Abstract: A portable water treatment apparatus utilizing a cylindrical filter module having a spirally wound semipermeable membrane assembly includes interior upper and lower O-ring seals and an outer brine seal, all of which may be assembled without any potentially damaging movement between the seals and the respective interfacing surfaces in contact with the seals. Each of the O-ring seals is disposed between an annular shoulder on one interfacing part and a frustoconical surface on the other part such that a sealing compression is the only movement imposed on the O-ring. The brine seal, comprising a strip of adhesive-coated tape, is attached after the filter module has been placed in the housing such that it is in its final sealing position and is undisturbed by any subsequent assembly step.

Abstract: A high temperature optical fiber connector in which the optical fiber bundle is physically bonded to the connector body by sintered metallic body contained in an interior cavity of the connector.

Abstract: Apparatus, for use in conjunction with a digital plotter incorporating controlled multiple markers to create displays, for determining the position of the markers along axes of movement, comprises a detector assembly disposed at a fixed axial position relative to the plotter, and a driver for moving a marker relative to the detector assembly. The detector assembly includes means for detecting movement of the marker relative thereto and producing signals indicative of the movement. A processor interprets the signals for determining an axial position of the marker and optionally detects and compensates for a variation in the axial position of a current marker relative to the axial position of a prior marker.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-layer photovoltaic cell containing a heat-treated layer including Cd and Te, comprising the sequential steps of applying a chloride to the layer, heat-treating the layer with the chloride thereon, and subsequently depositing another semiconductor layer thereon.

Abstract: A gas sensor comprises a photovoltaic cell which, upon exposure to light, develops a photovoltage or photocurrent which varies as a function of the type of gas sorbed. The cell includes in order a conductor, an N-type light-absorbing semiconductor, and a thin light-transmitting gas-absorbing metal Schottky layer having electrical properties which vary with the type of gas sorbed therein.

Abstract: A computer-controlled aircraft fuel loading management system is disclosed. The system measures fuel loading volumetrically using flow meter devices and gravimetrically using information relating to the density (specific gravity) of the fuel being loaded entered prior to a fuel loading operation, changes in the temperature of the fuel being loaded and stored information relating to the densities (specific gravities) of a number of fuels and changes thereto with temperature which are derived from American Petroleum Institute information. The system automatically computes and displays the distribution of fuel by tank from stored aircraft tank and fuel load distribution information derived from aircraft manufacturer information. The system also converts a total fuel volume as measured by the system to a standardized fuel volume normalized to a given temperature, for example 60.degree. F.

Abstract: A ground sleeve adapted for positioning within a back filled hole and useful for receiving and supporting an upright, broad-faced, flexible fence post for quick installation or removal. The ground sleeve includes a rectangular tubular member which has an inner diameter width slightly larger than the width of the fence post and an orthogonal thickness of inner diameter slightly larger than the fence post thickness, as measured between opposing parallel planes contacting front and rearward faces of the fence post. A top opening is provided which is squared with respect to the tube axis and opposing closing structure is positioned at the bottom of the tube to impede entry of earthen material within the tube interior.

Abstract: An electrical display and method in which the least significant digit is moved or scrolled in mechanical counter fashion are disclosed. Only the least significant digit is scrolled, and the more significant digits change instantaneously when an adjacent less significant digit changes between its highest and lowest values, unlike mechanical counters. The disclosed display and method include a rounding-off feature according to which the least significant digit is rounded off when the input signal variable is unchanging and displayed in alignment with the display of the more significant digits.

Abstract: During the measurement of oxygen content of a gas with a solid electrolyte material capable of oxygen ion conductivity the electrolyte is heated to maintain a constant control temperature. If the ambient temperature changes, an offset or error is introduced into the oxygen measurement. An apparatus and method is provided to automatically compensate for any such offset. Thermocouple means are provided in series with the electrolyte circuit so that a thermal emf if generated due to any differential between ambient and control temperatures. The thermocouples are arranged to generate a net thermal emf which opposes the emf generated by the electrolyte by an amount which automatically compensates for any offset due to the temperature differential. If the ambient and control temperatures are the same, there will be no offset and no net thermal emf.

Abstract: A commutator end bracket formed from a singular piece of sheet metal. The bracket is formed to include bases for mounting the commutator end bracket to a motor. Windows are punched into side pieces of the bracket for receiving brushes for communication with a commutator. The brushes are retained by a clip received within channels formed along the edges of the side pieces. A bearing is received within a housing drawn from a top plate of the bracket. The bearing is maintained within the housing by means of a spring clip which mates with portions of the top plate.

Abstract: A plotter having the capability of unattended operation incorporates several innovations. An X-axis dual motor drive mechanism moves the plotting chart through the plotter using two independently controlled motors driving respective individual friction drives at either side of the chart. An automatic chart alignment mechanism aligns the chart with the plotter X-axis using the X-axis dual motor drive for swiveling of the chart as necessary and a sensor to detect and correct the position of the chart. A chart cutting mechanism allows chart stock supplied in roll form to be cut to a desired length for a plot using a knife assembly carried by the pen carriage like a pen. A cut chart handling mechanism enables cut charts to be retrieved and neatly stored.

Abstract: A valve-in-head filter includes an outer housing (2) adapted to receive a fluid filter cartridge (4) therein. A valve head (7) is provided which includes an annular stand pipe (22) for locating an end of the filter. The stand pipe is cut away (32) on its downstream side to reduce fluid back pressure. Furthermore, a passage (13) is disposed between the head inlet (11) and outlet (12), with the passage receiving a slidable plunger (23) therein. A manually actuatable handle (28) connects through a rotary actuator (29) to move the plunger. The actuator includes a stem (30) mounted eccentrically to the handle axis, with the stem received in a recess (31) in the plunger so that turning of the handle moves the plunger between "on" and "off" positions. The plunger includes a seal (26) which continuously engages the passage wall in all plunger positions, and the construction provides full "on" and "off", with no fluid bypass in the "off" position.

Abstract: A modification of a basic jack-shaft control apparatus for a combustion system to provide a trim control. A first radial arm is mounted on a first rotating shaft which controls a fuel valve and a second radial arm is mounted on a second rotating shaft which controls an air damper. Ordinarily, a linking rod connects the radially outward ends of said first and second radial arms. The trim modification comprises attaching one end of a third radial arm to the radially outward end of either said first radial arm or said second radial arm. A third rotating shaft is attached to the third radial arm where it is attached to said first or second radial arm. The third radial arm rotates under the influence of trim control motor means on a plane transverse to the plane of rotation of the arm on which it is mounted. The linking rod connects the radially outward end of the third radial arm with the radially outward end of either said first or second radial arm to which the third radial arm is not otherwise attached.

Abstract: A heterojunction p-i-n photovoltaic cell having at least three different semiconductor layers formed of at least four different elements comprises a p-type relatively wide band gap semiconductor layer, a high resistivity intrinsic semiconductor layer, used as an absorber of light radiation, and an n-type relatively wide band gap semiconductor layer. The intrinsic layer is in electrically conductive contact on one side with the p-type layer and on an opposite side with the n-type layer. First and second ohmic contacts are in electrically conductive contact with the p-type layer and the n-type layer, respectively.

Abstract: A web of foam material is fed to a cutting station by upper and lower rollers drawing the web from a supply roll and along a low-friction table surface. A cutter station has a knife bar and blade, with a clamp bar coupled with the knife bar. The lower draw roller has its axle mounted in a pair of pivoted arms depressible by presser feet on a presser foot bar carried by the knife bar. When a desired length of web has been drawn past the cutter station, actuation of the knife bar lowers the blade toward a grooved anvil, while the presser feet swing the arms down to depress the lower roller away from the web to stop drawing it. Immediately after interrupting drawing action, the web is clamped by the clamp bar, and then immediately thereafter cutting occurs. The table has bridge-like fingers extending downstream through grooves in the movable lower feed roller. These fingers support the web when the lower roller is swung down.

Abstract: A by-pass vacuum motor assembly wherein the motor cooling fan is positioned in an opening at the bottom of the motor band and immediately above a flat plate portion of the fan housing bracket. The flat plate portion functions as a plate diffuser, redirecting air drawn through the commutator end bracket and across the motor internals into a radial exhaust between a bottom portion of the band and a top portion of the fan end bracket. The invention also includes a brush holder clip passing through a vertical opening in the commutator end bracket and engaging a collar on the brush mechanism. The brush mechanism passes through a horizontal opening in the commutator end bracket which intersects with the vertical opening. Armature grounding is achieved by a disk maintained in a recess in the commutator end bracket and urged by a spring against the bearing receiving the motor shaft.

Abstract: The handling apparatus includes two spaced apart lower arms pivoting on a base, and two spaced apart upper arms pivoting on an elbow bearing on the lower arms. The lower arm is driven by a ball-screw arrangement in which a threaded drive, mounted on the base of the apparatus is connected to a ball screw attached to a strut between the ball screw and the lower arm. Moving the ball screw along the threaded drive member pivots the lower arm upward. Another ball screw arrangement is mounted on the lower arm and is attached to the lower end of the upper arm by means of cables that extend along a rear curved surface of the upper arm to allow for more travel of the upper arm. Various attachment can be mounted on the upper arm including hangers for propellers and rudders and a gripper unit for supporting propeller shafts. When handling propellers and rudders, a single material handling unit is used, and the propeller or rudder is hung between the spaced apart arms.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are disclosed for forming excellent quality, large area thin films essentially without discontinuities and inhomogenuities, particularly for photovoltaic solar cells. The reactants are conducted past a heated substrate in a relatively thin gap, e.g., 0.030 inch, in a turbulent flow. In a specific embodiment, the reactants are contained in nebuli of an atomized solution, and the nebuli are sorted, preferably by gravity, prior to introduction thereof into the gap to prevent introduction of larger size nebuli into the reaction gap.

Abstract: A motor cooling fan housing for a by-pass vacuum motor is presented. The fan housing includes a top plate connected to a cylindrical side portion. The top plate is characterized by a plurality of uniformly spaced tear-drop shaped slots therein. The slots provide for the entry of cooling air to the motor maintained therein. The slots are elongated and have a major axis which is non-collinear with the center point of the top plate of the housing.

Abstract: A fire fighting tool is described which is capable of both penetrating the wall of an enclosure, and dispensing a fire fighting agent into the interior of the enclosure. A drill bit or other penetrating device is carried at the forward end of an elongate shaft which is connected at its rear end to a drill motor or other appropriate actuating device. The shaft is surrounded by a barrel which receives a fluid fire fighting agent and includes a series of outlet openings at its forward end through which the agent is dispensed. The shaft is thus surrounded and cooled by the agent during the penetration operation. A leaky bearing is provided at the forward end of the barrel, and is specially configured along with the shaft and drill bit to induce a leakage of agent through the bearing and onto the bit and surrounding enclosure wall during drilling, thereby cooling the various parts and lessening the risk of an explosion. The barrel is designed to hold the tool in place once it has been inserted into the enclosure.