Abstract: A solar collector comprising a glass mirror, and a composite panel, wherein the back of the mirror is affixed to a front surface of the composite panel. The composite panel comprises a front sheet affixed to a surface of a core material, preferably a core material comprising a honeycomb structure, and a back sheet affixed to an opposite surface of the core material. The invention may further comprise a sealing strip, preferably comprising EPDM, positioned between the glass mirror and the front surface of the composite panel. The invention also is of methods of making such solar collectors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for using a beam of energy, specifically laser light (46), to transport, suspend or trap non-atomic size particles (59) within a hollow-core optical fiber (50), manipulating the particles (59) along the fiber (50) over distances and depositing them on a substrate (58). A laser generates a beam (46) focused on a fiber (50) entrance (56). A source (54) delivers particles (52) to the entrance (56). Particles (52) are drawn into the beam (46) and propelled through the core (48) of the fiber (50). Forces (F1-F4) on a particle (12) generated by reflection, absorption and refraction of laser light (20) keep the particle (12) close to the fiber's center and propel it along the fiber's length. A variety of micron-size particles, including solids, solid dielectrics, semiconductors, liquids, aerosols and living cells are conveyed.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning an item that provides two-dimensional, independent orthogonal motion of a platform in a X-Y plane. A pair of master and slave disks engages opposite sides of the platform. Rotational drivers are connected to master disks so the disks rotate eccentrically about axes of rotation. Opposing slave disks are connected to master disks on opposite sides of the platform by a timing belt, or are electronically synchronized together using stepper motors, to effect coordinated motion. The coordinated eccentric motion of the pairs of master/slave disks compels smooth linear motion of the platform in the X-Y plane without backlash. The apparatus can be a planar mechanism implemented in a MEMS device.

Abstract: A method of producing ferrate is disclosed, in which Fe.sup.3+ is oxidized with monoperoxosulfate (HSO.sub.5.sup.-) to form K.sub.2 FeO.sub.4 /K.sub.2 SO.sub.4. The isolation of the potassium ferrate (K.sub.2 FeO.sub.4) product in a sulfate matrix (K.sub.2 SO.sub.4) stabilizes the ferrate against decomposition and inhibits clumping of the solid product by inhibiting moisture adsorption. The method is a safe, simple process for the production of ferrate that is reliable, fast, and inexpensive, and that avoids the use of chlorine or chlorinated products, thus avoiding their harmful side effects. The improved ferrate product of this method is particularly useful for water and wastewater treatment, especially in the treatment of sulfides and hydrazines, and in other applications.