Abstract: A power system heat source applicable to spacecraft and the like is realized in a combination of an integrated solar absorber-thermal storage assembly 10 and a solar energy focusing unit 50. The focusing unit is capable of selectively functioning inflatable pie-shaped wedges 60 which form a cover for the solar energy focusing unit to control collected radiation effectively and reliably.

Abstract: The present invention provides an indirect downhole steam generator system comprising a downhole combustor, a well casing which provides a flue for the exhaust gases of the downhole combustor, and one or more aerosol nozzles situated within the exhaust flue of the well casing for injecting an aerosol limestone dust into the exhaust gases of the combustor as the exhaust gases travel up the flue.

Abstract: A system for plugging holes in vessels which comprises the combination of a storage and delivery system for a foam-forming material, and a hole-plugging assembly. The hole-plugging assembly includes a flexible nonelastic bag member which is inserted in a folded position into the hole to be plugged and properly positioned with an associated locating means. Thereafter, a unitary foamable material is injected into the bag member to expand it and seal the hole. The locating means further assists in maintaining the inflated bag member in proper orientation and sealing engagement while the foam is curing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal storage having a movable manifold which discharges thermal transfer fluid to trickle through a particulate solid thermal storage medium to be collected for distribution or recirculation in a manner such as to establish a vertical thermocline within said thermal storage medium, said thermocline being movable horizontally with said manifold.

Abstract: A system for sealing and repairing leaks in ruptured containers whereby an applicator including an open-celled sponge body is inserted into the rupture and the two interacting components of a binary fluid foam composition are mixed and injected into the sponge body, thereby expanding and forming a foam composite with the latter against the rupture to effectively seal and repair same upon curing of the foam in situ.

Abstract: A system for sealing and repairing leaks in ruptured containers whereby an applicator including an open-celled sponge body is inserted into the rupture and the two interacting components of a binary fluid foam composition are mixed and injected into the sponge body, thereby expanding and forming a foam composite with the latter against the rupture to effectively seal and repair same upon curing of the foam in situ.

Abstract: The pressure measurement system utilizes two bourdon tubes with an active side connected to a test specimen and a reference side connected to an outside source. The tubes are attached to a single extensometer measuring relative displacement. The active side deflects when gases vent a specimen failure. The reference side is independently pressurized to a test pressure and provides a zero reference while providing a pressure calibration reference for the active side. The deflection noted by the active side at specimen failure is duplicated on the reference side by venting until an appropriate magnitude of pressure versus deflection is determined. In this way the pressure which existed inside the specimen prior to failure can be determined.

Abstract: A system for sealing and repairing leaks in ruptured containers whereby an applicator including an open-celled sponge body is inserted into the rupture and the two interacting components of a binary fluid foam composition are mixed and injected into the sponge body, thereby expanding and forming a foam composite with the latter against the rupture to effectively seal and repair same upon curing of the foam in situ.