Abstract: A mobile washing apparatus is disclosed. The mobile washing apparatus can include a mobile chassis having a plurality of wheels, a first spray head assembly, and a first adjustable support structure. The first spray head assembly may have a first spray head having a top plate and a side skirt. The top plate and side skirt can together define an interior space. A first rotating sprayer wand may be located within the interior space of the first spray head. The first adjustable support structure supports the first spray head assembly from the mobile chassis. The first adjustable support structure can be configured such that the first spray head assembly is positionable in a horizontal direction and positionable in a vertical direction. The first spray head also defines a face angle and the first adjustable support structure is configured such that the face angle of the first spray head is adjustable.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface, such as the surface of a rotating disk, the apparatus comprising an articulating arm associated via a linkage to a rotating member driven by a motor. Rotation of the rotating member causes linkage to move the articulating arm in an oscillating pattern. A nozzle associated with the distal end of the articulating arm can convey pressurized air or liquid from a source to a surface in an oscillating pattern based on the construction of the arm, linkage, the rotating member and the speed of rotation.

Abstract: The demulsifying cleaning of metallic surfaces which may be contaminated with oil(s) with at least one further nonpolar organic compound, with fat(s), with soap(s), with particulate dirt or with at least one anionic organic compound using an aqueous, alkaline, surfactant-containing bath solutions.

Abstract: An cleaning solution producing apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a mixing unit configured to produce a liquid mixture by mixing a hydrogen peroxide solution into an acidic or alkaline liquid, and to raise the pressure of the produced liquid mixture by use of an oxygen gas produced through the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide solution, or by use of vapor produced by heat of the reaction; and a bubble producing unit configured to produce multiple fine bubbles in the liquid mixture by releasing the pressure of the liquid mixture which is raised by the mixing unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dishmachine that includes one or more features directed to water, energy or material savings. The disclosed dishmachines are still capable of meeting the soil demands of the articles to be cleaned.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cleaning body head unit, a first load detection unit, and a buoyancy imparting unit. In the cleaning body head unit, a cleaning body, a shaft configured to support the cleaning body, a rotating mechanism configured to rotate the shaft, and a base member are integrally retained by a base member. The first load detection unit includes one end connected to the base member of the cleaning body head unit to detect the load received from the cleaning body head unit. The buoyancy imparting unit is connected to the other end of the first load detection unit and imparts buoyancy to the cleaning body head unit via the first load detection unit.

Abstract: Provided is a film washout device includes a housing defining a rinsing chamber and a drain in fluid communication with the rinsing chamber. A drum is rotatably coupled to the housing and is configured to be engageable with the photosensitive material for washout thereof. A booster pump is operatively coupled to the housing and includes a pump inlet and a pump outlet, the pump inlet being fluidly connectable to the pressurized fluid source to receive fluid therefrom at an inlet pressure, the pump being configured to elevate the pressure of the fluid exiting the pump via the pump outlet. A plurality of nozzles are coupled to the housing and in fluid communication with the pump to receive fluid therefrom. The plurality of nozzles are configured to direct fluid into the rinsing chamber for washout of the photosensitive material.

Abstract: Described herein is a cleaning device for a flat solar panel or a trough reflector panel. The device comprises a cleaning member with a sweeper portion and a scraper portion. The cleaning member is mounted for unidirectional and bidirectional movement over the flat panel or the reflector panel. A rocker bar is connected to the sweeper portion and the scraper portion to rockingly move either the sweeper portion or the scraper portion into contact with the flat panel or the reflector panel as the cleaning member moves over the flat panel or the reflector panel.

Abstract: The present invention is a device that is for cleaning a porous hollow fiber membrane by running the porous hollow fiber membrane through a cleaning tank containing a cleaning liquid, thus eliminating residual substances in the porous hollow fiber membrane, wherein the inside of the cleaning tank is provided with a duct structure having a hollow fiber membrane running path at which the porous hollow fiber membrane can be continuously run through from an entrance at one end towards an exit at the other end; the duct structure comprises at least two structures that can separate; the duct structure has a running groove, which is formed to at least one structure of the at least two structures, and a branched duct, which pumps or sucks the cleaning fluid to cause the cleaning fluid to flow through; and the branched duct is a duct that is connected to the running groove.

Abstract: An end unit mounted to an umbrella ferrule includes a tube, a ball and a pad. The tube has a top collar connected to the top thereof and a bottom member is received in the tube. A room is defined between the bottom member and the lower end of the tube. The ball is pivotably engaged with the room and the top of the ball contacts the bottom member. The ball has a shank which is connected to the pad. The bottom member provides proper friction to allow the ball to pivot.

Abstract: The present invention provides an elastic force magnifying structure of self-opening/closing umbrella. The umbrella includes a central post that comprises an inner tube, an intermediate tube, and an outer tube telescopically fit to each other. The central post receives a primary spring received therein. The elastic force magnifying structure includes an elastic force increasing spring arranged inside the outer tube. The elastic force increasing spring is coupled by a coupling sleeve to the primary spring to serve as an extension thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a cane that has a sufficient impact-resistant strength; and is excellent in safety, durability and repairability and also lightweight but has a high stiffness. Such a cane has a shaft (4) and a grip, the shaft (4) comprising a high-strength-organic-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (31) and a carbon-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (32), the high-strength-organic-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (31) being integrally laminated onto each of the outside and inside surfaces of the carbon-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (32), the shaft (4) comprising a glass-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (33a) on the inner side of the innermost high-strength-organic-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (31a), the shaft (4) comprising a glass-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (33b) on the outer side of the outermost high-strength-organic-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (31b).

Abstract: The present canopy device relates in general to a device that may be used to provide a level of protection from the sun and rain using natural elements such as sand and air. More specifically, the present canopy device utilizes a three part support system including two tethers that may be grounded, for example, with sand from the beach, or stakes, and a rod that may be grounded within said sand. Said tethers and rod may be attached to a cover, said cover fabricated in such a way as to capture flowing air. Unlike with an umbrella, the air may provide a further level of stability to the overall structure of the canopy device. The canopy device is also designed to be easily set up, taken down, and transported.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a high-temperature photovoltaic transducer that is disposed between a source of light and another modality of solar energy conversion such that both the high-temperature photovoltaic transducer and the another modality of solar energy conversion generate electricity using a same source of light.

Abstract: Some implementations provide a device (e.g., solar panel) that includes an active layer and a solar absorbance layer. The active layer includes a first N-type layer and a first P-type layer. The solar absorbance layer is coupled to a first surface of the active layer. The solar absorbance layer includes a polymer composite. In some implementations, the polymer composite includes one of at least metal salts and/or carbon nanotubes. In some implementations, the active layer is configured to provide the photovoltaic effect. In some implementations, the active layer further includes a second N-type layer and a second P-type layer. In some implementations, the active layer is configured to provide the thermoelectric effect. In some implementations, the device further includes a cooling layer coupled to a second surface of the active layer. In some implementations, the cooling layer includes one of at least zinc oxides, indium oxides, and/or carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module mounting assembly (200) uses a mounting device (74), mounting plate (110?), lower bracket (210), upper bracket (230), and stud (114). The mounting plate (110?) is positioned on the mounting device (74), and a leg (212) of the lower bracket (210) is positioned on the mounting plate (110?). An outside surface (222) of another leg (220) of the lower bracket (210) includes teeth (224) and engages an inside surface (238) of a leg (236) of the upper bracket (230), which also has teeth (240). The mounting plate (110?) engages a lower surface (63) of a photovoltaic module (58), an end of the leg (212) of the lower bracket (210) may engage a side surface (64) of the module (58), and a head (246) on an end of another leg (232) of the upper bracket (230) may engage an upper surface (65) of the module (58).

Abstract: Included are: a silicon substrate; a pair of finger electrodes connected to a P-type diffusion layer and an N-type diffusion layer respectively, which are formed in a first surface of the silicon substrate; an inner-part passivation layer that gives insulation between the pair of finger electrodes; a connecting area for connection with an outer part, in a gathering part where finger parts of one of the pair of finger electrodes gather; and a barrier part that is, within that connecting area, formed along tip ends of the finger parts of the other of the pair of finger electrodes, a polarity of the other being different from that of the one of the pair of finger electrodes of the connecting area.

Abstract: A low cost concentrating photovoltaic system includes a condenser system having refractive or reflective optics and a photovoltaic module having one or more thin film solar cells. The thin film solar cells may be a-Si, CdTe, Cu(InGa)Se2, organic solar cell or dye sensitized solar cells. The condenser system may be a flat, cylindrical or hemispherical Fresnel lens, a parabolic reflector, a compound parabolic concentrator, a reflective V-trough, or a combination thereof. The condenser system has a concentration ratio of about 10 to 100 or higher. No tracking system is needed in many examples, or a simple one-axis tracking may be used. In one example, the condenser system uses a hemispherical Fresnel lens which focuses sunlight onto a hemispherical focal surface, and one thin film solar cell (mounted on a tracking unit) or multiple cells (without tracking) are disposed on the hemispherical focal surface of the Fresnel lens.

Abstract: The invention is a liquid cooled photovoltaic power converter with a liquid-to-earth heat exchanger. With the invention, removal of heat from primary power converter heat sources is accomplished without cooling fans or ambient air exchange in order to eliminate associated particulate contamination and maintenance issues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar panel that is cooled without using power, and more particularly, to a solar panel which is cooled without using power and which is naturally cooled by means of ascending air heated in a passage provided in a cooling plate so as to maintain the temperature of the solar panel suitable for the efficient generation of power without requiring a separate power source. For this purpose, the solar panel of the present invention includes: a cell panel including solar cells for converting solar energy into electric energy; and a cooling plate directly or indirectly contacting the back surface of the cell panel so as to transfer heat, the cooling plate having a cooling-air passage which is formed so as to extend vertically within the cooling plate, and the upper and lower ends of which are in contact with the outside air.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a plurality of solar cells that each comprise a nanowire titanium oxide core having graphene disposed thereon. By one approach this plurality of solar cells can comprise, at least in part, a titanium foil having the plurality of solar cells disposed thereon wherein at least a majority of the solar cells are aligned substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the titanium foil. Such a plurality of solar cells can be disposed between a source of light and another modality of solar energy conversion such that both the solar cells and the another modality of solar energy conversion generate electricity using a same source of light.

Abstract: Power generator including a supporting substrate and a plurality of organic photovoltaic cells that are provided on the supporting substrate along a prescribed alignment direction and are serially connected with each other. Each of the organic photovoltaic cells includes a pair of electrodes and an active layer placed between the pair of electrodes. The active layer extends along the prescribed alignment direction s plurality of organic photovoltaic cells. Each of the pair of electrodes has an extending portion that extends to protrude from the active layer into a direction perpendicular to both a thickness direction of the supporting substrate and the alignment direction. One electrode out of the pair of electrodes further has a connecting portion that extends in the alignment direction from the extending portion to the opposite electrode of other organic photovoltaic cell adjacent in the alignment direction and is connected to the opposite electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an autonomous solar panel for use in winter conditions. The panel includes at least one energy transfer member associated with the solar panel. A sensor is in communication with the energy transfer member. A power supply is connected to the energy transfer member. A network interconnects the energy transfer member, the sensor, and the power supply, and is configured so that when the sensor senses an accumulation of winter precipitation on the solar panel, a portion of stored power in the power supply activates the energy transfer member and the winter precipitation is removed from the solar panel.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a solar cell laminate comprising crystalline silicon photo-electricity device and comprising of the following layers: (i) a first layer comprising of a woven or knit glass mat and a thermoset polymer, (ii) a second layer comprising a crystalline silicon photo-electricity device, and (iii) a third layer comprising of a woven or knit fibre mat and a thermoset polymer.

Abstract: A composite insulating panel comprises an external sheet, an internal sheet, and an insulating body between the sheets. The external sheet has a first longitudinally extending raised side underlap projection at one side and a side overlap projection on the opposite side of the panel with a substantially flat portion extending between the projections. A photovoltaic solar collector is mounted to the flat portion of external sheet. The solar collector comprises a photovoltaic sheet and a protective translucent cover for the photovoltaic sheet. A first adhesive layer is provided between the photovoltaic sheet and the translucent cover. A second adhesive layer is provided between the underside of the photovoltaic sheet and the external surface of the composite panel upper or external sheet.

Abstract: Provided are a back sheet for a solar cell module and a solar cell module including the same, the solar cell module comprises a polyester film layer and a fluorine coating layer which coats at least one surface of the polyester film layer. The back sheet is formed on an upper surface of the polyester film layer, and include s a polyethylene film layer attached to an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheet of the solar cell module. The back sheet for the solar cell module can be distributed at a low cost, and has excellent adhesive property, moisture barrier property (water vapor -permeability preventing property) and the like.

Abstract: Improved solar cells are provided by nano-structuring the solar cell active region to provide high optical absorption in a thin structure, thereby simultaneously providing high optical absorption and high carrier collection efficiency. Double-sided nano-structuring is considered, where both surfaces of the active region are nano-structured. In cases where the active region is disposed on a substrate, nano-voids are present between the substrate and the active region, as opposed to the active region being conformally disposed on the substrate. The presence of such nano-voids advantageously increases both optical and electrical confinement in the active region.

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 first photoactive layer and a second photoactive layer adjacent to the first photoactive layer so as to form a heterojunction between the first photoactive layer and the second photoactive layer; and a plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures on one or more surfaces of the second 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: A photovoltaic cell with reduced shading and series resistance for increased efficiency. A contact grid containing a set of optical structures is embedded into a substrate. An array of electrical contacts is aligned and in electrical communication with the optical structures and provides electrical communication between the active layer and the substrate.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate, an emitter region positioned at a first surface of the substrate, a first electrode positioned on the first surface of the substrate, a back passivation layer positioned on a second surface opposite the first surface of the substrate, and a second electrode which is positioned on the back passivation layer and is electrically connected to the substrate through holes of the back passivation layer. The second electrode includes connection electrodes positioned inside the holes of the back passivation layer and a back electrode layer positioned on the connection electrodes and the back passivation layer. An adhesion enhanced layer is positioned between the back electrode layer and the back passivation layer and contains at least one of intrinsic amorphous silicon and intrinsic microcrystalline silicon.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate, a rear electrode layer on the substrate, the rear electrode layer including a plurality of metal columnar grain layers, a light absorbing layer on the rear electrode layer, and a transparent electrode layer on the light absorbing layer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating high efficiency CIGS solar cells including the deposition of Ga concentrations (Ga/(Ga+In)=0.25?0.66) from sputtering targets containing Ga concentrations between about 25 atomic % and about 66 atomic %. Further, the method includes a high temperature selenization process integrated with a high temperature anneal process that results in high efficiency.

Abstract: A solar cell comprises an n-type semiconductor layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, a p-side electrode layer, an n-side electrode; and a ZnO transparent electrode layer. The n-side electrode layer consists of AgxAu1-x, and x represents a value of not less than 0.1 and not more than 0.5. The ZnO transparent electrode layer is composed of a plurality of ZnO columnar particles and each ZnO columnar particle has a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to a normal line of the ZnO transparent electrode layer. The cross-sectional area of each ZnO columnar particles that appears by cutting the ZnO columnar particles perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction increases from the upper surface of the n-side electrode layer to the upper surface of the ZnO transparent electrode layer.

Abstract: A solar battery cell, including semiconductor substrate, an insulating film formed on one face side of the semiconductor substrate, and an electrode electrically connected to the one face side of the semiconductor substrate, the electrode being embedded in a groove that is provided on the insulating film and provided so as to protrude from a surface of the insulating film by a same width as the groove.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell apparatus and a method of fabricating the same. The solar cell apparatus includes a substrate; an electrode layer having a first through hole on the substrate; a light absorption layer having a second through hole on the electrode layer; and a window layer having a third through hole overlapped with the second through hole on the light absorption layer. Since the second through hole overlaps with the third through hole, an area of a dead zone, which is a non-active region, is reduced so that the efficiency of the solar cell apparatus is improved.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell including an inorganic dye containing all of Pb, Hg and S as a photo-sensitive dye and a manufacturing method of the same are provided.

Abstract: High throughput screening of crystallization of a target material is accomplished by simultaneously introducing a solution of the target material into a plurality of chambers of a microfabricated fluidic device. The microfabricated fluidic device is then manipulated to vary the solution condition in the chambers, thereby simultaneously providing a large number of crystallization environments. Control over changed solution conditions may result from a variety of techniques, including but not limited to metering volumes of crystallizing agent into the chamber by volume exclusion, by entrapment of volumes of crystallizing agent determined by the dimensions of the microfabricated structure, or by cross-channel injection of sample and crystallizing agent into an array of junctions defined by intersecting orthogonal flow channels.

Abstract: A method for detecting an oversuds condition that can lead to a suds lock condition in a laundry treating appliance includes determining a baseline fill level prior to introducing wash liquid in the cycle of operation; sampling fill levels of the wash liquid during a wash phase of the cycle of operation while wash liquid is being drained; comparing each sampled fill level to the baseline fill level and determining a difference; continuing to sample fill levels for a predetermined period after the difference equals zero; identifying a minimum fill level for the predetermined period; sampling a final fill level after the predetermined period; calculating a difference between the minimum fill level and the final fill level; and identifying a potential suds lock condition if the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An assembly provides a proportioned gas flow and includes a device that provides a pressurized flow of said gas, a release unit that releases the proportioned gas flow, and a chamber having an inlet fluidically connected to the device and an outlet fluidically connected to the release unit. The assembly further includes an admission valve inserted between the inlet of the chamber and the device, a metering valve inserted between the outlet of the chamber and the release unit, and a computer programmed to control the admission valve and the metering valve to provide a proportioned gas flow to the release unit. The assembly further comprises a calibrated orifice inserted between the outlet of the chamber and the release unit.

Abstract: At least one probe assembly is used to measure the height of material dispensed into the bin of a hopper assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for autonomously controlling fluid flow in a subterranean well, the fluid having a density which changes over time. An embodiment of the apparatus has a vortex chamber, a vortex outlet, and first and second inlets into the vortex chamber. Flow into the inlets is directed by a fluid control system which has a control passageway for directing fluid flow as it exits a primary passageway. A movable fluid diverter positioned in the control passageway moves in response to change in fluid density to restrict fluid flow through the control passageway. When fluid flow through the control passageway is unrestricted, fluid from the control passageway directs fluid exiting the primary passageway toward a selected vortex inlet. When flow through the control passageway is unrestricted, flow from the primary passageway is directed into the other vortex inlet.

Abstract: A process is provided for accessing an underground pressurized gas main for retirement of replacement of the connection of a gas service pipe thereto. A gas main fixture that has a service tee adaptor and a pressurized chamber connected thereto is mounted onto the gas main with the tee adaptor above a tee plug on the gas service pipe. The chamber is closed against gas discharge and the tee plug is unscrewed from the gas service pipe while the pressure chamber is closed. The tee plug is removed through the service tee adapter and pressure chamber while minimizing gas discharged to atmosphere. The plug hole is preferably reamed through the pressure chamber while the chamber is closed to atmosphere, tapped for a straight fine thread, and a main plug with the fine thread is screwed into the tapped hole while limiting its depth of engagement.

Abstract: A venting device for a hydraulic control unit, designed as a diaphragm in a bore in the control unit, so that collected air can escape, via the diaphragm, to outside the housing. A membrane, which is permeable to air and oil when under pressure, closes the diaphragm bore with respect to the outside. The housing bore and the diaphragm form an inside space that can be vented, via the membrane. The inside space being delimited, during operation, by the diaphragm and an oil column which passes from the control unit into the housing bore and is continually maintained at a defined pressure at which oil, in the housing bore, either does not pass through the membrane or only a minute amount passes therethrough. The oil column remains in the housing bore so that only air, contained in the oil, is vented to the outside without any air being drawn into the control unit from outside.

Abstract: A quick connector includes a socket-shaped main body, and penetrating containing holes formed around the periphery of the main body for containing a first latch element for fixing an external tool connector. The first latch element is controlled by a first control element to fix or loosen the external tool connector. The main body includes aslant penetrating U-shaped slide grooves formed above the containing holes, and each slide groove includes a second latch element pushed by a spring that is sheathed on the periphery of the main body to displace the second latch element in the slide groove and in an axial direction of the main body. The second control element is disposed above the first control element, and the first and second control elements control the latch elements respectively to execute two-stage actions of removing the connector and prevent accidents caused by a possible shootout of the connector.

Abstract: A water supplement regulating structure of an inlet valve includes a regulating valve spool, a knob, and a water supplement hole formed on an inlet valve body and the regulating valve spool has a limber hole formed at the middle of the regulating valve spool and a conical plug disposed at a front end of the regulating valve spool, the conical plug is movably extended into the water supplement hole, and the regulating valve spool has an external thread and the knob has an internal thread and the knob and the regulating valve spool are screwed and coupled, so that the knob can be turned to drive the regulating valve spool to move back and forth axially with respect to the water supplement hole to adjust the gap between the conical plug and the water supplement hole so as to regulate the quantity of supplementary water.

Abstract: A cargo rack for transferring loads between a marine vessel and an offshore marine platform provides a frame having a front, a rear, and upper and lower end portions. The lower end portion has a perimeter beam base, a raised floor and a pair of open-ended parallel fork tine tubes that communicate with the perimeter beam at the front and rear of the frame. Openings in the perimeter beam base align with the forklift tine tubes. The frame includes fixed side walls extending upwardly from the perimeter beam. A plurality of gates are movably mounted on the frame, each gate being movable between open and closed positions, the gates enabling a forklift to place fluid holding tanks on the floor by accessing either the front of the frame or the rear of the frame. A manifold arrangement with fittings enables transfer of fluid in any tank to a common outlet.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for controlling fluid flow between two reservoirs. The valve assembly includes a relief valve arranged inside the housing and configured to open a first fluid flow path when the first reservoir is above a first predetermined pressure value.

Abstract: Apparatus for fluid control device leak detection are disclosed. An example apparatus in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure includes a plurality of ports. One of the ports is to receive a supply pressure to drive an actuator and another of the ports to be fluidly coupled to a purge port of a fluid control device. The apparatus includes a sensor to measure a value at the purge port and a processor to compare the value to a predetermined value or a previously measured value to identify if the value is outside of a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A dual disk check valve is provided and includes a mechanical stop. The mechanical stop has a central portion and includes bars disposed in the central portion. The bars have substantially rectangular cross-sectional shapes and are disposed substantially in parallel with one another to define a slot in the central portion.

Abstract: A method of delivering feed, for example a paraffinic solvent treated bitumen froth, to a separation vessel, for example a froth separation unit (FSU). The feed is delivered from one or more side inlets that may be substantially normal to, and flush with, the wall of the vessel. In contrast to certain conventional feed systems used in gravity separators which use a distributor plate to widely distribute the feed with a vessel, the feed is delivered such that it flows down the inside wall of the vessel. This feed delivery is characterized by a Richardson number of greater than 1.0. Such feed delivery is particularly useful where the feed has particles with a bi-modal size distribution to be separated from an overflow stream. The gentle flow serves to mitigate the upward flux of the smaller particles, for example mineral solids, by being trapped below the larger particles, for example precipitated asphaltene aggregates.