Abstract: Diagnostic vehicles, systems, and methods for characterizing a solar collector system are presented herein. The diagnostic vehicle comprises a frame, one or more sensors positioned along the frame, and a control system. The one or more sensors measure and characterize attributes of the solar collector system and/or its environment such as reflectivity of an area of ground around the solar collector system, an angular offset of a drive system of the solar collector system, and/or a degradation of structural components that support photovoltaic panels in the solar collector system. The control system is programmed to move the frame to one or more locations in the solar collector system and control the one or more sensors to acquire measurements at the one or more locations.

Abstract: A combination switch includes a pressure switch moveable between open and closed positions in response to a working pressure of a fluid; an unloader valve moveable between open and closed positions; and a mechanical interconnection between the pressure switch and the unloader valve operable to move the unloader valve in unison with movement of the pressure switch.

Abstract: A combination switch includes a pressure switch moveable between open and closed positions in response to a working pressure of a fluid; an unloader valve moveable between open and closed positions; and a mechanical interconnection between the pressure switch and the unloader valve operable to move the unloader valve in unison with movement of the pressure switch.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) and method are provided for thermally processing substrates (108) held in a carrier (106). The apparatus (100) includes a vessel (101) having a top (134), side (136) and bottom (138), and a heat source (110) with heating elements (112-1, 112-2, 112-3) proximal thereto. The vessel (101) is sized to enclose a volume substantially no larger than necessary to accommodate the carrier (106), and to provide an isothermal process zone (128) extending throughout. In one embodiment, the bottom wall (138) includes a movable pedestal (140) with a bottom heating element therein (112-1), and the pedestal can be lowered and raised to insert the carrier (106) into the vessel (101). The apparatus (100) can include a movable shield (146) that is inserted between the pedestal (140) and the carrier (106) to shield the substrates (108) from the heating element (112-1) and to maintain pedestal temperature.