Abstract: A tactile sensing device for use in robotics and medical prosthetics includes a transparent sheet-like element and a second resilient sheet-like element positioned adjacent the first transparent element. A light detection and imaging means is positioned to observe the interface between the two elements. A light source is provided to illuminate the interior of one of the two elements. Any object pressing against the resilient element deforms the same into contact with the transparent element. Areas of contact caused by the pressing object produce a lighted area that can be detected by the light detecting means. The output from the light detecting means may be processed by a computer and an image of the contact area produced by the pressing object can be displayed on a monitor or processed to operate an electro-mechanical control.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for sensing the presence of gases, vapors, and liquids using surface acoustic waves. At the present time the commercially available devices for measuring the presence of fluids, although fast reacting and generally quite accurate, are very expensive and bulky. Further, these devices do not lend themselves to advanced integrated signal processing and digital techniques. This disclosure describes a precise, fluid sensing unit that is small, easily integrated, and relatively inexpensive to fabricate. The apparatus includes a medium on which surface acoustic waves can be propagated, transmitting and receiving transducers, and a sensing member located across the path of the surface acoustic waves. The sensing member has a physical characteristic that varies the velocity and/or the attenuation of the waves when in the presence of the specific fluid being detected.

Abstract: A solar power system including a movable platform for tracking the sun, a radiation concentrator, and a plurality of photovoltaic cell modules positioned on the platform for receiving concentrated solar radiation. The module includes a heat dissipation housing which supports a silicon cell across an open end of the housing. A heat transfer block physically engages the silicon cell and a metallic sponge and wick is attached to the heat transfer block and depends therefrom into the housing. The housing is partially filled with liquid to facilitate heat removal. The silicon cells are processed by preferential etching to form V grooves which define a plurality of diode elements having generally trapezoidal cross-sections. The elements may be serially interconnected by metallization on the V groove surfaces. The physical configurations of the elements and the use of antireflective coatings on surfaces of the elements result in high efficiency cells.

Abstract: A solar power system including a movable platform for tracking the sun, a radiation concentrator, and a plurality of photovoltaic cell modules positioned on the platform for receiving concentrated solar radiation. The module includes a heat dissipation housing which supports a silicon cell across an open end of the housing. A heat transfer block physically engages the silicon cell and a metallic sponge and wick is attached to the heat transfer block and depends therefrom into the housing. The housing is partially filled with liquid to facilitate heat removal. The silicon cells are processed by preferential etching to form V grooves which define a plurality of diode elements having generally trapezoidal cross-sections. The elements may be serially interconnected by metallization on the V groove surfaces. The physical configurations of the elements and the use of antireflective coatings on surfaces of the elements result in high efficiency cells.