Abstract: A smoking article may include a cigarette incorporated within an electrically powered aerosol generating device that acts as a holder for that cigarette. The smoking article possesses at least one form of tobacco. The smoking article also possesses a mouth-end piece that is used by the smoker to inhale components of tobacco that are generated by the action of heat upon components of the cigarette. A representative smoking article possesses an outer housing incorporating a source of electrical power (e.g., a battery), a sensing mechanism for powering the device at least during periods of draw, and a heating device (e.g., at least one electrical resistance heating element) for forming a thermally generated aerosol that incorporates components of tobacco. During use, the cigarette is positioned within the device, and after use, the used cigarette is removed from the device and replaced with another cigarette.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: heat treating a continuously advancing longitudinally extending strand of material; cooling the heat treated continuously advancing strand; and forming a longitudinally extending outer layer of tobacco smoke filtering material around the continuously advancing strand, to form a continuously advancing rod comprising a longitudinally extending strand (1a) of material and a longitudinally extending outer layer (2a) of tobacco smoke filtering material engaged around the longitudinally extending strand (1a). An apparatus for carrying out the method, and products of the method, are also provided.

Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by rolling moistened tobacco leaves about a cylindrical form casing and allowing the leaves to dry to form a shell. After the form casing is removed a consumer can fill the shell with crushed tobacco leaves of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product.

Abstract: The compositions and methods of this invention relate to a rinse-off skin care composition containing hydrophobic, linear cellulose particles having an average length of from about 1 to about 1000 ?m, a particle aspect ratio from about 1000 to about 2 and a thickness of from about 1 to about 500 ?m; at least one cleansing agent selected from the group consisting of a saponified fat and a surfactant; and a cosmetically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Embodiments of positioning systems and methods for use with grooming systems are disclosed herein. One embodiment of a grooming system comprises a moveable grooming device; a positioning device, and a system interface for determining positioning of the moveable grooming device relative to the positioning device. The positioning device comprises a frame having a front, a first side, and a second side; a plurality of frame supports; and a plurality of positioning interfaces. The moveable grooming device comprises at least one sensor for interfacing with the plurality of positioning interfaces. The system interface is configured to interface the plurality of positioning interfaces with the at least one positioning sensor to establish an origin position of the at least one sensor and moveable grooming device; compute a plurality of positioning ranges; and select at least two positioning ranges for calibrating one or more positions of the moveable grooming device.

Abstract: A ponytail extension device and methods of using the ponytail extension device are disclosed. The ponytail extension device includes a material layer having a center opening, and a plurality of hair strands attached to a band. The band is attached to the material layer to spiral out, around the center opening, from an interior point of attachment of the band to the material layer to an exterior point of attachment of the band to the material layer, so that the plurality of hair strands extend away from the material layer in concentrically arranged layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic treatment process for keratin fibres which have not been artificially coloured, in particular human keratin fibres such as the hair, which consists in using one or more anionic oxidized polysaccharides and in raising the temperature of the keratin fibres.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunctional cosmetic hair treatment apparatus which uses a planar heating element using carbon fibers as a heating cable or a far-infrared film plate. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cosmetic hair treatment apparatus for drying and cosmetic treatment, which has the functions of heating a rod to a low temperature using the heat from a planar heating element or the Far-infrared radiation from a far-infrared film plate during cosmetic hair treatment procedures, such as cosmetic hair treatment perms, straightening and softening, dyeing, Hair-manicuring, treatments, and hair-loss prevention, and of warming up a perm agent during the winter, and which can be used even when the hair is dried using the far-infrared radiation emitted from the far-infrared film plate.

Abstract: Methods for removing and preventing the buildup of unwanted deposits and varnishes on combustion chamber surfaces, particularly injector-igniter components that are exposed to combustion events. A method of removing deposits from an injector-igniter comprises monitoring the current across a pair of electrodes in the injector-igniter, comparing the current with a predetermined threshold level, and performing a cleaning cycle if the current exceeds the threshold level. The cleaning cycle may comprise injecting oxidant through the injector-igniter and into the combustion chamber. The cleaning cycle may further comprise ionizing the oxidant with an electrical discharge having a first polarity and ionizing the oxidant a second time with an electrical discharge having a second polarity. In other cases the cleaning cycle comprises injecting hydrogen through the injector-igniter and into the combustion chamber. In still other cases the cleaning cycle may comprise injecting coolant onto the electrodes.

Abstract: A dampening fluid useful in offset ink printing applications contains water and a surfactant whose structure can be altered. The alteration in structure aids in reducing accumulation of the surfactant on the surface of an imaging member. The surfactant can be decomposed, switched between cis-trans states, or polymerizable with ink that is subsequently placed on the surface.

Abstract: A reusable cleaning sheet for removing debris from a surface comprises a main body having a top surface and a bottom surface and scrubbing elements affixed on the top surface. The scrubbing elements are defined as protruded dots spaced closely apart and disposed uniformly throughout the top surface of the main body. The protruded dots are adaptable for scrubbing the debris due to friction created by the protruded dots and the main body is capable of absorbing the debris released by protruded dots without scratching the surface. The protruded dots provide lubrication to permit greater movement through the hard surface when the main body is wet. The bottom surface is free of scrubbing elements and is used to remove dust from dry surfaces and moisture from damp surfaces. The cleaning sheet can be removably attached to a cleaning device. The cleaning sheet can be used in both wet and dry surfaces.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a substrate is provided. The method initiates with disposing a fluid layer having solid components therein to a surface of the substrate. A shear force directed substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate and toward an outer edge of the substrate is then created. The shear force may result from a normal or tangential component of a force applied to a solid body in contact with the fluid layer in one embodiment. The surface of the substrate is rinsed to remove the fluid layer. A cleaning system and apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including a mop and a cleaning device, wherein: the mop includes: a mop material carrying member for holding mop material; and a mop abutment member, the cleaning device is for cleaning mop material which freely depends from the mop material carrying member of the mop, the cleaning device includes: one or more cleaning arrangements for cleaning mop material; and a pair of abutment members located with respect to the one or more cleaning arrangements and at least partially defining an access aperture through which access to the one or more cleaning arrangements is provided, and the mop abutment member and the pair of abutment members of the cleaning device are configured for abutment in use to limit movement of the mop material carrying member through the access aperture towards the one or more cleaning arrangements.

Abstract: A one time use cleansing device for inhibiting catheter associated urinary tract infections. An absorbent body includes a plurality of fingerlings extending outwardly from a front side of the absorbent body. First and second wings extend from a back side of the absorbent body. One or more liquid containing frangible vials are disposed between the first and second wings such that squeezing the wings together causes the vials to rupture, thereby releasing the contents of the vials into the absorbent body. The absorbent body and/or the one or more vials contain a cleansing agent of castile soap and tea tree oil designed to aid in the inhibition and/or prevention of catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).

Abstract: Pressure equalization between upper and lower surfaces of PV modules of an array of PV modules can be enhanced in several ways. Air gaps opening into the air volume, defined between the PV modules and the support surface, should be provided between adjacent PV modules and along the periphery of the array. The ratio of this air volume to the total area of the air gaps should be minimized. Peripheral wind deflectors should be used to minimize aerodynamic drag forces on the PV modules. The time to equalize pressure between the upper and lower surfaces of the PV modules should be maintained below, for example, 10-20 milliseconds. The displacement created by wind gusts should be limited to, for example, 2-5 millimeters or less. For inclined PV modules, rear air deflectors are advised for each PV module and side air deflectors are advised for the periphery of the array.

Abstract: A compact machine for cleaning floors includes a solution tank and dispensing system for dispensing solution onto the surface to be cleaned, a deck assembly for guiding dirty solution to a recovery pickup point, a mechanically operated pump for collecting the dirty solution from the recovery pickup point, and a recovery tank for receiving the collected fluid.

Abstract: A device for removing impurities from shredded plastic has a first and second cleaning disk with first and second cleaning surfaces, the cleaning surfaces are opposite each other and delimit a cleaning gap. A drive device rotates the cleaning disks, and shredded plastic is fed between the cleaning disks. The cleaning surfaces have a plurality of cleaning ribs extending between an inner and outer edge of the cleaning surfaces, wherein at least one flank of the cleaning ribs is angled or curved relative to the axial direction of the respective cleaning disk, and a plurality of cleaning bars running transversally to the direction of extension of the cleaning ribs are arranged between at least some cleaning ribs neighboring each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a substrate is disclosed. The apparatus having a first head unit and a second head unit. The first head unit is positioned proximate to the surface of the substrate and has a first row of channels defined within configured to supply a foam to the surface of the substrate. The second head unit is positioned substantially adjacent to the first head unit and proximate to the surface of the substrate. A second and a third row of channels are defined within the second head unit. The second row of channels is configured to supply a fluid to the surface of the substrate. The third row of channels is configured to apply a vacuum to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A vacuum plate converts a conventional wheelbarrow into a wet and dry dual purpose vacuum cleaner receptacle. Collection of fluids and solids directly into a wheelbarrow simplifies larger cleaning tasks, small flood remediation, transport of bulk particulate materials such as sand, pea stone, and mulch, and allows hydro-excavation to be carried out in home improvement and small scale professional landscaping projects. A fluid level sensor prevents the wheelbarrow from overflowing when collecting large quantities of fluid, and a sump pump allows fluids to be drained from collected slurries, leaving only solids in the wheelbarrow for reuse or independent disposal.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement are disclosed for providing an implant for implantation in a body lumen, that include at least one processing unit (1) for processing the implant (7; 103), a sheathing (2) with a front opening (3) and a rear opening (4), which is at least partially disposed at or in the processing unit (1), and at least one power unit (5). The implant (7; 103) can be stored inside the sheathing (2) between the openings (3, 4). The power unit (5) serves for generation of a current (P) of a defined medium through the sheathing (2), which is connected at least to one opening (3; 4) of the sheathing (2), whereby the current (P) flows inside the sheathing (2) with the stent (7; 103).

Abstract: Provided is a purging apparatus including an upper nozzle provided above an opening of the substrate storage container and configured to supply a dry gas obliquely downwardly to a side opposite to the substrate storage container and over the entire surface of the width of the opening; and a plurality of side nozzles provided at both sides of the opening of the substrate, respectively, and each configured to supply a dry gas towards the inside of the substrate storage container from an outside of the opening. The side nozzles are each longer than a height of the opening and formed with a plurality of supply holes supplying the dry gas at predetermined intervals in a vertical direction. The respective supply hole formed on one side nozzle and the respective supply holes formed on the other side nozzle are disposed alternately so as not to be located at the same height.

Abstract: A special mode has a second rinsing process which supplies a rinsing liquid to a substrate while holding and rotating the substrate with a spin chuck under operating conditions different from those in a first rinsing process in a normal mode. In the second rinsing process, a processing cup is cleaned with the rinsing liquid flown off from the rotating substrate. In the second rinsing process in which the substrate is held by the spin chuck, the rinsing liquid flown off from the substrate is less prone to collide with chuck members. The provision of a mechanism designed specifically for the cleaning of the cup is not required in the special mode. The special mode is a mode executable when a substrate is present inside a chamber, and can be executed in the middle of lot processing.

Abstract: The collection chamber apparatus acts to separate multiple fluids during the wafer processing cycle. Round, fluid collection trays surround the round wafer to collect each individual fluid, recycling them for later reuse. The trays move up and down by use of air cylinders and stack into each other to prevent cross contamination of the other fluids. Two opposing pistons (air cylinders) lift the trays in pairs to form fluid collection chambers. Each collection chamber has a unique drain which enters a separation manifold, flowing into separate tanks for later reuse.

Abstract: An on-board optical sensor cleaning device includes an on-board camera and a discharge port. The on-board camera is mounted on a vehicle. The on-board camera includes a lens. The discharge port discharges fluid toward the lens. The discharged fluid removes foreign material collected on the lens. The lens and the discharge port are relatively movable. At least one of the lens and the discharge port is movable between a cleaning position, where the discharge port is located proximal to an image capturing range center of the on-board camera, and a non-cleaning position, where the discharge port is located farther from the image capturing range center than the cleaning position.

Abstract: The automatic umbrella has an improved tube unit which contains a first tube, a second tube, and a third tube telescoping together. An inner plug is positioned inside the second tube. A reinforcing tube is housed in the second tube and capable of moving upward through the inner plug. The main spring has its top end against the reinforcing tube, and its bottom end in a lower part of the first tube. The secondary spring is inside the third tube with a top end against the inner plug of the top nest and a bottom end against the inner plug of the second tube. The tube unit enjoys enhanced resilience when the automatic umbrella is opened. When the umbrella is closed, two sets of springs are compressed at separate instants and their resilience cancels each other indirectly. The strength to close the umbrella is therefore reduced.

Abstract: An autographable crutch (300) includes a crutch (322) and a marking receiving coating 302. The marking receiving coating at least partially covers the crutch and accepts a marking (330) from a marking instrument (331).

Abstract: A device includes a crutch (400) comprising at least two vertical crutch columns (404,405). A substantially flat panel (422) is attached to the crutch interior to the at least two vertical crutch columns. In one embodiment, the substantially flat panel comprising a marking receiving panel to accept a marking (530) from a marking instrument (531). The substantially flat panel can be at least partially coated with a marking receiving coating (302) in one embodiment.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter anchor can include a container including an opening reinforced about at least a portion of its periphery, a sidewall, and a bottom wall attached to the sidewall. The container can be filled with a material to an adjustable weight level. A coupling mechanism can connect the collapsible shelter anchor to a truss section of a collapsible shelter.

Abstract: A single pole tipi can be configured to employ a bow pole. The bow pole can serve to increase the internal space within the tipi. The bow pole can also serve to increase the tension in the tent material thereby increasing the strength of the tipi.

Abstract: A trampoline cover for a trampoline having a safety net supported by a plurality of support poles including: a frame assembly comprising a peripheral frame portion of substantially planar form mountable to the upper end of the support poles and one or more transverse members intersecting the peripheral frame member at opposed points to extend across the peripheral frame member spaced from the plane of the peripheral frame member; a flexible sheet detachably attached to the frame assembly; a plurality of pockets at or near the edge of the flexible sheet for engaging with end portions of at least some of the support poles whereby the flexible sheet may be supported above the support poles and frame assembly; and attachment means adjacent each pocket for attaching the flexible sheet to a respective one of the support poles.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial turf, comprising: a carrier, and a number of artificial grass fibres connected to the carrier and extending therefrom; ?wherein ?the artificial turf comprises heat-conducting means for conducting heat absorbed by the artificial turf. The invention also relates to a system for generating electrical energy from heat comprising such an artificial turf, and to a building comprising such a system.

Abstract: A plurality of solar cells are arranged in a first direction and each provided with first and second electrodes on a one main surface side thereof. A wiring member includes a conductive layer and a resin sheet supporting the conductive layer, the conductive layer electrically connecting the first electrode of one of the solar cells adjacent to each other in the first direction to the second electrode of another one of the solar cells. An adhesive layer bonds the wiring member to each of the solar cells. The wiring member includes a first bonded portion bonded to the one solar cell via the adhesive layer, a second bonded portion bonded to the other solar cell via the adhesive layer, and a connection portion connecting the first bonded portion and the second bonded portion together, and an opening is provided in the conductive layer in the connection portion.

Abstract: A solar cell according to the embodiment includes a plurality of back electrode patterns spaced apart from each other on a substrate; a light absorption layer including contact patterns to connect electrodes to each other and division patterns to divide cells into unit cells on the substrate formed with the back electrode patterns; top electrode patterns spaced apart from each other by the division patterns on the light absorption layer; and insulating patterns among the back electrode patterns or on the back electrode patterns. The top electrode patterns are filled in the contact patterns and electrically connected to the back electrode patterns.

Abstract: A solar power generation apparatus includes a stationary horizontal base. A stator is housed in the base, and a vertical column extends upward from the base. A conical-shaped rotor is rotatingly coupled at its apex to the column, while its base is near the stator. The rotor comprises an array of photovoltaic cells positioned on a surface of the rotor, wherein each cell converts light energy received from a light source to a direct current voltage, and an array of magnets positioned at a perimeter of the base of the rotor, wherein the magnets are electrically coupled to and receive direct current voltage from a respective cell. The rotating of the rotor past the stator converts the direct current voltage present at the array of magnets into an alternating current voltage.

Abstract: A self-powered light seeking apparatus and method for directing a target-plane towards a light source. The apparatus includes a photovoltaic powering arrangement configured to convert light energy into a driving current to power an actuator. The actuator is coupled to a support platform and is wired to the photovoltaic powering arrangement such that the polarity of the driving current causes the actuator to drive the target-plane towards alignment with the light source. A solar energy collection system including a photoelectric assembly for generating electricity from light incident upon an active area; a light concentrator comprising a substantially planar reflective surface subtending an angle to the active area such that light arriving along a line perpendicular to the active area and striking the reflective surface is reflected onto the active area; and a cooling unit configured to maintain the photoelectric assembly at an efficient operating temperature.

Abstract: A solar array having three rails with the central rail having upward and downward facing pivot connectors, with top and bottom photovoltaic modules being pivot mounted onto the shared central rail such that the two photovoltaic modules are supported by three mounting rails.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules are disclosed. The photovoltaic module comprises a front transparency, a fluid encapsulant deposited on at least a portion of the front transparency, electrically interconnected photovoltaic cells applied to the fluid encapsulant and a backcoat deposited on at least a portion of the electrically interconnected photovoltaic cells. Methods of making photovoltaic modules are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed including PV modules having a frame allowing quick and easy assembling of the PV modules into a PV array in a sturdy and durable manner. In examples of the present technology, the PV modules may have a grooved frame where the groove is provided at an angle with respect to a planar surface of the modules. Various couplings may engage within the groove to assemble the PV modules into the PV array with a pivot-fit connection. Further examples of the present technology operate with PV modules having frames without grooves, or with PV modules where the frame is omitted altogether.

Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting a solar panel array are disclosed, with embodiments specifically directed to spanning bodies of water such as aqueducts, canals, or other waterways. Cable truss assemblies are used to support panel receivers and solar panels mounted over the panel receivers. The cable truss assemblies are supported on groups of columns or other vertically extending support members anchored in the ground. Cable anchor lines may supplement anchoring and support of the installed solar panel array. Embodiments of the system include various combinations of supporting cables making up the cable truss assemblies. A method is also provided for construction of the solar panel array. Lengthy and continuous spans of the solar panel array can be installed over waterways by use of the cable truss assemblies. The solar panel arrays produce power, and simultaneously reduce evaporation from the waterways, resulting in conservation of water.

Abstract: A support member for mounting photovoltaic modules on a support surface and a mounting system including the same are disclosed herein. The support member may comprise a body portion that includes a ballast receiving portion for accommodating one or more ballasts, the body portion further including a first support portion with a first surface and a second support portion with a second surface, the first support portion being spaced apart from the second support portion by the ballast receiving portion. The support member is configured to bridge a plurality of rows of photovoltaic modules, the first surface of the support member configured to support one or more photovoltaic modules in a first row of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic modules, and the second surface of the support member configured to support one or more photovoltaic modules in a second row of the plurality of rows of photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: An inline vacuum deposition system contains thermal source pairs configured in adjacent deposition zones. Dopant sources allow the electrical characteristics of the sequentially formed layers to be controlled for a preferred deposition growth profile.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a solar cell including: providing a first substrate and a second substrate; depositing on the first substrate a sequence of layers of semiconductor material forming a solar cell including a top subcell and a bottom subcell; forming a back metal contact over the bottom subcell; applying a conductive polyimide adhesive to the second substrate; attaching the second substrate on top of the back metal contact; and removing the first substrate to expose the surface of the top subcell.

Abstract: An inverted metamorphic multijunction solar cell including a contact layer with sulfur passivation on the surface of the contact layer.

Abstract: A light transmission type of two-sided solar cell includes a front sub-cell on a first side of the transparent substrate, the front sub-cell including a first electrode, a first photoactive layer, and a second electrode, and a rear sub-cell on a second side of the transparent substrate, the rear sub-cell including a third electrode, a second photoactive layer, and a fourth electrode, at least one of the third electrode and the fourth electrode being a reflection electrode, the reflection electrode having an area of about 50 to about 95% relative to an area of the second photoactive layer.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a solar cell, which comprises a semiconductor substrate (1) with a first side (1a) and an opposed second side (1b), at which first side an active region doped with charge carriers of a first conductivity type is defined selectively. The method comprises introducing said charge carriers into the substrate (1) on said first side (1a) by ion implantation in an implantation step at a dose level that induces surface amorphization, therewith forming an amorphized region. Thereafter, material in part of the amorphized region is selectively recrystallized to define a first, recrystallized subregion (5), a remaining part of the amorphized region defining a second subregion (15). Subsequently, the recrystallized material of the first subregion (5) is at least partially removed, therewith creating the selectively defined active region and inducing a surface topology between the at least partially removed first subregion (5) and the second subregion (15).

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a heterojunction solar cell. The solar cell includes a metallurgical-grade Si (MG-Si) substrate, a layer of heavily doped crystalline-Si situated above the MG-Si substrate, a layer of lightly doped crystalline-Si situated above the heavily doped crystalline-Si layer, a backside ohmic-contact layer situated on the backside of the MG-Si substrate, a passivation layer situated above the heavily doped crystalline-Si layer, a layer of heavily doped amorphous Si (a-Si) situated above the passivation layer, a layer of transparent-conducting-oxide (TCO) situated above the heavily doped a-Si layer, and a front ohmic-contact electrode situated above the TCO layer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a room temperature process for the fabrication of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Particularly, the invention discloses a room temperature process for preparing easily curable, binder free titania based solar paint that gives a high conversion efficiency to be used in fabrication of DSSCs at room temperature.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to films capable of use in photovoltaic modules, to films, to methods of use and manufacture of these films, and to photovoltaic cells and/or modules including these films. One exemplary embodiment of such a film is a barrier layer having a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than 3.0 g/m2-day, wherein the barrier layer includes a polyethylene terephthalate having an apparent crystal size of less than 65 angstroms. Another exemplary embodiment of such a film is a multilayer film for use as a backsheet in a photovoltaic module including: a first layer including a fluoropolymer; a second layer including a polyethylene terephthalate having an apparent crystal size of less than 65 angstroms; and a third layer including an olefinic polymer. The first layer and the third layer are bonded to opposing major surfaces of the second layer.

Abstract: A solar-energy module is disclosed. The module includes a first electrode configured to receive incident visible light with a different refractive index than the medium through which light travels prior to becoming incident on the first electrode, the first electrode having a first metasurface arrangement formed through the first electrode, and configured to selectively i) match the optical impedances of the first electrode and the medium, and ii) cause light to be refracted substantially away from normal refraction angle, a photon-absorbing material coupled to the first electrode on a first surface of the photon-absorbing material and configured to receive refracted light through the first electrode and adapted to produce an electrical current in response to the refracted light, length of the photon absorbing material substantially larger than thickness of the photon-absorbing material, and a second electrode coupled to the photon-absorbing material on a second surface of the photon-absorbing material.

Abstract: High efficiency silicon solar cells, including IBC cells, may be formed from lightly doped p-n sandwich structures fabricated in-situ by epitaxial growth. For example, the solar cell may comprise: an n-type silicon layer greater than or equal to 20 microns thick, with a dopant concentration between 1E15/cm3 and 5E16/cm3 and a bulk silicon carrier lifetime greater than 50 microseconds; a p-type silicon layer greater than 10 microns thick, with a dopant concentration between 1E16/cm3 and 5E18/cm3, and a bulk silicon carrier lifetime greater than 10 microseconds; wherein the n-type and p-type silicon layers were fabricated by epitaxial deposition, one after the other, on a reusable single crystal silicon substrate. The ideality factor of the silicon solar cell may be approximately 1.0. The epitaxial deposition may be in a reactor with low auto-doping and low oxygen incorporation.