Abstract: A novel package assembly and method are disclosed whereby a food product having a moisture content of less than 5 weight percent is disposed in a sealed package in which a sealed packet of an aqueous solution is also disposed; so that upon exposure to microwave radiation, the solution in the sealed packet vaporizes, rupture the packet and is dispersed as steam throughout the sealed package, whereby the temperature of the low moisture food product is increased.

Abstract: A novel process and apparatus is disclosed for producing potato chip products having less than twenty-five weight percent oil based on the total weight of an unseasoned chip. The process requires parfrying potato slices, dealing and partially dehydrating the slices with superheated steam and then further dehydrating the slices.

Abstract: Low oil potato chips having corrugated cross-sectional configurations wherein the value of amplitude/period ranges from about 0.35 to about 0.50 and wherein ridges on one face of the corrugated chip are in-phase with grooves on the opposing face of the corrugated chip.

Abstract: Novel products, such as snack foods, are disclosed that comprise waxy corn masa and have unique textures, as well as processing procedures adaptable to waxy corn masa that permit the production of low-oil content products.

Abstract: An apparatus for dewatering a corn-water slurry which is inexpensive to build and operate. The device comprises an inverted conical unit having porous walls which permit the passage of water, debris and broken corn pieces therethrough but retains undamaged corn within the porous walls. The corn-water slurry is injected tangentially into the upper portion of the device and follows a generally downward spiral path, whereby the water is centrifugally removed through the porous wall structure, with the undamaged corn exiting through a lower exit port.

Abstract: Novel ohmic contacts are provided for p-type semiconductor compounds comprising at least one of the metals of Class IIB of the Periodic Table of Elements and one of the non-metal elements of Class VIA of the Periodic Table of Elements, as well as a method for forming such novel ohmic contacts. These ohmic contacts comprise a multilayer metal contact wherein the first layer provides a lasting stable contact with the p-type semiconductor; the additional layers provide the necessary electrical conductivity for the contact to be efficient.

Abstract: A semirigid support member is provided for deploying flexible photovoltaic modules in a manner that imparts a degree of rigidity and permanence to the deployment. The semirigid support members provide lightweight economical means for lending structural support to flexible photovoltaic modules. The support members may be interconnected and additionally connected to a permanent base foundation.

Abstract: Amorphous metal alloys have the formulaM.sup.1.sub.a M.sup.2.sub.b M.sup.3.sub.cwhereM.sup.1 is Fe, Co, Ni, Pd and combination thereof;M.sup.2 is Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta and combination thereof;M.sup.3 is Rh, Os, Ir, Pt and combinations thereof;a ranges from about 0 to 60;b ranges from about 10 to 70; andc ranges from about 5 to 70, with the proviso that a+b+c=100.These alloys have utility as anodes in electrolytic processes and a process for the generation of halogens from halide-containing solutions includes a step of conducting electrolysis of the solutions in an electrolytic cell having an amorphous metal alloy anode of the formulaM.sup.1.sub.a M.sup.2.sub.b M.sup.3.sub.c.

Abstract: A process is provided for the nitrogenation of hydrocarbons, resulting in the production of cyclic imides and nitriles from hydrocarbons contacted with molecular oxygen and a nitrogenating agent, including ammonia or primary amines, in the presence of an oxidation catalyst containing variable valency metal oxides, in the vapor phase at elevated temperature.

Abstract: A stable front contact current collector grid 116 is provided for photovoltaic devices. The current collector grid 116 is disposed between two semiconductor layers, 118 and 119, each semiconductor layer having the same conductivity type. The photovoltaic device utilizes a substrate 112; an optically transparent electrically conductive layer 114; a first layer of semiconductor material 118; a front contact current collector grid 116; a second layer of semiconductor material 119 having the same conductivity type as the first semiconductor layer; a third layer of semiconductor material 120 having a conductivity type opposite from that of the first and second semiconductor layers; and an electrically conductive film 122 in contact with the third semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A large area photovoltaic device having a transparent front contact is made more efficient by a current collector grid formed over the transparent front contact to decrease the series resistance of the device. Where the front contact is between a transparent substrate and the semiconductor layers of the photovoltaic device, the collector grid is embedded in the semiconductor layers. To prevent leakage of current into the collector grid from one semiconductor layer, the collector grid material is selected to form a Schottky barrier junction with that semiconductor layer that blocks the flow of the leakage current. The process for preparing such thin film photovoltaic devices includes etching channels in the semiconductor layers, depositing the collector grid material in the channels, insulating the grid, and depositing a back electrical contact film.

Abstract: Amorphous metal alloy compositions are synthesized by solid state incorporation/reduction reactions wherein a high-surface area support is brought in contact with a precursor metal-bearing compound in such a manner that the compound is incorporated into the support or caused to deposit metal onto the surface of the support. The composition obtained is an amorphous alloy composition or can be made so by heat treating at a temperature below the crystallization temperature of the amorphous metal alloy desired to be formed.

Abstract: A bypass diode assembly (10) for a photovoltaic module (11) incorporating a plurality of electrically conductive strips (12), each having a long leg (13) and a short leg (14). The long leg (13) of each conductive strip (12) is in overlapped relation with the long leg (13) of another conductive strip (12). A diode (21) is interposed between successive conductive strips (12) in the vicinity of the overlapped relation and is electrically associated therewith. A bridging portion comprising diagonal arm (20) is carried by each long leg (13) and is oriented to dissipate stress experienced by the conductive strip (12). The short leg (14) is suitably located and configured for electrically communicating with the substrate layer (15) of a corresponding photovoltaic cell strip (16).

Abstract: A photovoltaic array module incorporating a plurality of photovoltaic cell strips (11). Each cell strip (11) incorporates an electrically conductive substrate layer (22), a semiconductor body (23) deposited on the substrate layer (22), and a transparent electrically conductive layer (24) deposited on the semiconductor body (23). Electrically conductive filaments (20) are alternately connected to contact points (31) on the electrically conductive substrate layer (22) of one cell strip (11) and to contact points (32) on the transparent electrically conductive layer (24) of another cell strip (11). A first busbar (12) and a second busbar (13) are connected to the end cell strips (11) of the array to collect the electrical energy generated thereby.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a photovoltaic module having a plurality of cell strips. The apparatus (10) includes a frame (11) and a support drum (25) rotatably received in the frame (11). The support drum (25) has a substantially curved surface (42) having a plurality of paired dowel guides (45) for registering cell strips (50) relative to the surface (42) and an interconnect mesh (36) relative to the cell strip (50). A plurality of paired complimentary clamp sets (51, 52) receive and secure the cell strips (50) and the interconnect mesh (36) to the support drum (25).

Abstract: Amorphous metal alloy powders may be synthesized by solid state reactions. Precursor components that include the elements of the amorphous alloy are chemically reduced to yield an intimate mixture. The resultant intimate mixture, as obtained or after heat-treating, exhibits amorphous characteristics. These powders are suitable for forming solid amorphous shapes.

Abstract: A drill chuck usable in a drilling device capable of rotary or rotary-percussion drilling, includes radially adjustable clamping jaws with the clamping surfaces of the jaws directed inwardly towards the central axis of the chuck. Each clamping jaw has at least one projection extending radially inwardly from the clamping surface for engagement in correspondingly shaped recesses in the shank of a drilling tool insertable into the chuck. The clamping surfaces form guide surfaces for the drilling tool so that the drilling tool is adequately guided over large surfaces extending in the axial and circumferential directions in the chuck.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a photochemical reaction incorporates a housing (11) and a lid (15), removably affixed thereto, which together define a reaction chamber (20). The lid has an axial opening (26) therein for the passage of a light beam therethrough. Means for transmitting light energy (30) within the reaction chamber (20) having a tapered end (31) optically communicating in a sealed disposition with the axial opening (26), extends into the reaction chamber (20) and terminates in a uniquely configured end (32). The light beam received by the tapered end (31) of the means for transmitting light energy (30) is controllably dispersed within the reaction chamber (20) by the uniquely configured end (32). As such, it is possible to use an external light source to activate a photochemical reaction of the reactants, and/or a photocatalyst, contained within the reaction chamber (20). Methods for carrying out photochemical reactions in the aforementioned apparatus are likewise embodied herein.

Abstract: Alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acids, such as lactic acid and mandelic acid, are photochemically converted to form high yields of the corresponding alcohol by irradiating a solution containing the alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acid in contact with the semiconductor catalyst material. The semiconductor catalyst material is preferably a metal titanium oxide. The photochemical reaction may be carried out over a wide range of temperatures and pressures and in an oxidative or inert atmosphere.

Abstract: A novel process for the isomerization of olefins which employs a photocatalytic mixed metal cluster, wherein a solution of the olefin and the cluster is irradiated causing the cluster to become catalytically active and to isomerize the olefin. The photocatalytic mixed metal cluster has the empirical formula:(C.sub.n R.sub.n ').sub.a Fe.sub.b M.sub.c (CO).sub.d L.sub.ewherein n is five; wherein R' is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, acetyl, formyl, bromine, chlorine and fluorine; wherein M is a transition metal other than iron selected from the group consisting of Mo, Ru, Rh, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn; wherein L is a Group V type ligand; and further wherein a is from about one to five, b and c are from about one to five and b plus c is between two and six, d is from about five to 18 with the proviso that d is always equal to or greater than b plus c, and e is from about 0 to 18.