Abstract: A solar radiation absorber element for a thermal concentrating solar power plant is achieved by forming a selective coating on an outer surface of a substrate made from stainless steel, chosen from stainless steels presenting an aluminium content of more than 0.5% by weight. Formation of the selective coating includes a surface treatment step of the substrate, by polishing, and a heat treatment step of the substrate, in an oxidizing atmosphere, in a temperature range included between 550° C. and 650° C. The heat treatment in particular enables at least one intrinsically selective superficial thin layer to be formed on the outer surface of the substrate.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a sugar product and method for fabricating the same is provided. The method includes mixing an acid compound and lithium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, zinc chloride or iron chloride or lithium bromide, magnesium bromide, calcium bromide, zinc bromide or iron bromide or heteropoly acid to form a mixing solution, adding a cellulosic biomass to the mixing solution for a dissolution reaction, and adding water to the mixing solution for a hydrolysis reaction to obtain a sugar product. The present disclosure also provides a sugar product fabricated from the method.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for fabricating a sugar product is provided. The method includes mixing formic acid and lithium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, zinc chloride or iron chloride or lithium bromide, magnesium bromide, calcium bromide, zinc bromide or iron bromide or heteropoly acid to form a mixing solution, adding a cellulosic biomass to the mixing solution for a dissolution reaction, and adding water to the mixing solution for a hydrolysis reaction to obtain a sugar product. The present disclosure also provides a sugar product fabricated from the method.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the interior wall of a catheter has a cleaning lumen and skives as non-inflatable removal elements on the exterior surface of the cleaning lumen. Each skive has a first position when unconstrained and a second position when within the catheter. The skives self-position the device concentrically within the catheter. Suction is desirably applied to the cleaning lumen during use.

Abstract: A ports cap for a mask assembly includes two closure portions adapted to seal respective ports of the mask assembly, a bridge piece that joins the two closure portions, and two gripping tabs extending outwardly from respective closure portions. Each gripping tab includes one or more ribs on at least one side thereof.

Abstract: A nozzle apparatus for dispensing an adjustable combination of gas, having a nozzle outlet adjustably combined with a delivery component. The nozzle outlet may have a groove for receiving a roll pin; and an inner lumen comprising a cylindrical shaft having a diameter between 5/1000ths and 20/1000ths of an inch. The delivery component configured to receive air from the nozzle outlet, may have a first circular ambient air hole having a diameter, and a second circular ambient air hole having the same diameter as the first ambient air hole, and a removable plugging device covering the second circular ambient air hole. The delivery component may be adjustable in orientation with respect to the nozzle outlet, and may be adjustable to vary a concentration of therapeutic gas delivered to a patient.

Abstract: A PAP device for generating a supply of pressurized gas to be provided to a patient for treatment includes a housing, a core including a motor and at least one impeller, and a vibration isolation system to support the core within the housing in a flexible, vibration-isolated manner.

Abstract: A method for managing a set of active straps for a positive airway pressure (PAP) mask including detecting a pressure value with a pressure sensor, analyzing the pressure value with a processor for identifying an adjustment of the set of active straps, and performing the identified adjustment with the set of active straps.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for isolating a ventilator from one or more patients in which the delivery conditions of gas delivered to an isolation device from a ventilator may drive the delivery of breathing-gas delivered to one or more patients, the breathing-gas having the same or different delivery conditions. In one embodiment, an isolation device may have a housing and a movable partition. The movable partition may be joined to the housing, The movable partition may have a patient side on a first side of the partition and an actuating side on a second side of the partition. The isolation device may include an inlet pressure regulator on the actuating side and/or an exhaust pressure regulator on the patient side. These regulators may alter the delivery conditions (including, but not limited to, pressure and volume) of breathing-gas delivered to a patient.

Abstract: Methods and/or apparatuses for treating sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) are provided. In particular, systems and/or methods are provided which may temporarily boost the pressure of a supply of breathable gas provided by an AutoSet device for the treatment of hypopnea. In certain example embodiments, a supply of breathable is provided to patients to treat apneas and/or hypopneas. The presence and/or absence of apneas and/or hypopneas are detected (e.g. by monitoring the Apnea-Hypopnea Index). When hypopnea events are detected, the pressure of the supply of breathable gas temporarily is increased above the Pcrit and/or CPAP levels, at least during patient inspiration. When the hypopnea events are normalized, the pressure is reduced. In certain example embodiments, the pressure will not be increased when a non-hypopnea event is detected at the same time as a hypopnea event.

Abstract: The invention is a frameless, disposable cloth body for use with a respiratory mask, such as for continuous positive airway pressure therapy for those having sleep apnea. The cloth body is inflatable and moisture-vapor breathable and has an inner side having a nasal interface portion disposed on it and an outer side, and also has a circular aperture formed in a central location on the body, sized to sealingly receive an air delivery arrangement. The cloth body also has a pair of wings on opposite sides with slits arranged at optimal angles for receiving headgear straps.

Abstract: An elastomeric condom device including a tubular portion to cover the shaft of the penis, the tubular portion having a first thickness; a pouch portion to cover the scrotum, the pouch portion having a second thickness; and a middle portion provided between the tubular and pouch portions, the middle portion having a thickness that is at least double the thickness of the thickest of the first and second thicknesses. The middle portion includes an opening for insertion of the penis and scrotum, the opening defined by an elastic ring of heavier construction than the middle portion, wherein when the condom is in place over the male genitalia the elastic ring is positioned around the base of the penis and the scrotum at the torso of the body.

Abstract: A medical wrap configured to be secured about a body or torso of a patient, or around a limb or other portion of the patient. The wrap comprises a main body of stretchable fabric. The wrap has a first fastener. The wrap has an opening formed in the main body. The opening has a flap and a second fastener selectively securing the flap to the main body.

Abstract: The invention is a device for removable placement in the mouth, which advances the lower jaw and draws the tongue forward and upward, thereby providing relief for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. The device includes an upper portion, the upper surface of which is adapted for engagement with the user's upper dentition. A downward extension, suspended from the anterior part of the upper portion, features an anterior surface that engages the back of the lower front teeth, so as to advance the lower jaw forward with respect to the upper jaw. The posterior surface of the downward extension features a rearward extension, which is curved upward at its lateral margins to meet the upper portion, so as to define, with the hard palate of the user, a cavity that is sized and shaped to snugly engage the user's tongue. Within the defined cavity, the device preferably features a soft elastomeric surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for preventing prolapse of iris tissue through a surgical opening in the eye during an ophthalmic surgery. A flexible biocompatible polymeric shield is inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye, placed in position overlying the iris adjacent a surgical opening into the anterior chamber and is thus between the iris tissue and the surgical opening. As pressure inside the anterior chamber increases during the surgery, anterior movement of the iris toward any surgical opening in response to such pressure, also moves the shield anteriorly, such that the shield remains between the iris and the surgical opening. Thus, the shield blocks the surgical opening and prevents movement of eye material to and through the surgical opening. The surgical opening can still be accessed by surgical tools and materials from outside the eye by inserting such articles through the surgical opening and pushing such articles past the shield.

Abstract: A device for receipt in a user's mouth includes a tongue engagement element having a front region, a rear region, and side regions that define an opening for receiving a user's tongue, means for retaining the user's tongue in a forward position, and means for changing the size of the opening. The tongue engagement element is shaped such that when placed in a user's mouth, the rear region extends over the user's tongue and the front region extends under the user's tongue. A method of securing a tongue engagement element in a user's mouth includes moving an expanded tongue engagement element under a front region of a tongue and over a rear region of the tongue, and allowing the tongue engagement element to return toward a non-expanded state. The tongue engagement element acts to resist rearward motion of the tongue.

Abstract: A mouthguard device and method of manufacturing is provided, wherein the mouthguard provides the wearer with protection typically provided by most mouthguard structures, while providing an embedded flavor in the mouthguard material that the wearer can taste to mask the otherwise foul smell of a used mouthguard over the course of its use. A flavorant is infused within the thermoplastic material, which is perceptible to the wearer and reduces its smell and bad taste. The method of manufacturing involves infusing flavorant within the thermoplastic material and thereafter providing the mouthguard structure to the user such that it can be molded to the wearer's mouth using a boil and bite technique.

Abstract: Smoking articles having reduced ignition proclivity characteristics are disclosed. The smoking articles include a paper wrapper containing cellulosic fibers and filler particles. The paper wrappers are treated with a film-forming composition in order to reduce the ignition proclivity characteristics of the smoking articles. In one embodiment, the film-forming composition contains an alginate combined with a starch. In an alternative embodiment, the film-forming composition contains a film-forming material combined with filler particles. The filler particles may comprise kaolin clay, magnesium oxide, mica, alum, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An artificial nail or tip arrangement and method of making the same are provided. The arrangement includes at least one body having a concave lower surface with a shape corresponding to a natural nail. The arrangement also includes an adhesive layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first surface adheres to the concave lower surface of the at least one body and the second surface is provided to adhere to the natural nail when applied thereto. The arrangement further includes a removable layer that covers the second surface of the adhesive layer, and which is removable to expose the second surface of the adhesive layer for application to the natural nail. The removable layer is provided with a one or more slits so that a surface of the removable layer remains smooth after adherence of the first surface of the adhesive layer with the concave lower surface of the at least one body.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial nail (4) and to a device (1) for producing an artificial nail (4) from a matrix (14) which comprises a fiber glass laminate and a suitable synthetic resin. The artificial nail (4) has excellent properties as regards its flexibility and adaptability to the respective individual fingertips or toe tips (2, 2?). The thickness (d) of the prefabricated artificial nail, a so-called tip, is fairly homogeneous and ranges from 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm. The artificial nail (4) is attached to the natural nail by means of a special, curing adhesive (5) using a selected radiation of the wavelength (?).

Abstract: A quick and convenient method for coloring hair is disclosed. According to an embodiment, a hair dye applicator is provided. The hair dye applicator includes two containers that can be locked together prior to use. Each container can include at least one hair dye component. In one embodiment, a first container can include a hair color component while the second container can include a developer.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods that are able to increase the amount of molecular structure within the cortex of hair fibers. As result, hair fiber diameter, cross sectional area, elasticity and stiffness are all increased. The benefits are long term, surviving repeated rinsing and shampooing. These results are particularly beneficial in the treatment of fine hair.

Abstract: A hair styling tool includes a body, a cylinder extending from the body, the cylinder rotatable relative to the body, a motor for rotating the cylinder, a heater to heat the cylinder, and a styling arm pivotally attached to the body. The hair styling tool may have a generally clam shell configuration, wherein the styling arm is movable between an open position in which the styling arm is distant the cylinder and a closed position in which the styling arm is proximate to the cylinder, such as contacting the cylinder. The styling arm may also include a brush head with fixed or retractable bristles and/or a smoothing plate.

Abstract: A flossing kit and tool include a floss cartridge having a length of floss and a pair of tip members each sized larger than a typical spacing behind arch wires of a set of braces, each fixedly coupled to opposite ends of the length of floss. Each tip member includes a coupling structure and a projection member and are coupled to the length of floss, wherein the projection member of at least one of the tip members is elongated and sufficiently narrow to be inserted into a typical spacing behind arch wires of a set of braces. The flossing tool includes a pair of floss handles each removably couple to one of the pair of tip members respectively. The flossing tool includes a release mechanism disposed within the cylindrical body that selectably couples and disengages from the associated coupling structure of the tip member when triggered.

Abstract: A hard surface cleaning composition comprising a malodor control component, and methods of cleaning hard surfaces are provided. In some embodiments, the hard surface cleaning composition comprises at least one volatile aldehyde and an acid catalyst.

Abstract: Provided is a self-propelled surface cleaning machine including a front wheel device, a steering device associated therewith, a steering angle sensor device capable of detecting a steering angle at the front wheel device, a rear wheel device having a left rear wheel and a right rear wheel, an electromotive drive device associated with each of the left rear wheel and the right rear wheel, a cleaning liquid application device by which cleaning liquid is applicable to a floor/ground in an application area arranged between the front wheel device and the rear wheel device, and a control device operatively connected for signal communication with the steering angle sensor device and the electromotive drive devices, wherein each electromotive drive device is controllable individually depending on signals from the steering angle sensor device.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for performing operations such as cleaning, inspection or data acquisition on an internal surface of a hollow cylindrical tubular. Preferred embodiments include providing at least one reel on which a hollow articulated lance is spooled. Tools or sensors, for example, are installed on a distal end of each lance. Hoses, electrical conduits, conductors or other similar carrier hardware inside each hollow lance supply the tools or sensors as required. A stabbing mechanism causes the reel to spool and unspool the lance so that the tools or sensors reciprocate up and down the inside of the rotating tubular.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for performing operations such as cleaning, inspection or data acquisition on an external surface of a hollow cylindrical tubular. Preferred embodiments include providing a fluid dispenser and an abrasion assembly on a buggy that travels up and down the length of the tubular as the tubular rotates. The fluid dispenser includes nozzles that dispense cleaning fluids onto the tubular's external surface. The abrasion assembly includes a swivel brush and a brush train providing different styles of abrasion cleaning of the tubular's external surface. Preferred embodiments of the buggy also carry a range finding laser generating samples of the distance from the laser to a sampled point on the tubular's external surface. The laser samples are processed in real time into surface contour data. Cleaning and inspection variables such as tubular rotational speed, or buggy speed, may be adjusted responsive to measured surface contour data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning, treating and inspecting tubular goods including, without limitation, continuous tubing. Tubing is fed through a box-like housing having an inner chamber. As the tubing proceeds through the housing, the exterior surface of the tubing passes through an initial squeegee wiper to remove moisture, debris and environmental contaminants. Thereafter, the external surface of the pipe is washed using a high pressure liquid spray followed by another wiper squeegee and gas (typically air) dry station. After the pipe is sufficiently dry, liquid rust inhibitor and/or other treating fluid can be applied to the outer surface of the pipe before the pipe exits the housing.

Abstract: A cleaning chamber is provided. The cleaning chamber includes a base portion housing a chuck and a lid affixed to the base portion. A support assembly is linked to the lid and the support assembly includes a top plate spaced apart from a bottom plate, the top plate has a plurality of openings defined therethrough and the bottom plate has a plurality of openings defined therethrough. The cleaning chamber includes a plurality of cups extending through corresponding pairs of the plurality of openings of the top plate and the bottom plate. The plurality of cups is configured to seal against a surface of a substrate, wherein each cup of the plurality of cups is independently supported by the bottom plate.

Abstract: The inventive substrate treatment apparatus includes a spin chuck which horizontally holds and rotates a wafer; a heater which is disposed in opposed relation to a lower surface of the wafer held by the spin chuck and heats the wafer from a lower side; a phosphoric acid nozzle which spouts a phosphoric acid aqueous solution to a front surface (upper surface) of the wafer held by the spin chuck; and a suspension liquid nozzle which spouts a silicon suspension liquid to the front surface of the wafer held by the spin chuck. The wafer is maintained at a higher temperature on the order of 300° C. and, in this state, a liquid mixture of the phosphoric acid aqueous solution and the silicon suspension liquid is supplied to the front surface of the wafer.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is provided that includes a first nozzle configured to direct a cleaning jet towards a contaminated surface at a pressure sufficient to remove contaminants from the surface. At least one second nozzle is configured to direct a rinsing jet towards the contaminated surface to remove cleaning fluid therefrom, wherein the rinsing jet is directed at a pressure sufficient to isolate the cleaning jet from an ambient environment.

Abstract: A cleaning composition comprising a choline salt and a surfactant or solvent. Also, a method of cleaning using the cleaning composition.

Abstract: A pallet drying device promotes drying after washing of a pallet including a fork insertion hole into which a fork is inserted on a side surface and an opening communicating with the fork insertion hole on a lower surface. The pallet drying device includes: pallet placing means capable of placing the pallet to be dried so as to mechanically block the opening; and blowing means for blowing air into the inside of the fork insertion hole. The pallet is placed with the opening on the lower surface blocked while air is blown into the fork insertion hole, thus the air blown into the fork insertion hole is not discharged from the opening. This configuration promotes drying the inside of the fork insertion hole.

Abstract: This cleaning apparatus includes a rotation holding unit that holds and rotates an object; a cleaning fluid spray unit that sprays a cleaning fluid onto a spot-like cleaning region on the object, which is held by the rotation holding unit; a cleaning region moving unit that moves at least one of the rotation holding unit and the cleaning fluid spray unit to relatively move the cleaning region from the rotation center of the object toward the outer peripheral side thereof; a layered air current forming unit that forms a layered air current entering the surface of the object so as to cover the periphery of the cleaning region from a backward side in the direction of movement of the cleaning region relative to the rotation center; and a layered air current moving unit that relatively moves the incoming position of the layered air current while following the relative movement of the cleaning region.

Abstract: A knuckle jointed lance (KJL) including a plurality of KJL segments concatenated into a string thereof. A tool head is connected to one end of the lance. Each KJL segment has a hollow body, open at both ends, with a generally trapezoidal profile. The string further comprises a plurality of articulated joints connecting neighboring KJL segments together at about a mid-point between the top side and base side of their respective trapezoidal profiles. Embodiments of the articulated joints include lug pins on the end of one of a neighboring pair of KJL segments connected to corresponding lug holes on the end of the other of the neighboring pair.

Abstract: A dishwasher having a tub defining a wash chamber, and upper and lower dish racks located within the wash chamber. The dishwasher also has upper and lower rotating sprayers beneath the upper and lower dish racks, and a manifold with at least one nozzle having at least one aperture located in the wash chamber.

Abstract: A batch ware washing machine and/or related method of washing wares. The machine includes a moveable door which partially encloses a steam cavity. When the door is in the up or open position, hot moist air may be forcibly pulled from the steam cavity and into an exhaust plenum via an air inlet port that is strategically positioned above the top wall of the door when the door is in the closed position, but below the top wall when the door is in the open position. A controller causes the air to be forcibly pulled through the plenum for a predetermined exhaust time period, such as one minute, and then automatically stops the forced air exhaust movement. The exhaust plenum may be ducted directly to the outside of the surrounding building. The air conditioning load on the HVAC units serving the kitchen are reduced, thereby reducing energy consumption.

Abstract: A suspension walker which may be weighted or unweighted is provided. The suspension walker includes a sole plate having a rocker bottom, a yoke portion and an extension leg attached to the yoke portion. A boot received by a patient's foot is operably coupled to the yoke portion by a first fastener and to an upper portion of the extension leg by a second fastener. An extension leg may be operably coupled at a hinge axis to an upper hinged portion. The hinge axis is configured to be aligned with the knee. A below the knee collar operably and securely couples the boot to the extension leg and the yoke portion. An above the knee collar operably secures the upper hinged portion to the patient's thigh.

Abstract: A protective glide for medical walker legs is disclosed in the present invention. Said protective glide comprises a wear disk for smooth walker moment on surfaces and a shield to cover said wear disk to prevent users from stepping on said wear disk and to prevent dirt and debris from collecting on the unit. The wear disk comprises an attached core containing gripping flanges and o-ring to snugly fit into the medical walker tubing. The present invention attaches easily to standard-size tubing of medical walker legs, without the use of tools. The rounded shape of the wear disk allows it to easily maneuver over rough and uneven surface and in any direction.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy structure comprising, in an erected configuration, a roof area structure and sidewalls extending downwardly from the roof area structure, including a docking arrangement permitting a vehicle to be positioned at least partly docked entered into the interior of the canopy. The docking arrangement includes a magnetic securing system for securing the canopy to the vehicle and/or a fold-over section of the roof area structure of the canopy folded over from a stowed position to cover an upper portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: The canopy system for an emergency gurney includes a gurney and a canopy, where the canopy is attached to the gurney by a left and right attachment mechanism so that the patient facial area can be covered with the canopy. The canopy can be adjustably positioned in a fully stowed position and a fully deployed position through a pivoting mechanism of the canopy system for an emergency gurney. The pivoting mechanism enables the canopy to move in between the fully stowed position and the fully deployed position so that the emergency personals are able to attend the patient while protecting the patient from the inclement weather and/or the hostile environmental conditions.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a canopy structure includes a plurality of support members, each including a first leg and a second leg telescopically slideable within the first leg to infinitely adjust a height of the canopy structure. The canopy structure can include a plurality of eaves including scissor-jack members moveable between an extended position and a collapsed position. The canopy structure can include a plurality of locking members. The locking members can be coupled to the first legs. The locking members can be adjustable between a locked and an unlocked position. The locking members can be configured to apply a radial inward force received by an area of the second legs when the locking members are in the locked position.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy structure includes one or more eaves, one or more fixed eave mounts, one or more sliding eave mounts and one or more vertical poles. Each of the vertical poles has a top end and a bottom end. Each of the vertical poles is connected by at least one of the one or more eaves. At least one of the fixed eave mounts is coupled to at least one of the eaves and attached proximate to the top end of at least one of the vertical poles. At least one of the sliding eave mounts is coupled to at least one of the eaves and slidingly coupled to one of the vertical poles between its top end and its bottom end. One or more detent elements include a round or spherical detent surface that engages an opening of the one or more vertical poles.

Abstract: Thermoelectric devices are provided. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric device may include a glass wafer defined by conductive vias, a second wafer, and a plurality of metal film disposed between the glass wafer and the second wafer and against solid, conductive, integral, end surfaces of the conductive vias. A nanogap may be disposed between the metal film and the second wafer. The nanogap may have been created by applying a voltage extending between the conductive vias and the second wafer. Methods of forming the devices, along with methods of using the devices to transform heat energy to electricity, and for refrigeration, are also provided.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for enhancing electrical properties of semiconductor structures. At a semiconductor structure, a heterojunction interface is provided between two dissimilar materials such that a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) region is present in the vicinity of the heterojunction. Energy is added to the semiconductor structure such that electrons that are present in the 2DEG region are promoted from below the Fermi level to energy states sufficiently high that the electrons can escape the structure. Electrons are emitted from the semiconductor structure in response to adding the energy such that electrons escape the surface of the semiconductor structure.

Abstract: Solar cells use as substrates glass (23) coated with a transparent conductive layer (21), able to collect the electric power generated by the solar cell. This layer (21), normally a TCO, have limited conductivity, implying the use of current collector lines applied in a complex manner. The conductivity of the conductive layer (21) is increased by the application of a structure, in particular a grid, of thin conductive lines (22) inserted in grooves on the glass surface (23) or directly applied on this, followed by a TCO layer coating (21). This highly conductive grid (22) collects the electricity from the TCO layer (21) and directs it to the periphery of the cell. Both glass substrates are sealed by a process employing a precursor of glass surrounding the entire perimeter of the substrate. The glass precursor is heated to its melting point, by a laser, completely sealing the two substrates of the module.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is an article, comprising: a substrate comprising silicon; and a plurality of solar cells disposed over the substrate, wherein at least one of the plurality of the solar cells comprises one of: (i) a first semiconductor layer disposed over the substrate, the first layer comprising at least one semiconductor material; and (ii) a first Ge-containing layer disposed over the substrate, the first layer comprising a Ge-containing material, and a second layer disposed over the first layer, the second layer comprising at least one semiconductor material. At least some of the solar cells may comprise semiconductor materials of different bandgap values.

Abstract: Improved building-integrated photovoltaic systems according to certain example embodiments may include concentrated photovoltaic skylights or other windows having a cylindrical lens array. The skylight may include an insulated glass unit, which may improve the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The photovoltaic skylight and lens arrays may be used in combination with strip solar cells. Arrangements that involve lateral displacement tracking systems, or static systems (e.g., that are fixed at one, two, or more predefined positions) are contemplated herein. Such techniques may advantageously help to reduce cost per watt related, in part, to the potentially reduced amount of semiconductor material to be used for such example embodiments. A photovoltaic skylight may permit diffuse daylight to pass through into an interior of a building so as to provide lighting inside the building, while the strip solar cells absorb the direct sunlight and convert it to electricity, providing for SHGC tuning.

Abstract: A backside illuminated multi-junction solar cell module includes a substrate, multiple multi-junction solar cells, and a cell interconnection that provides a series connection, between at least two of the multi-junction solar cells. The substrate may include a material that is substantially transparent to solar radiation. Each multi-junction solar cell includes a first active cell, grown over the substrate, for absorbing a first portion of the solar radiation for conversion into electrical energy and a second active cell, grown over the first active cell, for absorbing a second portion of the solar radiation for conversion into electrical energy. At least one of the first and second active cells includes a nitride.