the diffuser is divided between the feed ducts. The feed ducts terminate in pockets in a wall at an end of the diffuser and have, relative to their entire duct length, a narrow, three-dimensional transverse mutual connection in the form of a transverse chamber. The diffuser has at least one narrow outlet opening which extends from the three-dimensional transverse connection to a lower side of the diffuser for distributing the rinsing fluid to the fluff-laden component.

Abstract: A portable, insulated shelter consists of flexible inner and outer layers, lightweight fabric panels located therebetween, and connected to each other, a suitable support frame, and a system, such as a HVAC unit and a suitable connector, for actively controlling the interior environment of the shelter. The shelter may be used to protect and provide livable conditions in harsh, remote locations. Methods of selectively installing and removing the fabric panels are also provided, along with methods of setting up and disassembling the shelter.

Abstract: [Object] To increase the degree of freedom in designing a system for taking out power from a temperature gradient in terms of a thermoelectric conversion element or a thermoelectric conversion device. [Means for Achieving Object] A thermal spin-wave spin current generating member made of a magneto-dielectric body is provided with an inverse spin Hall effect member, a temperature gradient is provided in the above-described thermal spin-wave spin current generating member in the direction of the thickness, and at the same time a magnetic field is applied to the above-described inverse spin Hall effect member in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the direction of the above-described temperature gradient by means of a magnetic field applying means so that a thermal spin-wave spin current is converted to a voltage which is taken out in the above-described inverse spin Hall effect member.

Abstract: An improved thermoelectric converter device capable of effective and efficient high temperature operation is provided. The device includes at least a pair of spaced electrodes including substrates made from polished single crystal sapphire and active low and high temperature heat transfer regions contiguous with the electrodes and formed from materials selected to enhance heat transfer, particularly at high temperatures. The device is capable of more efficient operation and increased operating efficiencies over a wider range of temperatures than has heretofore been possible.

Abstract: Method of wireless communication between a first device and a second device, in which, the first device and the second device comprising respectively a first thermoelectric generator and a second thermoelectric generator, the two thermoelectric generators being in thermal coupling, a first signal is generated within the first device, the first thermoelectric generator is electrically powered as a function of the first signal so as to create a first thermal gradient in the said first generator and a second thermal gradient in the second generator, and a second signal is generated within the second device on the basis of the electrical energy produced by the second thermoelectric generator in response to the said second thermal gradient.

Abstract: The thermoelectric module includes a first electric path including a first set of thermocouples electrically connected in series. It further includes a second electric path including a second set of thermocouples electrically connected in series, the number of thermocouples of the second set being smaller than the number of thermocouples of the first set.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device for use with solar cells or other heat sources. A substrate has a manufactured surface with a plurality of highland features and lowland features. Each highland feature defines a peak adjacent to which there is an interface of two different film regions (formed of two different metals, two different semiconductors, or one metal and one semiconductor). The two film regions diverge away from each other with increasing distance from the interface and terminate at distal end regions. In response to a temperature difference between the interface and the distal end regions, the device produces a voltage.

Abstract: Cartridge-based thermoelectric assemblies and systems are provided which include at least one shunt configured to extend around a conduit, a plurality of thermoelectric elements in thermal communication and in electrical communication with the at least one shunt with at least a portion of the at least one shunt sandwiched between the at least one first thermoelectric element and the at least one second thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric elements are electrically isolated from the conduit. The thermoelectric assemblies and systems further include at least one heat exchanger in thermal communication with the at least one shunt and configured to be in thermal communication with a second fluid.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is disclosed, which includes a transparent substrate, a set of photovoltaic cells and at least one bypass diode device. The photovoltaic cells are connected to each other in series and include a plurality of front electrode segments formed on the transparent substrate, a plurality of photoelectric conversion segments of semiconductor material formed on the front electrode segments, and a plurality of first back electrode segments of metal formed on the photoelectric conversion segments respectively. The bypass diode device is formed on the transparent substrate and substantially equal in layer construction to each of the photovoltaic cells, where the bypass diode and the photovoltaic cells share two or more of the front electrode segments.

Abstract: A photoelectric device includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other, a first cell between the first substrate and the second substrate, the first cell including respective electrodes on the first and second substrates, a second cell between the first substrate and the second substrate, the second cell being directly adjacent to the first cell and including respective electrodes on the first and second substrates, an electrode of the first cell being electrically connected to an electrode of the second cell by a connecting member, and at least one finger electrode in the first cell on at least one of the respective electrodes of the first cell.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes multiple solar cells connected in series through wiring units. Each solar cell comprises an electrode unit disposed on a photoelectric conversion unit converting solar energy into electrical energy, and including multiple finger electrodes. At least one finger electrode has a first conducting section connected to a bus bar electrode, and a second conducting section disposed on one side of the first conducting section, extending away from the bus bar electrode and having a thickness greater than that of each of the first conducting section and the bus bar electrode.

Abstract: A method for producing a photovoltaic module having backside-contacted semiconductor cells which have contact regions provided on a contact side includes: providing a foil-type, non-conducting substrate having an at least one-sided and at least sectionally electrically conductive substrate coating on a first substrate side; placing the contact sides of the semiconductor cells on a second substrate side; implementing a local perforation which penetrates the substrate and the substrate coating, to generate openings at the contact regions of the semiconductor cells; applying a contact element to fill the openings and to form a contact point between the substrate coating on the first substrate side and the semiconductor cells on the second substrate side.

Abstract: An integrated back sheet for a back-contact solar cell module and a back-contact solar cell module made with such an integrated back-sheet are provided. Processes for making such integrated back-sheets and back-contact solar cell modules incorporating such integrated back-sheets are also provided. Elongated electrically conductive wires that extend at least two times the length of solar cells in the back-contact cell module are mounted on a layer of the integrated back-sheet. The elongated conductive wires of the integrated back-sheet electrically connect to solar cell back contacts when the back-sheet is used in a back-contact photovoltaic module.

Abstract: An integrated back sheet for a back-contact solar cell module and a back-contact solar cell module made with such an integrated back-sheet are provided. Processes for making such integrated back-sheets and back-contact solar cell modules are also provided. Elongated electrically conductive wires that extend at least two times the length of solar cells in the back-contact cell module are mounted on a layer of the integrated back-sheet. The elongated conductive wires of the integrated back-sheet electrically connect to solar cell back contacts when the back-sheet is used in a back-contact photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A back-contact solar cell module includes an array of back-contact solar cells electrically connected in series by elongated electrically conductive wires incorporated into the solar module behind the solar cells. A process form making such back-contact solar modules is also provided.

Abstract: An Electrode includes finger electrode extending in a direction orthogonal to a direction in which a wiring material extends, and includes an extended electrode. The extended electrode is at least partly positioned between a photoelectric conversion body and the wiring material. The extended electrode extends from the finger electrode, in a direction inclined with respect to the direction in which the finger electrode extends. The extended electrode is thicker than the finger electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to photonic energy are provided. A device includes a reflector bearing a surface treatment and defining one or more photonic energy-concentrating areas. Target entities such as photovoltaic cells or thermal absorption conduits are disposed at the respective photonic energy-concentrating locations. A transparent cover can be used to protect the reflector. A foam material characterized by structural rigidity is disposed between and in contact with the backside of the reflector and a support housing. The assembled device resists bending, twisting or other deformation by virtue of the rigidity of the foam material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method including targets for heliostat health monitoring. A controller in communication with a target and the heliostat may be operable to determine heliostat health. The disclosed system and method may be used to automatically focus individual heliostats, as needed, and to generally increase the overall health of a heliostat field.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell including: at least one rear electrode, at least one solar main body layer, and at least one upper electrode. The at least one solar main body layer surrounds the at least one rear electrode. The at least one upper electrode surrounds the at least one solar main body layer. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing the solar cell. The method includes the following steps: forming at least one rear electrode base (substrate); forming at least one solar main body layer surrounding the at least one rear electrode base (substrate); and forming at least one upper electrode surrounding the at least one solar main body layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar cell module and to a manufacturing method for the same, the solar cell module comprising a glass carrier (1) and a solar cell structure (2) arranged on a device side surface (11) of the glass carrier (1), characterized by a protection layer (3) arranged on a back side surface (12) of the glass carrier (1) opposite to the device side surface (11).

Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a strain isolation layer assembly. The assembly has a rigid solar layer; a strain isolation layer having a discontinuous configuration, a vertical rigidity, and a horizontal shear flexibility; and an underlying substrate layer. The strain isolation layer is coupled between the rigid solar layer and the underlying substrate layer to form a strain isolation layer assembly, such that the strain isolation layer isolates the rigid solar layer to reduce one or more strains induced on the rigid solar layer.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a back electrode, a silicon substrate, a doped silicon layer and an upper electrode arranged in that order. The silicon substrate comprises a number of three-dimensional nano-structures aligned side by side adjacent to the upper electrode. The doped silicon layer is located on a surface of the three-dimensional nano-structures. A cross section of each three-dimensional nano-structure is M-shaped.

Abstract: A photoactive component includes organic layers, including a single, tandem or multiple cell with two electrodes and, between the electrodes, a photoactive acceptor-donor layer system that includes at least three absorber materials. At least two absorber materials are donors or acceptors. One of the two absorber materials is configured as donors or acceptors absorbing at greater wavelengths than the other absorber material and one of the two absorber materials have a lower Stokes shift and/or a lower absorption width than the other absorber material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ferroelectric perovskites characterized as having a band gap, Egap, of less than 2.5 eV. Also disclosed are compounds comprising a solid solution of KNbO3 and BaNi1/2Nb1/2O3-delta, wherein delta is in the range of from 0 to about 1. The specification also discloses photovoltaic devices comprising one or more solar absorbing layers, wherein at least one of the solar absorbing layers comprises a semiconducting ferroelectric layer. Finally, this patent application provides solar cell, comprising: a heterojunction of n- and p-type semiconductors characterized as comprising an interface layer disposed between the n- and p-type semiconductors, the interface layer comprising a semiconducting ferroelectric absorber layer capable of enhancing light absorption and carrier separation.

Abstract: A four-junction solar cell including a first layer comprised of AlGaInP, a second layer comprised of InGaAs, a third layer comprised of GaSb, a fourth layer comprised of InGaSb, a first tunnel junction disposed between the first and second layers, a second tunnel junction disposed between the second and third layers, and a third tunnel junction disposed between the third and fourth layers. Alternately, the four-junction solar cell includes AlGaInP as the top layer, InGaP as the second layer, InGaAs as the third layer and InGaSb as the bottom layer. Tunnel junctions are disposed in between each layer. An alternate solar cell design includes AlGaInP/GaAs/InGaAs/InGaSb layers.

Abstract: A transparent conductive structure is disclosed, including a first transparent conductive layer and a second transparent conductive layer on the first transparent conductive layer, wherein the first transparent conductive layer has a textured structure including wave crests and wave troughs and the second layer has an asymmetric thickness on inclined planes of the wave crests or the wave troughs of the first transparent conductive layer.

Abstract: Provided is a Se- or S-based thin film solar cell, including a substrate, a rear electrode formed on the substrate, a light absorbing layer formed on the rear electrode and containing at least one of selenium (Se) and sulfur (S), and an rear electrode top layer. The rear electrode top layer is formed between the rear electrode and the light absorbing layer, and contains a large amount of oxygen (O) to control diffusion of sodium (Na) through the rear electrode to the light absorbing layer. In this manner, it is possible to improve the electrical conductivity and interfacial adhesion of the rear electrode while stimulating diffusion of sodium (Na) to improve the efficiency of a thin film solar cell.

Abstract: A conductive paste includes a conductive powder, a metallic glass, an inorganic additive for fire-through, and an organic vehicle, and an electronic device and a solar cell including an electrode formed using the conductive paste.