Abstract: Methods employing detergent compositions comprising phosphinosuccinic acid oligomers (PSO) in combination with a sanitizing rinse aid are disclosed. The methods beneficially clean, sanitize and rinse a surface in an efficient two-step process. The detergent compositions employ phosphinosuccinic acid adducts, namely mono-, bis- and oligomeric phosphinosuccinic acid (PSO) derivatives, in combination with an alkalinity source and optionally polymers and/or surfactants. The sanitizing and rinsing compositions employ peroxycarboxylic acid compositions in combination with a nonionic defoaming and wetting surfactant.

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

Abstract: A filtering system for a dishwashing appliance that can remove fine particles from the wash and rinse fluids is provided. A filter cartridge is provided with different filter media for the removal of different particulate sizes depending upon e.g., the cycle or stage of the cleaning process and/or anticipated particle size. The filter cartridge is positioned upstream from the pump inlet. A mechanism for diverting flow between filter media is provided. In certain embodiments, the filter cartridge can be removable for servicing.

Abstract: Installation for surface treatment of parts. The installation includes at least one treatment tank containing a processing liquid in which an arm carrying on one of its ends at least one part support comprising a lower surface and an upper surface holding the parts to be treated is at least partially immersed. The arm is rotationally mounted about an axis located on the outside of the tank and in an area below the area formed by the upper end edge of the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning paint roller skins is provided. A rotatable roller skin holder is provided. An elongated hollow housing is attached to and surrounds the roller skin holder and has an end wall at a first end and with an opening at a second end opposite the first end, wherein the opening has a width that is wider than a diameter of the roller skins. A spray mechanism is attached to the housing for providing a spray along the length of the roller skin. A trigger handle is connected to the housing and the spray mechanism supports the housing and controls the flow of fluid to the spray mechanism, wherein fluid drains through the opening in the elongated hollow housing.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher includes a wash tub, a condensation dryer, and a heat pump device. The wash tub includes a washing compartment, the condensation dryer is adapted to supply outside air to a washtub wall, and the heat pump device is adapted to heat washing liquid. The heat pump device and the condensation dryer have a common fan.

Abstract: A food preparation assembly for use in cleaning food products generally includes a tank for holding washing fluid for use in cleaning food products positioned within the tank, and a pump in fluidic communication with the tank to provide movement of the washing fluid within the tank for use in cleaning the food products when positioned within the tank. A processing module is configured to receive settings from a user for cleaning the food products, and to monitor and adjust, as necessary, parameters of the washing fluid based on the user input settings. The processing module is also configured to report and/or store measured values of the parameters of the washing fluid in addition to select user defined input information (e.g., user defined wash settings, etc.). Labels may also be generated indicative of completion of cleaning of the food products by the food preparation assembly.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate cleaning method includes cleaning a semiconductor substrate formed with a line-and-space pattern, supplying rinse water to rinse the substrate, rinsing the substrate, and drying the substrate. The supplying rinse water includes supplying deionized water and hydrochloric acid into a mixing section to mix the deionized water and the hydrochloric acid into a mixture, heating the mixture in the mixing section by a heater, detecting a pH value and a temperature of the mixture by a pH sensor and a temperature sensor respectively, adjusting an amount of hydrochloric acid supplied into the mixing section so that the rinse water has a predetermined pH value indicative of acidity, and energizing or de-energizing the heater so that the temperature of the mixture detected by the temperature sensor reaches a predetermined temperature, thereby producing the rinse water which has a temperature of not less than 70° C. and is acidic.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a compact portable lightweight strong umbrella stand that can be quickly and easily attached to different metal objects and that is configured to securely hold a relatively heavy umbrella such as a patio umbrella.

Abstract: A walker/cane assembly, multi-legged cane, and single-pointed cane may share common parts that may be easily connected and detached to allow a user to convert a walker/cane assembly to a multi-legged cane and/or a single-pointed cane. Accordingly, a user may use a single assembly that may be quickly and easily modified to meet the user's needs, such as his/her current balance or energy level. One or more folding mechanisms may be employed to allow the walker/cane assembly, or the frame forming a portion of the walker/cane assembly, to be easily collapsed and folded. This may allow a user to store the walker/cane assembly, or the frame portion of the assembly, in a smaller amount of space than the expanded walker/cane assembly or the frame portion of the assembly may otherwise occupy.

Abstract: A hail guard for cars includes a net with a thick mesh applied to a structure having two center rods joined by a hinge, two multiple hinges applied to the free ends of the center rods, and four net-stretching rods hinged to each multiple hinge. Each multiple hinge has pins with vertical axes suited to allow the net-stretching rods to rotate and a rotation pin whose horizontal axis is orthogonal to the center rods, suited to allow the rotation of the set of net-stretching rods. The net-stretching rods are arranged so that two of them, when open, are opposed to each other and two other ones are generically diagonal. Two or more supports are hinged to the center rods and each free end of each support is provided with suction cups or magnets suited to allow the structure to be stably and removably applied to the car roof.

Abstract: A hub assembly for a foldable tent includes radially spaced apart pole retaining members, each having a pair of spaced apart side walls having free outer edges. An upper pole is pivotally coupled to each pole retaining member between the pair of side walls. An inner retaining member is slidably coupled to each upper pole and engages the side wall outer edges, and an outer retaining member is fixedly coupled to an outer portion of each upper pole. A biasing member is disposed between the inner and outer retaining members in coaxial arrangement with the upper pole. The biasing member is compressed and the inner retaining member engages side edges of the side walls to maintain the tent in an open state, and the biasing member is more compressed and the inner retaining member engages lower edges of the side walls to maintain the tent in a folded state.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for tailoring the thermoelectric response of a thermocouple to that desired by a user. The method comprises the steps of; (a) selecting a first thermoelectric material, (b) selecting a second thermoelectric material having dissimilar thermoelectric properties to the first thermoelectric material, a thermocouple formed from the first thermoelectric material and the second thermoelectric material having a known thermoelectric response, and (c) modifying the chemical composition of at least one of the first thermoelectric material and the second thermoelectric material to produce a thermocouple having a tailored thermoelectric response. In specific embodiments, the chemical composition may be modified by selectively depleting one or more chemical elements from the thermoelectric material or by selectively adding, or increasing the proportion of, one or more elements to the thermoelectric material.

Abstract: In a thermoelectric module consisting of p- and n-conducting thermoelectric material pieces which are alternately connected to one another via electrically conductive contacts, the thermoelectric module (19) is thermally conductively connected to a micro heat exchanger (13) which comprises a plurality of continuous channels having a diameter of at most 1 mm, through which a fluid heat exchanger medium can flow.

Abstract: The present invention is realized by apparatus and methods for placing a large utility scale photovoltaic array in the low stratosphere of earth's atmosphere at an altitude of about 20km, above clouds, moisture, dust, and wind. This is accomplished using a large light-weight, rigid, buoyant structure to support the large photovoltaic array. Long, strong and light tethers connect the buoyant structure to the ground and hold it in position against wind forces. The electricity output from the photovoltaic array is then coupled to high voltage transmission lines which connect from the platform to the earth's surface. The electricity is then transmitted through the high voltage transmission lines to the earth's surface where it is connected to the electrical supply grid and provides lower cost, more reliable electricity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar cell unit, which comprises a semiconductor plate of first-type doping or second-type doping; wherein the semiconductor plate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; the semiconductor plate comprises a first-type doping region and second-type doping region, both the first-type doping region and the second-type doping region are located on the first surface of the semiconductor plate; a first sheet is provided on the side surface of the semiconductor plate that is adjacent to the first-type doping region, and a second sheet is provided on the side surface of the semiconductor plate that is adjacent to the second type doping region.

Abstract: A solar cell module is discussed. The solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cells, an interconnector for electrically connecting the adjacent solar cells, and a conductive adhesive film for attaching the interconnector to the solar cell. Each solar cell includes a substrate, a back electrode part including a plurality of back electrode current collectors of an island shape, which are positioned on a back surface of the substrate and are separated from one another by a first distance along a first direction, and a back electrode which includes a plurality of openings exposing the back electrode current collectors and has a sheet shape covering the entire back surface of the substrate. The conductive adhesive film alternately includes a first portion contacting the back electrode current collector and a second portion contacting the back electrode based on the first direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing solar cells, and photovoltaic panels thereof. The method for producing solar panels comprises employing a number of semiconductor wafers and/or semiconductor sheets of films prefabricated to prepare them for back side metallization, which are placed and attached adjacent to each other and with their front side facing downwards onto the back side of the front glass, before subsequent processing that includes depositing at least one metal layer covering the entire front glass including the back side of the attached wafers/sheets of films. The metallic layer is then patterned/divided into electrically isolated contacts for each solar cell and into interconnections between adjacent solar cells.

Abstract: An elongate photovoltaic (PV) module for use in a solar energy conversion plant for the production of electricity from incident light, the PV-module comprising a top portion with a support panel (G) carrying on a front side a plurality of electrically connected PV cells (D), and a transparent protective layer (A) sealed to the support panel (G) so as to encapsulate the PV-cells (D) between the support panel (G) and the protective layer (A), wherein prior to installation of the PV-module at the deployment site a collapsible portion of the PV-module is configured to be collapsible in a longitudinal direction by folding and/or rolling, wherein the collapsible portion includes at least the top portion, wherein the PV-module further comprises one or more integrated ballast chambers (I) in a bottom portion of the PV-module arranged on a rear side of the support panel (G), wherein said integrated ballast chamber (I) after installation of the PV-module at the deployment site contains an amount of a ballasting materia

Abstract: A solar electricity generator including an array of solar electricity generating elements, a solar energy concentrating element operative to transmit concentrated solar radiation from the sun onto the array, voltage measuring functionality operative to measure at least one of a total row voltage generated by at least one row of the electricity generating elements in the array and a total column voltage generated by at least one column of the electricity generating elements in the array.

Abstract: Heating system utilizing solar stored energy as a power source.

Abstract: A portable solar energy generation system that has a disassembled configuration and an assembled configuration. The system includes a solar energy generation assembly, and portable container. The system may further include an internal frame, a power inverter, charge controller, batteries, attachment components, wires, user input devices, fluid tank, turbine, pump, generator, and other system components. When in the disassembled configuration, all system components including the solar energy generation assembly are packaged within the portable container. When in the disassembled configuration, the solar energy generation assembly is coupled to an external surface of the container and is either generating electricity within the container or redirecting sunlight for electricity generation at a predetermined target.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module assembly, comprising: a first layer; a back layer, wherein the back layer comprises a second layer, a third layer, and a support layer located between the second layer and the third layer; and a photovoltaic layer comprising photovoltaic cells, wherein the photovoltaic layer is located between the first layer and the back layer; wherein the support layer comprises a stiffening element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell array configured such that a solar cell module is directly fixed to a roof. On a top end of the solar cell module, right and left positioned racks including a terminal box are placed at right and left ends, a centrically positioned rack at a middle position, and each of racks are directly fixed to the roof so as to roof the solar cell module. The terminal box includes a connector connected to an output terminal of the solar cell module, and a terminal, the terminal boxes of the right and left positioned racks are mutually overlaid, and the solar cell module is in series connected by a connection cable, so as to output power to a power conditioner every step. The solar cell modules are sequentially fixed from the below to the above by a fixture.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to support photovoltaic (“PV”) modules are described. A saddle bracket has a mounting surface to support one or more PV modules over a tube, a gusset coupled to the mounting surface, and a mounting feature coupled to the gusset to couple to the tube. A grounding washer has a first portion to couple to a support; and a second portion coupled to the first portion to provide a ground path to a PV module. A PV system has a saddle bracket; a PV module over the saddle bracket; and a grounding washer coupled to the saddle bracket and the PV module. Saddle brackets can be coupled to a torque tube at predetermined locations. PV modules can be coupled to the saddle brackets.

Abstract: A multi-component type curable silicone rubber composition includes: (A) 100 parts by weight of an organopoly-siloxane capped at molecular terminals with an alkoxy group or silanol group, (B) 0.5 to 20.0 parts by weight of an organic compound having at least two alkoxysilyl groups within single molecule and including a non-silicon-oxygen bond between the silyl groups, (C) 0.05 to 2.0 parts by weight of water, and (D) a catalytic amount of a curing catalyst. The multi-component type curable silicone rubber composition is composed of multiple separately stored compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell apparatus, and a method of fabricating the same. The solar cell apparatus includes: dummy parts disposed on a support substrate; a plurality of solar cells disposed on the support substrate and disposed between the dummy parts; and a bus bar electrically connected to the solar cells and disposed between the support substrate and the dummy parts. Each of the solar cells and the dummy parts has a back electrode layer, a light absorbing layer, and a front electrode layer sequentially disposed on the support substrate.

Abstract: A method of drawing different materials includes forming a first material into a preform body defining at least one channel extending therethrough having a first cross-sectional area. A first element formed of a second material is inserted into the channel and with the preform body creates a preform assembly. The first element has a cross-sectional area that is less than the cross-sectional area of the channel, and the second material has a higher melting temperature than the first material. The preform assembly is heated so that the first material softens and the preform assembly is drawn so that the preform body deforms at a first deformation rate to a smaller cross-sectional area and the first element substantially maintains a constant cross-sectional area throughout the drawing process. Upon completion of the drawing step, the cross-sectional area of the channel is equivalent to the cross-sectional area of the first element.

Abstract: A back surface reflector (BSR) is described. The BSR includes a reflecting layer, a substrate and an adhesion layer between the reflecting layer and the substrate. The adhesion layer includes 3-mercaptopropyl (trimethoxy) silane (a.k.a. Merc).

Abstract: A solar cell includes a base having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a lightly-doped region disposed on the first surface of the base, a semiconductor layer disposed on the lightly-doped region, a first electrode disposed on the first surface of the base, and a second electrode disposed on the second surface of the base. The lightly-doped region has a doping type opposite to the doping type of the base. The bottom of the first electrode is substantially aligned with the interface between the first surface of the base and the lightly-doped region.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device in which a substantially intrinsic i-type amorphous hydrogen-containing semiconductor layer, a p-type amorphous hydrogen-containing semiconductor layer, and a first transparent conductive layer are stacked in this order on a first surface of an n-type semiconductor substrate that generates a photogenerated carrier by receiving light, wherein the first transparent conductive layer includes a hydrogen-containing area formed of a transparent conductive material that contains hydrogen and a hydrogen-diffusion suppression area that is present on a side of the p-type amorphous hydrogen-containing semiconductor layer with respect to the hydrogen-containing area and that is formed of a transparent conductive material that does not substantially contain hydrogen, and the hydrogen-diffusion suppression area has a hydrogen concentration distribution in which a hydrogen content on a side of the p-type amorphous hydrogen-containing semiconductor layer is lower than that on a side of the h

Abstract: A surface of a photovoltaic cell is coated with a solution that includes barium titanate to reduce reflection of sunlight that is incident on the surface. The solution may include a base of polydimethylsiloxane and carbon nanotubes. The process may be used in the fabrication of new photovoltaic cell assemblies, or to retrofit existing assemblies in situ.

Abstract: Back junction solar cells having improved emitter layer coverage and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. In one embodiment, a back junction solar cell includes an n-type base layer having an emitter layer formed from a first p-type doped region (e.g., formed by liquid phase epitaxial regrowth) and a second p-type doped region (e.g., formed by ion implantation) that extends beyond the first region. In various embodiments, this configuration permits the first p-type doped region to be formed with a border between it and the edges of the wafer (e.g., to prevent inadvertent shunting of the cell), while the second p-type doped region extends the emitter layer to improve emitter layer coverage. In certain embodiments, the second doped p-type region may extend to the edges of the wafer's n-type base layer.

Abstract: Provided is a thin film solar cell including a rear electrode formed on a substrate, a light absorbing layer formed on the rear electrode, a buffer layer formed on the light absorbing layer, and a front transparent electrode formed on the buffer layer. The buffer layer includes copper oxide.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for electrodes, devices including electrodes, methods of making electrodes, and the like. In an embodiment, the electrode includes MoS2, in particular, MoS2 nanostructures (e.g., MoS2 nano-petals). Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in lithium ion batteries, quantum dot sensitized solar cells, dye sensitized solar cells, thin film photovoltaics, and the like.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices where glass substrates have a composition where (RO+M2O)/Z2O3 is greater than 1. This ratio may affect sodium out-flux from the glass substrate and into the CIGS layer or the Mo layer or both.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element comprising: at least a photoelectric conversion layer; an electron extraction electrode provided on one major surface side of the photoelectric conversion layer; a hole extraction electrode provided on the other major surface side of the photoelectric conversion layer; and an electron extraction layer that is provided between the photoelectric conversion layer and the electron extraction electrode and includes at least an electron transport layer, wherein the photoelectric conversion element further comprises, between the photoelectric conversion layer and the electron transport layer, a conduction band bottom energy adjustment layer configured to reduce conduction band bottom energy of the electron extraction layer to energy lower than conduction band bottom energy of the electron transport layer.

Abstract: A nano-scale tower structure array having increased surface area on each tower for gathering incident light is provided for use in three-dimensional solar cells. Embodiments enhance surface roughness of each tower structure to increase the surface area available for light gathering. Enhanced roughness can be provided by manipulating passivation layer etching parameters used during a formation process of the nano-scale tower structures, in order to affect surface roughness of a photoresist layer used for the etch. Manipulable etching parameters can include power, gas pressure, and etching compound chemistry.

Abstract: A solar cell is formed on an n-type semiconductor substrate having a p+ emitter layer by forming spaced-apart contact/protection structures on the emitter layer, depositing a blanket dielectric passivation layer over the substrate's upper surface, utilizing laser ablation to form contact openings through the dielectric layer that expose corresponding contact/protection structures, and then forming metal gridlines on the upper surface of the dielectric layer that are electrically connected to the contact structures by way of metal via structures extending through associated contact openings. The contact/protection structures serve both as protection against substrate damage during the contact opening formation process (i.e., to prevent damage of the p+ emitter layer caused by the required high energy laser pulses), and also serve as optional suicide sources that facilitate optimal contact between the metal gridlines and the p+ emitter layer.

Abstract: [Problem] The present invention provides a method for bonding semiconductor elements while assuring excellent electric conductivity and transparency at an interface, and a junction structure according to the bonding method. The present invention also provides a method for bonding semiconductor elements wherein excellent electric conductivity is assured at an interface and optical characteristics favorable for element characteristics can be designed, and a junction structure according to the bonding method. [Solution] Electrically conductive nano particles which are not covered with organic molecules are arrayed on a surface of one semiconductor element without causing optical loss, and another semiconductor element is pressure-bonded thereagainst.

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell and a method of fabricating the solar cell. The solar cell includes a back electrode layer; a light absorbing layer on the back electrode layer; and a buffer layer on the light absorbing layer, wherein the buffer layer includes a first buffer layer, a second buffer layer on the first buffer layer and a third buffer layer on the second buffer layer, and wherein the first buffer layer includes a group I-VI compound. A method of fabricating a solar cell includes the steps of: forming a back electrode layer on a substrate; forming a light absorbing layer on the back electrode layer; forming a second buffer layer on the light absorbing layer including selenium; and forming a third buffer layer including sulfide on the second buffer layer.

Abstract: Provided is a wafer for solar cell which can be produced using a polycrystalline semiconductor wafer cut out using a bonded abrasive wire, which wafer can be used for manufacturing a solar cell with high conversion efficiency. In a wafer for solar cell before acid texturing of the present invention, produced from a polycrystalline semiconductor wafer cut out using a bonded abrasive wire, an amorphous layer does not exist, and irregularities caused due to the cutting using the bonded abrasive wire are left in at least one surface of the wafer for solar cell.

Abstract: A passive solar tracking system to enhance solar cell output is provided. The passive solar tracking system includes a panel having at least one solar cell for solar-to-electric conversion and an actuator that is arranged for moving the panel to provide the variable facing direction of the panel. The actuator is directly driven by light such as sunlight to provide artificial heliotropism-type movements of the panel, so that the panel passively tracks and continuously faces the sun. The actuator may be made from a composite material including a matrix of liquid crystal elastomer material incorporating single-wall or multi-wall carbon nanotubes and an elastic skeleton defined by a 3D polyurethane fiber-network. An actuator housing may be arranged with respect to the actuator for enhancing delivery of stimulus to the actuator. The actuator housing may include a heat collector and a light concentrator for facilitating actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: A frame for a solar module that includes at least one solar cell. The solar-module frame has a frame corner having a corner connector made of a first material, in particular made of aluminum, and having a corner element made of a second material, which is different from the first material, in particular made of plastics material.

Abstract: A method (100) for decreasing an excess carrier induced degradation in a silicon substrate, includes providing (120, 130) a charged insulation layer capable of retaining charge on the silicon substrate for generating a potential difference between the charged insulation layer and the silicon substrate, and heat treating (140) the silicon substrate for enabling an impurity causing the excess carrier induced degradation and being in the silicon substrate to diffuse due to the potential difference into a boundary of the silicon substrate and the insulation layer.

Abstract: An electrolyte for a dye-sensitized solar cell includes a redox derivative; and a solvent mixture in which a nitrile-based compound having a C3-C10 linear carbon chain and a sulfoxide-based compound are mixed in a volume ratio of about 1:9 to about 9:1. A dye-sensitized solar cell including the electrolyte may have improved durability and performance such as energy conversion efficiency and light conversion efficiency.

Abstract: There is provided a photoelectric conversion device including: an active layer; and a metal-based particle assembly layer consisting of a particle assembly including 30 or more metal-based particles separated from each other and disposed in two dimensions, the metal-based particles having an average particle diameter in a range of from 10 to 1600 nm, an average height in a range of from 5 to 500 nm, and an aspect ratio in a range of from 0.5 to 8, the metal-based particles being disposed such that an average distance between adjacent metal-based particles may be in a range of from 1 to 150 nm. The photoelectric conversion device exhibits a high conversion efficiency achieved through enhancement of an electric field by the metal-based particle assembly layer.

Abstract: A gas shut-off valve assembly designed to automatically close gas flow in a gas conduit in response to a seismic vibration comprises a trigger mechanism disposed in a trigger mechanism housing, a springless sealing mechanism disposed in a valve housing, a latching mechanism configured to engage the springless sealing mechanism to keep the gas conduit open, and a pressure release valve. Upon sensing a seismic vibration, the trigger mechanism disengages the springless sealing mechanism from the latching mechanism. Simultaneously, the springless sealing mechanism swings down and rotates around an axis by gravitational force to close off gas flow in the conduit. To reopen gas flow, the pressure release valve is actuated to relieve accumulated gas pressure inside the valve housing and the springless sealing mechanism is manually reset to its original open position.

Abstract: A current driving system for a solenoid valve is described herein. In an embodiment, the current driving system comprises a pre-driver to control a control input of a transistor coupled to an electrical input of a solenoid valve. The transistor inducts electric power into the solenoid valve when the transistor is switched on. The current driving system further comprises a signal generator to produce a small signal and to output the small signal to the electrical input of the solenoid valve. The electric power being supplied by the small signal into the solenoid valve is substantially smaller than the electric power being supplied by the transistor when the transistor is switched on. The current driving system further comprises a measurement unit to measure a response to the small signal at the electrical input of the solenoid valve.

Abstract: Disclosed are high pressure test systems and methods. One dynamic fluid gas bleeder manifold includes gas outlet having opposing first and second ends and defining first opening at first end of gas outlet, wherein gas outlet extends between first and second ends along longitudinal axis of gas bleeder manifold, a first fluid inlet having opposing first and second ends defines second opening at first end of first fluid inlet, wherein first fluid inlet extends between first and second ends along first direction forming first acute angle with longitudinal axis, a second fluid inlet having opposing first and second ends defines third opening at first end of second fluid inlet, wherein second fluid inlet extends between first and second ends of second fluid inlet along second direction forming second acute angle with longitudinal axis, an internal fluid passage fluidly couples gas outlet to first and second fluid inlets.