39th week of 2011 patent applcation highlights part 8 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20110232677 | Method for cleaning low-k dielectrics - A method and system for treating a substrate and, in particular, a method and system for cleaning a low dielectric constant (low-k) dielectric film to remove, among other things, undesired residue is described. The method includes irradiating a region on a substrate containing one or more layers or structures with infrared (IR) radiation and optionally ultraviolet (UV) radiation to remove material or undesired residues from the one or more layers or structures. Furthermore, the method may optionally include exposing at least a portion of the region to a gas or vapor jet emanating from a gas nozzle along a jet axis in a direction towards the substrate. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232678 | EXTENDING STORAGE TIME OF REMOVED PLASMA CHAMBER COMPONENTS PRIOR TO CLEANING THEREOF - A method of extending storage time prior to cleaning a component of a plasma chamber is provided. The method comprises removing the component from the chamber, covering a thermal spray coating on the component while the surface is exposed to atmospheric air, storing the component, optionally removing the covering, and optionally wet cleaning reaction by-products from the thermal spray coating. Alternatively, instead of, or in addition to covering a thermal spray coating on the component, the component can be placed into a desiccator or dry-box. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232679 | USE OF THIOGLYCOL ETHOXYLATE AS A CORROSION INHIBITOR - The present invention relates to an acidic, aqueous composition which comprises a thiodiglycol alkoxylate for treating metallic surfaces. The invention furthermore relates to the use of one or more compound(s) of the general formula (I) as a corrosion inhibitor. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232680 | CLEANING IMPLEMENT COMPRISING HYBRID FOAM - The present invention relates to a cleaning implement comprising hybrid foam and to a method of cleaning a hard surface with said cleaning implement. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232681 | Cosmetic Brush Cleaning Solution - A cosmetic makeup brush cleaning solution that effectively cleans, sanitizes, and conditions the bristles of the brush. The ingredients provided in the solution of the present invention do not damage the bristles regardless of bristle material. The cleaning solution also provides the bristles with a pleasant fragrance for when the user is using the cosmetic brush. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232682 | Wipes Being Formed Into A Non-Planar Form And Dispenses For Storing Said Wipes - A wipe includes a generally flat piece of material ( | 2011-09-29 |
20110232683 | Methods and Compositions for Eliminating Allergens and Allergen-Producing Organisms - Methods are provided for making a treatment composition by loading active components into a high pressure vessel and pressurizing the high pressure vessel with carbon dioxide to reach a pressure within the high pressure vessel of about 400 pounds per square inch to about 1,070 pounds per square inch. The active components can include a protein denaturant and a surfactant, and optionally an acaricide. In one particular embodiment, this method can be used to clean a substrate, by loading the substrate into the high pressure vessel prior to pressurizing with carbon dioxide. Methods are also provided for treating a substrate to clean it from dust mites by delivering dry ice particles to the substrate, and vacuuming the substrate. Treatment compositions are also generally provided. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232684 | SOLAR SYSTEM CLEANING APPARATUS - Solar system cleaning apparatuses and methods of cleaning solar systems are described. A solar system cleaning apparatus includes a vehicle. A first basin is mounted on the vehicle, the first basin to supply a cleaning medium to a solar module. A second basin is mounted on the vehicle, the second basin to collect the cleaning medium from the solar module. A filter is coupled to the first basin and the second basin, the filter to transfer the cleaning medium from the second basin to the first basin. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232685 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REMOVING GUM DEPOSITS, ADHESIVE SUBSTANCES, PAINT AND THE LIKE FROM SURFACES - An apparatus for removing an adhesive substance such as gum, paint, and the like from a surface is provided. The apparatus includes at least two reservoirs, one reservoir contains water so as to provide steam and another reservoir contains a cleaning agent. A common conduit is in fluid communication with the first and second reservoirs and comprising an outlet. A controller modulates the dispensing of steam and cleaning agent. Applying an effective mixture of steam and cleaning agent onto the surface area having this adhesive substance causes the removal thereof. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232686 | METHOD OF CLEANING SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING APPARATUS, SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING APPARATUS, AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - In one embodiment, a method of cleaning a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes supplying a cleaning gas for removing a deposition film deposited on an inside wall of a treatment chamber through a supply pipe of the treatment chamber so that a supply amount of the cleaning gas from the supply pipe per unit time is greater than an exhaust amount of the cleaning gas from an exhaust pipe of the treatment chamber per unit time. The method further includes supplying an inert gas to fill the supply pipe with the inert gas. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232687 | Vacuum Cleaner With Motor Speed Indicator - A vacuum cleaner includes a variable speed suction motor and an illuminatable motor speed indicator having plural lights arranged in a circular pattern or annular ring pattern, for example around a motor speed control switch. A control unit includes an indicator controller and a motor controller that respectively control the illuminatable indicator and the motor, based on inputs from the motor speed control switch and optionally at least one sensor that senses operating conditions of the vacuum cleaner. The lights are successively activated and deactivated to create a visible light spot that appears to rotate around the circular or annular ring pattern at a light rotation rate related to and indicative of the motor rotation speed. Thereby the indicator allows the vacuum suction power to be visually monitored. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232688 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR EMPTYING THE FLOOR OF A BLACK LIQUOR RECOVERY BOILER - A method for emptying a furnace floor from smelt in a black liquor recovery boiler when the black liquor recovery boiler is being shut down. The emptying can be started while smelt is still flowing in smelt spouts. The floor is emptied by sucking smelt from the furnace with a smelt eductor. A device for removing smelt and wash water from a furnace of a black liquor recovery boiler by means of suction. Negative pressure is generated in the device by conducting pressurized gas into a suction pipe of an eductor so that preheated pressurized gas is discharged in the discharge direction of smelt and wash water. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232689 | METHOD FOR CLEANING A VACUUM PUMP - A method for cleaning a vacuum pump ( | 2011-09-29 |
20110232690 | PRE-RINSING OF DISHES - A device is disclosed for batch-wise pre-rinsing of dishes prior to washing. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a sprayer for spraying a rinsing liquid, the sprayer being arranged in a rinsing chamber, which is adapted to receive and enclose a batch of dishes, the rinsing chamber being adapted to be opened after the dishes have been rinsed for removal of the pre-rinsed dishes. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232691 | WARE WASHING SYSTEM CONTAINING CATIONIC STARCH - The present invention discloses a method of washing ware, in particular in an automatic domestic or institutional ware washing machine, using a detergent composition containing a cationic starch. This eliminates the need for a surfactant in the rinse step. The cationic starch provides a layer of cationic starch on the ware so as to afford a sheeting action in an aqueous rinse step without any added rinse agent. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232692 | AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING AGENT - An automatic dishwashing agent includes builder(s), enzyme(s) and a) a nonionic surfactant A of the general formula R | 2011-09-29 |
20110232693 | METALLIC SOLDERABILITY PRESERVATION COATING ON METAL PART OF SEMICONDUCTOR PACKAGE TO PREVENT OXIDE - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to metallic solderability preservation coating on connectors of semiconductor package to prevent oxide. Singulated semiconductor packages can have contaminants, such as oxides, on exposed metal areas of the connectors. Oxidation typically occurs on the exposed metal areas when the semiconductor packages are not stored in appropriate environments. Copper oxides prevent the connectors from soldering well. An anti-tarnish solution of the present invention is used to coat the connectors during sawing, after sawing, or both of a semiconductor array to preserve metallic solderability. The anti-tarnish solution is a metallic solution, which advantageously allows the semiconductor packages to not need be assembled immediately after fabrication. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232694 | Reactor cleaning apparatus - In a reactor cleaning apparatus | 2011-09-29 |
20110232695 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CLEANING THE WATER-TRICKLING SURFACES IN AN AIR/WATER HEAT EXCHANGER - A method of in situ scale removal from a heat exchange body suspended in a wet cooling tower, wherein the method generates at least one air blast by a generator implementing controlled expansion via a nozzle of a mass of compressed gas in a nozzle towards a zone of the body, the generator being opened at a distance (H) from the zone, and the method consisting in repeating the operation after moving the generator under the body outside the zone. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232696 | COMPACT RADIATOR-BASED HEAT EXCHANGER - The present invention generally relates to a compact heat exchanger for use in a mobile cleaning apparatus. The compact heat exchanger utilizes a water jacket, created by the annular space between a concentrically arranged internal housing and external housing. A radiator is enclosed within the internal housing. As super heated exhaust gas is supplied to the internal housing, heat is transferred to the surface of the internal housing before passing through the radiator. During operation of the mobile cleaning apparatus, incoming fluid, typically water, flows through an inlet and is directed through the water jacket and then the radiator for heating. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232697 | DEVICE AND METHOD HAVING A DUCT FOR COLLECTING WASTE WATER FROM TURBINE ENGINE WASHING - A collection apparatus is provided for collecting waste water from cleaning operations performed on aircraft turbine engines. It comprises a frame structure having a pivotally mounted support arm. An actuator device is arranged to rise and lower the support arm between an essentially horizontal transport position to an operative position. A flexible duct is provided with an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end of the flexible duct is pivotally attached to the support arm so as to be movable around at least a horizontal axis. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232698 | WASHING MACHINE - A washing machine having a simple, leak-tight drain line that can be easily assembled on the wash tub of the washing machine is disclosed. The washing machine includes a valve part that is connected to the wash tub in a sealed fashion and designed in one piece together with the wash tub. The valve part has a drain valve, an outlet connection having a drain opening, and a pipe part connected to the outlet connection and to a drain pump for water transfer. The drain valve can float in the wash water and is moveably disposed inside the valve part to seal the drain opening when wash water is located inside the wash tub and when the drain pump is idle, and to open the drain opening when no wash water is located inside the wash tub and when the drain pump is operating. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232699 | Aqua comb - The present invention may be used for thoroughly and quickly cleaning pool water filters and like filter cartridges. The Aqua Comb is comprised of four design elements:
| 2011-09-29 |
20110232700 | ENDOSCOPE CLEANING INSTRUMENT AND ENDOSCOPE CLEANING APPARATUS - An endoscope cleaning instrument and an endoscope cleaning apparatus are provided that have a simple configuration and that can be manufactured easily and at a low cost. An endoscope cleaning instrument of the invention cleans a distal end portion of an endoscope by ejecting a fluid fed from a fluid supply section towards a side face and a front face of the distal end portion. The endoscope cleaning instrument includes a connection portion that is attachable to and detachable from the fluid supply section; at least one tubular portion that has a tube shape including an inner circumferential portion and an outer circumferential portion and that can introduce the fluid supplied from the fluid supply section via the connection portion into an inner space enclosed by the inner circumferential portion, and that is provided so as to enclose an outer space that can accommodate the distal end portion by means of at least a part of the outer circumferential portion; and through-holes that include a plurality of first through-holes that are provided in the tubular portion so as to connect the inner space and the outer space and that open towards the side face of the distal end portion accommodated in the outer space, and a plurality of second through-holes that are provided in the tubular portion so as to connect the inner space and the outer space and that open towards the front face of the distal end portion accommodated in the outer space. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232701 | MASTIC-LESS DISHWASHER PROVIDING INCREASING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND INCLUDING A RECYCLABLE AND RECLAIMABLE TUB - Embodiments of a mastic-less dishwasher are provided. The dishwasher may include a mastic-less material coupled to the dishwasher door or walls of recyclable and/or reclaimable tub. The dishwasher is free of a mastic material such that during operation the dishwasher may provide greater energy efficiency than a dishwasher comprising a mastic material. The mastic-less material may be non-expandable and/or a mass dampener material. Further, related methods for assembling a dishwasher are also provided. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232702 | METHOD FOR PUMPING A FLUID OUT OF AN AQUIFEROUS HOUSEHOLD DEVICE - In a method for pumping a fluid out of an aquiferous household device such as a dishwashing machine, a drain pump and a circulation pump are operated at least partially simultaneously to ensure that, in the event of an abrupt stop of the circulation pump, reverse flow that may cause filter cake formed by separating soiling and particles to loosen resulting in their re-soiling of the items to be cleaned. The speed of the circulation pump is lowered from a maximum speed to at least a minimum speed substantially without pressure surges before startup of the drain pump. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232703 | HEALTHY SUN-LIKE RAYS UMBRELLA - A healthy sun-like rays umbrella includes at least one UV blue light emission device and a means for mounting the at least one UV blue light emission device onto at least one stretcher of the umbrella. At least one person using the umbrella will receive the benefits of the at least one UV blue light emission device for a seasonal affective disorder and a more versatile way to increase vitamin D levels. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232704 | Adjustable rotation base - An outdoor umbrella includes an awning frame, a supporting shaft and an adjustable rotation base including a base housing and a transportation arrangement. The base housing is arranged to couple with the supporting shaft to support the awning frame in an upright manner, and includes a plurality of transferring wheels. The transportation arrangement is provided at the base housing to operate the base housing between an idle mode and a transportation mode, wherein in the idle mode, the transferring wheels are suspenedly lifted up to position above the bottom edge of the base housing such the base housing is sat on the ground surface in a stationary manner, wherein in the transportation mode, the base housing is lifted up by air pressure for allowing the transferring wheels to move out of the receiving cavity at a position below the bottom edge of the base housing. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232705 | Two-stage collapsing device for umbrella - A two-stage collapsing device includes a base having a passage with first and second slots defined in an inner periphery thereof. A first locking member and a second locking member are movably received in the two slots. The first and second locking members each include a latch to be engaged with a hole of the runner. A button is connected to the base and the second locking member is fixed to the button. A U-shaped member is pivotably connected to the inside of the button and two legs of the U-shaped member can push the first locking member inward to release the runner when opening the umbrella. During the first stage of collapsing, the two legs of the U-shaped member are pivoted away from the two distal ends of the first locking member, so that even if the button is pressed, the umbrella does not open. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232706 | ASSEMBLY OF A SPINDLE AND GUIDE THEREFOR - A parasol that includes a stem having a longitudinal axis, stays, operating arms hingeably connected at a first end thereof to the stays, and an actuator which collapes and extends the parasol. The actuator includes a spindle, a spindle guide and a drive unit, such that the actuator is coupled to the stem and configured for displacing a second end of the operating arms and ends of the stays relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the stem. The ends of the stays are hingeably coupled to the drive unit. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232707 | PROTECTIVE MEMBER FOR AUTOMATIC OPEN CLOSE UMBRELLA WITH ANTI-SPRINGING EFFECT - A protective device for automatic open close umbrellas is revealed. The protective device includes a ratchet mounted in a handle and rotating elastically for retracting or releasing a string, a string whose bottom end is fixed on the ratchet while a top end is fixed on an outer tube of an umbrella shaft or a core tube, and a locking member that is reverse L-shaped and is arranged with an elastic member for turning back therein. The locking member includes an upper part, a lower part, and a middle axle, used as a first-class lever. The upper part is against the bottom of the umbrella shaft so that the fastener can lean against a top surface of the upper part. When the umbrella shaft is gradually folded, the top surface of the upper part of the locking member is separated from the fastener while the bottom of the lower part is locked to one of the ratchet teeth of the ratchet elastically so as to achieve anti-springing effect. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232708 | Walker and wheel assembly - A walker having a frame and wheel system for use indoors or outdoors, with a wheel assemblies allowing for maintaining substantially level performance over uneven surfaces or obstacles. The wheel assembly includes four wheels in a triple pivot, dual offset configuration. With three pivots and the offset axle configuration, the wheel assemblies allow for substantially even contact with all four wheels of the assembly, with weight substantially balanced on each of the four wheels, during use over uneven surfaces, obstacles, or irregularities. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232709 | CRUTCH EQUIPPED WITH RESTRAINING SAFETY MEANS | 2011-09-29 |
20110232710 | Replacement non-scratch pads with detachable cover for rolling walker - The present invention provides a replaceable cap designed to fit into the rear leg of walker. The cap has a non-scratch pad on the bottom surface which provides skidding action and removes the chirping noise caused by normal walkers. The cap is also designed to be inserted into a protective cover for use on rough surfaces. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232711 | CANTILEVERED CANOPY - A portable canopy is attachable to the roof rack of a vehicle and designed to unfold outwardly over the rear of the vehicle supported in a cantilevered fashion from the roof rack. The canopy does not require separate legs or other ground support other than the roof rack of the automobile. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232712 | RAIL SKIRT SYSTEM - The rail skirt system includes a top rail, a skirt that hangs from the top rail, formed from rail bar members connected together at their inner ends by a middle connector tube connectable to a locking support leg, to provide support for the top rail on a side of a shelter. The outer ends of the rail bar members are connected to legs of the shelter by fixed corner connecting brackets. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232713 | TENSIONING AND SECURING MECHANISM FOR STRUCTURE COVERS - A fastening mechanism for temporary structures with a frame with one or more attachment points disposed therein, a rope, a cover configured with one or more sleeves through which the rope may be inserted, one or more fasteners for securing the rope to the attachment points, and a pass-through loop pre-configured in the rope, such that a further loop can be formed by passing a section of the rope through the pass-through loop. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232714 | POWER CONVERSION SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY OF POWER CONVERSION FOR A PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM, AND PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM EMPLOYING A PHOTOVOLTAIC ARRAY AND AN ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE - A power conversion system includes a number of photovoltaic arrays, a number of inverters, a transformer, and processor. The processor is structured to control the number of inverters and operate the power conversion system to provide maximum efficiency of power conversion by the number of photovoltaic arrays, the number of inverters and the transformer, and to maximize power output from the number of photovoltaic arrays. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232715 | MINIMALLY PENETRATING PHOTOVOLTAIC ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH A SLOPED ROOF AND RELATED METHODS - An assembly which is lightweight includes an interconnected array of PV modules, where each PV modules is defined in part by a module outer perimeter portion. This array is defined in part by an outer perimeter portion including an upper edge portion, side edge portions, and a lower edge portion. The array is secured to a sloped roof along at least one of the upper or lower edge portion of the array. The assembly further includes interlocking features along the module outer perimeter portion which distribute uplift forces to adjacent PV modules. Additionally included is at least one wind deflector located along the lower edge of the array and non-penetrating base feet disposed on the sloped roof supporting at least a portion of the array. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232716 | DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELL - A dye-sensitized solar cell including one or more photoelectric cells for performing photoelectric transformation; a first substrate and a second substrate, the first and second substrates facing each other; an electrolyte between the first substrate and the second substrate; an inner sealing member between the first substrate and the second substrate to define the one or more photoelectric cells and to seal the electrolyte within the one or more photoelectric cells; an outer sealing member a distance apart from the inner sealing member and surrounding the inner sealing member; and a fluid filled between the inner sealing member and the outer sealing member. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232717 | SEMICONDUCTORS COMPOSITIONS FOR DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS - The present application discloses compositions for thin film dye-sensitized solar cells in which nanoparticles of semiconductor material are tethered together in a nanonodular network using a multi-functional linking compound. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232718 | SOLAR COLLECTOR - A solar collector with reflective composite sheets consisting of a solid thermoplastic core between an outer aluminum skin. The reflective sheets are secured together with stiffeners formed from the same reflective composite sheet material. The sheets may be connected in modules for securing to longitudinal supports to establish the solar energy reflective surface of the solar collector. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232719 | SOLAR POWER SYSTEM - Disclosed is an invention wherein systems and methods are described to enable wide acceptance angle solar concentrators independent of the means of tracking, to decouple system components based on cost, environmental, efficiency, and lifecycle parameters either in whole or in part through component modularity and methods of installation and de-installation, and optimization of design of said systems based on quantified market and systems' decoupled cost parameters. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232720 | HIGH-CONCENTRATION PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM - A high-concentration photovoltaic system comprises at least one photovoltaic receiver ( | 2011-09-29 |
20110232721 | PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) ENHANCEMENT FILMS OR PROTECTIVE COVERS FOR ENHANCING SOLAR CELL EFFICIENCES - A solar energy conversion assembly for efficiently capturing solar energy by providing additional chances to absorb reflected sunlight and providing longer path lengths in the photovoltaic (PV) material. The assembly includes a PV device including a layer of PV material and a protective top covering the PV material (e.g., a planar glass cover applied with adhesive to the PV material). The assembly further includes a PV enhancement film formed of a substantially transparent material, and film is applied to at least a portion of the protective top such as with a substantially transparent adhesive. The PV enhancement film includes a plurality of absorption enhancement structures on the substrate opposite the PV device. Each absorption enhancement structure includes a light receiving surface that refracts incident light striking the PV enhancement film to provide an average path length ratio of greater than about 1.20 in the layer of PV material. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232722 | HEAT TRANSFER ELEMENT AND ARRANGEMENT FOR COOLING SOLAR CELLS - The invention relates to a heat transfer element and an arrangement using such an element to lower the temperature of solar cells. The heat transfer element is arranged to be placed on the shadow side of and in contact with a panel of solar cells and configured for collecting heat from the solar cells, said element comprising an inlet, an outlet and a internal passage extending between said inlet and said outlet and being arranged to guide a heat transporting fluid. Also the passage is defined between two generally parallel sheets. The arrangement comprises a heat transfer element arranged to be placed on the shadow side of and in contact with the panel and a system feeding a heat transporting fluid to said inlet and receiving the heat transporting fluid from said outlet. The invention also comprise an arrangement for cooling a panel of solar cells, comprising a heat transfer element arranged to be placed on the shadow side of and in contact with the panel and a system feeding a heat transporting fluid to said inlet of the element and receiving the heat transporting fluid from the outlet of said element. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232723 | LAYER SYSTEM FOR SOLAR ABSORBER - Solar absorber ( | 2011-09-29 |
20110232724 | DEVICE FOR PRODUCING ENERGY FROM SOLAR RADIATION - Device (D) for producing energy, from solar radiation (RS), intended for a building or industrial construction ( | 2011-09-29 |
20110232725 | PACKAGE STRUCTURE OF CONCENTRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL - A package structure of a concentrated photovoltaic cell is provided, wherein a bottom contact of a photovoltaic chip is electrically connected to a metal substrate. The metal substrate not only becomes an external electrode, but also conducts the heat generated by the photovoltaic chip away, providing the function of heat dissipation. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232726 | BARRIER LAMINATE, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE LAMINATE, GAS BARRIER FILM AND DEVICE - A method of manufacturing an organic/inorganic laminate including forming a first organic layer by laminating and hardening a composition containing (A) a polymerizable acidic compound, oligomer or polymer, (B) a polymerizable compound, and (C) a silane coupling agent on a first inorganic layer, and forming a second organic layer by laminating and hardening a composition containing (D) a polymerizable compound and (E) a (meth)acrylate having an aromatic group on the first organic layer or on one or more organic layers disposed on the first organic layer. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232727 | FLOATING PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM - A floating photovoltaic system includes a floating structure with a series of floating blocks which form a basically flat floating grid with a float height, a strengthening structure-with a series of strengthening beams movably connected to at least two floating blocks, a supporting structure with one or more supporting frames movably connected to the strengthening beams, one or more photovoltaic panels fixed on the supporting frames, in which the strengthening structure is parallel to the table of the floating structure and is arranged within the float height. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232728 | Photovoltaic Module - A photovoltaic module has a reinforcement beam for strength reinforcement. The photovoltaic module includes a solar panel having one or more solar cells, a frame surrounding an edge of the solar panel, and a reinforcement beam connecting two separate sides of the frame at the rear of the solar panel, which is opposite to a light receiving surface of the solar panel upon which solar light is incident, the reinforcement beam having a hollow space defined therein. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232729 | SOLAR BATTERY ELEMENT AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SOLAR BATTERY ELEMENT - A solar battery element has a structure equipped with: photoelectric converting semiconductor particles formed by a particulate base substance, semiconductor layers of a first conductive type formed by a material different from that of the particulate base substance that cover at least portions of the particulate base substance, and semiconductor layers of a second conductive type that cover portions of the semiconductor layers of the first conductive type so as to form pn junctions therewith; a first electrode that contacts the semiconductor layers of the first conductive type; a second electrode that contacts the semiconductor layers of the second conductive type; and an insulating binder for immobilizing the photoelectric converting semiconductor particles between the first electrode and the second electrode. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232730 | LATTICE MATCHABLE ALLOY FOR SOLAR CELLS - An alloy composition for a subcell of a solar cell is provided that has a bandgap of at least 0.9 eV, namely, Ga | 2011-09-29 |
20110232731 | HIGH EFFICIENCY HYBRID ORGANIC-INORGANIC PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS - Devices including photovoltaic cells and methods of manufacture are disclosed. A photovoltaic cell includes a first electrode layer, at least one photoactive layer disposed on first electrode layer, a second electrode layer disposed on the photoactive layer, at least one first carrier collector structure with a first work function electrically coupled to the first electrode layer and extending partially in to the photoactive layer, and at least one second carrier collector structure with a second work function electrically coupled to the second electrode layer and extending partially into the photoactive layer. In the cell, the first carrier collector structure extends towards the second electrode layer without physically contacting the second carrier collector structure, and the second carrier collector structure extends towards the first electrode layer without physically contacting the first carrier collector structure. Further, at least one of the first and second electrode layers is optically transparent. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232732 | PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE INCLUDING FLEXIBLE SUBSTRATE OR INFLEXIBLE SUBSTRATE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Disclosed is a photovoltaic device. The photovoltaic device includes: 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. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232733 | Multi-Junction Solar Cell For Space Applications - A multi-junction solar cell includes a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface of a semiconductor body. A topmost pn-junction of a plurality of pn-junctions stacked on top of each other adjoins to the first main surface. A cell edge of the semiconductor body defines a shape of the first and the second main surfaces. An encapsulant on the first main surface provides an environmental protection of the semiconductor body. A mesa groove is provided on the first main surface and penetrates at least the topmost pn-junction. The mesa groove is located adjacent to the cell edge and is created around the circumference of the semiconductor body for providing an inner cell area and a mesa wall, the mesa wall being created between the mesa groove and the cell edge. The mesa groove is filled with the encapsulant. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232734 | PYROELECTRIC SOLAR TECHNOLOGY APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method to increase the efficiency of a solar cell comprises depositing a pyroelectric film on a surface of the solar cell and generating an electromotive force to bias the solar cell. The method also includes creation of an open circuit voltage. Further, the method includes increasing a short circuit current through the pyroelectric film and creating a sustained temperature variation in the solar cell. A constant temporal temperate gradient is created in the pyroelectric film to increase the short circuit current with a temperature. Further, a p-n junction is biased with the electromotive force produced from the pyroelectric film. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232735 | THREE-LAYER FILM FOR A PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL - The invention relates to a multilayer film of A/B/C structure comprising: a first layer of composition A, comprising a fluoropolymer; a second layer of composition B, comprising a filled fluoropolymer; and a third layer of composition C, comprising a fluoropolymer, characterized in that the first and third layers have a melting point above 150° C., measured by DSC, and in that the transmittance in visible light is less than 30% for a multilayer film thickness of 25 μm. The invention also relates to the use of a fluoropolymer-based film preferably for a photovoltaic cell back panel, a high-performance textile or a metal, the film adhering to the substrate by means of an adhesive layer placed between the substrate and the film. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232736 | PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL - A photovoltaic cell including: (a) a housing adapted to enclose the photovoltaic cell, and including an at least partially transparent cell wall; (b) an electrolyte, disposed within the cell wall, and containing a corrosive redox species; (c) an at least partially transparent conductive coating disposed on an interior surface of the cell wall, within the photovoltaic cell; (d) an anode disposed on the conductive coating, the anode including a porous film adapted to make intimate contact with the redox species, and a dye, absorbed on a surface of the porous film, the dye and the film adapted to convert photons to electrons; (e) a cathode, disposed within an interior surface of the housing and disposed substantially opposite the anode, including a conductive carbon layer, and a catalytic component, associated with the carbon layer and adapted to catalyze a redox reaction, the carbon layer adapted to transfer electrons from the catalytic component to a current collection component of the cathode, and (f) at least one metal strip or wire, electrically associated with the anode and with the conductive coating, the strip or wire having sufficient thickness to form a protrusion protruding above a plane of the porous film by at least 50 micrometers, wherein a distance between a surface of the catalytic component and a surface of the porous film is less than 20 micrometers. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232737 | MULTILAYER SOLAR ELEMENT - The invention relates to a multilayer solar element (S), which includes a first layer ( | 2011-09-29 |
20110232738 | Sealant, dye-sensitized solar cell including the same, and method of manufacturing the dye-sensitized solar cell - A sealant disposed between substrates for sealing, a dye-sensitized solar cell including the same, and a method of manufacturing the dye-sensitized solar cell, the sealant including hot melt adhesives for absorbing heat and adhering to the substrates; and heat generation particles absorbing energy and generating heat. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232739 | PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE - A photoelectric conversion device is disclosed. One aspect includes a first substrate and a second substrate spaced apart from each other, an inner sealing portion formed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and an outer sealing portion formed between the first substrate and the second substrate and spaced apart from an outer edge of the inner sealing portion. Furthermore, a plurality of first electrodes may be formed on a surface of the first substrate that faces the second substrate and a current collecting electrode may be formed electrically connecting the first electrodes to each other. The inner sealing portion may be positioned to define a photoelectric conversion region. The current collecting electrode may be formed on the first substrate to extend from a contact with the plurality of first electrodes past an outer sealing region of the outer sealing portion. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232740 | SOLAR CELL - A solar cell includes a first conductivity-type semiconductor layer, a second conductivity-type semiconductor layer, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first conductivity-type semiconductor layer has a front side intended to serve as a light-receiving surface. The second conductivity-type semiconductor layer is disposed on a back side of the first conductivity-type semiconductor layer, forming a p-n junction together with the first conductivity-type semiconductor layer. The first electrode passes through the second conductivity-type semiconductor layer toward the first conductivity-type semiconductor layer with a tip extending into and ending within the first conductivity-type semiconductor layer. The second electrode is disposed at a back side of the solar cell. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232741 | SILICON SOLAR CELL - The present invention discloses a silicon solar cell including a silicon crystal, an emitter, a conductive layer, and a first metal electrode. The silicon crystal has at least one through hole formed thereon. The emitter covers at least the silicon crystal and an inner surface of the through hole on the silicon crystal; the conductive layer covers at least a portion of the emitter that is located on the inner surface of the through hole; and the first metal electrode is located in the through hole on the silicon crystal and is electrically connected at least to the conductive layer. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232742 | Systems and Methods for Preparing Components of Photovoltaic Cells - A method of making a metal oxide based component for use in a solar cell, without sintering the metal oxide. The method includes flocculating a metal oxide solution that is used to produce the non-sintered metal oxide component. A composition for use in making a non-sintered solar cell component. The composition includes a metal oxide solution and a flocculant for flocculating particles of the metal oxide solution. A solar cell having an anode and interfacing the anode is a semiconductor that includes a metal oxide that is produced by a method that does not require sintering of the metal oxide. The method comprises flocculating a solution of the metal oxide. The solar cell further includes a cathode and an electrolyte in electrical communication with the semiconductor and the cathode. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232743 | DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELL AND MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR THE SAME - To provide a dye-sensitized solar cell capable of significantly improving power extraction efficiency, and a manufacturing method of the dye-sensitized solar cell. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a substrate, a porous semiconductor layer adsorbing a dye, a conductive metal layer, and a conductive substrate. The conductive metal layer | 2011-09-29 |
20110232744 | PHOTO ELECTRIC TRANSDUCER - A photoelectric transducer comprising in order: a substrate ( | 2011-09-29 |
20110232745 | ANTIREFLECTION COATING FOR MULTI-JUNCTION SOLAR CELLS - A photovoltaic solar cell having a multi-layer antireflective coating on an outer surface. The coating may include alternating layers of silicon dioxide and tantalum pentoxide and may have average front surface reflectance of less than five percent over the wavelength range from 300 nm to 1850 nm with the silicon dioxide having a refractive index less than 1.4 at a wavelength of 550 nm. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232746 | THICK-FILM PASTES CONTAINING LEAD-TELLURIUM-BORON-OXIDES, AND THEIR USE IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES - The present invention provides a thick-film paste for printing the front side of a solar cell device having one or more insulating layers. The thick-film paste comprises an electrically conductive metal and a lead-tellurium-boron-oxide dispersed in an organic medium. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232747 | THICK-FILM PASTES AND SOLAR CELLS MADE THEREFROM - This invention relates to thick-film pastes and processes for using such pastes to make solar cell contacts and other circuit devices. In particular, the thick-film pastes comprise a lead-tellurium-oxide frit component, an organic vehicle, and a conductive metal component comprising a silver component and a nickel component. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232748 | SOLAR CELL MODULE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - In a solar cell module and a manufacturing method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention, a solar cell ( | 2011-09-29 |
20110232749 | LAYERED ELEMENT AND PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE COMPRISING SUCH AN ELEMENT - This layered element, in particular for a photovoltaic device, includes a polymer layer, a moisture-sensitive layer, and a protective coating forming a moisture barrier inserted between the polymer layer and the moisture-sensitive layer. The protective coating includes an antireflection multilayer comprising at least two thin layers differing in refractive index from each other. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232750 | SOLAR CELL MODULE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF - A solar cell module includes a substrate having a thin-film layer patterned in a manner to form with a split window and a solar cell disposed on the substrate. The solar cell includes plurality of material layers and a plurality of split ways corresponding to the material layers. The scope of the split window is constituted by at least one of the split ways. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232751 | METHOD FOR MACHINING THE SURFACE OF A WAFER FOR PRODUCING A SOLAR CELL, AND WAFER - In a method for the treatment of the surface of a wafer for producing a solar cell, onto which wafer an antireflection and passivation layer has been applied onto a p-doped layer in a step preceding the method, the surface is treated in a processing step and then a subsequent metallization on the surface of the wafer for producing contacts for the solar cell takes place. This processing step is for passivation or for removal of the p-doped layer in the region of disturbances such as scratches, defect sites, pinholes and inhomogeneous regions in the antireflection and passivation layer. It is thus possible to avoid metal depositions at these disturbances. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232752 | Organic-Inorganic Complexes Containing a Luminescent Rare earth-Metal Nanocluster and an Antenna Ligand, Luminescent Articles, and Methods of Making Luminescent Compositions - Luminescent compositions are described comprising lanthanide-containing nanoclusters comprising lanthanide atoms bonded to at least one semimetal or transition metal via an oxygen or sulfur atom. Novel compositions include an antenna ligand complexed with the nanoclusters. The rare earth-metal nanoclusters are in the size range of 1 to 100 nm. Articles, such as solar cells, are described in which the nanoclusters (with or without antenna ligands) are dispersed in a polymer matrix. Novel methods of making luminescent films are also described. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232753 | METHODS OF FORMING A THIN-FILM SOLAR ENERGY DEVICE - A method and apparatus for making solar cell active layers is provided. A doped microcrystalline semiconductor layer is formed with a bandgap-enhancing alloy material at low hydrogen flow rates. Deposition conditions are established at a low flowrate of the semiconductor source and ramped to a high flowrate as a first sublayer is deposited. The bandgap-enhancing alloy material is added to the reaction mixture to deposit a second sublayer. The bandgap-enhancing alloy material may optionally be stopped to deposit a third sublayer. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232754 | PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE INCLUDING FLEXIBLE OR INFLEXIBLE SUBSTRATE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Disclosed is a photovoltaic device. The photovoltaic device according to the present invention includes: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a p-type window layer, a buffer layer, a light absorbing layer and an n-type layer, which are sequentially stacked between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein, when the p-type window layer is composed of hydrogenated amorphous silicon oxide, the buffer layer is composed of either hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide or hydrogenated amorphous silicon oxide, and wherein, when the p-type window layer is composed of hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide, the buffer layer is composed of hydrogenated amorphous silicon oxide. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232755 | PHOTOVOLTAIC APPARATUS HAVING A FILLER LAYER AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME - Devices for converting light into electric current are provided. A representative device has an encasing structure having at least one portion transparent. The encasing structure is configured to pass light energy into an interior of the encasing structure. The device further has a photovoltaic device positioned within the interior of the encasing structure. The photovoltaic device is positioned to receive light energy. The photovoltaic device is operable to transform the light energy into electric current. The device further has a protective space material, disposed between the encasing structure and the photovoltaic device. The protective space material is operable to transmit the light energy. The protective space material is a non-solid material having a physical property such as a viscosity of less than 1×10 | 2011-09-29 |
20110232756 | DESIGNING THE HOST OF NANO-STRUCTURED OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICES TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE - A nanostructured optoelectronic device is provided which comprises a nanostructured material and a host material intermingled with the nanostructured material. The host material may have a higher index of refraction than the nanostructured material. The host material's index of refraction may be chosen to maximize the effective active area of the device. In an alternative embodiment, the host material comprises scattering centers or absorption/luminescence centers which absorb light and reemit the light at a different energy or both. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232757 | PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE - A photovoltaic module has an opening through which rainwater and waste matter are discharged. The photovoltaic module includes a front substrate, a rear substrate disposed opposite to the front substrate, a solar cell disposed between the front substrate and the rear substrate, and a frame surrounding edges of the front substrate and the rear substrate, the frame being formed or substantially formed in a rectangular shape, the frame having at least one opening formed at a short side or long side thereof. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232758 | Thin film photovoltaic cell - A thin film photovoltaic cell is provided having a substrate; a back contact provided on the substrate; a p-type semiconductor absorber layer provided on the back contact; a n-type semiconductor layer provided on the p-type semiconductor absorber layer; a dielectric organic material layer provided on the n-type semiconductor layer; a transparent conductive film provided on the dielectric organic material layer; and, optionally, an antireflective layer provided on the transparent conductive film. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a thin film photovoltaic cell. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232759 | HIGHLY EFFICIENT DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS USING MICROTEXTURED ELECTRON COLLECTING ANODE AND NANOPOROUS AND INTERDIGITATED HOLE COLLECTING CATHODE AND METHOD FOR MAKING SAME - The present invention generally relates to the field of photovoltaic devices. Specifically, the present invention relates to the areas of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). | 2011-09-29 |
20110232760 | PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE AND SOLAR CELL - A photoelectric conversion device includes: a photoelectric conversion layer containing a semiconductor and having a first surface as a light absorption surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first electrode formed substantially in contact with the first surface; and a second electrode formed substantially in contact with the second surface. The photoelectric conversion layer is a monograin film of semiconductor grains which are monograin film of separate semiconductor grains which are arranged substantially in a single layer and each of which is at least partially buried in a binder layer, the semiconductor grains have a photoelectric conversion property and an average diameter in the range from one micrometer to 60 micrometers, and each of at least part of the semiconductor grains contains at least one stacking fault. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232761 | SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES HAVING OPTIONAL BATTERIES - Solar photovoltaic (PV) devices, e.g., those based on the Copper Indium Selenide (CIS) family of absorbers, including CuIn | 2011-09-29 |
20110232762 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT, AND PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION ELEMENT AND THIN-FILM SOLAR CELL - A method for manufacturing a photoelectric conversion element including a step of preparing a substrate and a step of forming a photoelectric conversion layer made of a CIGS-based semiconductor compound on the substrate. The step of forming the photoelectric conversion layer includes exposing the substrate to vapors of (In, Ga) and Se, or a vapor of (In, Ga) | 2011-09-29 |
20110232763 | SPIROBIFLUORENE-BASED COMPOUND AND DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELL USING THE SAME - A spirobifluorene-based compound and a dye-sensitized solar cell using the spirobifluorene-based compound as a dye. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232764 | Conjugated Polymers and Devices Incorporating Same - Disclosed are conjugated polymers having desirable properties as semiconducting materials. Such polymers can exhibit desirable electronic properties and possess processing advantages including solution-processability and/or good stability. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232765 | VALVING DEVICE AND METHOD - A valving device includes a body having a bore hole and a slot, the slot providing fluidic communication between the bore hole and an outside of the body. A cylinder is rotationally movably engaged within the bore hole and has an opening providing fluidic communication between an outer radial surface of the cylinder and a cavity therewithin. The valving device is configured to alter a portion of the slot in fluidic communication with the opening. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232766 | Apparatus for Harvesting Rainwater - A rainwater collection apparatus is formed with an outer sleeve member that is adapted to connect with upper and lower downspout portions, and with an internal colander that is operable to collect and filter the rainwater flowing through the upper downspout portion. The colander has an upper flanged edge that removes water flowing along the inside surface of the downspout, a filter area including a plurality of apertures for the passage of rainwater into a catch basin, and a support flange that rests on a base ledge formed on the outer sleeve to define the catch basin. A discharge spout drains the collected rainwater from the catch basin to a remote storage container. An internal opening in the colander allows the passage of debris and the overflow of rainwater from the catch basin through apertures in the colander for discharge through the lower downspout portion. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232767 | MULTI-FUNCTION UNIT FOR THE OFFSHORE TRANSFER OF HYDROCARBONS - A hydrocarbon transfer arrangement for transfer of fluids between an offshore unit and a carrier which are placed in an offloading configuration, includes at least one transfer hose and a gas return hose, wherein the end of the at least one transfer hose is connected to a floating multi-function unit allowing for the transport of the transfer hose between the offshore unit and the carrier, wherein the floating multi-function unit can be lifted out of the water and can be held in a fixed position above water-level and is provided with connection elements for making a fluid connection between the transfer hose end and a manifold of the carrier and with emergency disconnect elements for the at least one transfer hose, placed at a distance from the connection elements. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232768 | Slurry Catalyst Flow Splitters and Methods of Using the Same - A system for feeding a slurry catalyst composition including: a primary slurry feed system comprising a primary slurry flow meter and a primary catalyst injection device, wherein the primary slurry flow meter measures a primary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the primary catalyst injection device; and a secondary slurry feed system comprising a secondary slurry flow meter, a secondary carrier liquid, a secondary carrier liquid control device, and a secondary catalyst injection device, wherein the secondary slurry flow meter measures a secondary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the secondary catalyst injection device, wherein the secondary carrier liquid control device controls a process parameter of the secondary slurry feed system based a ratio of the primary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the secondary slurry catalyst composition flow rate. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232769 | Method of Stabilizing Constant-Temperature Bath - Provided is an automatic analysis apparatus which can obtain stable analysis results by stabilizing a constant-temperature bath and the temperature of a reaction liquid inside reaction containers. For this purpose, the automatic analysis apparatus ( | 2011-09-29 |
20110232770 | Irrigation System Leak Controller and Method - A device and method for preventing leak losses in irrigation system zones is disclosed, wherein the device and method monitor a fluid flow characteristic to detect leak conditions, and automatically close off fluid flow to a zone in which a leak condition is detected. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232771 | AIRFLOW MANAGEMENT FOR LOW PARTICULATE COUNT IN A PROCESS TOOL - In various exemplary embodiments described herein, a system and related method to provide airflow management system in a substrate production tool includes a housing to couple the substrate production tool to a fan filter unit to provide filtered air to the housing, a facility connection to couple the substrate production tool to a reduced pressure exhaust mechanism, a substrate transfer section coupled below the housing and in airflow communication with the facility connection, and a substrate process area coupled to the substrate transfer section by one or more substrate transfer slots. A chamber substantially containing the substrate transfer section and the substrate process area is coupled to the housing to receive the filtered air and to the facility connection to provide an exhaust for excess gas flow. The chamber maintains a low pressure in the substrate process area relative to the substrate transfer section. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232772 | Method for supplying gas - [Problem] The present invention provides a gas supply method by which a gas in a gas container can be effectively utilized. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232773 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR COMBINING WATER RESERVES - A device for combining water from a first source with a stream of water from a second source which is at a higher pressure than said one source is disclosed. The device includes a hollow body having a primary inlet for operative coupling to said second source of water and an outlet towards an opposed end thereof. The body also has an intermediate inlet positioned intermediate said primary inlet and outlet for coupling to said first source of water. The device further includes a venturi positioned intermediate said intermediate inlet and said outlet, and a flow restriction means that is a jet positioned upstream of said venturi for restricting the flow of water issuing therefrom. The jet is substantially longitudinally aligned with said intermediate inlet. In use water from said second source enters said body through said primary inlet and passes through said jet. This draws water from said first source of water through said intermediate inlet and into the body. The combined stream of water passes through said venturi and through the outlet. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232774 | MIXING EDUCTOR - An eductor for mixing two liquids wherein the eductor includes a closed or non-air gap back flow prevention member. The vacuum profile of the eductor is altered by changing an opening in a passage portion to controllably divert water flow around the venturi tube or diverting the water without the opening. This affords the changing of the vacuum profile without redesigning the entire eductor. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232775 | FLOW THROUGH HUMIDIFIER RECIRCULATING PUMP - A housing containing a reservoir can be mounted to receive water from an outlet port of a humidifier system. A pump having a pump inlet hydraulically connected to the reservoir volume and a pump outlet adapted to connect to an inlet port on the humidifier system can be controlled to deliver water to the humidifier based on a control signal received at a processor. The reservoir can be flushed based on one or more of an elapsed operating time since the last flush and a total time since the last flush. Flushing can be performed using a re-fill port adapted to receive fresh water from an external water source and draining process that can include creating a siphoning action that causes the water to drain from the reservoir volume. Flow of fresh water into the re-fill port can also be controlled to maintain a proper working water level in the reservoir volume. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described. | 2011-09-29 |
20110232776 | Valve Box Stack Cleaner - A method for cleaning a stack may include the steps of opening a cover of the stack, placing a cleaning tool within the stack to engage the debris within the stack, removing the debris above a valve with the cleaning tool and removing the cleaning tool from the stack. The cleaning tool may include a first cleaning blade, and the cleaning tool may include a second cleaning blade. The first cleaning blade may be a spiral discontinuous blade and a second cleaning blade may be a spiral discontinuous blade. The first cleaning blade may include a first radial cutting edge, and the first cleaning blade may include a first radial cutting edge. The first cutting blade may include a first axial cutting edge, and the second cutting blade may include a second axial cutting edge. | 2011-09-29 |