Abstract: A solar concentrator includes a first reflective surface formed parabolic along a first axis and a second reflective surface formed parabolic along a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. The focal length of the second reflective surface is shorter than the focal length of the first reflective surface for crossing focal lines of the first and the second reflective surfaces at a point. A method of concentrating solar light includes reflecting the light off a first reflective surface having a single parabolic axis to generate a first reflected line, and reflecting the first reflected line off a second reflective surface having a single parabolic axis. The parabolic axis of the first reflective surface is oriented perpendicular to the parabolic axis of the second reflective surface to focus the light to a point.

Abstract: A solar concentrator includes a first reflective surface formed parabolic along a first axis and a second reflective surface formed parabolic along a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. The focal length of the second reflective surface is shorter than the focal length of the first reflective surface for crossing focal lines of the first and the second reflective surfaces at a point. A method of concentrating solar light includes reflecting the light off a first reflective surface having a single parabolic axis to generate a first reflected line, and reflecting the first reflected line off a second reflective surface having a single parabolic axis. The parabolic axis of the first reflective surface is oriented perpendicular to the parabolic axis of the second reflective surface to focus the light to a point.

Abstract: This invention relates to generally to geosynthetic materials which can be used for earthen reinforcement, and more particularly to a novel geosynthetic material exhibiting less strain under an initial tensile load then presently available geosynthetic materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides semi-solid and reinforced soil mixtures formed from aqueous soil mixtures such as dredge material, discrete reinforcing fibers such as glass fibers. The reinforced mixtures can include additives for partially solidifying the aqueous soil mixture, such as calcium-containing materials, cementitious materials, silicon-containing materials, aluminum-containing materials and mixtures thereof. The pH of the reinforced soil mixture can be adjusted to control deterioration of the reinforcing fibers, as desired.

Abstract: An oriented continuous strand mat of glass fiber filaments is formed by interleaved layers of generally circular or random loops and elongated elliptical loops having their longitudinal axes positioned in the direction of travel of an endless conveyor upon which the glass fibers are deployed to form a mat useable in a stampable glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet having increased tensile strength in the length of the sheet. An elongated deflector plate having a planar deflecting surface whose length is aligned with the direction of conveyor travel, and whose face plane is generally perpendicular thereto receives pulled strands which have passed through an air flow nozzle and forms the strands into the elongated elliptical loops used to make the mat.

Abstract: An oriented continuous strand mat of glass fiber filaments is formed by interleaved layers of generally circular or random loops and elongated elliptical loops having their longitudinal axes positioned in the direction of travel of an endless conveyor upon which the glass fibers are deployed to form a mat useable in a stampable glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin sheet having increased tensile strength in the length of the sheet. An elongated deflector plate having a planar deflecting surface whose length is aligned with the direction of conveyor travel, and whose face plane is generally perpendicular thereto receives pulled strands which have passed through an air flow nozzle and forms the strands into the elongated elliptical loops used to make the mat.

Abstract: A process is described for improving needling efficiency in the preparation of continuous fiber glass strand needled mat involving subjecting the continuous glass strand mat to environmental treatments before and during needling to control mat moisture and temperatures. A low relative humidity and warm temperature environment is maintained during needling and the mat is exposed to similar treatment prior to needling.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing continuous strand mat which provides for more uniform density of the mat across the width of the surface on which it was prepared by using gaseous fluid directed mat edges to fold loose strands at the edges under the mat and to align the edges of the mat in a substantially straight line. The gaseous fluid, preferably air, is directed at the conveyor surface on which the mat is formed against the flow of the mat on the conveyor and in a downward direction so that portions of the mat at the sides are lifted by the air as the stray strands are folded under to form the straight edge. A further embodiment includes the formation of an edge on a continuous strand mat having an already formed substantially straight edge, during a needle operation to minimize edge waste during needling.

Abstract: A reciprocating traversing apparatus discharges material onto, inspects marks, or cleans a device that it is traversing is provided that has reduced requirements for a driving motor, and has smoother traversing motion. A traversing mechanism has a driving motor with horsepower and torque requirements to maintain operational speed of the reversible traversing mechanism. The driving force to overcome inertia of the traversing mechanism when it reverses to traverse in the opposite direction is provided by a gas cylinder with extending arm. The traversing mechanism moving in a track has a gas cylinder at each end of the track. The extended arm of the cylinder engages the mechanism as it approaches one end of its traverse. The arm is depressed, and when the motor reverses the arm is extended by gas pressure to its original position. By the extension the arm accelerates the mechanism up to is operational speed.