Abstract: The following describes a reconfigurable set of industrial processing techniques which, when appropriately combined, enable zero-emissions reforming, utilizing a wide range of conventional and unconventional feedstocks. Hydrocarbons, harvested or refuse biomass, as well as assorted byproducts and wastes are reformed through tightly integrated processing. The system is designed to incorporate alternative energy sources such as renewables or nuclear for high-density energy utilization and storage. Central to the processing methodology is a novel molten salt electrochemical reactor designed as a modular system for high-throughput carbochlorination and resource recovery. Such a configuration drastically reduces or eliminates waste while improving efficiency and realizing vast new economic incentives.

Abstract: A wide field monocular is provided which is essentially a wide field virtual telescope. Two of these monoculars can be placed side-by-side to achieve a binocular with an extended monocular field. Also for such binoculars with objective lenses larger than the interocular separation, lunes can be cut from the objective lenses so that they can be placed adjacent each other, with the eyes essentially aligned with the optic axis of each telescope. This provides a remarkable wide field binocular with stereo vision and depth perception.

Abstract: A helmet-mounted wireless frequency-modulated infrared beam-actuated auxiliary brakelight system capable of reliable operation in all ranges of ambient light while permitting the rider to turn his head from side to side over a large angle approaching 180 degrees or more. The system comprises a frequency-modulated infrared transmitter, in operative combination with a switch for detecting brake system actuation, and a helmet module, including a frequency-modulated infrared receiver and decoder in operative combination with a stop light. Brake system initiation results in switch actuation which causes the transmitter to emit a beam of frequency-modulated infrared energy towards the helmet module. When the beam is received at the helmet module, it is captured using a lens in operative combination with a novel lightpipe which ensures reception over a 180 degree angle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for magnifying the image of distant objects which has the unique feature that, unlike the Galilean telescope, the magnification is largely determined by how far the eye is located from the apparatus. Furthermore, unlike the Loupe, objects to be viewed can be at any arbitrarily large distance from the apparatus. In addition, the apparatus does not require positioning of the eye at the exit pupil of the instrument; it does not require centering of the eye on the optic axis of the instrument; and it does not require refocusing for different object distances. Still, it provides erect, non-inverted images to the viewer. The includes a positive optical element defining an optic axis for the apparatus and having a positive focal length for converging an incoming bundle of rays of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A parallel plate lateral shearing interferometer allows the shearing plate to oscillate through a small angle periodically causing the interference fringe pattern to translate on a display surface providing an indication of the direction of adjustment required to collimate a beam. At the point of exact collimation the interference pattern changes abrubtly to a blinking pattern of dark and light. In one embodiment the shearing plate is oscillated by a new kind of electronic translator that functions by thermal expansion and contraction, and in another embodiment the shearing plate moves as a pendulum. An alternative embodiment of the translator is also provided for non-oscillatory precision translations.

Abstract: A terminator system particularly suited for beams of high intensity electromagnetic radiation such as from a laser includes an enclosure having a hole therein and a black mirror mounted in the enclosure. The black mirror has a specularly reflecting surface opposite the hole and is oriented at an angle such that the beam impinging on the hole would be impinging on the specularly reflecting surface and would not be reflected directly back out the hole. The black mirror is constructed of a material that absorbs energy at the wavelength of the incident beam. In another preferred embodiment, there are a plurality of black mirrors for performing a succession of reflections, so that the beam power is reduced significantly at each reflection.

Abstract: A mounting device with a clamp and pivotal holders provides mounting to a vehicular rear-view mirror for complementary devices such as a magnification scope or a radar detection device. Hand-held mounting is provided as well.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for measuring non-absorptive scattering with an exceptionally high degree of accuracy. In the preferred mode, the apparatus can also be used to measure absorptive scattering, thus providing a method of distinguishing absorptive scattering from scattering due to transparent moieties (i.e. non-absorptive scattering). The approach of the invention promises to significantly expand the use of optical systems in quality control. The general concept of the invention relies on symmetric heterodyne scattering. Specifically, two beams at slightly differing optical frequencies are directed to intersect at some arbitrary angle. Transparent objects within the intersection volume scatter light from each beam into the other. After intersecting, the two beams are directed to separate photodetectors which mix each transmitted beam with the scattered light from the other beam.