Abstract: A photovoltaic module including a transparent upper plate and a lower plate, electrically insulating and sealed to each other to define a tight package; photovoltaic cells pressed between the upper and lower plates; at least two electric contacts arranged on at least a surface of each cell, at least one electric contact being in the form of a strip; and elements electrically connecting the contacts of each cell with the contacts of at least one adjacent cell. At least one strip of each cell is housed in a groove made in the plate in front or it, the groove is defined by: a depth between one quarter and three quarters of the thickness of the strip in a uncompressed state; a width greater than or equal to the width of the strip at 85° C.; and a length greater than or equal to the length of the strip at 85° C.

Abstract: A solar concentrator and photoelectric conversion structure is described. The solar concentrator and photoelectric conversion structure includes a glass concentrator and at least one photoelectric conversion layer. The glass concentrator forms a light incident surface and a plane. The plane includes a plurality of concentrating elements. Each concentrating element includes a hollow taper and a hollow pillar. The hollow taper includes a first opening. The hollow pillar includes a second opening and a third opening on opposite sides, in which the second opening is correspondingly connected to the first opening. The photoelectric conversion layer deposited onto inner side surfaces of the hollow tapers and the hollow pillars of the concentrating elements. The photoelectric conversion layer includes at least one p-type material and at least one n-type material.

Abstract: A power generating system is disclosed. The power generating system comprises a solar cell, a support structure coupled to the solar cell and adapted to adjust the position of the solar cell, a first thermal sensor coupled to the solar cell and adapted to detect a first temperature at a first location on the solar cell, a second thermal sensor coupled to the solar cell and adapted to detect a second temperature at a second location on the solar cell, the second location spaced apart from the first location, and a control system. The control system is adapted to receive a first signal from the first thermal sensor and a second signal from the second thermal sensor, compare information conveyed in the first and second signals, and adjust the position of the solar cell by operating the support structure in response to information conveyed in the first and second signals.

Abstract: A concentrated solar cell has a sealing portion (12) provided on a receiver substrate (102) so as to cover a solar cell element (101) provided on the receiver substrate (102), and an optical member (13) that is provided on the sealing portion (12) and concentrates sunlight on the solar cell element (101). The optical member (13) is configured so as to include an optical refraction portion (131) having a curved face for refracting and concentrating sunlight, a concentrated light emission portion (133) that is arranged in close contact with the sealing portion (12) such that the sunlight concentrated by the optical refraction portion (131) is emitted toward the solar cell element (101), and an optical base portion (132) arranged between the optical refraction portion (131) and the concentrated light emission portion (133).

Abstract: A solar panel mounting system may include a solar panel mounting assembly for mounting to a support structure. The solar panel mounting assembly may include a restraining element, a retaining element and a biasing assembly that supports the restraining and retaining elements. The support structure may include an upper surface and a lower surface spaced from the upper surface. The biasing assembly may further include a biasing element that resiliently urges the retaining element toward a securing element for supporting a solar panel that is positioned between the retaining element and the upper surface of the support structure, and resiliently urges the restraining element toward the lower surface of the support structure. A retention device may resiliently bias the solar panels of a solar panel assembly together on a support structure.

Abstract: A photovoltaic panel system is reconfigurable. In another aspect, multiple photovoltaic modules are removably attachable in a linear manner via interfacing male and female electrical connectors and/or magnetic electrical connectors. A further aspect of the present system provides additive collective voltage increases by plugging in multiple photovoltaic modules along one axis while also providing additive collective current increases by connecting these and/or other photovoltaic modules along a generally perpendicular axis.

Abstract: A roof-mounted solar power system for generating electrical power that includes a plurality of solar modules adapted for generating electrical power from sunlight, and with each of the plurality of solar modules having substantially the same size, aspect ratio and surface coloring. The plurality of solar modules are mounted on the deck of a roof to form a bank of solar modules having at least one irregular edge. The solar power system further includes one or more non-power generating edge treatments having substantially the same size, aspect ratio and surface coloring as the solar modules and that are adapted for installation along the irregular edge. Each edge treatment is adapted for a cutting away of at least one corner thereof to smooth the irregular edge of the bank of solar modules to a regular edge.

Abstract: A solar module for a roof covering system that generates electrical power from sunlight includes a frame having a bottom surface supported on a deck of a roof, a top surface, and a thickness between the bottom surface and the top surface. The solar module also includes a solar element mounted to the top surface of the frame which has an upper surface. a micro-inverter mounted to the top surface of the frame and to the side of the solar element, and a raised access panel that is removably coupled to the frame to surround the micro-inverter. The raised access panel has an access panel top surface that is elevated above the upper surface of the solar element. The top surface of the frame forms a water shedding surface below the micro-inverter for directing water away from the roof.

Abstract: A roof integrated solar panel system includes a plurality of solar panel modules, each modules having a frame, a photovoltaic panel mounted to the frame, and a micro-inverter mounted to the frame to one side of the photovoltaic panel and accessible from the top of the frame. The solar panel modules are installable on a roof in aligned or staggered courses to form the solar panel system, and with the installed courses of modules together forming a water barrier protecting the roof.

Abstract: A metal foil pattern layered body of the invention includes: a base member; a metal foil including a metal foil pattern formed by an opening and a metal portion; and a protuberance provided at the metal foil and at a boundary between the opening and the metal portion.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a transparent electroconductive film, which in addition to satisfying each of the requirements of favorable phototransmittance, high electrical conductivity, low refractive index and the like required when using in a multi-junction solar cell, enables running costs to be reduced since the transparent electroconductive film is produced without using a vacuum deposition method. The transparent electroconductive film for a solar cell of the present invention is provided between photoelectric conversion layers of a multi-junction solar cell, a coated film of fine particles formed by coating using a wet coating method is baked, the electroconductive component in the base material that composes the electroconductive film is present within the range of 5 to 95% by weight, and the thickness of the electroconductive film is within the range of 5 to 200 nm.

Abstract: A high-concentration multi-junction solar cell and method for fabricating same is provided. The high-concentration multi-junction solar cell comprises a top cell, an intermediate cell, a bottom cell and two tunneling junctions connecting the top cell and intermediate cell and the intermediate cell and bottom cell. The emitter layers of the top and intermediate cells both employ the graded doping concentrations and have high open circuit voltage and short circuit current. The top cell emitter layer is over several hundred nanometers thicker than that of the traditional multi-junction cell so as to decrease the whole series resistance of the multi-junction cell, improve the fill factor, and gain higher photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A solar cell is disclosed. The solar cell has a front side facing the sun during normal operation, and a back side facing away from the sun. The solar cell comprises a silicon substrate, a first polysilicon layer with a region of doped polysilicon on the back side of the substrate. The solar cell also comprises a second polysilicon layer with a second region of doped polysilicon on the back side of the silicon substrate. The second polysilicon layer at least partially covers the region of doped polysilicon. The solar cell also comprises a resistive region disposed in the first polysilicon layer. The resistive region extends from an edge of the second region of doped polysilicon. The resistive region can be formed by ion implantation of oxygen into the first polysilicon layer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a reduced-area bus bar for collecting current from contacts on the surface of a solar cell. According to various embodiments described herein, a reduced-area bus bar is provided having a width that varies at various points along its longitudinal axis. In particular, the larger width portions of the reduced-area bus bar are configured to provide sufficient pull strength when an interconnecting ribbon is soldered along the bus bar, while the smaller width portions of the reduced-area bus bar enable a reduction in the material required to form the bus bar. Additionally, various embodiments are contemplated in which the reduced-area bus bar comprises a series of segments disposed in a spaced-apart relationship along the bus bar's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell includes four generation cells, wherein their negative electrodes and positive electrodes are facing each other, with an electrolytic solution sealed in between, and being contacted by generation layers. On the other main side of a polyimide layer on which the positive electrodes are formed, wiring layers corresponding to the positive electrodes are provided in positions overlapping with both the corresponding positive electrodes and the positive electrodes adjacent thereto. The wiring layers corresponding to the positive electrodes are connected by through holes and conductor penetrating the polyimide layer. The negative electrodes of the generation cells are connected, on the outer periphery side, with the wiring layers that are connected to the positive electrodes of the adjacent generation cells, except for the wiring layer and negative electrode on which leader terminal parts are formed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a photovoltaic device includes a step of depositing one of an amorphous layer of ZnTe and a multilayer stack of Zn and Te adjacent a semiconductor layer. The one of the amorphous layer and the multilayer stack is then subjected to an energy impulse at a temperature equal to or greater than its critical temperature. The energy impulse results in an explosive crystallization to form a polycrystalline layer of ZnTe from the one of the amorphous layer and the multilayer stack.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element comprising: a photoelectric conversion layer; and a light reflection layer including a metal film provided on one of main surface sides of the photoelectric conversion layer, wherein penetration parts penetrating from one main surface of the metal film to the other main surface are provided in a plurality of portions in the metal film.

Abstract: A solar cell apparatus according to the embodiment includes a substrate; a back electrode layer on the substrate; a light absorbing layer on the back electrode layer; a first buffer layer including CdS on the light absorbing layer; a second buffer layer including Zn on the first buffer layer; and a window layer on the second buffer layer.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide heat, electricity, or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Provided are a back sheet for a solar cell module, and a solar cell module comprising same. The back sheet for a solar cell module comprises: a heat-dissipating metal layer; an upper anticorrosion layer formed on the upper surface of said heat-dissipating metal layer; a lower anticorrosion layer formed on the lower surface of said heat-dissipating metal layer; and a surface layer formed on said upper anticorrosion layer and adhered to a charging sheet of the solar cell module. The back sheet for a solar cell module according to the present invention has superior heat-dissipating properties and thus may efficiently dissipate (discharge) heat generated in a solar cell, thereby increasing the amount of power generation (photoconversion efficiency) of the solar cell. In addition, the back sheet of the present invention is inexpensive and may improve adhesive force and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a solar cell sealing film which has improved insulation properties and durability of adhesive properties under high-temperature environments, and solar cell using the sealing film. A solar cell sealing film consisting of a composition comprising ethylene-polar monomer copolymer and a cross-linker, wherein the composition further contains silane-coupling agent A and silane-coupling agent B, the silane-coupling A having three alkoxysilyl groups in its molecule, and the silane-coupling agent B having one alkoxysilyl group in its molecule; and a solar cell obtained by sealing photovoltaic elements in the solar cell sealing film(s).

Abstract: Efficient processes for making thin film CIGS photovoltaic light absorber materials on a substrate. The processes involve depositing CIGS polymeric precursor inks in combination with depositing indium gallium selenide molecular precursor inks onto a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solar cells and discloses a difluoro benzotriazolyl solar cell material and preparation method and use thereof. The solar cell material is represented by formula (I), wherein both R1 and R2, are C1 to C20 alkyl, and n is an integer from 10 to 50. In the difluoro benzotriazolyl solar cell material, since the 1,2,3-benzotriazole solar cell material contains two fluorine atoms, the HOMO energy level is reduced by 0.11 eV, while the fluorine-substituted 1,2,3-benzotriazole has two imido groups with electron-withdrawing ability; the fluorine-substituted 1,2,3-benzotriazole is a heterocyclic compound with strong electron-withdrawing ability, and an alkyl chain can be easily introduced to the N-position of the N—H bond of the benzotriazole. The functional group of the alkyl chain can improve the solar energy conversion efficiency, thus solving the low efficiency problem of solar cells made of the solar cell material.

Abstract: A steam trap monitor includes a process variable sensor configured to sense a process variable related to operation of a steam trap. A memory contains information related to a baseline parameter of the process variable. Diagnostic circuitry calculates a current parameter of the process variable sensed by the process variable sensor and compares the current parameter of the process variable with the baseline parameter. Based on the comparison, the diagnostic circuitry responsively provides a diagnostic output based upon the comparison. The baseline and current parameter are based on a time period during which the steam trap is open or closed.

Abstract: A ball valve is disclosed having a pipe with two openings. The ball valve selectively permits the passage of liquids or gasses through the two openings. The ball of the ball valve includes a vent hole that communicates with only one of the openings when the ball valve is in the closed position to allow gases or liquids trapped inside the ball to escape the ball rather than expand and damage the ball.

Abstract: A piping component for controlling the flow of high-temperature fluids that includes a piping body having an inlet end and an outlet end, including methods of operating such components within a piping system. The piping body may be sized for fluids operating at temperatures from approximately 350° F. up to approximately 500° F., and 650° F. The piping body may also be sized for high-temperature fluids (e.g., steam) operating at pressures of up to approximately 400 psi, and 600 psi. In addition, the piping body is made from a silicon-copper alloy consisting essentially of less than 16% zinc, less than 0.25% lead, less than 0.25% bismuth, 2 to 6% silicon and a balance of copper (by weight).

Abstract: A microfluidic surface processing system includes a microfluidic probe head having a processing fluid circuit configured to dispense a surface processing fluid from a processing fluid aperture thereof; a linkage mechanism, configured to apply a force to or modulate a force applied to the microfluidic probe head towards a surface to be processed; and a lifting fluid circuit integral with the microfluidic probe head and distinct from the processing fluid circuit, the lifting fluid circuit designed for dispensing a lifting fluid from a lifting fluid aperture thereof, with pressure such as to counter the force applied or modulated by the linkage mechanism, at the level of the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow in a fluid flow path can include a chamber containing an expandable material, the expandable material being configured to expand out of the chamber into a portion of the fluid flow path so as to at least partially block the fluid flow path. The apparatus also can include at least one structure providing flow communication between the chamber and the fluid flow path. The at least one structure can be configured to pass the expandable material from the chamber to the portion of the fluid flow path during expansion so as to control a rate at which the expandable material expands into the portion of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A fluid regulating device includes a regulator valve having a valve body defining an inlet and an outlet and a valve port disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A housing assembly is disposed adjacent the valve port, and the housing assembly includes a first aperture adapted to receive a valve disc. A balancing diaphragm is secured to a portion of the valve disc and a portion of the housing assembly, and a portion of a balancing cavity is defined by a top surface of the balancing diaphragm and an interior surface of the housing assembly. A sensing passage extends from the inlet of the regulator valve to the balancing cavity such that the inlet of the regulator valve is in fluid communication with the balancing cavity.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device including a body having at least one waterway, a valve assembly in fluid communication with the at least one waterway, the valve assembly including a movable valve member configured to control the flow of water through the at least one waterway and a stem operably coupled to the moveable valve member for movement therewith, and a handle coupled to the stem for movement therewith. A magnetically attractive element is supported by one of the handle and the stem, and at least one magnet is supported by the other of the handle and the stem that is configured to magnetically attract the magnetically attractive element to couple the handle to the stem.

Abstract: A balanced pressure regulator includes a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a fluid passageway. A valve seat is disposed within the fluid passageway. A self-aligning valve plug is at least partially disposed within the fluid passageway, the self-aligning valve plug interacting with the valve seat to selectively open or close the fluid passageway. A retainer is partially disposed within a bore of the self-aligning valve plug and operatively connects the self-aligning valve plug to a valve stem having a ball portion. More specifically, the retainer includes a recess adapted to receive the ball portion of the valve stem, such that the self-aligning valve plug automatically rotates around the ball portion of the valve stem to achieve alignment and sealing engagement between a valve disc of the self-aligning valve plug and the valve seat.

Abstract: An automatic water supply control device is disclosed. A power processing unit processes an alternating current outputted by a micro hydro generator and provides a stable direct current. The automatic water supply control device uses a capacitor and a capacitor matrix for storing electric energy. A sensing unit detects changes from an environment such as human proximity, temperature and humidity and outputs sensing signals. A micro controller set receives the sensing signals sent by the sensing unit in order to control an electromagnetic drive unit and drive the electromagnetic coil. The micro controller set also controls an electromagnetic drive unit to drive an electromagnetic coil for supplying water and performing charging based on a logical setting, when an output voltage value of a step-down voltage conversion circuit is lower than a preset voltage value.

Abstract: A pipe system for a fluid, in particular a gas of an intake system (10) or a turbocharger of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method and an apparatus for connecting at least one duct part (12) of a pipe system (10). The pipe system (10) has at least one blow-molded duct part (12) made of plastic and at least one fitting (18) for connecting the at least one blow-molded duct part (12) with another part (20) of the pipe system (10). The fitting (18) is inserted tight in the at least one blow-molded duct part (12). The at least one blow-molded duct part (12) is shrinked onto the at least one fitting (18).

Abstract: The invention relates to a single-lever mixing cartridge, comprising a head piece (1), which accommodates a bottom piece (8), and a disk control having a control disk (5) that is arranged in a rotatable and pivotable manner via a rotatably and pivotably mounted spindle (2). The bottom piece (8) is connected to the head piece (1) via a latching connection and is sealed against the head piece (1) by means of a sealing element. Furthermore, one, preferably two inlet channels (81) and an outlet channel (82) are provided in the bottom piece (8), wherein the bottom piece (8) has an axial shoulder (83) through which only the inlet channels (81) are guided.

Abstract: A pressure-reducing regulator for CNG fuel includes a high pressure sensor that detects fuel pressure at an inlet, a filter element that filters fuel, an orifice that provides access to a pressure reduction chamber, and a movable pintle located within the orifice, such that a flow rate of fuel through the orifice varies according to a position of the pintle within the orifice. The pressure-reducing regulator further includes a motor that moves the pintle, a low pressure sensor that detects fuel pressure at an outlet and a control unit comprising a processor. The process is configured for reading data from the high pressure sensor, data from the low pressure sensor and vehicle data from an engine, calculating a desired position of the pintle based on the sensor data and the vehicle data, and transmitting a signal to the motor for moving the pintle to the desired position.

Abstract: A fluid regulating device includes a regulator valve, an actuator and a pilot regulator valve assembly. The pilot regulator valve assembly provides a pressure load to a surface of a diaphragm of the actuator in response to changes in downstream pressure being applied to the opposite surface of the diaphragm. An upper cavity of the pilot regulator valve assembly is in fluid communication with a control cavity of the actuator, allowing both the actuator diaphragm and the pilot regulator valve assembly diaphragm to simultaneously sense pressure variations within the cavities. As the downstream pressure varies, the diaphragms of both the actuator and the pilot regulator valve assembly displace to regulate the downstream pressure and the pilot regulator valve assembly maintains a load pressure. The regulator further includes a balanced regulator valve applying a balancing force to offset a force of upstream pressure on a balanced valve plug.

Abstract: A pilot operated pressure relief valve includes a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a fluid passageway. A valve plug may be disposed within the fluid passageway, the valve plug cooperating with a valve seat to control fluid flow through the fluid passageway. An actuator may be connected to the valve plug, the regulator biasing the valve plug towards the valve seat. A pilot assembly may include a first pilot valve and a second pilot valve, wherein the pilot assembly directs fluid pressure upstream of the valve plug to one of the first and second pilot valves. When the upstream fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined level, the valve plug moves away from the valve seat allowing fluid to flow through the fluid passageway.

Abstract: A fluid regulating device includes a regulator valve having an inlet, an outlet, and a valve port disposed between the inlet and the outlet. An actuator is coupled to the regulator valve and includes a valve disc that displaces between a closed position and an open position. The device also includes an overpressure protection device adapted to stop flow from the inlet to the outlet when pressure in a control cavity reaches a predetermined level. The overpressure protection device includes a sensing tube having a first end in fluid communication with the control cavity and a second end in fluid communication with the outlet. The sensing tube has a first portion extending parallel to the flow axis. One or more apertures are disposed in the sensing tube adjacent to the second end, and each of the apertures has a centerline that is perpendicular to the flow axis.

Abstract: A balanced port control assembly includes a control element with a valve plug coupled to a valve stem and a pressure sensing labyrinth defined at least partly by the valve plug. The pressure sensing labyrinth provides for fluid communication between a sealing surface of the valve plug and a balancing diaphragm carried internally of the control element. The pressure sensing labyrinth includes at least one pressure sensing passage extending from the sealing surface and into the valve plug along a central longitudinal axis of the control element. So configured, fluid pressure resident on the sealing surface of the valve plug is also resident on the balancing diaphragm such that equal and opposite forces are applied to the control element.

Abstract: A supercritical fluid extraction system including a housing, motor, linkage assembly, and carriage coupled to the linkage. A piston assembly includes a piston housing with a chamber, back check valve, and piston coupled to the carriage and movable within the piston housing. The piston assembly includes a fluid inlet fluidly communicating with the chamber, and receives, compresses, and expels fluid into an exit fluid line. An intake manifold receives fluid and provides an inlet pathway to the fluid inlet. A single-pass flow path fluidly connects the exit fluid line and a collection chamber, extending through the exit fluid line, a compression chamber, a flow modulator assembly, and the collection chamber. The fluid extracts liquid from solid material within the compression chamber when at a minimum pressure within the compression chamber, passes through the flow modulator assembly and precipitates the extracted liquid into the collection chamber when below the minimum pressure.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system comprising: a fuel source; a first trailer comprising a first manifold in fluid communication with a first fuel train; and a second trailer comprising a second manifold in fluid communication with a second fuel train, wherein the first and second manifolds are connected in series to the fuel source.

Abstract: A device separates a fluid mass flow in a nuclear plant. The device contains a primary end piece for conducting the fluid mass flow and a plurality of secondary end pieces for conducting a plurality of separate partial flows of the fluid mass flow. A number of separating elements is provided in the area within the primary end piece, and each of the partial areas defined by the separating element or the separating elements opens in a secondary end piece clearly assigned to the partial area.

Abstract: A dosing system for delivering a dosing fluid includes a dosing manifold having a front panel and a rear panel with a plurality of channels and a plurality of inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication with corresponding channels. The front panel holds a plurality of flow control devices in fluid communication with corresponding channels to control the flow of the dosing fluid in the channels. A dosing pump is in fluid communication with the dosing manifold and is configured to pump the dosing fluid through the dosing manifold.

Abstract: A pneumatic nailer system for use with a compressor having a main storage tank, includes a first air hose connected at one end to the compressor, a supplemental air storage tank connected to an opposite end of the first hose, and connected at a supply end to at least one second air hose, a pneumatic nailer connected to a tool end of the at least one second air hose, such that the supplemental air storage tank is located between the compressor and the at least one nailer. The supplemental air storage tank enables the pneumatic nailer(s) connected to the supplemental air storage tank to provide consistent drive energy for driving fasteners while reducing the internal air storage volume and overall size of the nailer.

Abstract: An adjustable damping valve arrangement includes an actuator for controlling a main stage valve. The main stage valve has a rigid main stage valve body which carries out an axial operating movement relative to a valve seat surface of the main stage valve. A pre-opening valve having at least one spring element which in turn preloads a pre-opening valve body precedes the main stage valve body. The main stage valve body is supported on the valve seat surface in the closed operating position by the pre-opening valve. The pre-opening valve is divided by the valve seat surface into an inner pressure-impinged incident flow surface and an outer pressure-impinged incident flow surface. The inner pressure-impinged surface is operative for a first incident flow direction, and the outer pressure-impinged surface is operative for a second incident flow direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a hydroelectric control valve (HCV) for a fluid pipeline including an inlet and outlet (or input and output) section attached to the same pipeline wherein fluid flows into and out of the HCV comprising a bell reservoir section and a seat reservoir section which are both capped, where the bell reservoir section and the seat reservoir section are aligned with each other and are also perpendicular to fluid flowing through the pipeline. A channel which can be electrically activated and thus controlled is attached to the bell section, such that the bell reservoir section includes a bell relief channel in fluid communication with an outlet section and also a separate hydraulic poppet channel in communication with a locating needle head. In addition, turbine and deactivation channels are employed such that the deactivation channel connects the input section and the seat reservoir.

Abstract: A valved microfluidics device, microfluidics cell-culture device and system incorporating the devices are disclosed. The valved microfluidics device includes a substrate, a microchannel through which liquid can be moved from one station to another within the device, and a pneumatic microvalve adapted to be switched between open and closed states to control the flow of fluid through a microchannel. The microvalve is formed of three flexible membranes, one of which is responsive to pneumatic pressure applied to the valve and the other two of which deform to produce a more sealable channel cross-section. The cell culture device provides valving to allow controlled loading of cells into the individual well of the device, and exchange of cell-culture components in the wells.

Abstract: A burn protection system for a pipe having a central axis comprises a standoff disposed about the pipe. The standoff includes a frame and a plurality of circumferentially spaced pipe engagement members coupled to the frame. Each pipe engagement member is radially positioned between the frame and the pipe and engages the pipe at a single point of contact. In addition, the burn protection system comprises a cage mounted to the frame of the standoff.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated structure including a tube having an outer wall, a jacket surrounding the tube to enclose an annular insulating space, the jacket having an end that terminates at the outer wall of the tube, a seal formed between the end of the jacket and the tube to preserve a vacuum within the insulating space, and a fitting affixed to one of the tube and the jacket for coupling the vacuum insulated structure to an external device. A method of making a vacuum insulated structure including forming a tube and a jacket, positioning the jacket over the tube to form an annular insulating space, with an end of the jacket being positioned adjacent to an outer wall of the tube to form a vent, causing air to escape through the vent, sealing the vent, and affixing a fitting to one of the tube and the jacket.

Abstract: A disposable flow path having a manifold system that provides pressure resistance for the disposable device. The disposable device is comprised of a first rigid plastic sheet and a second rigid plastic sheet. Each sheet has two major surfaces and a thickness between them. At least one sheet surface has flow channels formed in it. The flow channels extend away from a first major surface and beyond the normal plane of a second major surface of the sheet. The sheets are liquid tightly sealed to each other at their adjoining first major surfaces. When each sheet contains a flow channel, the flow channels are aligned and in register with each other. One or more fittings can be secured in the flow channel(s) at an edge of the two liquid tightly sealed sheets. Alternatively, tubing is placed in the channels before the sheets are secured to one another.