Abstract: High intensity ultrasound is used for pipeline obstruction remediation. Ultrasound transducers are positioned around an outside of the pipeline. The transducers transmit acoustic energy into the obstruction. The acoustic energy heats the obstruction at a location spaced away from the walls of the pipeline. As the obstruction heats, an opening may be formed in the obstruction, relieving pressure build-up without releasing the plug.

Abstract: A household appliance having a treating chamber in which is received an article for treatment, a treating chemistry dispenser configured to receive a unit dose container for the treating chemistry, and a controller for executing at least one cycle of operation and a method of operating the household appliance to physically alter a unit dose container in conjunction with a at least one cycle of operation and sensing same.

Abstract: An external lens washing system has an aiming fixture configured to support and constrain an external lens which is exposed to the elements and apt to become soiled with debris. A nozzle assembly is configured to be supported and aimed toward the external lens by the aiming fixture and has at least one laterally offset washing nozzle projecting from the aiming fixture to a spray washing fluid toward the external lens surface, spraying at a shallow, glancing spray aiming angle to impinge upon and wash the lens external surface. Optionally, an integrated image sensor and lens washing assembly is configured for use with a remote control method for cleaning an exterior objective lens surface and includes a sealed image sensor housing assembly including an integral, remotely controllable lens cleaning system with an optimized configuration for aiming one or more cleansing sprays from one or more laterally offset fluidic oscillators.

Abstract: A method of removing an unwanted constituent from a siliceous surface in which the method includes contacting the siliceous surface and the unwanted constituent with a multi-functional composition that includes water, a hydrophilic silane, and a surfactant, and drying the surface.

Abstract: A part washing device includes an air inlet; a first valve to regulate air coming into the washing device through the air inlet; a liquid inlet; a second valve to regulate liquid entering the washing device through the liquid inlet; a connector to receive air and liquid from the first valve and the second valve; and a tube to receive the liquid and/or air from the connector and direct the air and/or liquid towards a portion of the part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mechanized emptying of poultry holders and subsequent cleaning of a support structure of the emptied poultry holders on an underside only. The invention also relates to a method for mechanized emptying of poultry holders and subsequent cleaning of a support structure of the emptied poultry holders on an underside only.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for removing coke deposits in radiant tubes of an olefin cracking furnace and removing accumulated spalled coke from one or more outlet elbows of the olefin cracking furnace without performing a cold shutdown of the furnace.

Abstract: The cleaning apparatus includes a reservoir tank for reserving a cleaning fluid, a pressure-feed unit for feeding the cleaning fluid while pressurizing the cleaning fluid above the atmospheric pressure, a heating unit for heating the cleaning fluid pressure-fed from the pressure-feed unit above an atmospheric pressure boiling point of the cleaning fluid, a gas supply unit for supplying a gas and an injection unit connected to the heating unit and the gas supply unit for injecting the cleaning fluid pressurized by the pressure-feeding unit and heated by the heating unit as a pressurized superheated cleaning fluid and the gas supplied from the gas supply unit to the member at the same time.

Abstract: The washing device for cleaning parts, such as machine parts or the like, characterized in that its housing has a circular cross-sectional shape, that its tank at a distance above the bottom of the washing device has a bottom wall with a central exit opening for the cleaning liquid which is connected by a line section to the suction opening of the pump arranged under the bottom wall, that a filter housing with a filter is inserted into the connection line, and that downstream of the filter housing a two-way distributor is inserted into the connection line from which a further line is branched off that leads through the wall of the housing into the tank and introduces the cleaning agent at said place into the tank in such a manner that the cleaning agent is put into rotation.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a maintenance unit for servicing aircraft during stand-still, comprising electrically powered service and/or maintenance equipment. There is a power input for connecting the unit to an electrical power supply operating at 200/115VAC at 400 Hz. The unit further comprises a transformer and conversion unit (TCU) for transforming the 200/115 VAC/400 Hz power to standard grid voltage at 400/23OVAC at 50 Hz and at least one frequency converter enabling variable frequency of the output voltage, for powering said service and/or maintenance equipment. The maintenance equipment may be a gas turbine engine washing equipment and comprises a water delivery member for supplying water from a water source, a high pressure pump coupled to the water providing means for providing pressurized water, and a high pressure water outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a washing tub (2) wherein the items to be washed are placed, a receptacle (3) disposed at the lower portion of the washing tub (2), wherein the water in the washing tub (2) is collected during the washing process, a pump (4) which returns the water accumulated in the receptacle (3) to the washing tub (2), a storage tank (5) wherein the water used in any one washing step of the washing cycle is stored for using in the next washing step or in the next washing cycle, an additional pump (6) providing the water collected in the receptacle (3) to be pumped into the storage tank (5), an additional conduit (7), one end connected to the receptacle (3), the other end to the additional pump (6), at least one inlet port (8) disposed on the receptacle (3), whereto the additional conduit (7) opens and a microfilter (9) disposed at the center of the receptacle (3), that holds the dirt carried with the water passing from the receptacle (3) to the water circulation

Abstract: A dishwasher, including a chamber for washing dishes and a chamber for storing dishes is provided. The dishwasher has two main compartments, one for washing dishes and the other for storing the dishes. The mechanism moves the dishes from the cleaning side to the storage side of the dishwasher.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes a first linearly driving assembly, a second linearly driving assembly, a rotation driving assembly, and a sprayer connected one by one in that order. The first linearly driving assembly drives the second linearly driving assembly, the rotation driving assembly, and the sprayer to move along a first direction. The second linearly driving assembly drives the rotation driving assembly and the sprayer to move along a second direction. The rotation driving assembly rotates the sprayer along an axis perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: An equipment for cleaning welding torches having a reserve of a pressurised fluid and a dispensing device designed to dispense a flow of dry ice at low temperature onto a welding torch in order to clean it of welding slag, wherein the dispensing device comprises a manual needle regulation valve, a dispensing nozzle to dispense dry ice and an adapter sleeve designed to receive the outer shroud or body of welding torch, wherein the dispensing device is designed to be coupled to welding torch to be cleaned by means of a male-female coupling, with adapter sleeve acting as the female part and the tip of supply nozzle as the male part, so that dispensing device can be adapted to the usual dimensions of welding torches.

Abstract: A household appliance for treating at least one item according to at least one cycle of operation, includes a treating chamber for receiving the at least one item for treatment according to the at least one cycle of operation, a treating chemistry dispenser receiving a unit dose container having an optically sensible element, a physical alteration element located proximate to the treating chemistry dispenser and operable to physically alter at least a portion of the optically sensible element, and a sensor to sense the physical alteration.

Abstract: A household appliance for treating at least one item according to at least one cycle of operation includes a treating chamber for receiving the at least one item for treatment according to the at least one cycle of operation, a treating chemistry dispenser receiving a unit dose container having an electrically conductive element, a physical alteration element located proximate to the treating chemistry dispenser and operable to physically alter at least a portion of the electrically conductive element and a sensor for sensing the physical alteration.

Abstract: A recyclable fluid cleaning system wafers includes a cleaning vessel configured to clean semiconductor wafers immersed in a bath of persulfuric acid cleaning solution, the cleaning solution circulated through a primary process tool fluid path; a secondary fluid path that diverts a portion of the persulfuric acid cleaning solution for electrolysis treatment thereof; an electrolysis reactor within the secondary fluid path that receives oxidant depleted sulfuric acid, the electrolysis reactor having electrodes that, when activated causes sulfate ions in the solution to be oxidized and form persulfate ions that are recombined with fluid from the primary fluid path and fed back to the cleaning vessel; and one or more controller devices in operative communication with the cleaning vessel and with the electrolysis reactor.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a tub having a front defining an outer periphery, a treating chamber defined by the tub and having an open face located at the front of the tub and within the outer periphery, and a cover selectively closing the open face. A usable space configured to receive a component of the dishwasher can be at least partially defined by the outer periphery of the tub. The cover is sized to overlie the usable space when the cover closes the open face.

Abstract: A walking stick chair includes a main stick, a seat unit, a support unit, and a linking unit. The seat unit includes a sleeve member connected in a fixed position to the main stick, and a seat member connected pivotally to the sleeve member and operable between a folded state and an unfolded state. The support unit is connected pivotally to the main stick. The linking unit is connected pivotally to the support unit and the seat member. When the seat member is at the unfolded state, the walking stick chair serves as a chair, and when the seat member is operated from the unfolded state to the folded state, the walking stick chair is converted from the chair to a walking stick.

Abstract: A portable shelter with low emissivity is provided for sheltering materials or human occupants at a remote location. The shelter has a flexible, multi-layer cover, including a vinyl material, reflective material located inside and immediately adjacent to the vinyl material, and insulation material located inside the reflective material. The low-? vinyl cover is lightweight and thermally efficient. The shelter may be adapted for use with interior-climate control equipment at the remote location.

Abstract: The quickly erectable dome shelter includes an extendible perimeter truss assembly with link members connected between adjacent legs, a central truss assembly of link members, and a roof framework, including pairs of curved upper and lower peak truss members, that is movable between a lowered, collapsed configuration and a raised, upwardly arching position. The shelter also includes telescoping peak pole members coupled to the central truss assembly of link members and the roof framework, and may also include telescoping peak truss brace members connected between a peak truss member and a link member of the perimeter assembly of link members.

Abstract: A thermoelectric element includes a body formed of a single thermoelectric material and extending in a first direction along which a thermal gradient is established in thermoelectric operation, wherein the body has at least first and second adjacent sections in the first direction; at least one of the sections is subject to stress which is applied to that section substantially all around a central axis of the body in the first direction; and the arrangement is such that the stress results in different strain in the first and second sections producing an energy barrier in the body to enhance thermoelectric operation.

Abstract: An electrically conductive composition, containing (A) a carbon nanotube, (B) an electrically conductive polymer, and (C) an onium salt compound, an electrically conductive film using the composition, and a method of producing the electrically conductive film.

Abstract: A current source and method of producing the current source are provided. The current source includes a metal source, a buffer layer, a filter and a collector. An electrical connection is provided to the metal layer and semiconductor layer and a magnetic field applier may be also provided. The source metal has localized states at a bottom of the conduction band and probability amplification. The interaction of the various layers produces a spontaneous current. The movement of charge across the current source produces a voltage, which rises until a balancing reverse current appears. If a load is connected to the current source, current flows through the load and power is dissipated. The energy for this comes from the thermal energy in the current source, and the device gets cooler.

Abstract: Solar power conversion system. The system includes a cavity formed within an enclosure having highly specularly reflecting in the IR spectrum inside walls, the enclosure having an opening to receive solar radiation. An absorber is positioned within the cavity for receiving the solar radiation resulting in heating of the absorber structure. In a preferred embodiment, the system further contains an energy conversion and storage devices thermally-linked to the absorber by heat conduction, convection, far-field or near-field thermal radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoelectric module comprising a metal housing element and a ceramic layer that is applied to the metal housing element. The thermoelectric module further comprises an additional housing element arranged on the side of the metal housing element which is provided with the ceramic layer, the additional housing element and the metal housing element being joined to form a fluid-tight housing. The thermoelectric module finally comprises at least one thermoelectrically active material which is arranged inside the fluid-tight housing.

Abstract: A thermocouple ribbon features a pair of flat conductors and first and second layers of a polymide film covering the conductors. The polyimide film preferably is coated with a fluoropolymer, such as fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP). During manufacture of the thermocouple ribbon, the first and second layers of polyimide film, with the pair of flat conductors positioned there between, are heated above the melting temperature of the FEP. The completed thermocouple ribbon is then cooled. A thermocouple connector may then be attached to a first end of the thermocouple ribbon, while a welded thermocouple junction may be formed at a second end of the thermocouple ribbon.

Abstract: Thermoelectric materials and flexible polymer-based thermoelectric materials that may be applied to fabrics for use as personal cooling/heating clothes and portable power source.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is presented. The device includes an intermediate layer disposed between an absorber layer and a back contact layer. The intermediate layer includes a metal or metalloid of Group 15 and oxygen. Method for making a photovoltaic device is also presented.

Abstract: Apparatuses and assembly methods are provided for a monolithic solar cell panel assembly. The assembly comprises an array of solar cells having front electrical contacts and back electrical contacts, wherein a first set of the solar cells in the array are aligned to be electrically connected in series through a back circuit sheet having an array of back metal contacts connected to corresponding back electrical contacts on the first set of solar cells, and through a front circuit sheet having an array of front metal contacts connected to corresponding front electrical contacts on the first set of solar cells. Electrical connections may be made in a lamination step, in which an encapsulant polymer flows into gaps and an interconnect material connects the circuits to form the monolithic solar cell panel assembly.

Abstract: A back contact solar cell with on-cell electronics is provided. The back contact solar cell is comprised of a semiconductor substrate having a light capturing front side and a backside opposite the light capturing front side. A first interdigitated metallization pattern is positioned on the backside of the semiconductor substrate and a backplane supports and is attached to the backside of the semiconductor substrate. A second interdigitated metallization pattern positioned on the backplane and is connected to the first interdigitated metallization pattern. An on-cell electronic component is attached to the second interdigitated metallization pattern and electrical leads connect the on-cell electronic component to the second interdigitated metallization pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting solder-coated connection leads (3) made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy having a 0.2% yield strength of less than 120 N/mm2 to photovoltaic solar cells (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) which have metallizations on the upper side and the lower side, by a soldering method such as IR soldering, inductive soldering, thermal contact soldering, ultrasonic soldering or hot air soldering. The metallizations of the solar cells can be precoated with solder. A further solder material (2a, 2b) can be arranged between the connection lead (3) and the metallization of the solar cell (7, 7a, 7b, 7c). The solar cells (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) are connected in series with one another by this procedure.

Abstract: A dye-sensitised photovoltaic cell is provided, the cell comprising a first, transparent, electrode facing a second electrode, wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes is provided with an electrically-conductive material comprising (A) one or both of nickel and cobalt, and (B) one or more of phosphorous, boron, manganese, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, tin, zinc and palladium, wherein the total content of (A) the nickel and cobalt in said electrically-conductive material is from 80 to 96 wt % of the electrically-conductive material, and total content of (B) the phosphorous, boron, manganese, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, tin, zinc and palladium in said electrically-conductive material is from 4 to 20 wt % of the electrically-conductive material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to solar panels, methods of fabricating solar panels, and methods of using solar panels to capture and store solar energy. An embodiment of a solar panel can include a photovoltaic cell that is sensitive to visible light and an infrared photovoltaic cell that is sensitive to light having a wavelength of greater than 0.70 ?m.

Abstract: A solar panel of the present invention includes a plurality of solar cells arranged in a substantially circular shape, and a plurality of connection sections which are provided near a center portion where the plurality of solar cells are all close to each other, and electrically connect the plurality of solar cells. Therefore, the plurality of connection sections can be centrally placed near the center portion where the plurality of solar cells are all close to each other. As a result, a decrease in the light-receiving area due to the plurality of connection sections can be reduced, and fluctuations in the light-receiving area due to pointers moving over the solar cells can be reduced.

Abstract: A device for electrically connecting back surface solar cells to form a solar cell string includes an application unit for applying double-sided adhesive insulating strips to the solar cells disposed behind one another along a longitudinal axis, which insulating strips are attached to the solar cells by pressing. The device has an assembly unit for positioning electrical conductor elements on the insulating strips for connecting two adjacent solar cells. The conductor elements are flexible components for creating stress relief structures that are produced in a shaping unit disposed next to the application unit.

Abstract: A PV system composed of sub-arrays, each having a group of PV cells that are electrically connected to each other. A power management circuit for each sub-array has a communications interface and serves to connect or disconnect the sub-array to a programmable power grid. The power grid has bus rows and bus columns. A bus management circuit is positioned at a respective junction of a bus column and a bus row and is programmable through its communication interface to connect or disconnect a power path in the grid. As a result, selected sub-arrays are connected by selected power paths to be in parallel so as to produce a low system voltage, and, alternately in series so as to produce a high system voltage that is greater than the low voltage by at least a factor of ten.

Abstract: The semiconductor device has a conductive substrate formed from a conductive material, a nonconductive layer provided on at least part of the surface of the conductive substrate, plural semiconductor elements provided on this nonconductive layer, wiring that electrically connects the plural semiconductor elements, and at least one electrical connection part between the nonconductive layer and semiconductor elements or wiring. The semiconductor element for which the potential difference with the conductive substrate is the greatest is disposed in a position other than the geometric terminal of the arrangement created by the plural semiconductor elements.

Abstract: A solar power camouflage system and apparatus are disclosed. The system includes a number of solar panels coupled to a net. The panels colored to produce a camouflage effect. A maximum power point tracking device coupled to the solar panels to manage to maintain the optimal voltage and current drawn through the panels. An energy storage device is coupled to the maximum power point tracking device. A power interface is coupled to said energy storage device to deliver power to other electrical devices.

Abstract: An optical system (3) for transferring light energy from a light source (1), in particular a moving light source, to a common aperture independent of the location of the light source within a field of view, wherein the light energy distribution is preferably substantially uniform over the area of the common aperture. A detection system comprises a light source 1 for irradiating a spot on a moving object 0, an optical probe assembly 3 for collecting light energy from the irradiated spot on the subject 0 when within a field of view of the probe assembly 3, and a photodetector 4.

Abstract: A solar photovoltaic panel system which has a thermal sink and a panel mounting structure is provided. The panel mounting structure contains a water flow section. The water flow section includes an inflow section and an outflow section. A solar photovoltaic panel is mounted between the inflow section and the outflow section. A water supply system is connected to the panel mounting structure to provide water on a top surface of the solar photovoltaic panel. The water provided from the thermal sink is returned to the thermal sink after flowing on the top surface of the solar photovoltaic panel.

Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic devices that include at least one lead bar extending through a connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate are provided. The photovoltaic device can include: a transparent substrate; a plurality of photovoltaic cells on the transparent substrate; a first conductive ribbon electrically connected to a first photovoltaic cell; an encapsulation substrate laminated to the transparent substrate such that the plurality of photovoltaic cells and the conductive ribbon are positioned between the transparent substrate and the encapsulation substrate; and, a first lead bar extending through a first connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate. The first lead bar is electrically connected to the first conductive ribbon. For example, a meltable conductive material can be connected to the first lead bar and to the first conductive ribbon to establish an electrical connection therebetween.

Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic devices that include a direct connection to at least one lead bar extending through a connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate to electrically connect to an underlying conductive ribbon are provided. The photovoltaic device can include: a transparent substrate; a plurality of photovoltaic cells; a conductive ribbon electrically connected to a photovoltaic cell; an encapsulation substrate laminated to the transparent substrate such that the plurality of photovoltaic cells and the conductive ribbon are positioned between the transparent substrate and the encapsulation substrate; and a lead bar extending through a connection aperture defined in the encapsulation substrate and electrically connected to the conductive ribbon. The lead bar can define a lead tab that establishes a mechanical connection having a biasing force between the lead bar and the conductive ribbon.

Abstract: A solar cell protective sheet has a substrate and a thermoplastic resin layer laminated on at least one surface of the substrate. The thermoplastic resin layer includes: a first layer laminated on the substrate and containing as a main component a copolymer of ethylene and at least one selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acrylic acid ester, glycidyl(meth)acrylate, vinyl acetate and maleic acid anhydride; a second layer laminated on the first layer and containing an olefin-based resin as a main component; and a third layer laminated on the second layer and containing as a main component a copolymer of ethylene and at least one selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acrylic acid ester, glycidyl(meth)acrylate, vinyl acetate and maleic acid anhydride. The solar cell protective sheet has excellent adhesiveness between the substrate and the thermoplastic resin layer and also has sufficient insulation property.

Abstract: A support frame is for a photovoltaic power generation system. The support frame includes a frame member including a first portion positioned at one surface of a solar cell panel and a second portion positioned at the other surface of the solar cell panel, wherein the second portion is openably coupled to the first portion.

Abstract: A framed solar module includes a solar module having solar cells between a pair of sheets. The solar module is mounted in a frame, preferably a closed frame having a continuous base, and V-shaped cut outs or partially V-shaped in the upright legs where corners of the solar module are expected. A layer of a pliable moisture resistant sealant is provided between inner surface of the frame and the peripheral edge, and the marginal edge portions, of the solar module. A spacer, e.g. but not limited to a plurality of spaced protuberances formed on the inner surface of the dosed frame engage the outer surface of the solar module to provide the layer with a uniform thickness between the frame and the solar module.

Abstract: Rooftop solar energy module mounting systems that incorporate interchangeable mounting bases with a solar energy module frame.

Abstract: Photovoltaic structures are provided with field-effect inversion/accumulation layers as emitter layers induced by work-function differences between gate conductor layers and substrates thereof. Localized contact regions are in electrical communication with the gate conductors of such structures for repelling minority carriers. Such localized contact regions may include doped crystalline or polycrystalline silicon regions between the gate conductor and silicon absorption layers. Fabrication of the structures can be conducted without alignment between metal contacts and the localized contact regions or high temperature processing.

Abstract: A substrate for photovoltaic device includes a textured surface formed from silicon-based material. The textured surface includes a plurality of cones uniformly distributed across the textured surface. The uniformly distributed cones are configured by etching from a top surface of the substrate using a self-assembled solder dot mask evaporated on the substrate prior to etching. The cones are uniformly distributed as a result of gettering a process chamber prior to forming the solder dot mask. The cones have a height/width ratio between about 1 to about 4, and the cones have a density between 108 to 109 cones/cm2.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate, a first lightly-doped region, a second lightly-doped region, a second heavily-doped region, a first electrode and a second electrode. The first lightly-doped region having a first doping type is disposed in a first surface of the substrate. The second lightly-doped region and the second heavily-doped region having a second doping type different from the first doping type are disposed in a second surface of the substrate. The first electrode is disposed on the first surface of the substrate, and the second electrode is disposed on the second surface of the substrate.