Abstract: A solar collector structural support system that affixes to a mounting surface without penetrating the mounting surface is disclosed. The invention in the preferred embodiment includes a junction element adapted to receive: a plurality of leg members; at least one footing adapted to engage frictionally a mounting surface; and a structural support member; wherein a first junction element of the plurality of junction elements receives: a proximal end of a first leg member and a first structural support member. In addition, the junction element may be adapted to receive a ballast element and the ballast element may be adapted to engage a leg member.

Abstract: A tracking heliostat array comprises a plurality of optical elements. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a frame separated from the optical elements. Each of the optical elements has an orientation with respect to the frame. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a plurality of supports coupled to at least one of the optical elements. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a turnbuckle coupled to at least one of the supports and to the frame. Rotation of the turnbuckle causes the corresponding support to be displaced relative to the frame. The orientation of the optical element relative to the frame is adjustable. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a traveling actuator configured to rotate at least one of the turnbuckles. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a positioning mechanism supporting the traveling actuator. The positioning mechanism is configured to move the traveling actuator from a first selected turnbuckle to a second selected turnbuckle.

Abstract: Several methods and apparatus for transferring heat, mass and momentum between a fluid and a surface are disclosed wherein the fluid is separated into a multiplicity of tiny jets that impinge upon a surface to be treated and flow across it for very short distances before reforming jets that leave the surface. While in contact with the surface, the fluid flow is laminar and the boundary layer that resists transfer of heat, mass and momentum is extremely thin. Hence, heat, mass and momentum transfer coefficients are large and predictable from first principles of physics. The pressure drop and fan power required to form these jets are generally less than that required to drive the flow parallel to the surface for long distances, where the boundary layer grows much thicker.

Abstract: Thin film dissimilar metals sandwiching a thin film of non metal that is permeable to oxygen molecules and ions to convert chemical and thermal energy into electrical energy in an external resistance is disclosed.

Abstract: A multivortex device is provided comprising a series of adjacent plates with specially designed grooves and perforations which, when mounted transversely of a uniform fluid flow in a duct, results in the formation of numerous small adjacent flow vortices either all rotating in the same direction (co-vortices) or adjacent vortices rotating in opposite direction (countervortices). The fluid at the peripheries of adjacent co-vortices move in opposite directions and friction converts their rotational kinetic energy into turbulence within a few vortex diameters downstream from the multivortex device. The fluid at the peripheries of adjacent counter-rotating vortices move in the same direction, such that they roll upon one another substantially without friction and persist for many vortex diameters downstream from the multivortex device. The adjacent plates of the multivortex device can be provided with additional grooves and passageways which allow a second and/or third fluid to be introduced within each vortex.

Abstract: Electronic components in a cabinet are cooled by enclosing and isolating predetermined heat generating electronic components which may include those with heat sinks from other electronic components in the cabinet and providing a dedicated air flow pathway to conduct a stream of air from the cabinet exterior, across the isolated electronic components, and exhaust it to the cabinet exterior. The dedicated air flow is isolated from the ambient air in the cabinet such that the isolated heat generating components are cooled independently of the non-isolated components and the heat generated by the isolated components and non-isolated components is not mixed within the cabinet to maximize cooling of all components within the cabinet.

Abstract: Electronic components in a cabinet having an exhaust fan that creates a primary air flow across the components are cooled by a cooling enclosure which encloses predetermined heat generating electronic components to isolate them from other electronic components in the cabinet. An air inlet conduit connects the cooling enclosure with the air inlets in the cabinet and an air outlet conduit connects the enclosure with the air outlets of the cabinet and the exhaust fan. The conduits and enclosure define a secondary air flow pathway across the isolated electronic components to the air outlets and exhaust fan. The secondary air flow is isolated from the primary air flow through the cabinet.

Abstract: An end stop is disclosed for limiting the maximum displacement of a flexible member so as to minimize stress on this member and thus provide an extended surface life. The flexible member is rigidly supported at at least two spaced-apart points such that the flexible member can flex in the region between these points. The end stop includes a support member for clamping the flexible member at the two supporting points and a wall surface arranged in opposed, facing relationship to the flexible member in the region between the two points. The curvature of the wall surface is defined by first and second curves that form a continuous curvature and have first and second derivatives of the local angle .phi. of the tangent to the curve with respect to the distances along the curve which are zero.

Abstract: Meters having a plurality of rotating dials are read automatically by using radiant energy to sense the angular positions of the dials. A single radiant energy detector is time-shared among the several dials to reduce the cost of the meter reading apparatus. The meter can transmit meter readings and other information to remote locations. It can also receive, store, and act upon information received from remote locations. The meter can measure short-term demand, and can produce output signals for indicating and/or controlling demand.

Abstract: A solar greenhouse roof includes a plurality of relatively large sunlight reflectors which direct and receive sunlight to one or more relatively small focusing light reflectors. The light reflected from the focusing light reflectors is directed downward into the edges of plate glass pipe which are simply panes of plate glass mounted within the base of the roof. The glass pipes serve as a filter for blocking the transmission of ultraviolet and infrared light therethrough, thus allowing only visible light to reach such objects as plants located below the glass pipes. A protective Tedlar film or coated glass may be mounted atop the roof, the glass pipes may be aluminized on their planar surfaces to improve the internal reflectivity to visible light.

Abstract: A multivortex device is provided comprising a series of adjacent plates with specially designed grooves and perforations which, when mounted transversely of a uniform fluid flow in a duct, results in the formation of numerous small adjacent flow vortices either all rotating in the same direction (co-vortices) or adjacent vortices rotating in opposite direction (counter-vortices). The fluid at the peripheries of adjacent co-vortices move in opposite directions and friction converts their rotational kinetic energy into turbulence within a few vortex diameters downstream from the multivortex device. The fluid at the peripheries of adjacent counter-rotating vortices move in the same direction, such that they roll upon one another substantially without friction and persist for many vortex diameters downstream from the multivortex device. The adjacent plates of the multivortex device can be provided with additional grooves and passageways which allow a second and/or third fluid to be introduced within each vortex.

Abstract: A utility meter reading system permits reading a meter with a noncontact shaft angle detector and simultaneous visual inspection of the dials of the meter from a laterally spaced viewing position. Each of the dials defines a patterned disc for concentric rotation with the shaft and a beveled circumferential surface which extends around the patterned disc and bears a plurality of numerical indicia. The dials are configured to be adhesively mounted over dial pointers on an existing utility meter, thus permitting retrofitting of meters with noncontact shaft angle detectors.

Abstract: A communication system is connected to a pair of telephone conductors which supply telephone service to a telephone subscriber. An optically coupled switch connects a first winding of a transformer across the telephone conductors. A second winding of the transformer is connected to a modem for communicating over the telephone conductors via the transformer. A voltage sensor circuit senses the voltage across the telephone conductors and detects a reduction in the voltage level across the conductors which indicates an off-hook condition of a telephone unit of the subscriber connected to the conductors. The voltage sensor circuit also detects the presence of a ring signal on the conductors. The switch is periodically opened so as to disconnect the transformer from the telephone conductors, and permit the voltage sensor circuit to check for an off-hook condition.

Abstract: Atmospheric occurrences that decrease visibility, particularly fog, smoke, smog and the like, are cleared at sites such as airports by an array of EGD spray units emitting submicron size charged water droplets to attach to airborne particulates and electrostatically precipitate those to ground. Independent variables of the array and the EGD jets from the spray units are controlled to control the dependent variables characterizing the space-charge cloud thus developed. The methods and apparatus control the height to which clearing of the airborne particulates occurs to improve visibility and the time required for such clearing. Specific compact spray units are self-contained, can be radio operated, and are movable. Placement of the units for removal of radiation and advection fog with respect to airport runways include a square array of the spray units proximate the runway for radiation fog control and upwind location of arrays for advection fog precipitation.

Abstract: Meters having a plurality of rotating dials are read automatically by using radiant energy to sense the angular positions of the dials. A single radiant energy detector is time-shared among the several dials to reduce the cost of the meter reading apparatus. The meter can transmit meter readings and other information to remote locations. It can also receive, store, and act upon information received from remote locations. The meter can measure short-term demand, and can produce output signals for indicating and/or controlling demand.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for non-contact determination of shaft angle utilizes a patterned disc secured to the shaft or other rotor being observed. The disc has sectors of different optical properties whereby radiant energy directed to the disc will be encoded by the sectored pattern. A set of detectors, which each correspond to one of the sectors, provides variable output signals according to the amount of radiant energy attenuated by the disc and directed onto the detectors. These signals are converted to a set of digital signals which define a unique rotational position, and a computing means calculates angular position from these signals. The computing means will, if necessary, compare the digital output signals and then calculate angular position in a manner which is insensitive to small decenters (or lack of concentricity) in the arrangement of the shaft, disc, detectors, and any associated optical system.

Abstract: The electrogasdynamic coating system includes an electrogasdynamic gun for charging material particles indirectly. The gun has a gas inlet which receives from a gas source a pressurized gas in which a condensable vapor is entrained. Corona and attractor electrodes are disposed in communication with the gas inlet for ionizing the ionizable vapor. A dielectric tube extends from the electrodes downstream to a mixing chamber. A first fluid material inlet is connected with a first source of powder or liquid material and a second fluid material inlet is connected with a second source of powder or liquid material. The first and second fluid material inlets are connected with the mixing chamber such that particles of the first and second fluid materials are mixed with the gas and vapor. The vapor condenses and coats the particles during mixing causing them to become charged. In use, a condensable vapor is entrained into a gas flow, the gas flow is passed across corona and attractor electrodes to ionize the vapor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus rapidly cools hot material of any shape without inducing distortion-causing temperature gradients between thick and thin sections. Water spray guns mounted on an enclosure surrounding the hot material launch drops of water towards the surface with sufficient speed to penetrate the vapor leaving the surface, but with insufficient flow rate to form a blanket of water thereon, to establish a turbulent mixture of water drops and vapor in equilibrium at the water boiling point temperature of 212.degree. F. Turbulent heat transfer to the vapor and evaporation of drops maintain the surfaces of the enclosure and the hot material at 212.degree. F. to cool the inner core of the hot material to 212.degree. F. by conducting heat to its surface. Irregularly shaped objects are cooled by setting each gun water spray rate to be proportional to the thickness of material where its jet strikes or by directing air at thinner locations to minimize temperature gradients within the material.

Abstract: The electrogasdynamic coating system includes an electrogasdynamic gun for charging material particles indirectly. The gun has a gas inlet which receives from a gas source a pressurized gas in which an condensable vapor is entrained. Corona and attractor electrodes are disposed in communication with the gas inlet for ionizing the ionizable vapor. A dielectric tube extends from the electrodes downstream to a mixing chamber. A first fluid material inlet is connected with a first source of powder or liquid material and a second fluid material inlet is connected with a second source of powder or liquid material. The first and second fluid material inlets are connected with the mixing chamber such that particles of the first and second fluid materials are mixed with the gas and vapor. The vapor condenses and coats the particles during mixing causing them to become charged. In use, a condensable vapor is entrained into a gas flow, the gas flow is passed across corona and attractor electrodes to ionize the vapor.

Abstract: The electrogasdynamic coating system includes an electrogasdynamic gun for charging material particles indirectly. The gun has a gas inlet which receives from a gas source a pressurized gas in which an condensable vapor is entrained. Corona and attractor electrodes are disposed in communication with the gas inlet for ionizing the ionizable vapor. A dielectric tube extends from the electrodes downstream to a mixing chamber. A first fluid material inlet is connected with a first source of powder or liquid material and a second fluid material inlet is connected with a second source of powder or liquid material. The first and second fluid material inlets are connected with the mixing chamber such that particles of the first and second fluid materials are mixed with the gas and vapor. The vapor condenses and coats the particles during mixing causing them to become charged. In use, a condensable vapor is entrained into a gas flow, the gas flow is passed across corona and attractor electrodes to ionize the vapor.