Abstract: A single-axis rate sensor for determining angular speed .theta. in inertial space of an object rotating about the axis. The rate sensor includes a mass, a motor for rotating the mass about the axis at an angular speed .omega. relative to the object, and a microcomputer for determining a centrifugal force at a radius R from the axis due to the rotation of the mass about the axis at an angular speed .OMEGA. in inertial space, where .OMEGA. is the sum of .theta. and .omega.. Alternative embodiments provide a closed loop system where .OMEGA. is held constant, and a dual rotor arrangement which can be used to reduce a nonlinear factor in a relationship between .theta. and centrifugal force and/or to provide an in-operation self-checking feature.

Abstract: A mechanical apparatus for indicating watthour meter tampering of a typical single phase induction watthour meter which includes a base member, a plug-in mechanism mounting member and a cover glass fixed to the mechanism mounting member. The device includes an easily rupturable, normally glass, container juxtaposed the mechanism mounting member of the watthour meter and fixed through said mounting member to the meter base in a manner such that attempts to unplug the mounting member from the base will cause said container to rupture and thereby indicate meter tampering. The container may also be mounted next to the cover glass of the watthour meter and adhesively connected thereto in a manner such that movement of the cover glass relative to the mechanism mounting member results in the rupture of the container.

Abstract: A follower element flowmeter which includes a hollow enclosed toroidal path around which a follower element travels in response to a flowing fluid. A pair of sensors are located adjacent to the fluid inlet and outlet to sense the passage of the follower element. The transit times of the follower element from inlet to outlet and from outlet to inlet is determined. The internal torus is described by juxtaposed housing halves one of which contains the fluid inlet and one, the fluid outlet. The halves are constructed so as to be relatively rotatable such that the distance between the inlet and outlet may be varied to adjust the calibration of the flowmeter.

Abstract: A low-cost method of fabricating a solar absorber panel for use with a flat plate solar collector system is disclosed in which a plurality of formed elongated substantially U-shaped members are fixed in a predetermined configuration to the reverse side of a single sheet absorber member forming therewith hollow fluid passages or ducts. The fluid duct members are provided with a series of tabs which alternately protrude through spaced slits in the absorber panel such that when the tabs are folded over, a tight interlocking construction is produced. The ends of the single sheet absorber may then be folded to form inlet and outlet manifolds connecting the ends of the series of spaced ducts including closing end tabs or the manifolds may be fabricated of U-shaped tabbed members in the manner of the connecting passages. After the mechanical assembly, the entire unit is sealed as by pumping liquid solder under pressure through the unit.

Abstract: A system for in situ testing of fluid meters is disclosed in which a single dual-position valve is disposed in series with and downstream of the meter to be tested in the supply line. In the first position, the inlet and outlet openings of the valves are such that a fluid is enabled to pass straight through the valve along the supply line and in a second or test position, the upstream and downstream openings of the supply line to the valve are in communication with auxiliary ports not connected with each other enabling a test or calibration unit to be connected in series with the auxiliary test ports. In this manner, testing of the meter is accomplished without interruption of the gas supply to the user.

Abstract: A parabolic cylindrical trough solar concentrator shell is disclosed having a pair of oppositely disposed end support members jointed by spanning structural support members which may be in the form of individual elongated generally triangular polygon members to form the parabolic cylindrical trough. The inwardly directed surface of each polygon member is concave in shape and rendered highly reflective and so disposed such that the composite produces a highly reflective, concave, generally parabolic surface which reflects and focusses radiant energy striking upon it along a line parallel to and above the surface of the trough. A radiant energy receiving and absorbing conduit which carries a fluid heat transfer medium is provided along the focal line. The conduit is structurally supported from the end support members in a manner which allows free rotation of the structure relative to the support.

Abstract: A solar flat plate absorber panel is molded from a laminate consisting of a suitable web material impregnated with a thermosetting phenolic resin. The absorber plate is pressure formed from superimposed layers of material and mold-cured to produce a unitary structure having a first or solar radiation absorbing surface on one side and an integral closed hollow lattice work of fluid heat transfer passages on the other or reverse side of the panel. The laminate web may be made from any suitable material such as paper, cloth, canvas or wire mesh which is easily impregnated with a thermosetting phenolic resin. In the preferred embodiment a B-stage phenol-formaldehyde resin is used. The two superimposed sheets of impregnated material are molded between heated platens of an hydraulic press to form an integral structure and fluid pressure between the sheets is utilized to mold the desired passage shape 5.

Abstract: A method of making a solar absorber panel is disclosed in which mild steel sheets are provided with a pattern of recesses such that when the sheets are superimposed, an internal hollow fluid heat transfer passage system is formed thereby including inlet and outlet manifolds joined by connecting passages. A metallic sealing material having a lower melting point than the sheets is placed in the recesses, the sheets are superimposed and the structure is peripherally welded to form a gas-tight envelope. The envelope is purged of air, partially internally evacuated and the edges of the internal passages sealed by heating the assembly above the melting point of the sealant material. The vacuum drawn on the envelope insures a tight seal between all passages as it allows external ambient air pressure to force the sheets together.

Abstract: A solar absorber panel and method of making is disclosed in which a fluid heat transfer system of elongated hollow passages connecting inlet and outlet headers is fabricated of an array of two layers of strips of thin gauge stainless steel superimposed upon the reverse side of a mild steel absorber plate. The array of strips of thin gauge stainless steel is seam welded about the periphery of the strips and inflated to produce the hollow fluid passage system. The peripheral seam welding fixes the edges of the superimposed strips both to each other to seal the lattice fluid passage system and to the mild steel absorber plate. Inlet and outlet connectors fixed to the appropriate openings in the upper stainless steel lattice layer are also used for the inflation of the passage system.

Abstract: A low-cost solar air heater is disclosed which utilizes an array of jets to produce impingement of the air on the lower surface of the absorber plate which enhances heat transfer efficiency.