Abstract: An array of solar powered photovoltaic modules is optimally oriented and operated to provide more electrical energy for uses such as powering an electrolyzer system for hydrogen production. The array is positioned with its light receiving surface at an optimal angle, preferably a continually changing angle determined by two-axis solar tracking, when continually measured solar irradiance indicates suitable sunlight, and at a horizontal position when measured solar irradiance indicates excessive atmospheric cloudiness.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the efficiency of a solar powered hydrogen generation system is disclosed. The system utilizes photovoltaic modules and a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer to split water into hydrogen and oxygen with an efficiency greater than 12%. This high efficiency for the solar powered electrolysis of water was obtained by matching the voltage generated by photovoltaic modules to the operating voltage of the electrolyzer. Optimizing PV-electrolysis systems makes solar generated hydrogen less expensive and more practical for use as an environmentally clean and renewable fuel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle signal light assembly comprising a two-sided sign assembly composed of cooperatively opposite sign structures each having a central opening defined therein, an inner sign structure surface, and an outer sign structure surface. The central openings are defined by a light panel-receiving framework at the inner sign structure surfaces and by opposed diffusing panel-receiving frameworks at the outer sign structure surfaces. The light panel-receiving framework frames a two-sided light emitting diode (LED) light panel, the LED lights of which are exposed by the central opening. The light panel is thus sandwiched between the cooperating sign structures within the light panel-receiving framework. Light diffusing panels are received in the opposing diffusing panel-receiving frameworks. Light emitting from the LED's thus passes through the central opening and is diffused by the opposed light diffusing panels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a traffic control sign assembly that comprises a sign having a central opening. Control consoles are positioned on opposite sides of the sign in centered relation to the central opening and are connected to one another and to the sign. A two-sided bread board type LED light panel is mounted in the central opening within the control consoles with light-diffusing panels mounted over the LED light panel. A power source is connected to the LED light panel. A first silk screen with legend “STOP” and a second silk screen with legend “STOP” or “SLOW” is located on the back of each of the light-diffusing panels in alignment with the LED light panel. Switch means for turning said power source “ON” in a holding or a flashing mode or “OFF” is provided. A handle assembly is secured to the sign.

Abstract: A method for configuring a solar hydrogen generation system and the system optimization are disclosed. The system utilizes photovoltaic modules and an electrolyte solution to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The efficiency of solar powered electrolysis of water is optimized by matching the most efficient voltage generated by photovoltaic cells to the most efficient input voltage required by the electrolysis cell(s). Optimizing PV-electrolysis systems makes solar powered hydrogen generation cheaper and more practical for use as an environmentally clean alternative fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating hydrogen from the disassociation of water using sunlight (photoelectrolysis) is provided. The system utilizes an aqueous fluid filled container which functions both to hold the water to be disassociated and as a light collecting lens. A photovoltaic module is positioned at a point to most efficiently accept the refracted light from the fluid filled container. A pair of electrodes which are coupled to the photovoltaic module are disposed within the fluid and configured to split the water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a photoelectrode and also provides a photoelectrode comprising a semiconductor layer having a first and second opposite major surfaces, with the first major surface overlaid with a layer of indium tin oxide having a thickness, crystal structure, and composition sufficient for robust operation in an electrochemical cell for electrolysis of water.

Abstract: A hair care composition which comprises (a) one or more polymer systems in the form of discrete particles, wherein said particles are swollen with a non-aqueous solvent; and (b) water or a hydroalcoholic solution carrier, are described. A method for treating hair which comprises contacting said hair with compositions of the invention is also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a polynuclear compound comprising two or more metal-hapto-3-capped nidocarborane groups. Also provided is the use of such a compound as a catalyst in a chemical reaction such as a hydrogenation or oxidation reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous hair care compositions including conditioners, shampoos, and mousses. The invention also relates to methods of treating hair, and more particularly to treating hair with aqueous hair care compositions which contain one or more elastomeric resinous materials. These materials when tested at the same concentration that could be incorporated into a product exhibit a G′ modulus between 1×102 and 1×105 dynes/cm2. Furthermore these resins when mixed with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic diluent at a ratio of 1:95 to 95:1% and this mixture then incorporated into an aqueous emulsion in the range of 0.1 to 10% have been demonstrated to deliver a consumer perceptible increase in hair body without sacrificing conditioning attributes.

Abstract: A hair care composition which comprises (a) one or more polymer systems in the form of discrete particles, wherein said particles are swollen with a non-aqueous solvent; and (b) water or a hydroalcoholic solution carrier, are described. A method for treating hair which comprises contacting said hair with compositions of the invention is also described.

Abstract: A windshield wiper apparatus for a vehicle includes an energy absorption member coupled between the moving drive arm and stationary structure which provides an opposing force to the movement of the wiper arm to absorb a portion of the inertial energy of the wiper arm as the wiper arm approaches one of at least an outwipe end limit and an inwipe end limit of a wipe pattern to reduce the impact forces on the wiper apparatus at the point of reversal of the wiper arm. The energy absorption member is in the form of a spring or compressive member arranged to store energy during movement of the wiper arm toward one or both of the end limits and to release the stored energy back to the wiper apparatus as the wiper arm reverses direction at each end limit. The energy absorption member is actively coupled to the drive arm only during a predetermined angular portion of the angular rotation of the drive arm which coincides with the region of increased mechanical advantage in the drive linkage.

Abstract: A hair care composition which comprises (a) one or more polymer systems in the form of discrete particles, wherein said particles are swollen with a non-aqueous solvent; and (b) water or a hydroalcoholic solution carrier, are described. A method for treating hair which comprises contacting said hair with compositions of the invention is also described.

Abstract: In a Data Access Transport Service (DATS), Data Service Providers (DSPs) share dial-in access (e.g. analog modem or Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) access) resources from a common pool maintained by a Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) (or potentially a DSP. A system is disclosed wherein a Network Controller (NC) performs the role of DSP service partitioning, quota enforcement, and resource load balancing to ensure that a DATS provider can provide a high quality of service (availability, response time & consistent bandwidth) to subscribed DSPs and their end-users. The Network Controller assists in Internet Data call establishment and tear-down, with the ability to refuse calls when the associated DSP has exceeded its service quota. The Network Controller also assists in the routing of calls to one of the DSPs Network Gateways (or data routers), using a load balancing scheme that maintains a pre-defined relative load on given DSP Network Gateways.

Abstract: A conditioning shampoo composition for hair and/or skin comprises a stable microemulsion of a high viscosity, slightly cross-linked silicone with a particle size of <0.15 microns, in combination with a deposition polymer and a surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention is a laminar supersonic transport aircraft having a reverse delta wing located between a forward section and a distal end of the aircraft, a set of jet engines superposed on another set of jet engines, a stabilizing vertical tail located near the distal end of the aircraft, a stabilizing canard surface located near the forward section of said aircraft. Also, a laminar flow control device can be incorporated within the wing. The reverse delta aerodynamic wing has a basic reverse delta wing portion bounded by a leading edge and by a pair of trailing edges extending from respective ends of the leading edge toward a trailing apex point and respective span-wise wing extensions in a natural laminar boundary layer wing region extending chordwise from the leading edge by a fraction of the chordlength of the wing and extending span-wise from opposing sides of said wing.

Abstract: A boiler including a main bank of riser tubes and at least one downcomer tube which are connected by upper and lower headers of flat construction. The main bank of tubes being arranged within a housing the bank of riser tubes being adjacent a furnace combustion chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine steam boiler. It includes a furnace, and a convection section including a bank of steam generating tubes. The walls, roof and floor of the boiler are made into an air tight enclosure by being formed from finned water tubes adjacent ones of which are joined to one another by fins. The spacings of the adjacent tubes in the walls, floor and roof are all substantially identical. The water tubes forming these walls extend directly from a lower water drum through the walls to an upper steam water drum and so there is no difficulty of reduced circulation due to intervening headers. Also because the walls, roof and floor are air tight only a thin cover of refractory is required and this reduces problems of cracking when the boiler is used in a motor ship where it would be subject to considerable vibrations.

Abstract: This invention relates to waste heat steam boiler plant and in particular to a transition chamber for joining a waste heat gas duct to a waste heat boiler in such plant. The cross-section of the boiler inlet differs from that of the waste gas duct and so this transition chamber has a cross-section which progressively joins one to the other. Instead of using refractory clad steel the chamber is made according to the invention from air-tight water cooled tube panels formed of tubes joined by fins.

Abstract: A method for joining the ends of an endless belt or for joining two belts side by side by stripping the weft from the ends of the belt or by stripping the warp from the adjoining sides of the belt; interdigiting the protruding weft or warp ends and applying a film of a thermo-plastic material therebetween and above and below the joint and bonding the joint by heat and pressure.