Abstract: Cleaning systems for optics of optical readers to periodically clean one or more surfaces of the optics of matter that may deposit on surface(s) and that might interfere with the performance of the reader. In an example, the cleaning system is used on a chemical indicator apparatus that includes one or more chemical indicators that are read by an optical reader having an optic. During use, the chemical indicator apparatus is moved relative optic during a reading mode. A cleaning element is engaged with the chemical indicator apparatus so as to have a neutral position in which it cannot contact the optic during the reading mode. When it is desired to clean the optic, the chemical indicator apparatus is moved in a manner that causes the cleaning element to move from the neutral position to a deployed position in which it contacts the optic in a manner that cleans the optic as the apparatus continues to be moved.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing buildup of snow, ice and icicles (200) from the sides of a roof, a building or the vertical front of a gutter, a tunnel or a roof wall or a cliff along roads or railroads outside a tunnel comprising a set of rails (103, 203) and a cart (100, 201) moving along said rails (103, 203), further characterized in that protruding from the cart (100, 201) is a tool (101, 202) for removing said snow, ice and icicles (200).

Abstract: A surface cleaning substrate, which is essentially dry and loaded with a cleaning composition, which may very suitably be stored and transported in its dry form and which may be activated for surface cleaning by simple addition of a carrier, such as water. A method for the manufacture of such a loaded dry substrate, and to the method of surface cleaning using such a loaded dry substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A receptacle cleaning assembly for use with electrical connectors includes a receptacle washing fixture having a manifold body with a solution inlet and outlet. A plurality of nozzles, in communication with the solution inlet, are coupled with the manifold body and are arranged in a pattern corresponding to female connector receptacles. An interface seal is coupled with the manifold body. The plurality of nozzles extend through the interface seal, and the interface seal is configured to seal along a face of the connector. At least one solution return passage extends through the interface seal from an exterior of the plurality of nozzles to the solution outlet. An alignment skirt extends from the manifold body, and couples and aligns the connector receptacles with the plurality of nozzles. In another example, the receptacle cleaning assembly includes a receptacle brush fixture including a plurality of reciprocating brushes for use in the female connector receptacles.

Abstract: Semiconductor equipment is provided to include a reaction chamber, a movable frame, and at least one cleaning brush head. The cleaning brush head is configured to operate on at least one dirty portion to be cleaned within the reaction chamber. The movable frame is disposed within the reaction chamber. The movable frame is capable of carrying a susceptor. The cleaning brush head is capable of touching the dirty portion. The cleaning brush head is capable of moving relative to the dirty portion for removing the residue which is attached to the portion to be cleaned.

Abstract: An engine wash system includes a manifold for delivering wash liquid to an engine. The manifold includes an internal engine contour segment shaped to correspond with at least a portion of the engine case at the inlet; a wash delivery segment connected to the internal engine contour segment which follows the engine case curvature in an axial direction and hooks around an outside of the engine case at the inlet; an inlet on the wash delivery segment to receive wash fluid; a nozzle on the wash delivery portion directed to spray into the compressor inlet of the engine; and a guide extending from the pipe and shaped to align the manifold with respect to the engine so that the nozzle sprays into the engine aft of the inlet particle separator.

Abstract: Beverage preparation machine comprising: a fluid circuit comprising a water reservoir, a water pump, a heating means, a beverage producing module, which are fluidically connected for circulating water from the reservoir to the beverage producing module, wherein an inline descaling system is provided in the fluid circuit comprising a dedicated compartment intended for receiving a predetermined dose of a water soluble/dispersible descaling agent. The invention also relates to a method for automatically descaling and rinsing the fluid circuit.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions and methods of using such compositions. The compositions comprise oxidizing agent(s); weak acid(s), and surfactant(s) (e.g., a combination of short-chain non-ionic surfactant(s) and long-chain non-ionic surfactant(s) or a combination of short-chain anionic surfactant(s) and long-chain anionic surfactant(s)). The compositions can be used to clean objects such as reusable water containers, home seltzer-maker bottles, hydration bladders, coffee mugs, etc.

Abstract: Provided are a substrate processing apparatus and method. The substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate support member on which a substrate is placed and a movable spray member supplying a fluid onto the substrate placed on the substrate support member. The movable spray member includes a first nozzle arm rotating to spray at least one fluid and a second nozzle arm disposed on the first nozzle arm to spray at least one fluid.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning tank in which an object to be cleaned having oil is immersed, a cleaning water supply device that supplies cleaning water from a lower side of the cleaning tank to the inner portion thereof, a recovery device in which an upper end opening is provided at a position that is lower than a liquid surface of the cleaning water supplied to the cleaning tank, and that recovers the cleaning water overflowed due to the cleaning water supplied to the cleaning tank through the cleaning water supply device and the oil floating on the liquid surface of the cleaning water from the opening, and a contact member that is disposed so that an edge of the liquid surface of the cleaning water contacts therewith, and in which the portion contacting the edge of the liquid surface of the cleaning water is formed of glass.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying a substrate may include a spin chuck, a drying chamber and a drying fluid line. The spin chuck may be configured to support the substrate. The spin chuck may rotate the substrate. The drying chamber may be configured to receive the spin chuck. The drying chamber may have an inlet, an outlet and a vortex exhaust. A drying fluid may be supplied through the inlet into the drying chamber. The drying fluid may be drained through the outlet. A vortex of the drying fluid may be drained through the vortex exhaust The drying fluid line may be connected to the inlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wet tissue feeding device which has a luxury image so as to be used in a hotel, a bank, an office or the like and also which can be easily and conveniently used and maintained. The wet tissue feeding device includes a tissue case in which multiple sheets of tissues are loaded; a tongs which picks up and withdraws the tissue from the tissue case; a tissue transporting means which transports the tissue withdrawn by the tongs in a feeding direction of the tissue; and a water injecting means which injects water on a surface of the tissue transported.

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance with a tub that defines a wash chamber is provided. A rack assembly is received within the wash chamber and includes a projection that extends from a front of the rack assembly. The projection is configured to engage a door of the dishwasher appliance and position the rack assembly in a retracted position when the door is in a closed position.

Abstract: A pump (22) includes a pump casing (34) having a pump chamber (40), an impeller (30) received in the pump chamber (40), an electric motor (28) for driving the impeller (30), a detector (96) being configured for detecting a load on the pump (22), and a speed regulator (98) coupled to the detector. The speed regulator (98) is configured for decreasing the speed of the motor (28) to a speed greater than zero in response to the detector (96) detecting an unload condition of the drain pump (22).

Abstract: A dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance includes a door for providing access to a wash chamber of the dishwasher appliance. A low voltage electrical component is mounted within the door and is in electrical communication with a low voltage power source. By utilizing the low voltage power source and the low voltage electrical component, the reliability of the dishwasher appliance can be improved.

Abstract: A light windproof umbrella is provided with a center post including a top ferrule, an upper grommet, an intermediate sliding ring, and a sliding runner under the sliding ring; ribs each having one end pivotably secured to the grommet and the other end being open; main joints each formed at a portion of the rib proximate to the other end of the rib; auxiliary joints each formed at a portion of the rib between the main joint and the grommet; stretchers each having one end pivotably secured to the sliding ring and the other end moveably secured to the rib; struts each having one end pivotably secured to the sliding runner and the other end pivotably secured to the auxiliary joint; a lower canopy; and an upper canopy in a partial covering relationship to the lower canopy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a landscaping machine that includes a protective rollover bar having a left bar portion extending from a left side of an operator seat, a top bar portion extending from the left bar portion above the operator seat, and a right bar portion extending from the top bar portion to a right side of the operator seat. The landscaping machine further includes an elongated rotatable member affixed to the protective rollover bar, the elongated rotatable member extending from the left bar portion to the right bar portion. The landscaping machine further includes a covering system attached to the elongated rotatable member configured to be rolled and unrolled with rotation of the elongated rotatable member. Further disclosed is a landscaping machine cover attachable to a landscaping machine, and a method of use thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for electric power generation. A system includes a boiler for heating a fluid, the boiler directing a first portion of the heated fluid to a turbine for the generation of electric power and a second portion of the heated fluid to a thermoelectric (TE) generator, and a condenser connected to the turbine that condenses hot fluid emitted from the turbine and feeds the condensed fluid to the TE generator, the TE generator generating electric power from a difference in temperature of the second portion of the heated fluid and the condensed fluid from the turbine.

Abstract: Described herein are a thermo-electric generator module and a method for constructing the thermo-electric generator module. The thermo-electric generator module includes a plurality of thermo-electric plates on a surface of a heat absorption member; and a heat dissipation region that encases the heat absorption member. The thermo-electric module is connected in series with other thermo-electric generator modules to facilitate generation of electricity.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module (13), for converting thermal energy into electric energy, includes a plurality of leg pairs (26), which have each a p-doped semiconductor leg (27) and an n-doped semiconductor leg (28), which are contacted with one another electrically via metal bridges (29). At least one electrically insulating ceramic plate (30), which is arranged on a hot side (18) of the thermoelectric module (13) or on a cold side (19) of the thermoelectric module (13) and is flatly in contact with metal bridges (29) associated with this side (18, 19) and is fastened thereto. The pressure stability of the thermoelectric module (13) can be improved if the respective ceramic plate (30) is segmented, so that a plurality of ceramic plate segments (31) are arranged next to each other, which are each flatly in contact with a plurality of metal bridges (29) and are fastened thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new thermoelectric conversion material represented by the chemical formula 1: Bi1-xCu1-yO1-zTe, where 0?x<1, 0?y<1, 0?z<1 and x+y+z>0. A thermoelectric conversion device using said thermoelectric conversion material has good energy conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly, a solar cell array, and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The solar cell assembly may include a solar cell and an interconnection member, the interconnection member comprising a first portion and a second portion attached to the first portion with an angle formed therebetween. The solar cell array may comprise at least two said solar cell assemblies. In an embodiment, the top surfaces of the first solar cell and the second solar cell are arranged such that the second portion of the first interconnect member and the second portion of the second interconnection member are adjacent to each other, and at least the end portion of the second portion of the first interconnection member is bended together with at least the end portion of the second portion of the second interconnection member.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is presented. The device includes a first semiconductor layer disposed on a second semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer includes a compound having a metal species, sulfur, and oxygen. The metal species may include zinc, magnesium, tin, indium, or a combination thereof. Method for making a photovoltaic device is also presented.

Abstract: An integrated back-sheet for a photovoltaic module is provided. A process for forming the back-sheet includes the steps of providing a fluoropolymer film, providing a polymer melt comprising 10 to 85 weight percent olefin-based elastomer, 5 to 75 weight percent of inorganic particulates, and 5 to 80 weight percent of adhesive selected from thermoplastic polymer adhesives and tackifiers, and depositing the polymer melt directly on the fluoropolymer film to form a polymer layer with a surface adhered directly to the fluoropolymer film. When incorporated into a photovoltaic module, the polymer layer of the back-sheet is adhered directly to the rear surfaces of a plurality of solar cells.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell element is disclosed. The method includes two different etching processes followed by forming a semiconductor layer. A semiconductor substrate having a first conductor type is etched by using a first acid aqueous solution containing hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid. Then, the semiconductor substrate is etched by using a second acid aqueous solution containing hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid with substantially no sulfuric acid to make an uneven surface. A semiconductor layer of second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type is formed on at least a part of the uneven surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an assembly that includes at least a photovoltaic building sheathing element capable of being affixed on a building structure, the photovoltaic building sheathing element. The element including a photovoltaic cell assembly, a body portion attached to one or more portions of the photovoltaic cell assembly; and at feast a first and a second connector assembly capable of directly or indirectly electrically connecting the photovoltaic cell assembly to one or more adjoining devices; wherein the body portion includes one or more geometric features adapted to engage a vertically adjoining device before installation.

Abstract: A method for producing a dye-sensitized solar cell includes: preparing a first electrode comprising a transparent substrate and a transparent conductive film, and a second electrode comprising a metal substrate that is formed of a metal capable of forming a passivation film; forming an oxide semiconductor layer on the first electrode; supporting a photosensitized dye on the oxide semiconductor layer; disposing an electrolyte on the oxide semiconductor layer; facing the first electrode and the second electrode, and sealing the electrolyte by a sealing section; and fixing a connection member formed of a metal having lower resistance than the metal substrate, onto the surface of the metal substrate, with the surface being on the opposite side of the first electrode, in which method in fixing the connection member, the connection member is bonded to the metal substrate by resistance welding, and thereby the connection member is fixed onto the metal substrate.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell module includes a plurality of dye-sensitized solar cells electrically connected in series. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a first electrode that comprises a transparent substrate, and a transparent conductive film provided on the transparent substrate, a second electrode that faces the first electrode, an oxide semiconductor layer that is provided on the first electrode or the second electrode, and an annular sealing section that joins the first electrode and the second electrode. The transparent substrate is composed of a transparent substrate that is common to the plurality of dye-sensitized solar cells. The second electrodes of two adjoining dye-sensitized solar cells are separated apart from each other. The sealing section includes an annular first sealing section that is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first sealing sections that are adjoining are integrated together.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell module and a method of manufacturing a thin film solar cell module. A thin film solar cell module includes: a thin film solar cell including a first substrate, and a first electrode layer on the first substrate; a second substrate covering the thin film solar cell; and a sealing tape between the thin film solar cell and the second substrate, the sealing tape including a first adhesive layer having a conductivity and being attached to an edge portion of the first electrode layer; a metal layer on the first adhesive layer; and a second adhesive layer on the metal layer and attached to the second substrate.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module with a single layer homogeneous integrated back-sheet and a process for forming such a photovoltaic module are provided. The back-sheet comprises 20 to 80 weight percent olefin-based elastomer and 20 to 80 weight percent of inorganic particulates.

Abstract: A back-sheet for a photovoltaic module is provided. A process for forming a back-sheet for a photovoltaic module includes the steps of providing a fluoropolymer film, providing a polymer melt comprising 20 to 95 weight percent ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, 5 to 70 weight percent of inorganic particulates, and 0 to 50 weight percent of adhesive selected from thermoplastic polymer adhesives and tackifiers, and depositing the polymer melt directly on the fluoropolymer film and pressing the fluoropolymer film and polymer melt together and cooling the polymer melt to form a first polymer layer adhered to the fluoropolymer film.

Abstract: An integrated back-sheet for a back-contact solar cell module with a plurality of electrically connected back-contact solar cells is provided. The back-sheet comprises a homogeneous polymer substrate comprised of 20 to 95 weight percent olefin-based elastomer and 5 to 70 weight percent of inorganic particulates. Electrically conductive metal wires are at least partially embedded in the homogeneous polymer substrate. A back-contact solar module with the integrated back-sheet is also provided.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating photovoltaic cells into single functional units is described. These units share the mechanical and electric properties of the encapsulation layers and allow for flexible module architecture to be implemented at the cell level. This enables cost reduction and improved performance of photovoltaic power generation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for forming an electrical interconnection in an organic photovoltaic device, the method comprising steps of providing a first conductive layer (31), providing an organic photovoltaic layer (32), over the first conductive layer, providing a second conductive layer (33), over the organic photovoltaic layer, and providing an electrical interconnection between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes one or more layers of a photovoltaic stack formed on a substrate by employing a high deposition rate plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (HDR PECVD) process. Contacts are formed on the photovoltaic stack to provide a photovoltaic cell. Reduced defect zones are disposed adjacent to contact regions in portions of the photovoltaic cell and are formed by an anneal configured to improve overall performance.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods for fabricating a passivation layer stack for photovoltaic devices. In one embodiment, the passivation layer stack comprises a first dielectric layer of AlxOy (or SiOx) and a second dielectric layer of SixNy having a refractive index less than 2.1. The passivation layer stack has contact openings formed therethrough by a series of pulsed laser beams having a wavelength of about 300-700 nm and a pulse width of about 0.01 nanosecond to about 3 nanoseconds. Lowering the refractive index of SixNy capping AlxOy (or SiOx) in the passivation layer stack makes pulsed laser beams less selective since the SixNy absorbs less laser energy. Therefore, desired regions of the entire passivation layer stack can be removed smoothly in a single pass of pulsed laser beams at a shorter wavelength without causing damage to the neighborhood of the passivation layer stack.

Abstract: A multi-junction photovoltaic device includes a germanium layer having pyramidal shapes with (111) facets exposed to form a textured surface. A first p-n junction is formed on or over the textured surface. Another p-n junction is formed over the first p-n junction and following the textured surface.

Abstract: A method of a general biological approach to synthesizing compact nanotubes using a biological template is described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a nitride semiconductor-based solar cell including a photoactive layer having a wide area for incident light and a manufacturing method thereof. Opening parts are formed in a mask layer partially shielding a first n-type nitride semiconductor layer. The first n-type nitride semiconductor layer is exposed through the opening part, and second n-type nitride semiconductor layers are grown based on the exposed first n-type nitride semiconductor layer. The grown second n-type nitride semiconductor layer is buried in the opening part and is formed in a hexagonal pyramid shape. In addition, a photoactive layer and a p-type nitride semiconductor layer are sequentially formed along the second n-type nitride semiconductor layer. Therefore, a hole injection-electron pair is easily formed by the incident light. Further, an area of the photoactive layer is increased, such that photoelectric conversion efficiency is improved.

Abstract: An intrinsically semitransparent photovoltaic cell and module are described and a method for fabricating the same. Key steps in the fabrication involve the use of magnetron sputtering under appropriate conditions, the deposition of ultra-thin semiconductor absorber layers, and the fabrication of a transparent back contact.

Abstract: A stack of a first anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer and a titanium layer is formed on a front surface of a semiconductor substrate including a p-n junction, and is subsequently patterned so that a semiconductor surface is physically exposed in metal contact regions of the front surface of the semiconductor substrate. The remaining portion of the titanium layer is converted into a titania layer by oxidation. A metal layer is plated on the metal contact regions, and a copper line is subsequently plated on the metal layer or a metal semiconductor alloy derived from the metal layer. A second ARC layer is deposited over the titania layer and the copper line, and is subsequently patterned to provide electrical contact to the copper line.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a substrate layer having a plurality of three-dimensional structures formed therein providing a textured profile. A first electrode is formed over the substrate layer and extends over the three-dimensional structures including non-planar surfaces. The first electrode has a thickness configured to maintain the textured profile, and the first electrode includes a transparent conductive material having a dopant metal activated within the transparent conductive material. A continuous photovoltaic stack is conformally formed over the first electrode, and a second electrode is formed on the photovoltaic stack.

Abstract: A stack of a first anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer and a titanium layer is formed on a front surface of a semiconductor substrate including a p-n junction, and is subsequently patterned so that a semiconductor surface is physically exposed in metal contact regions of the front surface of the semiconductor substrate. The remaining portion of the titanium layer is converted into a titania layer by oxidation. A metal layer is plated on the metal contact regions, and a copper line is subsequently plated on the metal layer or a metal semiconductor alloy derived from the metal layer. A second ARC layer is deposited over the titania layer and the copper line, and is subsequently patterned to provide electrical contact to the copper line.

Abstract: A conductive paste may include a conductive powder, metallic glass, a metal precursor including an element forming a solid solution with the metallic glass, and an organic vehicle, and an electronic device and a solar cell may include an electrode formed using the conductive paste.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing solar cells is disclosed. The method includes forming an insulating material in a printable suspension along the at least one side edge of a solar cell, the insulating material in a printable suspension further adapted to form a protective film which reduces cracking near at least one side edge of the solar cell and improve structural integrity against mechanical stress. The protective film has an elastic modulus of at least 3 GPa, an elongation break point of at least 13 percent and a glass transition temperature of at least 250 degrees Celsius which provides additional structural support along the side edges, increasing the overall structural integrity, providing electrical insulation along the edges and improve the flexure strength of the solar cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to a class of ruthenium(II) bis(aryleneethynylene) complexes for use in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cell devices, and the method of synthesizing thereof. This invention also relates to a BHJ solar cell device comprising the ruthenium(II) bis(aryleneethynylene) complex.

Abstract: Nanonet-based hematite hetero-nanostructures (100) for solar energy conversions and methods of fabricating same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a hetero-nanostructure (100) includes a plurality of connected and spaced-apart nanobeams (110) linked together at an about 90° angle, the plurality of nanobeams (110) including a conductive silicide core having an n-type photo-active hematite shell. In an embodiment, a device (1100) for splitting water to generate hydrogen and oxygen includes a first compartment (1120) having a two-dimensional hetero-nanostructure (1125), the hetero-nanostructure having a plurality of connected and spaced-apart nanobeams, each nanobeam substantially perpendicular to another nanobeam, the plurality of nanobeams including an n-type photoactive hematite shell having a conductive core; and a second compartment (1110) having a p-type material (1115), wherein the first compartment (1120) and the second compartment (1110) are separated by a semi-permeable membrane.

Abstract: A method for producing contacts made of electrically conductive material on solar cells is provided. The method includes applying a dopant source to at least one face of a substrate; forming phosphosilicate glass by diffusing dopant into the substrate in a first thermal step; locally applying laser radiation to the substrate in regions in which the electrically conductive material is to be applied in order to form the electrically conductive contact; measuring the layer resistivity developed in the surface region of the substrate on the dopant source side; applying the electrically conductive material to the lasered areas; measuring the specific contact resistance between the lasered area and the electrically conductive material; determining a pulse energy density range of the laser beam from the measured values; applying laser radiation having a pulse energy density within the determined pulse energy density range.

Abstract: A moisture proof laminated film is provided that is excellent in transparency, has considerably high moisture proofness, and is suppressed in generation of bubbles between moisture proof films, even when plural moisture proof films are used. A moisture proof laminated film (1) containing a moisture proof film A (2) having a water vapor transmission rate (WTR (A)) at 40° C. and 90% RH of 1.0 (g/m2·day) or less and a moisture proof film B (3) containing a substrate (4) having on one surface thereof an inorganic layer (5) and having a water vapor transmission rate (WTR (B)) at 40° C. and 90% RH of 10% or less of the water vapor transmission rate (WTR (A)), which are laminated through an adhesive layer (7).

Abstract: Provided are a conductive polymer ink composition including a) a water-based dispersion including a conductive polymer, b) a conductivity enhancer, c) a solvent, and d) a fluorine-based surfactant and a surfactant having a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of 12 or above, and an organic solar cell including the same.