Abstract: Disclosed herein is a self supporting tensile tent structure and methods for use of such a structure. According to one embodiment, structure includes six component panels positioned above ground surface: a roof, a bathtub bottom positioned below the roof component, a pair of side panels and front and back panels all vertically oriented and attached to the roof by a top edge and further attached to the bathtub bottom by a bottom edge; a pair of reinforced corners at the end of the tensile tent anchors structure to the ground surface; a supporting member to create loft for the tensile tent toward the front of the structure by elevating the roof component above the ground surface; a second pair of reinforced corners anchors the front of the tensile tent to the ground surface and induces tension to the roof when erected. Other related embodiments are described.

Abstract: A temporary garage device is disclosed that allows users to easily protect the outside of their vehicle from the elements. The temporary garage device comprises a protective cover component and a storage component for storing the protective cover component. Typically, the protective cover component is positioned in an arc-shape via a plurality of thin beams secured to the interior surface of the protective cover component to form a semi-rigid skeletal structure. Specifically, the protective cover component collapses in an accordion style for storage in the interior of the storage component. When needed, the protective cover component can then be linearly extended outward from the storage component in a semi-tubular configuration to cover the vehicle. Additionally, the storage component can comprise a plurality of wheels secured to a bottom side to allow the storage component to move and for ease in transportation of the temporary garage device.

Abstract: Provided is a thermoelectric device including a first electrode, a substrate electrically connected to the first electrode, a thin film on the substrate, and a second electrode on the thin film. The substrate and the thin film may be configured to exhibit a metallic property at a temperature over a critical temperature, thereby having a thermoelectric power of the device that is higher than that of a semiconductor junction.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator for a vehicle includes a generator housing arranged in an exhaust line of the vehicle and/or in a bypass to the exhaust line and at least one thermoelectric module assigned to at least one first exhaust gas contact surface. Thermal energy is transferred from the first exhaust gas contact surface to the thermoelectric module via at least one heat conduction path and at least one heat storage chamber filled with at least one heat storage material. The heat storage chamber is assigned at least one second exhaust gas contact surface from which thermal energy is configured to be transferred to the heat storage chamber. The heat storage chamber is arranged outside the heat conduction path from the first exhaust gas contact surface to the thermoelectric module. A heat storage device is provided for the thermoelectric generator of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoelectric device, comprising pipes (8), called hot pipes, through which a first fluid can flow, and elements (3p, 3n), called thermoelectric elements, that can be used to generate an electric current in the presence of a temperature gradient. According to the invention, it comprises fins (5p, 5n) that can be configured in a heat exchange relationship with pipes (9), called cold pipes, through which a second fluid can flow at a temperature lower than that of the first fluid, and in that the thermoelectric elements (3p, 3n) are in contact, on the one hand, with the hot pipes (8) and, on the other hand, with the fins (5p, 5n), such that said thermoelectric elements (3p, 3n) generate said current.

Abstract: An array comprising a first photovoltaic module, with a second photovoltaic module placed at a distance above the first. Wherein the second photovoltaic module comprises a central hole or cutout. The second photovoltaic module may be in the shape of a ring. A plurality of the second photovoltaic module may be arranged at a distance above each other so that they are overlapping. The solar array provided herein provides a more cost effective solution in design and implementation compared to traditional arrays.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device provided in the present disclosure includes a superstrate, a lower substrate, a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a package structure. The superstrate is light-transmissive, and arranged in parallel with the substrate. The photovoltaic cells are disposed side-by-side at intervals with each other between the superstrate and the substrate, and a gap zone is defined by two facing lateral surfaces of every two of the neighboring photovoltaic cells. The package structure is sandwiched between the superstrate and the substrate, and encapsulates the photovoltaic cells between the superstrate and the substrate in which a reflection portion is provided in the package structure, and located in the gap zone for reflecting lights from the superstrate back to the photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid solar panel comprising: photovoltaic elements (1) having a front face and a rear face; a heat exchanger (E) arranged opposite the rear face of said photovoltaic elements (1); and a cooling fluid circulating in said exchanger (E) in such a way as to cool the photovoltaic elements (1), said exchanger (E) comprising a heat exchange region (ZE) through which said fluid flows, arranged beneath said photovoltaic elements (1), said exchange region comprising elements (20) that enable the flow of the fluid to be disrupted in such a way as to stimulate the heat exchanges in the exchange region (ZE).

Abstract: A technique which can reduce a cost of a space machine installed with a solar cell. The space machine is composed of a light collecting unit and the solar cell. The light collecting unit is arranged on a surface of the body of the space machine to collect incident sun light inside the body. The solar cell is installed inside the body to receive the sun light collected by the light collecting unit.

Abstract: A wavelength conversion element includes at least one wavelength conversion layer. The wavelength conversion layer has a matrix layer and particles that is disposed in the matrix layer. The matrix layer is formed of a curable resin material or an inorganic material with a bandgap of 3 eV or more. The particles are formed of a wavelength conversion composition for wavelength-converting absorbed light in a specific wavelength range into light having energy lower than energy of the absorbed light, and that have a particle diameter of 3 nm to 20 nm. An interval between neighboring particles is equal to or less than the particle diameter of the particles. Consequently, the wavelength conversion layer prevents reflection of light in a wavelength range other than the specific wavelength range.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprises a photovoltaic panel and a heat sink module. The heat sink module is fastened on a rear surface of the photovoltaic panel. The heat sink module comprises a plurality of fins arranged at intervals, and one surface of each fin defines a wind-facing surface.

Abstract: A DSSC photovoltaic device comprising at least one photoelectrochemical cell interposed between a first substrate and a second substrate. Each substrate having a relevant first face and a relevant second face, opposed to the first face. The first face of the first substrate is faced toward the first face of the second substrate. The device also comprises an integrated bypass means on the substrates comprising a bypass diode for an photoelectrochemical cell. The bypass diode is provided on one edge of the photovoltaic device, wherein the edge is defined by at least a portion of both substrates and by an encapsulating material interposed between the two portions. Two conductive tracks connecting the anode and cathode of the bypass diode to the negative and positive electrode of the cell, respectively, and a UV filtering means to at least partially filter UV radiation, applied on at least a face of said substrates are also provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a radiation stable shield for use in space or high altitude applications. The shield comprises a plurality of overlapping planar glass flakes which are held in a lamellar matrix of flexible polymeric material. The flakes are each formed of a radiation stable glass which is suitable for use in space or high altitude applications. The flakes are arranged in alignment with the lamellar direction of the matrix.

Abstract: The fabrication and characterization of large scale inverted organic solar array fabricated using all-spray process is disclosed. Solar illumination has been demonstrated to improve transparent solar photovoltaic devices. The technology using SAM has potential to revolute current silicon-based photovoltaic technology by providing a complete solution processable manufacturing process. The semi-transparent property of the solar module allows for applications on windows and windshields. The inventive arrays are more efficient than silicon solar cells in artificial light environments, permitting use of the arrays in powering microelectromechanical systems and in integration with microelectromechanical systems.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) grounding system includes a first grounding path comprising an electrical connection between a plurality of support bars of a rail system and a connection box coupled to the rail system. The PV grounding system also includes a second grounding path comprising an electrical connection between the connection box and a plurality of PV modules disposed within the rail system, the second ground path extending from micro-inverter ground leads of the plurality of PV modules, through an extension harness electrically connected to the plurality of PV modules, to a ground connection within the connection box. The PV grounding system further includes a third grounding path that includes an electrical connection between the ground connection within the connection box and a building load panel. The first grounding path, the second grounding path, and the third grounding path are electrically connected within the connection box.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a solar cell device, and method for forming the solar cell device by integrating a switch component into a solar cell element. The solar cell element can include a solar cell, a solar cell array and/or a solar cell panel. The integrated solar cell element can be used for a solar sensor, while the solar sensor can also use discrete switches for each solar cell area of the sensor. Exemplary embodiments also provide a connection system for the solar cell elements and a method for super-connecting the solar cell elements to provide a desired connection path or a desired power output through switch settings. The disclosed connection systems and methods can allow for by-passing underperforming solar cell elements from a plurality of solar cell elements. In embodiments, the solar cell element can be extended to include a battery or a capacitor.

Abstract: Described herein is a photovoltaic device operable to convert light to electricity, comprising a substrate, one or more structures essentially perpendicular to the substrate, and a reflective layer disposed on the substrate, and one or more junctions conformally disposed on the one or more structures.

Abstract: A solar cell and method of fabricating the same are provided. The substrate of the solar cell has heavily-doped regions and lightly-doped regions. The anode and the cathode are disposed on the back surface of the substrate, and thus the amount of incident light on the front surface of the substrate is increased. The anode and the cathode are in contact with the heavily doped regions to form selective emitter structure, and thus the contact resistance is reduced. The lightly-doped regions, which are not in contact with the anode and the cathode, have lower saturation current, and thus recombination of hole-electron pairs is reduced, and absorption of infrared light is increased.

Abstract: Provided is a photo active layer for a solar cell or a light emitting diode and a fabricating method thereof. The photo active layer is formed by alternately stacking silicon quantum dot layers in which a plurality of silicon quantum dots containing conductive type impurities are formed in a medium, which is a silicon compound, and conductive layers, which are polycrystalline silicon layers, containing the same conductive type impurities as those of the silicon quantum dots.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices and techniques for enhancing efficiency thereof are provided. In one aspect, a photovoltaic device is provided. The photovoltaic device comprises a photocell having a photoactive layer and a non-photoactive layer adjacent to the photoactive layer so as to form a heterojunction between the photoactive layer and the non-photoactive layer; and a plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures on one or more surfaces of the photoactive layer. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures are configured to act as a scattering media for incident light. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures can also be configured to create an optical resonance effect in the incident light.

Abstract: Solar cell structures include stacked layers in reverse order on a germanium substrate wherein a n++ (In)GaAs buffer layer plays dual roles as buffer and contact layers in the inverted structures. The absorbing layers employed in such exemplary structures are III-V layers such as (In)GaAs. Controlled spalling may be employed as part of the fabrication process for the solar cell structures, which may be single or multi-junction. The requirement for etching a buffer layer is eliminated, thereby facilitating the manufacturing process of devices using the disclosed structures.

Abstract: Disclosed are a thin film solar cell and a method of manufacturing the thin film solar cell. The thin film solar cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention thin film solar cell includes a substrate: a front electrode layer formed on the substrate; an oxide layer formed on the front electrode layer: a light absorbing layer (intrinsic layer) formed on the oxide layer; and a back electrode layer formed on the light absorbing layer, wherein the oxide layer is formed of a material selected from MoO2, WO2, V2O5, NiO and CrO3.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell according to the inventive concept includes a back side electrode on a substrate, a light absorption layer on the back side electrode, a buffer layer on the light absorption layer, a front side transparent electrode on the buffer layer, a grid electrode partially formed on the front side transparent electrode and exposing a top surface of a portion of the front side transparent electrode, and an anti-reflection layer covering the exposed top surface of the front side transparent electrode. The buffer layer includes titanium oxide (TiOx).

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a photovoltaic layer configured to convert light into electrical power, a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) layer having one to three periods disposed adjacent the photovoltaic layer, a metal layer, disposed adjacent the DBR layer, configured to reflect light passed through the photovoltaic layer to the DBR layer, and a phase matching layer disposed between the metal layer and the DBR layer, the phase matching layer configured to match a phase between the DBR layer and the metal layer over a selected wavelength band. The metal layer has a non-uniformed textured surface facing the phase matching layer. The photovoltaic device further includes an anti-reflection coating layer disposed on a top surface of the photovoltaic layer, and a substrate on which the metal layer is disposed. The substrate may be textured on a surface facing the metal layer.

Abstract: Provided are a method for patterning a mesoporous inorganic oxide film, the method including a step of forming a mesoporous inorganic oxide film using a composition containing inorganic oxide particles; and a step of forming a pattern on the mesoporous inorganic oxide film using an elastic stamp for pattern formation, and then calcining the mesoporous inorganic oxide, and an electronic device including a mesoporous inorganic oxide film that has been patterned by the patterning method.

Abstract: An electroconductive paste contains an electroconductive powder, a non-lead-type glass frit, a binder resin, and a solvent, wherein the solvent contains at least one first solvent such as texanol that contains at least one of a carboxylate group and a hydroxyl group and at least one second solvent such as propylene carbonate that does not contain the carboxylate and the hydroxyl group and has a hydrogen-bond term among the Hansen solubility parameters of 7 (J/cm3)1/2 or less. A light-receiving surface electrode 3 is formed by using this electroconductive paste. By this, an electroconductive paste for forming an electrode of a solar cell having a good printing property and having good cell characteristics, and a solar cell manufactured by using this electroconductive paste are realized.

Abstract: A method for forming copper indium gallium (sulfide) selenide (CIGS) solar cells, cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells, and copper zinc tin (sulfide) selenide (CZTS) solar cells using laser annealing techniques to anneal the absorber and/or the buffer layers. Laser annealing may result in better crystallinity, lower surface roughness, larger grain size, better compositional homogeneity, a decrease in recombination centers, and increased densification. Additionally, laser annealing may result in the formation of non-equilibrium phases with beneficial results.

Abstract: A solar cell and solar module with improved moisture resistance are provided. A solar cell (10) is provided with a photoelectric conversion unit (20), an n-side electrode (21b), and a p-side electrode (21a). The photoelectric conversion unit (20) has an n-type surface and a p-type surface. The n-side electrode (21b) is connected electrically to the n-type surface. The p-side electrode (21a) is connected electrically to the p-type surface. The amount of Na in each of the n-side electrode (21b) and the p-side electrode (21a) is 20 ppm or less.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermoplastic resin formulations for use as a light transmitting layer (e.g., encapsulant layer) in a photovoltaic module comprising: (a) a light transmitting thermoplastic resin, (b) at least one down conversion material that exhibits a maximum in incident radiation absorption in the range of 280 to 500 nm and a maximum in radiation emission at a relatively longer wavelength in the range of 400 to 900 nm and improves the efficiency of photovoltaic electric current generation in a photovoltaic module; and (c) a light stabilizer additive that transmits at least about 40 percent of the ultraviolet (UV) electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of from about 280 nm to about 380 nm. Also disclosed are sheet materials prepared from such resins and photovoltaic modules incorporating such sheet materials.

Abstract: A protective sheet for a solar cell 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 has at least one olefin-based binder, in which the olefin-based polymer layer contains 8 mass % or less of an ether-based polyurethane resin with respect to the olefin-based binder, has a favorable adhesive force to a sealing material and a favorable adhesive force to a sealing material even after aged in a hot and humid environment.

Abstract: A method for improving excavating operation characteristic and grading operation characteristic of an excavator is disclosed. A hydraulically controlled selector valve is added in a boom confluence control circuit of a hydraulic excavator, and a solenoid valve group is added in the boom confluence control circuit and the bucket/stick confluence control circuit. A controller sends a control signal to switch the solenoid valve group between a disconnected mode and a connected mode. The controller may send out a signal to disconnect the solenoid valve group, to restore a valve spool to a middle position, to restore a boom lifting confluence circuit, and to disconnect a bucket/stick swinging confluence circuit to perform a standard excavation mode. The controller may send out a signal to connect the solenoid valve group to disconnect a boom lifting confluence circuit and to increase a bucket/stick swinging confluence circuit to achieve a grading operation mode.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a partition for a fuel tank. The partition may include a sheet of material extending laterally within an interior mid-region of the fuel tank. The sheet may have a length and a width that are at least substantially equal to a length and a width of the mid-region of the fuel tank, and the sheet may be shaped to conform to an interior perimeter of the mid-region of the fuel tank. The partition may also be configured to substantially divide the fuel tank into an upper interior region located above the partition and a lower interior region located below the partition.

Abstract: A compressor assembly having a high velocity muffler system which produces a particle-free compressor pump feed while reducing noise output from the compressor assembly during compressing operations. The high velocity muffler system is maintenance-free and comprises an inertia filter. The compressor assembly uses a method for producing a compressor pump feed and reducing noise during compressing operations by processing a gas through the high velocity muffler system which has an inertia filter and a muffler chamber to produce a compressor pump feed which can be compressed by a pump assembly.

Abstract: An improved liquid level control device for improving growing conditions and efficient crop growth in a series of plant pots includes a first valve means, a connection means, and a second valve means. The first valve means is operable to control a liquid level in a first pot. The connection means is mounted to a portion of the first valve means. The connection means includes an inlet connectable to a liquid source and an outlet for directing liquid to a remote plant pot. The second valve means is slidably received within the connection means and is operably connected to the first valve means. The second valve means is adapted to move between a first position allowing liquid communication between the inlet and outlet, and a second position substantially closing communication between the inlet and outlet depending on the liquid level within the first plant pot.

Abstract: An apparatus including flexible tube having a first opening at a first end, an opposing second opening at a second end, and a body portion between the first end and the second end. The body portion of the flexible tube may have an inner cavity and a plurality of further openings leading out from the inner cavity. The apparatus may include a first connector, configured to be connected to a water source. The apparatus may further include a non-porous first outer member, having a first opening at a first end, an opposing second opening at a second end, and a body portion between the first end of the first outer member and the second end of the first outer member. The first outer member may substantially surround a portion of the flexible tube to block a first set of the plurality of further openings to inhibit liquid flow.

Abstract: A method of launching a pig into and retrieving a pig from a path in tubing, for example through a furnace, by directing fluid flow into the path through the pig launcher/retriever during launch and fluid flow out of the path through the pig launcher/retriever during retrieval.

Abstract: An exemplary safety device can comprise a guard coupled to a lower end of a support shaft and two arms coupled to the support shaft configured to engage with the inner walls of the meter box. The arms can be adjustable to change the distance they extend from the support shaft, such as by rotating the arms about a central bolt that is fixed relative to the shaft. The arms can have end caps that are configured to contact the inner walls of the meter box to create a frictional resistance holding the device securely within the meter box. The arms can be coupled to the support shaft with an adapter ring that is adjustable along the support shaft to change the vertical position of the arms. The guard can partially surround the angle meter stop and can contain it if it blows off the pipe below it.

Abstract: A water discharge device may include a water collection chamber including a water drainage valve. At least one water sensor may be arranged in a region of the water collection chamger for determining a water level in the water collection chamber and for controlling the water drainage valve. A device may be configured to maintain the water sensor in contact with the water by keeping a water level artificially high in the region of the water collection chamber at the water sensor.

Abstract: To provide a pressure control device that can prevent ringing and overshoot without changing gain even with a high gain setting, can quickly change pressure to a steady state even with a large set pressure value, and can equalize the time required from an initial to steady state regardless of the set pressure value, a valve control part is provided that includes an open degree operated amount output part that outputs an open degree operated amount based on a measured pressure value and a set pressure value, and a limiter part that sets an upper limit value of the open degree operated amount according to the set pressure value and that controls a pressure control valve by the open degree operated amount of the upper limit value when the open degree operated amount exceeds the upper limit value.

Abstract: Fuel systems and methods for controlling fuel systems in a vehicle with multiple fuel tanks are provided. An exemplary vehicle fuel system includes a first fuel tank including a first pressure sensor, and a second fuel tank. The system may further include a fuel tank isolation valve positioned to selectively decouple the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank. The system may further include an electronic controller configured to identify which of the first fuel tank and second fuel tank includes a fuel system leak by selectively decoupling the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank via the fuel tank isolation valve, responsive to an identification of the fuel system leak.

Abstract: A control valve for an indirectly acting compressed-air brake of a rail vehicle includes a pneumatic relay valve for controlling a brake cylinder pressure via a pilot-control circuit for generating a temporally defined pilot-control pressure for the proportional activation of the relay valve, wherein, connected upstream of the pilot-control circuit, there is provided a device for generating the braking and release times of the compressed-air brake, wherein the device for generating uniform braking and release times of the compressed-air brake has mechanisms for realizing a volume flow with constant pressure change for the compressed-air supply and the de-aeration of the pilot-control circuit.

Abstract: Multi-stage back pressure regulators are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a multi-stage back pressure regulator includes a first stage and a second stage downstream from the first stage. The first stage includes a gas-charged regulator device arranged to receive a fluid at an inlet, and the second stage includes a spring-loaded regulator device having an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet. The gas-charged regulator and the spring-loaded regulator are configured to control inlet pressure to the back pressure regulator and maximum differential pressures across the first and second stages.

Abstract: Disclosed are check valve assemblies operable to inject treatment fluids during stimulation operations. One check valve assembly includes a valve body defining an inlet, one or more discharge ports, and a cylindrical passageway that fluidly communicates the inlet with the one or more discharge ports, the valve body further providing a cylindrical section in which the one or more discharge ports are defined, a valve cap disposed about an exterior of the cylindrical section and defining an opening that fluidly communicates with the cylindrical passageway, and a spherical piston disposed within the passageway and movable between a closed configuration, where the spherical piston prevents fluid communication between the inlet and the one or more discharge ports, and an open configuration, where fluid communication is allowed between the inlet and the one or more discharge ports.

Abstract: A check ball valve cartridge assembly is provided for regulating fluid flow through a fluid pressure line in an automotive transmission. The assembly includes a cartridge having a side wall forming a hollow interior cavity in the cartridge and a lip extending from the side wall toward a central axis of the cartridge. The assembly also has a check ball, which is disposed at least partially within the interior cavity of the cartridge. The lip of the cartridge is configured to prevent the check ball from exiting the interior cavity of the cartridge. A biasing member is disposed at least partially within the interior cavity of the cartridge and contacts the check ball. The assembly may include a pair of orientation features extending from the side wall of the cartridge for aligning the cartridge for installation within the automotive transmission.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catheter for use in post-mortem angiography and a method for post-mortem in-situ cardiac angiography of a human or animal body. The catheter comprises (a) a proximal end for insertion into a human or animal body, (b) a distal end which remains outside the body during normal use, (c) a tube for delivering an imaging agent to the body, and (d) a marker for insertion into the body, the marker being positioned at a predetermined distance from the proximal end and comprising a substance such that its position once inserted into the body is detectable from outside the body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a control and safety circuit (1) for gas delivery valves, comprising an actuator (50) opening the gas delivery valve; a control unit (100) intended to emit a command signal (V2) to activate the actuator and switch on the valve, and a clock signal (CK); and a memory (5) placed between the control unit (100) and the actuator (50). The memory is capable of receiving the command signal (V2) and the clock signal (CK) as inputs, and at the same time emits an output signal (V3) which is a function of the input command signal (V2) and a clock signal (CK). The output signal (V3) is sent to the actuator (50) to command the same to open the valve.

Abstract: A chemical liquid circuit apparatus includes a main circuit member, a sub-circuit member, and a frame member. The main circuit member has a chemical liquid channel for flowing a chemical fluid, and a main opening formed on an end of the chemical liquid channel. The sub-circuit member is mounted on and in contact with the main circuit member and applies a first load to the main circuit member. The sub-circuit member has a sealing surface for sealing the main opening from outside of the apparatus. The frame member has a storing portion for storing the main circuit member, and a connecting opening disposed in a position in communication with the main opening of the main circuit member stored in the storing portion. The shape of the frame member allows a reaction force of the first load to be transferred from the storing portion to the main circuit member.

Abstract: A method for generating fluid pulses is provided. The device comprises a first channel with a first fluid inlet and a second channel with a second fluid inlet, in which the first fluid inlet and second fluid inlet are substantially situated opposite each other. The first channel comprises a first control outlet at the height of the first fluid inlet, and the second channel comprises a second control outlet at the height of the second fluid inlet, in which the respective control outlet is located in front of the respective fluid inlet in relation to the inflowing direction of the fluid inlet.

Abstract: A fuel delivery pipe may include a main pipe portion and a plurality of distribution pipe portions. A cap member may close an opening of an open end of the main pipe portion. The cap member may include a cap body, a fusion bonding member fusion-bonded to the closed side end of the main pipe portion, and a connection support portion provided between the fusion bonding member and the cap body. When a load is applied to the cap body while the fusion bonding member is bonded to the open end of the main pipe portion, the connection support portion may mitigate potential stress that may be applied to a fusion bonded region.

Abstract: An apparatus for enclosing an organ after harvesting and before implantation, having; a vessel enclosing a fluid, a connection tube for connecting a circulation hose to the organ for passing a fluid to the organ by a pump, and a degassing hose extending from the connection tube to the vessel. A pinch valve is arranged in the degassing hose. During a degassing phase, the pinch valve is opened to allow fluid flow from the pump, via the circulation hose to the connection tube and via the degassing hose to the vessel for expelling air entrapped in the fluid flow system. A balloon is arranged to prevent fluid flow via the connection tube to the organ during the degassing phase. A sterility arrangement closes the vessel at the top and may be replaced by further sterility arrangements without compromising the sterility.