Abstract: An ice maker for forming ice using a refrigerant capable of transitioning between liquid and gaseous states, the ice maker comprising a compressor, a condenser, a thermal expansion device, an evaporator assembly, a freeze plate thermally coupled to the evaporator assembly, a sump located below the freeze plate, and a guide which permits the sump to move from a first position to a second position. The ice maker may be disposed on top of an ice storage bin having a hole through which ice produced by the ice maker may fall and when the sump is in the first position, water can be recirculated from the sump to the freeze plate by a water pump, and when the sump is in the second position, the sump is adapted to cover the hole of the ice storage bin.

Abstract: Pigs (10) are propelled forwards by a propulsion fluid in a pipeline (21). The pigs (10) have an upstream end (13), a downstream end (11), and an intermediate section (12). The intermediate section has a variable geometry chamber (16) associated therewith and one or more outwardly extending external pawl teeth (15). The pawl teeth are automatically displaceable outwardly relative to a longitudinal axis (9) in response to a pressure differential between a downstream pressure and an upstream pressure. The pig is configured such that a change in a geometry of the chamber in response to the pressure differential between the downstream pressure and the upstream pressure causes the one or more pawl teeth to automatically displace outwardly when the upstream pressure is less than the downstream pressure. When the pawl teeth are deployed, upstream displacement of the pig is inhibited. Various related systems (5) and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a stable cleaning composition comprising: a chelating agent, a low-foaming, temperature- and alkaline-stable surfactant, and water. Other embodiments relate to the methods of preparing the stable cleaning compositions and the methods of their use. The stable cleaning composition described here is a low cost cleaning composition for use either alone or as an additive to a cleaning agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable overnight degreasing system and a method of use. The invention includes a portable soak tank with a disposable liner bag liner that is placed within the interior of the soak tank. The liner bag is then filled with a cleaning solution and soiled items are lowered into the bag liner upon removable grates. The soiled items remain within the locked soak tank overnight or until grease and carbon falls off of the soiled items. An optional heater and/or pump may be used within the soak tank to increase the speed of degreasing. The soak tank also includes a slanted floor that funnels fluid from the interior of the soak tank into a pipe that connects to a valve on the front wall of the soak tank. Fluid is removed from the system through the valve and then the empty liner bag is disposed.

Abstract: Improved removal of ion-implanted photoresist in a single wafer front-end wet processing station is achieved by dissolving gaseous ozone into relatively cool inorganic acid, dispensing the acid ozone mixture onto a wafer, and rapidly heating the surface of the wafer to a temperature at least 30° C. higher than the temperature of the acid ozone mixture.

Abstract: A mobile sanitary wash apparatus and system including a housing including vertical and horizontal protective enclosing walls, with at least one vertical side further including an opening for inserting equipment to be cleaned and/or sanitized, and a drainage system coupled to the flooring for receiving and collecting waste effluent for controlled transport and/or disposal.

Abstract: A drain system for a food preparation machine includes a preparation area drain tray; a rinsing station including a water source; a water collection tray disposed below the rinsing station so as to collect water supplied from the water source; and, a passage from the rinsing station to the preparation area drain tray directing water to flush the preparation area drain tray with water supplied from the water source.

Abstract: An umbrella system that provides stability to an umbrella to prevent it from inversion or damage in strong wind conditions. The umbrella includes guidelines that may be stored in the umbrella handle, and may include a spring stored in the handle for retracting a dispensed length of the guidelines. The guidelines may be secured to the canopy of the umbrella or to the ribs of the umbrella. When the umbrella is in an open position, the guidelines may be extended from the handle to the perimeter of the canopy. The guidelines provide a downward force to the umbrella canopy such that when there are strong winds, the umbrella does not invert due to the guidelines pulling down on the canopy. The guidelines may also be stored within the ribs of the umbrella. Clips may also be used to secure one end of the guidelines to the canopy.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for an articulating walker. The system includes a generally vertical first support in a first plane and a generally vertical second support in a second plane generally parallel to the first plane. An interconnector is also provided and pivotally attached between the first support and the second support. An articulator is structured and arranged to maintain the generally parallel relationship between the first plane and the second plane as the first support and the second support move relative to each other about the interconnector. An associated method of use for providing a normal walking motion is also provided.

Abstract: An end piece for a pole and a pole including such end piece, the end piece including a basket comprising a housing for receiving a distal end of a shaft of the pole, as well as a locking ring for surrounding at least a portion of the housing. The housing is demarcated by a wall supporting at least one catch provided, at a first end, with a nub configured to extend within the housing, the catch being capable of assuming a plurality of configurations corresponding to various radial positions of the nub. The ring is shaped to limit the radial displacement of the first end of the catch outward of the housing when the ring is assembled to the basket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tip assembly for a mobility device such as a cane or walking stick, for example. The tip assembly including a specially shaped extension for enhanced gripping of the surface upon which the associated mobility device is being used. The tip assembly also generally includes a dampening element to assist in dissipating the reverberations of contacting the tip assembly with hard surfaces over time.

Abstract: A compactable car cover provides a flexible covering material that is attached to a car by a frame. The frame can be collapsed into a smaller state for storage by sliding telescoping rods into the central section of the frame. The frame is secured to a vehicle by large suction cups, which are placed on the windshield and rear window of a vehicle. The telescoping rods that form each side of the frame provide an attachment point for the covering material. Each pair of telescoping rods is connected by their own individual cover material, necessary for allowing the telescoping rods to be retracted into the center section. Unlike the outer telescoping rods, the front and rear rods that form the center section cannot be moved, instead serving as a support for the other rods and connection point for the mounting system.

Abstract: Method of deployment of portable shelters is described. The shelters or housing units may be deployed in emergency housing situations and may be grouped into systems of shelters.

Abstract: An apparatus having an exterior surface that simulates a natural surface, and method of manufacturing same, comprising a polymer-foam sidewall having a concave first surface, a first end, and a second end. According to one embodiment in which the apparatus is a hunting blind, the sidewall is generally cylindrical and further has an inner surface, and defines a plurality of windows extending between the inner and outer surfaces. A first endwall is adjacent to the first end of the sidewall. A second endwall is adjacent to the second end of the sidewall. The sidewall, first end wall, and second endwall define an interior space that may be occupied by a hunter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoelectric module, having an electric insulation, an electric conductor path, one surface of the electric conductor path being attached to a surface of the electrical insulation, and a thermoelectric material, one surface of the thermoelectric material being attached to another surface of the conductor path.

Abstract: A stacked thermoelectric conversion module has a structure in which the following are stacked: a module for use in a high-temperature portion which is a thermoelectric conversion module in which a metal oxide is used as each thermoelectric conversion material or a thermoelectric conversion module in which a silicon-based alloy is used as each thermoelectric conversion material; and a module for use in a low-temperature portion which is a thermoelectric conversion module in which a bismuth-tellurium-based alloy is used as each thermoelectric conversion material. The stacked thermoelectric conversion module disposes a flexible heat-transfer material and, if necessary, a metal sheet between the module for use in a high-temperature portion and the module for use in a low-temperature portion. Also, the stacked thermoelectric conversion module disposes a cooling member on the cooling surface side of the module and a flexible heat-transfer material.

Abstract: Method for generation of electrical power within a three-dimensional integrated structure comprising several elements electrically interconnected by a link device, the method comprising the production of a temperature gradient in at least one region of the link device resulting from the operation of at least one of the said elements, and the production of electrical power using at least one thermo-electric generator comprising at least one assembly of thermocouples electrically connected in series and thermally connected in parallel and contained within the said region subjected to the said temperature gradient.

Abstract: Provided is a thermoelectric conversion element having a greater Seebeck coefficient (S) than the conventional ones. In a thermoelectric conversion element: a nonmagnetic Heusler alloy film (10), a ferromagnetic Heusler alloy film (11) and a nonmagnetic layer (12) are stacked in the named order; a pair of electrodes (23, 24) are disposed for deriving, in accordance with a temperature gradient occurring in parallel to the direction of magnetization (41) of the ferromagnetic Heusler alloy film, an electromotive force occurring perpendicularly to the direction of magnetization of the ferromagnetic Heusler alloy film; a pair of electrodes (21, 22) are disposed for deriving an electromotive force occurring in parallel to the direction of magnetization of the ferromagnetic Heusler alloy film; and the electromotive forces occurring due to an ordinary Seebeck effect and a spin Seebeck effect are simultaneously derived.

Abstract: A photovoltaic assembly includes a solar plate, a first driving device, and a first cleaning member secured to the first driving device. The solar plate includes a front surface, a first side edge and a second side edge connected to the first side edge. The first cleaning member includes a bottom surface, and is rotatable by the first driving device. The bottom surface contacts with the front surface and is slidable relative to the solar plate between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the bottom surface is aligned with the first side edge. In the second position, the bottom surface is aligned with the second side edge.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a solar panel, a debris detecting module, and a cleaning assembly. The debris detecting module detects debris on the solar panel. The cleaning assembly cleans the debris from the solar panel when the debris detecting module detects a weight of the debris on the solar panel.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a solar panel and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a driving member, a transmission member, and a wiper fixed to the transmission member and attached to the solar panel. The transmission member is driven by the driving member. The transmission member moves relative to the solar panel. The wiper is moved to wipe debris on the solar panel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a photovoltaic power generation device that includes solar cell modules installed for solar cell panels, respectively, with forming a height difference or a gap between each two of the solar cell panels, to change an arrangement angle and direction of the solar cell modules for each season period according to variations of the sun altitude and azimuth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photovoltaic power systems, photovoltaic concentrator modules, and related methods. In particular, the present invention features concentrator modules having interior points of attachment for an articulating mechanism and/or an articulating mechanism that has a unique arrangement of chassis members so as to isolate bending, etc. from being transferred among the chassis members. The present invention also features adjustable solar panel mounting features and/or mounting features with two or more degrees of freedom. The present invention also features a mechanical fastener for secondary optics in a concentrator module.

Abstract: A solar concentrator (1) having a longitudinal axis of extension (3) and a cross-section at right angles to the longitudinal axis substantially equal for a continuum of cross-sections, and comprising a reflective system (6) and a refractive system (7), the reflective system forming an optical inlet (8) and an optical outlet (9) and comprising two semi-portions positioned specularly relative to the plane of symmetry, where the cross-section profile of the refractive system is a triangle (11) having a base (12) at the optical outlet (9) and apex (13) on the axis of symmetry (5), where the cross-section profile of each semi-portion of the reflective system comprises a segment (18) in the shape of a parabola having an axis (20) forming with the axis of symmetry an acceptance angle (?0) greater than zero and a focus (F) on the axis of symmetry, and where the focus falls inside the triangle.

Abstract: Voltage-matched thin film multijunction solar cell and methods of producing cells having upper CdTe pn junction layers formed on a transparent substrate which in the completed device is operatively positioned in a superstate configuration. The solar cell also includes a lower pn junction formed independently of the CdTe pn junction and an insulating layer between CdTe and lower pn junctions. The voltage-matched thin film multijunction solar cells further include a parallel connection between the CdTe pn junction and lower pn junctions to form a two-terminal photonic device. Methods of fabricating devices from independently produced upper CdTe junction layers and lower junction layers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes solar cells, a wiring member electrically connecting the solar cells, a first protection member provided on a light-receiving-surface side of the solar cells, a second protection member provided on a back-surface side of the solar cells, and a sealing material provided between the first protection member and the second protection member to seal the solar cells therein. The first protection member has a first texture on one of principal surfaces thereof that faces the opposite side of the solar cells. The wiring member has a second texture on one of principal surfaces thereof that faces the first protection member. The first texture and the second texture are provided such that, in a plan view, a normal to a surface of the first texture is not parallel to a normal to a surface of the second texture.

Abstract: Discussed is a solar cell module including a plurality of solar cells including a photoelectric convertor and an electrode, a circuit wiring layer having a wiring for electrically connecting the plurality of solar cells, a barrier disposed on the circuit wiring layer, the barrier partitioning areas corresponding to the plurality of solar cells, and a sealing material for bonding and sealing the plurality of solar cells, the circuit wiring layer and the barrier.

Abstract: A surface electrode (5) is installed on the light receiving surface of a solar cell element, the surface electrode (5) comprises three bus bar electrodes (5a) for extracting light-produced at the solar cell element to the outside and collecting finger electrodes (5b) connected to these bus bar electrodes (5a), and the bus bar electrodes (5a) are not less than 0.5 mm and not more than 2 mm in width and the finger electrodes (5b) are not less than 0.05 mm and not more than 0.1 mm in width. A high-efficient solar cell module can be obtained with substantially lowered resistance by increasing the number of bus bar electrode (5a) and thereby decreasing the lengths of the finger electrodes (5b).

Abstract: Provided are a multi-layered film, a backsheet for a photovoltaic cell, a method of forming the same and a photovoltaic module. The multi-layered film may include a primer layer and a fluoropolymer coating layer formed by coating, and thus the fluoropolymer coating layer, which is a surface layer, may have excellent durability and weather resistance due to an inter-diffusion effect between materials in the respective layers, and a high interface adhesive strength with a substrate and the primer layer. In addition, in the preparation of the multi-layered film, a production cost may be reduced, productivity may be increased, and degradation in quality of a product caused by thermal transformation or heat shock may be prevented. The multi-layered film may be effectively used as a backsheet for various photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enhancing optical absorbance and photovoltaics are disclosed. In some embodiments, a light absorbing device comprises a light absorbing material having a front surface and a back surface, and a planar array of nanostructures embedded within the light absorbing material between the front surface and the back surface of the light absorbing material. The nanostructures may be formed from a metallic material.

Abstract: The systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments provide a photovoltaic cell made up of an array of photovoltaic bristles. The photovoltaic bristles may be configured individually and in an array to have a high probability of photon absorption. The high probability of photon absorption may result in high light energy conversion efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel silicon-based, single-stage solar cell which, instead of converting light in a bulk semiconductor material, generates electrical energy within a very thin quantum structure that is deposited. The layer sequence itself consists of a three-fold hetero structure as an absorber, which is embedded into the space charge region of a pn-junction and is based on quantummechanical effects. Therein, the layer is preferably deposited by a CVD or the like method. High efficiencies of above 30% were initially measured on small samples on silicon.

Abstract: This forming involves a composition including: poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) or PEDOT; polystyrene sulfonate or PSS; a compound (A) having formula: with 0<x/y<1; Ar1 and Ar2 representing two aromatic rings, which may be identical or different; Ar1 and/or Ar2 comprising at least one hydrophobic substituent on its ring.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a crystalline silicon substrate, a plurality of P-type semiconductor material layers, a plurality of N-type semiconductor material layers, a plurality of first and second anode electric collection portions, at least one first electrode bus portion, a plurality of first and second cathode electric collection portions, at least one second electrode bus portion, and at least one third electrode bus portion. The first anode electric collection portions, the first electrode bus portion, the first cathode electric collection portions, the second electrode bus portion, the second anode electric collection portions, the second electrode bus portion, the second cathode electric collection portions, and the third electrode bus portion are arranged to form plural cell sub-units, such that an output voltage of the solar cell can be increased.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure and a fabricating process for the same are provided. The semiconductor structure includes a micro battery cell coupled to a solar cell by a semiconductor fabricating process.

Abstract: The systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments provide a photovoltaic cell made up of an array of photovoltaic bristles. The photovoltaic bristles may be configured individually and in an array to have a high probability of photon absorption. The high probability of photon absorption may result in high light energy conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A technique includes fabricating a layered precursor including: depositing a first film including a first indium gallium selenide compound on a substrate; then depositing a second film including a CuSe compound; then heating the substrate, the first film and the second film to convert the CuSe compound in the second film to a Cu2-xSe (0.2=?x?1) compound; then reactively depositing a third film including a second indium gallium selenide compound to convert the first film, the second film and the third film into a CIGS absorber film; and forming nanoscale morphological asymmetries in the CIGS absorber film, wherein a surface portion of the CIGS absorber film has a distribution of grain sizes with gaps between most of their surface area characterized by reentrant angles which effectively trap light.

Abstract: A photoelectric device and a photoelectric system including the same are provided. The photoelectric device includes a photoelectric module configured to perform photoelectric conversion and a cover glass facing the photoelectric module and having a receiving space that receives the photoelectric module. The cover glass includes a plate-shaped base part formed to face a main surface of the photoelectric module and a sidewall protruding from an edge of the base part to face a side section of the photoelectric module.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rear-surface protective sheet for solar cells, the rear-surface protective sheet having a function of suppressing temperature increase in solar cells. The present invention provides a rear-surface protective sheet for solar cells that is disposed on a rear surface of a solar cell, comprising at least one heat conversion layer containing a heat conversion filler having a function of converting thermal energy to vibrational energy to consume the thermal energy, the heat conversion filler in the heat conversion layer having a density of 3 to 35 g/m2.

Abstract: A solar cell module that has enhanced output characteristics is provided. The solar cell module contains a solar cell, a wiring material and a resin adhesive layer. The solar cell has first and second electrodes on one of its principal surfaces. The wiring material is electrically connected to the solar cell. The resin adhesive layer adheres the solar cell to the wiring material. The wiring material has an insulating substrate and a wiring on the insulating substrate. The wiring is electrically connected to the first or second electrode. The wiring has a transversal cross section having an edge length on a side opposite to the insulating substrate that is smaller than an edge length on a side of the insulating substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a solar cell with improved photoelectric conversion efficiency. The solar cell includes a photoelectric conversion body and first and second electrodes. The photoelectric conversion body includes a substrate made of semiconductor material. The first and second electrodes are disposed at intervals on one main surface of the photoelectric conversion body. Terraces each formed of a crystal plane are provided on a main surface of the substrate on the one main surface side of the photoelectric conversion body. At least one of the terraces exists between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A method for producing monocrystalline n-silicon solar cells having a rear-side passivated p+ emitter and rear-side, spatially separate heavily doped n++-base regions near the surface, as well as an interdigitated rear-side contact finger structure, which is in conductive connection with the p+-emitter regions and the n++-base regions. An aluminum thin layer or an aluminum-containing thin layer is first deposited on the rear side of the n-silicon wafer, and the thin layer is subsequently structured so that openings are obtained in the region of the future base contacts. In a further process step, the aluminum is then diffused into the n-silicon wafer in order to form a structured emitter layer.

Abstract: An absorption layer is provided on surface side of a solar cell, and is configured to absorb light in a wavelength range of 400 nm or more and below 700 nm and to transmit light in a wavelength range of 700 nm or more and 1200 nm or less. A first reflection layer is provided at one side of the absorption layer, which is an opposite side to the solar cell, and is configured to reflect the light in the wavelength range of 700 nm or more and 1200 nm or less. A filler layer is provided between the absorption layer and the reflection layer, and is configured to transmit light in the wavelength range of 400 nm or more and below 700 nm and to transmit light in a wavelength range of 700 nm or more and below 1200 nm.

Abstract: This invention provides an inorganic coating-protected unitary graphene material article for concentrated photovoltaic cell heat dissipation. The article comprises at least a layer of unitary graphene material having two primary surfaces and an electrically non-conducting layer of inorganic coating deposited on at least one of the primary surfaces, wherein the unitary graphene material is obtained from heat-treating a graphene oxide gel at a heat treatment temperature higher than 100° C. and contains chemically bonded graphene molecules or chemically merged graphene planes having an inter-graphene spacing no greater than 0.40 nm, preferably less than 0.337 nm, and most preferably less than 0.3346 nm.

Abstract: A glass substrate for a CdTe solar cell includes a base composition includes, in terms of mol % on a basis of following oxides: from 60 to 75% of SiO2; from 1 to 7.5% of Al2O3; from 0 to 1% of B2O3; from 8.5 to 12.5% of MgO; from 1 to 6.5% of CaO; from 0 to 3% of SrO; from 0 to 3% of BaO; from 0 to 3% of ZrO2; from 1 to 8% of Na2O; and from 2 to 12% of K2O, wherein MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO is from 10 to 24%, Na2O+K2O is from 5 to 15%, MgO/Al2O3 is 1.3 or more, (2Na2O+K2O+SrO+BaO)/(Al2O3+ZrO2) is 3.3 or less, Na2O/K2O is from 0.2 to 2.0, Al2O3??0.94MgO+11, and CaO?0.48MgO+6.5.

Abstract: A laminate sheet including a layer containing a polyester resin as a main component (P1 layer), an adhesive resin layer (P2 layer), and a layer containing a polyolefin resin as a main component (P3 layer), wherein the laminate sheet has a total thickness of at least 30 ?m and up to 500 ?m, the P2 layer has a thickness of at least 0.1 ?m and up to 3 ?m, and a ratio of the thickness of the P1 layer (P1) to the thickness of the P3 layer (P3) (ratio P1/P3) is at least 0.2 and up to 5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar module comprising a first layer, a solar cell arranged above the first layer and a second layer arranged above the solar cell. The first and/or the second layer comprise a fibre composite material which comprises a preferably aliphatic polyurethane polymer “dual cure” system) crosslinked thermally and by means of electromagnetic radiation. The material of the fibres of the fibre composite material is transparent at least in the region of visible light. The invention further relates to the use of this type of solar module and to a process for production thereof.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element having a laminate structure including, provided on an electrically conductive support, a photoconductor layer having a layer of dye-adsorbed semiconductor fine particles, a charge transfer layer, and a counter electrode, wherein the dye is a metal complex dye represented by the following formula (1): M1L1L2Z1??(1) wherein, in formula (1), M1 represents a metal atom; Z1 represents a monodentate ligand; L1 represents a specific tridentate ligand; and L2 represents a specific bidentate ligand.

Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric conversion device which includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer including poly-[N-9?-heptadecanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4?,7?-di-2-thienyl-2?,1?,3?-benzothiadiazole)] as a p-type organic semiconductor material and fullerene or a fullerene derivative as an n-type organic semiconductor material; and a buffer layer, provided between the positive electrode and the photoelectric conversion layer, including MoO3, in which device the proportion of the p-type organic semiconductor material in a first region being in contact with the buffer layer in the photoelectric conversion layer is higher than the proportion of the p-type organic semiconductor material in the entirety of the photoelectric conversion layer, and the proportion of the p-type organic semiconductor material in a second region on the negative electrode side than the first region in the photoelectric conversion layer is lower than the proportion of the p-type organic semiconducto

Abstract: A method for producing a nanoparticle for forming a CZTS compound semiconductor thin film is provided which includes the step of reacting a solution including a metal salt or a metal complex with a solution including a chalcogenide salt to produce a CZTS compound nanoparticle. A CZTS compound semiconductor thin film is formed by coating or printing the nanoparticle for forming the CZTS compound semiconductor thin film, and subjecting it to a heat treatment. A solar cell including the CZTS compound semiconductor thin film as the light-absorbing layer is provided.