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.

Abstract: A control system for a laundry machine generates a control signal to operate a door lock unit and prevent the door from opening while the laundry machine cylinder is rotating. A permanent magnet is mounted adjacent to the drive wheel of the cylinder so that the wheel spokes cut through the magnetic field of the magnet. A pick-up coil is mounted coaxial with the magnet and generates an induced pulse signal as the wheel turns. The induced pulse signal is processed by circuitry mounted on a printed circuit board to generate a DC control signal for the door unlocking circuitry of the door lock unit. The pulse signal is rectified and smoothed to provide a DC signal and is processed by a timer circuit to provide an amplified, precise switching signal which is used as the control signal. The DC control signal operates an electronic switch which connects an AC power source across a relay coil to open the door unlocking circuit so that the door remains locked as long as the DC control signal is generated.

Abstract: Method for the electrolytic separation of colloidally suspended material from a fluid system and compositions for using such method to recover such materials.

Abstract: A pressure responsive diaphragm has on its periphery axially spaced annular projections to define a peripheral annular groove therebetween which receives an annular projection at the coupling surface of a coupling flange. The diaphragm is thus releasably retained on the coupling flange and encloses a recess formed in the flange which recess communicates with the instrument. A compressible sealing ring for the recess within the flange is positioned on the peripheral surface of an annular projection of the diaphragm. The diaphragm may also be provided with an axially extending annular projection which is received in a corresponding axially opening groove formed in the coupling flange. A compressible sealing O-ring may be positioned within this axially opening groove radially outwardly of the diaphragm projection or may be positioned on the peripheral edge of the second annular projection of the diaphragm and arranged so that the O-ring contacts two or three metal walls of the coupling flange.

Abstract: A wet pick-up type vacuum motor fan unit with a separately ventilated motor section and a motor end bracket serving also as a support for, and part of a discharge end housing wall for, the working air fan section, has on the bracket fanward face a centrally apertured metal disk plate defining a flow space or path for bearing sealing air flow from ambient air inlets external of the motor section to a central discharge into the inlet eye of an auxiliary fan clamped on the shaft back-to-back with a larger diameter working air centrifugal fan adjacent the end bracket.

Abstract: A protection device for use on machines which are hand-fed, for protecting the machine operator from accidentally and inadvertently moving his hands inwardly into the entrance opening of the machine for precluding the possibility of injury to the hands or arms. The device provides a plurality of safety devices connected to an electric circuit which feeds the operating motor and the operation of any one of these safety features will stop the machine.

Abstract: An electrolytic filter, consisting of perforated conductive electrodes isolated by a separator, is adapted to filter at the first electrode or cathode suspended materials, including colloidal metal particles such a silver or gold made colloidal by borohydride, zinc, iron, etc., reduction or sulfide, etc., precipitation of metallic ion-containing solutions. The method of recovery involves use of the electrolytic filter and a composition including the finely divided metal containing waste solution in combination with floc forming compounds such as alkaline earth metal hydroxide, and negative charge imparting additives such as soluble phosphates and anionic resin flocculating agents. Preferably, the filter includes a floc circulating chamber in which the incoming liquid assumes a vertical toroidal flow pattern.

Abstract: A solar heat collector including a panel having a coating of PbO.sub.2 electrodeposited from a tartrate bath and a second coating of oxygen-deficient PbO.sub.2, such as .alpha.-PbO.sub.2 or .beta.-PbO.sub.2, heat being absorbable thereby and transferable to a liquid or gas for operating heating or cooling system.

Abstract: A self-contained toilet and waste treatment system comprises a toilet, a water flushing means, a waste treatment chamber including a comminuted redwood filter bed and digestion medium and a final filter, which treats the liquid effluent from the redwood filter and digestion medium, consisting of first and second porous sheet electrically conductive, generally metallic, elements spaced apart from one another and separated by a gas bubble impervious porous material. This filter also includes a means of imposing an electrical potential to establish an electrolytic current between the metallic elements. The first of the porous metallic elements through which the effluent passes acts as a filter member. A negative charge is established there and gaseous hydrogen is evolved, at a pressure on the order of 100 PSI. The evolving hydrogen gas bubbles displace semi-solid material from the metallic filtered element.

Abstract: An apparatus having a rotatable member is provided with a locking bolt slidably mounted on an access cover pivotally mounted on a housing supporting the rotatable member. The locking bolt is axially displaceable toward a latching mechanism mounted on the housing. The latching mechanism has a latch for securing the bolt in a locked position and a limit switch engageable by a key on the bolt for energizing and de-energizing the power to the rotatable member. An air or fluid operated solenoid means is provided to release the latch but is not actuable when the rotatable member is rotating. A rotary speed sensor is provided to sense the rotary speed of the rotatable member so as to enable the air solenoid to be released when the speed of he rotatable member is zero.

Abstract: A retriever reel for electrical or fluid lines in which a continuous connection is made between stationary and moving ends of the line by means of a random-lay spiral of line housed in the core of a rotatable drum and adapted to close in toward the central axis as the movable end of the line is uncoiled.

Abstract: An indicator gauge has a flat light conducting prism with an upper beveled surface positioned between the translucent dial and movement of the indicator. The prism receives light from a source located in the rear portion of the gauge and laterally of said movement, such that light is reflected downwardly by the beveled edge through the prism to illuminate the dial and pointer. A second annular prism may also be provided with a beveled surface so as to reflect light from the source across the face of the dial.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the thickness of filter cake on a filter by using the difference in pressure between the inside of the filter apparatus and the inside of a hollow body spaced from a filter element to provide a signal of measurement.