Abstract: A vortex shedding flowmeter is provided with a unitary obstacle element for shedding vortices and response element reacting to forces produced by the shedding vortices. A cylindrical element may be used for omni-directional measurement capability, with a pair of strain gauge bridges arranged in quadrature to provide a linearly variable frequency output proportional to flow velocity. Electronic circuitry transforms the frequency signal to an analog amplitude signal proportional to flow velocity. Sample and hold circuitry maintains a stable output under transient loss-of-input signal conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting and arresting a condition of tachycardia. Stimulating pulses are provided in a search routine within a selected time interval after a tachycardia beat. The heart is monitored after each pulse application and the search is terminated when a normal heartbeat is detected. In a preferred search routine, the refractory interval of the heart adjacent the electrode is determined during a first search routine. If the first search routine does not terminate the tachycardia, the refractory interval found during the search is stored. A second pulse is then applied in a time interval following the refractory interval pulse to break the tachycardia. The breaking interval is determined through a second search routine generated in an interval following the refractory interval pulse.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a web of a corrugating medium is supplied to heated corrugating rolls to which a water mist carrying a solid lubricant as a release agent has been applied evenly over the roller, a first linerboard is glued to one side of the corrugated medium, a second linerboard is passed over a preheating roller to which a solid lubricant is applied via a water suspension sprayed on the preheating roller, the second linerboard is glued to the single faced corrugated board and the resulting double faced corrugated paperboard is passed over a hot plate section while subjected to pressure from a belt and weight roller assembly from above the hot plate.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for opening and closing the jaws of a chuck without the use of a key. This invention is particularly suitable for improving a standard drill chuck so that tools can be easily and rapidly changed without the use of a drill chuck key. In one embodiment of the invention, the first ring element containing a pair of dogs is slidably mounted to the collar of the drill chuck. When the drill is activated and the first ring element is in an upper position, its dogs engage opposing dogs on a stationary second ring element. Relative rotary motion is thereby achieved between the jaws and the collar of the drill chuck which, in turn, tightens the jaws about the tool. Resilient means are provided for yielding to allow the first ring element to be pushed downward by the action of the opposing dogs when the jaws have closed about the tool.

Abstract: An analog read-only memory system is provided for converting an input signal to an output signal functionally related to the antilog of the input signal. A resistor-capacitor network conveniently provides an analog memory circuit, converting a linear time base to an output voltage antilogarithmically related to the charging time. Solid state switching devices are actuated in response to control signals to initiate a memory sweep, or capacitor charging cycle, after a time interval determined by the input signal to form the desired antilog conversion; and transferring the output signal to a holding circuit until a subsequent output is provided. The memory sweep is periodically repeated to maintain an output in antilogarithmic relationship with the input.

Abstract: A large area photovoltaic cell comprising a layer of polycrystalline cadmium sulfide, about 1 to 2 microns thick, formed by simultaneously spraying two suitably selected compounds on a uniformly heated plate of Mesa glass and irradiating the layer of polycrystalline cadmium sulfide with intense ultra-violet light during the spraying.

Abstract: A method of producing an array of photovoltaic cells responsive to incident radiation by forming heterojunction-forming material layers over a transparent substrate panel having a transparent electrically conductive coating and thereafter removing selected portions of the materials to form a plurality of cells on a common substrate. The cells are then electrically interconnected by depositing electrically conducting materials over substantially the entire panel and removing only those portions of the deposited materials required to form series electrical connections.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and systems for recovering high viscosity oils, petroleum substances and other minerals from subsurface earth formations. In particular, one or more large diameter shaft holes are provided which preferably terminate in an enlarged subterranean chamber. A plurality of drill holes are provided, with perforated piping which extend radially from the chamber into the formation, and from which oil and the like may be recovered. It is a particular feature of this invention to provide means and methods for injecting a mixture of steam and a noncondensable gas into the drill holes, whereby the driving mechanism of the formation may be selectively maintained or enhanced at the same time the viscosity of the oil in the formation is reduced.

Abstract: An improved fully mechanized sawmill is provided which is composed of structurally independent modules which are removably mounted on a platform composed of a plurality of side-by-side longerons supported horizontally on files of spaced-apart vertical piers and columns. The longerons provide horizontal stress support for the platform along the files of piers and columns perpendicularly to the cutting axis of the sawmill, and the modules mounted thereon provide horizontal stress support for the platform along the ranks of the piers and columns parallel to the cutting axis. In addition, improved mechanisms and techniques are provided for handling and selecting the sawlogs to be cut, for selecting and distributing the pieces cut therefrom according to shape and utility, and for stacking and handling the distributed pieces at preselected locations according to shape and utility.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for reforming crushed or otherwise damaged drill pipe and the like. A plurality of expandable shoe elements are inserted into the large diameter portion of the drill pipe adjacent the crushed section. A ram or plunger is forced into and between the shoes to expand the shoes within the drill pipe for removing crushed portions thereof. More particularly, the length of travel of the plunger is coordinated to expand the shoes the proper extent to restore the drill pipe to its original configuration.

Abstract: An array of photovoltaic cells in a back wall-type configuration supported by a rigid transparent vitreous substrate, such as glass, for admitting incident radiation to the cells. A plurality of cells are interconnected into a desired electrical configuration by one or more layers of electrically conducting materials which overlie substantially the entire heterojunction of each cell to minimize the internal resistance of the cell and may conveniently protect the heterojunction from degrading environmental conditions. The conducting layer interconnects an exposed electrode region of one cell with the heterojunction forming material of the adjacent cell while remaining insulated from any intervening cell structure. In one embodiment, the uppermost conducting layer is lead, which seals the underlying materials from atmospheric constituents, such as oxygen and water vapor, while remaining relatively inert to such constituents.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for forming films of materials which are component layers of solar energy conversion devices, e. g. photovoltaic cells and heat collector panels. A selected substrate is heated while being sprayed with solutions which react on the heated surface to form a particular film. Films of SnO.sub.x and CdS are particularly produced. According to the present invention, the spray is projected at an angle to control upstream flow and confine film formation to the substrate panel portions most suitable for forming the selected film. Various waste products are removed to minimize defects in the resulting film. Baffles are located to shield the substrate surface at selected areas and preclude the spray from impacting on the shielded areas.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for manually altering the function of the distal electrodes of a body implantable tissue stimulator assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the polarity of distal electrodes may be reversed by axially repositioning the proximal connectors within the female connector assembly of a tissue stimulator.

Abstract: A solar panel module is provided, wherein a plurality of solar panel units are electrically interconnected and supported within a low cost frame assembly, which may conveniently be formed from wood products. Each solar panel unit is provided with extending conductors for electrical connections with adjacent solar panels. Each solar panel unit is formed in a back-wall configuration where solar radiation is incident on a transparent vitreous substrate. The panel surface opposite the substrate is sealed, preferably with a bituminous material, to minimize permeation of the solar panel by environmental elements. The sealing material cooperates with the frame to provide an insulated exposed surface. In one embodiment, the completed module is formed to external dimensions generally standard in the building industry for easy installation.

Abstract: An emergency resuscitation apparatus is provided by an endotracheal tube having a tracheal obturator and a second expandable cuff for sealing against the pharyngeal tissues to provide an alternate sealing means for respiratory fluids if the blind intubation is not successful. A laryngeal tube passes through this pharyngeal obturator for alternatively introducing respiratory fluids into the lungs through the larynx. The endotracheal tube may also be used as an esophageal obturator and inserted without the intubating guide means. The endotracheal and laryngeal tubes may be individually accessed from outside the patient. An inflation system is provided to expand the cuffs. When low pressure cuffs are used, a mouthpiece is provided for inflating the cuffs by breathing. A face shield supports the extending tubes and insures intubation to a correct depth.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an optical densitometer is provided having an improved output scale resolution. An output scale reading from 0.000 to 4.000, having a resolution to 0.001, is obtained by improved method and apparatus for obtaining the reference operating characteristics for "zero-mode" parameters. An analog reference anode signal is formed by making adjustments in a generally antilogrithmic relationship to the difference between the reference anode signal being generated and the anode signal produced under the zero-mode conditions. The antilogrithmic relationship improves scale resolution near the zero point and increases densitometer stability during a subsequent measurement cycle. The combination analog reference anode signal generating circuit and an improved exponential characteristic selection circuit enables the improved output resolution and accuracy to be obtained.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, method and apparatus are provided for converting an input light intensity representing an optical density to a standard industry scale reading. A photomultiplier tube is operated with a constant anode current corresponding to a reference, or "white" sample, and the dynode voltages varied to obtain the constant anode current. The resulting dynode voltage forms a signal linearly related to the input light intensity. A reference exponential characteristic is selected from an envelope of such characteristics, the selected characteristic cooperating with the photomultiplier tube characteristics. The exponential characteristic envelope may be conveniently formed by resistor-capacitor decay circuits with charging and discharging characteristics compatible with the range of photomultiplier tube parameters to be accommodated, where the envelope curve boundaries cross at a selected reference point.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a large area photovoltaic cell into a plurality of photovoltaic cells on a common substrate and preparing the individual cells for an overlying layer of conductive material. A tool bit is urged against the polycrystalline materials forming the heterojunction to remove a preselected pattern and expose a layer of conductive material, tin oxide, on a supporting glass substrate. Tool bit pressure causes fracturing of the crystals to produce defined edges along the tool bit furrow. An electrical arc is produced to vaporize a portion of the exposed tin oxide to electrically isolate the individual photovoltaic cells. Applicator pens coat the edges of the polycrystalline material with preselected insulating films. Finally, a buffer wheel abrades a preselected metal onto the remaining exposed surface of the tin oxide to obtain an improved metallurgical and/or electrical contact between the tin oxide and the subsequent conductor layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for forming films of materials which are component layers of solar energy conversion devices, e.g. photovoltaic cells and heat collector panels. A selected substrate, generally glass, is heated while being sprayed with solutions which react on the heated surface to form a particular film. Films of SnO.sub.x and CdS are particularly produced. According to the present invention, a thermal energy input gradient is provided to approximate the energy loss gradient during the spray process. Radiative heaters provide a rapid resupply of energy to the substrate and, in some instances, directly to the film forming surface. Temperature detectors, such as thermocouples, monitor substrate temperature to provide the radiative energy input needed for substantial temperature uniformity.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell having an electrically conductive substrate, which may be glass having a film of conductive tin oxide; a first layer containing a suitable semiconductor, which layer has a first component film with an amorphous structure and a second component film with a polycrystalline structure; a second layer forming a heterojunction with the first layer; and suitable electrodes where the heterojunction is formed from a solution containing copper, the amorphous film component is superposed above an electrically conductive substrate to resist permeation of the copper-containing material to shorting electrical contact with the substrate. The penetration resistant amorphous layer permits a variety of processes to be used in forming the heterojunction with even very thin layers (1-6.mu. thick) of underlying polycrystalline semi-conductor materials.