Abstract: A method of fabricating a thermoelectric device includes providing a substrate having a plurality of inclined growth surfaces protruding from a surface thereof. Respective thermoelectric material layers are grown on the inclined growth surfaces, and the respective thermoelectric material layers coalesce to collectively define a continuous thermoelectric film. A surface of the thermoelectric film opposite the surface of the substrate may be substantially planar, and a crystallographic orientation of the thermoelectric film may be tilted at an angle of about 45 degrees or less relative to a direction along a thickness thereof. Related devices and fabrication methods are also discussed.

Abstract: Low-temperature sulfurization/selenization heat treatment processes for photovoltaic devices are provided. In one aspect, a method for fabricating a photovoltaic device is provided. The method includes the following steps. A substrate is provided that is either (i) formed from an electrically conductive material or (ii) coated with at least one layer of a conductive material. A chalcogenide absorber layer is formed on the substrate. A buffer layer is formed on the absorber layer. A transparent front contact is formed on the buffer layer. The device is contacted with a chalcogen-containing vapor having a sulfur and/or selenium compound under conditions sufficient to improve device performance by filling chalcogen vacancies within the absorber layer or the buffer layer or by passivating one or more of grain boundaries in the absorber layer, an interface between the absorber layer and the buffer layer and an interface between the absorber layer and the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for radiant energy transfer has at least one radiant energy transfer panel (20) having a light-energy transfer surface (21) and a back surface (23). The back surface has a panel electrode (42) for an electrical connection with the at least one radiant energy transfer panel. The panel electrode is conductively coupled to a first member of a separable flexible conductive fastener. A second member of the separable flexible conductive fastener has a power connection electrode. The power connection electrode is conductively coupled to a power device (12). Mechanically engaging the first and second members of the separable flexible conductive fastener connects the panel electrode on the at least one radiant energy transfer panel to the power connection electrode.

Abstract: A high efficiency configuration for a string of solar cells comprises series-connected solar cells arranged in an overlapping shingle pattern. Mechanically compliant electrical interconnects may electrically couple two or more such strings in series, for example. Front and back surface metallization patterns may provide further increases in efficiency.

Abstract: A high efficiency configuration for a string of solar cells comprises series-connected solar cells arranged in an overlapping shingle pattern. Front and back surface metallization patterns may provide further increases in efficiency.

Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning solar energy collection devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated unit combines the necessity of solar panel repositioning with water filtration. While also providing clean water for the end user, the integrated unit uses controlled weight displacement to rotate a solar panel to follow the sun from east to west—a process also known as horizontal (azimuth) solar tracking.

Abstract: A concentrator photovoltaic is formed by concentrator photovoltaic panels each having solar cells arranged on the back side of concentrating lenses. A plurality of portions of an image are imaged at the periphery of each of the solar cells in each of the panels. When each of the panels tracks the sun to be swung in the right-left direction and in the up-down direction, an image which can be identified through the concentrating lenses by a person who sees the image from a position in front of the concentrator photovoltaic is different according to an angle at which the panel is swung (direction rotation angle and elevation angle) due to the characteristic of the concentrating lenses. Therefore, the image of a letter or the like which appears with movement of the sun can be changed, and a message or the like according to time thereof can be displayed.

Abstract: An excellent surface protective material having moisture proofness that is not deteriorated for a prolonged period of time is provided for a highly moisture proof surface protective material for a solar cell, containing a moisture proof film that comprises a substrate having on one surface thereof an inorganic thin film layer and has a water vapor permeability of less than 0.1 g/m2·day. The surface protective material for a solar cell contains: a moisture proof film that comprises a substrate having on one surface thereof an inorganic thin film layer and has a water vapor permeability of less than 0.1 g/m2·day, a weatherproof film on a side of the inorganic thin film layer of the moisture proof film; and a back surface film that has a melting point of 80° C. or more and 180° C. or less on the opposite side of the moisture proof film from the inorganic thin film layer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic panel racking system is provided having multiple beams aligned in parallel relation where multiple photovoltaic panels are mounted on top of the beams. The beams have a wave structure with multiple sets of slopes providing multiple mounting points. The photovoltaic panel racking system provides a low cost, easy to install and manufacture photovoltaic panel installation solution for roof tops and other surfaces.

Abstract: A device and method for forming a photovoltaic device include forming a photovoltaic stack of layers on a transparent substrate wherein at least one layer of the photovoltaic stack of layers includes a microcrystalline layer. The microcrystalline layer is formed by purging a vacuum chamber with a gettering gas to remove contaminant species from the chamber prior to forming the microcrystalline layer. The microcrystalline layer is deposited at a vacuum base pressure of greater than about 10?2 Torr.

Abstract: A reverse p-n junction solar cell device and methods for forming the reverse p-n junction solar cell device are described. A variety of n-p junction and reverse p-n junction solar cell devices and related methods of manufacturing are provided. N-intrinsic-p junction and reverse p-intrinsic-n junction solar cell devices are also described.

Abstract: A method of forming an ordered nanorods array in a confined space is used to form a high surface area device where an ensemble of parallel trenches has micrometer dimensions for the width and depth of the trenches, which are decorated with crystalline nanowires radiating from the sidewalls and bases of the trenches. The high surface area device is formed by depositing a conformal crystalline seed coating in the trenches, forming microchannels from these trenches by placing a barrier layer on the open surface of the trenches, contacting the conformal coating with a crystal precursor solution that is caused to flow through the microchannels. In an embodiment, a very high surface area electrode is constructed with ZnO nanowires radiating from the sidewalls and base of trenches formed on a silicon substrate. The device can be a dye-sensitized solar cell.

Abstract: Solar cells exhibiting improved conversion efficiency are disclosed. Particularly, multi-pn junction solar cells that contain a current spreading layer as well as concentrating photovoltaic modules that include such a solar cell and light concentrating optics are disclosed. The multi-pn junctions in question may generally be made up of III-V semiconductor materials, while the current spreading layer may generally be made up of II-VI semiconductor materials.

Abstract: A solar cell and a method of fabricating a solar cell. A solar cell including a substrate; a first electrode layer on the substrate; a light absorbing layer on the first electrode layer; an alloy layer between the first electrode layer and the light absorbing layer; a buffer layer on the light absorbing layer; a first through-hole formed through the buffer layer, the light absorbing layer, the alloy layer, and the first electrode layer to the substrate; and an insulating barrier in at least one portion of the first through-hole.

Abstract: The present invention describes an aluminum-based paste composition including an aluminum powder, one or more glass frits, an organo-aluminate compound; and an organic vehicle. The present invention also describes a solar cell including an aluminum-based paste composition applied on a back surface of a silicon wafer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dye-sensitized solar cell and to a method for manufacturing same, and more specifically, to a novel dye-sensitized solar cell for preventing photoelectron recombination due to a triiodide, and to a method for manufacturing same. The dye-sensitized solar cell, according to the present invention, comprises a metal oxide which is produced by co-adsorption of a reactive compound, which can react with iodine, with a dye on a surface of the dye-sensitized solar cell. The dye-sensitized solar cell can achieve high efficiency by preventing the photoelectron recombination due to the triiodide while using a small amount of the dye.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell including: (a) a housing including an at least partially transparent cell wall having an interior surface; (b) an electrolyte, containing an iodide based species; (c) a transparent electrically conductive coating disposed on the interior surface; (d) an anode disposed on the conductive coating, the anode including: (i) a porous film containing titania, the porous film adapted to make intimate contact with the iodide based species, and (ii) a dye, absorbed on a surface of the porous film, the dye and the porous film adapted to convert photons to electrons; (e) a cathode disposed on an interior surface of the housing; (f) electrically-conductive metallic wires, disposed within the cell, and electrically contacting the anode and the coating, and (g) a second electrically conductive coating including an inorganic binder and an inorganic electrically conductive filler, the second coating bridging between each of the wires and the transparent coating.

Abstract: The solar cell of the present invention includes a semiconductor substrate, a back-side electrode arranged in a region excluding at least a predetermined conductor arrangement region in the back surface of the semiconductor substrate, and solder adhering to the back surface of the semiconductor substrate in the conductor arrangement region and to the back-side electrode. The method of manufacturing a solar cell of the present invention includes preparing a semiconductor substrate, forming a back-side electrode having an empty portion through which the back surface of the semiconductor substrate is exposed in a region excluding at least a predetermined conductor arrangement region in the back surface of the semiconductor substrate, and soldering in the empty portion by bringing solder into contact with the back surface of the semiconductor substrate exposed in the empty portion and with the back-side electrode and performing ultrasonic soldering.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a solar cell substrate, comprising: a lower substrate; and a lower electrode that is formed on the upper part of said lower substrate, wherein a metal diffusion-preventing film having at least one or two or more metal layers is included between said lower substrate and said lower electrode, and if two or more metal layers are formed, the metal layers adjoining each other can be different metals.

Abstract: A conducting substrate includes a dielectric substrate having alkali ions, an electrode coating having a molybdenum-based layer on the substrate, and a stack of several layers between the substrate and the electrode coating. The stack comprises a first layer impermeable to alkali on the substrate, a layer for retention of alkali on the first layer impermeable to alkali and made of another material, and a second layer impermeable to alkali on the layer for retention of alkali and made of a material other than the layer for retention of alkali. The ratio of the thickness of the layer for retention of alkali to the first layer impermeable to alkali is equal to 2 or more.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thin film solar cell including a transparent substrate, a transparent electrode layer, at least one photoelectric conversion unit, and a back electrode layer in this order from the light incident side. The transparent substrate includes a transparent base, a transparent undercoat layer having fine particles and a binder, and an insulating irregularity layer in this order from the light incident side. Consequently, light reflection by the transparent substrate is suppressed and optical path length of the incident light is increased due to light diffusion, so that improved optical confinement effect can be achieved.

Abstract: The fluoropolymer compositions of the present invention generally incorporate ingredients comprising one or more fluoropolymers, an ultraviolet light protection component (hereinafter UV protection component), and optionally one or more additional ingredients if desired. The UV protection component includes a combination of at least one hindered tertiary amine (HTA) compound having a certain structure and a weight average molecular weight of at least 1000. This tertiary amine is used in combination with at least one organic, UV light absorbing compound (UVLA compound) having a weight average molecular weight greater than 500. When the HTA compound and the UVLA compound are selected according to principles of the present invention, the UV protection component provides fluoropolymer compositions with significantly improved weatherability characteristics for protecting underlying materials, features, structures, components, and/or the like.

Abstract: A solar cell element includes: a transparent body; a MgxAg1-x layer (0.001?x?0.045) having a thickness (2-13 nm); and a ZnO layer having an arithmetical mean (Ra: 20-870 nm); a transparent conductive layer; and a photoelectric conversion layer including n-type and p-type layers, further includes n-side and p-side electrodes, the ZnO layer is composed of ZnO columnar crystal grains grown on the MgxAg1-x layer; each ZnO grain has a longitudinal direction along a normal line of the body, and has a width increasing from the MgxAg1-x layer toward the transparent conductive layer, and has a width which appears by cutting each ZnO grain along the normal line, and has a R2/R1 ratio (1.1-1.8); where R1 represents the width of one end of the ZnO grain, the one end being in contact with the surface of the MgxAg1-x layer; and R2 represents the width of the other end of the ZnO grain.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a photovoltaic device includes applying a diblock copolymer layer on a substrate and removing a first polymer material from the diblock copolymer layer to form a plurality of distributed pores. A pattern forming layer is deposited on a remaining surface of the diblock copolymer layer and in the pores in contact with the substrate. The diblock copolymer layer is lifted off and portions of the pattern forming layer are left in contact with the substrate. The substrate is etched using the pattern forming layer to protect portions of the substrate to form pillars in the substrate such that the pillars provide a radiation absorbing structure in the photovoltaic device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a terminal box with improved tab wire connection strength with limited warping and breakage of a translucent insulation substrate. A solar cell module is provided with: a solar cell with a cathode and an anode positioned on one surface thereof; a pair of power extraction tab wires which are connected onto the cathode and anode of the solar cell with a conductive adhesive layer interposed therebetween; and a pair of terminal box tab wires which are disposed on one surface of the solar cell with an insulating adhesive layer interposed therebetween, one end thereof being positioned on the cathode and the anode and which connect a terminal box with the pair of power extraction tab wires. The power extraction tab wires on the cathode and the anode are connected to the one end of the terminal box tab wires with the conductive adhesive layer interposed therebetween.

Abstract: Benzodithiophene-containing polymers, as well as related photovoltaic cells, articles, systems, and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one aspect, a system for recirculating ozonated liquid. The system includes a contactor including at least two inlets and at least two outlets. The contactor is in fluid communication with a first liquid source at a first contactor inlet and a second liquid source at a second contactor inlet, and the second contactor inlet receives gas that purges at least a portion of gas from liquid received at the first contactor inlet. The purged gas exits the contactor at a first contactor outlet. The contactor is in fluid communication with the second liquid source at a second contactor outlet, and the contactor drains at least a portion of the liquid in the contactor, the drained liquid exiting the contactor at the second contactor outlet. The contactor includes a third inlet in fluid communication with the first liquid source, the third inlet allowing the first liquid source to release liquid at an ambient pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of manipulating a droplet in a droplet actuator. Methods of the invention utilize light alone or light in combination with droplet operations to, for example, pin droplets, split droplets, pattern surfaces, and/or sort droplets, particles, and/or cells.

Abstract: Methods for combinatorially processing semiconductor substrates are provided. The methods may involve receiving a substrate into a combinatorial processing chamber and sealing a plurality of flow cells against a surface of the substrate. The plurality of flow cells is enclosed within the combinatorial processing chamber to define an enclosed external environment for the plurality of flow cells. A pressure differential is created between a reaction area of the plurality of flow cells of the combinatorial processing chamber and the external environment, wherein each flow cells of the plurality of flow cells defines a site isolating region of die substrate. The regions the substrate are then combinatorially processed.

Abstract: A pressure accumulator system, and a method of operating a pressure accumulator system. The method includes operatively connecting a tank neck to at least two pressure accumulator vessels having different admissible operating pressures, in which at least one of the pressure accumulator vessels has an admissible operating pressure lower than a maximum applicable pressure at the tank neck, simultaneously filling via the tank neck the at least two pressure accumulator vessels with a fluid medium, and preventing an inadmissible pressure rise in the pressure accumulator vessels with the lower admissible operating pressure during the simultaneous filling.

Abstract: A bucket sump system for use with a liquid which includes a bucket having an interior comprising: sides defining an open top and coupled to a flat bottom, and a wedge insert received by the interior of the bucket, resting flush against the flat bottom of the bucket. The wedge insert has a flat bottom portion, a sloped top surface connected to the bottom portion through a first side having a first height and a second side having a second height, and an orifice defined by the first side of the wedge insert. The liquid received by the interior of the bucket flows from the second side of the sloped top portion of the wedge insert to the first side of the sloped top portion of the wedge insert and into the orifice. The second height of the wedge insert is greater than the first height of the wedge insert.

Abstract: A device is provided for plugging a hole in a membrane. The device comprises a cap including a chamber for storing compressed gas, an inflatable bladder connected to the cap and a first conduit via which fluid can escape from a distal side of the membrane whilst the device is inserted into the hole. The device further comprises a first control means for controlling the escaping fluid through the device, a second conduit via which a compressed gas can flow from the chamber into the inflatable bladder and a second control means for controlling the flow of compressed gas from the chamber into the bladder. The bladder is arranged to be inserted at least partially through the hole in the membrane in a non-inflated state and at least partially inflated after it has been inserted therein.

Abstract: A method of flow baffle installation is disclosed herein. The method, in various aspects includes the steps of orienting a side support at a specified elevation about a sidewall of a sump using a leveling support, bolting the side support to the sidewall of the sump following the step of orienting a side support at a specified elevation about a sidewall of a sump using a leveling support, orienting an opposing side support at the specified elevation about the sidewall of the sump using a corresponding leveling support, bolting the opposing side support to the sidewall of the sump following the step of orienting an opposing side support at the specified elevation about the sidewall of the sump using a corresponding leveling support, adjusting an adjustable cross-member to span between the side support and the opposing side support. This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) only.

Abstract: A pipe jack including a sprocket head having radial projections, a hydraulic jack having a ram plunger at a top end and a base at a bottom end, a base plate and a roller chain sized to engage with the radial projections in various embodiments. In one embodiment, arc sprockets are provided in parallel on the sprocket head with each sprocket having a chord, connecting the arc ends, defining a flat surface across the arc sprocket. The chain engages with the arc sprockets and are adjacent and axially offset. The sprocket head having a support plate with a top and bottom surface, the top surface fixedly engaged with the arc sprockets. A receiving tube can be axially centered on and fixedly engaged with the support plate bottom surface. The pipe jack can be used to lift and position a half sole repair sleeve along a pipe to be repaired.

Abstract: A system for deterring animals and humans from entering protected sprinkler zones. Motion sensors are placed in an area to be protected. Upon detection of a trespasser (e.g., animals or humans) within the protected area, the sensors produce a signal for activating sprinklers in the zone and/or other appropriate zones. The sensor output can be electrically connected to a step down transformer, which is connected to an appropriate sprinkler valve or to the sprinkler valve output at, for example, the sprinkler control box. The sprinkler valve can be activated and an appropriate sprinkler zone turned on to spray the trespasser with water. New or existing sprinkler systems can be utilized for varmint and/or intruder deterrent without utilizing complex electronics.

Abstract: A fluid injection system for dispensing a solution into a fluid flow in a flow line, the fluid injection system including a storage tank having product to be dispensed therein; an inlet connection diverting fluid from the flow line into the tank; an outlet connection returning a mixture of fluid/product back into the flow line; a metering gauge in fluid communication with the inlet connection measuring water flowing into the tank; and a metering head connected to the storage tank and having multiple ports for connection to the inlet connection depending on whether the product to be dispensed is in liquid dry form. The inlet connection includes an inlet probe having an opening defined by an arc at a downstream side. The outlet connection includes an outlet probe having an opening having an angled cut facing downstream, such that a pressure differential is created between the inlet and outlet probes.

Abstract: A balance control valve with improved operational sensitivity is accommodated in the holding space preset into the dual-temperature ceramic valve. Annular grooves are located correspondingly to the cold water opening and hot water opening of the fixed valve pipe. An unscaling portion is formed between the annular grooves and the inner wall of the fixed valve pipe in a vertical configuration, and is used to remove scale generated on the exterior of the moveable spool. The setting width of the annular groove is equal to or greater than the width of the cold water opening and hot water opening. With the setting of the annular groove, the contact area of the moveable spool and the inner wall of the fixed valve pipe could be reduced so as to improve the operational sensitivity of the moveable spool, remove the scale and extend the service life of the balance control valve.

Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism for an inlet valve includes a valve body, and inlet pipe, a retaining member and an actuator. The inlet pipe is sleeved in the valve body and connected to the valve body; the retaining member is assembled in the valve body; and the actuator can drive the retaining member to move to make the valve body fixed to the inlet pipe or moved relatively to the inlet pipe in the axial direction. The actuator drives the retaining member to move in order to let the valve body and the inlet pipe to be fixed or moved relatively to each other in the axial direction. There is no need to rotate the valve body during adjusting process, and the float won't affect the tank wall when the water valve body is rotating.

Abstract: There is proposed a sanitary fitting having a fitting housing and having a control unit for controlling the water flow through at least one water line, wherein the control unit has at least one first control element, in particular an electrically actuable throughflow valve, for closing and opening the water line, wherein the fitting housing is provided for arranging at an installation site, in particular on a wall, on an installation platform and/or on a sanitary body such as a washbasin, bathtub or the like, which sanitary fitting can be maintained or repaired with particularly little effort, specifically even in applications in which the demands with regard to vandalism are of considerable significance.

Abstract: A quick assembly and disassembly mechanism includes a nut seat and a slide block which is movably coupled to the nut seat. The nut seat includes at least two cantilever lock blocks therein. The inner wall of each lock block has threads thereon. The inner diameter encircled by the lock blocks matches with a bolt of a faucet. In normal state, the nut seat can be moved freely on the bolt. When the nut seat is moved to a counter top to compress the slide block, the slide block will push the lock blocks to mesh with the bolt tightly, so that the faucet can be mounted and dismounted quickly.

Abstract: A pour spout adapter comprises a housing, a collar and a threaded engagement. The housing has a sealed bore for receiving a tube. The collar has an internal bore coupled to the housing at a rotatable connection so as to permit a tube to extend from the sealed bore through the collar. The threaded engagement is disposed on the internal bore to receive a threaded pour spout.

Abstract: A water heater is provided that improves heat transfer between the coils of the heat exchanger of a refrigerant-based heating system and the water in the heater's water tank. Grooves can be added to the exterior of the water tank. The coils of the heat exchanger are positioned within the grooves on the exterior surface of the water tank. Additional features may also be used to further improve heat transfer. Methods for constructing such water heater are also provided.

Abstract: A system for extracting and discharging fecal sludge, including: a pneumatic pressure conveyor, the pneumatic pressure conveyor including an air inlet and an air outlet; a pipe tee; a first two-position three-way valve; a second two-position three-way valve; and a plurality of connecting pipes, the pipes including an air vent pipe. The pneumatic pressure conveyor, the air inlet thereof, the air outlet thereof, the pipe tee, the second two-position three-way valve, and the first two-position three-way valve are connected via the connecting pipes to form a loop. The pipe tee is disposed close to the air inlet of the pneumatic pressure conveyor, and one port of the pipe tee not enclosed in the loop functions as an air inlet end of the pneumatic pressure conveyor.

Abstract: A reservoir accessory assembly comprises a flooring structure being configured to support a fluid processing accessory for the reservoir. The flooring structure comprises a cutout being configured to enable entrance of plumbing from the reservoir for connection to the fluid processing accessory. Side panels are joined to the flooring structure. The side panels comprise screened vents. A back panel is joined to the flooring structure. The back panel comprises a ventilation portion being configured to enable airflow with the vents. A front door is pivotally joined to one side panel to enable access to the fluid processing accessory. A top is configured to cover an interior formed by the flooring structure, the side panels, the back panel and the front door in which the fluid processing accessory is enclosed and accessible via the front door.

Abstract: In a case structure for a fluid pressure device, a filter that constitutes part of a fluid pressure unit is equipped with a first body, a case unit connected to a lower portion of the first body, and a filter unit accommodated in the interior of the case unit. The case unit is made up from an outer case, which is formed as a bottomed cylinder from a light-permeable transparent material, and an inner case inserted into the interior of the outer case. Additionally, by insertion of the case unit into an installation hole that opens on a lower portion of the first body and rotating the case unit, projections and retaining walls provided on an outer circumferential surface of the case unit engage with support members provided in the installation hole, thus placing the case unit in a connected state.

Abstract: A valve cage for a fluid flow control device includes a hollow cylindrical body, a noise abatement section, a high capacity flow section, and a transition section. The noise abatement section has a plurality of inlet openings, a plurality of outlet openings, and a plurality of tortuous flow paths extending between the inlet and outlet openings. The high capacity flow section is disposed axially adjacent to the noise abatement section and includes a first axial end, a second axial end, and a plurality of primary flow openings. The transition section is defined at an interface between the noise abatement section and the second axial end of the high capacity flow section and includes a plurality of transition openings. The transition section provides a valve cage with zero dead band between the noise abatement and high capacity flow sections when implemented into a fluid flow control device.

Abstract: A protective device for a gas cylinder valve body is provided comprising a multi-sided body capable of being positioned about the sides of a four-sided gas cylinder valve body, the body comprised of at least two segments hinged with respect to each other, and which when the segments are pivoted toward each other form a four-sided body corresponding in configuration to a corresponding portion of the four sides of the valve body. At least one of the segments has at least two sides oriented at a right angle and fixed to each other. One of the sides of one of the segments has at least one projection on an interior surface thereof configured to engage at least a portion of an opposing surface of the valve body. Free ends of adjacent segments are capable of being connected to each other to maintain the device in position about the valve body, and the device includes at least one tear strip whereby the protective device may be removed by tearing the tear strip.

Abstract: Computerized methods and systems for determining flow direction relative to a bidirectional pressure sensor are provided. The method includes receiving pressure information from the bidirectional pressure sensor. The method includes using the pressure information to evaluate, at a processing circuit, pressure at the bidirectional pressure sensor over time, The method includes assigning a flow direction to a current pressure of the bidirectional pressure sensor by comparing the current pressure to at least one past pressure.

Abstract: A control mechanism for use with a safety valve adapted to seal a wellbore is described. The control mechanism comprises at least one valve actuator for engaging with the safety valve, the at least one actuator being moveable, in use, between a valve open position in which the safety valve is open and a valve closed position, in which the safety valve is closed. The control mechanism further comprises biasing apparatus adapted to bias the at least one valve actuator to the valve closed position, wherein, in use, the at least one valve actuator extends from the safety valve up to a wellbore wellhead. In one described embodiment, the safety valve is moved between the open and closed positions by movement of the at least one valve actuator with respect to the wellbore.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided and includes a poppet disposed to regulate a pressure of a fluid flowing through a pathway defined between the poppet and a valve body, a drive element configured to modulate a pressure of a servo fluid to thereby control a position of the poppet relative to the valve body and an actuator body coupled to the poppet and configured to deliver a supply fluid to the drive element from a first cavity defined between the poppet and the actuator body and to deliver the servo fluid from the drive element to a second cavity defined between the actuator body and the poppet. The poppet defines a filter through which fluid flows from the pathway into the first cavity as the supply fluid.