Abstract: A wavefront rely devices samples an incoming optical wavefront at different locations, optically relays the samples while maintaining the relative position of the samples and the relative phase between the samples. The wavefront is reconstructed due to interference of the samples. Devices can be designed for many different wavelengths, including for example the ultraviolet, visible, infrared and even longer wavelengths such as millimeter waves. In one application, the device function as a telescope but with negligible length.

Abstract: Optical fiber having a glass portion; at least one protective coating of thermoplastic material having at least one thermoplastic elastomer; the thermoplastic material having the following characteristics: a modulus of elasticity value at +25° C. lower than 150 MPa, preferably at least 10 Mpa, more preferably higher than 20 Mpa, and a Vicat point higher than 85° C., preferably higher than 120° C., more preferably lower than 350° C. Preferably, the coating is a single protective coating directly positioned onto the glass portion.

Abstract: A device such as an integrated display device and projector apparatus using said display device for projecting an image on a screen comprises a number of light sources, waveguides, optical switches, micro-lenses and scanning mirrors. The display apparatus consists of said display device, a modulator circuit, an optical switch controller, a scanning mirror controller, a synchronizer and projection optics. This device enables the projector apparatus to be extremely small and to reduce its power consumption in comparison with conventional projectors.

Abstract: A fiber distribution frame includes a cabinet which houses fiber optic components. A door frame is connected to the cabinet for the door to close relative to a front face of the cabinet. The door frame surrounds an opened area which exposes the front face when the door is closed for the components to extend out from the cabinet. Brackets connect an inner door section to the door frame such that the door section is offset from the front face by a separation distance when the door is closed. The brackets have a sufficient length such that the separation distance permits the components to extend out of the cabinet and maintain a minimum bend radius without being compressed by the door section when the door is closed. A component router is connected to the cabinet and positioned within the separation distance for directing the components to outside of the cabinet.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently storing data items to a storage device, such as hard disk, uses a data collector and a data writer running in different threads. A data source produces a stream of write requests to write data items to the storage device. The write requests are passed to the data collector, which accumulates, orders, and consolidates the write requests in a data structure. The data writer handles the operation of writing data to the storage device. The ordered and consolidated data items are then given to the data writer, which writes them to the storage device.

Abstract: A portable table includes a pair of side members and a pair of end members. Structure is provided for detachably interconnecting the side members and the end members to thereby form a table frame. A plurality of support members are detachably interconnected to the side members for supporting the table frame above a surface. Each of the support members includes first and second ends. The first ends thereof are detachably interconnected to the pair of side members, and the second ends thereof extend to the surface. The support members second ends are spaced apart greater than the length of the end members and greater than the length of the side members for generating a torque pressure on the table frame when assembled. The table further includes a top supported by the table frame.

Abstract: An ion source device comprises a plasma generating vessel for generating plasma therein, a plurality of magnets arranged on an outer periphery of the plasma generating vessel to establish a cusp field in the plasma generating vessel, means for supplying a power to generate the plasma in the plasma generating vessel, and an anode electrode arranged on an inner wall of the plasma generating vessel and adapted to be heated by electrons emitted from the plasma and maintain the heat.

Abstract: A unitary vent guide for a metal vent frame in a metal window jamb is formed from a resilient and self-lubricating plastic such as nylon and includes a body portion which snaps into a slot in the vertical faces of the vent frame. An outer portion of the body is formed as a tension arm which contacts an inner vertical face of the jamb. A plurality of the guides is installed on each vertical vent frame face and maintains the vent frame centered.

Abstract: An access window for use in fast food establishments and other similar drive-thru business establishments is disclosed. The window broadly comprises an elastic operating mechanism, two planar window members and a segmented articulated push-bar operator which is pushed to open the access windows. The push-bar operator can be locked in the open position. Upon releasing and/or unlocking the operator push-bar assembly the access window returns to its closed position by means of a closer bias member. The access window also comprises a locked window bias member which absorbs the pushing action on the operator push-bar, in the event the access window is latched shut, without damaging the access window and further without damaging the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A solar radiation assembly forming a portion of an envelope of a building wherein sunlight entering the building is selectively regulated by exterior and interior variable radiation transmission assemblies positioned, respectively, on the outside and inside of a central unit of glazing. The exterior assembly includes adjustable reflective vanes and an outer protective glazing. The interior assembly comprises adjustable dark colored vanes and a retractable insulating cover positioned between the inner vanes and the central glazing. Additionally, where thermal insulating glazing is employed as a glazing unit, the integrity of sealed air chambers between layers of glazing are protected by an expandable bladder.

Abstract: A reflective solar tracking system of the type arranged to reflect light rays from the sun onto a remote solar energy collector is described. The system comprises a reflector mounted on an assembly incorporating a drive mechanism for rotating the reflector about two axes to compensate for altitudinal and azimuthal changes in the position of the sun. A sensor device is adapted to point at the sun and provide control signals to the drive mechanism so that the reflector is moved in response to solar movement such that sunlight is always reflected onto the collector and at the same time the sensor device is moved so as to track the sun.

Abstract: A heat-storage apparatus providing for especially efficient charging and discharging of a storage medium with heat and greatly facilitating simultaneous charging and discharging of different regions of the medium. The apparatus comprises a vessel having insulating walls and containing a heat transfer fluid bath and a plurality of mobile heat storage elements, each of which contains a phase change material for the storage of heat, and which are disposed within the fluid bath in a sufficiently loose configuration to allow heat-storage elements to migrate about the vessel. A charging conduit and a discharge conduit are disposed within the vessel in the fluid bath so as to induce a migratory circulation of heat-storage elements between regions where elements are being charged and regions where elements are discharged.

Abstract: Portable cooking apparatus including a support base, a support column and a grill member. The support column is pivotally attached to the support base for movement from a first position, adjacent the support base, to a second position extending upwardly from the support base. The grill member is selectively positionable on the support column and removable therefrom to allow the support column to assume the first position.

Abstract: A gas-fired burner of the radiant type includes a boardlike heating element constituted by a porous matrix of refractory fibers, the periphery of one side of the heating element being bonded to and in fluidtight engagement with an open end of a sheet metal box functioning as a gas plenum. A combustible gas mixture is fed into the plenum and forced through the porous heating element for burning at the outer face thereof. The boardlike heating element is retained in position by a strip of perforated metal fixed to the outer surface of the sheet metal box and extending about the edge of the heating element, the strip being bent over to hold the edge of the heating element against the box. A multilayer blanket of thermal insulating material wrapped around the sheet metal box is held in position by bent metal tabs and by the bent strip of perforated metal retaining the heating element. A low cost diffuser assembly ensures optimum gas mixture flow within the plenum.

Abstract: A piezo-type valve with piezo-elements as a valve actuator. The piezo-elements are interposed by two freely movable pistons. A pressure chamber is formed on the outer side of one of the pistons to limit its outward movement. Thus, the substantial part of the expansion of the piezo-elements is transmitted to the other piston. The other piston is connected to a valve element. At least one flow port and a relief port are formed in the valve body. When voltage is applied to the piezo-elements, the at least one flow port and the relief port are communicated.

Abstract: A solar heat collector is composed of a pair of solar collector panels welded by a laser beam along a plurality of spaced seams. A fluid under pressure is introduced between the solar collector panels to bulge them until a plurality of heat-transfer medium passages are defined between the welded seams. The welded seams have at their ends a plurality of circular or oblong welded seams which serve to prevent the ends of the spaced seams from being cracked or torn when the panels are bulged or the solar heat collector is in use, and also serve to uniformize the flow of the heat-transfer medium through the passages. A plurality of other circular or oblong welded spots may be provided in spaced relation to the circular or oblong welded seams in the longitudinal direction thereof to uniformize the shape of headers of the solar heat collector and increase the mechanical strength of the headers.

Abstract: An electrically controlled pressure transducer valve comprises a controlled output pressure passage, an input passage communicating with a source of pressure and with the output passage, a vent passage communicable with the output passage, and a valve for controllably varying the degree of communication through the vent passage to govern the output pressure level. The valve comprises a valve member defining opposed sides forming first and second effective pressure areas respectively exposed to output and vent pressures, the valve member being movable in response to changes in differential pressure applied to the effective pressure areas. An electromagnetic actuator exerts magnetic force on the valve member and includes a coil connected to an electrical power source for producing an electromagnetic field, a core extending within the coil and a pole piece.

Abstract: A process for reversibly transferring heat between a plurality of zones maintained at different temperature levels, and a heat transfer system useful therein. The technique involves maintaining a solution of a volatile material, e.g., a solution of a non-volatile inorganic salt in ammonia, in a solution tank, feeding the solution into an evaporator to evaporate the ammonia (or other volatile material), and feeding the ammonia vapor thus formed into a separate receiver which is in heat exchange relationship with a low temperature thermal sink, while recycling the solution having a decreased ammonia content to the solution tank. Heat is thus transferred to a low temperature thermal sink, and the procedure is continued to store any desired quantity of thermal energy therein.

Abstract: An improvement in negative pressure radiant tube type fuel burner systems is disclosed wherein a heat recuperator in the form of a concentric conduit arrangement for conveying air from the atmosphere to a burner unit extends inwardly into the exhaust leg of the radiant tube so that combustion air for the burner is diverted along generally parallel oppositely directed coaxial paths into and out of the radiant tube to transfer heat from exhaust gas to intake air. The recuperator is made to be free floating within the radiant tube so as to minimize the chance of structural damage due to thermal expansion and a series of radial pins may be employed in conjunction with the recuperator to support the conduit arrangement, and increase heat transfer to incoming air.

Abstract: A solar heating apparatus including a solar collector for the heating of air passing therethrough, a heat storage and distribution device, in communication with air from the solar collector, for storing and distributing the heated air to heat a room, and a fan and thermostat for circulating air through the heat storage and distribution device when the air from the solar collector exceeds a predetermined temperature.The solar collector comprises a plurality of spaced-apart solar heating tubes, an air inlet into the solar collector, an air outlet out of the solar collector, and valves between each of the tubes and the solar collector outlet for selectively placing each of the solar heating tubes in communication with the solar collector outlet when the air temperature in the respective solar heating tube is greater than a predetermined temperature.