Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring the temperature of the P-N junction within the light-emitting region of a quasi-continuous-wave or pulsed semiconductor laser diode device. A series of relatively short and low current monitor pulses are applied to the laser diode in the period between the main drive current pulses necessary to cause the semiconductor to lase. At the sufficiently low current level of the monitor pulses, the laser diode device does not lase and behaves similar to an electronic diode. The voltage across the laser diode resulting from each of these low current monitor pulses is measured with a high degree of precision. The junction temperature is then determined from the measured junction voltage using their known linear relationship.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring the temperature of the P-N junction within the light-emitting region of a quasi-continuous-wave or pulsed semiconductor laser diode device. A series of relatively short and low current monitor pulses are applied to the laser diode in the period between the main drive current pulses necessary to cause the semiconductor to lase. At the sufficiently low current level of the monitor pulses, the laser diode device does not lase and behaves similar to an electronic diode. The voltage across the laser diode resulting from each of these low current monitor pulses is measured with a high degree of precision. The junction temperature is then determined from the measured junction voltage using their known linear relationship.

Abstract: A sorbent composition for reducing the stress buildup within sorbent alloys such as hydride powders being used to store hydrogen gas by imparting more of a fluid-like property to the alloys. Under the teachings of the present invention, a second powder is added to the powdered sorbent alloy to serve as a flow aid to the alloy powders so as to allow rearrangement and movement for the alloy powders with respect to each other and with respect to the sidewalls of the container. The flow aid powder which is chemically inert with respect to hydrogen and the sorbent alloys is mixed with the sorbent alloy powder and the amount of the flow aid powder is dependent upon the volume change of the particular hydride, the strength of the container, the geometry of the container, the orientation of the container, and the direction of the reaction front. The addition of the flow aid reduces densification, compaction, settling, and stress buildup during successive cycles of absorption and desorption.

Abstract: Discloses a fuel injection system for the timed introduction of a gaseous fuel such as hydrogen gas into a combustion volume of an internal combustion engine. The system comprises (a) a chamber of fixed volume into which, at one time, gas flows from a fuel source and out of which, at another time, gas flows to a combustion volume of an internal combustion engine and (b) means for varying the pressure of the gas flowing to the chamber.

Abstract: A flame-type gas burner, having a burner head adapted to be attached to a source of supply of a fuel gas (specifically hydrogen) and one or more jet burner orifices in the head, has each jet orifice closely covered by sufficient steel wool, preferably stainless steel wool, from a mass of such wool contiguous to the burner head to significantly reduce formation of nitrogen oxides during combustion. Openings are provided in the assembly for flow of atmospheric combustion air through the mass of steel wool during burning of the gas. The gas burner itself may be any one of the many varieties of flame-type burners that are in common use for cooking, space heating and other utility purposes. A novel method of burning fuel gas is involved.