Abstract: A table top washing machine comprises a tub (14) for accommodating articles to be cleaned, means for circulating water within the tub, and a waste water drain (51) comprising a drain port (52) for draining water from the tub and a fitting (54) for connecting a waste line (26) to said drain port. In accordance with the present invention the waste water drain comprises an angled connector (56) having a first leg (58) for connection to the drain port (52) and a second leg (60) comprising the fitting (54), wherein said first leg is adapted for rotatable connection to the drain port, and wherein said waste water drain further comprises means (69, 70, 72, 74, 76) for limiting rotation of the first leg such that orienting the second leg to point in an upward direction is prevented.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a dishwashing compartment having a loading opening which can be closed by a door configured. At least one washware basket is provided for movement out of and into the dishwashing compartment, with at least one movement position of the washware basket being recognized by a device. At least one light source is arranged in or on the dishwasher and controlled by a control device in dependence on the at least one movement position of the washware basket.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of beach umbrellas where as the dig-git Beach Umbrella Anchor provides a means of anchoring a beach umbrella into the beach sand in above average winds by means of an entrenching tool that would be attached to any standard beach umbrella with a maximum pole outer diameter of 1.40 inches as described in summary of invention.

Abstract: Umbrella assemblies described herein are configured to retract and extend, tilt side to side, and open and close. In some embodiments, the umbrella assembly can include a cantilevered beam. The umbrella assembly can further include a tilt mechanism operable to rotate the canopy frame. The umbrella assembly can include a clutch mechanism fixed to the cantilevered beam.

Abstract: A composite laminate may include graphene and a thermoelectric inorganic material including a single crystal having a hexagonal crystal system.

Abstract: A self-powered boiler comprising a burner that burns a fuel to produce a hot combustion product that is used to heat a fluid and a thermoelectric generator (TEG) system comprising a first side in thermal communication with the hot combustion product and a second side in thermal communication with a lower temperature region of the boiler, and a plurality of thermoelectric converters disposed therebetween for generating electric power, wherein the electric power generated by the TEG system is equal to or greater than a total electric power consumed by the boiler under normal operating conditions.

Abstract: It is provided a thermoelectric conversion element used at a high operation temperature of 500° C. or higher and including a laminate structure and electrodes. The laminate structure includes a plurality of p-type silicide substrates, and a plurality of n-type silicide substrates alternately laminated with each other, and adhesive layers each adhering the p-type and n-type silicide substrate adjacent to each other. The adhesive layer is made of a cured matter of an inorganic adhesive of a mixture of an inorganic binder and a filler. The electrodes are formed on the laminate structure and electrically connecting the p-type and n-type silicide substrates. The p-type and n-type silicide substrates have thicknesses of 0.5 mm or larger and 3.0 mm or smaller, the adhesive layer has a thickness of 0.5 mm or larger and 2.0 mm or smaller and has a thermal expansion coefficient of 7×10?6/° C. or larger and 16×10?6/° C. or smaller.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion material containing a carbon nanotube and a conjugated polymer, in which the conjugated polymer at least has, as a repeating unit having a conjugated system, (A) a condensed polycyclic structure in which three or more rings selected from hydrocarbon rings and heterocycles are condensed, and (B) a monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon ring structure, a monocyclic aromatic heterocyclic structure, or a condensed ring structure including the monocyclic structure; and a thermoelectric conversion element using the same.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator includes: a heat-receiving plate being adapted to receive heat; a cooling plate being maintained at a low temperature as compared with the heat-receiving plate; a thermoelectric module being interposed between the heat-receiving plate and the cooling plate; a terminal block at which a lead wire from the thermoelectric module is connected to an external power line, the terminal block being located on the cooling plate; and a metal cover being fixed on the cooling plate to cover the terminal block.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion element includes: a magnetic body having a magnetization; and an electromotive body formed of material exhibiting a spin orbit coupling and jointed to the magnetic body. The magnetic body has an upper joint surface jointed to the electromotive body. The upper joint surface has concavities and convexities.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator utilizing a number of thermoelectric modules to produce electric power from waste heat when waste heat is available and from an alternate heat source when waste heat is not available. In both cases hot gasses are directed along several separate paths so that all of the modules are provided with approximately equal hot side temperatures. In a preferred embodiment the engine exhaust exits into an octagonally-shaped plenum into eight separate heat exchangers. Eight modules are mounted in each of the heat exchangers for a total of 64 modules. Preferred embodiments of the present invention include an auxiliary combustion burner-blower unit producing a hot exhaust that exits into the plenum to provide electric power when the truck is not operating. Valve features are provided to control the temperature and exhaust flow rate through the generator.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module may include a fluid-tight housing having at least one thermoelectrically active element arranged therein. The at least one thermoelectrically active element may have a coating. The housing may form an outer encapsulation and the coating may form an inner encapsulation for the at least one thermoelectrically active element.

Abstract: A magnetic element according to the present invention is formed of a layered product having a magnetic insulator film formed on a substrate including a material having no crystal structure. The magnetic insulator film has a columnar crystal structure.

Abstract: A frameless photovoltaic (PV) module system and methods secure solar panels directly to a fixed structure either individually or collectively as an array. Universal mounting brackets attached to the back of each solar panel module connect to one another and to mounting feet that anchor to the fixed structure. Mounting brackets interlock with mounting brackets on adjacent solar modules and include a quick release mechanism to connect to and disconnect from mounting feet appropriately selected for the given fixed structure or roof type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for metallizing and connecting solar cell substrates and to a photovoltaic module made of several metallized solar cells that are electrically connected to one another. According to the invention, a solar cell substrate, in which second metal layers forming electrical metal contacts are optionally provided, is attached to a carrier substrate, on the surface of which at least one first metal layer is formed in a suitable pattern. By localized irradiation of the metal layer with laser radiation through the solar cell substrate or the carrier substrate, energy is introduced such that the metal layer is heated by absorbed laser radiation for an irreversible bonding to the adjacent surface of the solar cell substrate. By the laser bonding of the metal layer on the carrier substrate to the solar cell substrate, solar cells can be connected to form a photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes at least two photovoltaic cells and a ribbon. Each of the photovoltaic cells includes a photovoltaic device, a surface electrode, and a back electrode. The photovoltaic device has a light-receiving surface and a back surface opposite the light-receiving surface. The surface electrode is disposed on the light-receiving surface of the photovoltaic device. The surface electrode includes at least one bus electrode and a plurality of finger electrodes. The bus electrode includes at least two line electrodes disposed on the light-receiving surface of the photovoltaic device. The finger electrodes are disposed on the light-receiving surface of the photovoltaic device and extend in a direction different from the lengthwise direction of the bus electrode. The back electrode is disposed on the back surface of the photovoltaic device. The ribbon electrically connects to the photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A solar module is provided which has improved durability. A third wiring member (32a) includes a first portion (32a1), a second portion (32a2), and a third portion (32a3). In the first portion (32a1), metal foil (52) faces a solar cell (20). The first portion (32a1) is electrically connected to the solar cell (20). The second portion (32a2) is arranged on the solar cell (20) with the metal foil (52) facing the side opposite to the solar cell (20). The third portion (32a3) connects the first portion (32a1) and the second portion (32a2). A first wiring member (32b) electrically connects the second portions (32a2) of adjacent solar cell strings (10) to each other. The solar module (1) also includes an insulating sheet (60). The insulating sheet (60) is arranged between the first wiring member (32b) and the solar cell (20).

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cells each including a substrate, an emitter region positioned at a back surface of the substrate, first electrodes electrically connected to the emitter region, second electrodes electrically connected to the substrate, a first current collector positioned at ends of the first electrodes, and a second current collector at ends of the second electrodes, and a first connector connecting a first current collector of a first solar cell of the plurality of solar cells to a second current collector of a second solar cell adjacent to the first solar cell. The first current collector of the first solar cell and the second current collector of the second solar cell each have a different polarity.

Abstract: A mobile power plant comprising a retractable flexible solar array structure comprising a plurality of thin film photovoltaic modules mounted on a flexible substrate; a spool attached to a portion of the flexible solar array structure and around which the flexible solar array structure can be rolled; power cabling integrated into the flexible solar array structure for transmitting power from the plurality of photovoltaic modules to the spool-end of the flexible solar array structure; a transportable container in which the spool is mounted, the transportable container being capable of housing the flexible solar array structure when it is in a rolled configuration.

Abstract: As a structure of a concentrator photovoltaic module, a ribbon-shaped flexible printed circuit is arranged along a bottom surface of a vessel-shaped housing. The flexible printed circuit includes a solar cell on a flexible substrate having flexibility, and furthermore, can also include a concentrating portion (a secondary concentrating portion) for concentrating incident sunlight onto the solar cell. Moreover, a primary concentrating portion having a Fresnel lens is attached to the housing side.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for stimulating an emission from at least one emitter, such as a quantum dot or organic molecule, on the surface of a photonic crystal comprising a patterned dielectric substrate. Embodiments of this system include a laser or other source that illuminates the emitter and the photonic crystal, which is characterized by an energy band structure exhibiting a Fano resonance, from a first angle so as to stimulate the emission from the emitter at a second angle. The coupling between the photonic crystal and the emitter may result in spectral and angular enhancement of the emission through excitation and extraction enhancement. These enhancement mechanisms also reduce the emitter's lasing threshold. For instance, these enhancement mechanisms enable lasing of a 100 nm thick layer of diluted organic molecules solution with reduced threshold intensity. This reduction in lasing threshold enables more efficient organic light emitting devices and more sensitive molecular sensing.

Abstract: In order to mitigate tampering with a solar cell, the present invention provides a photovoltaic device comprising at least one photovoltaic cell housed within an encapsulant forming a protective barrier for the at least one photovoltaic cell; a switch operable to allow delivery of electricity from the device; and means, also housed within the encapsulant, to render the device inoperable, preferably permanently inoperable, upon tampering with the device.

Abstract: A solar assembly is provided for harnessing solar rays and generating electricity. The solar assembly includes at least one vertical leg extending in a vertical direction and having an upper attachment end. The assembly also includes at least one north-south rail and a plurality of east-west rails extending generally transversely to the north-south rail. A curved member interconnects the vertical leg with the north-south rail and extends through an arcuate shape. The solar assembly also includes a plurality of generally flat arrays of solar panels, such as photovoltaic panels, are coupled to the east-west members. The orientation of the solar panels relative to a base or the ground is dependent on the location along the curved member of the connection with the vertical leg.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a flame-retardant resin composition having high flame retardancy, and a flame-retardant resin film having high thickness precision and excellent flame retardancy and a solar battery back sheet. The flame-retardant resin film according to the present invention is a flame-retardant resin film obtained from a resin composition, wherein the resin composition comprises a polyphenylene ether resin (a), a phosphorus flame retardant (b), and a fluorine-containing resin (c); in the resin composition, the content of the component (a) is 75 to 98 parts by mass and the content of the component (b) is 25 to 2 parts by mass, based on 100 parts by mass of the components (a) and (b) in total; the content of a fluorine element in the resin composition is 100 to 1000 mass ppm; and the flame-retardant resin film has a thickness of 20 to 500 ?m.

Abstract: A solar cell including a light absorption layer including a p-type compound semiconductor; and a buffer layer including a first buffer layer and a second buffer layer on the light absorption layer, the second buffer layer being between the first buffer layer and light absorption layer, and a zinc sulfide (ZnS) concentration of the first buffer layer being greater than a ZnS concentration of the second buffer layer is disclosed. Methods of manufacturing the solar cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solar cell, a method for manufacturing the same and a solar cell module are described. The solar cell includes a substrate of a second conductivity type, an emitter layer, a first oxide layer, an auxiliary passivation layer, a back surface field layer, a second oxide layer, a first electrode and a second electrode. The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite each other. The emitter layer, the first oxide layer and the auxiliary passivation layer are sequentially disposed on the first surface. Materials of the auxiliary passivation layer and the first oxide layer are different. The back surface field layer and the second oxide layer are sequentially disposed on the second surface. The first electrode is disposed above the first surface and contacts with the emitter layer. The second electrode is disposed above the second surface and contacts with the back surface field layer.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell has a working electrode, electrolyte, and counter electrode. The counter electrode includes a nickel (Ni) foam, titanium (Ti) foam, manganese (Mn) foam, or molybdenum (Mo) foam, and has a surface that is nitrided. The reaction efficiency for the solar cell is enhanced by the increased surface area reacting with the electrolyte, which results from using a metal foam. Mechanical properties, such as strength and ductility, and electroconductivity are improved due to the use of metals. The production costs are reduced by using substitute materials, which are low-cost and have oxidation-reduction efficiency.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a back electrode layer provided on a support substrate and including a first through hole, a light absorbing layer provided on the first through hole and the back electrode layer and including a second through hole, a front electrode layer provided on the second through hole and the light absorbing layer, and a first conductive layer provided on the front electrode layer. Furthermore, the first conductive layer is formed on at least a portion of the front electrode layer which corresponds to the second through hole.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an assembly comprising an electronic device, and a multilayer film. The multilayer film comprises a substrate adjacent the electronic device, a barrier stack adjacent the substrate opposite the electronic device, and a weatherable sheet adjacent the barrier stack opposite the substrate. The multilayer film has been fused.

Abstract: High performance photovoltaic devices are provided. Certain embodiments relate to the use of Boron-Nitride (BN) thin films as anti-reflection coating (ARC) material on Si and GaAs solar cells. A low and wide reflectance window covering a large energy range of the solar spectrum is available. For a large part of the useful solar spectrum, the index of refraction of the grown BN thin films remains constant at about 2.8. In another embodiment, a BN ARC is applied directly on ordinary window glass providing the device's mechanical strength.

Abstract: Bifacial crystalline solar cells and associated solar panel systems are provided. The include a p-type crystalline silicon layer and a barrier layer. The panels include at least two rows of cells. The cells in each row are connected to one another in series. The rows are connected in parallel. A reflector is used to reflect light towards the underside of the panel. A long axis of the reflector is arranged to be parallel to the rows of cells.

Abstract: A method of producing a structure comprising a substrate (11) having at least one integral first face at a first angle relative to a normal from the substrate, at least one second integral second face at a second angle relative to a normal from the substrate; with a cavity in the structure between the first and second faces; the method comprising the steps of: coating a portion (15) of the first face with a first conducting layer; coating a portion (18) of the second face with a second conducting layer; and depositing in the cavity an active material (31) to provide ohmic and rectifying contacts for insertion or extraction of charge from the active material by way of the first and second conducting layers. The active material may be photovoltaic, light emitting or ion conducting.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell and a method of fabricating the same. The solar cell includes a back electrode layer, a light absorbing layer on the back electrode layer, a front electrode layer on the light absorbing layer, and a plurality of light path changing particles in the front electrode layer or between the light absorbing layer and the front electrode layer.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave concentrating system, comprising a photovoltaic material and at least one holographic concentrator. The holographic concentrator includes at least two stacked holographic optical elements (HOE). Each HOE is configured to diffract incident light into a diffracted beams having different ranges of wavelengths. The diffracted beams generated by each HOE are directed at the photovoltaic material.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a framed device. The framed device includes a substrate, a frame, and a seal. The substrate has a first length, a first width, and a peripheral edge. The frame has a second length, a second width, and a groove that runs along the second length and the second width of the frame. The groove is substantially engaged with the peripheral edge of the substrate. The seal is disposed within the groove of the frame, wherein the seal runs contiguously from the substrate to the frame and the seal includes a foamed polymer.

Abstract: A module, for example a photovoltaic module, includes among other things a glass plate (11) as a front cover facing the direction of light incidence, a component (photovoltaic element) (15), and a plastic layer (14) provided as an embedding material, wherein the surface of the glass plate (11) on the side facing the plastic layer (14) is treated such that the index of refraction of the layer produced by the surface treatment has a value between the index of refraction of the glass of the cover (11) and the index of refraction of the plastic material of the layer (14).

Abstract: The invention relates to a formulation comprising p-type and n-type organic semiconductors (OSC) and one or more organic solvents, its use for the preparation of organic electronic (OE) devices, especially for bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices, to a process for preparing an OE device, especially a BHJ OPV device, using the formulation, and an OE device, especially a BHJ OPV device, prepared using such a process or formulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an organic solar cell comprising a photoactive layer consisting of two molecular components, namely an electron donator and an electrode acceptor, and comprising two electrodes provided on both sides of the photoactive layer, whereby an intermediate layer having an asymmetric conductivity is placed between at least one of the electrodes and the photoactive layer.

Abstract: Provided are a co-polymer of formula (I) of 2,7-fluorene and bithiazole, a method for preparing same, and a solar battery containing same. The structural formula of the copolymer of 2,7-fluorene and bithiazole is as shown by formula (I), wherein both R1 and R2 are C1-C20 alkyl groups, and n is an integer of 10-100. The co-polymer of the present invention has a novel structure, a good dissolving property, an excellent film-forming property, and a high power conversion efficiency, and can be used as the material for a solar battery. Also provided are the method for preparing the co-polymer and the solar battery containing same. The preparation method uses raw materials widely available and has a simple synthesis route.

Abstract: A device and method for preventing the backflow of undesirable gases from being drawn up through a drain line into a room. The device is particularly useful in applications where liquid flow into the drain is infrequent, resulting in little or no liquid left standing in the P-trap to serve as a gas barrier. When installed the device prevents the unwanted backflow of sewer gases into the room above. However, if water or a similar liquid is introduced into the drain line, the device dissolves, thereby allowing the liquid to pass down the drain line.

Abstract: A float device for use in drawing liquids such as fuel from a tank or other reservoir is disclosed. The device comprises a float arranged for rising and falling with the level of liquid in the tank and a liquid pick-up duct, which comprises a flexible tube having its free end coupled to the float. The float is arranged for vertical movement within a filter or other member, which encloses the float and the flexible tube. The filter or other member is elongate and tubular in construction and comprises an open lower end.

Abstract: A method for fault monitoring of a discharge valve of a condensate drainage means of a pressurized gas system includes a closing step wherein the control circuit triggers a closing movement of the valve element in the direction of the closed position, and/or an opening step wherein the control circuit triggers an opening movement of the valve element in the direction of the open position, and a subsequent step for monitoring the closed or open positions of the valve element. In the step for monitoring the closed position, a non-closed position is detected on the basis of a discharge flow of the pressurized gas, of the condensate or of mixtures thereof in the discharge region or at the valve element. In the step for monitoring the open position, a discharge flow of the pressurized gas, of the condensate or of mixtures thereof in the discharge region or at the valve element is detected.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to laboratory systems that employ fluids, such as deionized water or other aqueous media. In particular, in certain embodiments, the invention provides automated systems for supplying fluids to laboratory equipment and uses thereof.

Abstract: An automated thermally actuated valve utilizing a thermally expansive substance to substantially close the valve at a first temperature and a spring to open the valve at a second, lower temperature. A method of utilizing an automated thermally actuated valve to balance and manage hot water supply in a piping system.

Abstract: A solution having a predetermined concentration is stably supplied to a use point, at which the amount of use of the solution changes, by only modifying currently-used equipment at a low cost and in a space-saving manner. In order to supply a solution containing a solute at a predetermined concentration from a preparation portion of the solution to a use point through a supply pipe, a retention portion that has no gas-liquid interface and at which the solution is retained is provided at an intermediate portion of the supply pipe. Even when the amount of use of the solution at the use point changes, the change is absorbed by the retention portion, whereby a solution having a predetermined concentration can be stably supplied to the use point. Such a retention portion is advantageous in terms of space saving since the retention portion can be formed by using, for example, a long pipe portion or a large-diameter portion of a pipe having no gas-liquid interface.

Abstract: A microfluidic platform is disclosed that uses obstacles placed at particular location(s) within the channel cross-section to turn and stretch fluid. The asymmetric flow behavior upstream and downstream of the obstacle(s) due to fluid inertia manifests itself as a total deformation of the topology of streamlines that effectively creates a tunable net secondary flow. The system and methods passively creates strong secondary flows at moderate to high flow rates in microchannels. These flows can be accurately controlled by the numbers and particular geometric placement of the obstacle(s) within the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a proportional valve, a first channel connected to the proportional valve, a flow sensor connected to the first channel and configured to measure gas flow in the first channel, a split channel connected to the first channel at a location between the proportional valve and the flow sensor, and a control component connected between the flow sensor and the proportional valve and configured to control gas flow in the first channel.

Abstract: A pressure type flow control system with flow monitoring includes an inlet, a control valve including a pressure flow control unit connected downstream of the inlet, a thermal flow sensor connected downstream of the control valve, an orifice installed on a fluid passage communicatively connected downstream of the thermal flow sensor, a temperature sensor provided near the fluid passage between the control valve and orifice, a pressure sensor provided for the fluid passage between the control valve and orifice, an outlet communicatively connected to the orifice, and a control unit including a pressure type flow rate arithmetic and control unit receiving a pressure signal from the pressure sensor and a temperature signal from the temperature sensor, and a flow sensor control unit to which a flow rate signal from the thermal flow sensor is input.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) intended for handling objects (O) present in a channel (2) within a fluid (F), in particular a liquid. The device comprises: a channel (2) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), said channel (2) having a transverse section with a width (_) measured along a first transverse axis (Y) and a thickness measured along a second transverse axis (Z) perpendicular to the first, said width (_) being greater than or equal to the thickness, and said channel comprising first (3) and second (4) walls along the second transverse axis (Z); and an acoustic wave generator (10) generating acoustic waves in the channel from at least one of the walls (3; 4), said acoustic wave generator (10) operating at a frequency f that is different from a resonant frequency f0 of the channel (2) along the second transverse axis (Z).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing various types of microdroplets are provided. The apparatus has a cross intersection portion 7 at which a first continuous phase 2, a first dispersion phase 4, and a second dispersion phase 6 intersect with each other; a first liquid feed device 12 controlling the first dispersion phase 4; a second liquid feed device 13 controlling the second dispersion phase 6; and a control device 11 connected to the first liquid feed device 12 and the second liquid feed device 13, in which the first liquid feed device 12 and the second liquid feed device 13 are controlled by a signal from the control device 11 so that microdroplets 9 formed of the first dispersion phase 4 and microdroplets 10 formed of the second dispersion phase 6 are sequentially produced.