Abstract: A hot roller system is disclosed that allows women and/or men to get a straight, volumizing look, or a loose wave in their hair without the expense of salon visits and/or chemical treatments. The adjustable hot roller system comprises an adjustable hot roller device and a storage case. The device comprises opposing ends, and a generally cylindrical body. Further, the body comprises an outer covering that encompasses the body, and a pair of end caps removably secured to each opposing end of the body. Furthermore, the adjustable hot roller device can be expanded in diameter by a user grasping the middle of the outer covering or end caps and pulling in opposing directions. Specifically, the outer covering and the end caps separate along their lengths, exposing the generally cylindrical body. Additionally, the device comprises a clip positioned around the outer covering to secure the device in a user's hair.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a container system. More particularly the invention relates to the container system for storing at least two products of same or different type/color, and at least one applicator. The container system of the present invention is configured to comprise at least two receptacles for storing the products, and substantially abutting each other and at least one applicator configured to pick up the products stored in the receptacles simultaneously. The invention also relates to the container system for holding consumer products such as cosmetic or care products and is aimed at providing single or multiple makeup effects on the skin, face, lips, eyes and the like.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator construction that includes a distributable sampling packet that is affixable to a carrier substrate, such as a mailing card or printed publication, to permit distribution of the sampling packet to an end location for use thereat by an individual user. The cosmetic applicator construction is suitable for use in the mailing of cosmetic samples in separate mailers or the provision thereof on or within a printed publication and includes a sampling packet, which is preferably a two-ply card, and an underlying release liner. The upper ply of the sampling packet includes an embossed field formed on the underside of the upper ply, disposed between the upper ply and the lower ply, and configured to hold a cosmetic sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate cleaning method capable of removing particles from the entire surface of a substrate to be processed at a high removing efficiency. In the substrate cleaning method according to the present invention, a substrate to be processed W is immersed in a cleaning liquid in a cleaning tank 12. Then, ultrasonic waves are generated in the cleaning liquid contained in the cleaning tank 12, so that the substrate to be processed W is subjected to an ultrasonic cleaning process. While the substrate to be processed is being cleaned, a dissolved gas concentration of a gas dissolved in the cleaning liquid contained in the cleaning tank is changed.

Abstract: A semiconductor cleaning device includes an external electrode opposed to a side surface of the semiconductor device; a base configured to allow arrangement of the semiconductor device, and having an opening positioned between the side surface of the semiconductor device in the arranged state and the external electrode, and located below the side surface of the semiconductor device; a frame having an electrically insulating property, being in contact with the external electrode, arranged on the base and opposed to the side surface of the semiconductor device; and suction means connected to the opening in the base and being capable of taking in the foreign matter through the opening. Thereby, the semiconductor cleaning device and a semiconductor cleaning method that can remove the foreign matter adhered to the side surface of the semiconductor device and can prevent re-adhesion of the removed foreign matter can be obtained.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the interior of tubes. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a closed loop condenser having a moist air conduit, a dry air conduit having a portion in overlying relationship with a portion of the moist air conduit, wherein the overlying portions of the moist air conduit and the dry air conduit form a heat exchanger, and a controllable gate for selectively introducing, exhausting, or redirecting air relative to the condenser.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a closed loop condenser having a moist air conduit, a dry air conduit having a portion in overlying relationship with a portion of the moist air conduit, wherein the overlying portions of the moist air conduit and the dry air conduit form a heat exchanger, and a controllable gate for selectively introducing, exhausting, or redirecting air relative to the condenser.

Abstract: A dishwasher, in which a reservoir provided with an electrolyzer is connected to a water collector via a flow path change valve, and wash water in the reservoir is electrolyzed by the electrolyzer during non-operation of the wash water, to generate sterilizing water and to circulate the sterilizing water into the dishwasher, thereby achieving an enhancement in sterilizability of the dishwasher. A method for controlling a dishwasher makes it possible to suppress propagation of microorganisms left in the dishwasher and to remove organic substances, using a sterilizing agent or high-temperature water. It is also possible to reduce generation of offensive odor caused by decomposition of bacteria, through a reduction in the amount of bacteria in the dishwasher. Since sterilization of the dishwasher is automatically carried out, enhanced user convenience is provided.

Abstract: An automatic pool cleaner, comprising a pump unit, a control unit and a sensor, the sensor configured to detect foreign objects in the pool. The control unit configured to activate the pump unit at a first power level which is less then full power when a foreign object is not detected by the sensor, and further configured to activate the pump unit at a second power level, which is greater than the first power level, in response to a signal from the sensor unit indicating the detection of a foreign object.

Abstract: A substrate holding and rotating device includes: a turntable rotatable; a rotative drive unit which rotates the turntable; a holding member which is provided on the turntable and horizontally holds a substrate in upwardly spaced relation to the turntable; a vertically movable protection disk disposed between the turntable and a substrate holding position; and a magnetic levitation mechanism including a first magnet attached to the protection disk, an annular second magnet which generates a repulsive force with respect to the first magnet, a support member which non-rotatably supports the second magnet, and a relative movement mechanism which moves the support member and the turntable relative to each other.

Abstract: A self-flushing small volume prover apparatus, method and system for removing foreign materials. A piston can be configured with a valve arrangement located within a cylindrical object in order to permit fluid to pass through an annular passage when the piston travels from a downstream position to an upstream position. An inlet port and an outlet port can be located at the bottom of the cylindrical object. The outlet port can be welded at the bottom of the bore cylinder so that foreign material can flow directly out of the prover bore cylinder via the outlet port. The velocity of the piston can remove the collected foreign material from the bore cylinder via the outlet port, thus creating a self-flushing prover.

Abstract: A cleaning system and method for cleaning heat transfer surfaces in a boiler using a temperature measuring system for measuring and monitoring wall temperature of an annular wall of the tube of a lance of one or more sootblowers. Controlling a flow of steam or other fluid through the tube during the cooling portions of the strokes based on wall temperature measurements from the temperature measuring system. Infrared or thermocouple temperature measuring systems may be used. The steam or other fluid may be flowed at a default flowrate that may be substantially zero until the temperature measuring system indicates the wall temperature of the annular wall begins to exceed a predetermined temperature limit which may be the softening point of the annular wall. Then the steam or other fluid is flowed at a rate greater than the default flowrate.

Abstract: A control method for a dishwasher is provided. The control method may include heating air in a tub after a main washing process of washing dishes in the tub, and discharging the air containing moisture in the tub to an outside, during the air-heating or at the same time as the air-heating, such that energy efficiency may be increased and a time required for a dish drying process may be shorten.

Abstract: A turbine engine cleaning system includes a source of cleaning fluid, a source of rinse fluid, a pump configured to deliver the cleaning fluid and rinse fluid under pressure, and a wash harness. The wash harness is connected in flow communication with a plurality of turbine engines. The wash harness is configured to direct cleaning fluid from the source of cleaning fluid and rinse fluid from the source of rinse fluid from the pump to the turbine engines in sequence.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate processing apparatus including a substrate holding unit configured to hold a wafer W horizontally, a rotation driving unit configured to rotate the substrate holding unit, a first chemical liquid nozzle configured to discharge a first chemical liquid to a first chemical liquid supplying position on the peripheral portion of the wafer W, and a second chemical liquid nozzle configured to discharge a second chemical liquid to a second chemical liquid supplying position on the peripheral portion of the wafer W. The rotation driving unit rotates the substrate holding unit in a first rotation direction when the first chemical liquid nozzle discharges the first chemical liquid, and rotates the substrate holding unit in a second rotation direction when the second chemical liquid nozzle discharges the second chemical liquid.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a device for depolluting a non-sealed, confined environment (1) having a natural leakage (6) and including an interior space (9) bounded by a wall (7), comprising a depollution enclosure (11, 30) means (32, 42) for pumping gas and means (33, 43) for introducing gas. The depollution enclosure (11, 30) has at least two chambers (12, 13; 31, 41) separated by a sealing wall (14, 49). A first chamber (12, 31) is constituted by the part of the enclosure that is situated is contact with the wall (7) of the non-sealed, confined environment (1) and cooperates with first means for pumping (42) and first means for introducing gas (43), and a second chamber (13, 41) is constituted by the part of the enclosure which is situated in contact wife the natural leakage (6) from the non-sealed, confined environment (1) and cooperates with second means for pumping (42) and second means for introducing gas (43).

Abstract: A combination of ultrasonic waves causing microcavitation bubbles to form between the surface of a contact lens and an attached contaminant layer formed by microbes thereon initiates separation. However, a vigorous convective flow takes advantage of any localized breaking and separating of the contaminant layer and immediately imposes a hydrodynamic drag force on the pieces of the contaminant layer that may be separated, thus leading to greater separation, pealing, and tearing of the contaminant layer away from the surface. Thus, the combination has proven much more effective than either feature alone. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its fundamental functions or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the illustrative embodiments are to be embraced within their scope.

Abstract: In a device to clean a component of deposits, at least one first nozzle unit is positioned to spray a fluid at an angle onto a surface of the component that is to be cleaned, the first nozzle unit being provided opposite a border region of the surface of the component that is to be cleaned. At least one second nozzle unit generates a flow of a gaseous medium over the surface to be cleaned and is provided adjacent to edge of the border region of the surface of the component that is to be cleaned.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods to clean a paint roller are disclosed. Such apparatuses and systems include a housing with an outlet; a handle connected to housing; an adapter disposed on an end portion of the handle; a nozzle disposed inside the handle; an idler attached to an inside surface of the housing; and a slot disposed on the housing on a location substantially opposite to the location of the inside surface of the housing where the idler is attached, wherein the idler is configured to support a paint roller cover to be cleaned and the slot is configured to receive a first portion of a paint roller frame configured to support the paint roller cover so as to dispose the paint roller cover substantially in front of the cleaning fluid jet.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a closed loop condenser having a moist air conduit, a dry air conduit having a portion in overlying relationship with a portion of the moist air conduit, wherein the overlying portions of the moist air conduit and the dry air conduit form a heat exchanger, and a controllable gate for selectively introducing, exhausting, or redirecting air relative to the condenser.

Abstract: A medical device cleaning device includes a washing tank, and an electrical discharge generator. An endoscope to be cleaned is housed in the washing tank, and immersed in wash water. An electrical discharge unit of the electrical discharge generator is placed in the washing tank, and immersed in the wash water. A direct-current power supply is connected to a pair of electrodes of the electrical discharge unit. When the direct-current power supply applies a voltage to the pair of electrodes, streamer discharge is performed between the pair of electrodes to produce hydrogen peroxide. The endoscope is sterilized in the washing tank by using the hydrogen peroxide produced by the streamer discharge.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a rack for holding utensils for treatment within the treating chamber, a first wheel coupled with the tub, a second wheel coupled with the rack, and a track. The track can have first and second channels in a back-to-back relationship for respectively receiving the first and second wheels to slidably mount the rack to the tub.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an umbrella structure including at least one mushroom-shaped hub, a plurality of supporting members, and a main rod. Each mushroom-shaped hub has a hollow tubular body, two openings at two opposite ends respectively, and a cap portion located near a first opening and formed with a plurality of evenly distributed grooves which extend in the radial direction of the first opening. The supporting member has one end whose diameter is less than the diameter of the first opening but greater than the width of each groove and which therefore can pass through the first opening and be received in the cap portion. Thus, when the main rod penetrates the two openings, the end of each supporting member can be limited in position in the cap portion, and the remaining portion thereof can extend out of the cap portion and move along the groove accordingly.

Abstract: An inflatable umbrella has an inflatable covering made from a flexible material. In an inflated state, said covering forms at least the following elements: a central holding element, at least three umbrella strut elements extending away from the central holding element, and at least one umbrella surface element stretched out by the umbrella strut elements. In this case, the central holding element and each umbrella strut element are supported against each other at the respective contact point thereof. In the inflated state, the umbrella has greater stability and resistance to external forces in comparison to previously known inflatable umbrellas.

Abstract: A crutch for assisting a user to walk includes a leg platform configured to support a portion of a leg of the user, and a ground contact having a weight supporting medial contact region that is disposed higher than a weight supporting lateral contact region. An optional strap on the leg platform can be used to maintain the leg in a forward position. An optional thigh saddle can be used to help prevent lateral movement of the user's upper thigh with respect to the crutch. An optional front facing handle can assist new users in learning to use the crutch.

Abstract: The portable enclosure with an elastically sealed opening includes a base and a frame mounted thereon. The frame is formed from a pair of tensioned frame rods having central portions crossing one another. A fabric covering is secured to the frame to define a hollow enclosure. At least one substantially vertically extending opening is formed through the fabric covering. A lower end of the opening is positioned adjacent the base. Fabric sleeves are secured on opposite sides of the opening. An elastic loop extends through the sleeves around the opening. A tensioned rod is mounted on an upper end of the frame, one end thereof being positioned adjacent an upper end of the opening and supporting an upper end of the elastic loop. This support of the elastic loop creates elastic tension therein, which elastically seals the opening.

Abstract: A cord assembly is disclosed for use in connection with a variety of purposes including with a portable hunting blind. In one embodiment of the invention, the cord assembly comprises a plurality of resilient cord members forming a main panel and additional resilient cord members extending outward from the main panel.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator and a method for manufacturing a thermoelectric generator are described. The thermoelectric generator, having a housing in which at least one heat source tube, at least one heat sink tube, and at least one generator element are between the heat source tube and the heat sink tube. A pretension mounting device is in the housing and provides an elastic force via which the tubes are pretensioned relative to one another and which compresses the tubes and the generator element in-between. An inner side of the housing of the pretension mounting device forms a support for the pretension mounting device, which is acted upon by a counterforce to the elastic force of the pretension mounting device.

Abstract: A solid-liquid interdiffusion bonding structure of a thermoelectric module and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The method includes coating a silver, nickel, or copper layer on surfaces of a thermoelectric component and an electrode plate, and then coating a tin layer. A thermocompression treatment is performed on the thermoelectric component and the electrode plate, such that the melted tin layer reacts with the silver, nickel, or copper layer to form a silver-tin intermetallic compound, a nickel-tin intermetallic compound, or a copper-tin intermetallic compound. After cooling, the thermoelectric component and the electrode plate are bonded together.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion module includes a plurality of electrically coupled cells, each including a first substrate on which a first electrode is located, a second substrate on which a second electrode is located, and a sealing member between the first and second substrates, and first and second electrode terminals respectively extending from the first and second electrodes to beyond edges of the sealing member on opposite sides of the sealing member, wherein positions of the first and second electrode terminals of adjacent ones of the cells are respectively different.

Abstract: A solar cell system includes a number of P-N junction cells, a number of inner electrodes, a first collecting electrode and a second collecting electrode. The number of the P-N junction cells is M. M is equal to or greater than 2. The M P-N junction cells are arranged from a first P-N junction cell to an Mth P-N junction cell along a straight line. The P-N junction cells are arranged in series along the straight line. The number of the inner electrodes is M?1. At least one inner electrode includes a carbon nanotube array. A first collecting electrode located on an outside surface of the first P-N junction cell. A second collecting electrode located on an outside surface of the Mth P-N junction cell. A photoreceptive surface is parallel to the straight line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell including a substrate, a first front bus, and a first rear bus. The substrate has a front surface and a rear surface. The first front bus is located on the front surface of the substrate along a first direction for collecting current generated by the substrate, and for providing a first front contact electrode. The first rear bus is located on the rear surface of the substrate along a second direction different from the first direction for collecting current generated by the substrate, and for providing a first rear contact electrode.

Abstract: A solar cell combination having at least two independent electrodes, in which at least one first electrode is formed by at least one first wire conductor that first spans a plurality of solar cells, and in which the first and the second electrodes are contacted with each other, and the first and/or second electrode is disconnected at the positions required for the connection.

Abstract: A solar cell module which not only can ensure that rays of light in a satisfactory amount enter the solar cells but also can suppress the deterioration of the antireflection film in reflectance to surely achieve excellent durability. By forming, on the surface of a first antireflection film, a second antireflection film having a void ratio smaller than that of the first antireflection film, CO2 and H2O in air are prevented from permeating through the antireflection film, so that a reaction of CO2 and H2O with alkali ions on the surface of a light-transmitting member is unlikely to proceed, making it possible to cause rays of light in a satisfactory amount to surely enter the solar cells and to suppress the deterioration of the antireflection film in reflectance to surely achieve excellent durability.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic cell assembly that include at least plurality of photovoltaic cells with a photoactive portion with a top surface, a top collection structure on the top surface and an opposing conductive substrate layer on a side of the photoactive portion opposite the top surface. Also including a first conductive element with a first surface and wherein the first conductive element is bent at least once and wherein the first surface is in contact with the top collection structure and/or the top surface of a first photovoltaic cell and the opposing conductive substrate layer of an adjacent second photovoltaic cell; further wherein at least a portion of the first surface is held in contact to the cells by an adhesive.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, as may be used for predicting solar irradiance variation, are provided. The apparatus may include a solar irradiance predictor processor (10) configured to process a sequence of images (e.g., sky images). The irradiance predictor processor may include a cloud classifier module (18) configured to classify respective pixels of an image of a cloud to indicate a solar irradiance-passing characteristic of at least a portion of the cloud. A cloud motion predictor (22) may be configured to predict motion of the cloud over a time horizon. An event predictor (24) may be configured to predict over the time horizon occurrence of a solar obscuration event. The prediction of the solar obscuration event may be based on the predicted motion of the cloud. The event predictor may include an irradiance variation prediction for the obscuration event based on the solar irradiance-passing characteristic of the cloud.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for identifying PV system and solar irradiance sensor orientation and tilt based on energy production, energy received, simulated energy production, estimated energy received, production skew, and energy received skew. The present invention relates to systems and methods for detecting orientation and tilt of a PV system based on energy production and simulated energy production; for detecting the orientation and tilt of a solar irradiance sensor based on solar irradiance observation and simulated solar irradiance observation; for detecting orientation of a PV system based on energy production and energy production skew; and for detecting orientation of a solar irradiance sensor based on solar irradiance observation and solar irradiance observation skew.

Abstract: A photovoltaic component including a set of layers suitable for producing a photovoltaic device is disclosed. The component has at least one first layer made of a conductive material forming a back electrical contact, a second layer made of a material that is absorbent in the solar spectrum, and a third layer made of a transparent conductive material forming a front electrical contact, and an electrically insulating layer arranged between said back electrical contact and said front electrical contact. The third layer is discontinuous in order to allow said layers of said set of layers to be stacked in one or more zones to form, in each of these zones, an active photovoltaic zone, and a fourth layer made of a conductive material, making electrical contact with said third layer made of a transparent conductive material, to form a peripheral electrical contact for each of said photovoltaic microcells.

Abstract: A multi-band light collection and energy conversion module includes a multi-band solar concentrator and an energy conversion device. The multi-band solar concentrator is used for splitting an incident light into a plurality of light beams and for concentrating the plurality of light beams on a plurality of primary spots separated from each other, respectively. The energy conversion device includes a plurality of energy conversion units being corresponding to and disposed at the primary spots separated from each other individually. Each of the energy conversion units has an individual absorption spectrum peak corresponding to a wavelength of the light beam of the primary spot where the energy conversion unit is disposed.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices are provided that include: a transparent substrate; a plurality of thin film layers on the glass substrate; and, a first lead connected to one of the photovoltaic cells. An encapsulation substrate is positioned on the plurality of thin film layers, and defines a connection aperture through which the first lead extends. The connection aperture has a perimeter defined by an aperture wall of the encapsulation substrate. A support insert is positioned within the connection aperture to mechanically support the transparent substrate in the area of the connection aperture. The support insert is configured such that the first lead is able to extend through the connection aperture while the support insert in place within the connection aperture. A kit is also provided that includes an encapsulation substrate defining a connection aperture; and, a support insert configured to be coupled within the connection aperture of the encapsulation substrate.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices that include a transparent substrate; a plurality of thin film layers defining a plurality of photovoltaic cells connected in series to each other on the transparent substrate; a first lead connected to one of the photovoltaic cells; and an encapsulation substrate on the plurality of thin film layers are provided. The encapsulation substrate defines a connection aperture through which the first lead extends. A support insert, which defines a plug portion and a flange, can be positioned within the connection aperture such that the flange extends over the back surface of the encapsulation substrate. The support insert can be configured to mechanically support the transparent substrate in an area opposite to the connection aperture while still enabling the first lead to extend through the connection aperture while the support insert is in place within the connection aperture.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices are provided that include: a transparent substrate; a plurality of thin film layers on the glass substrate; and, a first lead connected to one of the photovoltaic cells. An encapsulation substrate can be positioned on the plurality of thin film layers, and defines a connection aperture through which the first lead extends. The connection aperture generally has a perimeter defined by an aperture wall of the encapsulation substrate. An adhesive plug can be positioned within the connection aperture to mechanically support the transparent substrate in the area of the connection aperture. A back plate or back washer can also be bonded to the adhesive plug and/or back surface of the encapsulation substrate to help dissipate energy in and/or provide support to the encapsulation substrate. Methods are also provided for mechanically supporting a transparent substrate in an area opposite to a connection aperture defined in an encapsulation substrate.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices are generally provided that can include, in one particular embodiment, a transparent substrate; a plurality of thin film layers defining a plurality of photovoltaic cells connected in series to each other on the transparent substrate; a first lead connected to one of the photovoltaic cells; and, an encapsulation substrate on the plurality of thin film layers. The encapsulation substrate can generally define a back surface and a connection aperture through which the first lead extends. A junction box can be positioned over the connection aperture and connected to the first lead. The junction box generally comprises a support member extending through the connection aperture to mechanically support the transparent substrate in an area opposite to the connection aperture. Methods and kits are also generally provided.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices are provided that can include a transparent substrate defining a front surface; a plurality of thin film layers on an inner surface of the transparent substrate that is opposite of the front surface; a first lead connected to one of the photovoltaic cells defined by the plurality of thin film layers; an encapsulation substrate defining a connection aperture through which the first lead extends upon lamination of the encapsulation substrate and the transparent substrate together; and, a reinforcement element positioned on the front surface of the transparent substrate opposite from the connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate. Methods and kits are also provided for strengthening a photovoltaic device.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power system includes a flexible panel (105) comprising a plurality of photovoltaic cells (305) configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy. The photovoltaic power system also includes an inflatable support frame (110) coupled to the flexible support panel, where the inflatable support frame is configured to support to the flexible panel when inflated by a gaseous solution. In addition, the photovoltaic power system may include a control canister (115) configured to store the gaseous solution and to provide the gaseous solution to the inflatable support frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for supporting a solar module. A torque tube may be provided with one or more longitudinal outrigger extensions which may extend beyond an end of the torque tube. In some embodiments, the torque tube does not extend all the way to the edge of the solar module.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprising, in this order, a front sheet, a front encapsulant layer having a total area (B) consisting of one or more in-plane elements, one or more photoactive cells, a back encapsulant layer having an area (A), and a back sheet, wherein the front encapsulant layer having the total area (B) covers the area defined by the one or more photovoltaic cells and wherein the total area (B) of the front encapsulant layer is smaller than the area (A) of the back encapsulant layer, and wherein the contours of the one or more in-plane elements of the front encapsulant layer and the contour of the back encapsulant layer do not intersect.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes an encapsulated photovoltaic element and an infrared-transmissive decorative overlay simulating conventional roofing.

Abstract: A combustor for thermaophotovoltaic power systems includes a chamber body pervious to light and a metal porous medium as well as an emitter tube disposed inside the chamber body, respectively. By using a mixed liquid fuel to penetrate through the porous medium to form a fuel-film on the surface thereof and injecting the air into the chamber body, the contact surface of the fuel and the air is increased for promoting the thermal conduction and thoroughly vaporizing the liquid fuel to attain the flame stabilization. Further, the material of metal carbonyl can be added into the liquid fuel to efficiently increase the intensity of the flame luminescence after the burning reaction, and the radiation of the emitter tube combines with the radiation of the flame luminescence to increase the luminosity and enhance the electricity conversion efficiency.