Abstract: A hand piece for delivering energy from a laser to a target through a fiber tip includes an elongated handle having a proximal end and a distal end. An axial bore traverses the handle along a longitudinal axis thereof. A fiber tip holding mechanism is fixed within the axial bore of the handle and includes a forward section fixed with the handle, a spring, and a rear section that includes a hollow collet projecting forward therefrom that traverses the spring and the forward section. The forward section is slidable rearward towards the rear section to compress the spring in a rear position. The spring urges the forward section forward into a forward position. A chuck is fixed with the forward end of the fiber tip holding mechanism and includes a tapered sleeve and two or more oppositely tapered jaws.

Abstract: A vacuum seeder for dispersing seeds at regular intervals into a seeding mechanism includes a pipe having first and second ends, at least one circumferential row of apertures therethrough, the pipe being rotatably mounted to a frame that moves along the ground. A vacuum mechanism is fixed with the second end of the pipe to produce a negative pressure within the pipe. A drive motor is fixed with the frame and coupled with the pipe for driving the pipe in a first rotational direction. A reservoir is fixed with the frame and holds the seeds positioned adjacent an upwardly-moving side of the pipe. At least one seed removal mechanism, such as a seed scraper, is fixed with the frame and positioned adjacent a downward side of the pipe to divert the seeds away from the pipe and into at least one seed receiver for delivery to the seeding mechanism.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a solar folder. In one particular example, a solar folder comprises a solar module integrated into the side of a solar case. The solar module comprises solar cells mounted on a circuit board with power conditioning and monitoring integrated circuits, which are laminated between two sheets of polymers. The edges of the solar module are sewn with thread into side of the solar case. The solar case has a stiff flap that attaches at the bend of the solar case. The flap can be flipped to be on either side of the solar case. The flap can also be bent to form triangle support structure to prop up the solar case at a fixed tilt angle. The device can be charged wirelessly by induction through induction charging coils in the circuit board that support and integrate the solar cells.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to solar cell packaging. In one particular example, a solar cell package comprises a solar cell including a thin film solar cell disposed on a flexible and substantially transparent substrate, a first encapsulation layer disposed on a first side of the solar cell, and a second encapsulation layer disposed on a second side of the solar cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorescence-based fiber optic temperature sensing system employing a probe with a hemispherically shaped phosphor attached thereto. The probe set forth herein not only produces fluorescence efficiently, but is also easily fabricated.

Abstract: The efficient operation of a solar concentrator requires the radiation collector to be pointed directly at the sun. The present invention represents one approach to a passive solar tracking system capable of focusing solar radiation onto a small target at all times of the year. The device consists of a two-axis gimbal system with its orientation controlled by interconnected ballasts filled with a volatile fluid. Accurate focusing is realized by ensuring that each significant mass element is balanced by another element of equal mass equidistant from and diametrically opposite to it through the point of intersection of the two gimbal axes for all possible orientations of the system.