Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell includes: forming a dopant layer by doping a dopant to a semiconductor substrate; and forming an electrode electrically connected to the dopant layer. The forming of the electrode includes forming a metal layer on the dopant layer; and heat-treating the metal layer to form a first layer and a second layer. In the heat-treating of the metal layer, a portion of the metal layer adjacent to the semiconductor substrate forms the first layer including a compound formed by a reaction of the metal layer and the semiconductor substrate, and a remaining portion of the metal layer forms the second layer that covers the first layer.

Abstract: A method is presented for forming a Ge containing layer on a Si substrate. The method includes providing a crystalline Si substrate having a surface that has a crystallographic orientation, heating the Si substrate in a vacuum environment, exposing the Si substrate to a surfactant that is suitable for growth of the Ge containing layer on the crystalline Si using surfactant mediation, and thereafter growing the Ge containing layer on the surface of the heated Si substrate using a suitable sputtering technique. The conditions of the growth of the Ge containing layer are selected such that a thin Ge containing layer is formed on the surface of the Si substrate. The thin Ge containing layer has a surface that has crystallographic properties suitable for epitaxial growth of a layer of a further material on the surface of the thin Ge containing layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multilayer biaxially oriented white polyester film (adhesion, absence of chalking, opacity whiteness, reflectance, hydrolysis resistance & light stability) which has three polyester layers: a core layer and two outer layers and contains TiO2 particles. In this film: (i) at least one layer includes a PET whose: number average molecular weight is within [18500-40000]; intrinsic viscosity IV is ?0.70 dL/g; carboxyl group content is ?30 eq/T (ii) the core layer includes TiO2 particles [0.1-40]% w/w; (iii) the intrinsic viscosity IV of the film is between [0.5-0.85] dL/g; (iv) a small endothermic peak temperature is between 180-230° C.; (v) at least one light stabilizer is added in at least one of the outer layers, in a total concentration between [0.1-35]% w/w. The invention also includes the method for manufacturing such film and the laminate which includes the above multilayered film and which is part of the back sheet of a solar cell.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a novel silicon substrate having a textured surface by dry-etching the surface of a silicon substrate having (111) orientation and thereby forming a texture thereon. The present invention provides a silicon substrate having (111) orientation, said silicon substrate having a textured surface that includes multiple protrusions which each comprise three slant faces and have heights of 100 to 8000 nm. This process for producing a silicon substrate includes: a step of preparing a silicon substrate having (111) orientation; and a step of blowing an etching gas onto the surface of the silicon substrate, said etching gas containing one or more gases selected from the group consisting of ClF3, XeF2, BrF3, BrF5 and NF3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silver paste composition for forming an electrode, which allows formation of an electrode for a solar cell showing more improved printability, excellent electrical properties, and energy conversion efficiency, and a preparation method thereof. The silver paste composition for forming an electrode includes a silver powder, a glass fit powder, an organic binder, and carbon black, in which the carbon black has a surface oxygen/carbon atomic ratio (O/C ratio) of 0.4 or higher.

Abstract: A photoelectric converter (10) is provided with an n-type monocrystalline silicon substrate (21), an IN layer (25) and an IP layer (26) formed on the rear surface (12) of the n-type monocrystalline silicon substrate (21), an n-side electrode (40) electrically connected to the IN layer (25), and a p-side electrode (50) separated from the n-side electrode (40) by means of a separation groove (6) and electrically connected to the IP layer (26). In said photoelectric converter (10), a texture structure is formed on at least a portion of a region in which the n-type monocrystalline silicon substrate (21), the IN layer (25) and the IP layer (26) are formed to be in direct contact with one another.

Abstract: This photoelectric conversion device (10) is provided with: an n-type monocrystalline silicon substrate (21); an IN layer (25) and an IP layer (26) formed on the back surface of the n-type monocrystalline silicon substrate (21); an n-side electrode (40) containing an n-side underlayer (43), an n-side primary conductive layer (44), and an n-side protective layer (45); and a p-side electrode (50) containing a p-side underlayer (53), a p-side primary conductive layer (54), and a p-side protective layer (55). The n-side primary conductive layer (44) is formed in a manner so as not to cover the lateral surface of the n-side underlayer (43), and is covered at the lateral surface by the n-side protective layer (45). The p-side electrode (50) is formed in such a manner the lateral surface of the p-side underlayer (53) is not covered, and the lateral surface is covered by the p-side protective layer (55).

Abstract: The solar cell (1) of the present invention is provided with an n-side electrode (14), a p-side electrode (15), and a photoelectric conversion unit (20) having a first main surface (20a) and a second main surface (20b). The first main surface (20a) includes an n-type surface (20an) and a p-type surface (20ap). The photoelectric conversion unit (20) has a semiconductor substrate (10) and a semiconductor layer (12n). The semiconductor substrate (10) has first and second main surfaces (10b, 10a). The semiconductor layer (12n) is arranged on a portion of the first main surface (10b). The semiconductor layer (12n) constitutes either the n-type surface (20an) or the p-type surface (20ap). The semiconductor layer (12n) includes a relatively thick portion (12n1) and a relative thin portion (12n2). The n-side electrode (14) or the p-side electrode (15) is arranged on at least the relatively thin portion (12n2) of the semiconductor layer (12n).

Abstract: Provided is a solar cell having reduced resistance loss during power collection. A first and a second semiconductor layer (12n, 13p) each have a plurality of linear portions. The number of linear portions in the first semiconductor layer (12n) is fewer than the number of linear portions in the second semiconductor layer (13p). The thickness of the first semiconductor layer (12n) is thinner than the thickness of the second semiconductor layer (13p).

Abstract: A photovoltaic device (10) is provided with: an n-type monocrystalline silicon substrate (21); an IN layer (25) layered over one surface of the n-type monocrystalline silicon substrate (21); an IP layer (26) layered over a region, of one surface of the IN layer 25, where the IN layer (25) is not layered, and layered so as to have an overlap region (26*) which is overlapped with the region where the IN layer (25) is layered; an n-side electrode (40) electrically connected to the IN layer (25) and formed over the overlap region (26*); and a p-side electrode (50) formed distanced from the n-side electrode (40) and electrically connected to the IP layer (26). In the IP layer (26), a separation gap (60) is formed between a region where the n-side electrode (40) is formed and a region where the p-side electrode (50) is formed.

Abstract: There is provided a photovoltaic device (100) having a substrate (10), i-type amorphous layers (16i, 18i) formed over a region of at least a part of a back surface of the substrate, and an i-type amorphous layer (12i) formed over a region of at least a part of a light-receiving surface of the substrate (10); and characterized in that electrodes (24n, 24p) are provided on the back surface and no electrode is provided on the light-receiving surface, and an electrical resistance per unit area of the back surface side i-type amorphous layers is lower than an electrical resistance per unit area of the light-receiving surface side i-type amorphous layer.

Abstract: An adhesive for solar battery backsheet. Further, a solar battery backsheet comprising the adhesive, and a solar battery module comprising the backsheet. The adhesive comprises the reaction product of an acrylic polyol (a1) with an isocyanate compound (a2), in which the acrylic polyol (a1) has a glass transition temperature of 20° C. or lower. In some embodiments the acrylic polyol (a1) has a hydroxyl value of 0.5 to 40 mgKOH/g, is more preferable.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a film that is used as one layer of a multilayer structure articles such as a laminated glass, and a solar cell module, and prevents the intrusion of bubbles and the generation of unfilled portions at the edge portions of the film; and a multilayer structure articles obtained with the use of the film. A polyvinyl acetal resin film, having a thickness distribution in the width direction of 10% or less, and a volatile matter content of 1.0 mass % or less, in which as to a portion of 5% of the total width inside from each of both edges in the width direction, when each portion is heated at 150° C. for 30 minutes, the larger value of the heat shrinkage in the flow direction that is parallel to the film and perpendicular to the width direction is referred to as heat shrinkage MD1, and the other value is referred to as heat shrinkage MD2, and when central portion in the width direction of the film is heated at 150° C.

Abstract: An organic photoelectric conversion device excellent in photoelectric conversion efficiency can be produced, by forming an active layer using a solution containing a polymer compound and a deoxidized solvent in a method of producing an organic photoelectric conversion device having a pair of electrodes and the active layer containing the polymer compound disposed between the pair of electrodes.

Abstract: Provided is an inexpensive and high-performance dye compound that does not use an expensive precious metal and does not require the use of a strong electron-withdrawing group. The compound is formed such that a boron substituent is introduced into a heteroatom-containing ? electron-based backbone containing a double bond between carbon and the heteroatom to obtain a compound in which a backbone having boron and a coordination bond in a molecule thereof is used as a ? electron-accepting backbone.

Abstract: An organic semiconductor polymer having a structural unit represented by the following Formula (I), a composition for organic semiconductor material, a photovoltaic cell and a polymer. wherein X represents Si, S or O; R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an aryl group, an aromatic heterocyclic group or an oxygen atom; p represents 0, 1 or 2; herein, the bond between X and R1 is such that when X is Si, the bond is a single bond, and when X is S, the bond is a double bond. Furthermore, when X is O, p represents 0.

Abstract: System and methods for mitigating battery damage in a vehicle including a liquid-cooled battery system. In certain embodiments, a system for mitigating damage caused by leaks of liquid coolant in a battery system may include a one or more coolant leak sensors. A coolant leak detection system communicatively coupled to the coolant leak sensors may be configured to detect an occurrence of a liquid coolant leak in the battery system based on information provided by the coolant leak sensors. One or more valves communicatively coupled with the coolant leak detection system may actuate by the coolant leak detection system when a leak of liquid coolant is detected, thereby allowing leaked liquid coolant to drain from the battery system.

Abstract: A method comprises transporting a first stream of a carrier gas to a delivery device that contains a liquid precursor compound. The method further comprises transporting a second stream of the carrier gas to a point downstream of the delivery device. The first stream after emanating from the delivery device and the second stream are combined to form a third stream, such that the dew point of the vapor of the liquid precursor compound in the third stream is lower than the temperature of the plumbing that transports the vapor to a CVD reactor or a plurality of CVD reactors. The flow direction of the first stream, the flow direction of the second stream and the flow direction of the third stream are unidirectional and are not opposed to each other.

Abstract: A proppant discharge system includes a container having an outlet formed at a bottom thereof, a gate affixed at the outlet and positioned on the floor of the container so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to a second position opening the outlet, a support structure having the container positioned on the top surface thereof. The support structure has at least one actuator affixed thereto. The actuator is positioned so as to move the gate between the first position and the second position. The container has a cage affixed on the floor thereof in a position over the outlet. The gate is positioned within the cage and is movable by the actuator so as to open the gate so as to allow proppant to be discharged therefrom.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a continuous composite tube comprising translating a tube liner through a manufacturing station wherein the manufacturing station comprises a winding station and a consolidation station located at a distance downstream of the winding station; winding a composite tape on the tube liner at the winding station for forming a tape layer; consolidating the composite tape on the tube liner at a consolidation zone of the consolidation station by pressing and heating to the tape.

Abstract: A faucet including a faucet head, a body and a magnetic coupling releasably coupling the faucet head to the faucet body.

Abstract: A grease pump unit has a metering valve 37 and a grease supplying device 50 in which a suction tube 16 on a pump device 11 extends through a follower plate 19 in a grease can 100, grease in the grease can 100 being sucked through the suction tube 16 and discharged through a discharge port 17 by activation of the pump device 11. Provided are a bubble dividing device 32 which supplies the grease discharged through the discharge port 17 through an supply pipe 24 to micronize bubbles in the grease and which supplies the grease through a supply pipe 36 to the metering valve 37, and a return pipe 47 which returns a portion of the grease not discharged through the metering valve 37 into the grease can 100 via the follower plate 19.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve feature a valve body having a passage that opens to allow fluid to pass, and closes to prevent fluid from passing, through the valve body; and a bonnet assembly having a pressure ring to load/unload a diaphragm depending on a first spring constant to seal a peripheral portion thereof, and a compressor to close/open the passage of the valve body. A rotational connection fixes together the valve body and bonnet assembly with a second spring constant that is higher than and independent from the first spring constant, and includes the valve body having a rim with two shouldered pins on opposite sides. The bonnet assembly has a corresponding rim with two keyways on opposite sides thereof. Each keyway is recessed to receive and engage a respective shouldered pin when the bonnet assembly is rotated relative to the valve body.

Abstract: A valve type drain plug for a vehicle trunk drains water outward from a trunk room of a vehicle via a drain hole formed in the trunk room and prevents external air from flowing in the trunk room via the drain hole. The valve type drain plug includes a valve and a grommet which are engaged with each other by a slide portion. As the valve is moved, the water flows along the slide portion and is then discharged outward from the trunk.

Abstract: A device capable of dividing the difference between inlet and outlet pressures in a pressure reducing system, in a given proportion, between a conventional control valve and a regulating device, wherein the latter comprises a cylindrical housing being attached to said control valve, having perforations and an interior sliding piston featuring similar perforations, and where the piston is motivated by an inlet pressure pressurized diaphragm, whose force is counteracted by a compression spring.

Abstract: A relief valve includes a valve body having an inlet and an outlet; a passageway formed between the inlet and the outlet in the valve body; a valve tube positioned in the passageway having a generally cylindrical portion including a first outside diameter and a second generally cylindrical portion including a first inside diameter that is larger than the first outside diameter; a valve seat; and a spring positioned about at least a portion of the valve tube and biasing the valve tube away from the valve inlet to seal against the valve seat. The valve tube and valve seat prevent flow through the passageway when pressure at the inlet is below a predetermined pressure and wherein the valve tube moves axially away from the valve seat at the predetermined pressure allowing flow through the passageway from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A system for controlling leakage of diesel fuel into the natural gas side of a dual fuel injector during low pressure natural gas conditions comprises a leakage control valve that blocks the diesel fuel line during very low natural gas line pressure conditions, including start-up and limp-home mode conditions.

Abstract: A check valve (1) comprising a valve housing (2) in which a one-piece closing element (3) is present, which is arranged such that same can be displaced by the flow medium and contacts a profile seal (5) of a sealing section (7) in the closed position, wherein the closing element is guided by a bearing (10), wherein the bearing is disposed concentrically in the valve housing by ribs (11), wherein the closing element comprises a zone A (34) in which the outer contour comprises a flow-optimized shape and a zone B (35) in which the outer contour comprises a domed shape, and the zones A and B are disposed one after the other and transition smoothly into each other.

Abstract: A manifold battery for hydrocarbon fields has an entrance manifold which is connected to a plurality of separators which are operatively connected through ducts and valve sets, with gas storage devices and a pair of circulating pumps. A purging chamber is also provided which is connected to the storage devices and to the separators. An auxiliary tank reduces the adverse impact to the environment, accidents, dangers and consequential risks of flammable, toxic and damaging substances concentration, as well as reducing the operative times and the related costs.

Abstract: A device is provided to facilitate introduction of a fluid agent (such as a deicing agent) into the air line of a trailer of a tractor trailer. The device comprises a canister defining an upwardly opening chamber, a lid removably securable to the canister to close the chamber, an inlet tube extending from the canister and having a connector at an end of the inlet tube, a valve in said inlet tube; and an outlet tube extending from the canister and having a connector at an end of the inlet tube. The outlet tube is shaped and sized such that the canister chamber can be filled with the liquid agent from the ground and without the need to climb on the chassis of the trailer tractor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a faucet including a cartridge assembly with a radially offset key.

Abstract: A protection valve includes: an input chamber into which air is introduced; a plurality of output ports through which air is discharged; and safety valves which open in response to a pressure increase on a primary side or close in response to a pressure decrease on a secondary side, the safety valves including a safety valve PV21 and a safety valve PV23. An air flow path from the input chamber is branched into a first branch line and a second branch line, and a time lag-creating valve having an opening pressure higher than the safety valve PV21 is provided at a upstream of the safety valve PV23 in the second branch line, so that the safety valve PV23 can open with a time lag after the safety valve PV21 opens, regardless of the difference between the opening pressures of the safety valves PV21 and PV23.

Abstract: A flow substrate including a body having a first surface and a second opposing surface, a plurality of ports defined in a first surface of the body, a plurality of apertures defined in a second surface of the body, a plurality of fluid pathways, each fluid pathway of the plurality of fluid pathways including a first segment extending between a respective aperture of the plurality of apertures and a first port of a respective pair of ports and a second segment extending between the respective aperture and a second port of the respective pair of ports, and at least one cap. The at least one cap has a first surface constructed to seal at least one aperture of the plurality of apertures, and a second opposing surface.

Abstract: A clamp apparatus includes seat and a stopper. The stopper is force toward the seat by an elastic member, so that the stop and the seat are able to clutch and stop a tube or a multi-way valve. The seat is provided with a detachable holder which clips or presses on the tube or the multi-way valve. Thus, by interchanging the holder with another holder, the clip can fit with sizes of tubes and multi-way valves. Application of the clamp apparatus is expended with minimal accessories.

Abstract: A locking refrigerant line cap includes an outer housing body, an inner housing body disposed within the outer housing body, and a key. The inner housing body includes a key recess, and the key is disposed within the key recess of the inner housing body. The key resides in a normally unlocked position where the outer housing body freely rotates about the inner housing body. However, placement of a magnet adjacent the outer housing body moves the key from its normally unlocked position to a locked position where the key engages both the key recess of the inner housing body and the outer housing body such that the inner housing body rotates with the outer housing body.

Abstract: The invention provides an all electrical autonomous pipeline isolation tool for use in offshore and onshore pipeline isolation; the electrical autonomous pipeline isolation tool comprising a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being moveable relative to each other, the electrical autonomous pipeline isolation tool also comprising at least one sealing member which is moveable between an unset condition in which the sealing member is disengaged and the isolation tool is able to travel along inside a pipeline to a predetermined location; and a set condition in which the sealing member is engaged against an internal wall of a pipline such that a seal is formed between the sealing member of the isolation tool and the internal wall of the pipeline; the isolation tool being moveable between the unset condition and the set condition under action of the first part and the second part moving relative to each other.

Abstract: A tubular pipe adapted for transporting oil and water may be treated upon its interior surface to reduce frictional pressure of a multiphase oil/water mixture flowing through the pipe. The tubular pipe may have an interior wall and a central cavity. In some instances, the interior surface is provided with a first textured region being adapted for reducing the adhesive forces of transported oil along the interior wall. A second region upon the interior wall may be adapted for reducing the adhesive forces of water along the interior wall of the tubular pipe. In some applications, riblets may be provided upon the interior pipe wall to further reduce the frictional forces of fluid flowing through the central cavity of the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for producing an insulated pipe comprising at least one medium pipe, an outer pipe, a layer of at least one polyurethane between the at least one medium pipe and outer pipe and a film tube between the at least one polyurethane and the outer pipe, which comprises at least the steps (A) provision, in a jaw band, of at least one medium pipe and a film tube formed continuously from a film, where the at least one medium pipe is arranged within the film tube in such a way that a gap is formed between the at least one medium pipe and the film tube, (B) introduction of a polyurethane system comprising at least one isocyanate component (a) and at least one polyol (b) into the gap, (C) foaming and allowing to cure of the polyurethane system and (D) application of a layer of at least one material to the film tube in order to form the outer pipe, where the polyurethane system has thixotropic properties.

Abstract: An exhaust-gas conducting device of a vehicle has a cylindrical outer housing which is comprised of an outer shell and an inner shell arranged in an interior of the outer shell. The outer shell forms a larger portion of an outer circumference than the inner shell, or forms an equally large outer circumferential portion. A radial outside of the inner shell is attached to the outer shell, in particular by a material-to-material connection. The outer shell is C-shaped in cross-section, or extends in an annularly closed manner.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a multi-layer nonwoven fabric which is capable of meeting required characteristics for the nonwoven fabric such as good air permeability, high lateral rigidity, while at the same time of solving a the fibers stuck problem caused by the used of the fabric which has arisen in the conventional nonwoven fabric and of improving the surface density and the oblique rigidity to increase the sheet supportability. The present invention provides a multi-layer nonwoven fabric at least constituted by a first warp, a second warp, an upper surface side weft, and a lower surface side weft, the first warp is woven with the wefts of all layers from the upper surface side weft to the lower surface side weft, the second warp is only woven with the upper surface side weft, the first warp constitutes a pair to form one upper surface side warp structure on an upper surface side layer, whereby a complete structure of a plain weave design is formed by the first and second warps.

Abstract: A method of transporting liquefied breathing gases in underground mines includes providing a conduit system that extends within a mine shaft to a work space below ground where the conduit system includes an outlet positioned in the work space, delivering liquefied breathing gases through the conduit system, and vaporizing the liquefied breathing gases at the outlet of the conduit system.

Abstract: A fluid management system for transferring fluid, the system including a connector component comprising a first end and an opposite second end, a first syringe with a distal end that is removably attachable to the first end of the connector component, and a second syringe with a distal end that is removably attachable to the second end of the connector component.

Abstract: A drop dispenser including a fluid reservoir, a tube having a dispenser end and an actuation end, a fluid chamber of variable volume connected to the actuation end of the tube; a pusher that is axially movable between a high position and a low position so as to cause the volume of the chamber to vary and drive the fluid into the tube towards the dispenser end so as to form a drop of fluid; and a fastener ring including a threaded skirt for coming into engagement with the threaded neck, the tube and the chamber being secured to the ring. The drop dispenser have a mover for moving the pusher axially between the high and low positions, the mover also causing the fastener ring to turn, both so as to loosen it from the neck by unscrewing and so as to tighten it onto the neck by screw-tightening.

Abstract: A co-infusion apparatus is provided to prevent foaming of a transfusion when the transfusion is introduced into a medicine container, and to prevent the transfusion from directly hitting a medicine inside a vial. The co-infusion apparatus includes: a container holding section for holding a medicine container and tilting the medicine container; a syringe holding section for holding a syringe, tilting the syringe, and varying an amount of insertion of a plunger of the syringe into a barrel of the syringe: and an insertion operation section for inserting a needle of the syringe through a mouth of the medicine container which is held by the container holding section, and inserting the needle of the syringe through a mixing port of a transfusion bag.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflator assembly. The assembly operates by puncturing a diaphragm of an associated container to thereby releasing a volume of pressurized gas. The pressurized gas, in turn, is used to inflate an article, such as a life raft. The inflator assembly is adapted to be either manually or automatically actuated. The various details of the present disclosure, and the manner in which they interrelate, are described in greater detail hereinafter.

Abstract: A drug mixing system including at least one receptacle port adaptor adapted to be inserted into a port of a fluid receptacle, at least one syringe adaptor adapted to be attached to a syringe and to the at least one receptacle port adaptor and at least one vial adaptor adapted for connection to a vial containing a drug and adapted for connection to the at least one syringe adaptor, the system being characterized in that at least one of the receptacle port adaptor, the at least one syringe adaptor and the at least one vial adaptor being vented to the atmosphere in a manner which prevents release to the atmosphere of possibly harmful contents of the vial in a liquid, solid or gaseous form.

Abstract: Liquid drug transfer assemblies for use with a drug vial having a drug vial opening stopped by a drug vial stopper. The liquid drug transfer assemblies include a drug vial stopper puncturing member for puncturing a drug vial stopper. The liquid drug transfer assemblies also include a drug vial adapter having a drug vial adapter skirt, an upright drug vial adapter port and a drug vial adapter sleeve downward depending opposite the upright drug vial adapter port and in flow communication therewith. The drug vial adapter is slidingly disposed on the drug vial stopper puncturing member such that on mounting the liquid drug transfer assembly on the drug vial, the drug vial stopper puncturing member punctures the drug vial stopper to form a throughgoing puncture bore and the drug vial adapter sleeve lines the puncture bore.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement bulk metallic glass-based macroscale compliant mechanisms. In one embodiment, a bulk metallic glass-based macroscale compliant mechanism includes: a flexible member that is strained during the normal operation of the compliant mechanism; where the flexible member has a thickness of 0.5 mm; where the flexible member comprises a bulk metallic glass-based material; and where the bulk metallic glass-based material can survive a fatigue test that includes 1000 cycles under a bending loading mode at an applied stress to ultimate strength ratio of 0.25.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a hardened steel component with a coating composed of zinc or a zinc alloy; a blank is stamped out of a sheet coated with the zinc or zinc alloy, the stamped-out blank is heated to a temperature ?Ac3 and if need be, kept at this temperature for a predetermined time in order to induce the formation of austenite, and then the heated blank is transferred to a forming die, is formed in the forming die, and is cooled at a speed that is greater than the critical hardening speed and thus hardened; the steel material is adjusted in a transformation-delaying fashion so that a quench hardening through transformation of austenite into martensite takes place at a forming temperature that lies in the range from 450° C. to 700° C.; after the heating and before the forming, an active cooling takes place at >15K/s.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy conductor, which has a texture in which an area ratio of grains each having a (100) plane and being positioned in parallel to a cross-section vertical to a wire-drawing direction of a wire is 20% or more, and which has a grain size of 1 to 30 ?m on the cross-section vertical to the wire-drawing direction of the wire.