Abstract: A method and apparatus for driving an array or large field of solar concentrators (10) by means of pneumatic pulses of compressed air such that it tracks the movement of the sun (14) across the sky is disclosed. The drive system includes a multiplicity of gearing means (26) which is mounted to one or more solar concentrators (10) for providing the movement of said solar concentrators to track the sun (14). The multiplicity of gearing means are driven by a multiplicity of drive means (28) in response to pulses of compressed air which are selectively provided to achieve the necessary tracking. The pulses of compressed air are provided to the drive (26) means from a compressed air source (38) by means of pneumatic valving (32) which is selectively opened and closed by means of electrical drive signals. The compressed air is connected to the pneumatic valving (32) and then further connected to the drive means (26) by means of fluid conduits (34) such as for example, plastic tubing.

Abstract: A clip attachment device for affixing a generally circular clip about a mass of material includes a split mandrel mounted on a support arm. The mandrel is elastically deformable and in its normally expanded condition frictionally engages and retains or stores a plurality of clips. The pivotal support arm for the mandrel is movable between a position over a clip attachment opening in the base of the device and a clip indexing station. The mandrel is translatable in a longitudinal direction so that a clip at the clip attachment station may be positioned by longitudinal movement for engagement by clip closure dies. The dies can partially close and compress about one clip. The mandrel may then be withdrawn with the remaining clip to the indexing station. The retained clip may then be further compressed by the dies about a mass of material.

Abstract: A three part die forms a metal clip into a fixed diameter, circular configuration about a workpiece. The die is comprised of three separate die members which move radially toward and away from a fixed center point that defines the center of a first circle. A die engaging groove or channel is defined in the surface of each die member for cooperation with the metal clip. When the die is closed, the die channel defines a second circle which is concentric to the first circle.

Abstract: A molded plastic display tag includes a display panel with a rib along the bottom edge of the panel. A tapered stem with a knob formed on its distal end projects from the midpoint of the rib. The stem is tapered for cooperation with a metal clip which may be fastened about the stem and packaging material. The panel and rib are sized and shaped to permit manual gripping.

Abstract: An improved method of making a high precision trough shaped parabolic reflector apparatus is described. A smooth surfaced sheet of flexible material is bent and formed over a convex mold comprising a number of precision shaped parabolic arcs mounted to a base. Means are provided for clamping the flexible sheet of material and drawing it into close conformity with the convex mold. The backside or convex side of the sheet of material is then cemented to a support framework comprising a number of approximately parabolic, but not necessarily precision formed web or rib members which are joined together by a torsion tube or similar structural stiffening means. The type of cement utilized accurately fills any discontinuities and/or inaccuracies in the arcuate shape of the approximately parabolic ribs so that the ribs and the flexible sheet are bonded rigidly together as a unit without distortion or strain on the sheet.