Abstract: A method for forming a back contact for a photovoltaic cell that includes at least one semiconductor layer is provided. The method includes applying a continuous film of a chemically active material on a surface of the semiconductor layer and activating the chemically active material such that the activated material etches the surface of the semiconductor layer. The method further includes removing the continuous film of the activated material from the photovoltaic cell and depositing a metal contact layer on the etched surface of the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: To provide an adhesive composition capable of forming an adhesive layer that can maintain a high adhesive force and an excellent ultraviolet absorbing function over a long period of time, a laminate having an adhesive layer formed of the adhesive composition, and a solar cell module having such a laminate. An adhesive composition comprising a polyurethane resin made from a polycarbonate polyol, a curing agent, a triazine-type ultraviolet absorber and a light stabilizer. Further, a laminate 10 having a first substrate 11, an adhesive layer 12 formed of the adhesive composition and a second substrate 13 laminated in this order. A solar cell module having the laminate 10 as at least one of a front surface material or a rear surface material.

Abstract: A method for forming a reduced conductive area in transparent conductive. The method includes providing a transparent, electrically conductive, chemically reducible material. A reducing atmosphere is provided and concentrated electromagnetic energy from an energy source is directed toward a portion of the transparent, electrically conductive, chemically reducible material to form a reduced conductive area. The reduced conductive area has greater electrical conductivity than the transparent, electrically conductive, chemically reducible material. A thin film article and photovoltaic module are also disclosed.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) system includes a fiber optical waveguide comprising an active core that hosts material configured to absorb and emit light, a cladding layer surrounding the active core, the cladding layer being configured to allow ambient light to pass through the cladding layer, and an exit port located proximate an end of the waveguide. The PV system further comprises one or more solar cells disposed at the exit port of the waveguide. The waveguide is configured to guide light to the one or more solar cells. Another photovoltaic (PV) system includes a waveguide comprising an active cladding layer hosting material configured to absorb and emit light, and a core layer configured to confine light emitted by the active cladding layer. The PV system further includes one or more solar cells disposed proximate the waveguide. The core layer is configured to guide light to the one or more solar cells.

Abstract: A solar concentrator assembly is disclosed. The solar concentrator assembly comprises a first reflective member, a second reflective member, a photovoltaic receiver comprising at least one photovoltaic solar cell unit, and a support structure coupled to the first and second reflective members and the photovoltaic receiver. The first reflective member is shaped to concentrate sunlight in front of the first reflective member, and has an edge region extending inward from an edge adjacent the second reflective member. The edge region is formed in a shape which curves away from the photovoltaic receiver near the first edge.

Abstract: A composite film comprising: (i) a heat-stabilised oriented polyester substrate comprising a UV-absorber in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10% based on the total weight of the polyester substrate, and (ii) on one or both surfaces of the substrate a polymeric coating layer, which has a thickness in the range of from about 10 nm to about 200 nm, and which comprises an ethylene acrylic acid (EAA) copolymer, wherein the composite film exhibits a shrinkage at 150° C. for 30 minutes of less than 0.1% in both the longitudinal and transverse dimensions of the film, and use thereof in the manufacture of photo-voltaic cells.

Abstract: A double-layer thermoplastic film of a photovoltaic module, including two layers, one forms the encapsulator and the other forms the backsheet, wherein: a) the encapsulator is a layer including at least one polyolefin containing a polyethylene selected from a homopolymer of ethylene or a copolymer comprising at least 50 mol % of ethylene and at least one comonomer and between 0% and 100% of a polyamide grafted polymer comprising a polyolefin trunk that represents between 50 mass % and 95 mass % of the polyamide grafted polymer containing a radical of at least one unsaturated monomer (X) and at least one polyamide graft that represents between 5 mass % and 50 mass % of said polyamide grafted polymer; and b) the backsheet comprises a layer formed from a polyamide grafted polymer that is identical to that of the encapsulator except that it has a flow temperature higher than 160° C.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an assembly that includes at least a photovoltaic sheathing element capable of being affixed on a building structure. The shingle including at least a photovoltaic cell assembly, a body portion attached to one or more portions of the photo-voltaic cell assembly. Wherein the body portion includes one or more top peripheral tabs each capable of fitting under one or more vertically adjoining devices.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an assembly including at least a photovoltaic sheathing element capable of being affixed on a building structure, the sheathing element including at least: a photovoltaic cell assembly, a body portion attached to one or more portions of the photovoltaic cell assembly; at least a first and a second connector assembly disposed on opposing sides of the sheathing element and capable of directly or indirectly electrically connecting the photovoltaic cell assembly to at least two adjoining devices that are affixed to the building structure and wherein at least one of the connector assemblies includes a flexible portion; one or more connector pockets disposed in the body portion the pockets capable of receiving at least a portion of the connector assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light-concentrating film capable of concentrating incident light in a wide angular range with high efficiency and a solar cell module provided with the light-concentrating film. The present invention relates to a light-concentrating film made of an organic material, the light-concentrating film having a repeating structure of fine concavo-convex on at least one surface, the height (H) of the concavo-convex being 0.1 to 100 ?m, and the frequency (P) of the concavo-convex being 0.1 to 500 ?m, the concavo-convex having a stepped slope, the height (D) and the width (L) of one step of the stepped slope being larger or smaller toward bottom portions of the concavo-convex, the height (D) of the one step of the stepped slope being 0.01 to 100 ?m, the width (L) of one step of the stepped slope being 0.01 to 100 ?m.

Abstract: A readily adhesive sheet including a base material film and an olefin-based polymer layer which is disposed on at least one surface of the base material film and contains at least one binder, which is an olefin-based binder having an elastic modulus of 320 MPa or less, at least one coloring pigment selected from titanium oxide, carbon black, titanium black, black combined metal oxides, cyanine-based colors and quinacridone-based colors, and a crosslinking agent has a favorable adhesion to the sealing material even after aged in a hot and humid environment.

Abstract: A method of forming a photovoltaic device includes forming a thermal stress relieving layer on top of a substrate and forming a sacrificial back electrode metal layer on the thermal stress relieving layer. A semiconductor photon absorber layer is formed on the sacrificial back electrode metal layer, and the absorber layer is reacted with substantially an entire thickness of the sacrificial back electrode metal layer, thereby forming a back ohmic contact comprising a metallic compound of the sacrificial back electrode metal layer and the absorber layer, in combination with the thermal stress relieving layer.

Abstract: A device includes a plurality of wires of nanometric or micrometric dimensions formed by a semiconductor material chosen from silicon, germanium and a silicon and germanium alloy. The device further includes pellets enhancing the mechanical strength and the optical absorption properties of the device. The pellets have a diameter between 100 nm and 1 ?m and are formed by spherical agglomerates of zinc oxide particles with a diameter between 10 mn and 200 nm. The pellets are in particular obtained by immersing the wires in a bath containing an alcohol-based solvent and zinc acetate under temperature and pressure conditions keeping the alcohol-based solvent in the liquid state and by thermal annealing of the wires transforming the zinc acetate into zinc oxide.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an organic photovoltaic cell includes providing a first electrode; depositing a series of at least seven layers onto the first electrode, each layer consisting essentially of a different organic semiconductor material, the organic semiconductor material of at least an intermediate layer of the sequence being a photoconductive material; and depositing a second electrode onto the sequence of at least seven layers. One of the first electrode and the second electrode is an anode and the other is a cathode. The organic semiconductor materials of the series of at least seven layers are arranged to provide a sequence of decreasing lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) and a sequence of decreasing highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) across the series from the anode to the cathode.

Abstract: Provided is a dye-sensitized solar cell for low illumination, which includes a first electrode having a transparent substrate and a transparent conductive film provided on the transparent substrate; a second electrode facing the first electrode; an oxide semiconductor layer provided on the first electrode; an electrolyte provided between the first and the second electrodes; a photosensitizing dye adsorbed to the oxide semiconductor layer; and a co-adsorbent adsorbed to the oxide semiconductor layer together with the dye, the dye being a compound represented by the following formula (1), and the co-adsorbent including a compound represented by the following formula (2): wherein in formula (1), M represents Ru; R1, R2, R3, and R4 each independently represent a monovalent cation; and R5 and R6 each independently represent a halogen group; and wherein in formula (2), n represents an integer from 0 to 5; and R7 represents a monovalent group having a ?-conjugated structure.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element has a structure where a hole transport layer, a photoelectric conversion layer, and an electron transport layer are held between a first electrode and a second electrode. The photoelectric conversion layer is a bulk heterojunction layer, and fullerene or a fullerene derivative is used as an n-type organic semiconductor. As a p-type organic semiconductor, a polymer represented by the following Expression is used. In the Expression, R1, R2, R3, and R4 each independently represent any one of a branched alkyl group, a linear alkyl group, an alkyl ester group, a carboxy alkyl group, and an alkoxy group. Independently, X is any one of S, O, and N.

Abstract: An engine wash system with a collector includes a collection pan with a base angled toward a centerline and first and second panels rotatably connecting to first and second sides of the collection pan; a plurality of wheels connecting to the base; a first support connecting on a lower end to the collection pan and extending vertically upward from the collection pan; a first funnel connecting to the first support; and a first hose connecting the first funnel to the collection pan.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive feedback mechanism may be mounted or positioned on a heat conducting diluent conduit. The temperature sensitive feedback mechanism provides visually readable feedback regarding the temperature of the diluent to help ensure that the temperature of the diluent delivered to a chemical product dispenser satisfies a target temperature or falls within a target temperature range. The temperature sensitive feedback mechanism may include one or more temperature sensitive elements that change color in response to a change in surface temperature of diluent conduit. A user may view the visually readable temperature feedback and manually adjust the temperature of the diluent if necessary until the desired diluent temperature is reached.

Abstract: A system for refilling a reductant tank of a first machine is provided. The system includes a reductant reservoir, a first valve, and a pump. The first valve is fluidly connected to the reductant reservoir. The pump is fluidly connected to the first valve. Further, a nozzle is fluidly connected to the first valve. The first valve provides a reductant flow from the reductant reservoir to the pump, and from the pump to the nozzle when in a first position, and reverses the reductant flow from the nozzle to the pump, and from the pump to the reductant reservoir in a second position. Also, a pilot line is selectively associated with an outlet of the pump and the first valve. When pressure between the pump and the nozzle exceeds a threshold, pilot pressure causes the first valve to shift from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering a fluid using non-mechanical lock hopper eductor assembly. The assembly including at least one lock hopper coupled to an eductor motive fluid inlet, a source of a treatment material and a suction flow outlet. The lock hopper configured to contain therein a pressurized treatment fluid as an output suction flow. The lock hopper is coupled to an eductor pump assembly. The eductor pump assembly including a suction chamber in fluidic communication with the eductor motive fluid inlet, the suction flow outlet and a fluid mixture outlet. The suction chamber configured to output a fluid mixture to a mixing chamber coupled to said fluid mixture outlet and configured to mix the fluid mixture therein. The eductor pump assembly further including an expansion feature coupled to said mixing chamber and configured to expand the fluid mixture therein for delivery to a downstream component.

Abstract: An exemplary system for delivering a turbomachine fluid to a supplied area is a pump configured to draw fluid from both a first container and a second container when operating in both a positive g-force environment and a negative g-force environment. The fluid from the first container in a positive g-force environment is a mixture of air and oil, and the fluid from the first container in a negative g-force environment is primarily oil.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying fluid comprising a first tube and a second tube. The first tube has a first end and a second end, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a passage for fluid and an outer wall has at least one first receiving section for receiving an inner wall from the second tube. The second tube has a first end and a second end, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a chamber for receiving the first tube and has at least one second receiving section for receiving the outer wall of the first tube wherein at least one of the first tube and the second tube are drawn down such that the first receiving section and the second receiving section of the first tube and the second tube are in close proximity to each other and sealed.

Abstract: Described are pressure fuses or pressure breakers which regulate the pressure downstream from the device. When the fluid pressure exceeds the trip pressure, the pressure fuse or breaker will trip and protect other components downstream of the fuse or breaker. Also described are methods of regulating pressure downstream from a fluid source using such fuses or breakers.

Abstract: A plumbing freeze protection system comprises a fluid connection between a water supply line and a waste line. The fluid connection bypasses a plumbing fixture fluidly connected to the water supply line. A valve operable with the fluid connection alternately prevents water flow from the water supply line to the waste line, and allows water flow from the water supply line to the waste line within about 25 percent of maximum volumetric flow rate of the water supply line through the fluid connection. A timer is adapted to control the valve. The valve is open for a predetermined time period to deliver a short duration, high volumetric flow rate of water to the waste line to minimize ice formation in, and remove existing ice from, the water supply and waste lines.

Abstract: A rain gauge with automatic priming siphon which uses the principle of indirect measurement of the rainfall by determination of its weight, for which it has a base (1), on which rests on a load cell (3) bearing a container (2) which receives the rainwater via a mouth (4). The emptying of the container (2) is assured periodically by means of a siphon (7), with the container (2) presenting a variable section with a minimum at the height of the bend of the siphon (7). In this way the priming time of the siphon (7) is radically reduced without affecting its discharge time. In addition, the bottom of the container (2) presents a reduction in section, and attached to it is a damper (6) which directly receives the rainwater channelled via the mouth (4). In this way the precision and security of functioning of the siphon (7) are furthermore increased.

Abstract: A hydraulic oil tank attachment structure arranged in a construction machine secures the strength of a hydraulic oil tank as well as secures a large capacity thereof. The attachment structure is arranged in a compact excavator provided with a revolving superstructure, a working device attached to the revolving superstructure, a hydraulic actuator including a revolving motor that drives the revolving superstructure and an actuator that drives the working device. A hydraulic oil tank made of synthetic resin, which stores hydraulic oil to be supplied to the hydraulic actuator, is attached on a revolving frame of the revolving superstructure. The hydraulic oil tank attachment structure has a holding member provided with a projecting part formed on a side surface of the tank, which is fixed on the revolving frame of the revolving superstructure so as to surround side surfaces thereof to hold the hydraulic oil tank via the projecting part.

Abstract: A thermal recirculation valve (TRV) is described that provides for effective fuel module heating during cold operation to mitigate fuel waxing or gelling issues. The TRV allows for the control of heated return fuel flow into the module dependent upon the module's outlet fuel temperature without the return fuel directly contacting the wax element. The wax element is isolated from direct contact with the higher temperature return fuel through use of an elastomeric seal which prevents return fuel from directly contacting the wax element. In addition, the wax element is positioned in the fuel outlet of the module.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve for cryogenic service includes: a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a nozzle disposed within the fluid inlet, said nozzle having a nozzle groove radially formed on an exterior cylindrical surface of the nozzle and an outwardly disposed ledge having a lower ledge surface comprising a portion of an exterior surface of the nozzle groove and an upper ledge surface comprising a seat; a substantially cylindrical closure disc with a lower portion including a groove formed on an exterior radial surface of the cylindrical body, an outwardly disposed lip having an upper surface comprising a portion of an interior surface of the groove, said lip of the closure disc having a lower closure surface. The lip of the closure disc being adapted to deflect downward and inward in response to a cryogenic thermal gradient applied across the lip.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting leaks using sensors to report the leak and communicate with a control unit to turn off the source of the leak once detected. A valve can be turned off in the event of a leak and embodiments employing battery power can function during loss of power such as a power blackout. Wireless sensors can be employed to detect leaks that wirelessly communicate with a control and operate solely with a designated control unit. The wireless sensors can operate using low power provided by batteries. The control panel can display alarm conditions from the sensors, including: low battery, poor signal, wet sensor, communication failure, sensor failure.

Abstract: A spring for use in a check valve is formed from a single piece of a polymeric material and includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a body positioned between the proximal end and the distal end. The body includes a wall, a proximal opening on the wall and a distal opening on the wall, and a bellows between the proximal opening and the distal opening. Further included is a process of forming the spring.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of check valves and fluid control valve assemblies including the same. In an exemplary embodiment, a valve assembly generally includes a valve housing including a check valve chamber and an opening. The valve assembly further includes a check valve for controlling fluid flow relative to the check valve chamber. A plug is sealingly engaged within the opening, to thereby seal the check valve chamber and restrict fluid flow from the check valve chamber out the opening through the valve housing. A flux-coated solder ring may be along an outer surface of the plug, without any flux-coated solder ring along an inner surface of the plug.

Abstract: A valve assembly may include a valve disposed in a flow path and an actuator disposed above the valve. The actuator may be configured to actuate the valve to move between an open position and a closed position. The valve may also include a rocking member disposed above the actuator and configured to move with the valve. The valve may also include a pair of first and second position sensors disposed above and parallel to the actuator. The pair of first and second position sensors may be configured to detect a position of the rocking member. The position of the rocking member may be indicative of a position of the valve.

Abstract: A faucet includes a spout, a handle, and a capacitive sensor operably coupled to at least one of the spout and the handle. An electrically operable valve is configured to control water flow through the spout. A mode indicator includes a light emitting device configured to provide an indication of a plurality of modes of operation of the faucet.

Abstract: A fuel delivery pipe may be designed such that, during a molding process of the fuel delivery pipe using a mold, a pressure of a molten resin for molding the fuel delivery pipe is applied to a main pipe portion core used for molding a main pipe portion of the fuel delivery pipe, so that the main pipe portion core is pressed against distribution pipe portion cores used for molding distribution pipe portions of the fuel delivery pipe.

Abstract: A micro reservoir, particularly for integration in a microfluidic flow cell, with a storage space for receiving a fluid and being in connection with an outlet duct for the fluid, wherein a cancelable lock for the fluid is formed. A mechanism is provided for canceling the lock without pressure of the fluid acting on the lock. The mechanism preferably mechanically destroys the lock.

Abstract: The present application provides a compressor manifold assembly. The compressor manifold assembly may include a suction manifold with a number of suction manifold modules, a discharge manifold with a number of discharge manifold modules, and a number of compressors positioned on the suction manifold and the discharge manifold.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to isolation and reconfiguration schemes, architectures and methods for use in aircraft hydraulic systems. The main hydraulic system of each hydraulic section of the aircraft hydraulic system can be isolated from one or more consumers in the event of a leak without the use pressure from the backup system. Further, in some embodiments, the main hydraulic system of each hydraulic section of the aircraft hydraulic system can be isolated from one or more consumers in the event of a leak without the use pressure from the backup system and the main system.

Abstract: A transfer device for pharmaceuticals comprising a housing which has an open bottom permitting insertion of a vial within the housing, a piercing member mounted within the housing and having an interior passageway formed therein, a connector for a syringe located on top of the housing, and a moveable member mounted within the housing, the moveable member being moveable from a first position preventing access to the piercing member and a second position permitting access to the piercing member when the vial is inserted in the housing.

Abstract: Provided is a foamable filling device that includes a foamable material and is disposed within a hollow structural member. The foamable filling device includes a carrier member and an opening/closing member. The carrier member includes a through hole and a mounting portion to which the foamable material is mounted. The opening/closing member includes a cover portion formed in a size capable of blocking the through hole; and a biasing portion that biases the cover portion, and the opening/closing member is fittable to the carrier member. The opening/closing member is configured such that, when the opening/closing member is fitted to the carrier member, the biasing portion is elastically deformed and biases the cover portion to thereby bring the cover portion into contact with a seat portion provided at an end of the through hole of the carrier member.

Abstract: A damping element for attenuating hydraulic pressure pulses is integrated into a hydraulic chamber of a motor vehicle hydraulic system. The damping element includes a end cap support body and a membrane that fits over a portion of the support body. The membrane has a first side facing towards a source of hydraulic fluid and a second side facing away from the hydraulic fluid source. At least one space is provided between the second side of the membrane and the end cap support body to allow for deformation of the membrane under hydraulic pressure. The membrane has a collar with a lip seal provided for fitting into place on the wall of the hydraulic chamber. At least one second space for receiving hydraulic fluid is defined between the lip seal and a region of the membrane opposite the lip seal.

Abstract: The invention is related to mechanical engineering and can be used in fluid power systems for transfer of fluid power between working fluids with different temperatures at reduced heat exchange between them. The objective of the present invention is creation of a hydraulic buffer for fluid power transfer between working fluids with different temperatures at reduced heat exchange between them. The objective is achieved by the proposed hydraulic buffer (hereinafter—the buffer) comprising a housing with at least two variable-volume reservoirs separated from one another, each of them communicating with its port in the housing. The variable-volume reservoirs are separated from one another by at least two separators with at least one buffer reservoir made between them filled with working fluid preferably with low heat conductivity, i.e. not exceeding 0.2 W/m/K.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting hose abrasion are disclosed. In one aspect, a hose abrasion monitoring system includes a hose assembly a monitoring circuit. The hose assembly includes a hose having at least one conductive layer and at least one outer insulating cover overlaying the at least one conductive layer. The monitoring circuit is in electrical communication with the at least one conductive layer. Upon abrasion of the at least one outer cover to expose a portion of the at least one conductive layer, the monitoring circuit is configured to detect electrical continuity between the at least one conductive layer and a conductive component external to the hose.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for repairing a leak caused by a hole in a pipe element. The claim assembly has first and second arcuate segments attachable to one another end to end, first and second adjustably tightenable connection members positioned at each end of the first and second segments to form first and second segment joints, first and second seals positionable between the segments and the pipe element on opposite sides of the hole, and first and second sealing plates positioned at the segment joints and positionable between the segments and the pipe element to form a seal at each segment joint.

Abstract: Pliable-wall air ducts with internal expanding structures are disclosed. An example air duct system includes a shaft to be disposed within an air duct, to extend in a longitudinal direction, and to be in longitudinal compression. The air duct system also includes a plurality of ribs to be coupled to the shaft and to engage an inner surface of the air duct and a spring to be disposed within the air duct, the spring to be coupled to the shaft. The spring under stress being a contributing factor in both the shaft being in longitudinal compression and the air duct being in longitudinal tension.

Abstract: An adjustable support structure for an after-treatment component is disclosed. The adjustable support structure may have a housing wall. The adjustable support structure may also have a plate. The plate may have a base edge fixedly connected to the housing wall. The plate may also have a distal edge. The adjustable support structure may also have a bracket connected to the plate at the distal edge. The bracket may be configured to engage the after-treatment component. The adjustable support structure may also have first and second legs extending from the bracket toward the housing wall. The first and second legs may be spaced apart from each other to receive the distal edge of the plate therebetween.

Abstract: An anchor system is shown for use with a pre-insulated piping system having an inner steel carrier pipe surrounded by a layer of insulation and then by an outer protective jacket. The anchor system includes an inner carrier pipe for insertion within the length of the piping system at a selected point. A steel anchor sleeve surrounds a portion of the length of carrier pipe and insulation. It terminates at one end at an outwardly flaring anchor plate which is subsequently embedded within a concrete anchor block. A steel end cap is welded to a second, opposite end of the sleeve and to the inner carrier pipe at a point along the length of piping which is outside the concrete anchor block and which is spaced apart from the location of the anchor plate, whereby heat from the high temperature fluids in the piping is transferred to the end cap at a location along the length of piping which is distant from the location of the anchor plate.

Abstract: A tube-shaped assembly, a tube-shaped part and an associated method of manufacturing the same are provided. In regards to a method, a glass or plastic tube is provided that has a maskant positioned upon an interior region of the tube to define a window. The method also includes coating an interior surface of the tube with a tinted anti-splinter material having a dye or pigment mixed therein. The method also includes curing the tinted anti-splinter material and removing the maskant such that the interior region is free of the tinted anti-splinter material. A tube-shaped part is also provided that includes a glass or plastic tube and a maskant positioned upon an interior region of the tube to define a window. The tube-shaped part also includes a tinted anti-splinter material having a dye or pigment mixed therein.

Abstract: An unbonded flexible pipe for transportation of fluids and comprising a tubular inner sealing sheath defining a bore. At least one armor layer surrounds the inner sealing sheath and a carcass is arranged in the bore to support the inner sealing sheath. The carcass comprises at least one profiled elongate element, which is helically wound to form directly and/or indirectly engaging elongate element windings along the length of the pipe. The carcass provides a quasi fluid permeable inner wall of the bore with discontinuities between successive turns of the wound elongate element(s). The discontinuities have an average width in the axial direction of the pipe which is about 3 mm or less when the pipe is in an unloaded and unbent condition, and the pipe can bend with a minimum bending radius of about 10 m or less in an unloaded condition.

Abstract: A method and means are disclosed for measured control of tape-like warps for shedding and taking-up operations when producing woven materials comprising tape-like warps and wefts. According to this invention, a displaceable contact surface of the warp control device is located between the warp supply source and the shedding device. The warp control device comprises a displaceable member for providing contact surface to displace at least some of the tape-like warps for releasing them in a measured way for shed forming and taking-up operations. Further, the contact surfaces are retracted for enabling shed closing and measured taking-up.

Abstract: Yarns are provided which may include a core having a continuous filament, a first covering of said filament, obtained by winding a first yarn in a first winding direction, a second covering superposed over the first covering, made by winding a second yarn in an opposite winding direction, so as to form an open-coiling cover, at least one third covering, obtained by winding at least one sliver having discontinuous fibres in the same winding direction as the second yarn, positioning the fibres at least in the interspaces of said open-coiling cover. Durable and comfortable textiles and garments made from such yarn and methods of making same are also provided.