Abstract: An optical assembly includes a light path and at least one optic to be positioned in the path. A support arrangement supports the optic having a foot arrangement including at least one foot that receives a direct manipulation with the foot slidingly engaged against a support surface to move the optic relative to the light path. Movement of the foot may move the optic along a predetermined path. The foot defines a footprint for engaging the support surface and receives the direct manipulation in a way which changes the footprint on the support surface to move the optic responsive to changes in the footprint. A movement arrangement may selectively bias the foot against the support surface during a movement mode, intended to permit movement of the foot against the support surface, and in a locked mode, intended to lock the foot against the support surface.

Abstract: A solar energy collector suitable for use in a solar energy collection system that tracks movements of the sun along at least one axis may have a plurality of reflector panels, a support structure that supports the reflector panels in a manner that defines a pair of adjacent reflector troughs, each trough having a base, a pair of reflective side walls and a trough aperture suitable for receiving incident sunlight during operation of the solar energy collection system, a frame that is coupled to the support structure near the bases of the troughs to define a closed reflector support truss framework in cooperation with the support structure, wherein the reflector support truss framework is positioned behind the reflector troughs such that the reflector support truss framework does not shadow the reflector panels during normal operation of the solar energy collector, and a plurality of solar receivers.

Abstract: A solar receiver can have a base plate having a first surface and a second surface, a plurality of solar cells positioned over and supported by the first surface of the base plate, each solar cell having a cell face suitable for receiving solar radiation that faces away from the base plate, the plurality of solar cells being arranged in at least one string having a string axis, and a plurality of fins attached directly to the second surface of the base plate, wherein the fins extend outwardly from the second surface of the base plate in a direction that is generally perpendicular to both the string axis and the solar cell faces.

Abstract: A solar energy collector is provided having at least one reflector panel, a plurality of solar receivers, and a support structure that supports the at least one reflector panels in a manner that defines a reflector troughs having a trough base, a pair of reflective side walls and a trough aperture suitable for receiving incident sunlight during operation of the collector, wherein each reflective side wall has a curvature that approximates a quarter parabola segment to thereby concentrate incident solar radiation on the plurality of solar receivers.

Abstract: A solar energy collector suitable for use in a solar energy collection system. The collector may have a plurality of reflector panels, a support structure that supports the reflector panels in a manner that defines a pair of adjacent reflector troughs, each trough having a base, a pair of reflective side walls and a trough aperture suitable for receiving incident sunlight during operation of the collector, a plurality of solar receivers positioned generally adjacent an edge of an associated trough and including at least one photovoltaic cell, wherein the reflector panels are arranged to direct incident sunlight towards the solar receivers using a single reflection during operation of the collector, and a frame that is coupled to the support structure near the bases of the troughs to define a closed reflector support truss framework.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a light path and at least one optic to be positioned in the path. A support arrangement supports the optic having a foot arrangement including at least one foot that receives a direct manipulation with the foot slidingly engaged against a support surface to move the optic relative to the light path. Movement of the foot may move the optic along a predetermined path. The foot defines a footprint for engaging the support surface and receives the direct manipulation in a way which changes the footprint on the support surface to move the optic responsive to changes in the footprint. A movement arrangement may selectively bias the foot against the support surface during a movement mode, intended to permit movement of the foot against the support surface, and in a locked mode, intended to lock the foot against the support surface.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a light path and at least one optic to be positioned in the path. A support arrangement supports the optic having a foot arrangement including at least one foot that receives a direct manipulation with the foot slidingly engaged against a support surface to move the optic relative to the light path. Movement of the foot may move the optic along a predetermined path. The foot defines a footprint for engaging the support surface and receives the direct manipulation in a way which changes the footprint on the support surface to move the optic responsive to changes in the footprint. A movement arrangement may selectively bias the foot against the support surface during a movement mode, intended to permit movement of the foot against the support surface, and in a locked mode, intended to lock the foot against the support surface.

Abstract: Attaching an attachment surface of an electrically conductive workpiece to an electrically conductive support surface is described. In one aspect, a biasing force is distributed at least partially around a weld region of the workpiece to urge the attachment surface of the workpiece against the support surface in a way which at least resists welding induced movement of the workpiece relative to the support arrangement. An electrode arrangement, having an electrode tip, contacts the workpiece to provide for substantially compliant movement of the electrode tip against the weld region in directions that are parallel to the support surface. In another aspect, a combined manipulation/welding arrangement is supported for controlled movement with a free end configured for engaging the workpiece to bias the workpiece against the support surface to manipulate the workpiece against the surface and to conduct an electrical current, while holding the workpiece, for welding to the support surface.

Abstract: Attaching an attachment surface of an electrically conductive workpiece to an electrically conductive support surface is described. In one aspect, a biasing force is distributed at least partially around a weld region of the workpiece to urge the attachment surface of the workpiece against the support surface in a way which at least resists welding induced movement of the workpiece relative to the support arrangement. An electrode arrangement, having an electrode tip, contacts the workpiece to provide for substantially compliant movement of the electrode tip against the weld region in directions that are parallel to the support surface. In another aspect, a combined manipulation/welding arrangement is supported for controlled movement with a free end configured for engaging the workpiece to bias the workpiece against the support surface to manipulate the workpiece against the surface and to conduct an electrical current, while holding the workpiece, for welding to the support surface.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a light path and at least one optic to be positioned in the path. A support arrangement supports the optic having a foot arrangement including at least one foot that receives a direct manipulation with the foot slidingly engaged against a support surface to move the optic relative to the light path. Movement of the foot may move the optic along a predetermined path. The foot defines a footprint for engaging the support surface and receives the direct manipulation in a way which changes the footprint on the support surface to move the optic responsive to changes in the footprint. A movement arrangement may selectively bias the foot against the support surface during a movement mode, intended to permit movement of the foot against the support surface, and in a locked mode, intended to lock the foot against the support surface.

Abstract: A heater preferably having a plurality of equally spaced heating elements, such as heating lamps, provides a uniform heat radiation pattern for quickly and uniformly heating a large surface area using motor controlled wheels for translating the heater at a constant rate of speed across the surface of a structure in a desired pattern. The heater having a handle for operator manipulation for guiding and turning the heater in the desired pattern. The heater, having a wide lateral distance for radiating a wide uniform radiation pattern is suitable for thermographic application for imaging the heated surface and detecting subsurface defects in the structure, such as composite overwrapped concrete bridge and building structures subject where debonding of the composite/concrete interface is a concern.

Abstract: A trim assembly for use with at least one flanged support post including a first trim member engagable with the flanged support post, and a second trim member engagable with the first trim member.

Abstract: A lock assembly for use in an enclosed structure housing a locking bar having a plurality of locking fingers includes a lock arm mechanism having a lock arm and a lock arm mounting assembly for mounting the lock arm mechanism in the enclosed structure. The lock arm causes a rigid finger on the locking bar to be raised and lowered and in doing so raises and lowers the locking bar.

Abstract: A housing and interlock mechanism for a high current electrical switch, wherein the interlock mechanism precludes disruption of the circuit when the circuit is energized or under load. The interlock mechanism includes a lever arm for rotating a transfer gear to slidably desplace an elongated drive bar for simultaneously rotating an actuation gear for actuating the switch and an interlock gear for selectively engaging the plug.

Abstract: An untrasonic technique is presented which permits accurate measurement of the Poisson's ratio for a specimen which exists as a thin (<10 mil) layer. This technique measures resonance and should prove especially useful in situations where a bulk specimen is either not readily available or would not properly reflect the properties of the material when configured as a thin layer. A detailed discussion of the theory underlying the technique is included. The technique is then used to determine the values of Poisson's ratio of three thin specimen materials. These values were then contrasted to those of the bulk specimens obtained in a more conventional manner. The technique as presented could be extended for a number of applications, including the cure monitoring of adhesives.

Abstract: A blow molding apparatus wherein a plurality of circumferentially spaced sets of molds are provided for rotation about a horizontal axis and plastic material is extruded in tubular form between the mold sections of each set of molds and the molds are closed and the portion of the plastic within each mold section is blown to form a hollow article, a slide assembly for mounting the radially outermost mold section of each set of molds comprising a base, a slide on the base providing a mold support for one mold section and adapted to move radially toward and away from the other mold section associated with the section supported by the slide, a cam follower slidable upon the base and linkage between the cam follower and the slide operable to provide a rapid movement of the mold support radially inwardly and radially outwardly as the cam follower follows an annular cam in the machine.

Abstract: A red colorant obtained from beets is stabilized against off flavor by incorporating therein a alkali metal salt, such as sodium chloride.

Abstract: A red color extract from beets is stabilized against off flavor by co-drying with a polyvalent metal salt, such as calcium chloride.