An organic compound and a photoelectric conversion device containing the organic compound are disclosed. The organic compound and device realize high photoelectric conversion efficiency, low dark current and high-speed responsivity. It has been found that when this organic compound and an n-type semiconductor are used in combination, high-speed responsivity can be realized while maintaining high heat resistance, an aspect of which has not been seen when the connection part between a donor part and an acceptor part is a phenylene group.

A PV panel uses an array of small silicon sphere diodes (10-300 microns in diameter) connected in parallel. The spheres are embedded in an uncured aluminum-containing layer, and the aluminum-containing layer is heated to anneal the aluminum-containing layer as well as p-dope the bottom surface of the spheres. A phosphorus-containing layer is deposited over the spheres to dope the top surface n-type, forming a pn junction. The phosphorus layer is then removed. A conductor is deposited to contact the top surface. Alternatively, the spheres are deposited with a p-type core and an n-type outer shell. After deposition, the top surface is etched to expose the core. A first conductor layer contacts the bottom surface, and a second conductor layer contacts the exposed core. A liquid lens material is deposited over the rounded top surface of the spheres and cured to provide conformal lenses designed to increase the PV panel efficiency.

The present invention provides a photoelectric conversion material comprising a fullerene derivative represented by the formula C60(R1)5(R2), wherein each R1 independently represents an organic group having a substituent; and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C30 hydrocarbon group. Further, the present invention also provides a photoelectric conversion device having a self-assembled monomolecular film of the photoelectric conversion material, and a solar cell having the photoelectric conversion device.

A method of photoplating a metal contact onto a surface of a cathode of a photovoltaic device is provided using light induced plating technique. The method comprises: a) immersing the photovoltaic device in a solution of metal ions, where the metal ions are a species which is to be plated onto the surface of the cathode of the photovoltaic device; and b) illuminating the photovoltaic device, using a light source of time varying intensity. This results in nett plating which is faster in a direction normal to the surface of the cathode than in a direction in a plane of the surface of the cathode.

A method for fabricating a photovoltaic device includes depositing a p-type layer at a first temperature and depositing an intrinsic layer while gradually increasing a deposition temperature to a final temperature. The intrinsic layer deposition is completed at the final temperature. An n-type layer is formed on the intrinsic layer.

A photovoltaic cell comprises a top subcell having a first band gap; a middle subcell comprising a substrate and having a second band gap, wherein the substrate comprises a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; and a bottom subcell having a third band gap, wherein the top subcell is grown on the first side of the substrate and the bottom subcell is grown on the second side of the substrate, wherein the first band gap is larger than the second band gap and the second band gap is larger than the third band gap.

A photovoltaic device including a substrate; a first electrode placed on the substrate; a second electrode which is placed opposite to the first electrode and which light is incident on; a first unit cell being placed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and including an intrinsic semiconductor layer including crystalline silicon grains making the surface of the intrinsic semiconductor layer toward the second electrode textured; and a second unit cell placed between the first unit cell and the second electrode.

A surface of a photovoltaic cell is coated with a solution that includes barium titanate to reduce reflection of sunlight that is incident on the surface. The solution may include a base of polydimethylsiloxane and carbon nanotubes. The process may be used in the fabrication of new photovoltaic cell assemblies, or to retrofit existing assemblies in situ.

Methods of forming a photovoltaic structures including nanoparticles are disclosed. The method includes electrospray deposition of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles can include TiO2 nanoparticles and quantum dots. In an example, the nanoparticles are formed on a flexible substrate. In various examples, the flexible substrate is light transparent. Photovoltaic structures and apparatus for forming photovoltaic structures are disclosed.

A method and an apparatus is disclosed for forming a one-piece introducer needle having a member portion and a needle portion by introducing a photoresist on a substrate. The temperature of the substrate is increased and then decreased. A photomask is deposited onto a substrate.

A method of detecting and signaling a hot box condition on a rail vehicle comprising the steps of acquiring temperature data from undercarriage components of the rail vehicle through temperature sensors provided in hot box detection devices; relaying temperature data through a wireless network of the hot box detection devices to a data recorder.

A bail guard for use with arm- or wrist-braced slingshots is disclosed. The bail comprises a thin, slightly arcuate body having upper and lower channels disposed on opposing sides, each upper and lower channel separated by a groove formed therebetween. The channels are dimensioned to receive and fictionally engage the distal ends of the arm or wrist brace of a slingshot such that the bail guard can be securely and removably mounted to the arm or wrist brace of the slingshot.

The present invention is realized by apparatus and methods for placing a large utility scale photovoltaic array in the low stratosphere of earth's atmosphere at an altitude of about 20 km, above clouds, moisture, dust, and wind. This is accomplished using a large light-weight, rigid, buoyant structure to support the large photovoltaic array. Long, strong and light tethers connect the buoyant structure to the ground and hold it in position against wind forces. The electricity output from the photovoltaic array is then coupled to high voltage transmission lines which connect from the platform to the earth's surface. The electricity is then transmitted through the high voltage transmission lines to the earth's surface where it is connected to the electrical supply grid and provides lower cost, more reliable electricity.

A printing device 300 for printing elements in the form of sheets 10, includes a platen press 310 which hot stamps to affix to each sheet 10 with a colored or metallized film from at least one stamping strip 320. A transport device 340 introduces each sheet 10 one after the other into the platen press 310 by pulling the sheet 10 by its front edge. The printing device 300 further includes a device 360 able to partially restrain each sheet 10 by its rear portion during the phase of introducing the sheet 10 into the platen press 310.

The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for preparing a printing form from a precursor, particularly a method and apparatus for preparing the printing form by thermally treating a photosensitive precursor having a photopolymerizable layer. The method and apparatus includes heating the photosensitive precursor to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of the layer to liquefy, contacting the precursor with a development medium to remove the liquefied material, and supporting a development medium with a core member adjacent an exterior surface of the photosensitive precursor, wherein a compressible collar of a closed-cell foam having a Poisson's ratio of less than 0.4 is disposed between the core member and the development medium.

A method for providing permanently colored steel shot for shot shells through anodizing and shells manufactured utilizing the shot.

An apparatus and method for minimizing cold spots on plates of a plate-type fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger averages the plate temperature at a hot-fluid exit plane of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger matrix is constructed to internally vary the flow patterns of opposing hot and cold fluid streams so that the heat transfer coefficient values of one or both fluid streams, designated as h, are optimized so the hot fluid value is a greater value than that of a cold fluid value. Plate variable flow structures are arranged in a manner that allows higher velocity hot fluid flow and possible lower velocity cold fluid flow in areas where the plate temperatures are coolest and the opposite configuration where plate temperatures are hottest.

A hot-forged copper alloy part which has a tubular shape, in which an alloy composition contains 59.0 mass % to 84.0 mass % of Cu and 0.003 mass % to 0.3 mass % of Pb with a remainder of Zn and inevitable impurities, a content of Cu [Cu] mass % and a content of Pb [Pb] mass % have a relationship of 59≦([Cu]+0.5×[Pb])≦64, a shape of the forged part satisfies a formula of 0.4≦(average inner diameter)/(average outer diameter)≦0.92, 0.04≦(average thickness)/(average outer diameter)≦0.3, and 1≦(tube axis direction length)/(average thickness))≦10, a forging material which is to be hot-forged has a tubular shape and satisfies 0.3≦(average inner diameter/average outer diameter)≦0.88, 0.06≦(average thickness)/(average outer diameter)≦0.35, and 0.8≦(tube axis direction length)/(average thickness))≦12, and 0%≦(degree of uneven thickness)≦30%, 0≦(degree of uneven thickness)≦75×1/((tube axis direction length)/(average thickness))1/2 in any location in a tube axis direction.

A method for manufacturing a hot-rolled sheet attains grain refinement of the steel sheet whose grain size is extremely fine. In particular, a ferrite grain size of less than average 2 μm is obtained, which is not laminar but has ferrite grains with equiaxed morphology and exhibits high formability in forming. The method comprises the steps of rolling and cooling, wherein the rolling reductions, cooling steps, and temperature are closely regulated. A hot rolled sheet made from the method of manufacturing has a controlled ferrite grain in different regions of sheet thickness.

Provided is a hot-rolled steel sheet that has a chemical composition including, by mass %: C: 0.060% to 0.150%; Si: 0.15% to 0.70%; Mn: 1.00% to 1.90%; P: 0.10% or less; S: 0.010% or less; Al: 0.01% to 0.10%; N: 0.010% or less; Nb: 0.010% to 0.100%; and the balance including Fe and incidental impurities. The hot-rolled steel sheet has a microstructure containing ferrite of 18 μm or less in average grain size by a volume fraction of at least 75% and pearlite of at least 2 μm in average grain size by a volume fraction of at least 5%, the balance being low-temperature-induced phases, the pearlite having a mean free path of at least 5.0 μm.

Methods for cleaning a side edge of a thin film photovoltaic substrate utilizing a laser are provided. The method can include transporting the substrate in a machine direction to move the substrate past a first laser source, and focusing a first laser beam generated by the first laser source onto the side edge of the substrate such that the laser beam removes the thin film present on the side edge of the substrate. An apparatus is also generally provided for cleaning a first side edge and a second side edge of a thin film photovoltaic substrate.

A domestic appliance includes at least one component having a surface that can become laden with organic dirt. The surface includes a photocatalyst and is made from a primary-formed first material in which the photocatalyst is dispersed. A photoradiation source is provided for irradiating the photocatalyst with an activating electromagnetic radiation.

A serving station includes a first well and a second well. The wells configured for receiving food pans. The serving station further includes an active cooling system and an active heating system. The active cooling system is configured to independently lower the temperature of either or both of the first and second wells, and the active heating system is configured to independently raise the temperature of either or both of the first and second wells. Both wells may be heated, both wells may be cooled, or one of the first and second wells may be heated while the other is cooled.

The invention relates to the use of a hot-melt adhesive having high hardness for adhesive bonding of metal films or foils, paper films or foils, and/or plastic films or foils. The invention further relates to a method for adhesively bonding a metal film or foil, paper film or foil, and/or plastic film or foil onto a substrate.

The invention provides a carry-on wheeled luggage (1) for photographic equipment that has an interior compartment (80) deep enough to accommodate a large article of photographic equipment such as at least a 400 mm 2.8 f-stop aperture telephoto lens.

The present invention employs a photoacoustic measuring apparatus including: a laser light source; a forming unit for forming a second light beam by dividing or deforming a laser light beam; an optical member for guiding the second light beam to the surface of a subject; a probe for obtaining a photoacoustic wave generated when the subject is irradiated with the second light beam; and a buffering member that contacts the surface of the subject and transmits light, wherein the optical member overlaps areas of the second light beam having a small light intensity on the surface of the subject, the probe and the optical member are positioned on an identical side of the buffering member relative to the subject, and the optical member refracts the second light beam such that the second light beam enters the subject through the buffering member while avoiding the probe.

An inclined roller conveying assembly (40) includes a horizontally inclined roller (74) having opposite ends respectively supported by first and second supports (64, 66), with one support (64) having an idler bearing (80) and with the other support (66) having a drive coupling (94) that provides rotation of the inclined roller from a horizontal support and drive axis to provide support for the lower surface of an upper portion Gu of a hot upwardly concave formed glass sheet G being conveyed.

In order to provide a steel sheet for hot pressing from which a hot-pressed part excellent in perforation corrosion resistance is obtainable and a method of manufacturing a hot-pressed part using the steel sheet for hot pressing, provided is a steel sheet for hot pressing having, sequentially on a surface of a base steel sheet: a plating layer I containing 60% by mass or more of Ni and the remainder consisting of Zn and inevitable impurities, a coating mass thereof being 0.01 to 5 g/m2; and a plating layer II containing 10 to 25% by mass of Ni and the remainder consisting of Zn and inevitable impurities, a coating mass thereof being 10 to 90 g/m2.

A method of processing an alloy workpiece to reduce thermal cracking may comprise spraying a metallic coating material onto at least a portion of a surface of the alloy workpiece to form a surface coating metallurgically bonded to the alloy workpiece. The surface coating may be more ductile than the alloy workpiece and reduces heat loss from the alloy workpiece.

An apparatus for shot peening blade mounting areas on a disc of a rotor includes a peening nozzle unit which streams shot peening media along a longitudinal axis. The unit includes a nozzle outlet which extends at least partially in a circumferential direction of the unit, and a deflection arrangement with a deflection area for the media. The deflection area is at least partially cone or half-hyperboloid shaped, such that the media passes the nozzle outlet over an angle range in circumferential direction after being deflected by the deflection arrangement. A method for shot peening the blade mounting areas positions the unit in a slot profile of a blade mounting area, and guides the unit along the contour of the slot profile with the nozzle outlet facing the contour of the slot profile to approximately uniformly peen the contour of the slot profile.

The present document describes methods of use of photo activated compositions for oral disinfection and/or treatments which comprise at least one oxidant, at least one photoactivator capable of activating the oxidant, and at least one healing factor chosen from hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and allantoin, in association with a pharmacologically acceptable carrier.

A photoresist composition includes a binder resin combined with a black dye, a monomer, a photo-polymerization initiator and a remainder of a solvent.

There is disclosed an improved shock absorbing, light-weight, thermally insulative orthotic pad designed for use in a pad and boot assembly for hoofed livestock. The pad is comprised of a mixture of flexible spheroids and elastomeric materials. In a preferred embodiment, elastomeric material generally is more concentrated at the top portion of the pad, and spheroids dispersed in a matrix of elastomeric material concentrated at the bottom section of the pad. The spheroids have a lower density than the elastomeric materials and possess better thermally insulative properties, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, at least some of the spheroids are comprised of closed-cell polypropylene foam. A method of making the light weight pad is also disclosed.

An optical disk drive and a digital servo method for the optical disk drive includes controlling functions of the optical disk drive with a microprocessor. Low-pass filtered and gain adjusted versions of individual photodetector output signals resulting from an illumination of an optical disk are received. Versions of the individual photodetector output signals are digitized to produce digital signals. A focus control signal and/or a tracking control signal is determined through at least one servo algorithm executed by a digital signal processor based on a focus error and/or tracking error, respectively, determined from the digital signals. The digital signal processor is an integrated circuit structured and arranged for manipulation of digital signals in accordance with programmed commands, and in a manner that operates faster than the microprocessor.

The present invention concerns a solvent-free photocrosslinkable writing ink advantageously for a pen, comprising, as a percentage by weight relative to the total weight of the ink: a—between 40 and 75% of a photocrosslinkable acrylate and/or methacrylate oligomer,b—between 1 and 55%, optionally, of a photocrosslinkable acrylate and/or methacrylate monomer,c—between 0.5 and 6% of a photoinitiator,d—between 1 and 10% of a dye, advantageously a basic dye, ande—between 0 and 10% of an additive. It further concerns a method for securing a writing medium using said ink, the crosslinked ink obtained by crosslinking said ink and a pen for photo-crosslinkable ink comprising said ink.

An improved organic photoconductor drum having a protective overcoat layer and method to make the same is provided. The protective overcoat layer is prepared from a curable composition including a crosslinkable hole transport molecule containing four radical polymerizable functional groups in combination with a crosslinkable acrylate having at least 6 functional groups.

A method for separating carbon dioxide from a gas stream, in particular from a flue gas stream, wherein, a gas stream is brought into contact with a washing medium in an absorber of a separation device and the carbon dioxide contained in the gas stream is separated; the charged washing medium is supplied to a desorber of the separation device to release the carbon dioxide; a vapor stream is removed from the desorber and is supplied to a cooling unit to form a condensate; degradation products, in particular nitrosamines, contained in at least a partial stream of the condensate are photolytically decomposed to decomposition products; at least the decomposition products, in particular nitrites and amines, are removed; and at least a partial stream of the condensate is returned to the desorber. A corresponding separation device separates carbon dioxide from a gas stream.

A selectively removable and foldable hot tub seat system that is movable to provide additional free area with the hot tub such as when aquatic exercise is desired in the hot tub, and yet can be readily returned into position for seating when a more relaxing use of the hot tub is desired. The foldable hot tub seat system also includes a seat that has an adjustable height, allowing for use by users of differing heights and/or seat height preferences. The hot tub seat system does not require any mounting hardware and may be installed, removed, and adjusted without requiring any tools.

Package structures and methods are provided to integrate optoelectronic and CMOS devices using SOI semiconductor substrates for photonics applications. For example, a package structure includes an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an optoelectronics device and interposer mounted to the IC chip. The IC chip includes a SOI substrate having a buried oxide layer, an active silicon layer disposed adjacent to the buried oxide layer, and a BEOL structure formed over the active silicon layer. An optical waveguide structure is patterned from the active silicon layer of the IC chip. The optoelectronics device is mounted on the buried oxide layer in alignment with a portion of the optical waveguide structure to enable direct or adiabatic coupling between the optoelectronics device and the optical waveguide structure. The interposer is bonded to the BEOL structure, and includes at least one substrate having conductive vias and wiring to provide electrical connections to the BEOL structure.

A first photoresist pattern and a second photoresist pattern are formed over a substrate. The first photoresist pattern is separated from the second photoresist pattern by a gap. A chemical mixture is coated on the first and second photoresist patterns. The chemical mixture contains a chemical material and surfactant particles mixed into the chemical material. The chemical mixture fills the gap. A baking process is performed on the first and second photoresist patterns, the baking process causing the gap to shrink. At least some surfactant particles are disposed at sidewall boundaries of the gap. A developing process is performed on the first and second photoresist patterns. The developing process removes the chemical mixture in the gap and over the photoresist patterns. The surfactant particles disposed at sidewall boundaries of the gap reduce a capillary effect during the developing process.

The invention provides a nontoxic photoluminescent adjuvant delivered to targeted crops, plants and seeds to assist spray operations in low light or dark light operations. These crops and plants include: not for human consumption crops, turf grass, ornamental flowers, seeds, shrubs and bushes. Spray operations are delivered to the foliar, crown and soil parts and seeds of a crop or plant.

The invention provides a non-toxic photoluminescent adjuvant delivered to targeted crops, plants and seeds to assist spray operations in low light or dark light operations. These crops and plants include: not for human consumption crops, turf grass, ornamental flowers, seeds, shrubs and bushes. Spray operations are delivered to the foliar, crown and soil parts and seeds of a crop or plant.

The present invention provides a contacting type infiltration groove for photoresist coating equipment, comprises a loading main body and a sprinkler head. A spray nozzle is provided at the end of the sprinkler head, wherein, a limiting component is additional clamped at the end of the sprinkler head to make only the spray nozzle of the sprinkler head dip into the solvent in the loading main body. The sprinkler head can be hold up by the limiting component to separate the non-spray nozzle from the solvent so as to avoid the solvent contacting on the surface of the non-spray nozzle part. The contacting surface of the sprinkler head is setting on the top of the spray nozzle to make them adhere seamlessly together.

Provided is a high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet having excellent ductility and stretch-flangeability as well as weldability in a range in which a tensile strength is 980 MPa or higher and a 0.2% yield strength is less than 700 MPa (preferably 500 MPa or higher). In the high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet of the present invention, the chemical composition is adjusted as appropriate, and the area ratio of below-mentioned metal structures at a position of ¼ sheet thickness in the steel sheet satisfies following requirements: tempered martensite: 10 area % to less than 30 area %, bainite: more than 70 area %, total of tempered martensite and bainite: 90 area % or more, ferrite: 0 area % to 5 area %, and retained austenite: 0 area % to 4 area %. The high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet has excellent ductility, stretch-flangeability, and weldability, and has a tensile strength of 980 MPa or higher and a 0.2% yield strength of less than 700 MPa.

A composite manufacture includes an extrudable thermoplastic matrix and a photochromic colorant, the photochromic colorant conferring to the composite a reversible strain-induced color change property. Methods include adding photochromic colorant to an extrudable thermoplastic polymer matrix to form a mixture, heating the mixture to form a composite, the photochromic colorant conferring to the composite a reversible strain-induced color change property. The composite manufactures can be used in cable coatings permitting visual detection of mechanical stresses in a wire based on the reversible strain-induced color change property.

The invention relates to a device for cooling hot gases generated by an internal arc in high voltage metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear or prefabricated high voltage/low voltage stations. This device comprises a metal foam cooling filter having a honeycomb structure.

The present invention relates to a modular photoelectric-switch keyboard key, including modular photoelectric switch, base, keymodule and elastic element, the said modular photoelectric switch is mounted in the said base, the said keymodule is slideably placed in the sliding cavity of the said base and the said elastic element is placed between the said base and the said keymodule; the said modular photoelectric switch comprises transmitting tube, receiving tube and distance piece, the said transmitting tube and the said receiving tube are placed oppositely and are electrically connected with the circuit board; the said distance piece is connected with the said keymodule and located between the said transmitting tube and the said receiving tube.

An adjustable photovoltaic panel mounting system that allows for variations in roofs and roof elements, while still maintaining a rigid and secure assembly. The specific location for supporting feet and structural elements of the mounting system may be varied to allow for variations in roof features and different panel configurations. The mounting mechanisms are adjustable in both a North/South and a East/West direction to provide for maximum layout flexibility.

A method of forming oral orthotic systems includes providing an upper dental member adapted to be placed in connection with upper dentition of the patient, providing a lower dental member adapted to be placed in connection with lower dentition of the patient and providing a plurality of posterior mounting structures. Each of the posterior mounting structure is configured to be attached to one of the upper dental member or the lower dental member at a posterior, buccal position thereon. Force may be applied to the mandible of the patient via at least one of a plurality of different types mechanisms via attachment of a component of a selected type mechanism to at least one of the posterior mounting structures.

The present invention is to provide a photocatalyst electrode for water decomposition exhibiting a high photocurrent density and having reduced dark current. The photocatalyst electrode for water decomposition of the present invention has a photocatalyst layer and a current collector layer that is formed by a vapor deposition method and is disposed on the photocatalyst layer.