Abstract: An infusion pump comprises an elastomeric hemispheric deformable rolling diaphragm, an external rigid housing with internal area no greater than that of the rolling diaphragm exterior, and a rigid cap structure which sealingly fastens the rim of the rolling diaphragm to the rim of the external housing. Thickness of the flexing wall of the diaphragm is tapered from rim to a region on the central axis to provide approximately constant pressure as the pump empties its contents. The rigid housing has an port in its center opposite its rim to allow insertion of fluid to roll the diaphragm inward, and to allow outflow of the stored pressurized fluid as desired. The housing and/or cap structure may have an external belt mounting fixture to facilitate donning the infusion pump for ambulatory users. The simplified design enables low manufacturing cost and hence single-use disposability.

Abstract: A solar energy harvester comprises: an elongated stationary solar irradiance converter assembly; a concentrator comprised of a substantially flat array of flat reflective heliostatic slats disposed at tilt angles to concentrate the sun onto the converter assembly, said slats each rotating in elevation about a north-south axis; sun sensor detecting the efficacy of concentration as the sun traverses; and control circuitry and drive motor positioning the collector in elevation according to the sun sensor so that the slat array tracks and faces the sun whenever the solar incident energy is greater than a selectable threshold level.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present invention embodies both the method and apparatus for converting a pattern of irradiation to a visible image. An embodiment of the present invention provides an array of micro-electro-mechanical sensors with each sensor includes a deflectable micro-cantilever, responsive to absorbed incident radiation and to an applied repulsive electrostatic field. In an aspect, the sensor device also includes a null-sensing circuit coupled to a switch contact on or near the substrate, which senses when the micro-cantilever reaches its null location, by electrical connection with an upper switch contact on the micro-cantilever. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A water vapor ejector comprises a desiccant disposed in a communication path to a green house enclosure. In the day time and under sunlight exposure, the green house enclosure heats up, which dries the desiccant and generates a flow to the outside ambient through a pressure difference. The moisture trapped in the desiccant is then released to the outside ambient. In the night time, the green house enclosure cools, which generates a flow to the inside of the enclosure. The desiccant traps the moisture within the flow, ensuring a moisture-free enclosure. The cycle re-starts in the next morning when the enclosure heats up. The diurnal cycle removes the water vapor present in the enclosure and delivered to the exterior of the enclosure.

Abstract: A water vapor ejector comprises a desiccant disposed in a communication path to a green house enclosure. In the day time and under sunlight exposure, the green house enclosure heats up, which dries the desiccant and generates a flow to the outside ambient through a pressure difference. The moisture trapped in the desiccant is then released to the outside ambient. In the night time, the green house enclosure cools, which generates a flow to the inside of the enclosure. The desiccant traps the moisture within the flow, ensuring a moisture-free enclosure. The cycle re-starts in the next morning when the enclosure heats up. The diurnal cycle removes the water vapor present in the enclosure and delivered to the exterior of the enclosure.

Abstract: A solar energy harvester comprises: an elongated stationary solar irradiance converter assembly; a concentrator comprised of a substantially flat array of flat reflective heliostatic slats disposed at tilt angles to concentrate the sun onto the converter assembly, said slats each rotating in elevation about a north-south axis; sun sensor detecting the efficacy of concentration as the sun traverses; and control circuitry and drive motor positioning the collector in elevation according to the sun sensor so that the slat array tracks and faces the sun whenever the solar incident energy is greater than a selectable threshold level. Solar power is harvested as either electricity or thermal energy or both. In the case where both electric and thermal energy are harvested the electricity produced is according to the limits of photovoltaic efficiency and the remaining solar irradiance is harvested as useful heat.

Abstract: A solar energy harvester comprises: a planar solar harvester panel serving to absorb sunlight and convert it to useful power such as electricity and/or heat; a planar north (in the northern hemisphere) wall which is specularly reflective on its south side, running east-west and positioned adjacent the north end of the harvester panel. The reflective north wall may be considered to create a second, equal, virtual harvester panel to convert additional energy, or alternately to create a virtual sun to illuminate the harvester panel from the north. The solar energy harvester effectively doubles the output of useful power of a prior art solar harvester panel alone.

Abstract: A scatter shield attenuates off-axis illumination emanating from a light beam projector. The scatter shield comprises an elongate housing, usually cylindrical, having at least two baffles therein. The dimensions of the scatter shield are selected to assure that off-axis illumination exceeding a preselected angle of divergence is internally reflected within the shield at least three times. Such multiple reflections provide for highly efficient attenuation.