Abstract: A lifting apparatus for a case on a conveyor system. A chain vertically hangs over a conveyor belt. A hook is positioned on an end of the chain. A piston retracts and releases the chain. The hook interacts with and moves front flaps on cases traveling on the conveyor system.

Abstract: A microarray uses small, irregularly shaped, or nonplanar surfaces on a satellite to maximize power generation without introducing a significant weight penalty. The microarray includes a plurality of individual solar cells normally provided by dicing a conventional solar cell junction into the smaller solar cells. Microarray design involves using the available area for supporting the microarray, the voltage contribution from the individual solar cells, the voltage requirement of the microarray to determine the number of smaller solar cells that are necessary and their size.

Abstract: A method characterized by the steps of positioning a plurality of uniformly dimensioned photovoltaic cells in registered relation with a plurality of openings formed in a planar tool for affording access to the P contact surface of each of the cells, connecting the N contact surface of alternate cells to the P contact surface of the cells interposed therebetween, removing therefrom residue of solder flux, applying to the N contact surfaces of the cells a transparent adhesive, placing a common transparent cover plate in engaged relation with the adhesive, placing a film over the circular openings for hermetically sealing the openings, and establishing a vacuum between the film and the cover plate for thus simultaneously forcing the cells into vacuum bonded relation with the cover plate.