Abstract: Improved paint brush bristles and provided from a blend of nylon 6/6 or nylon 6/12, together with between 4-15%, depending upon the shape and size of the filament, of a co-polyester derived from terephthalic and isophthalic acids with cyclohexane dimethanol.

Abstract: Improved paint brush bristles formed of synthetic materials are hollow and tapered with a central axial hollow. The tapered hollow bristles are characterized by their consistent wall thickness, i.e., ratio of cross-sectional hollow area to cross-sectional wall area remains consistent from one end of the bristle to the other; and by their consistency in neck-down location.

Abstract: Solar energy collector assembly including a solar energy collector in an enclosed space housing with bottom closure member secured by a snap-fit spring channel and low thermal conductivity mating projection therefor, a collector member securing means comprising a plurality of stiff low thermal conductivity wire retainers and top cover securing and sealing means comprising a seal and clamp engaging the top cover just inward of its periphery, to prevent intrusion of condensate in the enclosed space of the housing.

Abstract: A method of treating liquid waste with ozone by passing the liquid to be treated between complementary horizontal electrodes having therebetween electrically conductive particles so as to form an electrode bed, pulsing air simultaneously with said liquid, and maintaining between said electrodes an electrical potential so that as the air and liquid pass through said electrode bed, the bed expands to establish electrical contact between the electrodes thus to create localized arcing between particles in the bed and to form ozone.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cell comprises thin film cadmium telluride in ohmic contact with a conductive substrate, preferbaly comprising a cadmium surface, through a cadmium-rich layer at the interface with the substrate. The cell further includes a rectifying barrier layer which may be a Schottky barrier. The film is electrodeposited on the substrate surface and the substrate materials and electrodeposition conditions are controlled so as to produce a substantially stoichiometric deposit. Preferably, the film or cell is subsequently treated to enhance its efficiency.

Abstract: A filtration assembly including a perforate basket, screen and filtration media is provided with bands of complementary releasable attachment means along mating surfaces. The complementary releasable attachment means permit the backing screen and filtration media to be installed in and removed from the perforate basket simply without tools, while retaining the backing screen and filtration media in proper alignment with the perforate basket during the filtration process.

Abstract: Improved solar collector sub-assemblies and combinations thereof includes corner-locking piece sub-assemblies, top glazing clamping member sub-assembly, collector plate mounting member sub-assembly and collector assembly mounting means, all adapted to facilitate assembly and installation of collectors in accordance with the present invention and to permit thermal expansion of components thereof.

Abstract: Improved paint brush bristles formed of synthetic materials are hollow and tapered with a central axial hollow. The tapered hollow bristles are characterized by their consistent wall thickness, i.e., ratio of cross-sectional hollow area to cross-sectional wall area remains consistent from one end of the bristle to the other; and by their consistency in neck-down location.

Abstract: The invention relates to solar collectors which transfer thermal energy from a collector to a point of use by means of a heat exchange fluid. An array of collectors may be provided having a modified system to facilitate convenient assembly into an array and to provide balanced fluid flow across the array. The outlet conduit sized to insure the steady flow of fluid and air thus preventing the accumulation of air to the outlet to block fluid flow.

Abstract: A switch device is used in a self-retracting cord reel having a housing, a rotating drum, and an electrical cord having a portion thereof wound on the drum, a spring motor for rewinding the cord on the drum, a ratchet, a pawl having a first stop position for engaging the ratchet to stop the reel from rewinding the cord and a second position permitting the reel to rewind the cord, the positioning of the pawl being controlled by the movement of the reel with the cord. A switch is secured to the drum in circuit with the cord and is biased to one of its two positions. Switch operating mechanism is adapted to be moved by the pawl for placing the switch in the other position when the pawl is in its stop position.

Abstract: Solar energy collector assembly including a solar energy collector in an enclosed space housing with bottom closure member secured by a snap-fit spring channel and low thermal conductivity mating projection therefor, a collector member securing means comprising a plurality of stiff low thermal conductivity wire retainers and top cover securing and sealing means comprising a seal and clamp engaging the top cover just inward of its periphery, to prevent intrusion of condensate in the enclosed space of the housing.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cell comprises thin film cadmium telluride in ohmic contact with a smooth conductive substrate, preferably comprising a cadmium surface, through a cadmium-rich layer at the interface with the substrate, the cell further including a rectifying barrier layer. Preferably, the film is electrodeposited on the substrate surface with specific materials and process conditions. Preferably also, the film or cell is subsequently treated to enhance its barrier layer interface function.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cell comprises thin film cadmium telluride in ohmic contact with a smooth conductive substrate, preferably comprising a cadmium surface, through a cadmium-rich layer at the interface with the substrate, the cell further including a rectifying barrier layer. Preferably, the film is electrodeposited on the substrate surface with specific materials and process conditions. Preferably also, the film or cell is subsequently treated to enhance its barrier layer interface function.

Abstract: A motor-fan unit for a wet pick-up type of vacuum cleaner comprising a fan-section and a separately ventilated motor section. A motor-end bracket in the motor housing structure serves as a common end wall with the fan section and carries a bearing for the common shaft of the motor and fan. A baffle carried by the motor-end bracket within the fan section has an apertured central portion, at least partly enclosing the bearing, to provide a passage-way for high velocity air sealing the bearing from detergent-containing cleaning liquid entrained in working air drawn into the fan section. A normally closed check valve at an inlet to the sealing air passageway inhibits back-flow of either air or liquid through the inlet but permits such sealing air to serve as cooling air when the entrance of working air into the fan section is impeded.

Abstract: A flow meter is disclosed which is capable of providing a running total of the volume of fluid passing through a tube. The meter includes a vane which is moved along a path to a position corresponding to the rate of the fluid flow through the tube. A sensor is cyclically moved relative to the vane path to produce a pulse signal which is processed to obtain the total fluid volume.

Abstract: An improved solar energy collector assembly with a multiple glazed outer face, a flat collector member and an insulated bottom and side enclosure is provided with significantly enhanced thermal efficiency due to the mounting of the heat collector member and one or more inner glazing or transparent sheets in a manner to minimize conductive heat losses from this part of the assembly to the remainder of the assembly.

Abstract: Solar energy collector assembly including a solar energy collector in an enclosed space housing with bottom closure member secured by a snap-fit spring channel and low thermal conductivity mating projection therefor, a collector member securing means comprising a plurality of stiff low thermal conductivity wire retainers and top cover securing and sealing means comprising a seal and clamp engaging the top cover just inward of its periphery, to prevent intrusion of condensate in the enclosed space of the housing.

Abstract: A gauge assembly is disclosed having a casing formed of two separate cup members joined together in back-to-back relationship so as to form a relatively thick partition wall within the casing. The wall acts to reduce the possibility of parts being projected forward toward an observer in the event the gauge actuating mechanism, which is located behind the partition wall in the casing, should fail.

Abstract: Photovoltaic generator, comprised of photovoltaic amorphous lead dioxide with an oxygen to lead ratio in the range of 1.66 to 1.99, and having rectifying and ohmic junctions therewith. Said lead dioxide may be formed by electrodeposition on substrates, such as copper, nickel, stainless steel, carbon, brass, stannic oxide, indium oxide, and gold plated copper or brass, and generally provides an ohmic junction with the substrate. A rectifying photovoltaic junction of the Schottky barrier type is formed by overcoating the lead oxide with one or more of an evaporated, sputtered or ion plated film of copper, aluminum, Inconel.sup.1, nickel, gold, platinum, palladium, nickel oxide, titanium, titanium oxide, and copper oxide..sup.1 Trademark of International Nickel Co. Inc.

Abstract: Solar energy collector surface, the effectiveness of which as a collector is relatively independent of incident angle, comprises a textured surface of lead dioxide electrodeposited in such a manner to produce a multiplicity of upwardly protruding platelets. The electrodeposition technique comprises an initial nucleation stage in which a relatively high overpotential is applied for a short period of time and a subsequent oriented growth stage in which a lower overpotential is applied for a longer period of time than in the first stage.