51st week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 6 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110308493 | Pre start friction protection system - A system for reducing friction in an engine during start-up having an oil canister which holds oil, an air supply unit for providing air to the canister through an air intake line and valve, an oil intake line for transmitting oil from the engine oil reservoir to the canister, and a distribution rod connected to the canister through a distribution line. The distribution rod has various ports for discharging the oil over the engine parts which need lubrication prior to engine start-up. The nozzles may provide precise and uniform discharge patterns. The system may include a controller for receiving the pre-start notification and for controlling the valves and air supply unit. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308494 | Integrated Idealized Inlet for Engine Air Induction System - An integrated air flow component is provided for an internal combustion engine air induction system having an air inlet duct. The integrated air flow component includes an air flow separator in the duct including air flow guidance surfaces downstream of the air cleaner. An engine air duct is also provided. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308495 | CONTROL METHOD OF PRECOMBUSTION CHAMBER TYPE ENGINE - Providing a control method for controlling an engine of a precombustion chamber type, whereby the misfiring in the precombustion chamber is surely prevented. In the control method for controlling an engine of a premix combustion type, the method including, but not limited to the processes of: a first step where the charging air pressure, the charging air temperature and the engine speed are detected; a second step where the air excess ratio of the air fuel mixture supplied to the main combustion chamber is computed as per predetermined relational expressions; a third step where the amount of the fuel to be supplied to the precombustion chamber is duly computed as per the relational expression between the air excess ratio of the air fuel mixture in the main combustion chamber and the fuel amount of the air fuel mixture in the precombustion chamber; a fourth step where the valve opening duration regarding a precombustion chamber fuel supply valve for controlling the amount of the fuel to be supplied to the precombustion chamber is computed as per a relational expression between the valve opening duration and the computed fuel amount of the air fuel mixture in the precombustion chamber. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308496 | Throttle Valve Controller for Internal Combustion Engine - A throttle valve controller for an internal combustion engine has a throttle valve driven by a motor. The target opening of the throttle valve is determined based on the operating state of the vehicle or internal combustion engine. A first lower limit is determined beforehand as the minimum target opening, and a second lower limit is set which is smaller than the first lower limit if the determined target opening is smaller than a predetermined opening and/or if the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is lower than a predetermined speed. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308497 | Fuel-Pressure Waveform Detector - A fuel-pressure waveform detector has a detect-waveform obtaining unit for obtaining a multi-stage injection pressure waveform by means of a fuel-pressure sensor while performing a multi-stage fuel injection during one combustion cycle. A model waveform memory stores a reference model pressure waveform of when a single fuel injection is performed. A waveform extracting unit extracts a pressure waveform due to the subject fuel injection by subtracting the reference model pressure waveform from the multi-stage injection pressure waveform. A correction unit corrects the reference model pressure waveform in such a manner that its attenuation degree becomes larger as a fuel injection period of the subject fuel injection is longer. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308498 | Method and control device for operating an internal combustion engine - In a method for controlling operation of an internal combustion engine using a control device, a setpoint value of a first fuel injection quantity is specified for a first combustion cycle, and the first fuel injection quantity is injected. A combustion pressure is ascertained during the first combustion cycle, and in a further step, a setpoint value of a second fuel injection quantity is ascertained for a second combustion cycle based on the combustion pressure. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308499 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPERATING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - Each cylinder bank of the internal combustion engine is assigned in each case one injection event memory (EES), an injection determining process (EEP) and an injection execution process (EAP). In the respective injection determining process (EEP), desired injection events (EE) are determined for the associated cylinder bank. These injection events are stored in succession in the respectively associated injection event memory (EES). In the respective injection execution process (EAP), injection events (EE) are retrieved in succession from the associated injection event memory (EES) and executed in a sequence in which they were stored in the associated injection event memory (EES) by the associated injection determining process (EEP) (FIFO: first in first out). The in each case next injection event (EE) is executed only after the end of an execution of the in each case previously executed injection event (EE). | 2011-12-22 |
20110308500 | CONTROL APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A control apparatus and control method is provided for an internal combustion engine that includes a vaporized fuel tank in which vaporized fuel is stored, and a normally-closed vaporized fuel supply valve that opens and closes a connecting portion between the vaporized fuel tank and a surge tank. This apparatus and method produce vaporized fuel by injecting fuel into the tank while the vaporized fuel supply valve is closed while the engine is operating, then open the vaporized fuel supply valve at engine startup and supply the vaporized fuel stored in the tank to the surge tank. If there is no vaporized fuel remaining in the vaporized fuel tank when the engine stops, vacuum is generated in the vaporized fuel tank by temporarily opening the vaporized fuel supply valve before the engine stops. Vaporized fuel is then produced by injecting fuel into the vaporized fuel tank in this vacuum state. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308501 | INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE CONTROL APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE CONTROL APPARATUS - In a control of an internal combustion engine control apparatus, the control apparatus includes: a fuel tank that stores a fuel; a vaporized fuel tank that is connected to an intermediate portion of an intake passageway of an internal combustion engine and that stores a vaporized fuel that is formed by vaporization of the fuel; an in-tank fuel supply device that supplies the fuel from the fuel tank into the vaporized fuel tank; and a normally-closed vaporized fuel supply valve that opens and closes a connecting portion between the vaporized fuel tank and the intake passageway. The control apparatus estimates air/fuel ratio in the vaporized fuel tank, and produces the vaporized fuel in the vaporized fuel tank by driving the in-tank fuel supply device, with the vaporized fuel supply valve closed, until the estimated air/fuel ratio becomes substantially zero, during operation of the engine. At the time of starting the engine, the control apparatus supplies the vaporized fuel stored in the vaporized fuel tank into the intake passageway by opening the vaporized fuel supply valve. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308502 | TURBOCHARGER - In a gas inlet casing of a turbocharger that compresses combustion air for an internal combustion engine and forcibly feeds high-density air into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, a space formed between an inner casing and an outer casing is configured to serve as a first exhaust gas channel for guiding exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine to the outer periphery side of a turbine nozzle. A second exhaust gas channel for guiding exhaust gas that branches at an intermediate point in the first exhaust gas channel to the inner periphery side of the turbine nozzle is formed at the inner periphery side of the inner casing. An intermediate portion of the first exhaust gas channel and a gas inlet of the second exhaust gas channel are communicated through an exhaust gas pipe, and an on/off valve is connected at an intermediate point thereof. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308503 | EGR CONTROL APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An EGR control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of properly controlling an inert gas amount of two types of EGR gas supplied to cylinders of the engine via two paths different from each other, thereby making it possible to ensure a stable combustion state, reduced exhaust emissions, and improve operability. The EGR control apparatus includes low-pressure and high-pressure EGR devices, and an ECU. The ECU controls the low-pressure and high-pressure EGR gas amounts according to engine speed and demanded torque, and when a combination of engine speed and demanded torque is in a predetermined region, the low-pressure and high-pressure EGR gas amounts are controlled such that inert gas in low-pressure EGR gas exceeds in amount inert gas in high-pressure EGR gas, and the former more exceeds the latter as engine speed is higher or demanded torque is larger. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308504 | VENTILATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUPERCHARGE ENGINE - In ventilation system and method for a supercharge engine, in a middle load driving region of the engine in which the boost pressure of position of an intake air passage located at the downstream side with respect to a throttle valve is positive and is lower than a set pressure (P | 2011-12-22 |
20110308505 | SPLIT-CYCLE ENGINE WITH CROSSOVER PASSAGE COMBUSTION - Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed that generally involve split-cycle engines in which a combustion event is initiated in a crossover passage that interconnects a compression cylinder and an expansion cylinder of the split-cycle engine. In one embodiment, the compression piston leads the expansion piston by a phase shift angle so that, for example, a substantial amount of the combustion event can occur in the crossover passage at a constant volume. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308506 | INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE CONTROL DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - An internal combustion engine control device and a control method therefore in which feedback control is performed such that a detected air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas detected on the basis of a critical electric current flowing in a solid electrolyte layer of an air-fuel ratio sensor when an air-fuel ratio detection voltage is applied between an exhaust-side electrode layer and an atmosphere-side electrode layer of the sensor matches a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. When a parameter acquired as an imbalance determination parameter is larger than an imbalance determination threshold, an air-fuel ratio inter-cylinder imbalance state is determined to have occurred. The output responsiveness of the air-fuel ratio sensor when the air-fuel ratio changes from a lean to a rich (or changes in the opposite direction) is acquired, and when this output responsiveness is low, “a sensor responsiveness increasing voltage that is higher than the air-fuel ratio detection voltage” is applied between the exhaust-side electrode layer and the atmosphere-side electrode layer. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308507 | TWO-STROKE CYCLE COMBUSTION ENGINE OF AIR SCAVENGING TYPE - A two-stroke cycle combustion engine of an air scavenging type includes one or more scavenging passages ( | 2011-12-22 |
20110308508 | Bowstring Cam Arrangement for Compound Long Bow or Crossbow - A compound bow or crossbow employs bowstring cams with bowstring cam grooves and power cord cam grooves. Preferably a pair of generally identical power cord cam grooves are positioned axially above and below the bowstring cam groove. The power cords are anchored to a fixed anchor point, e.g., a pylon, on the near end of the riser or on the near side of the crossbow bar or stock. The power cords do not cross over to the other limb. The reduction in the number of cam wheels and pulleys and in the number of strings or cords results in greater efficiency and higher transfer of energy from the bow to the arrow or bolt. There is no drop-off in pull weight at full draw. The bolt or arrow accelerates throughout the travel of the bowstring, resulting in significantly higher velocity. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308509 | Archery vibration absorber - A vibration absorber for an archery bow including a hollow, elongated cap open at both ends, a first dampening plug inserted into one of the ends of the cap and a second dampening plug inserted to another end of the cap and coupled to the first dampening plug within the cap. Typically the cap is made from a stiff material and the first and second dampening plugs are made from elastic material with the same or different elasticities. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308510 | FURNACE FOR TESTING MATERIALS AND CHARACTERIZATION METHOD USING THE FURNACE - A furnace comprising both overall heating means and local heating means for generating both an ambient temperature and local heating of the specimen so as to be able to simulate a mechanical shock. It therefore lends itself to various tests capable of providing a better evaluation of the self-heating or self-ignition characteristics of a material subjected to a thermal or mechanical stress. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308511 | ELEVATED FIXED-GRATE APPARTUS FOR USE WITH MULTI-FUEL FURNACES - A combustion device in the form of an elevated fixed-grate that includes arcuately shaped solid refractory brick with ribs placed thereunder so as to allow horizontal air flow for fuel combustion. The brick are arranged atop one another in a stacked concentric configuration that forms a central fuel passageway and allows cascading of a fuel pile throughout the combustion stages. The device provides the benefit of proper de-ashing online while distributing the underfire air radially around the fuel pile. The elevated design of the bricks allows the air to be evenly distributed throughout the fuel pile and further allows the isolation of overfire and underfire air. Segregating overfire and underfire air in an evenly distributed manner allows the burner to combust a wide range of fuel moisture contents without modifying the mechanical components of the burner. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308512 | SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY ARRAY AND DRIVE - Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling arrays of solar thermal energy collectors. Rows of the array are actuated sequentially or consecutively rather than concurrently. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308513 | THERMAL SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR - Thermal solar energy collector, in which a solar radiation absorption panel, inside which the heat-conducting fluid flows, is situated inside a parallelepipedal box, with an opening having a transparent cover at the front, which may be doubled so as to leave an atmospheric space in the middle. The rear wall of the box has a system of seals and reservoirs which are inset in the wall so that they accommodate the expansion and contraction of vertical tubes of the panel and horizontal connections by means of gentle changes in curvature of the tube bends and slight rotations of the reservoirs, with the addition of a system for filling the box with an inert gas, the pressure of which may be chosen from a range of between a thousandth of an atmosphere and one atmosphere, there being provided for this purpose an external gas circuit, with low- and high-pressure tanks, an intermediate compressor. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308514 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SOLAR RADIATION ABSORBER - A method for manufacturing a solar absorber element forming a solar absorber of a solar receiver including providing a substrate, placing at least one projection within the substrate, and attaching the projection to the substrate with an attachment functionality operative to attach the projection to the substrate, thus defining the solar absorber element, the solar absorber being configured to allow a fluid to flow therein and be heated by solar radiation penetrating the projection of the solar absorber element. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308515 | ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLABLE AEROSOL DELIVERY - An aerosolization device comprises a housing having an inlet and an outlet and an airway extending from the inlet to the outlet. A valve in the airway comprises a piezoelectric element which controls the valve, and a reservoir in communication with the airway is adapted to contain a pharmaceutical formulation so that the pharmaceutical formulation may be introduced into the airway and passed through the outlet in an aerosolized form. The piezoelectric element may alternatively or additionally be used to sense a condition in the aerosolization device. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308516 | Delivery device for a powder aerosol - The invention provides a delivery device ( | 2011-12-22 |
20110308517 | Arm for Supporting a Sensor - A sensor support arm, adapted for use with a breathing mask such that the arm is extendable underneath a sealing surface of a breathing mask is disclosed. The arm is adaptable at one end for fixing on to equipment worn by a user, having a sensor disposed at an opposing end positionable in the interior of a breathing mask. The arm has lead connections necessary for the sensor extending along the arm. The arm has a greater width than thickness and comprises a flexible material such that it is flexible about both longitudinal and transverse axes. The arm is provided with a substantially planar side. A breathing mask having a freely self-supporting sensor arm is also disclosed. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308518 | PRESSURE SUPPORT DEVICE USER INTERFACE - A pressure support device ( | 2011-12-22 |
20110308519 | DRY POWDER FORMULATION COMPRISING AN ANTIMUSCARINIC DRUG - The invention provides dry powder formulations suitable for the inhalatory administration by means of a dry powder inhaler, comprising an antimuscarinic drug as active ingredient. The invention also provides processes for the preparation of such a formulation and method for the prevention and/or treatment of a wide range of conditions including respiratory disorders by administering such a formulation. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308520 | NASAL PILLOWS FOR A PATIENT INTERFACE - A nasal pillow section for use as part of an apparatus for providing a stream of gases to a user, the pillow section in use located in front of the upper lip and below the nostrils of a user, the pillow section comprising a pillow gasket having a gases aperture which receives a stream of gases in use, and nasal pillows fluidically connected to the pillow gasket which are adapted to substantially seal against the nostrils of a user in use, so that substantially the whole of the stream of gases entering the gasket through the aperture passes into the nasal pillows from the pillow gasket and is delivered to the user, the lower inner surface of the pillow gasket shaped so that in use contact between the upper lip of a user and the pillow gasket is minimised. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308521 | VAPORIZER - Provided is a vaporizing device configured for use with a disposable bottle to employ the disposable bottle as a collection device for collecting and delivering the vapor to a user. The vaporizing device includes a threaded connector portion configured to engage with the threaded bottle connector found on a conventional beverage container, such as a water bottle, soda bottle, sports drink bottle, or the like. The vaporizing device is configured to receive and heat herbal contents to produce a vapor for inhalation by a user. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308522 | GAS FILTER WITH INTEGRATED HEATING - The present invention provides a filter assembly for filtering a gas stream. The filter assembly including a number of filter elements structured to be disposed in a gas stream. The filter assembly further including a heating element for heating each of the number of filter elements, the heating element being structured to be disposed in the gas stream for directly heating the gas stream as the gas stream passes therethrough. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308523 | AIR ON DEMAND BREATHING SYSTEM USING A DYNAMIC TRANSDUCER FOR CONTROLLING AIR - An air on demand breathing system using a dynamic transducer for controlling air is disclosed. As the compressor of the system only provides air within the hose line when a threshold has been reached as determined by the dynamic transducer battery consumption is extended as the battery does not have to provide power to the system at all times. A novel removal and replacement configuration for the one or more batteries of the system is also described. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308524 | COMPACT MULTIGAS FILTER - A filter assembly includes a filter bed comprising at least one chemical filtering medium and a pleated filter element. The pleated filter element includes a particulate filtering medium and at least one chemical filtering medium. In one implementation, the pleated element includes a non-woven web of polymeric fibers and more than 60 percent weight sorbent particles enmeshed in the web. At least one chemical filtering medium in the pleated element and at least one chemical filtering medium of the filter bed can be designed to be capable of targeting different chemical substances. Some filter assemblies of the present disclosure may be disposed within an interior of a fluid-impermeable housing having an inlet and an outlet. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308525 | STRESS DEFORMABLE AND SEALED BREATHING MASK - A stress deformable and sealed breathing mask that includes an air permeable rectilinear mask body having at least one layer of air filtering material and a resilient sealing strip at an upper edge of the mask body for sealing engagement with a user's face. An upper attachment strap is in a laced engagement with the mask body and the resilient sealing strip such that tightening of the upper attachment strap about a user's head causes the resilient sealing strip to resiliently deform substantially to the contour of the user's face in the bridge area of the user's nose. A lower attachment strap secures the bottom of the mask body against a portion of the user's face below the user's mouth. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308526 | FULL FACE RESPIRATORY MASK WITH INTEGRATED NASAL INTERFACE - A patient interface that reliably and comfortably seals a user's face by providing an oral-nasal mask that includes an integrated nasal interface. The patient interface includes a seal member having an oral cushion portion configured to surround the user's mouth and a nasal interface portion that provides an interface with the user's nose. The seal member, including the oral cushion portion and the nasal interface portion, is a unitary member. Finally, the nasal interface portion remains below the bridge of the nose. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308527 | Method and Apparatus for Tubal Occlusion - A device for sterilizing females by occluding the uterotubal junction. The device includes a catheter with a releasable heat generating plug which is used to thermally damage the uterotubal junction and cause it to constrict around the plug, after which the plug is released from the catheter and left in place in the uterotubal junction. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308528 | Sleep disorder relief device and method - The device has first and second flexible straps forming loops with a soft chin portion fitting under a wearer's chin, and a portion extending around the head, with a frontal bridge portion secured between opposite sides of the loops and being stretched over the front of the wearer's head to pull the lower jaw forwardly and hold it there during sleep. The points of attachment of the bridge easily can be adjusted by the user to maximize effectiveness and comfort. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308529 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body has a V-shape with first and second elongated legs configured for implantation in airway-interface tissue. The first and second elongated legs are configured to apply tensile forces to the tissue. Methods of using such systems are also provided. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308530 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA - A system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body has first and second end portions and a medial portion. The implant body also includes a coupler configured to couple the end portions to one another such that the medial portion encircles targeted tissue. Methods of using such systems are also provided. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308531 | Adjustable oral appliance for treatment of snoring and sleep apnea - A mandibular advancement oral appliance for treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea comprises upper and lower thermoformed co-polyester splints, custom fabricated to match the patient's dentition. The splints are interconnected by a thread cord or filament in a pre-fabricated continuous loop with no knot. The loop passes through guide tubes and around pulley's having openings to allow the thread to be forced into them. The thread is made up of braided liquid crystal polymer fiber (Vectran®). This appliance uses a locking device to keep the continuous loop from traveling along itself. This stabilizes the anterior positioning. The locking mechanism comprises an expansion clamp consisting of an oval expansion crank, oval casing and cap. The locking mechanism's function is to restrict movement of the loop, thereby locking the mandible in the desired forward location while the patient sleeps. The loop guide, pulleys and locking device are preferably affixed to the anterior-facing surfaces of the splints. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308532 | Apparatus for Clamping on the Lower or Upper Teeth, and Activator Comprising Such an Apparatus - Apparatus which can be placed clampingly on a lower jaw or upper jaw, in particular on the molars and/or pre-molars thereof, essentially consisting of:—at least a left and a right buccal shaped body on the buccal side;—one or more connecting elements between the left and right buccal shaped body, wherein the left and right buccal shaped bodies extend at least along respectively the left and right molars and/or premolars and/or canines; and wherein the one or more connecting elements are adapted to push the left and right shaped bodies into the undercuts of the molars and/or premolars and/or canines. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308533 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ANCHORING AN EAR PIECE - An apparatus and method of anchoring an earpiece is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible member of moldable expandable, semi-adhesive material. The flexible member has a predetermined shape. The method of anchoring an earpiece includes the steps of placing an earpiece in the ear. The method also includes the steps of shaping the flexible member into a ball and placed the shaped flexible member into the concha portion of the ear, such that the shaped flexible member is disposed the earpiece and the antihelix and the earpiece anchor expands to retain the earpiece in the ear. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308534 | SUPPORT STRUCTURE - The present invention relates generally to a support structure for fixating a patient to a treatment unit, and especially to a support structure for fixating the patient to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation unit. An embodiment of the support | 2011-12-22 |
20110308535 | BOLERO-STYLE STRAIT JACKET - A strait jacket is disclosed, which is adapted to fit wearers of more than one clothing size. The strait jacket has a jacket torso body comprising at least two panels, each panel terminating at a lower edge located adjacent to but below the wearer's underarms. Sleeves extend from the torso body to distal ends, and each sleeve has a length greater than the length of the wearer's arms. The distal end of each sleeve includes a fastening device to permit the sleeve to be fastened to the opposite sleeve and to a belt by suitable fasteners at a position behind the wearer's back. An annular jacket collar is located above the jacket torso body, and a strap extends downwardly from the collar. In one embodiment of the invention, the strap extends under the wearer's crotch. A belt strap is adapted to be secured about the wearer's mid rib cage and is further adapted to be attached to the chest strap at a posterior position; and, if desired, at an anterior position. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308536 | POSITION DEPENDENT INTERFERENCE CANCELLATION - A method for position tracking includes receiving signals from a main position transducer at a distal end of a medical probe via wiring traversing the probe to a connector at a proximal end of the probe, for connection to a processor, which processes the signals to find a first position of the distal end. Calibration data with respect to an interference introduced into the signals at the connector is collected as a function of a position of the proximal end. A second position of an auxiliary position transducer at the proximal end of the probe is measured. The interference in the signals is canceled responsively to the measured second position and the calibration data. The first position is calculated based on the signals, after canceling the interference. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308537 | Hookah coal screen (HCS) with screen and wind guard/brim/skirt - A Hookah Coal Screen and more particularly a screen made of a rigid non-fume emitting material (or food grade material) such as stainless steel (preferred option), clay, or possible a high temperature plastic. Also, in the present invention, there is provided a brim/skirt so that the invention functions as a wind guard as well as acts to hold the screen on the tobacco bowl. Also, in the present invention, there is provided an optional handle so that the invention functions as a tray. The handle also consists of a high temperature material and acts to allow the handling of the hot screen. In the option where the brim/skirt is fabricated of a high temperature material, the handle would not be required in order to transport the hot screen. The invention in its entirety may be fabricated or molded of one material, or an assembly of materials. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308538 | EDIBLE PIPE AND METHOD THEREFOR - An edible pipe includes a bowl, a stem, and a mouthpiece manufactured by a process that includes forming a patty having an approximately rectangular shape. The process includes cooking the patty, and rolling the cooked patty into a cylindrical shape by inserting the cooked patty into a rolling device having a cylindrical wall with a closed end. The cylindrical wall defines an interior volume of the rolling device and includes an opening along a length of the cylindrical wall for receiving the cooked patty. The rolling device includes a shaft mounted to the closed end. The shaft runs through the interior volume of the rolling device. Rolling the cooked patty includes winding the cooked patty around the shaft of the rolling device, and removing the rolled cooked patty from the rolling device. The process includes forming a bend in the rolled cooked patty to form the edible pipe. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308539 | ARTIFICIAL NAIL WITH UPSTANDING FEATURE AND METHOD OF USE - The artificial nail includes a thin member having a distal end portion, an opposite free end portion, and a concave lower surface and a convex upper surface extending between the end portions, at least a portion of the concave lower surface having a size and a curvature configured for placement in overlaying substantially conforming relation to at least a portion of a natural fingernail or toenail, the upper surface including an upstanding feature separating and delineating regions abutting opposite sides of the feature. In a method of use, a first liquid hardenable coating material is applied to one of the regions, and a second liquid hardenable material to a second of the regions, such that the first material and the second material are separated and delineated by the upstanding feature. The nail is then abraded to a desired appearance such as of a French manicure. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308540 | Apparatus and Method for Treating Foot Tissue - A footwear apparatus for treating skin of a human foot may include a sole section configured for placement against a sole of a foot of a user during use; a heel section coupled with the sole section and configured for placement against the heel of the foot of the user during use; a reservoir configured for storing a material for use in treating skin of a human foot; and an abrasive surface coupled with the heel section and configured to debride skin of the heel of the user during use. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308541 | HAIR TREATMENT COMPOSITION - A method of styling hair comprising the steps of i) applying to the hair a hair treatment cream composition comprising: a) a blend of MQ resin and polydiorganosiloxane; and b) hydrophobically modified cellulose ether. ii) combing and/or styling the hair. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308542 | Cosmetic Applicator - An apparatus for applying a cosmetic, such as mascara to eyelashes, includes a handle, a boss coupled to the handle, and a stem defining a longitudinal stem axis and having a first end coupled to the handle and a second end, wherein the stem first end comprises a stem extension defining a socket sized to rotatably engage the boss. The apparatus further comprises an applicator head coupled to the stem. An actuator is operatively coupled to the applicator head for moving the applicator head in a vibrational motion. The actuator comprises an electric motor having a rotating motor shaft and an eccentric weight coupled to the motor shaft. Rotation of the eccentric weight generates a vibratory force. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308543 | METHOD FOR CLEANING POROUS METALLIC FILTERS USING A STEAM-ULTRASONIC TECHNIQUE - A method of cleaning plugged or dirty porous metallic filter elements to regain filter activity, comprising the steps of: steaming a filter element for a first period of time; submerging the filter element in a first solution; and exposing the first solution to ultrasound waves for a second period of time. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308544 | CLEANING METHOD OF PROCESSING CHAMBER OF MAGNETIC FILM, MANUFACTURING METHOD OF MAGNETIC DEVICE, AND SUBSTRATE TREATMENT APPARATUS - The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a multilayer film, a manufacturing method of a magnetoresistance effect device, and a substrate treatment apparatus, capable of shortening the time of a cleaning step. In one embodiment of the present invention, the inside of an etching apparatus is cleaned by plasma of a mixed gas containing H | 2011-12-22 |
20110308545 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING SOLAR SUBSTRATES - A method of removing at least a portion of an interaction layer on an electrode region of a solar substrate is provided. The method includes a step of providing a solar substrate including an absorbing region and an electrode region. The absorbing region including an absorbing layer configured to convert light energy into electrical energy. The electrode region is substantially free of the absorbing layer, and the electrode region includes an interaction layer. The method also includes a step of brushing the electrode region to remove at least a portion of the interaction layer. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308546 | SELF-SANITIZING AUTOMATED CONDENSATE DRAIN CLEANER AND RELATED METHOD OF USE - The invention is directed toward a system and method for sanitizing a condensate drain to reduce sludge and related pathogens. The system is directed to a sanitizing assembly having a treatment chamber connected to the condensate drain, where the treatment chamber includes a top end and a shaft. A spray assembly is positioned proximate to the top end of the treatment chamber. This spray assembly has a nozzle spray connected to a hot water source. A spray controller within the spray assembly helps disperse a sufficient quantity and pressure of hot water within the shaft to dislodge sludge, when necessary. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308547 | CLEANER AND PATH CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF - A cleaner adapted to clean particles on a plate is provided. The cleaner includes an active driver and a slave driver. The active driver includes a plurality of active cleaning wheels and a control system. Each of the active cleaning wheels includes a first magnet, and the first magnet has an even number of magnetic poles. The control system is electronically connected with the active cleaning wheels so as to control a rotation of the active cleaning wheels. The slave driver includes a plurality of slave cleaning wheels. Each of the slave cleaning wheels includes a second magnet, and the second magnet has an even number of magnetic poles. The plate is disposed between the active driver and the slave driver. The second magnets are disposed opposite to the first magnets, so that the active cleaning wheels drive the slave cleaning wheels to rotate by a magnetic force. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308548 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MEASURING DEPOSIT THICKNESS - The present invention concerns a method for measuring the thickness of any deposit of material on the inner wall of a structure conducting a fluid stream of hydrocarbons, the method comprising the steps of: applying a first heat pulse or continuous heating to at least one first section of the structure removing deposits on the inner wall of the first section of the structure; applying a second heat pulse to both the first section of the structure and at least one second section of the structure, the first and second sections being spaced apart, which heat pulse does not loosen any deposit of material in the second section; measuring the temperature of the wall of the structure or the fluid during the second heat pulse at both the first and second sections; and determining the thickness of any deposit of material on the inner wall of the structure at the second section based on the measured temperatures. The present invention also relates to a corresponding device and arrangement. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308549 | SUBSTRATE PROCESSING METHOD, STORAGE MEDIUM STORING COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR PERFORMING SUBSTRATE PROCESSING METHOD, AND SUBSTRATE PROCESSING APPARATUS - In a substrate processing method according to the present invention, a substrate is first processed using a chemical liquid. Next, the substrate is rinsed by supplying a rinsing liquid thereto while the substrate is being rotated. Thereafter, the substrate is dried while the substrate is being rotated. The drying of the substrate includes reducing a rotating speed of the substrate to a first rotating speed lower than that of the substrate during the rinsing of the substrate, while supplying the rinsing liquid to a central portion of the substrate; moving, from the central portion of the substrate toward a peripheral edge portion thereof, a rinsing liquid supply position to which the rinsing liquid is supplied, after the rotating speed of the substrate has been reduced to the first rotating speed; and supplying a drying liquid to the substrate, after the rinsing liquid supply position has been moved. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308550 | METHODS RELATING TO FUEL COMPOSITIONS - A method of removing deposits from a diesel engine, the method comprising combusting in the engine a diesel fuel composition comprising an engine cleaning additive, wherein the engine cleaning additive is the product of a Mannich reaction between: (a) an aldehyde; (b) ammonia, hydrazine or an amine; and (c) an optionally substituted phenol; wherein the or each substituent of the phenol component (c) has an average molecular weight of less than 400. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308551 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INDUCING TURBULENT FLOW OF A PROCESSING CHAMBER CLEANING GAS - Embodiments of the invention generally relate to apparatus and methods for cleaning chamber components using a cleaning plate. The cleaning plate is adapted to be positioned on a substrate support during a cleaning process, and includes a plurality of turbulence-inducing structures. The turbulence-inducing structures induce a turbulent flow of cleaning gas while the cleaning plate is rotated during a cleaning process. The cleaning plate increases the retention time of the cleaning gas near the showerhead during cleaning. Additionally, the cleaning plate reduces concentration gradients within the cleaning plate to provide a more effective clean. The method includes positioning a cleaning plate adjacent to a showerhead, and introducing cleaning gas to the space between the showerhead and the cleaning plate. A material deposited on the surface of the showerhead is then heated and vaporized in the presence of the cleaning gas, and then exhausted from the processing chamber. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308552 | SEWER CLEANING METHOD - A sewer pipe is cleaned of collected solids by providing a water supply hose at a first location on the pipe and by driving a jet nozzle head to a second location along the pipe using jets directed along the pipe. At the second location the head is changed for a second head attached to a cable and is pulled back to the first location by the hose. The nozzle is then pulled back to the second location by pulling the cable while nozzles directed along the pipe toward the second location drive the solids forwardly to the second location for extraction. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308553 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR THE REMOVAL OF STARCH - A method of warewashing for the removal of starch is described herein. The method includes applying an alkaline composition to a dish, then applying an acidic composition to a dish, and then applying a second alkaline composition to the dish. The method may include additional steps. Compositions for using with the method are also disclosed. Finally, dish machines that may be used in accordance with the method are disclosed. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308554 | Liquid Processing Apparatus, Liquid Processing Method, and Storage Medium Having Computer Program Recorded Therein - Provided is a liquid processing apparatus in which a target substrate is horizontally held on a substrate holding unit and rotated around a vertical shaft, and the chemicals are supplied from a chemical supplying unit to the bottom surface of the target substrate that is rotating. In particular, the liquid processing apparatus performs a first step in which the chemicals are supplied to the target substrate while rotating the target substrate at a first rotation speed, a second step in which the supply of the chemicals is halted and the chemicals are thrown off by rotating the target substrate at a second rotation speed higher than the first rotation speed, and a third step in which the rinse liquid is supplied to the target substrate while rotating the target substrate at a third rotation speed equal to or lower than the first rotation speed. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308555 | PERFUME SYSTEMS - The present application relates to perfume raw materials, perfume delivery systems and consumer products comprising such perfume raw materials and/or such perfume delivery systems, as well as processes for making and using such perfume raw materials, perfume delivery systems and consumer products. Such perfume raw materials and compositions, including the delivery systems, disclosed herein expand the perfume communities' options as such perfume raw materials can provide variations on character and such compositions can provide desired odor profiles. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308556 | PERFUME SYSTEMS - The present application relates to perfume raw materials, perfume delivery systems and consumer products comprising such perfume raw materials and/or such perfume delivery systems, as well as processes for making and using such perfume raw materials, perfume delivery systems and consumer products. Such perfume raw materials and compositions, including the delivery systems, disclosed herein expand the perfume communities' options as such perfume raw materials can provide variations on character and such compositions can provide desired odor profiles. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308557 | Combination Anti-Microbial Drain Pan Float and High Temperature Brine Injected Automated Drain Cleaner - The invention is directed toward a brine injector for sanitizing a condensate drain to reduce sludge and pathogens. The bring injector, which attaches to a spray assembly within the condensate drain, supplies brine (23.3% sodium chloride and 76.7% hot water) into the a saddle valve of the spray assembly. The brine injector may include a brine reservoir having a polyethylene non-corrosive coating, a pump to draw brine out of the brine reservoir, and a filter casing. The filter casing is coated with a polyethylene interior lining. Filter casing further includes 15-micron nickel copper alloy weaved filter cloth. The brine reservoir may include an electric heater to heat the brine prior to injection. A main controller communicates with the treatment chamber and spray assembly. Such main controller is capable of engaging the spray assembly to disperse a sufficient quantity and pressure of hot water within the shaft to dislodge any sludge. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308558 | Stepless collapsing mechanism for umbrellas - A collapsing mechanism for umbrellas includes a transmission member and a movable member which is engaged with the transmission member to stop the mechanism from being stopped during the action and the umbrella does not opened suddenly to hurt people. During the collapsing action, the action can be stopped as desired and the umbrella is maintained at that status and does not open. By the mechanism, the user does not need to complete the collapsing action at one time. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308559 | Shelter With Extended Eaves - A shelter that includes a slider and a strut mechanism mounted on support posts of the shelter that automatically actuate and extend from the side of the support posts when the shelter is expanded from its collapsed state. The strut mechanism provides support for an eave that extends outside from all or a portion of the perimeter of the shelter defined by the corners of the support posts. An automatic hard-stop mechanism is incorporated into the support posts that prevent the eave sliders and strut mechanisms from becoming over-extended. The support posts are configured and oriented relative to the other components of the shelter frame and shelter boundary so to minimize the footprint or size of the shelter when in the collapsed state. Accordingly, the protected and shaded area offered by the shelter is greatly increased without sacrificing the stability and strength of the shelter, complicating the operation of the shelter, or increasing the weight, storability or cost of the shelter. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308560 | TEMPERATURE AND FLOW CONTROL OF EXHAUST GAS FOR THERMOELECTRIC UNITS - A vehicle exhaust system includes an exhaust pipe that provides heated exhaust gases to a thermoelectric unit as an input. A temperature control mechanism ensures that exhaust gas is directed into the thermoelectric unit only if the exhaust gas is within a specified temperature range. The thermoelectric unit transforms the exhaust gas heat into electrical power. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308561 | Circuit limiting an absolute voltage difference between electrical paths of photovoltaic dies - A first electrical path has a terminal, and a second electrical path has a terminal. First photovoltaic (PV) dies are electrically connected within the first electrical path. Each first PV die is adapted to convert light having a first wavelength range to electrical energy. Second PV dies are electrically connected within the second electrical path. Each second PV die is adapted to convert light having a second wavelength range different than the first wavelength range to electrical energy. A circuit is electrically connected between the terminals of the first and the second electrical paths to limit an absolute voltage difference between the terminals to no greater than a threshold voltage. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308562 | PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS - Provided are novel photovoltaic module electrical connectors, photovoltaic assemblies including these connectors, and techniques for installing these connectors to sealed photovoltaic modules. According to various embodiments, the connectors have conductive contact tips that are configured to pierce through a module exterior and form an electrical connection to the photovoltaic cells sealed inside. In certain embodiments, the novel photovoltaic module electrical connectors can be positioned at any location along one or more edges of a module to establish an electrical connection to any cell of the module. The conductive contact tips establish mechanical contacts with contact layers inside the modules, and in certain embodiments partially or completely penetrate the contact layers, without shorting the photovoltaic cells. In certain embodiments, the connectors have positive stop features that control penetration distances of the conductive contact tips into a module. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308563 | FLEXIBLE PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES IN A CONTINUOUS ROLL - Provided are novel flexible photovoltaic assemblies and installation techniques. The assemblies include multiple flexible photovoltaic (PV) modules that are electrically connected and individually sealed. The modules may be sealed using a flexible material that provides protection from the environment and/or mechanical support to the cells and modules. These assemblies can be bent and even rolled. Each PV module is individually sealed with a cut-off area is provided between two consecutive modules for separating the modules. The design allows separating any number of modules from a roll without compromising any module. The modules are electrically interconnected with each other while in the roll. As such, when a set of modules is separated from a roll, all modules in a set are electrically interconnected as well as having an integral mechanical structure. The assemblies allow easy cut-to-fit installation on rooftops or other points of installation. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308564 | Apparatus and Methods for Solar Energy Conversion Using Nanoscale Cometal Structures - An apparatus and methods for solar conversion using nanoscale cometal structures are disclosed herein. The cometal structures may be coaxial and coplanar. A nanoscale optics apparatus for use as a solar cell comprises a plurality of nanoscale cometal structures each including a photovoltaic material located between a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor. A method of fabricating solar cells comprises preparing a plurality of nanoscale planar structures; coating a plurality of planar surfaces of the plurality of planar structures with a photovoltaic semiconductor while leaving space between the plurality of planar surfaces; and coating the photovoltaic semiconductor with an outer electrical conductor layer, wherein a portion of the outer electrical conductor layer is located between the planar structures to form coplanar structures. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308565 | SOLAR CELL MODULE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A solar cell module includes: a plurality of photovoltaic cells including a layered body in which a first electrode layer, a power generation layer, and a second electrode layer are layered in series, the photovoltaic cells being electrically connected with each other in series; a scribe line separating the photovoltaic cells that are adjacent to each other in the photovoltaic cells; a scribe hole that is formed so as to penetrate through the power generation layer and the second electrode layer; and a bypass pathway that is formed of a shunt region, the shunt region being generated at a periphery of the scribe hole. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308566 | PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE AND THE WAY OF CONNECTING PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES IN A PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM - The present disclosure relates to a solution enabling to lead out from the front of the photovoltaic module poles (+, −) of the electric wiring of the module's circuit by the use of glass applied in photovoltaics, with holes going through ( | 2011-12-22 |
20110308567 | SOLAR CELL INTERCONNECTION, MODULE, PANEL AND METHOD - A laminated module or panel of solar cells and a laminating method for making same comprise a top layer of melt flowable optically transparent molecularly flexible thermoplastic and a rear sheet of melt flowable insulating molecularly flexible thermoplastic both melt flowing at a temperature between about 80° C. and 250° C. and having a low glass transition temperature. Solar cells are encapsulated by melt flowing the top layer and rear sheet, and electrical connections are provided between front and back contacts thereof. Light passing through the transparent top layer impinges upon the solar cells and the laminated module exhibits sufficient flexural modulus without cross-linking chemical curing. Electrical connections may be provided by melt flowable electrically conductive molecularly flexible thermoplastic adhesive or by metal strips or by both. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308568 | Photoelectric Conversion Device - A photoelectric conversion device includes a first cell including a photoelectric conversion layer, a second cell over the first cell including a photoelectric conversion layer formed of a material having a wider band gap than that of the first cell, first and second electrodes under a surface of the first cell which is opposite to the second cell, and a third electrode over a surface of the second cell which is opposite to the first cell. The first and second cells each include a p-n or p-i-n junction, the first and second cells are in contact with each other and a p-n junction is formed in a contact portion therebetween, the first cell is electrically connected to the first and second electrodes to form a back contact structure, and the second cell is electrically connected to the third electrode. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308569 | MULTI-TERMINAL SOLAR PANEL - A multi-terminal solar panel includes a first substrate, a first solar cell layer, a transparent intercellular layer, a second solar cell layer and a second substrate. The first solar cell layer is disposed on the first substrate and has a first bandgap. The first solar cell layer includes two first terminal outputs, arranged substantially in parallel with each other, at two opposite edges thereof. The transparent intercellular layer is disposed on the first solar cell layer and exposes the two first terminal outputs. The second solar cell layer is disposed on the transparent intercellular layer and has a second bandgap. The second solar cell layer includes two second terminal outputs, arranged substantially in parallel with each other, at two opposite edges thereof. The second substrate is disposed on the second solar cell layer, wherein the two second terminal outputs are substantially perpendicular to the two first terminal outputs. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308570 | Collector grid, electrode structures and interrconnect structures for photovoltaic arrays and methods of manufacture - The invention teaches novel structure and methods for producing electrical current collectors and electrical interconnection structure. Such articles find particular use in facile production of modular arrays of photovoltaic cells. The current collector and interconnecting structures may be initially produced separately from the photovoltaic cells thereby allowing the use of unique materials and manufacture. Subsequent combination of the structures with photovoltaic cells allows facile and efficient completion of modular arrays. Methods for combining the collector and interconnection structures with cells and final interconnecting into modular arrays are taught | 2011-12-22 |
20110308571 | Light assembly having parabolic sheets - A light assembly includes a first sheet and a second sheet below the first sheet. The first and the second sheets are parabolic in shape. The first sheet has a dichroic surface. The second sheet has a reflective surface. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308572 | Solar collector optics - A solar collector optic system having a plurality of optics and a plurality of concentrators, where the plurality of optics directs light to the plurality of concentrators. The system has a first optic, a second optic, a first concentrator and a second concentrator. Each optic has a plurality of prisms which provide a progressive light distribution function such that as each of the plurality of prisms of the first optic is located further away from a focal line of the first concentrator, each of the plurality of prisms directs a greater amount of light to the second concentrator compared to the first concentrator. Also, as each of the plurality of prisms of the second optic is located further away from a focal line of the second concentrator, each of the plurality of prisms directs a greater amount of light to the first concentrator compared to the second concentrator. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308573 | DEVICES AND METHODS TO CREATE A DIFFUSE REFLECTION SURFACE - A photovoltaic module includes a plurality of solar cells, each solar cell having an active front side and a back side. A busbar is provided and has a first portion that is electrically connected to an active front side of a first solar cell, and a second portion that is electrically connected to a back side of a second solar cell. At least a front side of the first portion of the busbar includes a diffuse reflective coating. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308574 | SOLAR POWERED ELECTRICAL GENERATION DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS - Embodiments relate to a solar electrical power generation device, including one or more prefabricated solar photovoltaic power source units each unit including an adapter to electrically connect to other units, a moveable and adjustable frame supporting at least one of the one or more prefabricated solar photovoltaic power source units and an electrical storage device being capable of storing electrical power generated from the one or more power source units. The frame is moveable from between sites and within a site and adjustable to increase or decrease a unit angle in relation to the sun and wherein the device being capable of connecting to a utility grid or serving as a stand-alone electrical power system. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308575 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZING AND PROTECTING SOLAR PANELS - A system and a method for optimizing and protecting solar panels, the system comprising a driving unit, a solar panel connected to the driving unit, a micro-controller controlling movements of the driving unit, a sun tracking unit sending data about the position of the sun to the micro-controller; and a shelter receiving the solar panel when the solar under control of the microcontroller. The method comprises connecting a solar panel to a driving unit connected to a microcontroller; connecting the microcontroller to a sun tracking unit sending data about the position of the sun to the microcontroller; providing a shelter; and monitoring, by the microcontroller, the driving unit into orienting the solar panel in relation to the position of the sun by rotation about at least one axis and into moving the solar panel from a deployed operating position to a sheltered non operating position into the shelter. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308576 | HYBRID PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - A hybrid system includes a photovoltaic system configured to receive solar energy and convert the solar energy into electrical energy. A cooling system is coupled to the photovoltaic system and configured to circulate a cooling fluid through the cooling system so as to remove heat from the photovoltaic system to cool the photovoltaic system. A first device is coupled to the cooling system via a temperature booster and configured to receive the heated cooling fluid from the cooling system. The temperature booster is configured to substantially increase the temperature of the heated cooling fluid fed from the cooling system to the first device from a first temperature to a second temperature. The first device includes a waste heat recovery system configured to generate electric power, a vapor absorption machine configured to cool a second device, a hot water supply unit, a water distillation unit, a water desalination unit, or combinations thereof. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308577 | PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Disclosed herein are a photovoltaic panel and a method of manufacturing the same. The photovoltaic panel includes a photovoltaic unit having a single substrate and a protective polymer layer wrapping around the photovoltaic unit and being sealed around the edges of a surface of the substrate. The manufacturing method includes the steps of providing a substrate, forming a photovoltaic cell on a first surface of the substrate to form a photovoltaic unit, wrapping a protective polymer layer around the photovoltaic unit with a portion of the protective polymer layer extended beyond the first surface, and thermal treating the protective polymer layer so as to shrink the to protective polymer layer and thereby sealing the portion of the protective polymer layer extended beyond the first surface of the substrate around the edges of the second surface. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308578 | SOLAR CELL MODULE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A solar cell module and a method for manufacturing the same are discussed. The solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cells, a front substrate a front substrate positioned at first surfaces of the plurality of solar cells, a back substrate positioned at second surfaces of the plurality of solar cells, a front protective member positioned between the front substrate and the plurality of solar cells, the front protective member including a first silicone resin, a back protective member positioned between the back substrate and the plurality of solar cells, the back protective member including a second silicone resin, and a fiber material disposed between the front substrate and the back substrate. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308579 | SOLAR CELL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Provided are a solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same. The method includes: preparing a bottom substrate including sequentially stacked first and second portions, each of the first and second portions including a plurality of grains, wherein the maximum grain size of the second portion is less than the minimum grains size of the first portion; exposing the first portion of the bottom substrate by removing the second portion of the bottom substrate; and forming a photovoltaic conversion layer on the first portion of the bottom substrate. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308580 | Ferroic materials having domain walls and related devices - Ferroic materials and methods for diverse applications including nanoscale memory, logic and photovoltaic devices are described. In one aspect, ferroic thin films including insulating domains separated by conducting domain walls are provided, with both the insulating domains and conducting domain walls intrinsic to the ferroic thin films. The walls are on the order of about 2 nm wide, providing virtually two dimensional conducting sheets through the insulating material. Also provided are methods of writing, reading, erasing and manipulating conducting domain walls. According to various embodiments, logic and memory devices having conducting domain walls as nanoscale features are provided. In another aspect, ferroic thin films having photovoltaic activity are provided. According to various embodiments, photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices are provided. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308581 | SOLAR CELL - A solar cell includes a semiconductor layer, a collecting layer for collecting free charge carriers from the semiconductor layer and a buffer layer which is arranged between the semiconductor layer and the collecting layer. The buffer layer is designed as a tunnel contact between the semiconductor layer and the collecting layer. The buffer layer essentially includes a material with a surface charge density of at least 10 | 2011-12-22 |
20110308582 | PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE AND MANUFACTURNING METHOD THEREOF - A photoelectric conversion device with a novel anti-reflection structure is provided. An uneven structure is formed on a surface of a semiconductor by growth of the same or different kind of semiconductor instead of forming an anti-reflection structure by etching a surface of a semiconductor substrate or a semiconductor film. For example, a semiconductor layer including a plurality of projections is provided for a light incident plane side of the photoelectric conversion device, thereby considerably reducing surface reflection. Such a structure can be formed by a vapor deposition method; therefore, the contamination of the semiconductor is not caused. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308583 | PLASMA TREATMENT AT A P-I JUNCTION FOR INCREASING OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE - Open circuit voltage of a photovoltaic device including a p-i-n junction including amorphous silicon-containing semiconductor materials is increased by a high power plasma treatment on an amorphous p-doped silicon-containing semiconductor layer before depositing an amorphous intrinsic silicon-containing semiconductor layer. The high power plasma treatment deposits a thin layer of nanocrystalline silicon-containing semiconductor material or converts a surface layer of the amorphous p-doped silicon containing layer into a thin nanocrystalline silicon-containing semiconductor layer. After deposition of an intrinsic amorphous silicon layer, the thin nanocrystalline silicon-containing semiconductor layer functions as an interfacial nanocrystalline silicon-containing semiconductor layer located at a p-i junction. The increase in the open circuit voltage of the photovoltaic device through the plasma treatment depends on the composition of the interfacial crystalline silicon-containing semiconductor layer, and particularly on the atomic concentration of carbon in the interfacial crystalline silicon-containing semiconductor layer. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308584 | SURFACE TREATMENT OF TRANSPARENT CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL FILMS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES - A tunneling layer is provided between a transparent conductive material and a p-doped semiconductor layer of a photovoltaic device. The tunneling layer is comprised of stoichiometric oxides which are formed when an upper surface of the transparent conductive material is subjected to one of the surface modification techniques of this disclosure. The surface modification techniques oxidize the dangling metal bonds of the transparent conductive material. The tunneling layer acts as a protective layer for the transparent conductive material. Moreover, the tunneling layer improves the interface between the transparent conductive material and the p-doped semiconductor layer. The improved interface that exists between the transparent conductive material and the p-doped semiconductor layer results in enhanced properties of the resultant photovoltaic device containing the same. In some embodiments, a high quality single junction solar cell can be provided by this disclosure that has a very well defined interface. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308585 | DUAL TRANSPARENT CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL LAYER FOR IMPROVED PERFORMANCE OF PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES - A dual transparent conductive material layer is provided between a p-doped semiconductor layer and a substrate layer of a photovoltaic device. The dual transparent conductive material layer includes a first transparent conductive material and a second transparent conductive material wherein the second transparent conductive material is nano-structured. The nano-structured second transparent conductive material acts as a protective layer for the underlying first transparent conductive material. The nano-structured transparent conductive material provides a benefit of a higher Eg of the underlying first transparent conductive material surface and a very high resilience to hydrogen plasma from the nano-structures during the formation of the p-doped semiconductor layer. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308586 | PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - A photoelectric conversion device having a new anti-reflection structure is provided. A photoelectric conversion device includes a first-conductivity-type crystalline semiconductor region that is provided over a conductive layer; a crystalline semiconductor region that is provided over the first-conductivity-type crystalline semiconductor region and has an uneven surface by including a plurality of whiskers including a crystalline semiconductor; and a second-conductivity-type crystalline semiconductor region that covers the uneven surface of the crystalline semiconductor region having the uneven surface, the second conductivity type being opposite to the first conductivity type. In the photoelectric conversion device, a concentration gradient of an impurity element imparting the first conductivity type is formed from the first-conductivity-type crystalline semiconductor region toward the crystalline semiconductor region having the uneven surface. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308587 | PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A photoelectric conversion device having a new anti-reflection structure is provided. The photoelectric conversion device includes a first-conductivity-type crystalline semiconductor region, an intrinsic crystalline semiconductor region, an intrinsic semiconductor region, and a second-conductivity-type semiconductor region that are stacked over a first electrode. An interface between the first electrode and the first-conductivity-type crystalline semiconductor region is flat. The intrinsic crystalline semiconductor region includes a crystalline semiconductor region, and a plurality of whiskers that are provided over the crystalline semiconductor region and include a crystalline semiconductor. In other words, the intrinsic crystalline semiconductor region includes the plurality of whiskers; thus, a surface of the second electrode is uneven. Further, a concentration gradient of an impurity element imparting the first conductivity type is formed from the first-conductivity-type crystalline semiconductor region toward the intrinsic crystalline semiconductor region. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308588 | PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - A photoelectric conversion device having a high electric generating capacity at low illuminance, in which a semiconductor layer is appropriately separated and short circuit of a side surface portion of a cell is prevented. The photoelectric conversion device includes an isolation groove formed between one first electrode and the other first electrode that is adjacent to the one first electrode; a stack including a first semiconductor layer having one conductivity type over the first electrode, a second semiconductor layer formed using an intrinsic semiconductor, and a third semiconductor layer having a conductivity type opposite to the one conductivity type; and a connection electrode connecting one first electrode and a second electrode that is in contact with a third semiconductor layer included in a stack formed over the other first electrode that is adjacent to the one first electrode. A side surface portion of the second semiconductor layer is not crystallized. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308589 | PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - An object of the present invention is to provide a photoelectric conversion device having a novel anti-reflection structure. An uneven structure is formed on a surface of a semiconductor by growth of the same or a different kind of semiconductor instead of forming an anti-reflection structure by etching a surface of a semiconductor substrate or a semiconductor film. For example, a semiconductor layer including a plurality of projections is provided on a light incident plane side of a photoelectric conversion device, thereby considerably reducing surface reflection. Such a structure can be formed by a vapor deposition method; therefore, the contamination of the semiconductor is not caused. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308590 | Photoelectric Conversion Device and Energy Conversion Layer for Photoelectric Conversion Device - A novel photoelectric conversion device in which energy of light can be effectively utilized and performance can be improved is provided. A photoelectric conversion device includes a photoelectric conversion element and an energy conversion layer provided on a light-receiving side of a photoelectric conversion layer included in the photoelectric conversion element. The energy conversion layer includes a plurality of first layers and a plurality of second layers. The first layer and the second layer are alternately stacked. The thickness of the first layer is greater than or equal to 0.5 nm and less than or equal to 10 nm, and the thickness of the second layer is greater than or equal to 0.5 nm and less than or equal to 10 nm. The second layer can be formed using a material having a larger energy band gap than that of a material used for the first layer. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308591 | Photoelectric Conversion Device and Manufacturing Method Thereof - A photoelectric conversion device with a novel anti-reflection structure. In the photoelectric conversion device, a front surface of a semiconductor substrate which serves as a light-receiving surface is covered with a group of whiskers (a group of nanowires) so that surface reflection is reduced. In other words, a semiconductor layer which has a front surface where crystals grow so that whiskers are formed is provided on the light-receiving surface side of the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor layer has a given uneven structure, and thus has effects of reducing reflection on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate and increasing conversion efficiency. | 2011-12-22 |
20110308592 | USE OF SUBSTITUTED PERYLENES IN ORGANIC SOLAR CELLS - The present invention relates to an organic solar cell with a photoactive region which comprises at least one organic donor material in contact with at least one organic acceptor material, wherein the donor material and the acceptor material form a donor-acceptor heterojunction and wherein the photoactive region comprises at least one substituted perylene. | 2011-12-22 |