Abstract: A thermoelectric material to exploit a unidirectional thermal gradient for the production of electrical power, comprising a body fabricated from milled silicon alloyed with a dopant and sintered at a temperature below the melting point of silicon.

Abstract: A tubular thermoelectric device wherein conductive substrates and completion elements serve a multiple role of structural support, thermal conductance and electrical conductance. Improved system thermoelectric performance accrues from the minimization of the number of interfaces between dissimilar materials, leading to a reduction in system thermal parasitics and system electrical parasitics. By engineering the shape and orientation of substrates and completion elements, improvements in heat transfer to heat reservoirs is accomplished and improved electrical conductivity is accomplished.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling thermally a thermoelectric generator (TEG) to an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. The exhaust manifold forms a first heat exchanger configured to couple thermally heat from exhaust gas to an outer surface of the first heat exchanger. The outer surface is preferably formed of stainless steel. A first dielectric layer is formed by firing a thick-film dielectric material onto the stainless steel of the first heat exchanger. A first conductor layer is formed by firing a conductive thick-film onto the first dielectric layer. A first paste layer of silver (Ag) based sintering paste is interposed between the first conductor layer and a first contact of the TEG. The first contact is sintered to the first conductor layer when the assembly is suitably arranged and suitably heated.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling thermally a thermoelectric generator (TEG) to an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. The assembly includes a first heat exchanger configured to guide exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine past an opening defined by the first heat exchanger, and a heat sink configured to couple thermally the TEG to the exhaust gas and fluidicly seal the opening. The assembly is configured so the heat sink is directly exposed to the exhaust gas so that heat is efficiently transferred from the exhaust gas to the TEG.

Abstract: In a configuration to join thermoelectric elements with an electrode in a thermoelectric module, reduction in junction reliability between the thermoelectric elements and the electrode is suppressed in a high-temperature environment and in an environment in which vibration and shock are imposed as load, to efficiently transmit the outer-circumferential temperature to the thermoelectric elements. In a thermoelectric module in which a plurality of p-type thermoelectric elements and a plurality of n-type thermoelectric element are alternately arranged by aligning the surfaces thereof on the high-temperature side and the surfaces thereof on the low-temperature side, to electrically connect the thermoelectric elements in series to each other; the p-type thermoelectric elements and the n-type thermoelectric element are joined via an intermediate layer with a deformable stress relaxation electrode, to thereby absorb stress taking place during the module assembling process and the module operation by the electrode.

Abstract: A multi-layer thermoelectric module and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The module includes two thermoelectric element sets and a metal electrode set, in which the thermoelectric element sets are corresponding to different operating temperature ranges. Each thermoelectric element set includes a thermoelectric unit, an interfacial adhesion layer, a diffusion barrier layer and a high melting-point metal layer. In the method, the thermoelectric unit, the interfacial adhesion layer, and the diffusion barrier layer are sequentially formed on the thermoelectric unit. Then, two high melting-point metal layers are formed respectively on the electrode layers of the metal electrode set.

Abstract: Provided is a thermoelectric conversion material which is composed of Bi2-xMnxSe3, is single-crystalline, and has a p-type carrier.

Abstract: A solar cell module for in-vehicle use includes a first terminal, a second terminal, solar cell units, and a diode. Solar cell units are electrically connected in parallel between the first terminal and the second terminal and each includes solar cells electrically connected in series. A diode is electrically connected between the first terminal and the second terminal in parallel with the solar cell units, and configured to allow a current to substantially flow therethrough when a reverse bias voltage of the solar cell units exceeds a predetermined voltage value.

Abstract: A multi-junction photovoltaic device and an integrated multi-junction photovoltaic device, having a two-terminal structure, in which subsequent layers can be stacked under conditions with minimal restrictions imposed by previously stacked layers. A plurality of photovoltaic cells having different spectral sensitivity levels are stacked such that at least the photovoltaic cells at the light-incident end and the opposite end have a conductive thin-film layer as the outermost layer that undergoes connection, the remaining photovoltaic cell has conductive thin-film layers as the outermost layers that undergo connection, and the outermost layers are bonded via anisotropic conductive adhesive layers containing conductive microparticles within a transparent insulating material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell apparatus. The solar cell apparatus includes a support substrate supporting a plurality of solar cells, a hole formed through a portion of the support substrate, an insulator filled in the hole, and a bus bar connected to the solar cells and passing through the insulator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell module. The solar cell module includes a substrate including at least one hole, and a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; a solar cell panel located on the first surface and including a plurality of solar cells; a bus bar connected to one of the solar cells; and a cable for outputting a current of the solar cell panel to an outside, wherein the bus bar makes contact with the cable through the hole.

Abstract: A solar panel positioning assembly having at least one fluid filled tank that is connected to at least one piston. The fluid filled tank is shaded by a solar panel when the panel is perpendicular to the sun. When the panel is not perpendicular to the sun, the fluid filled tank is heated by the sun, causing the fluid to expand and increase pressure in the piston. As the pressure increases the piston moves the solar array until the solar panel is perpendicular to the sun.

Abstract: An solar energy harvester and method for controlling the solar energy harvester, in which an insolation collector is formed of one or more elements each having two opposite major sides, a first side and a second side, and being configured to collect energy from insolation incident on any of the first and second sides. A cradle enables installation of the insolation collector on a roof with the first side generally towards the sun independently of the form of the roof. One or more heliostats reflect insolation to the second side of the insolation collector. A controller controls the one or more heliostats to maintain reflected insolation incident on the collector and to decrease the reflected insolation incident on the collector when necessary to inhibit the insolation collector receiving insolation exceeding given threshold through its first and second sides.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a substrate, a solar cell panel provided on one surface of the substrate, and a protective layer formed between the solar cell panel and the substrate. The protective layer is formed in the solar cell module by using vacuum or inert gas, thereby effectively preventing the solar cell module from moisture penetration.

Abstract: A solar module is described. The solar module has a laminated composite of two substrates bonded to one another by at least one bonding layer, between which substrates there are solar cells which are connected in series and which each have an absorber zone made of a semiconducting material between a front electrode arranged on a light entrance side of the absorber zone and a rear electrode. A diffusion barrier differing from the front electrode is located between each absorber zone and the bonding layer and is designed to inhibit the diffusion of water molecules from the bonding layer into the absorber zone and/or the diffusion of dopant ions from the absorber zone into the bonding layer. A process for producing such a solar module is also described.

Abstract: Provided are flexible photovoltaic modules having flexible module connectors that allow their connector bodies to move with respect to other parts of the modules in one or more directions. This flexibility may be used to align connector bodies during installation. Further, flexibility may help to overcome the thermal expansion differences of various modules and supporting structure components during operation. Flexible arms may be used to support connector bodies with respect to module sealing sheets to provide the necessary flexibility. Such modules may also include various touch safety features to keep conductive elements of the module connectors disconnected from the photovoltaic cells prior to installation of the module and during initial installation operations. Also provided are flexible photovoltaic assemblies, each including multiple modules electrically interconnected with each other and sealed at their interfaces.

Abstract: Provided are flexible photovoltaic modules having header structures for protecting, reinforcing, and sealing edges formed by sealing sheets of the modules. A flexible module may include one or more header structures. In certain embodiments, two header structures are provided on the same edge or two opposite edges of the module. A header structure may enclose a portion of the edge or the entire edge. A header structure may be a sleeve enclosing an edge formed by two sealing sheets. In other embodiment, in which an edge is formed by only one shorter sealing sheet, a header structure may extend over this edge. A header structure may enclose one or more electrical leads protruding from a sealed space formed by the sealing sheets. These electrical leads may be connected to conductive elements provided within the header structure and used for establishing electrical connections to other components of the photovoltaic array.

Abstract: Provided are flexible photovoltaic modules having flaps for supporting junction boxes. Junction boxes are used for making electrical connections to photovoltaic cells sealed inside the modules. A flap may be formed by one or two flexible sealing sheets extending beyond the boundary of the photovoltaic cells. A junction box is attached to the front surface of the flap. In certain embodiments, a flap is formed by one sealing sheet, such as a back side sheet. Materials of the back side sheet may be different from materials of the front side sheet and be selected to ensure support to the junction box. Additional support to the junction box may be provided by extending one of its edges in between the two sealing sheets. This edge extension or other features may be used for mechanical protection of electrical leads extending between the junction box and photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cells having a back electrode layer, a light absorbing layer, and a front electrode layer which are sequentially disposed on a support substrate, an upper panel on the solar cells, sealing layers disposed between an outer peripheral region of the support substrate and the upper panel for sealing the support substrate and the upper panel, and a moisture absorption layer between the sealing layers.

Abstract: An artificial tree for generating hybrid energy is described, having an elevated structure connected to and supported by a base structure integral with the ground (G). The base structure including a central modular trunk integral with the ground and formed by vertically superimposed tubular members joined to one another.

Abstract: In one aspect, semiconductor structures are described herein. A semiconductor structure, in some implementations, comprises a first semiconductor layer having a first bandgap and a first lattice constant and a second semiconductor layer having a second bandgap and a second lattice constant. The second lattice constant is lower than the first lattice constant. Additionally, a transparent metamorphic buffer layer is disposed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. The buffer layer has a constant or substantially constant bandgap and a varying lattice constant. The varying lattice constant is matched to the first lattice constant adjacent the first semiconductor layer and matched to the second lattice constant adjacent the second semiconductor layer. The buffer layer comprises a first portion comprising AlyGazIn(1-y-z)As and a second portion comprising GaxIn(1-x)P.

Abstract: A method for forming a photovoltaic device includes forming an absorber layer with a granular structure on a conductive layer; conformally depositing an insulating protection layer over the absorber layer to fill in between grains of the absorber layer; and planarizing the protection layer and the absorber layer. A buffer layer is formed on the absorber layer, and a top transparent conductor layer is deposited over the buffer layer.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules, and methods for fabricating said photovoltaic modules, are provided and include a photovoltaic cell operable to convert photons to electrons having a light transparent superstrate material with a superstrate absorption coefficient and a superstrate refractive index, and an encapsulant having an encapsulant absorption coefficient and an encapsulant refractive index, wherein an absorption coefficient relationship between the superstrate absorption coefficient and the encapsulant absorption coefficient and a refractive index relationship between the superstrate refractive index and the encapsulant refractive index are selected such that there is a gain in efficiency.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating back-contact solar cells and devices thereof are described. A method of fabricating a back-contact solar cell includes forming an N-type dopant source layer and a P-type dopant source layer above a material layer disposed above a substrate. The N-type dopant source layer is spaced apart from the P-type dopant source layer. The N-type dopant source layer and the P-type dopant source layer are heated. Subsequently, a trench is formed in the material layer, between the N-type and P-type dopant source layers.

Abstract: A method for producing a glass substrate includes (a) a step of forming molten glass having a temperature T2 less than or equal to 1500° C. on molten tin having an iron concentration greater than or equal to 100 ppm to produce a glass ribbon having a temperature T4 less than or equal to 1100° C. and a logarithm log ? greater than or equal to 8.8, and (b) a step of cooling the glass ribbon to room temperature to produce the glass substrate. The temperature T2 represents a temperature when a logarithm of a viscosity ? (dPa·s) is 2, the temperature T4 represents a temperature when the logarithm of the viscosity ? (dPa·s) is 4, and the logarithm log ? represents a logarithm of a volume resistivity ? (?·cm) at 150° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluorine-containing resin film which is formed from a fluorine-containing resin composition and has a thickness of 10 to 50 wherein the fluorine-containing resin composition is prepared by adding 10 to 30 parts by mass of titanium oxide or a composite-oxide-type inorganic pigment to 100 parts by mass of a resin component comprising 60 to 95 parts by mass of a vinylidene fluoride resin and 5 to 40 parts by mass of a methacrylic acid ester resin, and wherein the peak intensity ratio of a II-type crystal, which is expressed by (A)/((A)+(B))×100 wherein A represents the peak height at 840 cm?1 and B represents the peak height at 765 cm?1 in a measurement chart produced by an infrared absorption spectrum, is 60% or more and the total crystallinity is 30% or more as calculated from an X-ray diffraction profile.

Abstract: A high voltage output solar cell which is small in size and high in power generation efficiency is provided. The solar cell is provided with a p-type or n-type monocrystalline semiconductor substrate (1) forming a power generation layer, a plurality of hole collecting layers (2), electron collecting layers (3), and grooves (7) provided inside of the semiconductor substrate (1) contiguous to a back surface which faces a light receiving surface of the semiconductor substrate (1), hole collecting layers (2) and electron collecting layers (3) being provided between adjoining grooves (7) and hole collecting layers (2) and electron collecting layers (3) being provided sandwiching grooves (7), and interconnect layers (8) which connect hole collecting layers (2) and electron collecting layers (3) sandwiching grooves (7), the grooves (7) being formed from the back surface side toward the inside of semiconductor substrate (1).

Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell and preparing method of the same. The solar cell includes a back electrode layer on a support substrate, a molybdenum oxide layer on the back electrode layer, a light absorbing layer on the molybdenum oxide layer, and a front electrode layer on the light absorbing layer.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a foreline for conveying a waste stream which is drawn from a process chamber to a pumping mechanism. The foreline comprises an isolation valve for selectively isolating the pumping mechanism from the process chamber and a bypass positioned around the isolation valve. The apparatus further comprises a controller for actuating the isolation valve. The controller is configured to cause the isolation valve to be closed when the waste stream is initially drawn from the process chamber, during which time the waste stream is conveyed to the pumping mechanism via the bypass. The bypass includes means for inhibiting propagation of a flame front therethrough. The controller is configured to cause the isolation valve to be opened once a pressure within a region upstream of the isolation valve has been reduced below a value at which propagation of a flame front within the waste stream can be sustained.

Abstract: A Self-Organizing Multi-Stream Flow Delivery Process and Enabling Actuation and Control are introduced. The method and apparatus of building a general-purpose self-organizing multi-stream flow delivery process are presented. As a case example, an actuation and control system to control a multi-stream liquid flow delivery process using Self-Organizing Actuation and Control Units (SOACU) is described.

Abstract: A method of deactivating an underwater hydraulic device provides a hydraulic device that is capable of being operated under water, the device having a hydraulic cylinder with a pushrod and a piston. The device is lowered below a water surface with a hose reel that is located at the water surface area such as on a marine vessel. The hose reel includes first and second hydraulic hoses that connect to the cylinder on opposing sides of the piston. Fluid flow in the first and second hydraulic hoses is continuously monitored. The ratio of the volume of fluid flowing into the cylinder from one side of the piston to the volume of fluid flowing into the cylinder from the other side of the piston is continuously calculated with a computer or controller. The hydraulic device is deactivated if the ratio varies from a preset value. One embodiment includes a plurality of flow meters for measuring fluid flow to and from one or more hydraulically powered apparatuses.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for improving flow of a viscous fluid in a fluid transport conduit, the device comprising: a porous conduit having a passage through which the viscous fluid may pass between upstream and downstream sections of the fluid transport conduit; and a casing member having a wall which extends around the porous conduit, the device being configured such that, when it is in situ, a fluid transfer chamber having at least one fluid inlet is defined between the casing member wall and porous conduit, whereby lubricating fluid may pass under pressure through the inlet(s) into the fluid transfer chamber and through the porous conduit into the passage to lubricate the flow.

Abstract: A device for controlling liquid motion includes a substrate (10) of material having piezoelectric properties, and a system for controlling the motion of a quantity of liquid placed in contact with the substrate. The control system includes at least one interdigitated transducer (T1, T3, T5, T7), applied to the substrate (10) and designed for selectively generating a surface acoustic wave adapted to propagate on the substrate (10) and interact with the quantity of liquid. The control system further includes an acoustic resonator (30) which is placed on the path of the surface acoustic wave, and which is adapted to normally allow the forward transmission of the surface acoustic wave having a frequency equal to a resonance frequency of the acoustic resonator, and to reflect the surface acoustic wave back towards the transducer when the quantity of liquid is present within the acoustic resonator.

Abstract: A universal faucet extender having an attachment member and a trough member to detachably attach to faucet spigots or aerators of various designs. The universal faucet extender extends the flow of water within arms' reach to allow children and other individuals who would have difficulty to reach and access the flowing water. The attachment member comprises at least two receiving openings, a first receiving opening on a rear end of the attachment member and a second receiving opening on a top surface of the attachment member, both of which are adapted to interchangeably receive a circumference of a faucet spigot.

Abstract: A method of flushing liquid fuel from valves and nozzles in a gas turbine is conducted via a mixing valve including flow passages for fuel and water. In the method, water is flowed through the flow passages, and the flow is interrupted for a period of no flow. This flow profile is repeated such that the water flow is pulsed through the flow passages.

Abstract: A real time method and dynamic logic-based system for enhancing the operation of a pipeline network is disclosed. The system and method perform monitoring of the operation of a pipeline network, generate alarms in response to differing levels of destabilized pipeline operations, manage the generation of alarms based upon known operating events and operating conditions, diagnose potential source of the detected destabilized events and manage the operation of the pipeline.

Abstract: A valve unit includes a housing which has a partition wall in which an opening portion is formed, a float valve which is disposed within a valve chamber R1 thereof, and a check valve which is disposed within a valve chamber R2. A valve seat is provided on a lower surface side of the partition wall, and plural radially-extending thin ribs are formed therearound. Plural axially-extending check valve guide ribs are provided at predetermined circumferential intervals with in the vent chamber R2, and plural axially-extending float valve guide ribs are provided at predetermined circumferential intervals within the valve chamber R1. The thin ribs and the check valve guide ribs are formed circumferentially alternately so as not to be superposed on each other when viewed from an axial direction of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid replenishing device comprising a liquid storage tank, a chemical liquid supply pipeline, an ultrapure water supply pipeline, an ultrapure water quantitative supplement pipeline and a circulating pipeline. The chemical liquid supply pipeline supplies chemical liquids to the liquid storage tank. The ultrapure water supply pipeline supplies ultrapure water to the liquid storage tank. The ultrapure water quantitative supplement pipeline quantitatively replenishes ultrapure water to the liquid storage tank. One end of the circulating pipeline is connected with the outlet of the liquid storage tank, the other end of the circulating pipeline is connected with the inlet of the liquid storage tank.

Abstract: An embodiment wall hydrant includes a reservoir, conduits containing an operating rod assembly and a service rod assembly, and a fluid outlet with a hose connector. The service rod assembly allows water supply to the hydrant to be shut-off from the front of the hydrant which allows servicing of the hydrant without requiring water shut-off to all or a portion of the water supply to the building. Embodiments include a vacuum relief dual check valve assembly at the fluid outlet which prevents backflow of water into the hydrant. Embodiments include a box which protects the hydrant controls.

Abstract: Described herein is an autonomous fluid spill containment device for a pipeline having a carrier conduit for transporting a fluid and a containment conduit located around the carrier conduit to define an interstitial space for receiving fluid spilled from the carrier conduit. The device includes a spilled fluid barrier for stopping spilled fluid flow, which is located in the interstitial space and extends between the carrier conduit and the containment conduit. An acoustic sensor is located in the interstitial space for detecting spilled fluid flowing in the containment conduit, or in the carrier conduit for detecting fluid flow reduction.

Abstract: An improved safety valve for oilfield operations comprising a first valve body comprising: an axial bore adapted to allow fluids to pass, a first end operatively engaging pump equipment, and a second end adapted to axially compress with a second valve body; the second valve body comprising an axial bore, adapted to axially compress with a second end of an intermediate valve body connector and the second end of the first valve body, and a second end operatively engaging pump equipment; the intermediate valve body connector having an axial bore and means for axial compression with the second valve body; the axial bores of the first and second valve bodies and the intermediate connector adapted to being axially aligned when compressed; and a valve internally disposed between the first valve body and the intermediate valve body connector and the second valve body and actuated by an externally accessible torque means.

Abstract: An adapter connects to a valve to convert the valve of a type, such as but not limited to Schrader or Presta, to a uniform configuration. An attachment head for engages and creates a seal with the adapter and has a release mechanism to disengage the attachment head from the adapter.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve for pressure equalization between an essentially closed space and the surrounding atmosphere is disclosed. The pressure relief valve includes a valve housing with: a cylindrical wall defining a flow passage, a valve body arranged to cooperate with a valve seat arranged in the outflow of the valve housing, a stem configured for axial guidance of the valve body, a lifting element or plate arranged further down in the flow passage relative to the valve seat, a flow constriction defining an essentially truncated conically shaped interior and arranged to encircle the lifting element such that a radial passage between the lifting element and flow constriction increase when the lifting element and the valve body is moved from a closed state of the pressure relief valve towards an open state of the pressure relief valve.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a fuel injector that includes a sleeve member having an interior chamber, a piston member supported for movement within the interior chamber of the sleeve member and separating an upstream pressure side of the valve assembly from a downstream pressure side of the valve assembly, and a dynamic sealing device mounted to one of the sleeve member and the piston member for sealingly isolating the upstream pressure side of the valve assembly from the downstream pressure side of the valve assembly. The dynamic sealing assembly includes a PTFE seal member having a generally C-shaped cross-section defining an internal cavity having an opening about the outer periphery thereof the seal member, and a helical spring disposed within the internal cavity of the seal member for providing a constant sealing force to the seal member.

Abstract: Provided is a valve module for a stream selector that includes first and second pistons axially movable against a biasing force by fluid from an actuation passage acting on undersides of the respective pistons to move a valve head from a closed position to an open position where fluid flows from an inlet passage into a control chamber portion to an outlet passage. Thereby, the stream selector operates at significantly lower actuation air pressures, while providing a valve module that is backwards compatible.

Abstract: An intake pipe for intake gas of an internal combustion engine has an intake pipe channel and a flap unit with a flap shaft and a flap fixedly arranged on the flap shaft. The flap unit alternatingly opens or closes the intake pipe channel. A hollow insert body is disposed in the intake pipe channel, wherein the flap unit is arranged in the insert body and the flap is positioned in a hollow interior of the insert body. The insert body has opposite end faces and the opposite end faces are open. The flap shaft extends through opposite walls of the insert body in a radial direction relative to an insert body axis of the insert body. The insert body is rotatable on the flap shaft. A radial inner circumferential side of the insert body widens toward at least one of the open end faces.

Abstract: An insulation device for maintaining temperature of a process fluid equipment includes insulation material positioned on the process equipment and at least one RFID device located on or in the insulation material. Each RFID device can provide one or more functions such as identification of a blanket and monitoring of one or more parameters, such as environmental, mechanical, electrical, and operational parameters and conditions on piping, tanks, vessels and related process equipment. Information transmitted by the RFID device can be processed to provide temperature sensing, leak detection, a data logging/export function, and other functions. Operators of the process fluid equipment can use the RFID device information to monitor the system status and take corrective action if needed.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an autonomous controllable valve system for providing turbulent flow to a cleaning solution during a valve-cleaning operation, the valve system includes a valve and a valve controller, the valve has an MR sensor array arranged to receive a magnetic field from a magnet coupled to the valve stem, the MR sensor array generating signals indicative of a valve stem position, the valve controller receiving the position signals and generating a control signal for a valve actuator to move the valve stem to a cleaning position between a closed position and a maximal-open position. The cleaning position may be less than twenty percent of a distance between the closed position and the maximal open position. In an illustrative embodiment, the cleaning position may be predetermined to cause a turbulent flow of the cleaning solution.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a feed injector system includes an inner channel configured to convey at least one of a solid fuel feed or a liquid reactant or moderator to a reaction zone. A first oxidizer channel extends around the inner channel, wherein the first oxidizer channel is configured to convey a first oxidizer stream to the reaction zone. A second oxidizer channel extends around the first oxidizer channel, wherein the second oxidizer channel is configured to convey a second oxidizer stream to the reaction zone. Additionally, a third channel extends around the inner channel and the first and second oxidizer channels, wherein the third channel is configured to convey at least one of the solid fuel feed or the liquid reactant or moderator to the reaction zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter (1) for a transfer device (20) for a fluid, for the connection of a container (17) containing the fluid, wherein the container (17) is closed by a pierceable closure element (18), and the adapter (1) has an attachment (4) which can be fitted sealingly, in an attachment direction, onto a container mouth closed by the closure element. A penetration element (6) is mounted on the attachment (4) in such a way that the penetration element (6) is movable, with the aid of guide means, between a rest position (R) and a withdrawal position (E), wherein the penetration element (6) has a hollow needle (9) with which the closure element (18) can be pierced in the withdrawal position (E).