Abstract: An water pipe mold for making a water pipe includes an outer concentric sheath, an inner concentric sheath, a bottom, an outside sleeve and an inside rib. The water pipe mold is flexible and is configured to make an ice water pipe by being filled with water and then freezing the water. The ice water pipe includes a body comprising ice, the body and an opening at a side of the body, a base coupled to a bottom of the body, a mouth piece coupled to a top of the body, and a grommet coupled to an opening at the side of the body. The grommet is made of a flexible material and includes a concaved oval portion configured to stay coupled to the opening as the ice of the body of the water pipe melts or deforms.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic smoking article that provides for improved aerosol delivery. Particularly, the article comprises a wicking element useful for improving delivery of aerosol precursor to a heating element. In particular, the wick can take on a brush-like configuration. The present disclosure further relates to methods of forming an aerosol in a smoking article.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to connectors that may be employed in cartridges for smoking articles. The connectors may include a single-use mechanism that may include a blocking pin, a biasing mechanism, and a release mechanism. The release mechanism may hold the blocking pin in a partially retracted position in which the blocking pin is at least partially retracted from an aperture extending through threads defined by the connector. The release mechanism may include a latch that is displaced from contact with the blocking pin by a release pin upon engagement of the connector with a mating connector. The biasing mechanism may force the blocking pin against an end of the mating connector such that when the mating connector is unscrewed from the connector, the blocking pin extends through the aperture and blocks at least one recess defined between the threads such that the connector may not be reused.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a battery assembly, an atomizer assembly, and an electronic cigarette. The battery assembly is connected to the atomizer assembly to form the electronic cigarette. The battery assembly includes a battery sleeve and a first connection member, and the atomizer assembly includes an atomizer sleeve and a second connection member. The first connection member and the second connection member are connected with each other. A portion of the first connection member contacting the battery sleeve and/or a portion of the second connection member contacting the atomizer sleeve protrude(s) to form an anti-slip structure, and Teflon paste configured to enhance a connection strength between the first connection member and the battery sleeve and/or enhance a connection strength between the second connection member and the atomizer sleeve is spread on a circumferential outer wall of the anti-slip structure.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of the product is provided, the smokeless tobacco product including a tobacco material mixed with at least one botanical material, wherein the botanical material comprises at least about 0.1% of the total dry weight of the smokeless tobacco product. One exemplary product is in the form of a snus product contained within a water-permeable pouch, which includes at least about 50% of a pasteurized and fermented particulate tobacco material, based on the total dry weight of the smokeless tobacco product, and a botanical material in particulate form. The botanical material and the smokeless tobacco product can be characterized based on antioxidant content using the ORAC index or the FRAP index. An exemplary product has an ORAC index value of at least about 50 (?mol TE)/g or a FRAP index value of at least about 80 (?mol/Fe2+)/g.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of the product is provided, the smokeless tobacco product including a dissolvable or meltable base composition admixed with a tobacco material and a botanical material, wherein the botanical material is present in an amount of at least about 0.1% of the total dry weight of the smokeless tobacco product. The botanical material and the smokeless tobacco product can be characterized based on antioxidant content using the ORAC index or the FRAP index. An exemplary product has an ORAC index value of at least about 20 (?mol TE)/g or a FRAP index value of at least about 50 (?mol/Fe2+)/g.

Abstract: A hair replacement apparatus, system and method of use.

Abstract: A hair shaping topical composition comprising materials that emit electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths that affect tertiary structure (breaking of disulfide) bonds in human hair, and that bring about changes in secondary structure of hair proteins. The intensity of the radiation is controlled and sufficient to cause or facilitate altering of protein structure. The invention includes methods of using such topical compositions. Testing indicates that the hair reshaping is permanent and there is no damage to hair of the type characteristic of chemical treatments.

Abstract: A colouring composition comprising: (i) at least 0.0001 wt % of a water-soluble dye compound containing one or more sulfonate and/or carboxylate groups; (ii) at least 0.1 wt % urea; (iii) from 0.1 to 2.5 wt % of a thiol; (iv) less than 0.5 wt % ammonia; and (v) less than 0.5 wt % sulfite ions.

Abstract: A container of single-dose cosmetic products including an external vessel formed by a hollow body and a closure adapted to isolate an internal cavity thereof; a plurality of single-dose containers containing a cosmetic product, housed in the cavity of the hollow body, each single-dose container being separately sealed; the external vessel has a housing adapted to constrain, in a use position, a single single-dose container.

Abstract: When a turning portion on the front end side of the cover is turned in one direction, a turning-portion engagement part disposed in the turning portion engages with a container main body-side engagement part so as to close the cover. When the turning portion of the cover is turned in the opposite direction, engagement between the turning-portion engagement part and the container main body-side engagement part is released. When the turning portion is kept turned in the opposite direction, a turning-portion opening-operation auxiliary portion disposed in the turning portion abuts on a container main body-side opening-operation auxiliary portion and the cover can be pressed up with a weak force by the principle of the lever.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dye composition comprising at least one oxidation dye precursor; at least one polycondensate of ethylene oxide and of propylene oxide having the structure (A) below: H—(O—CH2—CH2)a—(O—CH(CH3)—CH2)b—(O—CH2—CH2)a?—OH??(A), in which a and a? range from 2 to 150 and b ranges from 1 to 100, and at least one non-oxyalkylenated mono- or polyglycerolated nonionic surfactant; the non-oxyalkylenated mono- or polyglycerolated nonionic surfactant(s)/polycondensate(s) of formula (A) weight ratio being between 1 and 20. The invention also relates to a dyeing process using this composition (free of oxidizing agent) after mixing with a composition comprising an oxidizing agent. Another subject of the invention is a two-compartment device, the first compartment comprising the composition according to the invention, free of oxidizing agent, and the second compartment containing a composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a molding compound, a conductive plug, and a cover. The conductive plug is in the molding compound. The cover is over a top meeting joint between the conductive plug and the molding compound. The semiconductor structure further has a dielectric. The dielectric is on the cover and the molding compound.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method allow for cleaning and brushing irregular-shaped objects automatically. The apparatus includes: an outer portion or a container that can substantially enclose one or more irregular shaped objects, and a plurality of brushes movably coupled to an inner wall of the outer portion or the container. The apparatus can be used to wash irregular-shaped objects such as shoes, utensils, medical devices, etc. An irregular-shaped object can be placed in the apparatus, and the apparatus can be placed in a washing machine for automatic washing. Driven by a flow of water, air, or gas, the brushes can scrub the object. The apparatus can protect the object from potential damages, and/or keep washed-off sand, dirt, or other residues inside the apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of mechanisms for cleaning load ports of semiconductor process tools are provided. The automatic system includes a vacuum cleaner, a rail, and a transport mechanism. The transport mechanism is moveably disposed on the rail and transfers the vacuum cleaner along the rail. The automatic system also includes a system controller. The system controller is connected to the semiconductor process tools and the transport mechanism to detect which load port is unoccupied, such that the system controller controls the transport mechanism to transfer the vacuum cleaner to the unoccupied load port to perform a cleaning process.

Abstract: A cleaner and method for maintaining bearings, bushings, linkage pins and chains used in various types of machinery, including industrial machinery is disclosed. The cleaner is effective to rejuvenate spent grease and includes a polar fraction, a miscible non-polar fraction, and a non-ionic surface activating agent.

Abstract: A device (1) for removing a coating, particularly a photoresist, from a substrate (10) in at least one area of the substrate (10), comprises a nozzle (11) suitable for applying a jet of a solution medium to the substrate.

Abstract: A substrate treatment method is provided, which includes a liquid film retaining step of retaining a liquid film of a treatment liquid on a major surface of a substrate, and a heater heating step of locating a heater in opposed relation to the major surface of the substrate to heat the treatment liquid film by the heater in the liquid film retaining step, wherein an output of the heater is changed from a previous output level in the heater heating step.

Abstract: A system and a method for cleaning a printing cylinder or other printing equipment such as printing plates, ink pans or floors of printing units, the method comprising applying a detergent to the surface to be cleaned, after a period to allow action of the detergent, removing the detergent by rinsing, using a vapor and high velocity air stream, i.e. atomized water fog; or steam; or a combination of steam and air, which allows dislodging particles encrusted within cells of the surface of the piece of equipment to be cleaned.

Abstract: A cleaning method using vaporized solvent is provided. A solvent-containing vapor is generated, wherein the solvent-containing vapor comprises a solvent. The solvent-containing vapor is conducted to a substrate having debris or contaminants to clean the substrate, wherein the solvent-containing vapor condenses to form a liquid on a surface of the substrate. The liquid phase of the solvent-containing vapor is changed to a solid phase. The solid phase of the solvent-containing vapor is changed back to a liquid phase. The substrate is spun dried to remove the solvent-containing vapor in liquid phase and any debris or contaminants.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating the surface of a microelectronic workpiece via impingement of the surface with at least one fluid and a method for operating the apparatus are described. In particular, the apparatus includes a treatment chamber defining an interior space to treat the microelectronic workpiece with at least one fluid within the treatment chamber, and a movable chuck that supports the workpiece within the treatment chamber. The apparatus further includes a workpiece translational drive system configured to translate the movable chuck between a workpiece load position and at least one processing position at which the workpiece is treated with the at least one fluid using at least one nozzle connected to at least one fluid supply, and a workpiece rotational drive system configured to rotate the microelectronic workpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and system for cleaning paint rollers. The apparatus may include a container with a top portion, bottom portion, and one or more side portions; wherein the top portion may have a delivery slot formed therethrough to facilitate the delivery of liquid from an exterior environment to the interior of the container. A securing slot may be formed at the intersection between the top portion and the one or more side portions to facilitate the securing of a paint roller within the container. One or more drainage pipes may be disposed on the one or more side portions or the bottom portion to facilitate liquid waste draining from an interior environment to the exterior.

Abstract: An open top tank assembly for performing forced immersion oscillatory cleaning of products, parts, assemblies or other materials with or without non-line of sight (NLOS) features, wherein the apparatus repeats a process during application of pressure gradients to the fluid in the tank to develop a consistent rhythmic oscillation that creates movement of product in a center cavity of the tank to repeatedly transfer the fluid through the product to clean the product.

Abstract: An automated cleaning system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an X-Y positioning system configured to position a lance guide relative to an element to be cleaned. The X-Y positioning system is remotely operated. The system further includes a lance in communication with the lance guide, a drive system configured to drive the lance relative to the element to be cleaned, and a reel configured to manage a slack in the lance.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of washing (or pre-washing) silverware/flatware, or one or more other objects/parts is provided. The apparatus and method utilizes a fluid-push/pull system and method in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity in which the silverware/flatware or other objects/parts are located. A cavity is filled with fluid, a mass of silverware or other item(s) is located within the cavity, generally an entire volume of fluid is pumped out of the cavity, and the pumped fluid is directed back into the cavity to create a generally continuous flow of generally an entire volume of fluid through the cavity.

Abstract: A water softening apparatus having an improved structure to provide a function of an air brake, a dishwasher including the same and a control method thereof, the water softening apparatus having an air brake assembly and a regeneration tank and configured to soften wash water being supplied from a tub, wherein the air brake assembly including a water supply valve allowing wash water to be introduced therethrough, an ion exchange tank to accommodate an ion exchange resin therein, and a plurality of valves installed on a first path allowing wash water being introduced through the water supply valve to flow toward the ion exchange tank, wherein the regeneration tank is connected to the air brake assembly and accommodates regeneration material configured to purify the ion exchange resin.

Abstract: An umbrella is provided that has a transverse member mounted canopy control module. The umbrella has a support structure and a canopy. The support structure has a first support member having an upper end and a second support member. The second support member has a first end disposed adjacent to the first support member and a second end disposed away from the first end. The second support member extending along a longitudinal axis disposed transverse to the first support member. The canopy has an upper hub. The upper hub is pivotally coupled with the second support member. The umbrella also has an enclosure disposed at the first end of the second support member. A canopy control mechanism is disposed in the enclosure to alter the configuration of the canopy.

Abstract: A cantilever umbrella assembly is provided that includes an upright pole, a runner, a transverse pole, and a canopy. The upright pole includes an upright guide surface. The runner is coupled with the upright pole and has a bearing coupled with the guide surface for guiding the runner along the upright pole. The cantilever umbrella assembly includes a deployable tension member with a first end disposed in the transverse pole and a second end coupled with the canopy.

Abstract: An opening spring for multiple fold automatic open-close umbrellas is revealed. The opening spring is disposed in a shaft to provide power for extending the shaft while opening the umbrella. The opening spring is formed by a wound wire with a constant wire diameter and having a plurality segments of coils with different outer diameters. A gradually changing part is disposed between two adjacent segments of coils. The coil outer diameter of the gradually changing part is reduced from top to bottom along the axial direction.

Abstract: There is described a canopy system comprising two or more parallel elongated rods, one or more canopy pieces having two parallel edges, two or more elongated bars connected to each of the two or more parallel elongated rods and attached to each of the two parallel edges of the one or more canopy pieces, and at least one connection mechanism attached to each of the elongated rods having a connector that is capable of being suspended from a support. The elongated rods may include at least one lower cavity having two channels each configured to detachably and slidably receive each of the elongated bars. The lower cavity may have a groove that is configured to detachably and slidably receive an accessory. The elongated rods each may include at least one upper cavity configured to detachably and slidably receive each connection mechanism and a second accessory.

Abstract: A multi-purpose mat comprises a circular flat body portion having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface comprises a structural fold pattern. The outer surface comprises a plurality of wing pockets extending from a peripheral edge and spaced at ninety degree intervals that may be folded into a plurality of interior pockets between the outer surface and the inner surface, a drawstring interwoven through a plurality of eyelets along the perimeter, a pair of webbing straps positioned at right angles to each other, and a pair of pole pockets below the pair of webbing straps, a bag clip and a bag handle. A functional strap and a plurality of tent poles allow the multi-purpose mat to be configured into a beach mat, a backpack bag, a surfboard carrier sling and a shade shelter.

Abstract: A tent structure with an improved ventilation system includes a pole assembly, a lower section defined by a plurality of walls and a floor, and an upper section having an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer includes a first set of openings covered by an air permeable material. A perimeter of the inner layer is fixedly attached to a top portion of the lower section to form an enclosure. The outer layer is disposed above the inner layer and a second set of openings is formed between a perimeter of the outer layer and the top portion of the lower section. A first set of connecting members connects the inner and outer layers, and forms a space therebetween. A second set of connecting members connects the outer layer and the pole assembly.

Abstract: Aspects are directed to a collapsible privacy structure that has a low profile when in an un-deployed state to preserve the sight lines of observers. The collapsible privacy structure may then be deployed causing a canopy structure to extend upwardly forming an internal volume that provides privacy and seclusion to the user of the structure. The internal volume may be used for a bathroom, a shower, a medical evaluation/treatment space, and/or a changing space. Upon the departure of the user from the internal volume, the collapsible privacy structure may return to the low profile nature provided by the un-deployed state.

Abstract: A foldable tent includes a frame coupled to a canopy such that the frame and canopy are collectively collapsible from an open configuration to a folded configuration. The frame includes a plurality of spaced apart hubs positioned at an upper portion of the frame, at least one upper roof pole pivotally coupled with two adjacent hubs, a plurality of lower roof poles pivotally coupled to a corresponding hub and extending radially outward from each respective hub and away from the upper roof pole, and a plurality of collapsible side poles pivotally coupled to a corresponding lower roof pole. An eave pole pivotally coupled to a hub or to a pole extends the canopy to form an eave or other structures of the tent for configuring a dome shape or cabin shape of the tent.

Abstract: Thermoelectric materials with high figures of merit, ZT values, are disclosed. In many instances, such materials include nano-sized domains (e.g., nanocrystalline), which are hypothesized to help increase the ZT value of the material (e.g., by increasing phonon scattering due to interfaces at grain boundaries or grain/inclusion boundaries). The ZT value of such materials can be greater than about 1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, 1.8, 2 and even higher. Such materials can be manufactured from a thermoelectric starting material by generating nanoparticles therefrom, or mechanically alloyed nanoparticles from elements which can be subsequently consolidated (e.g., via direct current induced hot press) into a new bulk material. Non-limiting examples of starting materials include bismuth, lead, and/or silicon-based materials, which can be alloyed, elemental, and/or doped. Various compositions and methods relating to aspects of nanostructured theromoelectric materials (e.g., modulation doping) are further disclosed.

Abstract: [Object] Provided is a thermoelectric power generating device that is able to decrease thermal distortion of thermoelectric conversion modules and to upsize the thermoelectric conversion modules, thereby making it possible to simplify a manufacturing operation and to decrease a manufacturing cost.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment a thermoelectric generator is provided. The thermoelectric generator includes a cap and a thermopile. The cap is coupled to a heat generating device for receiving thermal energy therefrom. The thermopile includes superlattice quantum well materials and an absorber for contacting the cap to receive the thermal energy and to generate an electrical output to one of store the electrical output on a storage device and power a first device with the electrical output in response to the thermal energy.

Abstract: A solar panel includes a substrate, plural solar cells, wires, and plural bypass diodes. The substrate includes a bottom area, a middle area, and a top area vertically arranged from bottom to top. The middle area includes a first zone, a second zone and a third zone horizontally arranged from left to right. The solar cells are disposed on the substrate in columns and in rows. The bottom area includes at least two rows of the solar cells. The top area includes at least two rows of the solar cells. The wires serially connect the solar cells. The bypass diodes are disposed on the substrate, in which each of the first zone, the second zone, the third zone, the bottom area and the top area is disposed with at least one of the bypass diodes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing photovoltaic thin-film solar modules, including: applying a back electrode layer to a substrate, applying at least one conductive barrier layer, applying at least one contact layer, applying at least one kesterite or chalcopyrite semiconductor absorber layer, applying at least one buffer layer, removing the applied layers with laser treatment with formation of first separating trenches, filling the first separating trenches using at least one insulating material, removing layers extending from the barrier layer in the direction of the semiconductor absorber layer with formation of second separating trenches, or chemical phase transformation or thermal decomposition of layers extending from the barrier layer in the direction of the semiconductor absorber layer with the formation of first linear conductive areas, applying at least one transparent front electrode layer with filling and contacting of the second separating trenches or with contacting of the first linear conductive areas,

Abstract: A multilayer back electrode for a photovoltaic thin-film solar cell includes, in the following sequence: at least one bulk back electrode layer containing at least one of V, Mn, Cr, Mo, Co, Zr, Ta, Nb, and W; at least one conductive barrier layer; and at least one ohmic contact layer containing (i) at least one first ply adjacent to the at least one conductive barrier layer, the at least one first ply containing at least one of Mo, W, Ta, Nb, Zr and Co, and (ii) at least one second ply not adjacent to the at least one barrier layer, the at least one second ply containing at least one metal chalcogenide.

Abstract: A photovoltaic thin-film solar module includes in the following sequence: a substrate layer; a back electrode layer directly adjoining the substrate layer; a conductive barrier layer directly adjoining at least one of the back electrode layer and the substrate layer; an ohmic contact layer directly adjoining the barrier layer; one of a chalcopyrite or kesterite semiconductor absorber layer directly adjoining the contact layer; a first buffer layer directly adjoining the semiconductor absorber layer and containing one of Zn(S,OH) or In2S3; a second buffer layer directly adjoining one of the semiconductor absorber layer or the first buffer layer; and a transparent front electrode layer directly adjoining at least one of the semiconductor absorber layer, the first buffer layer, and the second buffer layer, the transparent front electrode layer containing n-doped zinc oxide.

Abstract: A fabrication method for high-efficiency multi junction solar cells, including: providing a Ge substrate for semiconductor epitaxial growth; growing an emitter region over the Ge substrate (as the base) to form a first subcell with a first band gap; forming a second subcell with a second band gap larger than the first band gap and lattice matched with the first subcell over the first subcell via MBE; forming a third subcell with a third band gap larger than the second band gap and lattice matched with the first and second subcells over the second subcell via MOCVD; and forming a fourth subcell with a fourth band gap larger than the third band gap and lattice matched with the first, second and third subcells over the third subcell via MOCVD.

Abstract: A foldable, portable, lightweight photovoltaic module has a carrier layer divided into equal sections separated by hinge spaces, a substrate layer on the carrier layer, and a photovoltaic cell layer on the substrate layer, wherein the hinge spaces each have a free space between opposing edges of the adjacent sections to enable them to be folded in accordion-like fashion for storage. The carrier layer may be made of rip-stop fabric and preferably supports 6 sections each with 6 PV cells of crystalline silicon of up to about 22% conversion efficiency. The module has a power output of about 122 watts at 24 volts, and weighs about 7.4 pounds (3.36 kg), with a power-to-size ratio of 14 watts/sft or more, and a power-to-weight ratio of 16.5 watts/pound or more. An improved method of lamination applies heat and pressure on upper and lower sides of the laminate layers through upper and lower chambers with respective pressure bladders and heaters that are independently controllable.

Abstract: Solar module structures 210 and 270 and methods for assembling solar module structures. The solar module structures 210 and 270 comprise three-dimensional thin-film solar cells 110 arranged in solar module structures 210 and 270. The three-dimensional thin-film solar cell comprises a three-dimensional thin-film solar cell substrate (124 and 122, respectively) with emitter junction regions 1352 and doped base regions 1360. The three-dimensional thin-film solar cell further includes emitter metallization regions and base metallization regions. The 3-D TFSC substrate comprises a plurality of single-aperture or dual-aperture unit cells. The solar module structures 270 using three-dimensional thin-film solar cells comprising three-dimensional thin-film solar cell substrates with a plurality of dual-aperture unit cells may be used in solar glass applications.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system is described herein. The photovoltaic system includes an array of micro-concentrators. Each micro-concentrator includes an exterior lens, an interior lens, and a transparent layer that is between the exterior lens and the interior lens. The array of micro-concentrators is optically aligned with an array of photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: Surfaces containing conversion elements may be positioned and shaped to concentrate or manipulate convergence of sunlight, for example, to produce a steady reflected beam within a wide range of concentration levels and to direct reflected beams for multiple reflections from solar power conversion mediums. The mediums can be positioned to avoid blocking reflected or other light so that unconverted energy may be directed to other surfaces and has several chances to be absorbed or converted. All of the devices may fit within the total converting surface area, e.g., within a concentrator's surface area. The method of solar power conversion may employ active and passive methods simultaneously and/or sequentially.

Abstract: A solar energy harvesting and storage system is disclosed having a dual-sided lithographically integrated light-to-electrical energy converter. The integrated light-to-electrical energy converter has at least one array of photovoltaic, cells having an array of optoelectronic components, each of which have a compound optical structure that spatially separates light into multiple wavelengths and a P/N junction having a gradient of semiconductor materials and/or dopants responsive to a narrow band of wavelengths. A common electrode connects the optoelectronic components and the common electrode is electrically connected to at least one integrated DC to AC inverter. Also disclosed is a dual-axis solar tracking system upon which the dual-sided lithographically integrated light-to-electrical energy converter is mounted. The dual-axis solar tracking system has two stages of tracking mounts, each tracking mount has a plurality of leaf-springs in a vertical arrangement.

Abstract: An integrated and enclosed solar photovoltaic power producing panels and method of producing alternating current electrical power that combines and integrates all electrical and electronic elements within a non-metallic and dual-insulated enclosure arrangement within which the DC output of each of these solar modules is converted to AC. The AC may be distributed within the dual insulated enclosure and subsequently between panels in an array. The panels may be comprised of a unitary non-metallic insulating housing that extends the length and width of the panel. This housing may enclose the DC circuitry, the inverter, a suitable alternating bus array for transferring the AC power within the module and contact means for interconnecting the AC output between multiple modules. Each of the AC interconnect components can optionally be connected into an array, whereby the output is coupled, and ultimately delivered to a terminal junction box.

Abstract: A system and method for improved photovoltaic module structure is described. One embodiment includes a photovoltaic module comprising a front substrate, a photovoltaic structure attached to the front substrate, wherein the photovoltaic structure comprises at least one photovoltaic cell, a back substrate, wherein the back substrate is spaced apart from the photovoltaic structure, and a structural component, wherein the structural component is located between the back substrate and the photovoltaic structure. In some embodiments, the structural component may be configured to provide thermal conduction between the front substrate and the back substrate, and/or the structural component may be configured to retain the front substrate and/or back substrate during breakage.

Abstract: To obtain a reinforcing frame capable of securing sufficient reinforcing strength and adhesive strength while suppressing a manufacturing cost by omitting a rim-like frame. A reinforcing frame is adhered to a rear surface, which is a non-light receiving surface of a solar battery panel, and includes a cylindrical portion that has a cylindrical shape along a longitudinal direction of the reinforcing frame and on which an adhesive surface for adhering to the solar battery panel is formed, and protruding portions that protrude from end portions along a longitudinal direction of the adhesive surface and that are substantially parallel to the adhesive surface.