Abstract: A device for attaching hair extensions is provided. In one embodiment, an oblong-shaped bead includes an exterior surface. The exterior surface includes a first longitudinal section, a second longitudinal section, a first lateral section, and a second lateral section. A length of a longitudinal section is greater than a length of a lateral section of the oblong-shaped bead. A first aperture at a first end of the oblong-shaped bead is adapted to receive a lock of the native hair of a wearer. A second aperture is at a second end of the oblong-shaped bead. An interior surface of the bead defines a channel adapted to enclose a portion of the lock of the native hair and a tip of the hair extension. The oblong-shaped bead is composed of a material capable of being constricted to attach the hair extension to the lock of native hair.

Abstract: A hair accessory may include a head band comprising a front end and a back end. Bangs may be attached to the front end of the hair band. At least one length of hair may attach to the back end of the hair band. A user may place the hair accessory on their head and comb through the hair accessory and their natural hair to provide a blended, fully look to their hair.

Abstract: A hair styling apparatus including a first and a second arm moveable between a closed position in which a contacting surface of the first arm is adjacent a contacting surface of the second arm and an open position in which the contacting surfaces of each arm are spaced apart, whereby the contacting surfaces of each arm have complementary profiles so that, in use, a section of hair is clamped between the contacting surfaces when the arms are in the closed position, and where a heating zone on at least one of the contacting surfaces is provided to heat the section of hair between the contacting surfaces, a cooling zone on at least one of the contacting surfaces is provided for cooling the section of hair after the section of hair has been heated, and the cooling zone is curved whereby, in use, as the hair styling apparatus is moved along the section of hair in a generally linear fashion, the section of hair is curled.

Abstract: A hair styling system includes a driver module and a plurality of interchangeably receivable styling modules. The driver module includes a holder configured to interchangeably receive a plurality of styling modules, each configured to perform at least one styling operation, a driver gear positioned adjacent to the holder, and a power module comprising a motor configured to drive the driver gear in a first direction and a second direction. The plurality of interchangeably receivable styling modules each include a styling module gear configured to operatively engage the driver gear and be rotatable thereby to perform at least one styling operation distinguishable from a styling operation performed by at least one other styling module.

Abstract: A hair mounting piece for use with an elastic hair holder comprising: a connector, where the connector provides a means to attach the hair mounting piece to the elastic hair holder; and a horizontal surface, where the horizontal surface joins with the connector to form a T-shaped configuration for the hair mounting piece; and a hook and loop connection surface over the horizontal surface.

Abstract: A decorative charm includes a base element having a decorative top and a bottom; first and second rigid hook elements having respective extensions having first ends attached to the bottom of the base element and second extension ends angled inwardly to form hook portions; and a planar attachment element having a tapered portion and being disposed to simultaneously abut each extension to frictionally fix the extensions between the base element and the hook portions.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a dental floss holder containing a body that includes a fixing portion, which is provided with at least a recess disposed inward so as to constitute a neck for holding the dental floss and is provided with at least a slot for receiving the dental floss in position. Thus a user can operate the dental floss fixed on the body in cooperation with the other end of the dental floss held by fingers (or fixed on another dental floss holder) to easily clean the slits between teeth deep inside the oral cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for dissolving a chromium, iron, nickel, zinc and radionuclides containing oxide layer, in particular for breaking down oxide layers deposited on inner surfaces of systems and components of a nuclear power plant, by means of an aqueous decontamination solution containing methanesulfonic acid, which flows in a loop, wherein in regular intervals small amounts of permanganic acid are added, and following reaction of the permanganic acid a second loop is added on in bypass and the dissolved cations and anions are removed by ion-exchange resins from the decontamination solution.

Abstract: A handheld mitter wringer tool is provided for cleansing build-up from hanging mitters. For example, one can expel build-up from a mitter, which is secured at one end to a fixed structure, by indenting the mitter between two non-cutting surfaces that extend across the width of the mitter, while moving the two surfaces along the mitter away from the secured end. Thus, a mitter wringer tool may have a pair of elongate plates that are operatively connected for movement from a fully-opened position, in which working faces of the plates are displaced apart for receiving a mitter, to a working position, in which the working faces are closely opposed and generally parallel for slidably gripping and wringing the mitter.

Abstract: A cleaning film designed to remove foreign matter and particulates from working surfaces of cleaning wafers used in semiconductor processes. These processes include wafer sort test for cleaning of probe card pins and FEOL tooling for cleaning during wafer handling equipment and wafer chucks. The debris collected on the cleaning wafer working surfaces is removed by the particle removal film allowing the debris and foreign matter to be discarded. The use of the cleaning film allows the operator to refresh the cleaning wafer without use of an outside vendor and eliminates wet washing and the use of solvents in the cleaning process.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to an apparatus with scraping members for cleaning a geophysical equipment (e.g., a streamer) being towed behind a survey vessel. The apparatus may, in one embodiment, include a housing and a plurality of scraping members that are disposed at least partially outside of the housing. In another embodiment, when the geophysical equipment is being towed behind a survey vessel, portions of the geophysical equipment may be flattened or compressed due to the towing force exerted on the geophysical equipment, and the apparatus of this disclosure may still be used to clean the geophysical equipment. A method is disclosed related to operating an apparatus with a plurality of scraping members and removing debris from a geophysical equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting with wiping a child includes a stabilized base configured to sit on a horizontal surface and a first handle coupled to the stabilized base. The first handle is positioned such that a child bending over and grabbing the first handle with both hands opens the child's anal and/or private areas for wiping clean, such as during a diaper change. The apparatus may also include a second handle extending upwardly from the stabilized base higher than the first handle so that the second handle may be grabbed by the child in a standing position or during movement to and from the bent over position. A method for assisting with wiping a child while using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The vibratory firearm barrel cleaning tool of this invention is a device to clean firearm barrels more thoroughly, quickly and efficiently than that with prior art devices. It employs the conventional cleaning rod, brush and cleaning fluid, but is powered by a vibratory source on the cleaning rod to more effectively remove fouling elements from the barrel interior.

Abstract: A device for washing an array plate having an array of liquid droplets adhered thereto is described. The array of liquid droplets is covered with a hydrophobic medium immiscible with the array of liquid droplets. The device includes a mechanism for draining the hydrophobic medium from the array plate; a mechanism for providing an aqueous wash liquid over the array plate; a mechanism for shaking the array plate in a presence of the aqueous wash liquid; and a mechanism for removing the aqueous wash liquid from the array plate. A method for washing an array plate is also described.

Abstract: An aqueous cleaning composition and methods for use in the agricultural, food and beverage industry which comprises at least 3% of hydrogen peroxide and a plurality of non-ionic surfactants, wherein said cleaning composition is substantially free of any alkalinity source.

Abstract: Provided is a method for removing deposited solid residue from equipment used in the processing of (meth)acrylic acid or esters, including the steps of dissolving the solid residue in a cleaning solution comprising an organic carboxylic acid to produce a solid residue slurry; and removing the solid residue slurry from the equipment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magnetic duct cleaning hose clamp for attaching an airflow hose to a HVAC duct to be cleaned. The improved duct cleaning hose clamp includes: a planar clamp base; a plurality of magnets arranged around the periphery of the back surface of the clamp base; a compressible sealing member located between the magnetic attachment pads on the back surface of the clamp base; at least one handle portion extending from the front surface of the clamp base; a duct cleaning hose mounting portion protruding from the front surface of the clamp base; and a duct cleaning hose mounting portion defining an airflow aperture which is in fluid communication with a remote HVAC duct cleaning base unit. The present invention further includes magnetic duct access door of similar construction to the clamp. The magnetic access door provides for frequent access to a variety of different kinds of duct.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a liquid processing method with which, while alleviating a watermark occurring in the surface of a substrate, it is possible to hydrophobize the surface using a hydrophobing gas. [Solution] A substrate (W), retained in substrate retaining parts (21, 22, 23), is rotated and has a liquid compound supplied to the surface thereof, whereby a liquid process is carried out. Next, a rinse liquid is supplied to the surface of the substrate (W) while the substrate (W) is rotated, and the liquid compound is replaced with the rinse liquid. Next, supplying a hydrophobing gas for hydrophobizing the surface of the substrate (W) and supplying the rinse liquid to the surface of the substrate (W) after supplying the hydrophobing gas are repeated alternately, thus hydrophobizing the substrate (W). Next, the rinse liquid is removed by rotating the substrate (W), drying the substrate (W).

Abstract: A cleaning device for a laboratory fermenter for growing microorganisms is provided. The laboratory fermenter to be cleaned has a gas supply connection connected to a line reaching into the fermenter's nutrient solution, an exhaust connection to the gas space over the nutrient solution, and a withdrawal connection leading to the fermenters deepest point. The cleaning device includes three cleaning connections, an immersion pipe connection and two gas connections. Flow in each gas connection is controlled via intermediate switch valves having a cleaning start position and a cleaning end position. The cleaning connections are connected via hose lines to hose pinch control valves, a hose pinch pump, at least one filter. A cleaning control manages the cleaning process by controlling flow from and/or to an air connection, a water connection and a waste water connection. The cleaning controller may also control introduction of acids and/or bases.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving dishes for treatment according to the cycle of operation and having an open face providing access to the treating chamber, a dish holder slidable relative to the tub through the open face between a loading position and a treating position and a light source provided on the dish holder for illuminating dishes contained in the dish holder.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting a moisture concentration of veneer are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the method for adjusting a moisture concentration of a veneer can include estimating a moisture concentration of a veneer surface at one or more locations thereon. The method can also include comparing the one or more estimated locations to a minimum moisture concentration level. The method can also include moisturizing at least a portion of the one or more estimated locations that are below the minimum moisture concentration level to increase the moisture concentration thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is provided with a collapsible mechanism at the top of a collapsible tent, which comprises a top base and at least two sets of supporting pole sets. The top base comprises an upper pivot base, a lower pivot base and a vertical pole to fix the upper pivot base and the lower pivot base; at least two sets of supporting pole sets are connected to the top base and arranged annularly; each of the supporting pole set comprises a sub-pole, a connecting base and a supporting pole, a first end of the sub-pole is pivot joint with the lower pivot base, a second end of the sub-pole is pivot joint with the supporting pole, the connecting base is pivot joint with the upper pivot base, the connecting base is slidably connected to the sub-pole and form a flexible structure.

Abstract: Described is a control structure for unfolding and folding a collapsible device or shelter. The control structure includes a sliding seat that is pivotally connected to adapter members, which are in turn connected to poles, e.g., tent poles. The tent poles are also pivotally connected to a lower support, and a resilient member (e.g., a spring) forces a separating between the sliding seat the the lower support. The resilient member biases the sliding seat toward the lower support to maintain the control structure in an unfolded position when open, and in a folded position when closed.

Abstract: Nanoscale thermocouples are made of a single material and are shape-engineered to contain one or more variations in their width along their length. The mono-metallic nanowire junctions resulting from the width variation(s) exploit a difference in the Seebeck coefficient that is present at these size scales. Such devices have a wide variety of uses and can be coupled with an antenna in order to serve as an infrared detector.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator has a heat conducting body that exchanges heat with the environment according to environmental temperature changes, a heat storing body, and a thermoelectric conversion unit and thermal resistance body arranged between the heat conducting body and the heat storing body. One end of the thermal resistance body and one end of the thermoelectric conversion unit are in contact with each other. The other end of the thermal resistance body is in contact with the heat conducting body, and the other end of the thermoelectric conversion unit is in contact with the heat storing body. The surface of the heat storing body is covered by a covering layer having certain heat insulation properties. The temperature difference generated between the heat conducting body and the heat storing body is utilized to extract electric energy from the thermoelectric conversion unit.

Abstract: An assembly is formed of a plurality of tubes (1, 2) for circulating a fluid. The tubes (1, 2) extend parallel to one another. The assembly is further formed of a plurality of thermoelectric elements (3) making it possible to create an electric current from a temperature gradient applied between two contact surfaces (4a, 4b) thereof. The thermoelectric elements (3) are distributed over the tubes (1, 2) with which the thermoelectric elements (3) are in contact via one (4b) of their contact surfaces. The assembly is designed so as to enable the installation of tubes for circulating another fluid, with the tubes being intended to be in contact with the thermoelectric elements (3) via the other (4a) contact surface thereof and extending in a direction that is a secant relative to the direction of extension of the tubes (1, 2). A thermoelectric device is equipped with a stack of assemblies.

Abstract: A method and device produce thermoelectric power and thermoelectric modules. In one embodiment, a thermoelectric module comprises N-type carbon nanotube film and P-type carbon nanotube film.

Abstract: To improve the mass productivity of thermoelectric conversion modules. A thermoelectric conversion module 1 is equipped with a pair of substrates 11 and 12, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements 2, each having one end portion electrically connected to a first electrode 3 which is arranged on the substrate 11 and the other end portion electrically connected to a second electrode 4 which is arranged on the substrate 12, and a connection section 5 which electrically connects the first electrode 3 electrically connected to the thermoelectric conversion element 2 to the second electrode 4 electrically connected to an adjacent one of the thermoelectric conversion elements 2. The connection section 5 is separate from at least one of the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 4.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion device includes a perovskite film over a substrate and formed with first and second electrodes on the perovskite film, wherein the perovskite film includes a domain having a crystal orientation different from a crystal orientation of a crystal that constitutes the perovskite film.

Abstract: A solar cell comprises an optically transparent handle, wherein the handle includes grooves into which tabs are inserted, enabling the use of high aspect ratio tabs with minimal shading of the front side of the solar cell. Electrical connection of the tabs to busbars on the surface of the layers of the solar cell is through apertures at the bottom of each groove on the handle—the grooves being aligned to the busbars. The apertures may be filled with solder, metal pins, metal spheres, etc, and in embodiments the tabs may be metal wires. The solar cells with optically transparent handles may be formed into solar cell modules. Furthermore, in embodiments the handle with integral tabs simplifies and reduces the cost of solar cell and module fabrication since the top surface of the transparent handle including tabs may be completely flat.

Abstract: A solar cell module comprises a plurality of solar cell elements including a front surface electrode and a wiring member electrically interconnecting the solar cell elements. The front surface electrode includes a bus bar electrode and finger electrodes, the finger electrodes including a plurality of first finger electrodes and connected to the bus bar electrode, and a plurality of second finger electrodes not connected to the bus bar electrode. The front surface electrode further includes a fine wire electrode that is disposed in a region extending from the bus bar electrode in a longitudinal direction of the bus bar electrode and that is electrically connected to the second finger electrodes, the fine wire electrode including first and second fine wire electrodes intersecting to each other. The wiring member is connected to an intersection of the first and second fine wire electrodes and to the bus bar electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable and compact hybrid power unit for ready to use, plug-in power for nearly any environment. Open Energy System (OES) is self-contained in a durable shell that can be deployed almost anywhere in the world. The OES transforms from a rugged box into an energy generating unit with all equipment assembled and ready to generate power. Pre-assembled solar modules can slide out from the opening sides of the unit along a rolling channel, lock into place and open into a ready-to-generate solar electric array. In addition, the OES is mobile and transportable. It can hitch to a vehicle, be dropped in by helicopter, shipped in or used as a permanent unit. Further, the OES unit is designed to fit 5 to a standard shipping container and can be deployed using various shipping methods. From the military fighting around the world in rural and hostile areas to reaching disaster affected areas that are in need of crucial power, OES reaches those in need of clean electric power.

Abstract: Textile systems and components for establishing electrical characteristics of textiles. The textiles incorporate charge carrying components, such as photovoltaic components, in contact with highly conductive bus conduits to improve electrical properties without compromising physical characteristics of the textiles. Structure, geometries, and methods are provided for textile constructs, including photovoltaic textile constructs.

Abstract: Thin film photovoltaic devices are provided that include a transparent substrate defining an inner surface and an outer surface; a thin film stack on the inner surface of the transparent substrate; an encapsulation substrate on the thin film stack; and a color reflection film on the outer surface of the transparent substrate. The thin film stack has a photovoltaic heterojunction (e.g., formed from a n-type window thin film layer and an absorber thin film layer). Generally, the color reflection film comprises a colorant, such as a refractive material (e.g., a nitride material, an oxide material, or mixtures thereof). Methods are also provided for forming such a photovoltaic device, and for forming an array of photovoltaic devices to define an image.

Abstract: An adjustable solar module system includes a solar module configured for use with an electronic information system. The solar module has incremental settings for the horizontal and vertical positioning of the solar panels. The electronic information system includes a database that communicates with a user device (e.g. cell phone or computer) via a communications network. The system receives the user's GPS coordinates via the user's device. Based on the location, and the date, the system retrieves the position of the sun from the database. The sun's position is translated into horizontal and vertical coordinates that are then translated into the appropriate horizontal and vertical settings found on the solar module. The horizontal and vertical settings are then transmitted to the user's device to enable the user to make the appropriate adjustments.

Abstract: A compact low concentration photovoltaic apparatus totally enclosed in a protective clear dome against harsh environment without active cooling. A conical mirror reflector, a circular lens refractor and a round crystalline silicon photovoltaic solar panel rotate simultaneously inside the dome to concentrate sun rays and instantly produce electricity. The mirror increases electrical current three times and the lens increases one time for total four times using low overall concentration of five to twenty times sun. The lens is offset from the plane parallel to the photovoltaic solar panel, whilst the panels forming the mirror are angled offset to a center axis perpendicular to the solar panel. The optical assembly and solar panel are mounted in a conical aluminum cage which is pivoted from a rotary turntable for the daily azimuth and altitude rotations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for generating photovoltaic power. The system for generating photovoltaic power is characterized by including: a light collection part shaped like a dome bulged outward and having a light condenser lens unit for condensing incident light rays; a light diffusion part having a light diffusion lens unit for diffusing the light rays collected by the light collection part; and a solar panel for receiving the light rays diffused by the light diffusion part.

Abstract: A solar cell includes: a substrate having heat dissipating characteristics; a solar cell bonded to the substrate such that the solar cell is electrically connected on a first conductive line and a second conductive line, which are disposed on a surface of the substrate; a lens, which is bonded to a transparent electrode of the solar cell; a plurality of projections, which maintain a gap between the substrate and the lens; tapered hole sections in the substrate, each of said tapered hole sections having a tapered section of each of the protruding sections fitted therein; and a sealing resin applied to the gap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell module. The solar cell module includes a solar cell panel including a plurality of solar cells; a protective substrate on the solar cell panel; and a ventilation unit for ventilating the solar cell panel.

Abstract: A method of patterning organic semiconductor layers is disclosed. In one aspect, a method for forming a patterned organic semiconductor layer on a substrate includes providing a plurality of first electrodes on a substrate. The method additionally includes providing a patterned self-assembling monolayer at predetermined locations on each of the plurality of first electrodes. The method further includes providing a layer comprising an organic semiconductor material over the patterned self-assembling monolayer. A corresponding device and a photovoltaic module comprising such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting photovoltaic panels on a support structure. The mounting system comprises photovoltaic panel frames in which the photovoltaic panels are mounted, panel support rails, and mounting brackets or cross beams for supporting the panel support rails. The panel frames have inwardly extending panel frame extensions on their back side. The panel support rails are mounted on the support structure with either pivoting brackets or cross beams. In either case, the support rails have pairs of stationary clamps and movable clamps with clamp lips that engage the panel frame extensions of the panel frames.

Abstract: The photovoltaic module with heater is a solar panel with a heated upper surface thus preventing snow and ice from collecting on the upper surface and diminishing the intensity of sunlight to be converted into electrical power. The photovoltaic module includes a frame formed from aluminum or the like, and at least one photovoltaic cell supported by the frame. A transparent panel is attached to the frame to cover and seal the photovoltaic cell(s) within the frame in a fluid-tight manner. A plurality of heating filaments are embedded within, or disposed on, the transparent panel. The heating filaments are electrically connected to an external power source by a switch the selectively heating the transparent panel and melting any snow or ice that collects thereon.

Abstract: A solar cell module according to the embodiment includes a support substrate having a single hole at a peripheral region of the support substrate; solar cells at an upper portion of the support substrate; a bus bar electrically connected to the solar cells; and a junction box connected to the bus bar, wherein the junction box includes an insertion part partially inserted in the single hole.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a solar power system and a solar panel installation method with which, by using a positioning configuration which is not prone to visible vertical misalignment while preserving sunlight lighting efficiency in the positioning of a plurality of solar panels, solar panel installation is easy, and which is suitable to installing a large solar power system on a hill, in wetlands, etc. [Solution] A solar power system comprises a solar panel group (2) in which a plurality of vertically oriented rectangular solar panels (21) are inclined in the same direction, either left or right, at a prescribed angle of inclination (theta), and the lighting faces (22) of each of the solar panels (21) are arrayed in the same plane.

Abstract: A back protective sheet for a solar cell module containing a polyester support that is biaxially stretched and then subjected to a thermal fixation treatment; and a polymer layer arranged to be in contact with at least one surface of the polyester support, wherein the polymer layer contains a binder having at least one functional group selected from a carboxyl group, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, a sulfonic acid group, and a carbonyl group; a pigment; and a crosslinking agent-derived structure, and the polyester support contains a polyester, a pigment, and an terminal blocking agent, has excellent adhesion between the support and the functional layer after wet heat aging.

Abstract: A resin composition comprising a polymer obtained by reacting polyethylene terephthalate with polycarbodiimide, wherein the decomposition rate of polycarbodiimide is from 1% to 40%, has a low decomposition rate of carbodiimide. The resin composition is capable of producing a film having excellent hydrolysis resistance.

Abstract: A transparent conductor including a conductive layer coated on a substrate is described. More specifically, the conductive layer comprises a network of nanowires that may be embedded in a matrix. The conductive layer is optically clear, patternable and is suitable as a transparent electrode in visual display devices such as touch screens, liquid crystal displays, plasma display panels and the like.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a CZTS based thin film having a dual band gap slope, comprising the steps of: forming a Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film layer; forming a Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 thin film layer; and forming a Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film layer. A method for manufacturing a CZTS based solar cell having a dual band gap slope according to another aspect of the present invention comprises the steps of: forming a back contact; and forming a CZTS based thin film layer on the back contact by the method described above.

Abstract: A solar cell including a substrate; a first electrode on the substrate; an intermediate connection layer on the first electrode, the intermediate layer including a first region and a third region; a light absorbing layer on the third region of the intermediate connection layer; and a wire on the first region of the intermediate connection,wherein a thickness of the first region of the intermediate connection layer is different from a thickness of the third region of the intermediate connection layer.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type, a first doped region positioned at a first surface of the substrate and contains impurities of a second conductive type different from the first conductive type, and a first electrode part electrically connected to the first doped region. The first electrode part includes a thermosetting resin, and first and second conductive particles distributed in the thermosetting resin. The second conductive particles have a work function greater than the first conductive particles and form silicide at an interface contacting the first doped region.