Abstract: A method of fabricating a reflective stretched membrane mirror for use in the collection and focusing of solar energy includes a tensioning fixture to which a plurality of air-actuated cylinders are attached. The piston arm of each cylinder is in turn connected to an air-actuated clamp which is designed to hold a portion of the peripheral edge of the reflective film which is to be stretched. Depending upon the properties of the film and its tensioning characteristics, cylinders which need the same air pressure are connected in common to a single regulator. The regulators are then connected to an air compressor and the sheet of reflective film is tensioned to a desired level at which point it is adhesively bonded to a circular frame. Once a first reflective film is bonded to a top side of the frame, the process is repeated with a second reflective film bonded to tile back or opposite side of the frame.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for a stringed musical instrument having a plurality of moveable strings includes a case having a longitudinal channel, at least one magnet disposed in the channel along an interior surface of the case, at least one coil disposed in the longitudinal channel, and a structure for locking the coil within the longitudinal channel.

Abstract: An acoustic pick-up assembly for a stringed musical instrument having a plurality of moveable strings includes a structure forming a longitudinal channel. The pick-up assembly also includes magnet structures disposed in the channel and a coil structure disposed in the channel for receiving an induced voltage due to movement of the moveable strings across the magnetic field.

Abstract: A dual coil pick-up assembly for a stringed musical instrument having a plurality of moveable strings includes a case having a longitudinal channel with first and second sections. The pick-up assembly also includes first and second magnet structures disposed in the first and second sections having opposite polarities and a coil structure disposed in the first and second sections of the channel for eliminating hum in the pick-up assembly due to stray magnetic fields.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a pick-up of a stringed musical instrument includes at least one mounting stud connected to a case of a pick-up and a disc disposed about the mounting stud for dampening vibrations. The mounting assembly also includes a mounting bracket structure disposed adjacent the disc and operatively connected to the mounting stud for attaching the pick-up to a stringed musical instrument.

Abstract: An acoustic pick-up assembly for a stringed musical instrument having a plurality of moveable strings includes a structure forming a longitudinal channel. The pick-up assembly also includes magnet structures disposed in the channel and a coil structure disposed in the channel for receiving an induced voltage due to movement of the moveable strings across the magnetic field.

Abstract: A sensor measures an unknown pressure having to a sensitivity on the order of 1 micro-torr. The sensor includes two 10 micro-torr sensitivity capacitance manometers which each receive the unknown pressure. The capacitance manometers are positioned about a common axis around a common pressure chamber that receives the unknown pressure so that the flexible diaphragms of each of the capacitance manometers simultaneously deform either outwardly or inwardly from the common pressure chamber in response to changes in pressure. When a vibrational or gravitational force is applied to the sensor, one flexible diaphragm deforms outwardly away from the common pressure chamber and the other deforms inwardly towards the common pressure chamber. Hence, changes in pressure cause each of the capacitance manometers to produce a like change in their output signal; however, vibrational or gravitational forces produce an opposite change in their output signal.

Abstract: Composition, method and apparatus for providing a surface stabilized source of HNCO by adsorbing gaseous or liquid HNCO on the surface of a substrate. HNCO stabilized in this manner is not reactive and is stable at or above ambient temperature. The HNCO can be provided by heating a reactant source material, such as urea. The substrate can be heated to release HNCO. The present invention is especially useful as a source of HNCO for reducing NO.sub.x in gas streams.

Abstract: A dual coil pick-up assembly for a stringed musical instrument having a plurality of moveable strings includes a case having a longitudinal channel with first and second sections. The pick-up assembly also includes first and second magnet structures disposed in the first and second sections having opposite polarities and a coil structure disposed in the first and second sections of the channel for eliminating hum in the pick-up assembly due to stray magnetic fields.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for providing a fluid flow and mounting system comprised a mounting nipple, a coupling for threaded engagement with a valve assembly, and a rigid flow line having preselected dimensions. The system of the present invention is particularly adapted for supporting a sampling pump from a pipe line, with the sampling pump including a manifold block having a pair of fluid ports for passing fluid in a hot-loop between the flow line and a sampling pump, and with the valve assembly being mounted to the flow line and including a pair of through passageways. The mounting nipple has a stop surface at each end thereof for engaging the manifold block and valve assembly, respectively, to fix the axial position of the manifold block with respect to the valve assembly. The coupling is rotatable about the mounting nipple for threaded engagement with mating threads on the valve body.

Abstract: An improved system and method are provided for normally interconnecting a stationary flow line and a flexible flow line, and for automatically separating the flow lines in response to movement of the flexible flow line in excess of a preselected limit. A connection comprises a socket housing sealed to one flow line and a ball housing sealed to another flow line. The housings are separated automatically when a lateral force is transmitted through the flexible flow line to cause excess pivoting movement of one housing related to the other housing. The connection of the present invention is particularly useful for preventing rupture of a flow line during an intermittent pullaway of a portable vessel with respect to a stationary holding tank. In one embodiment, the connection includes at least three ball swivel surfaces for mating engagement with a socket swivel surface.

Abstract: A swivel for transmitting fluid be sing and female housing includes a bearing assembly and seal ring assembly. The seal ring assembly comprises a pair of seal rings each including a plastic ring having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining a stop leg for static sealing engagement with a stop surface of one housing and an opposing dynamic leg. Each seal ring member also includes an elastomeric ring which is fitted within the cavity for urging the dynamic leg axial away from the stop leg, and for maintaining a static seal with a static sealing surface on the respective housing. The swivel of the present invention is particular well suited for use between a hose and a fill valve of a propane or LPG gas tank. The swivel of the present invention is able to withstand jarring and shock, and has surprisingly long life and low maintenance.

Abstract: A propane gas distribution system according to the present invention substantially enhances safety by providing a gas lockout device within the enclosure containing the distribution lines to the propane appliances for closing off a gas distribution line in response to either a sensed low pressure level or a sensed high pressure level. The closure member within the lockout device is biased closed, but is normally prevented from closing by a stop member which in turn is held in position until the unsafe low pressure or unsafe high pressure condition exists. A security control member is utilized for restricting the re-opening of the lockout device to select personnel, which typically would be a propane company representative. According to the method of the present invention, gas from the high pressure source is regulated and output to a low pressure gas distribution line.

Abstract: An apparatus which provides selectively either constant power, constant current or constant voltage to the heating elements of the thermods. The soldering system power supply apparatus includes devices for monitoring and controlling individual temperature profiles of each soldering thermod heating element. A computerized arrangement controls the power to each thermod in a very accurate manner. For the purpose of adjusting the power to each thermod element as a function of its temperature and the desired temperature profile, a set of temperature sensors are coupled to each of the thermod elements for measuring its temperature. Similarly, a set of energy sensors are also coupled to each of the thermod elements for detecting the amount of electrical energy supplied to each thermod.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a safety release disconnection for a fluid conduit. The connection includes a pin and a U-shaped slot with an ejector spring adjustably biased by a loading nut. Check valves are provided in both connection elements and are opened by contact or interfacing of the valves. A rigid moment arm points in a direction perpendicular to the direction that a vehicle pulls away from the filling stand. A pull away while the system is connected to the vehicle will trigger the safety release disconnection.

Abstract: An improved system and method are provided for normally interconnecting a stationary flow line and a flexible flow line, and for automatically separating the flow lines in response to movement of the flexible flow line in excess of a preselected limit. A connection comprises a socket housing sealed to one flow line and a ball housing sealed to another flow line. The housings are separated automatically when a lateral force is transmitted through the flexible flow line to cause excess pivoting movement of one housing related to the other housing. The connection of the present invention is particularly useful for preventing rupture of a flow line during an intermittent pullaway of a portable vessel with respect to a stationary holding tank. In one embodiment, the connection includes at least three ball swivel surfaces for mating engagement with a socket swivel surface.

Abstract: The invention is an adjustable portable trap stand which can be easily anchored, allows the mounting of a trap to the stand, and provides for easy adjustment and locking so that the trap can be securely oriented in the desired direction. Briefly, the adjustable portable trap stand comprises a mounting plate to which a trap can be attached, a base which allows the trap stand to be securely anchored, adjusting means which permit the mounting plate to be oriented through a wide range of directions with respect to the base, and locking means that substantially fixes the orientation of the mounting plate in spite of recoil forces applied to it by operation of an attached trap.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a valve system which upon disconnection essentially eliminates the release of liquids and vapors to the atmosphere. The invention includes a precision machined poppet and valve seat such that the leading end of the poppet and the end of the valve housing are flush when the valve is closed and such that the sides of the poppet are flush with the surface of the valve seat. Fluids and vapors are eliminated as the valve closes. The valve is not sealed until after closing. The invention is normally used with two flushly abutting valves which close sequentially for the elimination of liquids and vapors.

Abstract: A pressurized incineration method for pressurized incineration of a solid waste material to produce electrical and thermal energy is disclosed. A combustion chamber is fueled by a solid waste fuel. The chamber is pressurized by an air compressor and the fuel is combusted. The hot compressed gases created by combustion pass out of the combustion chamber into an exhaust line that splits so as to provide hot gases to a turbocharger and a separate power recovery turbine. The turbocharger and the power recovery turbine have a rugged design so as to handle compressed gases containing corrosive effluents and particulate matter. If necessary, gas cleaning equipment may also be used to reduce corrosive effluents and particulate matter to an acceptable level in the inlet gas stream to both the turbocharger and the power recovery turbine. Expansion of a portion of the hot compressed gas through the turbine section of the turbocharger provides energy to drive the turbocharger's air compressor.