Abstract: A low cost microwave communication system is described in which a transmitter including an IMPATT diode operating CW (Continuous Wave) is amplitude modulated by a video signal such that the radiated RF (radio frequency) output from the transmitter is directly proportional to the amplitude of the video signal. Low level radiated power from the transmitter is picked up by a receiver which includes a "square law" detector. The detector provides an output voltage according to the power level of the received RF signal.

Abstract: A microwave frequency discriminator comprising a field effect transistor (FET) amplifier including an input impedance shaping network, a biasing circuit and a detector. The FET is biased to generate an output RF signal within a predetermined frequency bandwidth in response to an input RF signal of substantially constant power level. The input shaping network is formed to augment the frequency gain roll-off characteristic of the FET and the biasing circuit is used to electronically match the impedance of the FET output to the input of the detector. At such conditions of matched impedances the output dc voltage of the detector varies substantially linearly throughout the frequency bandwidth as a function of the frequency of the input RF signal approximating the characteristic of a frequency discriminator.

Abstract: An opaque open-ended cylindrical tube, with a flange on one end, has its other end connected to a surface of a platform with the axis of the cylinder normal to the surface. When rays of the sun are substantially normal to the surface, a lens causes a concentrted illumination of a group of tracking photocells carried on the surface within the cylinder. In response to the concentrated illumination, the tracking photocells provide signals that cause the platform to rotate in a direction that maintains the surface substantially normal to the rays of the sun. Additionally, outside of the cylinder and adjacent thereto, a group of acquisition photocells are shielded by the flange from the sun when the rays thereof are substantially normal to the surface. When there is a large angle between a normal to the surface and the rays of the sun, the acquisition photocells provide signals that cause the platform to rotate in a direction that reduces the angle.

Abstract: Solar radiation is concentrated on a solar cell of a photovoltaic device in the range of 500 to 1600 suns. the photovoltaic device includes a plurality of solar cells on a flat surface of a heat sink, and means for concentrating solar radiation on the solar cells. The solar cells have a surface on which the solar light is incident. This high concentration of solar energy on the solar cell will increase the solar cell operating temperature. The dimensions of the solar cells and the center to center spacing between solar cells is such that good thermal dissipation is maintained in the photovoltaic device.

Abstract: A substrate to be coated and a measuring body are simultaneously coated with a conductive coating. The measuring body includes two surfaces separated by insulating material and transversely spaced a predetermined distance. One surface extends over the other surface. The surfaces defining the predetermined distance are each metallized and provided with electrical connections. The deposition is terminated when the conductive coating fills the predetermined distance between the surfaces.