Abstract: A solar concentrator photovolataic power module of small scale wherein a plurality of pre-fabricated photovoltaic solar cells reside in a matrix array in a substrate comprised of a pair of thin sheet conductors separated by an insulator sheet. A lens sheet on which a multiplicity of lenses have been formed is disposed in a fixed spaced relation to the substrate and operates to focus radiation (sunlight) onto the photo active surfaces of the cells in order to generate electricity. The overall thickness of the module including the substrate, lens sheet and space between the two is less than two inches. The laminated substrate is formed by disposing a plurality of pre-fabricated solar cells in a matrix array onto a back conductor, overlaying onto the back conductor an insulator which surrounds each of the cells and overlaying onto the insulator a top conductor.

Abstract: A blast wave choke to be disposed at the above ground entrances of a ventilation system for a underground personnel shelter wherein a plurality of annular choke elements of progressively smaller inside diameter are aligned along a common axis and spaced one from the other by annular interposed spacer elements wherein each spacer element has an inside diameter that is greater than the adjacent choke elements wherein a blast wave entering the ventilation system will encounter a series of rings and set up an interference pattern which will dissipate the energy of the blast wave before it can enter the underground shelter and cause injury to persons or damage to property therein.

Abstract: An optical data storage system includes automatic compensation for shifting movements of the reading/writing beam and other imperfections which otherwise would affect the focusing or location of focus of a laser light beam onto a data storage record. Servo motors and associated apparatus common in the prior art are avoided. The recording or reading laser beam is directed as parallel light toward the data recording medium, but is first focused generally to a line by a first cylindrical lens supported by the laser source apparatus and transverse with respect to the orientation of data tracks of the data storage record. This produces a beam which is parallel in one direction as it approaches the data storage record. The beam is then focused substantially to a point by a second cylindrical lens perpendicular to the first lens and attached to and moveable with the data storage record as an integral part of a disk or card or other data storage structure.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the use of chopsticks and a method of making same characterized by a band spring of single-piece, molded or formed construction, free of separate and joined members, to connect a pair of chopsticks at an adjustable distance from each other and enable their manipulation in a manner substantially identical and faithful to the proper holding and wielding of a pair of individual and unjoined chopsticks. The spring's structure consists of a curved and bent band spring extending between and terminating in two sleeves with adjustable apertures through which the chopsticks are passed. Forward disposition of one sleeve relative to the other sleeve causes one chopstick to have an axial component of movement when pressed toward the other chopstick. The sleeves are self-securing in their attachment to the chopsticks and can accommodate chopsticks of varying size. The distal space between the chopsticks can be altered to adjust the spring for holding by hands of differing size.

Abstract: A device for carrying snow skis wherein a ski tip receiver is permanently secured at the upper surface of a snow ski defining a tapered cylindrical space sized to receive and grip a ski pole tip and oriented to permanently align the cylindrical space perpendicular to the length to the ski such that when a ski pole tip is inserted into the cylindrical space, the ski pole will be disposed perpendicular to the length of the ski. The invention permits skis to be carried by inserting a ski pole tip in each ski tip receiver, hoisting the ski poles on a skier's shoulder to align the skis vertically along, and spaced from, the back of the skier, and secure and steady the skis by gripping the ski poles with a hand.

Abstract: A solar concentrator-photovoltaic module having a matrix of miniaturized photovoltaic cells is formed by using a laser beam to form the miniaturized photovoltaic cell sites in situ. A laminated sheet is formed by a light-transmissive lens sheet having a matrix of lenses, and a substrate including a conductor layer formed onto the bottom side of the lens sheet. The laminated sheet is then irradiated using laser beams directed normal to and through each lens of the lens sheet, to perforate the substrate including the conductor layer forming cell sites. Cells can be formed in situ by applying an amorphous or multi-crystalline semi-conductor material to the cell sites from the bottom of the laminated sheet. The laminated sheet is then irradiated further with laser beams directed through each of the lenses, to thereby convert the amorphous material to a properly doped and fully crystalline photovoltaic junction.