Abstract: A circuit board with an embedded thermoelectric device with hard thermal bonds. A method of embedding a thermoelectric device in a circuit board and forming hard thermal bonds.

Abstract: Multi-crystalline group II-VI solar cells and methods for fabrication of same are disclosed herein. A multi-crystalline group II-VI solar cell includes a first photovoltaic sub-cell comprising silicon, a tunnel junction, and a multi-crystalline second photovoltaic sub-cell. A plurality of the multi-crystalline group II-VI solar cells can be interconnected to form low cost, high throughput flat panel, low light concentration, and/or medium light concentration photovoltaic modules or devices.

Abstract: A low voltage/power ratio photovoltaic power generation panel includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells, wherein at least a subset of the cells are arranged in an array of “x” columns and “y” rows of cells connected in a two dimensional matrix configuration, wherein the cells in each row are connected in parallel and the cells in each column are connected in series. The cells in the panel are connected by arranging the plurality of cells in a plurality of columns, each column having a number of cells; arranging the plurality of columns in the number of rows; and connecting the plurality of cells together in a two dimensional matrix configuration by connecting the cells in each row together in parallel and the cells in each column in series.

Abstract: A solar panel module includes a solar panel, a supporting stand and a deflecting device. The supporting stand is structurally connected to the solar panel for supporting the solar panel. The solar panel is disposed inclinedly, and the solar panel has a tilt angle with respect to a horizontal plane. The deflecting device is disposed underneath the solar panel for deflecting wind blowing from lateral directions toward a wind exiting direction, which faces a bottom surface of the solar panel.

Abstract: A solar tracking system comprising a bed rotatable about a turntable, the bed supporting at least one post structure, the post structure supporting a solar panel assembly, the solar panel assembly being pivotable to the post structure about a horizontal axis, and direct drive means to rotate the bed and pivot the solar panel assembly, whereby ball and socket linkages secure the solar panel assembly to the post structure and a lever arm coupled to the solar panel assembly through ball and socket linkages imparts drive to cause the solar panel assembly to pivot about a horizontal axis and a floating drive is positioned between the bed and the turntable so that the tracking system can absorb twisting deflections.

Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of a receiver component that can support a plurality of photovoltaic devices, which collectively are useful to generate electricity from sunlight. The receiver component can comprise a substrate that integrates one or more bypass elements (e.g., a diode) and a cooling mechanism coupled to the substrate to dissipate thermal energy by dispersing a cooling fluid thereon. In this manner, embodiments of the receiver component combine in a single package the features necessary to maintain performance of the photovoltaic devices, e.g., to achieve sufficient electrical output while reducing costs and manufacturing time.

Abstract: A solar module includes a substrate member, a plurality of photovoltaic strips arranged in an array configuration overlying the substrate member, and a concentrator structure comprising extruded glass material operably coupled to the plurality of photovoltaic strips. A plurality of elongated convex regions are configured within the concentrator structure. The plurality of elongated convex regions are respectively coupled to the plurality of photovoltaic strips. Each of the plurality of elongated convex regions includes a length and a convex surface region characterized by a radius of curvature, each of the elongated convex regions being configured to have a magnification ranging from about 1.5 to about 5. A coating material rendering the glass self-cleaning overlies the plurality of elongated convex regions.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprised of one or more single-sided or double-sided photovoltaic cells that are angled to the source of energy (i.e., the Sun) and that may include a reflector.

Abstract: A material design is provided for a light and carrier collection (LCCM) architecture in single junction and multi-junction photovoltaic and light sensor devices. The LCCM architecture improves performance and, when applied to single or multi-junctions, can lead to solar cells on flexible plastic substrates which can be easily deployed and even draped over various shapes and forms. The device has an array of conducting nano-elements in electrical and physical contact with the planar electrode. A spacer of 0 to 100 nm in thickness may be used to contact the array of conducting nano-elements. One or more volume regions comprised of at least one light absorbing material is present with the first in simultaneous contact with said spacer to form an operating photovoltaic single- or multi-junction device with periodic undulations to enhance trapping of the impinging light and photocarrier collection throughout the absorber volume regions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a luminescent converter (101) that may for example be used as a luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) in a solar power generator (100). The luminescent converter (101) comprises magic-sized clusters (110), MSCs, of a luminescent material. Preferably, said luminescent material comprises a compound of two elements from groups IV and VI, for example PbSe. The MSCs (110) may be embedded in a transparent light guiding element (120) or be embedded in a thin film on a surface thereof.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system having a plurality of photovoltaic cells electrically connected to one another with each having a substrate. An adhesive layer is presented within a fiberglass matrix such that the adhesive extends beyond to contact at least the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device cell comprising a first light transmissive electrical contact, an active region, a second light transmissive electrical contact, and a layered structure enclosing the active region, the layered structure being formed of two parts, a first part underlying the first light transmissive electrical contact and a second part overlying the second electrical contact and wherein the constants of the layers in these layered structures are interdependent such that light is localized within the active region.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is presented. The photovoltaic device includes a transparent conductive layer; a window layer disposed on the transparent conductive layer; and an absorber layer disposed on the window layer. The window layer includes a low-diffusivity layer disposed adjacent to the transparent conductive layer and a high-diffusivity layer interposed between the low-diffusivity layer and the absorber layer. Method of making a photovoltaic device is also presented.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for converting incident light to electrical energy and heat. the apparatus includes an evacuated enclosure having at least a portion for admitting incident light; and an absorber member disposed at least partially in said enclosure to receive incident light. The absorber includes a selective surface which converts a portion of the incident light to heat. The selective surface comprises a photovoltaic layer which converts a portion of the incident light to electrical energy. In some embodiments, the absorber includes an elongated inner tube having an outer surface including the selective surface.

Abstract: A photoelectric device, includes a first substrate, the first substrate having first grid electrodes and a light absorption layer disposed between neighboring first grid electrodes, and a second substrate, the second substrate facing the first substrate and having at least one second grid electrode that faces the light absorption layer.

Abstract: An aluminum paste having no or only poor fire-through capability and comprising particulate aluminum, an organic vehicle and at least one glass frit selected from the group consisting of lead-free glass frits containing 0.5 to 15 wt. % SiO2, 0.3 to 10 wt. % Al2O3 and 67 to 75 wt. % Bi2O3, and the use of such aluminum paste in the manufacture of aluminum back anodes of PERC silicon solar cells.

Abstract: A conductive metal paste having no or only poor fire-through capability and including (a) particulate silver, (b) at least one lead-free glass frit including 0.5 to 15 wt. % SiO2, 0.3 to 10 wt. % Al2O3 and 67 to 75 wt. % Bi2O3, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the glass frit, and (c) an organic vehicle, wherein the content of the particulate silver in the conductive metal paste is 60 to 92 wt.-%, based on total conductive metal paste composition, and wherein the conductive metal paste is free from zinc oxide and compounds capable of generating zinc oxide on firing.

Abstract: A photoelectric device including a first substrate including at least one light absorption layer and a first grid electrode thereon, the first grid electrode withdrawing light-generated carriers of the at least one light absorption layer; a second substrate facing the first substrate, the second substrate including a second grid electrode thereon; and a protection layer covering the first and second grid electrodes, wherein the protection layer includes a first sealing member on the first grid electrode and the second grid electrode, and a second sealing member on the first sealing member, the second sealing member including a vanadium-containing glass frit and the first sealing member including a material different from that of the second sealing member.

Abstract: A protective sheet for a solar cell module that includes a cycloolefin resin layer laminated to one surface of a substrate film with a polyolefin resin layer disposed therebetween, wherein the polyolefin resin layer and the cycloolefin resin layer are formed by co-extrusion molding.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a protective sheet for a solar cell module that is able to adequately ensure adhesive strength between a base film and a fluororesin layer over a long period of time, and a solar cell module provided therewith. The protective sheet for a solar cell module of the present invention comprising a base film, a thermal adhesive resin layer directly adhered on at least one side of the base film and composed of a thermal adhesive resin having a functional group, and a fluororesin layer directly adhered on the thermal adhesive resin layer and composed of a fluororesin having a functional group capable of forming a chemical bond by reacting with the functional group of the thermal adhesive resin.

Abstract: A variable flow device includes a body supporting a first orifice and a second orifice, and a drive mechanism. The variable flow device further includes a first valve actuator coupled to the drive mechanism and linearly shiftable between a first open position and a first closed position, the first valve actuator incorporates a first valve stem including a first conical portion sized to symmetrically engage the first orifice when the first valve stem is shifted to the first closed position, and a second valve actuator coupled to the drive mechanism and linearly shiftable between a second open position and a second closed position, the second valve actuator incorporates a second valve stem including a second conical portion sized to symmetrically engage the second orifice when the second valve stem is shifted to the second closed position.

Abstract: A fluid transport structure, such as a hose, including a liner that includes a melt-processed fluoropolymer and a reinforcing sleeve received over the liner.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a valve assembly wherein a heating modality such as an induction heater is cooperatively engaged to a prescribed location on a valve housing or body of a valve to effectively maintain the temperature of the valve above the saturation temperature of the related system pressure. Maintaining this temperature differential effectively avoids the accumulation of condensate within the interior of the valve body and/or on other internal structural features thereof.

Abstract: System for determining the flow rate of a fluid and for controlling flow rates. The system provides high resolution with infinite turndown, providing a flow meter which may be used in low flow situations and with fluid additives. The flow rate of an additive fluid is determined in real time with high resolution by providing a novel reciprocating positive-displacement flow meter using magnetically coupled components and a transducer to identify the flow rate of the fluid. A system and method may be incorporated into a flow control system for monitoring the flow rate of a fluid which may be included with an additive delivery system for use with the flowing supply of an additive to be introduced into a flow of untreated fluid in relatively minute quantities.

Abstract: A fuel system for an auxiliary power unit includes a mechanical fuel pump, an electric fuel pump, and a controller. The mechanical fuel pump provides fuel flow to the auxiliary power unit and has an output dependent upon an operational speed of the auxiliary power unit. The electric fuel pump is located in flow series with the mechanical fuel pump. The controller causes the electric fuel pump to circulate and thereby warm fuel prior to start up of the auxiliary power unit.

Abstract: A measurement device for regulating the filling level of a liquid-gas mixture via a inlet valve in a container, having at least one vertical liquid standpipe fixed to a outer wall of the container and fluidically connected to the interior of the container via horizontal tube-shaped hydraulic devices. A first lower hydraulic device is disposed near the container base so the standpipe level changes with the container. A second hydraulic device is provided above the desired filling level so that the standpipe level changes when a selectable desired filling level value is exceeded. The device has a display and regulator that is in controlled connection to the liquid inlet valve. The liquid standpipe has a third tube-shaped hydraulic device that protrudes horizontally into the container and is arranged in the container at or below the desired filling level. The first lower hydraulic device is configured as a return.

Abstract: A compressed air supply assembly for operating a pneumatic assembly includes a compressed air supply; a compressed air connection to the pneumatic assembly; a purge connection to the environment; a pneumatic main line between the compressed air supply and the compressed air connection comprising an air dryer; a purge line between the compressed air connection and the purge connection; and a solenoid valve arrangement with a control valve to control a purge valve. The control valve is connected to a control valve connection in a pneumatic control line connected to a pressure control connection of the purge valve; and the purge valve is connected to a purge valve connection in the purge line. A pressure-maintaining device is connected to the pneumatic control line and maintains control pressure at the pressure control connection when the purge valve connection is open, independently of pressure in the purge line and/or the main line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fluid conditioning to reduce scaling, inactivate microbes, reduce surface tension, maintain fluid composition, and improve pumping are provided for use in treating crude petroleum, industrial water, agricultural water, municipal water supplies, or any fluid flow system and comprise electromagnets of variable control that can be powered or in which a current can be induced by a permanent magnet. Magnetic field direction and intensity can be selected depending on the nature of the fluid and in some embodiments, the field can be varied during operation, including pulsing and variably selecting one or more field directions and intensities, or combinations thereof, during operation. A non-magnetic fluid transfer conduit section has at least one conductor assembly mounted about the section. In one embodiment, the conductor assembly comprises a concentric, tilted double helix coil or multipole coil.

Abstract: An overflow protection system for an oil tank trailer which automatically monitors and controls the level of oil within said trailer. The system comprises a float sensor, a cable assembly, a shutoff valve, a temperature sensor, and a control box. The float sensor comprises an inductive float sensor which monitors the level on the tank gauge of an existing trailer body, which provides electrical signals via the cable assembly. The cable assembly provides electronic connection between the float sensor, valve, temperature sensor, and control box. The shutoff valve is closed when the float sensor is triggered, preventing flow into and out of the tank in order to eliminate overflow spillage. The control box includes a plurality of manual user controls for operating the system as well as information displays including interior temperature and the like.

Abstract: A method and a plant for preventing contamination of a fluid in a fluid storage tank with a liquid cooling or heating medium is provided. In a method of controlling a temperature of a fluid in a fluid storage tank under a predetermined pressure by allowing a liquid cooling or heating medium to flow in an enclosed pressure-resistant jacket provided around the outer wall of the fluid storage tank, said method comprises allowing the cooling or heating medium to flow in the enclosed pressure-resistant jacket at a pressure not higher than the pressure x (atm) applied within the fluid storage tank, preferably lower than x (atm), whereby preventing contamination of said fluid with said cooling or heating medium. A plant for the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for providing a string of tubing for installation in a well, which method comprises installing a string of tubing within a wellbore, wherein the string of tubing comprises a plurality of elongated tubular members and at least one cylindrical liner comprising a polymer; at least one of the plurality of elongated tubular members includes a cylindrical wall having an inner surface and an outer surface; the cylindrical liner has an outer surface that is disposed in adjacent contact with the inner surface of the elongated tubular member; the cylindrical liner has an inner surface that defines the tubing borehole through which fluids are capable of flowing; and the cylindrical liner has a scrolled configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluid delivery assembly for use with a water discharge fixture, such as a faucet. The fluid delivery assembly includes a tube assembly, a housing and a retaining assembly. The fluid delivery assembly provides for water flow from hot and cold water inlets to the faucet. The fluid delivery assembly may be assembled by hand without the need for tools, allowing for easy replacement of the fluid delivery assembly without the need to disassemble the faucet assembly, or to replace the entire faucet assembly.

Abstract: An isolation tool for isolating small bore pipe has a spigot having a proximal section with diameter and a distal section with smaller diameter. A seal is provided on the tool around the smaller diameter section. In some embodiments, the isolation tool is located through a hole in the wall of the pipe and through a second hole in the opposite wall of the pipe, the tool arranged so that when the tool is located through the second hole the seal fills the bore of the pipe and isolates a section of the pipe. In other embodiments, the tool may be located between severed pipe sections.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a rupture disk is disclosed. More particularly, a hinge assembly is disclosed having a first hinge member with a flange body and a collapsible hinge, and a second hinge member with a platform hinge, wherein the collapsible hinge is configured to be positioned between the platform hinge and a rupture disk. A rupture disk hinge is also disclosed, having a flange body and a collapsible hinge extending from the flange body. The collapsible hinge may have an approach extending from the flange body, a platform extending from the approach, and a lip extending from the platform. A rupture disk hinge also is disclosed having a hinge extension that extends along a diameter of a flange body across a central fluid flow path.

Abstract: [Object] Although the take-out of liquid from a container by means of syphon tube has a merit of requiring no special structure on the container, activation of siphon is complex, on the contrary. Location of a valve or like in a liquid take-out path for easy activation damages possibility of realization of compact or downsized structure, and increases risk of trouble. [Achieving Means] With a shape of a bent portion of a syphon tube, by adopting a dimension between inner wall portions excellent in capillary effect, there can provide a structure capable of activating siphon only by inclining a container with minimal configuration without locating any movable member.

Abstract: A double seat valve for separating media includes a housing having a first connector for a first pipeline and a second connector for a second pipeline, a first closing member of the first connector and a first closing member seat assigned thereto, the first closing member in closed position cooperating in sealing manner with the first closing member seat via at least one sealing element, a second closing member of the second connector axially spaced from the first closing member, and a second closing member seat assigned to the second closing member, the second closing member in closed position cooperating in sealing manner with the second closing member seat via at least one sealing element. The two closing members can be lifted independently of one another from their respective closing member seats. A leakage space is also provided between the two closing members and discharges into a leakage outlet.

Abstract: A fully recyclable valve housing adapted for engagement with a neck of a container such as a beer keg, has an inner port 25 for liquid and a concentric outer port 14 for pressurised gas, with openings 21 for admitting pressurised gas into the container. A dip tube 5 is connected to a bottom end fitting 4, communicating with a valve stem 8 within the valve housing. A valve member 6 is arranged to control flow through the concentric ports, and a spring element 7 located about the valve stem 8 urges the valve member upwards to close the ports. The spring element 7 is moulded from a resilient polymeric material and comprises a plurality of C-shaped sections 7a angularly arranged in two interconnected stacks on opposite sides of the valve stem such that movement of the valve member 6 by means of a valve-operating member causes concurrent resilient deformation of all the sections.

Abstract: A device includes a first hot fuel bleed, a second cold fuel bleed, a fuel pressure regulator including a fuel inlet line, a fuel outlet line and a fuel pressure set point line, the pressure of the outlet line being set by the regulator to a fixed divergence from the pressure of the set point line, a first connector to connect the first bleed to the inlet line of the regulator and the second bleed to the set point line of the regulator, when a first pressure of the first bleed is greater than or equal to a second pressure of the second bleed and to connect the first bleed to the set point line of the regulator and the second bleed to the inlet line of the regulator when the first pressure is lower than the second pressure, and a second connector.

Abstract: A sealing and drainage device for a motor vehicle transmission is located in a wall approximately near the bottom of the transmission housing and includes a ball and a plate that encloses the ball in a bore through the housing wall. The plate has an opening on which the ball sits under normal operating conditions. During unexpected flooding conditions, water flows through the opening into the bore. The ball floats on the water such that as the water rises in the bore, the ball rises as well to the top of the bore to seal the bore from the interior of the housing, preventing water from flowing into the housing.

Abstract: A structural improvement of a water drainer in a cistern is disclosed. The water drainer has a draining part which has a moving module inside. The moving module has a central hole, in addition, has an upper float-ball and a lower float-ball at inner space to match the upper slot and the lower slot which both are set up on the draining part. Furthermore, an outer convex ring set on a rubber module is fixed into the draining hole on the bottom of the cistern, and an outer convex ring on the cylinder at the lower portion of the draining part is inserted into the hole of the rubber module, meanwhile the latch of the cylinder is hooked onto the bottom of the rubber module to make the water drainer be fixed. With the structural improvement, a purpose of two-stage water draining can be achieved.

Abstract: An isolation tool assembly for use in isolating a section of a pipe has a seal unit in the form of spherical globe seal module and a lock arrangement. The seal module has a first body portion onto which are mounted two compression seal elements. In use, the seal elements engage the pipe to isolated the section of pipe and the lock arrangement prevents undesired deactivation of the seal elements where the pressure applied across the seal elements drops below a seal self-energization pressure.

Abstract: An isolation plug for location in a section of pipe has three separate plug modules: a tug module an isolation module and a drag module. In use, the plug can be transported along the pipe and activated by a fluid pressure differential in the pipe.

Abstract: A valve member having a valve part and a piston part is accommodated in a piston accommodation cylinder part of a case reciprocatably, and a damper chamber that is substantially a sealed space is formed in an anti-valve seat side in the valve member so that fluid flows without flowing via the damper chamber. Accordingly, since the fluid does not pass through the damper chamber, a fluid force that occurs in the piston part due to a fluid flow does not change easily, thus it becomes difficult to increase hunting at the valve members. Moreover, in a vibrational component in the valve member reciprocating direction of the valve members, amplitude of the vibration can be decreased by a damping force generated in the damper chamber.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for back pressure regulator used in liquid chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, or supercritical fluid extraction allows very fine automated control over a very wide range of pressures by combining a linear actuator compressing a spring, pushing a pin. The nozzle assembly of the regulator comprises a flow through chamber containing a diaphragm and a seat, in which the pin pushes the diaphragm against the seat, together with an upstream pressure sensor and electronic feedback control to the motor of the actuator. The BPR of the embodiments exhibits high pressure stability and extremely low pressure noise, even at moderate to high pressures. The exemplary BPR can be use at either constant pressure or to generate pressure programs where the pressure is varied versus time. Further, the nozzle assembly has a field-replaceable head, requiring no mechanical adjustment on replacement.

Abstract: A urea-water pump device for an exhaust gas cleaner includes a pump, a motor, a temperature detection portion, a setting portion, and a changing portion. The pump is accommodated in a tank and supplies urea-water stored in the tank. The motor drives the pump. The temperature detection portion directly or indirectly detects a temperature of the urea-water stored in the tank. The setting portion sets an upper-limit-value of a current supplied to the motor. The changing portion changes the upper-limit-value of the current supplied to the motor, based on the temperature of the urea-water detected by the temperature detection portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a container processing machine comprising a material handling surface for handling a sheet-like material through suction and a vacuum source in fluid connection with said material handling surface, the machine including means for detecting and transmitting a value of pressure of the gas being suctioned; a controllably operable flow valve; a control unit operatively connected with said detection and transmission means and with said flow valve; said detection and transmission means and said flow valve being arranged between said vacuum source and said material handling surface; said control unit being programmed to adjust the degree of opening of said flow valve in response to a signal which is a function of at least said value of pressure.

Abstract: A compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling system has a single compressor, a storage tank configured to receive CNG from the compressor, and a CNG feedback to the compressor from the storage tank.

Abstract: A plastic fuel tank and a process for manufacturing a fuel tank, the fuel tank including an upper wall, a lower wall, and at least one kiss point formed by welding together a multiplicity of contact points of the upper and lower walls and an accessory. Both the upper and lower walls show a concave recess in the kiss point area so that the weld of the kiss point is located in between planes defined by the upper and lower walls respectively; a bottom of the upper concave recess extends substantially beyond the weld of the kiss point, while a bottom of the lower concave recess does not; the accessory is at least partially located under the extension of the bottom of the upper concave recess.

Abstract: A venting system for a fuel tank may include a first vent valve having an inlet, an outlet through which fuel vapor may be vented from the fuel tank, and a valve. The first vent valve may be located within a first chamber of the fuel tank. A second vent valve may have an inlet, an outlet through which fuel vapor may be vented from the fuel tank, and a valve. The second vent valve may be located within a second chamber of the fuel tank that is separate from the first chamber during at least certain fuel levels within the fuel tank. The support may carry both the first and second vent valves within the fuel tank and be movably carried within the fuel tank to vary the height of the first and second valves within the fuel tank as the support moves relative to the fuel tank.

Abstract: A MEMS fluid control system is provided having a micro-electro-mechanical system. The system includes a plurality of ports, a cavity, a valve, an actuator, and a pair of electrical contacts. The plurality of ports are in communication with the cavity, the valve is disposed in the cavity, and the valve is connected to the actuator. The system further includes a hydraulic circuit having a pressure supply line in communication with a first of the plurality of ports, a control line in communication with a second of the plurality of ports, and an exhaust line in communication with a third of the plurality of ports. The valve includes an elongated portion and a blocking portion, the blocking portion includes a first, a second, and a third portions.