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

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a photovoltaic module capable of reducing an area occupied by interconnectors. The photovoltaic module of the present invention comprises light-transmitting substrate, strings including a plurality of solar cells interconnected through tab connector, and rear surface member. A plurality of the strings is electrically connected through interconnectors and arranged on a rear surface side so as not to overlap each other. The photovoltaic module is sealed with a sealant between the light-transmitting substrate and the rear surface member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell module that includes: a plurality of solar cells connected with one another in such a manner that electrodes formed on surfaces of neighboring solar cells are connected with each other through a wiring member. A portion of the wiring member bites the electrodes, and the solar cells and the wiring member are bonded to each other by a resin.

Abstract: A photovoltaic apparatus includes an absorber including a first quantum dot layer having a first plurality of quantum dots of a first quantum dot material in a first matrix material, and an up-converter layer positioned adjacent to the absorber layer, the up-converter layer including a second quantum dot layer having a second plurality of quantum dots of a second quantum dot material and a second matrix material.

Abstract: A solar cell (100) includes a p-type amorphous semiconductor layer (11p), an n-type amorphous semiconductor layer (12n), and a recombination layer (R) interposed between the p-type amorphous semiconductor layer (11p) and the n-type amorphous semiconductor layer (12n).

Abstract: A solar cell includes a first conductivity type substrate; an emitter unit having a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type, and forming a p-n junction with the substrate; an anti-reflective film positioned on the emitter unit; a plurality of first electrodes positioned on the anti-reflective film and connected with the emitter unit; and a second electrode connected with the substrate, wherein the emitter unit includes a first region and a second region that are positioned between an outermost first electrode among the plurality of first electrodes and the edge of the substrate, and a thickness of the first region gradually increases in going from the edge of the substrate to the outermost first electrode, and a thickness of the second region is uniform.

Abstract: A solar cell comprises an n-type semiconductor layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, a p-side electrode layer, an n-side electrode; and a ZnO transparent electrode layer. The n-side electrode layer consists of AgxAu1-x, and x represents a value of not less than 0.1 and not more than 0.5. The ZnO transparent electrode layer is composed of a plurality of ZnO columnar particles and each ZnO columnar particle has a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to a normal line of the ZnO transparent electrode layer. The cross-sectional area of each ZnO columnar particles that appears by cutting the ZnO columnar particles perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction increases from the upper surface of the n-side electrode layer to the upper surface of the ZnO transparent electrode layer.

Abstract: An optical device (1) is provided. The optical device comprising a switchable layer (2) at least one alignment layer (6) a light guiding system (5), whereas the switchable layer (2) comprises a luminescent material (3) for absorbing and emitting light, whereby the alignment of the luminescent material (3) is changeable and the light guiding system (5) guides the emitted light, whereby the switchable layer (2) is in contact with the at least one alignment layer (6) and the luminescent material (3) exhibits anisotropic properties, whereby the optical device (1) comprises a light energy-converting means (7), wherein the light guiding system (5) is in physical contact with the energy converting means (7).

Abstract: A method of producing a photovoltaic device includes providing a stretchable substrate for the photovoltaic device; and stretching the substrate to produce a stretched substrate. The method further includes depositing a structure comprising hydrogenated amorphous silicon onto the stretched substrate; and subjecting the deposited hydrogenated amorphous silicon structure and the stretched substrate to a compressive force to form a compressively strained photovoltaic device.

Abstract: There is provided an electric junction box for ensuring a watertight performance even when a harness with various thickness is applied, including a box body, a tubular guide portion projecting from the box body and guiding a harness out of the box body, wherein the guide portion is provided with a plurality of wall portions, divided along the axial direction of the guide portion, and at least one of the wall portions is provided with a movable spurtle as a spurtle and a bending portion formed between the movable spurtle and the box body elastically deformable in the outside direction of the guide portion, and wherein the inner diameter of the guide portion in neutral state that the bending portion is not in elastic deformation is formed to fit the harness with a minimum outer diameter.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a case set and a case set detachment structure. The case set includes a first case with a plurality of fastening parts, and a second case with a plurality of fastening corresponding parts. The case set detachment structure includes a connecting board, a detachment rod, and an oblique stand. The connecting board is located on the first case and includes a moving part. The detachment rod includes a rod part, a moving corresponding part, and an oblique plate. The moving corresponding part is located on the rod part and is movably connected to the moving part. The oblique plate is connected to the rod part, such that the oblique plate and the rod part form an angle. The oblique stand is located on the second case and corresponds to the detachment rod, which includes an oblique surface.

Abstract: An electrical junction box includes: a case main body provided with a wire receiver for receiving an end of an electric wire at a lower surface side; and a lower cover for covering the lower surface. Further, the electric wire is routed in between the lower surface of the case main body and the lower cover, and guided out from a wire outlet composed of a notch and a projecting piece. A biting prevention piece is projected from an edge of the lower cover toward the lower surface. A receiving groove for receiving the biting prevention piece is provided on an inside of a peripheral wall of the case main body. After the tip of the biting prevention piece pushing aside the electric wires to an inside of the case main body is inserted into the receiving groove, the lower cover is attached to the case main body.

Abstract: A meter box cover including a first portion that engages an inner surface of an opening in a lid of a meter box to prevent the passage of the cover through the opening and a second portion that extends through the opening and beyond an outermost surface of the opening in the lid of the meter box. The meter cover blocks substantially an entirety of the opening and the second portion prevents the cover from being displaced within the opening.

Abstract: A feedthrough assembly includes a metallic ferrule, an insulator mounted within the ferrule, a plurality of feedthrough wires mounted within and extending through the insulator, and a ground wire directly attached to the ferrule, wherein the ground wire does not pass through or alongside the insulator.

Abstract: A terminal assembly includes a wire including a core made of metal and covered with a coating, a terminal including a wire connecting portion connected to an end portion of the wire, a sealing resin sealing the wire connecting portion, and a housing including a through hole with a front opening and a rear opening. The terminal is made of a different kind of metal from the core of the wire. The housing accommodates the terminal in the through hole. The wire connecting portion includes an exposed portion not covered with the sealing resin and unexposed portions covered with the sealing resin. The exposed portion is positioned between the unexposed portions in a front and rear direction, thereby protecting the wire connecting portion from electrolytic corrosion. The exposed portion is obtained after the sealing resin is worn by being rubbed against an inner wall of the through hole.

Abstract: An electrical connection is provided for an environment that is subjected to corrosive gases or liquids. An outer insulating layer is formed on each of at least two conductors and made up of a fluorinated polymer that is meltable at a temperature situated between the temperature of the environment and a predetermined higher temperature. A heat-shrink sleeve surrounds the conductors and is made up of an outer layer of heat-shrink polymer and an inner layer of the fluorinated polymer that is meltable at a temperature situated between the temperature of the environment and the predetermined higher temperature. A weld is formed by melting the outer insulating layers of the conductors and the inner layer of the heat-shrink sleeve by heating to a temperature higher than the temperature of the environment and lower than the predetermined higher temperature, thereby making a weld that is continuous and leaktight, and of controlled thickness.

Abstract: An insulated wire includes a conductor, a partial-discharge-resistant layer formed on the conductor and including an insulating coating material including a base resin coating material and an inorganic fine particle dispersed in the base resin coating material, and an adhesion layer formed between the conductor and the partial-discharge-resistant layer and including an insulating coating material including the base resin coating material and an adhesion improver. A decrease rate in adhesion strength of the adhesion layer to the conductor after 20% elongation relative to that before the elongation is less than 25%.

Abstract: A barrier tape used as part of a communication cable has one or more barrier layers of discontinuous conductive segments. Conductive segments of one barrier layer are preferably sized and shaped to overlie gaps between conductive segments of another barrier layer.

Abstract: A flexible flat cable includes a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals, an insulation layer provided on both surfaces of the conductors, a nonwoven fabric layer provided on an outer surface of the insulation layer, and a shield layer provided on an outer surface of the nonwoven fabric layer. The nonwoven fabric layer includes a nonwoven fabric having a plurality of recessed portions formed on a surface thereof, the recessed portion being enclosed by a pair of opposite long sides and a pair of opposite short sides.

Abstract: A cable (7) is routed between a pair of links (1, 2) that are pivotally connected about a lateral pivot axis (4). A wound section (8) is provided in the cable with the winding axis coincident with the pivot axis of the links. The wound section (8) may be preformed. A cable protector (10, 11) is provided each end of the wound section (8) along the pivot axis (4) so as to constrain the adjacent end of the wound section (8) to be keyed with it and the adjacent link.

Abstract: Wire-bonded semiconductor structures using organic insulating material and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming a metal wiring layer in an organic insulator layer. The method further includes forming a protective layer over the organic insulator layer. The method further includes forming a via in the organic insulator layer over the metal wiring layer. The method further includes depositing a metal layer in the via and on the protective layer. The method further includes patterning the metal layer with an etch chemistry that is damaging to the organic insulator layer.

Abstract: A suspension board with circuit includes a metal supporting board, an insulating base layer formed on the metal supporting board, a conductive pattern formed on the insulating base layer, an insulating cover layer formed on the insulating base layer so as to cover the conductive pattern, and an insertion portion to be inserted into an E-block. A thickness of the insulating cover layer in the insertion portion is larger than a thickness of the insulating cover layer in a portion other than the insertion portion.

Abstract: A connection terminal structure includes a substrate having one surface and including a pad formed on the one surface, a bonding part constituted by a solder, and a connection terminal having first and second ends and including a fixing part formed on the first end and a connection part formed on the second end. The fixing part includes a first surface that is bonded to the pad by way of the bonding part. The connection terminal includes a pad facing surface that faces the pad and includes the first surface. The connection terminal includes at least one groove that is formed in the pad facing surface. The at least one groove extends from the first surface to the connection part. A portion of the solder that constitutes the bonding part fills in the at least one groove.

Abstract: A thermal pad (602, 612, 622, 702, 712) formed on a Printed Circuit Board and a method (900) of formed the thermal pad (602, 612, 622, 702, 712) are provided. The thermal pad (602, 612, 622, 702, 712) comprises in its interior one or more coins (604, 614, 624, 704, 714) has a height equal to a thickness of the PCB, and is made of metal or alloy, inserted into a corresponding one of one or more plated cutouts straight through the PCB in the thermal pad, and bonded to side walls of the corresponding one of the one or more plated cutouts with a paste capable of resisting a temperature of 250° C. or above. The plurality of through via (606, 616, 626, 706, 716) are plated, and lugged with a solder mask. The thermal pad (602, 612, 622, 702, 712) has a flat top surface and a flat bottom surface, either of which is coplanar with a corresponding one of top and bottom surfaces of the PCB. A PCB having formed thereon the above thermal pad (602, 612, 622, 702, 712) is also provided.

Abstract: There is provide a manufacturing method of a fin-integrated substrate capable of producing by simple process a fin-integrated substrate with heat radiating fins at fine pitches by a processing method in which warpage of a metal base plate and corrugation (wavy shape) of the heat radiating fins are suppressed. There is provided a manufacturing method of a fin-integrated substrate in which bonding of the metal circuit board to the ceramic substrate is performed by a molten metal bonding method, and formation of the plurality of heat radiating fins at a cut part that is a part of the metal base plate is performed by fixing by a jig to apply a tensile stress on a surface of the cut part where the heat radiating fins are to be formed, and performing grooving processing of forming a plurality of grooves by moving a multi-cutter composed of a plurality of stacked disc-shaped cutters, on the surface to which the tensile stress is applied, while rotating the multi-cutter.

Abstract: A flexible wiring substrate includes: a flexible base material; a wire provided on the base material; and an inspection wire provided on the base material, having an inspection segment which breaks up under a condition that the inspection segment is folded with not less than a predetermined curvature and a non-inspection segment which does not break up under a condition that the non-inspection segment is folded with not less than the predetermined curvature.

Abstract: A wiring board includes an interlayer insulation layer, conductive patterns formed on the interlayer insulation layer, and a solder-resist layer formed on the interlayer insulation layer and having an opening partially exposing the conductive patterns. The solder-resist layer has an edge portion bordering the opening and intersecting the conductive patterns, and the edge portion of the solder-resist layer has a concavo-convex shape having convex portions and concave portions such that the convex portions and the concave portions are alternately intersecting the conductive patterns.

Abstract: An electrode array, having application as a cochlear implant, includes a tube formed of Parylene defining a hollow channel. A substrate formed primarily of Parylene is supported by the tube. In turn, a plurality of metallic electrodes and feed lines are supported by the substrate. Numerous voids are defined by the tube which opens into the hollow channel. The size and spacing of the voids regulate stiffness and curl of the tube to provide excellent fit within the cochlea.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for mounting packages by forming one or more wire loop interconnects, optionally, with a wirebonder, and mounting the interconnects to a mounting pad on a first substrate. A first and second stud ball may each have at least one flat surface be disposed on a single mounting pad, and a wire having a bend region and forming a loop may be disposed between the stud balls. The stud balls may be formed from a deformed mouthing node formed on a wire. The loop may be mounted on a mounting pad on a first substrate and a second substrate may be mounted on the loop via a conductive material such as solder.

Abstract: Embodiments of a printed circuit board (PCB) and an electronic apparatus are provided. The PCB includes a PCB substrate and a plurality of the pads. The PCB substrate is disposed with the plurality of the pads. The plurality of the pads include a first type of the pads and a second type of the pads. The first type of the pads adopts the solder mask defined structure, and the second type of the pads adopts the non-solder mask defined structure.

Abstract: A first selection of mesh line segments of a mesh layer are of a first width and a second selection of mesh line segments of the mesh layer are of a second width, wherein the second width is greater than the first width. The second selection of mesh line segments of the second width are positioned in parallel to a selection of signal lines in a signal layer that are likely to introduce crosstalk, wherein the widening of the mesh line segments shadowing the selection of signal lines increases the likelihood that the return current associated with the signal will flow in the wider mesh line segment, thereby increasing the likelihood of containing the electromagnetic fields associated with the signal such that crosstalk to other signals is reduced or contained.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a printed circuit board, including an insulating layer; a circuit wiring formed on one surface or both surfaces of the insulating layer and made of a single metal layer; a via formed in the insulating layer for interconnecting the circuit wirings through the insulating layer; and a pad layer formed on one surface or both surfaces of the insulating layer and adhered to an end portion of the via, the pad layer being formed of a central portion extended from the via and an outside portion made of the same single metal layer as the circuit wiring, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: Electronic devices may be provided with electronic components and cowling structures that secure the electronic components. A cowling structure may include a metal portion and an insulating portion that has been insert-molded onto the metal portion. The metal portion and the insert-molded insulating portion may each have an opening that receives a screw. The screws may pass through the respective opening and attach to a substrate. The substrate may be a transparent cover layer for a device display. The cowling structure may press the electronic components against the transparent substrate layer. The device may include an antenna. The insert-molded insulating portion may extend from an edge of the metal portion in the direction of the antenna. The insert-molded insulating portion may prevent one of the screws from forming an electrical connection with the metal portion.

Abstract: A commodity search device includes a storage unit, a measuring unit, a number input unit, a unit average weighing value calculator, and a first commodity search unit. The storage unit stores commodity information including a reference unit weight determined for each commodity. The measuring unit measures a total weight of commodities placed at a predetermined weighing position. The number input unit allows inputting the number of the weighed commodities. The unit average weighing value calculator divides the total weight of the commodities weighed by the measuring unit by the number input by the number input unit to calculate a unit average weighing value per one commodity. The first commodity search unit searches for commodities falling within a weight deviation from the storage unit using the unit average weighing value.

Abstract: An infant-nursing platform includes a cushion adapted for supporting a baby while nursing. The cushion has a support surface. Weighing means are disposed within the cushion and operably coupled to the support surface to weigh the baby on the support surface of the cushion. A user interface device is operably coupled to the weighing means to obtain measurement information therefrom. The user interface device and produces an output in response to the measurement information obtained from the weighing means.

Abstract: A replaceable key module for a keyboard, comprising: a keycap holder, a springy member and a keycap. The keycap holder embraces an accommodation space, a first surface having an opening, and a second surface having a hole. The springy member is located on the second surface and within the accommodation space of the keycap holder. The keycap is movably connected to the springy member through the opening of the first surface of the keycap holder and capable of moving between a released position and a depressed position. The keycap is referred to as in a released position when not depressed and in a depressed position pushing the springy member to be deformed downwardly when depressed. By means of adjusting some factors such as hardness, length, material and pressing angle of the springy member, the user may obtain the key module with the specified pressure load as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical switch contact (10) for releasing, disconnecting, or switching over, in particular for an on-load tap changer of a step transformer, comprising at least two contact fingers or contact finger blocks (12, 14), which can each be pivoted between two end positions and which are connected to each other in an electrically conductive manner and which are each operatively connected to a rotatable switching shaft (18) by means of multi-arm joints (16), said switching shaft having all-around guide slots (24) for actuating the multi-arm joints (16) and for thereby deflecting the contact fingers or contact finger blocks (12, 14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a load transfer switch for a tap changer, comprising permanent main contacts that switch powerlessly for each phase. The general inventive concept lies in connecting the fixed permanent main contacts of side A or B of the load transfer switch by means of a movable rail-shaped permanent main contact that establishes an electrical connection to the corresponding permanent main contacts of the load line only in the end positions of the movable rail-shaped permanent main contact and in addition only provides for a single deflection for actuation, which connects in a purely compressive manner the plurality of contact fins of the corresponding fixed permanent main contact, which contact fins are connected in a resilient, articulated manner.

Abstract: An improved circuit interrupter assembly provides enablement of an interlock feature for a circuit interrupter situated within a cabinet having an external handle for switching the circuit interrupter between ON and OFF conditions when the cabinet door is closed. The improved circuit interrupter assembly includes a motion transfer apparatus that provides such enablement of the interlock feature for cabinets of any of a variety of depths. The motion transfer apparatus includes a Bowden cable that extends between a first retention assembly situated at the door of the cabinet and a second retention assembly situated at the interlock feature of the circuit interrupter. The Bowden cable has a biased drive cable that extends between a pair of elements and which thus transfers the motion of the cabinet door in its closed position to enable cooperation with the interlock.

Abstract: A handle tie is provided that includes a connecting member, a first retaining member, and a second retaining member. The first retaining member is fixed to the connecting member and is configured to retain a first circuit breaker handle having a first configuration. The second retaining member is fixed to the connecting member and is configured to retain a second circuit breaker handle having a second configuration that is different from the first configuration.

Abstract: An electrical switch with an at least two-part housing is disclosed, with a first housing part and second housing part connected to the first housing part, and with the first housing part including a connecting section for connection of a motor drive. In at least one embodiment, the switch includes at least one connecting screw which includes a first thread joining together the first and the second housing part and, on a screw end section facing away from the second housing part, includes a second thread projecting from the first housing part, onto which the motor drive can be screwed indirectly or directly.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques related to capacitance-based keyswitch technologies. According to one implementation, an apparatus includes a key with a floating electrode. The floating electrode pairs with a fixed electrode and a capacitance may be generated between them. The apparatus has a controller configured to measure the capacitance as the electrodes move relative to each other as the key is depressed and released. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A digital versatile disc (DVD) rental kiosk comprises a mechanism whereby the quality of DVDs is assessed on their return to the kiosk following rental. Any DVD that shows signs of damage, or otherwise considered have a poor playback quality, is placed in a quarantine area and is thereby prevented from being issued to a future customer. A method of assessing the quality of returned DVDs is also disclosed.

Abstract: Rare Earth downconverting compositions for optical encoding objects and related methods and apparatuses. The rare earth (RE) downconverting phosphor compositions are capable of generating a unique optical spectrum or unique optical signature from which an optical code or barcode can be derived. In one exemplary embodiment, the RE downconverting phosphor composition may contain two or more lanthanide materials each having a host and at least one downconverting emitter. Each lanthanide material emits a detectable electromagnetic radiation emission peak at an intensity, which is proportional to the amount of emitter present, upon excitation with an absorbable electromagnetic radiation, the emitted radiation comprising a lower energy, i.e., a longer wavelength than the absorbable radiation. One or more ratios of the intensities of the emitted detectable electromagnetic radiation may be used to uniquely identify the composition.

Abstract: A driver for a switch in a GIS (Gas Insulation Switchgear) includes a motor, a shaft connected with a moving contact of the switch, a gear connected with one terminal of the shaft and configured to transfer power of the motor to cause the shaft to reciprocate the moving contact through the shaft, a cam spline combined with the shaft and spaced apart from the gear, and a micro-switch connected with the cam spline and configured to control an operation of the motor.

Abstract: Weld faces of electrodes for resistance spot welding are formed with a suitable area of protrusions and/or intrusions. The size, shape, and elevation or depths of the protrusions or intrusions are determined for the formation of suitable spot welds in and between metal workpieces such as aluminum or steel panels for vehicle bodies. The protrusions or intrusions are also conceived and used to form an image on at least a visible surface of the welded article to produce an attractive appearance on the surface of the welded sheet.

Abstract: The technology features an apparatus and a method for sensing the length of a lead that connects to a power source to a thermal processing system such as a plasma torch system. Components disposed in the thermal processing system enable the length of the lead to be sensed. In addition, the time for contact starting a thermal processing system enables determination of the length of the lead.

Abstract: A battery powered handheld air plasma spray was designed, developed and successfully demonstrated. The power supply includes a battery, a dc HID ballast and a series LC matching circuit. This matching circuit is designed to maintain the performance of the HID ballast while driving arc discharges, which are rotated around the electrodes by the magnetic field of a ring magnet. The produced plasma is in a non-equilibrium state; thus, the plasma effluent is low temperature (touchable) and yet carries abundant reactive atomic oxygen, which can rapidly activate blood coagulation processes and can effectively kill numerous microbes. This invention is for blood coagulation and sterilization applications. The device may be installed in vehicles and carried and operated in open fields without AC power sources. It may be used for bleeding control in a serious mishap to treat wounds without having to move the injured.

Abstract: In one form a maintenance device includes a flexible member with an inspection end sized to be inserted through an inspection port of a workpiece such as a gas turbine engine or a blade of a gas turbine engine. The maintenance device includes a directed energy member that in one form is configured to produce a double pulse laser with an interval time between a first one of the pulses and a second one of the pulses greater than the time of either the first one of the pulses or the second one of the pulses. The first one of the pulses is sufficiently powerful to produce a quantity of debris upon irradiation of the workpiece. The debris produced from the first one of the pulses can be evaporated by the second one of the pulses to eliminate and/or reduce a recast layer on the workpiece.

Abstract: In a thin beam directional Crystallization System configured anneal a silicon layer on a glass substrate uses a special laser beam profile with an intensity peak at one edge. The system is configured to entirely melt a spatially controlled portion of a silicon layer causing lateral crystal growth. By advancing the substrate or laser a certain step size and subjecting the silicon layer to successive “shots” rom the laser, the entire silicon layer is crystallized. The lateral crystal growth creates a protrusion in the center of the melt area. This protrusion must be re-melted. Accordingly, the step size must be such that there is sufficient overlap between successive shots, i.e., melt zones, to ensure the protrusion is melted. This requires the step size to be less than half the beam width. A smaller step size reduces throughput and increases costs.