Abstract: An improved reaction chamber for CVD is disclosed that combines the advantageous features of the known horizontal and vertical designs while minimizing their respective short comings. The improved reaction chamber essentially comprises a vertical, double-walled reaction tube having a tapered top provided with a concentric gas inlet, a cooled base plate supporting the reaction tube and provided with a gas outlet, and a tapered susceptor operatively supported within the reaction tube, in close proximity to its tapered top and defining an angle therebetween. This angle varies from zero to about nineteen degrees and preferably is between ten to seventeen degrees. Preferably, the susceptor is rotatably and replaceably supported by a hollow rod, axially accommodating therein a thermocouple for monitoring the temperature within the reaction tube. The tapered top of the reaction tube can be shaped like a cone or like a pyramid with planar side surfaces.

Abstract: An improved latch to mount a night vision goggle system to a face mask is disclosed. The latch comprises a part secured to the face mask and parts secured to the goggle system. Specifically, it includes a tongue, which angularly adjustably is secured to the face mask. In one embodiment, the goggle system is provided with a receiver, a switch to render the system operational mounted adjacent the receiver and means mounted in operative association with the receiver both releasably to secure the goggle system to the face mask via the tongue and also to actuate the switch. In a second embodiment, the goggle system is provided with a receiver and a leaf spring releasably to secure the goggle system to the face mask via the tongue.

Abstract: A fluorescence spectrometer for multielement analysis including a source for atomizing a dispersed sample along an axis and a plurality of energizers and detectors preferably arranged in pairs about the source, with each of the pairs designed for analyzing one element. Preferably, the source is an inductively coupled plasma. Means is provided for each of the pairs to view a different segment of the source along its axis, depending on the element to be analyzed. Preferably, such means includes: a source movable along its axis; fiber optics interposed between the energizers and the source and between the source and the detectors; and a movable optical element interposed between the energizers and the source and between the source and the detectors. The spectrometer further features a polychromator for use in lieu of matched optical filters in the detectors and demountable hollow cathode lamps as energizers.

Abstract: An automatic sampling method for introducing a diluted viscous sample into an instrument for analysis for trace elements. The automatic sampling system includes a tube assembly, a member for mounting the tube assembly in proper relation, means for maintaining, between sampling, the free end of the tube assembly in a cleaning solution, and means for inserting the free end of the tube assembly into a sample contained within a container. Preferably, the instrument is a spectrometer, the samples are organic and aqueous samples, such as oils, brines, sludges, plating solutions and the like, and the trace elements include wear metals and also other elements, such as calcium, barium, zinc, sodium, magnesium, boron, phosphor and the like.

Abstract: A gain adjuster circuit is disclosed for adjusting the gain of a plurality of photomultiplier tubes (PMT's) by digital circuitry. The circuit includes a plurality of PMT's, each having a specific internal resistance. A plurality of switches and resistances are connected in series with the PMT's. The digital circuitry is designed for adjusting the effective resistances thereof, to adjust thereby the voltage across each of the several PMT's. Preferably, the digital circuitry includes a demultiplexer coupled, via the switches and resistances, to the PMT's, a flip-flop coupled to the demultiplexer, and a presettable counter coupled to the flip-flop.

Abstract: A system for measuring radiation in the laboratory or at a site to aid in determining whether to erect a solar energy installation at that site includes a positioner and a sensor. The sensor, which is mounted on the positioner, includes a rotating semispherical chopper and an integrating sphere for collecting radiation in three modes. A broad-band detector measures the irradiance from the integrating sphere to monitor for anomalies. A pair of monochromators simultaneously measure, one in the visible range and the other in the infrared range, the spectral irradiance from the integrating sphere. Processing electronics process the measured spectral irradiance from the monochromators and generate data signals for providing an absolute irradiance spectra at the plane of the entrance aperture. The absolute irradiance spectra is inputted to an X-Y plotter and a magnetic disc and tape. The system further includes internal reference sources providing continuous wavelength and irradiance calibration.

Abstract: A surface finish, displacement and contour scanner is disclosed which effectively protects its stylus from damage even if the stylus meets an obstacle, such as a wall, a major ridge or a crack. The surface finish, displacement and contour scanner further includes a unique transducer designed to provide true displacement transducer operation with or without traverse, a magnetic attach-release mechanism disposed median between the stylus and a transducer, and a ball-and-notch seating structure formed about the point of flexing of the stylus support.

Abstract: A fluorescence spectrometer for multielement analysis including a source for atomizing a dispersed sample along an axis and a plurality of energizers and detectors preferably arranged in pairs about the source, with each of the pairs designed for analyzing one element. Preferably, the source is an inductively coupled plasma. Means is provided for each of the pairs to view a different segment of the source along its axis, depending on the element to be analyzed. Preferably, such means includes: a source movable along its axis; fiber optics interposed between the energizers and the source and between the source and the detectors; and a movable optical element interposed between the energizers and the source and between the source and the detectors. The spectrometer further features a polychromator for use in lieu of matched optical filters in the detectors and demountable hollow cathode lamps as energizers.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling and/or capping undersea oil or gas well blowouts are disclosed. The system includes a mound and a road bed prepared about and leading to an undersea well head, a base plate having an anchoring track and secured onto the mound and about the well head, a collar member secured to the base plate above the well head by being connected to the anchoring track thereof, a structure also erected on the base plate adjacent the well head, a capping member secured to the structure, a bag floating on the sea surface above the well head and a flexible hose connected between the collar member and the bag. Preferably, at least portions of the mound and the road bed are formed on shore of a plurality of preformed segments, then transported to and assembled in situ on the sea floor about the well head. Preferably, a remotely controlled device is provided designed to do work about the well head and accomodated on the road bed leading to the well head.

Abstract: An authentication device for various items is disclosed. The authentication device includes a sample treated with at least two luminophors, each luminophor being ultra-violet energy excitable but one emitting in the visible and the other in the infrared spectral range, an excitation lamp to excite the treated sample, a pair of detectors one each for detecting radiation in the visible and in the infrared spectral range, a source of power, and a display coupled to the pair of detectors. Preferably, the authentication device is provided with an optional multi-channel fiber optic cable. Preferably, the authentication device is light and portable. Preferably, the source of power is a battery. Preferably, the battery is rechargeable.

Abstract: An extensible swivel for lamps and the like is disclosed. The extensible swivel preferably is incorporated in a leg or an arm of a lamp, where the leg or the arm includes upper and lower tubular members joined by a retainer ring. An extension sleeve preferably is secured with one end in the upper tubular member and, a hollow swivel is secured to the sleeve's other end. The lower tubular member is provided with a key sleeve having a key along its axial length. The hollow swivel is designed to be accommodated, for axial and rotational adjustment, within the key sleeve. Such adjustment, when made, is held frictionally stable and stationary. The hollow swivel includes a spindle on which the swivel's operative parts are mounted. These operative parts include a stop ring fixedly mounted to the spindle, at least one double-leg ring member mounted in operative association with the stop ring and, a stop bushing provided with a channel and mounted in operative association with the double-leg ring member.

Abstract: A disposable coagulator for the bipolar coagulation of blood vessels and/or tissue is disclosed. The disposable coagulator comprises a light-weight, electrically insulating housing, a coaxial probe defining an inner and outer electrode and having a beveled end and secured within the housing, and a pair of insulated leads coupling the probe to a source of variable rf power. The surface area of the inner electrode at the beveled end is substantially the same as the surface area of the outer electrode. Preferably, the housing is injection formed of a suitable plastic material in two parts designed to snap-fit to one another so as firmly to hold the probe within the housing, once assembled.

Abstract: A locking device for securing a bicycle or the like to a post or other fixture. The locking device features a replaceable lock cylinder, which in turn allows for both replacing merely the lock cylinder when the keys get lost and also allows for conforming the lock cylinder of the device to an identical lock cylinder used in the owner's home so that one key, preferably a flat key, services both the device and the home. The lock cylinder cannot, however, be removed when the device is locked and in use. The key, on the other hand, can only be removed when the device is locked.

Abstract: A glass cutter and an accessory to allow circular cuts are disclosed. The glass cutter includes a barrel having an axial opening formed of two sections: a smooth and a tapped section, a tapered holder for releasably securing a cutter wheel in the barrel's smooth section, and a spring-biased shaft to be secured within the tapped section and provided with a finger control member. Preferably, the shaft is axiably adjustable. Preferably, the barrel has a knurled outer periphery. Preferably, the holder is formed of stainless steel and the remaining parts are of aluminum.

Abstract: A holder with a stack of sheets, each of which is provided with a hole through which a pin passes, the sheets being provided with a slot that extends from the hole to the edge of the sheet, and a cutout that is diametrically opposed to the slot. An annular part formed from a thin plate of stiff and, optionally, easily bent material is secured to the pin. This passes obliquely upwards through the slots and cutouts in the sheets and is arranged with about one half beneath the stack of sheets, the other half being above the stack (FIG. 4).

Abstract: An automatic sampling system and method for introducing a diluted viscous sample into an instrument for analysis for trace elements. The automatic sampling system includes a tube assembly, a member for mounting the tube assembly in proper relation, means for maintaining, between sampling, the free end of the tube assembly in a cleaning solution, and means for inserting the free end of the tube assembly into a sample contained within a container. Preferably, the instrument is a spectrometer, the samples are organic and aqueous samples, such as oils, brines, sludges, plating solutions and the like, and the trace elements include wear metals and also other elements, such as calcium, barium, zinc, sodium, magnesium, boron, phosphor and the like.

Abstract: A coating apparatus and method for coating industrial cutting and turning tools of any desired shape and configuration and the like significantly to improve the tools' working properties. The coating is formed of cubic boron nitride, with a preferred thickness not exceeding ten microns.The coating apparatus includes an rf excited plasma source chamber having a gas feed ring for ionizing a gas admitted into the chamber via the ring. The preferred feedgas is a borazine and benzene vapor mixture. A coating chamber is mounted adjacent to and contiguous with the plasma source chamber via a neck portion. The coating chamber includes a vacuum interlock to permit the entry and removal of a tool transport. At least one vacuum pump is operatively connected to the chamber. Preferably, a plurality of permanent magnets and electron supply filaments are arranged circumferentially about the plasma source chamber. Preferably, the tool transport is rotatable during coating.