Abstract: A solar cell having a copper-bearing absorber is provided with a composite transparent encapsulating layer specifically designed to prevent oxidation of the copper sulfide. In a preferred embodiment, the absorber is a layer of copper sulfide and the composite layer comprises a thin layer of copper oxide formed on the copper sulfide and a layer of encapsulating glass formed on the oxide. It is anticipated that such devices, when exposed to normal operating conditions of various terrestrial applications, can be maintained at energy conversion efficiencies greater than one-half the original conversion efficiency for periods as long as thirty years.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 29, 1979
Date of Patent:
December 16, 1980
Assignee:
University of Delaware
Inventors:
Allen M. Barnett, James V. Masi, Robert B. Hall
Abstract: A Peltier-cooled p-n junction in a monolithic solid-state electronic device embodying a substrate comprising a Peltier thermal surface layer disposed adjacent the active region of the p-n junction and in close proximity therewith, the Peltier thermal surface layer having an electrical conductor in circuit therewith affording an electrical path for the withdrawal or supply of Peltier effect current incident to the maintenance of the junction at a preselected temperature.
Abstract: A milk xanthine oxidase active enzyme concentrate having an average protein to flavin ratio as measured by E.sub.280nm for protein and E.sub.450nm for flavin of 2.0 to 4.1, one symmetric peak by ion-exchange gel chromatography, and shows a single protein band by polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis. The xanthine oxidase is not denatured.
Abstract: An ocean thermal engine utilizing the thermocline and hydrostatic pressure of the ocean to change the buoyancy of a series of rigid containers having good thermal conductivity fitted with means for confining a thermodynamic fluid capable of vaporizing and condensing within the temperature range of the ocean thermocline. The rigid containers are arranged in spaced relation around rotatable supporting means so that the change in buoyancy of the containers causes said means to rotate and to drive a generator if electrical energy is desired.
Abstract: A fluid pump wherein the pumping action is created by reciprocating forces applied to an unattached block, such as a ball, of elastically deformable material in a cavity, such as a cylinder. The block effects the pumping by defining a fluid pumping enclosure in said cavity, the cavity being additionally provided with means effecting the deformation of said block during said reciprocatory force cycle, thereby storing energy which is advantageously recovered in the pump intake stroke.
Abstract: A bio-selective potentiometric electrode probe for the determination of amino acid concentrations in aqueous liquids comprising an ammonia gas analytical electrode provided at its tip with a closely adjacent thin layer of a fresh animal tissue containing, as a natural constituent thereof, an enzyme effective to catalyze degradation of the specific amino acid in analysis to either ammonia or to an intermediate compound subject to further degradation to ammonia by an additional enzyme, which ammonia is a function of the amino acid concentration in the liquid.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 18, 1979
Date of Patent:
August 5, 1980
Assignee:
University of Delaware
Inventors:
Garry A. Rechnitz, Mark A. Arnold, Mark E. Meyerhoff
Abstract: Method and apparatus for signal transmission via an optical fiber transmission line comprising providing a first substantially monochromatic beam of radiation reserved as a carrier radiation beam, providing a second substantially monochromatic beam of radiation of preselected different frequency than the first substantially monochromatic beam of radiation frequency-interlocked with the first beam of radiation to a preselected degree dependent upon the transmission service to be effected reserved as an information radiation beam, imposing an electrical signal to be transmitted upon the information radiation beam, thereby responsively modulating the information radiation beam, combining the carrier radiation beam and the modulated information radiation beam, transmitting the combined radiation via the optical fiber transmission line to a preselected destination, and detecting the combined radiation with a square law detector to thereby obtain a subcarrier signal constituting the difference in frequency between
Abstract: Tertiary allylic amines are obtained from vinylic halides and olefins, and substituted derivatives thereof, by reacting said halide with a mono-, di-, or tri-substituted olefin and an unhindered basic secondary amine in the presence of a palladium catalyst.
Abstract: Bovine milk xanthine oxidase, referred to herein as XO, is isolated and purified from raw whole milk by a streamline method without the use of proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes, butanol, or other organic solvents. Sodium salicylate, ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), and a 0.2 M phosphate buffer are added to fresh milk. After incubation at 40.degree.-45.degree. C. for 105 min., the mixture is adjusted to 1-2% with Triton X-100 and allowed to incubate for 15 min. The mixture is cooled to 4.degree. C., followed by a 2-step fractionation of the proteins with ammonium sulfate. The crude enzyme is isolated as a red-brown precipitate which is dissolved in 0.1 M Tris/CaCL.sub.2 buffer and stored for from 12 to 168 hours at -20.degree. C. The isolated enzyme is purified by column chromatography (Sephadex G-75, Sephacryl S-200, Sepharose 6B, and Sephadex G-75).
Abstract: This is a process for improving the fatigue properties of structures which have dislocations or deformed regions in the surface layers. Solute is diffused into this surface region and inhibits the atomic movements which lead to initiation and growth of fatigue cracks. The deformed regions can be produced by pre-cyclic straining of the structures. The process is applicable to metals and crystallographic mterial that are susceptible to fatigue failure. Moreover, cyclic straining of polymers and glasses will produce defect structures in the surface layers and solute diffused, as in the case of above, will also impede further development of defects and reduce the susceptibility of the structure or object of fatigue failure.
Abstract: Method for converting dextro rotatory chitin to levo rotatory chitin comprising dissolving chitin in a composition containing dimethyl acetamide, N-methyl-pyrrolidone or mixture thereof and lithium chloride.
Abstract: A process and apparatus for improving image creation in a coherent light imagery system which involves directing diffused laser light onto a mirror having a rocking motion that will cause the reflected rays to sweep a two-dimensional area and focusing the reflected light through a diffuser before collimating same for use in image creation. More particularly, this invention creates the rocking motion by applying a combination of voltages to three independent piezo-electric crystals upon which the mirror is mounted.
Abstract: A method for controlling the anomer ratio in alkyl glycosides of amino sugars produced by heating an N-acylamino sugar with an alcohol in the presence of an acidic catalyst comprising the continuous removal of byproduct water from the reaction zone.
Abstract: A new method to mark large numbers of molluscs permanently is described. Molluscs, in particular certain bivalve molluscs, (>1mm) are placed in a tank containing media, food, and tetracycline at a concentration of 0.5-200mg 1.sup.-1. Bivalves so treated daily for one to fourteen days, or longer as desired, will be permanently marked in such a manner as to render them identifiable at any later time. The mark is normally weakly visible but fluoresces a vivid yellow-orange when exposed to ultraviolet light.
Abstract: Carboxylic acid amides are obtained from aryl, heterocyclic, and vinylic halides and substituted derivates thereof, by reacting same with a primary or secondary amine and carbon monoxide, in the presence of a palladium catalyst and if necessry a tertiary amine at about 20.degree.-150.degree. C and from at least a half atmosphere pressure.
Abstract: Solids have been prepared having very strongly acidic properties for hydrocarbon reactions. The solids are synthesized from anhydrous AlCl.sub.3 and a solid Bronsted acid.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 4, 1977
Date of Patent:
October 31, 1978
Assignee:
University of Delaware
Inventors:
Bruce C. Gates, Vincent L. Magnotta, George C. A. Schuit
Abstract: A method for rearing commercially desirable bivalve molluscs such as oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops under artificial conditions to any marketable size in substantially reduced time periods. Oyster spat (<0.5mm) produced by known means are placed in growing tanks and fed at certain regular times with certain species of algae in unusually large quantities, at unusually high algal cell concentrations, and maintained at unusually high temperatures until oysters reach the desired size. The tanks and oysters are meticulously cleansed and seawater or other source of salts and minerals is added at regular times during the rearing period.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 25, 1977
Date of Patent:
March 28, 1978
Assignee:
University of Delaware
Inventors:
Gary David Pruder, Earl Elwood Greenhaugh
Abstract: A process is described for the selective destruction of Phaeodactylum cells in the presence of Thallasiosira cells by subjecting algae culture liquid containing these species to ultrasonic waves.
Abstract: New compositions of matter comprising complexes of chitin with lower molecular weight alcohols, aldehydes and ketones have been discovered. These complexes are useful in the solution and purification of chitin and in the preparation of modified chitins for fibers, films and plastics, and for pharmaceutical purposes.
Abstract: New solvents for chitin comprising dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone or mixtures of these in combination with a minor proportion of lithium chloride, and their use in the purification of chitin for regeneration in the form of films and fibers are described.