Abstract: The presently disclosed technology provides a responsive ion beam source power supply system capable of handling fault events without relying on conventional protection circuitry (e.g., fuses and breakers) so that physical power supply hardware intervention by a user is minimized for typical fault conditions and the ion beam source power supply system may recover automatically after experiencing a fault condition. The presently disclosed technology further discloses an ion beam source power supply system capable of detecting and diagnosing fault states, autonomously implementing command decisions to preserve or protect the function of other ion source modules or sub-systems, and/or mitigating or recovering from the disruptive fault event and returning the ion beam source system to desired user settings.

Abstract: The presently disclosed technology provides a responsive ion beam source power supply system capable of handling fault events without relying on conventional protection circuitry (e.g., fuses and breakers) so that physical power supply hardware intervention by a user is minimized for typical fault conditions and the ion beam source power supply system may recover automatically after experiencing a fault condition. The presently disclosed technology further discloses an ion beam source power supply system capable of detecting and diagnosing fault states, autonomously implementing command decisions to preserve or protect the function of other ion source modules or sub-systems, and/or mitigating or recovering from the disruptive fault event and returning the ion beam source system to desired user settings.

Abstract: A solar energy collector whereby an absorber plate thereof is formed by providing a thin metallic foil for supporting sprayed molten metal, arranging fluid carrying tubes on the foil, and spraying molten metal using a source of pressurized inert gas onto a substrate and tubes to build up a coating of sufficient thickness to form a unified solar collector panel comprising the absorber plate, embedded tube and foil which have good thermal contact with each other. The method further includes forming a selective surface on the sprayed metal absorber plate.

Abstract: A method of making a solar energy collector where the absorber plate, selective surface, and protective outer skin of the collector are formed by spraying molten metal particles onto a substrate and building a coating of metal up to a desired thickness. This process allows greater flexibility in permitting a greater choice of materials and geometric shapes to be used for manufacturing the collector. The process may also be used to create the individual components of the collector, i.e., body, absorber plate, or selective surface as well as a storage tank.

Abstract: To alter the surface qualities of nonreactive materials, such as polypropylene and polyethylene in order to provide a means for bonding the plastic to metal, hard granular materials of oxides or carbides are partially impregnated into the surface of the plastic by application of heat and pressure so that granular edges remain exposed. Thereafter, a silver coating is applied over the impregnated plastic to interlock with the granules. The composite layered plastic then provides a means for soldering or bonding the plastic to a metallic coupling using either a bonding cement or a low temperature solder such as bismuth, lead, or tin based solder. Abrasion-resistant qualities also are improved by impregnating the internal surfaces of a plastic tube in order to improve its wear-resistance during transporting abrasive slurries of sand, coal, and the like.

Abstract: Method and device manufactured thereby for economically making solar collectors and concentrators by employing a technique of applying high-efficiency, energy absorptive coatings. The technique is spraying less-than-ultra-pure nickel or chromium, in a molten state, onto a heated surface of a glass absorber substrate so that a thin metallic layer fuses thereon. After spraying, the metallic layer is chemically blackened. An outer glass insulator jacket is hermetically sealed, using a glass-to-glass junction, over the inner glass absorber substrate to provide an insulating space. The spraying technique employed is more economical than by applying the metallic coating by conventional vapor deposition and sputtering techniques which require expensive equipment and ultra-pure metals. Absorption efficiency exceeding 95% with infrared emissions below 0.09% has been achieved. Borosilicate glass is preferred, but other transparent substances can also be used.

Abstract: A solar collector panel wherein a dead air space above an absorption plate is provided with a hermetically sealed vapor phase insulating gas within a plastic envelope. The flexible nature of the envelope permits expansion and contraction of the gas therewithin avoiding the necessity for a pressure equalization membrane or valve. A heat transfer fluid is circulated between channels along a sinusoidal path of a plastic member selectively sealed to the underside of the absorption plate.