Abstract: A novel, high-efficiency, extremely light-weight, robust stretched Fresnel lens solar concentrator for space power is described. It consists of a flexible Fresnel lens attached to end supports, wherein said end supports stretch the lens to maintain its proper position and shape on orbit in space. One embodiment of the new concentrator includes means for lens deployment on orbit in space. In this embodiment, prior to deployment, the flexible lens and end supports are folded into a flat, low-volume package for efficient launch into space. Another embodiment of the new concentrator includes non-deployable means of stretching the lens to maintain its proper position and shape in space. Both embodiments of the new concentrator approach will provide significant advantages over the prior art in space photovoltaic concentrator arrays. Photovoltaic concentrator arrays using the new stretched lens will be much lighter and more economical than prior space concentrator arrays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus to energize a fluid. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a housing defining a bore therethrough within which is disposed an antenna so as to define an annulus between the housing and the antenna, the antenna being electrically coupled to both the housing and an electrical power source so as to create an electrical field through which water or other fluids may be passed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dual utility support and fastening system which comprises a first body member which is slidably engageable in a housing where the first member includes at least one selectively removable support element. In one embodiment the support element includes an internally threaded bore where the bore extends through the support element into the body.

Abstract: A color-mixing lens for use in a concentrator system and methods of manufacture and operation thereof. The color-mixing lens includes: (1) a light-transmissive substrate that receives broad spectrum light from a source, (2) a first plurality of prisms, located on the substrate, that refract and chromatically disperse the light received therein toward a first plurality of locations on an active region of a target cell, and (3) a second plurality of prisms located on the substrate that refract and chromatically disperse the light received therein toward a second plurality of locations on the active region. Relative dimensions of the first and second pluralities of prisms are preselected to cause the chromatically-dispersed light to mix and thereby increase a power output of the target cell by reducing inter-junction currents therein.

Abstract: An improved disc-shaped cutting element including first and second major flat surfaces and a cutting edge, said element comprised of a hard metal substrate defining an irregular interface bonded to a polycrystalline diamond, where said interface includes a plurality of concentric and redial grooves adapted to receive corresponding protrusions formed on the diamond layer so as to enhance wear like and impact resistance.

Abstract: A coring assembly comprising a body securable at its upper end to a mandrel add at its lower end to a core catcher housing, a ball sleeve slidably disposed about said mandrel and moveable between a first and a second position, a ball closure valve disposed in said body and moveable with said mandrel between the first and second position, the combination operable to remotely cut and collect a loosely consolidated core sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to toolholders and mechanisms for securing the toolholder to a lathe turret or tool indexer. One embodiment of the invention comprises a base adapted to be secured to a rotary lathe table via a mechanism receivable in slots or grooves which can be wedged and compressively secured about selected positions about an engagement surface. A second embodiment comprises a bore securable to a lathe table via both fastening and positioning mechanisms where the bore defines a dovetail groove receivable to a complementary tongue where the toolholder is securable to the bore in a cam locking mechanism.

Abstract: An improved bi-center bit with improved directional stability and wear resistance is disclosed, which bit optimally utilizing a plurality of shaped PDC cutting elements selectively situated about the cutting surfaces of the pilot and the reamer to produce a minimal force imbalance, where further the pilot bit and the reamer are force balanced to further reduce imbalance in the operation of the tool.

Abstract: A drilling tool operational with a rotational drive source for drilling in a subterranean formation where said tool comprises a body defining a face disposed about a longitudinal axis, a plurality of cutting elements fixedly disposed on and projecting from said tool face and spaced apart from one another, and one or more stabilizing elements disposed on the tool face and defining a beveled surface.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a spaced relationship between two energetic sources is disclosed, which system including in a preferred embodiment a clamping mechanism securable to the energetic sources, a spacing system disposed between these sources, a pivot mechanism coupled to the spacing system and pivotally engageable to the clamping mechanism, and a shock absorption system coupled to the spacing mechanism and adapted to resiliently deform.

Abstract: Automated drilling apparatus. This invention relates generally to an automated drilling apparatus, with its control system and other operating components uniquely integrated within an external housing, while operating via low pressure air sources or other fluid power sources commonly found in industrial settings, and methods for its use. The automated drilling apparatus could be adaptable to a wide range of hand-held or machine mounted automated drilling and machining operations because its unique integrated technology provides for a programmable lightweight small machine tool which will be effective in industrial settings. A prototype automated drilling apparatus has been effectively evaluated with test results proving the invention effective for industrial use.

Abstract: The automated integrated input-output control system apparatus. A versatile industrial control apparatus that can be utilized as a modular unit or integrated into industrial machinery or tools to provide an apparatus and method for programmable control of industrial tools, industrial controls and manufacturing operation processes. The automated integrated input-output control system apparatus includes the following components: a control-power mechanism housing, a sensor, input attachment devices, output attachment device, and a control system.

Abstract: A novel flare stack is disclosed comprising a body defining a partially hollow tube and having an first and a second end, a burner disposed at the upper end, a gas introduction means situated at the lower end and a source of fluid coupled in fluid communication with the second end of the body for combustion of both the gas and the fluid in the burner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved, stabilized drill bit including a shank disposed about a longitudinal axis for receiving a rotational drive source, a gauge portion and a face portion which includes a number of symmetrically arranged blades which themselves include radially situated cutting elements disposed at an exaggerated cutting angle.

Abstract: A friction welding fusion enhancer apparatus. This invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for increasing the fusion area of a rotatable workpiece (stud, shaft or other) to be friction welded to a substrate of either similar or dissimilar materials or two circular shafts that are to be friction welded together by use of an apparatus that can be removable from the stud, shaft or other weldable devices after the stud is friction welded to the substrate, while limiting the build-up of plastisized matter around the peripheral edge of the rotatable workpiece. It is envisioned the invention disclosed herein could be adaptable to a wide range of friction welding apparatuses since the apparatus disclosed herein could be adapted to most friction welder rotatable workpieces. The friction welding fusion enhancer apparatus includes the following integrally coupled components: reaction surface area, peripheral edge, engagement means and rotatable workpiece.

Abstract: An improved bi-center with improved directional stability and wear resistance is disclosed, said bit optimally utilizing a plurality of shaped PDC cutting elements selectively situated about the cutting surfaces of the pilot and the reamer to produce a minimal force imbalance, where further said pilot bit and the reamer are force balanced to further reduce imbalance in the operation of the tool.

Abstract: An automatic burner assembly is disclosed, which assembly is adapted to be automatically and selectively actuatable upon the placement of a given vessel thereon or in close proximity thereto, this assembly comprising a heating element operably coupled to a sensor assembly, where this assembly is capable of detecting the presence of a given vessel on or proximate to the heating element.

Abstract: A method of preservation and presentation including the steps of positioning a perishable product having a significant porosity and permeability into a gas impermeable package in the presence of a first agent, thereafter sealing the product in the package in the presence of the agent under a positive pressure and maintaining gas communication between the product and the first agent for a time necessary for the concentration of the first agent to be reduced by 50%.

Abstract: A portable milling apparatus is disclosed where said apparatus, in one embodiment, comprises a cutting head, a control mechanism and a power supply where said cutting head generally includes a frame, an axial displacement means, a rotary cylinder and alignment means.

Abstract: A photovoltaic receiver is disclosed where said receiver includes at last one photovoltaic cell coupled to an electrical load via the use of an electrical conductor and a bypass diode, the combination secured to a heat sink via the use of a Tefzel film incorporating a pressure sensitive adhesive on both its upper and lower surfaces, a prismatic top cover and a second Tefzel film layer secured to said first layer so as to encapsulate said photovoltaic cell.