Abstract: A method is disclosed for altering the permeability of a gravity override path through a subsurface earth formation resulting from hot fluid (steam) injection into the subsurface formation. The method includes adding selected sized particulate material to a foam and injecting the foam into the gravity override path to deposit the particulate material thus altering the permeability in the path. The method may include the use of a noncondensible gas in the foam as well as a variety of combinations of the hot fluid injection and foam plus particulate material injection to maximize the sweep efficiency of the hot fluid injection into the subsurface formation.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for etching an optical fiber down to a depth in which evanescent waves are encountered. Since the apparatus has a provision to remove harmful etchant vapors, it can be operated in an open room with special venting requirements. The apparatus can project either a constant or pulsating flow of etchant materials over the optical fiber to create fibers with either smooth or abrupt transitions from the outer jacket of an optical fiber down to the inner core. The apparatus is also suitable for etching any material in an area where specially protected and designed venting facilities are unavailable. The apparatus can also be used to etch fine wires, rods, and the like.

Abstract: An insulated concentric tubing well element having an inner tubing and an outer tubing with a substantially solid insulating material in the annulus between the inner and outer tubing. A bonding material fills the voids in the annulus and the surface of the solid insulating material. The bonding material prevents movement within the annulus and seals the annulus. Calcium silicate is disclosed as a suitable material for the solid insulation and sodium silicate is disclosed as the bonding material. A method is disclosed for producing the complete well element.

Abstract: Three-terminal ternary III-V two-color solar cells incorporating layers of GaAs.sub.1-x-y P.sub.x Sb.sub.y. The three-terminal structure enables the current to be withdrawn from both cells without the necessity of current matching between the two color stacked photovoltaic device. In addition, the three-terminal configuration permits the independent determination of the individual properties of each cell. The stacked two-color cells can be connected in series through the three-terminal arrangement to overcome the problems of independent load matching between the cells encountered with the conventional two-terminal configuration. Finally, the three-terminal two colored solar cells does not require a shorting junction between the homojunction layers of the cells but only a simple transition layer. This speeds the processing of the device.

Abstract: A coupling unit is provided for joining flanged pipe ends. The ends are held in a pair of semicircular clamp members having inclined recesses and wedge elements for separating the flanges apart and bringing them into contact with the clamp.

Abstract: A compliant offshore drilling and producing structure is disclosed. Axial piles extend from articulated joints on a pile base at the sea floor to above the water's surface and are enveloped by sleeves extending downwardly from a rigid platform. Buoyant chambers attached to the sleeves support most of the platform weight and provide righting stability. The platform weight is supported by the axial piles through hydraulic means.

Abstract: A compliant offshore drilling and producing structure is disclosed. Axial piles extend from articulated joints on a pile base at the sea floor to above the water's surface and are enveloped by sleeves extending downwardly from a rigid platform. Buoyant chambers attached to the sleeves support most of the platform weight and provide righting stability. The platform weight is supported by the axial piles through hydraulic means.

Abstract: A tension leg drilling platform of the type having a floating buoyant structure anchored to the sea floor by a plurality of vertical tendons is improved by the addition of flexbile extendable lines between the platform buoyant structure and the tendons to permit movement in the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A compliant offshore drilling and producing structure is disclosed. Axial piles extend from the sea floor above the water's surface and are enveloped by sleeves extending downwardly from a rigid platform. Buoyant chambers attached to the sleeves provide an upward buoyant force in excess of the weight of the platform and sleeves. This excess upward force is counterbalanced by the axial piles through hydraulic means.

Abstract: A compliant offshore drilling and producing structure is disclosed. Axial piles extend from the sea floor above the water's surface and are enveloped by sleeves extending downwardly from a rigid platform. Buoyant chambers attached to the sleeves support most of the platform weight and provide righting stability. The platform weight is supported by the axial piles through hydraulic means.

Abstract: Hydrogenated amorphous silicon solar cells which incorporate a thin insulating layer between a photoactive layer of intrinsic hydrogenated amorphous silicon and a heavily doped radiation incident N or N.sup.+ -type layer of hydrogenated amorphous silicon.

Abstract: A sealed thermosiphoning solar energy system is disclosed which uses oil as a nonfreezing transport fluid. The oil is heated in an absorber exposed to the sun's radiation, passes through a check valve and into thermal exchange with a second fluid. Expansion means are provided to prevent excessive pressure buildup in the system.

Abstract: A passive thermosiphon loop of circulating heat transport liquid transfers heat from an inclined absorber to a heat exchanger in thermal contact with a second fluid. Reverse thermosiphoning under normal conditions is prevented by a ball type check valve. Due to differences in the thermal expansion between the valve ball and the transport liquid, the valve will, however, permit reverse thermosiphoning at high temperatures.

Abstract: A system for the thermal dissociation of gaseous matter into its component parts using solar energy and a molecular beam skimmer.

Abstract: Ternary III-V multicolor solar cells incorporating layers of GaAs.sub.1-x-y P.sub.x Sb.sub.y and an improved process of fabricating multicolor photovoltaic III-V compound photovoltaic devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for facilitating the diagnosis and servicing of automotive vehicles wherein a communicating network computer interfaces between a plurality of service agencies and a vehicle data base plus a record storage system. The service agencies have diagnostic test equipment that are provided with unique vehicle specifications and diagnostic information from the vehicle data base through the network computer. Measured diagnostic data from the diagnostic test equipment is supplied to the record storage system through the network computer as well as to display and printing equipment at the service agency. The data stored and displayed and the unique vehicle specifications are sorted by the unique identification of the vehicle. The apparatus permits data base access for improvements and changes to the data base. The storage permits retrieval of data by vehicle, type of service, and summary records to provide improved service agency operation.

Abstract: A guidelineless riser entry/reentry system which permits a safe and quick release of a riser column from a subsea installation. The system includes two guide funnels mounted on opposite sides of the subsea installation at the upper end thereof for the purpose of engaging respective telescopic posts mounted at the lower end of the riser column. With the posts in an extended position, the riser may be appropriately maneuvered to position the posts in their respective guide funnels. In this way, the riser is properly positioned on and orientated with respect to the subsea installation. The riser may then be disconnectably connected to the subsea installation and the posts moved into a retracted position so that the riser may be rapidly removed from the subsea installation.

Abstract: A P-I-N type compensated amorphous silicon solar cell which incorporates an insulating layer adjacent to the compensated intrinsic amorphous silicon layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling the temperature of a substrate onto which thin films of semiconductor materials are vapor deposited. The apparatus contains a platen contacting a surface of said substrate over the entire length of the deposition zone; said platen having at least one cavity therein and a rounded edge where said substrate first contacts said platen of the beginning of said deposition zone.

Abstract: A hydrogenated amorphous silicon solar cell incorporating a compensated photoactive intrinsic region containing N-type and P-type dopants.