Abstract: An omni-directional vertical axis wind turbine includes an axial flow turbine rotor to supply force to operate an electrical generator mounted for rotation on a vertical shaft. A shroud surrounds the turbine rotor forming a circular chamber coaxially with the turbine rotor, enclosing the airflow entry face and leaving the discharge face uncovered. Wind entering the shroud from any direction flows inwardly through air passages, where a set of baffles surrounding the circular chamber redirect incoming airflow into a stream within the circular chamber. A cylindrical enclosure mounted concentrically with the turbine rotor within the circulation chamber houses an array of stationary vanes positioned to extend across the entry base and in close proximity to the turbine rotor and aligned at angles relative to the axis of rotation, form flow-through passages to intercept the airflow and redirect it vertically into the swept area of the turbine rotor in the form of laminar streams.

Abstract: A fluid filter element, filter, and process for its fabrication, wherein the filter element includes a flat base and a thin layer deposited thereupon having a pattern of channels through which a fluid may flow. In operation, the element is pressed against a flat surface, preferably the back side of another element in a stack of filter elements, whereupon the channels become closed conduits. The channels have a minimum dimension of the thickness of the layer, so that larger particles may not pass therethrough. Fabrication of the thin layer with the channels therein is preferably accomplished by masking a pattern corresponding to the channels and then vapor depositing the remainder of the thin layer, as masking and deposition permits accurate control of the height of the deposited layer, and, then, the minimum dimension of the channels.

Abstract: A fluid filter element, filter, and process for its fabrication, wherein the filter element includes a flat base and a thin layer deposited thereupon having a pattern of channels through which a fluid may flow. In operation, the element is pressed against a flat surface, preferably the back side of another element in a stack of filter elements, whereupon the channels become closed conduit. The channels have a minimum dimension of the thickness of the layer, so that larger particles may not pass therethrough. Fabrication of the thin layer with the channels therein is preferably accomplished by masking a pattern corresponding to the channels and then vapor depositing the remainder of the thin layer, as masking and deposition permits accurate control of the height of the deposited layer, and, then, the minimum dimension of the channels.

Abstract: A solar cell array utilizing geometrically alternating, laterally disposed N-on-P and P-on-N gallium arsenide solar cells is disclosed. Improved array efficiency is achieved by placing adjacent solar cells in substantial contact with each other and eliminating bus connections on the top surfaces. This is accomplished by providing the solar cells with a lateral cross-sectional configuration of a parallelogram with the N-on-P solar cells slanted in one lateral direction and the P-on-N solar cells slanted in the opposite direction. The top surfaces of adjacent, contacting solar cells are electrically connected by extending a connector grid across the top surfaces. Strip connectors are used to join the bases of adjacent solar cells.

Abstract: A process for fabricating layered semiconductor structures, particularly thin gallium arsenide solar cells, on reusable substrates. The structure is fabricated by depositing a selectively removable layer such as gallium aluminum arsenide onto a substrate, and then depositing a solar cell basic structure on the selectively removable layer. Preferably, the solar cell basic structure includes a layer of p-type gallium arsenide on the layer of gallium aluminum arsenide, a layer of n-type gallium arsenide on the p-type gallium arsenide, and a transparent glass cover over the n-type gallium arsenide layer. The solar cell basic structure is separated from the substrate by selectively dissolving the gallium aluminum arsenide layer, and a new layer of gallium aluminum arsenide is epitaxially deposited upon the exposed face to form a thin, lightweight gallium arsenide solar cell. If the layer of p-type gallium arsenide is about 0.5 microns thick or less, the new layer of gallium aluminum arsenide may be omitted.

Abstract: Fuel injector nozzle holders typically include a needle which is coupled within the nozzle holder and displaceable between open and closed positions. The nozzle holder also includes a chamber and a spring positioned within the chamber and coupled to the needle for biasing the needle toward the closed position. Prior art fuel injector nozzle holders can readily be modified to include a passageway for establishing communication with the chamber from a location external to the nozzle holder. This passageway may be dimensioned to permit an external sensing device which is capable of detecting displacements of the needle when positioned in proximity thereto to be inserted through the passageway into the chamber. A sensor holder is positioned within the chamber and aligned with the passageway to guide the sensor into a predetermined position with respect to the needle and to maintain the sensor in a fixed position.

Abstract: An isolation or blocking diode for mounting alongside solar cells in solar cell panels such as used in flexible roll-up, rigid flat and cylindrical arrays, the diode having the thickness and shape of adjacent solar cells and functioning to prevent such problems as total solar panel failure in the event of shorts developing in a single solar cell group and a major power loss in case of partial shadowing of the panel.