Abstract: A cover assembly for an infant bed comprising a frame assembly adapted for mounting to the infant bed, a panel assembly supported by the frame assembly to define a covered area generally above the infant bed and extending around the periphery of the infant bed in use and a window panel for closing the opening.

Abstract: A solar power source is a multi-layer structure consisting of photovoltaic and quantum well thermoelectric modules in electrical contact with, but thermally insulating from, each other. The structure generates power when focused solar energy is directed at the photovoltaic module which generates power, heats up, and subsequently generates a thermal gradient in the thermoelectric module which generates additional power. The thermoelectric module may generate additional electrical energy using the Seebeck effect, or may cool the photovoltaic module using the Peltier effect.

Abstract: The thermoelectric device includes a first set of identical unitary thereto-electric systems, each system including at least one thermocouple and the first set has at least one faulty unitary thermoelectric system. It further has devices for detecting functional unitary thermoelectric systems of the first set of unitary thermoelectric systems, and devices designed to electrically connect a second set of functional unitary thermoelectric systems chosen from the first set of unitary thermoelectric systems, in the form of an electric circuit, so that all the unitary thermoelectric systems of the electric circuit have the same current flowing through them.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device includes a thermoelectric element module arranged such that the vertically upper side is the cooling side and the vertically lower side is the heating side. On the cooling side of the thermoelectric element module, a DC-DC converter, a cooler, and a heat-transfer grease layer are arranged in this order from the vertically upper side.

Abstract: A photovoltaic mount can include a groove to receive a plurality of photovoltaic panels spaced by seismic gaps, a wall coupled to a structural framing channel, and modular connecting devices to couple the plurality of photovoltaic panels to portions of the groove. The photovoltaic mount can be fabricated away from a power generation site. A modular photovoltaic system can include a plurality of prefabricated intermediate modules, each having photovoltaic panels modularly secured thereon, and a prefabricated termination module having photovoltaic panels modularly secured thereon. The modular photovoltaic system can be assembled at a power generation site while the prefabricated intermediate and termination modules can be fabricated away from the power generation site. A photovoltaic power generating center can include a composite arrangement of modular photovoltaic systems. Also disclosed are related methods.

Abstract: Provided is a washing apparatus for a solar cell module, the washing apparatus, including: a solar cell module which obtains solar energy from sunlight; a watering party which is disposed at an upper end of the solar cell module to sparkle water; a collection party which is disposed at a lower end of the solar cell module to collect the water sparkled from the watering party; a desalination party which desalinates the water collected by the collection party or desalinates rain-water through a catch pit; and a pump which circulates the desalinated water.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a silicon substrate of a first conduction type that includes an impurity diffusion layer on one surface side; a light-receiving-surface side electrode that includes a plurality of grid electrodes electrically connected to the impurity diffusion layer; and a back-surface side electrode formed on the other surface side of the silicon substrate wherein the impurity diffusion layer includes a first impurity diffusion layer and a second impurity diffusion layer, and wherein the first impurity diffusion layer is formed so that a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the grid electrodes is a longitudinal direction thereof, and so that an area ratio of the first impurity diffusion layer to a band region is equal to or lower than 50%.

Abstract: A solar cell wafer having a porous layer on a surface of a semiconductor wafer typified by a silicon wafer, which can further reduce reflection loss of light at the surface. A solar cell wafer 100 of the present invention has a porous layer 11 having a pore diameter of 10 nm or more and 45 nm or less, on at least one surface 10A of a semiconductor wafer 10, and the layer thickness of the porous layer 11 is more than 50 nm and 450 nm or less.

Abstract: A solar tracking apparatus is provided having pivoting struts located proximate the north and south sides of the collector surface. The crossed struts permit the inclination angle of the collector surface to be varied throughout the day without heavy supports. The support frame can be adapted for quick assembly, disassembly and transportation.

Abstract: A solar power generation method with non-equidirectional solar tracking stages and an apparatus thereof. At the sunrise stage, a solar power generation module is gradually pivotally rotated from an initial position to the sun in a direction reverse to the moving direction of the sun. After the solar power generation module is rotated to a position of first preset elevation and azimuth, where the solar power generation module right faces the sun, the solar power generation module starts to pivotally rotate along with the change of the position of the sun. When the sun and the solar power generation module synchronously move to a position of second preset elevation and azimuth, the solar power generation module is driven to gradually pivotally rotate back to the initial position in a direction reverse to the moving direction of the sun waiting for the next cycle.

Abstract: A photovoltaic unit can minimally reduce a displacement of focus positions from solar cells and prevent a decrease in power generation efficiency even if elastic behaviors of a Fresnel lens sheet and a base plate on which solar cells are arranged due to changes in temperature and humidity are different. The photovoltaic unit includes an integrated multiple Fresnel lens sheet and a base plate on which solar cells are arranged adjacent to the focus positions of individual Fresnel lenses. The multiple Fresnel lens sheet is fixed to the base plate by a lens sheet fixing element at a lens sheet fixing portion adjacent to the center of gravity of the sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a concentrator for focusing solar radiation, having surface structuring in the form of one or more Fresnel lenses on the lower side, and to the production thereof from polymeric materials by means of a specific extrusion process. The inventive concentrator can be employed in plants utilizable for photovoltaic or solar heating purposes, and has the required durability and performance in demanding climatic zones. The inventive concentrator enables particularly economic production and efficient concentration of solar radiation onto objects such as solar cells or absorber units, irrespective of the geometry thereof. The inventive concentrator has high longevity and—combined with this—high optical performance when employed in extreme and demanding climatic zones.

Abstract: Use of TiOF2 as semiconductor in a photoelectric conversion device, in particular in a dye-sensitized solar cell. A photoelectric conversion device, in particular a dye-sensitized solar cell, comprising a semiconductor layer containing at least TiOF2. The TiOF2 is preferably used in the form of nanoparticles. Dyes, method(s) of making them, and their use in photoelectric conversion devices, especially in dye-sensitized solar cells. A dye-sensitized solar cell comprising at least one fluorinated compound as a dye and at least TiOF2 as semiconductor.

Abstract: Illustratively, an electrical generator includes a photovoltaic element which converts light produced by a surface into electrical power, the surface located in thermal communication with exhaust gases produced by an exothermic chemical reaction; a heat exchanger which takes at least a majority of thermal energy in the exhaust gases, after the thermal communication, and transfers the thermal energy to air input to the reaction; a catalytic converter, inside the heat exchanger, located to ensure that at least most of the exhaust gases are communicated into the catalytic converter and that heat generated by operation of the catalytic converter is transferred to the air input to the reaction; a sensor in the heat exchanger, located to monitor the reaction before the exhaust gases are communicated into the catalytic converter; a sensor located to sense after the exhaust gases are communicated into the catalytic converter, whether the catalytic converter is functioning properly.

Abstract: Methods of doping a solar cell, particularly a point contact solar cell, are disclosed. One surface of a solar cell may require portions to be n-doped, while other portions are p-doped. At least one lithography step can be eliminated by the use of a blanket doping of species having one conductivity and a patterned counterdoping process of species having the opposite conductivity. The areas doped during the patterned implant receive a sufficient dose so as to completely reverse the effect of the blanket doping and achieve a conductivity that is opposite the blanket doping. In some embodiments, counterdoped lines are also used to reduce lateral series resistance of the majority carriers.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a light conversion device comprising at least direction of impinging light one photovoltaic light conversion layer stack (43, 51) comprising a p-i-n junction and situated between a front (42) and back (47) electrode, wherein the n-layer (49) of the layer stack (43) situated closest to the back electrode (47) consists of a n-doped silicon- and oxygen-containing (SiOx) microcrystalline layer, and is in direct contact with the back electrode (47). The invention equally concerns a corresponding method for manufacturing such a light conversion device. The requirement for intermediate adhesion/interface layers between SiOx layer and back electrode can thus be obviated, resulting in simplified manufacture.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell includes a protection layer, a substrate and a photovoltaic conversion structure having a stack of one or several of non-planar light absorption layers, a first conductive layer being light transmissive and a second conductive layer being at least partially transparent or totally reflective. When the second conductive layer is totally reflective, it reflects the sunlight to the adjacent part of the thin film solar cell, proceeding another photovoltaic conversion and generating electric power again. If the non-planar light absorption layer is sloped enough, there will be several photovoltaic conversions produced by the same incident sunlight. More power will be generated and the efficiency of conversion is increased. If the second conductive layer is at least partially transparent, the incident light will be reflected less. However, the structure will provide several opportunities of photovoltaic conversions for the light with larger incident angle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical anti-reflective structure. The antireflective structure comprises a concave-convex surface structure and a nanoscale columnar structure on the surface of the concave-convex surface structure. Furthermore, a structure of a solar cell having the antireflective structure and a method of making the above antireflective structure are also provided.

Abstract: A solar cell is provided. The solar cell includes a substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, a seed layer, and a plurality of nanorods. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. A conductive type of a portion of the substrate adjacent to the first surface is first conductive type, and a conductive type of the remaining portion of the substrate is second conductive type. The first electrode is disposed on the first surface. The second electrode is disposed on the second surface. The seed layer is disposed on the first surface. The nanorods are disposed on the seed layer.

Abstract: A device including a surface layer of a selected material in a predetermined pattern on a substrate surface. A groove or ridge arranged in the substrate surface includes a bottom or top face, respectively, and at least one side face sloping relative to the bottom or top face. The surface layer is deposited on a part of the substrate including the groove or ridge by vacuum chamber sputtering the selected material from a sputtering source whilst moving the substrate past the sputtering source in a direction substantially perpendicular to a sputtering main lobe direction and with a normal to the substrate surface substantially in a predefined angle with the main lobe direction. By uniformly etching away surface layer material deposited on the substrate by the sputtering until freeing a substantial part of the side face, the predetermined pattern becomes defined substantially by the bottom face or the top face.

Abstract: A thin film photovoltaic cell is configured such that a rear face electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion layer and a transparent electrode layer are stacked in this order on one face of an insulating substrate, a back face electrode layer is deposited on the other face, and both electrode layers are electrically connected via a second penetrating hole which penetrates the insulating substrate; and is further configured such that a protective layer is provided at least in a region surrounding the second penetrating hole and located between the transparent electrode layer and the photoelectric conversion layer stacked on the rear face electrode layer, or between the rear face electrode layer and the photoelectric conversion layer. By using a laser to remove a transparent electrode on the periphery of the second penetrating hole in the region in which the protective layer is formed, the two electrode layers are electrically insulated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photovoltaic devices such as silicon solar cells. Devices shown exhibit improved low light performance and increased breakdown strength. Reasons for such improvements includes emitter concentration profiles leading to significantly reduced leakage currents.

Abstract: Methods of forming contacts for solar cells are described. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a silicon layer above a substrate, forming and patterning a solid-state p-type dopant source on the silicon layer, forming an n-type dopant source layer over exposed regions of the silicon layer and over a plurality of regions of the solid-state p-type dopant source, and heating the substrate to provide a plurality of n-type doped silicon regions among a plurality of p-type doped silicon regions.

Abstract: A solid-state hole transport composite material (ssHTM) is provided made from a p-type organic semiconductor and a dopant material serving as a source for either sodium (Na+) or potassium (K+) ions. The p-type organic semiconductor may be molecular (a collection of discrete molecules, that are either chemically identical or different), oligomeric, polymeric materials, or combinations thereof. In one aspect, the p-type organic semiconductor is 2,2?,7,7?-tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenylamine)-9,9?-spirobifluorene (Spiro-OMeTAD). The dopant material is an inorganic or organic material salt. A solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell (ssDSC) with the above-described ssHTM, is also provided.

Abstract: A solar cell backsheet including: a support; and a first polymer layer which is formed on one side of the support and which includes: from 0.8 g/m2 to 15.0 g/m2 of a binder resin including at least one selected from the group consisting of a polyolefin ionomer having a polar group, a polyacryl, and polyvinyl alcohol; and from 1.5 g/m2 to 15.0 g/m2 of an inorganic pigment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photoelectric conversion element which includes a semiconductor electrode, an opposite electrode, and an electrolyte layer held between the semiconductor electrode and the opposite electrode, and which is a photoelectric conversion element of high practical use using a redox couple which has high transparency and ease of enclosure and exhibits high performance compared to an iodine redox couple. An electrolyte layer includes a redox couple formed of compounds represented by General Formula (1) and Formula (2), and ionic liquid having bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion represented by Formula (3).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a material composition for a bulk-heterojunction-type organic photoelectric conversion layer having high photoelectric conversion efficiency and durability through formation of a stable phase-separated structure by drying in a short time with high productivity and to provide an organic photoelectric conversion element, a method of producing the organic photoelectric conversion element, and a solar cell. The material composition for an organic photoelectric conversion layer contains at least a p-type conjugated polymer semiconductor material being a copolymer having a main chain including an electron-donating group and an electron-withdrawing group, an n-type organic semiconductor material having electron acceptability, and a solvent. The solvent is represented by a general formula (1).

Abstract: The present application provides a continuous purge system for use with a stream turbine. The continuous purge system may include a one or more pressure sensors positioned about the steam turbine, one or more pressure lines in communication with the one or more pressure sensors, and a critical flow nozzle system. The critical flow nozzle system may include one or more critical flow nozzles in communication with the one or more pressure lines.

Abstract: The current invention relates generally to valves and actuators. This invention further relates to valves where the phenomenon known as “slamming” is completely mitigated and/or eliminated through self-damped valve assemblies. Additionally, this invention relates to valves having an actuator assembly capable of self-damping. Further, this invention also relates to valves that are capable of being externally adjusted without disassembling or removing any of the valve structure.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for providing and dispensing various hand care alternatives from a common point of dispension, such as a faucet, for standardizing the hand care, washing, sanitizing, and drying process is disclosed. Included is a liquid flow path having an inlet in fluid communication with a liquid source and an outlet in fluid communication with a user reception point. A secondary flow path has an inlet in communication with one or more hand care alternatives and an outlet in communication with the user reception point. A user-perceivable output provides notification of the hand care operation being provided at the user reception point.

Abstract: Techniques for reducing head loss in certain water-recirculation or other systems are detailed. A motorized diverter valve may be used to divert water away from a heat exchanger when the exchanger is not in use, for example. Instead, the diverted water may flow through a lower-loss system to the next downstream component of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas lock for separating two gas chambers, which while taking up minimal space makes it possible to achieve the separation of gases without contact with the product/educt/transporting system. The gas lock according to the invention is distinguished in that at least one means for manipulation of the flow is present in a flow passage of the gas lock. Also, the present invention relates to a coating device which comprises a gas lock according to the invention. Also provided are possibilities for using the gas lock according to the invention.

Abstract: An electronic faucet has a controller configured to selectively open and close a valve to provide fluid flow through the valve and a passageway of the faucet. The controller is programmed to selectively open and close the valve to generate a fluid flow pattern through the passageway to provide an indication to a user of a condition of the electronic faucet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically regulating the flow of fumes suctioned through a welding fume gun are provided. In certain embodiments, an automatic flow control assembly includes a vacuum system configured to suction a vacuum fume flow through an internal passage of a welding fume gun. The automatic flow control assembly also includes a sensor configured to measure a parameter related to the vacuum fume flow. The automatic flow control assembly further includes a flow regulation device configured to regulate an ambient air flow introduced into the vacuum fume flow. In addition, the automatic flow control assembly includes control circuitry configured to control the flow regulation device based at least in part on the measured parameter related to the vacuum fume flow.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting a leak in a gas precharged hydraulic accumulator having an initial gas charge entail activating a hydraulic pump to charge the gas precharged hydraulic accumulator and the hydraulic circuit associated with the gas precharged hydraulic accumulator when the hydraulic circuit and the hydraulic accumulator have a temperature that is substantially equivalent to an ambient temperature, e.g., on a cold start. The hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic circuit is monitored, and when a step in the hydraulic pressure is detected, various quantities are measured and used to determine a volumetric efficiency of the pump for use in later calculations of remaining gas amount.

Abstract: A pressure regulator (500) is provided. The pressure regulator (500) comprises a housing (503), a fluid inlet (508) to receive a pressurized fluid at an inlet pressure, and a fluid outlet (510) to output the pressurized fluid at a regulated pressure. The pressure regulator (500) further includes a regulating piston (504) movable within the housing (503) to provide fluid communication between the fluid inlet (508) and the fluid outlet (510). The regulating piston (504) includes a first end (505) comprising a first cross-sectional width (D,) in fluid communication with the fluid inlet (508) and a second end (509) comprising a second cross-sectional width (D2) in fluid communication with the fluid outlet (510). The first and second cross-sectional widths (D15 D2) are sized such that the regulated pressure at the fluid outlet (510) is correlated to the inlet pressure at the fluid inlet (508).

Abstract: A valve actuator apparatus and method for adjusting for valve bore drift using an adjustable downstop is disclosed. The adjustable downstop comprises a downstop and a drift adjuster. The drift adjuster can me moved in an upwards or downwards direction to increase or decrease the stroke length of the operator shaft.

Abstract: A hand-held dispenser for precisely controlling the flow rate of water therethrough and for injecting a liquid chemical into the water passing through the dispenser. The dispenser includes a slide valve for changing the flow rate of the liquid chemical water therethrough. The slide valve may also be positioned so that only rinse water is discharged from the dispenser.

Abstract: An air bag packaging arrangement adapted to have a self-adhesive checking valve includes an air bag and an air valve which is the self-adhesive checking valve. The air bag includes first and second cell overlapped layers to form an air chamber and a valve opening. The air valve includes first and second sealing films overlapped between the first and second cell layers, and a check sealing film overlapped between proximal portions of the first and second sealing films to define an air inflating channel between the first sealing film and the check sealing film, and a backflow prevention channel between the check sealing film and the second sealing film. In case of air leakage, the air is guided to flow to the backflow prevention channel for creating a supplemental air pressure to further seal and close the air inflating channel, so as to make up a deficient sealing effect of the first and second sealing films.

Abstract: A tool is provided. The tool includes a handle, a base, and a plurality of members. The base is attached to the handle. The plurality of members is affixed to the base at one end. Each of the plurality of members is capable of movement in a substantially lateral direction. Further, the plurality of members is configured to change a diameter of a snap ring from a first diameter to a second diameter based on the movement.

Abstract: Provided are a joining portion in which a male threaded portion threaded to a container-side female threaded portion is formed; a connector main unit disposed at an inner side of the joining portion, sharing a center axis therewith, and is connected so as to be rotatable relative thereto; and a siphon tube attached to the connector main unit so as to extend toward the bottom portion of the container and has a tip curved in a substantially horizontal direction, wherein the joining portion is screwed in independently of the connector main unit when attaching the connector by using a securing jig that, by being inserted from above the connector main unit, causes depressed/protruding portions to be engaged, thus preventing relative rotation to each other, and by using a tightening jig that tightens the male threaded portion by being engaged at the upper surface of the joining portion.

Abstract: An installation structure of countertop faucet includes a base having an insertion section extending through a mounting hole formed in a counter to engage a locking nut to be secured. The insertion section has a top end forming a receiving bore of which a circumferential wall forming two positioning holes communicating with the receiving bore. Each positioning hole receives therein a releasing module. The bottom of the base forms two water inlet passages communicating with the receiving bore and receiving stop valves therein and coupled to couplers for connection with water inlet tubes. A faucet has a joint section received in the receiving bore and having water guide tubes fit into the water inlet passages. The joint section forms two receiving apertures receiving therein positioning modules respectively engageable with the positioning holes to fix the faucet and being released by the releasing module to detach the faucet from the base.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve (1) comprising at least one flange portion (2, 3) for securing to a wellhead Christmas tree (5) for shutting off a pipe outlet (50) from the wellhead Christmas tree (5). According to the invention at least one of the flange portions (2) comprises integrated devices (6a, 6b, 6, 14, 15) for operation of a second unit (10) mounted outside the valve (1).

Abstract: A circulation tool includes a tubular outer body having a main bore and at least one flow port in a wall thereof, and a valve seat assembly including a valve body, a valve member, and locking elements are movably mounted within the outer body main bore. The valve seat assembly is biased towards a first position in which flow through the outer body flow port is prevented and the locking element is in the extended position, restricting passage of the valve member along the valve body bore and out of the valve body. The valve seat assembly is movable to a second position in which the locking element is in the retracted position, permitting passage of the valve member along the body bore and out of the body. The valve seat is also movable to a third position in which flow through the outer body flow port is permitted.

Abstract: A capacity control valve for increasing the ability to drain liquid refrigerant from a control chamber during startup of a variable-capacity compressor without changing the control valve characteristics has a spring acting in the direction of valve opening provided between an adapter and a free end of a pressure-sensitive body in the extension and contraction direction thereof and having an annular seat surface, and a third valve part having an annular engaging surface for opening and closing a suction-side passage by engaging and disengaging with the seat surface of the adapter.

Abstract: A proportional pressure control valve includes a cage housing and has an inlet, a relief outlet, and a control outlet. A relief poppet provides a proportional relief to the valve. A sleeve is received in a central bore of the cage housing. The sleeve has a fluid inlet fluidly connected to the inlet of the cage housing and has a fluid outlet fluidly connected to the relief outlet and the control outlet of the cage housing. A control piston is received in a central bore of the sleeve and is axially moveable between first and second positions therein. The control piston is configured to restrict flow through the outlet of the sleeve when the control piston is in the second position, and wherein the control piston is biased towards the first position.

Abstract: A valve has a generally hollow core with one open end and one closed end, and at least one side port in a sidewall of the core. The valve also includes a sleeve that fits over the core and covers the side port(s). The cracking pressure of the valve is tunable by varying the parameters of the sleeve.

Abstract: A quick-release vacuum pump. A vacuum pump part has a cylindrical hollow area extending between an inlet and an outlet and nozzles disposed in series inside the hollow area and have slots therein, both ends of the nozzles communicating with each other between the inlet and the outlet. A release part includes a support tube formed above a suction port, a skirt-type check valve to be moved up and down by air pressure to open and close the support tube, and a pressure chamber formed in a passage communicating with the suction port and passes by a valve skirt. A filter material disposed between the suction port and the support tube allows discharge air to pass through upward when the pump part operates, and is cleaned by air supplied to the suction port through the support tube from the pressure chamber when the pump part stops operating.

Abstract: To provide a fuel supplying device that, in a fuel tank equipped with plural accommodating portions that accommodate fuel, can suppress occurrence of running-out of fuel and can send-out fuel in a short time, even when a liquid surface of fuel of a fuel tank main body tilts. A sub-cup that has a fuel filter and a storage member is disposed at each of a first accommodating portion and a second accommodating portion. A distal end of a vapor discharging pipe of a fuel pump main body (or a sending-back pipe of a pressure regulator) is disposed within a second storage member.