Abstract: A dental flosser including a plastic handle having proximal and distal ends, a flosser head at the distal end of the handle, and two spaced apart arms extending from the flosser head. First and second strands of dental floss extend transversely between the spaced apart arms. The first and second strands may different material characteristics from each other, such as different coefficients of friction. The first and second strands may be arranged on the arms to provide enhanced cleaning. For instance, a portion of one of the strands may be offset from the other strand along the width of the flosser arms.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for cleaning a substrate with a cleaning system comprising a pre-treatment system using an atomic oxygen generator. The substrate includes a layer to be cleaned and an underlying dielectric layer having a k-value. Pre-treatment gas comprising oxygen and an inert gas are delivered into an atomic oxygen generator, generating a process gas containing atomic oxygen. A portion of a surface of the substrate is exposed to the process gas while controlling two or more cleaning operating variables to ensure meeting two or more cleaning objectives and ensure completion of cleaning in the pre-treatment process time. In an embodiment, cleaning of the substrate in the pre-treatment process is set at less than 100 percent and a subsequent wet cleaning process is used to complete the substrate cleaning. In another embodiment, the pre-treatment system is configured to complete cleaning of the substrate.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a component of a machine is provided. The system includes a cleaning head having a first reel and a second reel to store a cloth. The cleaning head also includes a first idler and a second idler placed in a spaced apart arrangement. The first idler and the second idler are configured to receive the cloth from the first reel. The second reel is configured to store the cloth received from the first idler and the second idler. A spray nozzle is provided to spray a cleaning agent on to the cloth. A robotic arm is attached to the cleaning head. A controller is configured to position the cleaning head relative to the component, activate a movement of the first reel and the second reel to effectuate a dry cleaning cycle, and selectively activate the spray nozzle to effectuate a wet cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A resilient cleaning pad with a support body a portion of which is mechanically secured in a slit-like cavity of the cleaning pad.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a tire valve may include: using a tire valve cleaning tool provided with a cleaning part made from a flexible member, and a holder part that communicates with the cleaning part, a maximum outer diameter of the cleaning part being from 50% to 200% of a minimum inner diameter of the tire valve; removing the valve core from a tire valve installed on a wheel, and removing the foreign material adhered to the inner face of the tire valve with the cleaning part.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a washing chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filter system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid.

Abstract: A grease port cleaning tool includes a grease gun having an actuator, a cleaning fluid inlet, a pressure inlet and a pressurized cleaning fluid outlet. A reservoir of cleaning fluid is coupled to the cleaning fluid inlet and a pressure source is coupled to the pressure inlet. A coupler is coupled to the fluid outlet of the grease gun. The coupler is constructed to conduct pressurized cleaning fluid from the fluid outlet into a grease port in response to operation of the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for dispensing a rinse aid preparation into the interior of a dishwasher comprising a sensor for detecting water, a sensor for detecting temperature, a control unit for processing the sensor data, wherein the control unit is configured to perform the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A container cleaner comprising a spray head, a travel limiter wherein the length the spray head may be depressed is limited by the location of the travel limiter, a starter rod wherein said starter rod is capable of being depressed by said spray head, a timing cartridge wherein the timing cartridge is capable of being opened for a selected period of time when the starter rod is decompressed and a fluid inlet. The further the spray head is depressed the longer the time duration the timing cartridge remains open and the longer the time duration of the pressurized spray is sprayed. The length the spray head may be depressed is dependent on the position of the travel limiter and he travel limiter may be positioned by rotating the spray head.

Abstract: A dish washer is provided which is capable of improving the washing efficiency by washing dishware having severe degree of contamination in a concentrated manner through an auxiliary spraying nozzle, and which is also easily setting a concentrated wash zone as a user varies a position of the auxiliary spraying nozzle.

Abstract: A dish rack for use in a dishwasher is provided. The dish rack includes a front wall, a pair of spaced apart and opposite side walls, and a back wall interconnected so as to bound a space. A hydraulic circuit is disposed within the walls of the dish rack and a spray nozzle is mounted on the wall.

Abstract: A vehicle washing installation having two stands on which a nozzle beam with a plurality of high-pressure nozzles is held so as be adjustable in height is provided. The nozzle beam is surrounded by a protective body extending along the nozzle beam and having at least one outlet opening for cleaning liquid, the protective body being adjustable in height together with the nozzle beam and being movable relative to the nozzle beam upon striking an obstacle, the movement of the protective body relative to the nozzle beam being detectable by a sensor assembly in order to provide a control signal.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a flexible canopy. In one embodiment, the flexible canopy includes a central shaft, a sliding collar, a plurality of supports, a plurality of tensioners, a tensioner connection hub, and a membrane. The sliding collar is slidably connected to and surrounds the central shaft. A first end of each of the supports is connected to the sliding collar, and a second end of each of the supports is connected to the membrane near the edge of the membrane. Each of the tensioners is connected at one end to a different one of the supports and at the other end to the tensioner connection hub. In one embodiment, the flexible canopy includes a handle connected to a first, lower end of the central shaft. In other embodiments, the first, lower end of the central shaft includes or is insertable into a base.

Abstract: A mechanism for facilitating the release of a components employed on an expandable and collapsible canopy having a spring-biased projection penetrating an opening in the component, the mechanism comprising a sturdy flap comprising a thumb press portion which is sufficiently large enough to lower the force per square inch required to release the mechanism, wherein the flap is rotatably secured to the mechanism so that the thumb press portion may be rotated into contact with the projection by a user when in use so that the thumb press portion is substantially perpendicular to the projection upon engagement.

Abstract: A p-type semiconductor block is made of a p-type thermoelectric conversion material, and has a pillar portion and a connection portion laterally protruding from the pillar portion. In addition, an n-type semiconductor block is made of an n-type thermoelectric conversion material, and has a pillar portion and a connection portion laterally protruding from the pillar portion. The p-type semiconductor block and the n-type semiconductor block are alternately arranged in such a way that the connection portion of the p-type semiconductor block is connected with the pillar portion of the n-type semiconductor block and the connection portion of the n-type semiconductor block is connected with the pillar portion of the p-type semiconductor block. The connection portions and tip-end portions of the pillar portions are made of a thermoelectric conversion material containing metal powder.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a structure useful for producing a thermoelectric generator, a thermoelectric generator comprising same and a method for producing same. A method for producing a structure useful for producing a thermoelectric generator, wherein the structure comprises at least one stripe of a n-type and at least one stripe of a p-type material, either separated by a stripe of an insulating material, or provided spatially separated on an insulating material, and comprising stripes of conductive material each connecting one n-type stripe with one p-type stripe, and not in electrical contact with each other, wherein the structure is free from polymeric substrates, wherein the method comprises the steps of co-forming the at least one stripe of a n-type and at least one stripe of a p-type material in a single manufacturing step; and forming connections between the at least one stripe of a n-type and at least one stripe of a p-type material by means of stripes of conductive material.

Abstract: An optimization engine determines an optimal configuration for a solar power system projected onto a target surface. The optimization engine identifies an alignment axis that passes through a vertex a boundary associated with the target surface and then constructs horizontal or vertical spans that represent contiguous areas where solar modules may be placed. The optimization engine populates each span with solar modules and aligns the solar modules within adjacent spans to one another. The optimization engine then generates a performance estimate for a collection of populated spans. By generating different spans with different solar module types and orientations, the optimization engine is configured to identify an optimal solar power system configuration.

Abstract: A solar module is provided which has improved output characteristics. The solar module (1) includes a first protecting member (21), a second protecting member (22), a first solar cell (10a) and a second solar cell (10b), and a first wiring member (11A). The first solar cell (10a) and the second solar cell (10b) are arranged between the first protecting member (21) and the second protecting member (22). The first wiring member (11A) electrically connects the first solar cell (10a) to the second solar cell (10b). A first conductive member (17a) is arranged on the same surface of the first solar cell (10a) as the second protecting member (22). The tip of protrusion portions (11c) formed on the surface of the first wiring member (11A) and the first conductive member (17a) are connected electrically by welding.

Abstract: A PV module includes strings of serially electrically connected individual bifacial photovoltaic cells each of which is characterized by conversion efficiencies that are different for front and back sides of each cell. The module includes at least two of such strings which are electrically parallel to one another such that front sides of cells in one string and back sides of the cells in another string corresponding to the same side of the module. Each side of the module is thereby adapted to generate substantially the same amount of electrical power under otherwise equal circumstances. On a sunny day, the module generates as much electrical power before noon as after noon if the front side and the back side receive, aggregately, substantially the same amount of solar power incident thereon during the day.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining energy from a polychromatic energy source that emits radiation in a first and a second wavelength band comprises a reflector or an energy receiver having an aperture therein; and a holographic lens that diffracts and focuses the radiation within the first wavelength band from the energy source through said aperture towards a first energy receiver, and transmits the radiation within the second wavelength band from the energy source to the reflector or energy receiver. If a reflector is used, the reflector reflects the radiation transmitted by the holographic lens towards a second energy receiver.

Abstract: A solar power generator of an embodiment includes: a solar cell module having a solar cell, and a heat storage material filled unit configured to house a heat storage material disposed so as to thermally contact a back surface side of the solar cell, and a nucleating unit configured to release supercooling of the heat storage material; and a controller configured to control the nucleating unit.

Abstract: A concentrator photovoltaic device includes a concentrating lens that concentrates sunlight, a solar cell element that photoelectrically converts the sunlight concentrated by the concentrating lens, a mounting substrate on which the solar cell element is mounted, a concentrating lens array formed by the concentrating lenses respectively in a row direction (Dx) and a column direction (Dy), and a heat diffusion plate on which the mounting substrates are mounted to diffuse heat from the mounting substrates. The heat diffusion plate is disposed facing the concentrating lens disposed in the row direction (Dx).

Abstract: The electric power generation and heating system using solar energy is disclosed, which comprises a solar cell module; a heat collection part; a heat exchange storage tank; a turbine part; a generator generating electric power; a condenser; a heating part; a water supply pump; and a battery.

Abstract: Components mount an array of solar panels to trapezoidal metal roofs or flat or low-slope roofs. Couplings may secure a trapezoidal metal roof mounting adapter to the peak of the trapezoidal portion of a trapezoidal metal roof, and couplings may secure additional mounting hardware to the adapter. Solar panels may connect to the rear portion of one support and the front portion of another support to achieve an angled installation to improve sun exposure. Wind diffusers may connect to solar panels to form a barrier extending from the upper-most edge of the installed solar panel downward toward the roof to impede wind. The flat and low-slope roof solution may comprise a penetration-free mechanism to install solar panels at an angle on a flat or substantially flat surface while impeding effect from wind and maintaining an electrically grounded connection between all components.

Abstract: A flexible solar cell sheet includes plural through incisions provided between solar cell strings in a direction along the solar cell strings. The solar cell sheet is bonded to a transparent curved surface substrate having three-dimensional curvature. Stress generated inside a surface of the solar cell sheet when the sheet is bonded along the curved surface of the transparent curved surface substrate can be alleviated by the through incisions, and bonding can be performed while suppressing twists and wrinkles occurring in the solar cell sheet.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module may include a first frame portion defining a first plane, a second frame portion defining a second plane angled relative to the first plane, and a photovoltaic panel mounted to the second frame portion. The second frame portion may be supported only at opposing ends. The photovoltaic module may be stackable with similar modules.

Abstract: A composition of an active film of an organic photovoltaic cell, including: an electron-donor material having a conjugated polymer; and an electron-acceptor material having a polymer, wherein the active film comprises a copolymer with a linear structure including: two to five blocks, at least two blocks of which have different chemical natures; two consecutive blocks having different chemical natures; each block having a molar mass of between 500 g/mol and 50,000 g/mol. Also, an organic-cell-based photovoltaic module incorporating such a composition and the use of this composition for the same purposes.

Abstract: A tacky sheet for protecting a back face of a solar battery module includes a synthetic resin substrate layer, a tacky material layer laminated on one face side of the synthetic resin substrate layer, the tacky material layer having an average thickness of 0.01 mm or greater and 1 mm or less, and the tacky sheet being to be attached to a back face of a back sheet of a solar battery module via the tacky material layer.

Abstract: An improved diode energy converter for chemical kinetic electron energy transfer is formed using nanostructures and includes identifiable regions associated with chemical reactions isolated chemically from other regions in the converter, a region associated with an area that forms energy barriers of the desired height, a region associated with tailoring the boundary between semiconductor material and metal materials so that the junction does not tear apart, and a region associated with removing heat from the semiconductor.

Abstract: A photoelectrode, photovoltaic device and photoelectrochemical cell and methods of making are disclosed. The photoelectrode includes an electrode at least partially formed of FeO combined with at least one of lithium, hydrogen, sodium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and nickel. The electrode may be doped with at least one of lithium, hydrogen, and sodium. The electrode may be alloyed with at least one of magnesium, manganese, zinc, and nickel.

Abstract: A photoelectric device includes: a semiconductor substrate including monocrystalline silicon and has first and second surfaces that are opposite to each other; a doping unit formed on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate; and an insulating layer that is formed between the doping unit and the second surface of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the doping unit includes: a first semiconductor layer including a first dopant doped in the monocrystalline silicon; and a second semiconductor layer including a second dopant doped in the monocrystalline silicon.

Abstract: Dispersive optical systems and methods are disclosed, as well as energy generation systems utilizing such systems in combination with photovoltaic cells. A dispersive optical system includes an optical element, a layer of high-dispersion microprisms, and a layer of low-dispersion microprisms. The optical element is configured to focus a light beam. The layer of high-dispersion microprisms is configured to refract the light beam. The layer of low-dispersion microprisms is configured to refract the light beam. The dispersive optical system is configured to optically concentrate and disperse input light incident thereupon into an output comprising a plurality of bands of light each having a different wavelength. A method of optical dispersion includes focusing a light beam with an optical element, refracting the light beam with a layer of high-dispersion microprisms, and refracting the light beam with a layer of low-dispersion microprisms.

Abstract: A solar cell with a molybdenum back electrode layer and a molybdenum selenide ohmic contact layer over the molybdenum back electrode, is provided. The molybdenum selenide layer includes an accurately controlled thickness. A distinct interface exists between the molybdenum back electrode layer and the molybdenum silicide layer. The molybdenum silicide layer is produced by forming a molybdenum layer or a molybdenum nitride layer or a molybdenum oxide layer over an initially formed molybdenum layer such that an interface exists between the two layers. A selenization and sulfurization process is carried out to selectively convert the molybdenum-containing layer to molybdenum selenide but not the original molybdenum back electrode layer which remains as a molybdenum layer.

Abstract: A photoelectric converter is provided with a photoelectric conversion unit, a light-receiving-surface electrode provided on the light-receiving surface of the photoelectric conversion unit, and a rear-surface electrode provided on the rear surface of the photoelectric conversion unit. The rear-surface electrode includes a transparent conductive film layered on the rear surface of the photoelectric conversion unit, and a metallic film layered on substantially the entire surface of the transparent conductive film with the exception of an end edge region.

Abstract: A solar cell including a substrate, a first electrode layer in which a 1a-th through-region is formed, a second electrode layer in which a 1b-th through-region is formed at a position corresponding to the 1a-th through-region, and a light absorbing layer formed on the second electrode layer. Here, the solar cell can be implemented to be thin and have improved power generating efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar cell substrate, and to a solar cell using same. The solar cell according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a lower substrate; and a lower electrode formed on the lower substrate. The lower electrode is formed of a Mo—X—Na three-component-system compound metal layer. Here, X may be one of Nb, Ni, Si, Ti, W, and Cr. The solar cell according to another embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a solar cell substrate including a lower substrate and a Mo—X—Na three-component-system compound metal layer that is a lower electrode formed on the lower substrate; a light-absorption layer formed on the solar cell substrate; a buffer layer formed on the light-absorption layer; a transparent window formed on the buffer layer; and an upper electrode formed on the transparent window.

Abstract: A solar cell element and a method for forming an alumina film are disclosed. The method comprises: preparing a substrate; supplying sources of an aluminum source material that contains aluminum atoms and an oxygen source material that contains oxygen atoms comprising H2O and O3 to the substrate; and forming an alumina film on the substrate.

Abstract: The solar cell (1) of the present invention is provided with: a photoelectric conversion unit (10); a transparent conductive layer (15) provided on the surface of the photoelectric conversion unit (10); a metal layer (17) provided on the transparent conductive layer (15); and an intermediate layer (20) which has a smaller extinction coefficient than that of the metal layer (17) and which is provided between the transparent conductive layer (15) and the metal layer (17). Evanescent light generated at the interface between the photoelectric conversion unit (10) and the transparent conductive layer (15) is less readily absorbed by the intermediate layer (20), and the proportion of the metal layer (17) which readily absorbs evanescent light can be reduced in the area in which evanescent light is standing. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in optical reflectance by the metal layer (17), and to increase the utilization efficiency of light.

Abstract: Provided is a solar cell with improved photoelectric conversion efficiency. A second busbar portion (15n) is arranged continuously across a first finger portion (14p) and a second finger portion (14n). The solar cell (1) is further provided with a first insulating layer (27). The first insulating layer (27) insulates the first finger portion (14p) and the second busbar portion (15n).

Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprises a plurality of photovoltaic elements connected by a wiring member; a bus bar portion provided on the light-receiving surface of each of the photovoltaic elements; and an adhesive having a first adhesion section and a second adhesion section, the adhesive being provided on the bus bar portion to connect the bus bar portion and the wiring member to each other. The first adhesion section has a higher electrical conductivity than that of the second adhesion section, and the second adhesion section has a higher translucency than that of the first adhesion section.

Abstract: A transparent luminescent solar concentrator is provided. In another aspect, a luminescent solar concentrator absorbs outside of visible light and emits outside of visible light. A further aspect of a luminescent solar concentrator employs nanocrystal clusters embedded in a polymeric matrix. In still another aspect, a unique ligand and luminophore host pairing is used for a solar concentrator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic module comprising a photovoltaic semiconductor (1) and one or more layers (2), which contain a synthetic polymer (A) and a hindered amine light stabilizer (B). The hindered amine light stabilizer (B) is for example a compound of the formula I wherein m is=1, Y is O, A is C1-C19 alkylcarbonyl and Z1 is C1-C18 alkyl, C5-C7 cycloalkyl or C2-C12 alkyl substituted with hydroxyl.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprises a photovoltaic element, including a photovoltaic portion having a textured structure formed a light-receiving surface, and a light-receiving surface electrode formed on a part of the light-receiving surface, and a sealing member for sealing the photovoltaic element. Further, the sealing member is configured to include a first resin and a second resin. The first resin has a higher hydrophobic property than the second resin. The second resin is provided on at least some of concavities of the textured structure between the light-receiving surface and the first resin, and has a higher adhesion strength than the first resin with respect to the photovoltaic element.

Abstract: A polyester film has excellent resistance to hydrolysis, excellent heat resistance in high temperatures and low humidity, and mechanical strength. The polyester film satisfies a stress heat resistant coefficient f(125)?3 and a wet thermo retention (=100×S(120)/S(0)) of 30% or more. f(125) is a value obtained by substituting t=125° C. in an approximation represented by f(t); t represents a temperature (° C.) at thermo processing; f(t) represents a stress heat resistant coefficient f at the thermo temperature t and represents an approximation to a straight line obtained by linear approximation by a least squares method of values plotted from a relationship between the thermo temperature t and a logarithm (log T(t)) of time T at which a rupture stress is 50% when t is 150° C., 160° C., 170° C., or 180° C.; T(t) is a time (hr) at which the maximum stress in a tensile test after thermo processing at t° C.

Abstract: A method of spray deposition for inorganic nanocrystal solar cells comprising subjecting a first solution of CdTe or CdSe nanocrystals to ligand exchange with a small coordinating molecule, diluting the first solution in solvent to form a second solution, applying the second solution to a substrate, drying the substrate, dipping the substrate in a solution in MeOH of a compound that promotes sintering, washing the substrate with iPrOH, drying the substrate with N2, and heating and forming a film on the substrate. An inorganic nanocrystal solar cell comprising a substrate, a layer of metal, a layer of CdTe, a layer of CdSe, and a layer of transparent conductor. An inorganic nanocrystal solar cell comprising a transparent conductive substrate, a layer of CdSe, a layer of CdTe, and a Au contact.

Abstract: An inorganic nanocrystal solar cell comprising a substrate, a layer of metal, a layer of CdTe, a layer of CdSe, and a layer of transparent conductor. An inorganic nanocrystal solar cell comprising a transparent conductive substrate, a layer of CdSe, a layer of CdTe, and a Au contact. A method of spray deposition for inorganic nanocrystal solar cells comprising subjecting a first solution of CdTe or CdSe nanocrystals to ligand exchange with a small coordinating molecule, diluting the first solution in solvent to form a second solution, applying the second solution to a substrate, drying the substrate, dipping the substrate in a solution in MeOH of a compound that promotes sintering, washing the substrate with iPrOH, drying the substrate with N2, and heating and forming a film on the substrate.

Abstract: Triarylamine compounds of formula I and methods of using them as hole conducting materials in solar cells. Solar cells that contain these materials.

Abstract: There are provided a photoelectric conversion element with high photoelectric conversion efficiency, whose light absorption efficiency, charge separation efficiency, and charge transport efficiency are at high level, and a method for efficiently manufacturing the photoelectric conversion element. A photoelectric conversion element has an anode, a cathode opposed to the anode, and an organic film disposed between the anode and the cathode and containing a liquid-crystalline conjugated block polymer. A method of manufacturing the above mentioned photoelectric conversion element has the step of, (1) preparing an organic film forming composition containing the liquid-crystalline conjugated block polymer; (2) forming the one electrode and a coating film using the composition on it; (3) heat treating the coating film within a temperature range in a liquid-crystalline state so as to obtain an organic film; and (4) forming the other electrode which is not formed in the step (2) above the organic film.

Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric-conversion device, an electronic instrument, and a building which can suppress long-term performance degradation by suppressing dye desorption or dye aggregation. The photoelectric-conversion device includes a conductive electrode, a porous semiconductor layer, a counter layer, and an electrolyte layer, and the porous semiconductor layer contains a dye and a phosphorous compound such as a decylphosphonic acid. The molar ratio of the phosphorous compound to the dye is 0.5 or more.

Abstract: A water flow valve positioned within a water distribution system just past a building's water meter. The valve compresses air bubbles into the water at the point where the water enters the meter, thus making the meter read less volume when the water passes through it. The air is compressed through back pressure created by the valve. With this increase in pressure, the air molecules in the water begin to collapse and occupy less space. When the water, with collapsed air molecules, passes through the meter, the meter reads basically only the water volume, as the amount of any air volume remaining is negligible. As such, the user's water bill is lower, as compared to if no valve had been disposed within the water line, and the bill reflect a more accurate reading of the actual amount of water that has been delivered.