Abstract: Means and methods of detecting particular particles in an air stream at very low concentration levels and identifying the particles and magnitude of concentration are afforded. Thus, a particle detector cell has a source of ionizing radiation of constant magnitude, an anode and cathode for moving ions through a radiation activity region and a detector electrode for capturing and measuring free electrons as a dynamic signal indication of the presence of particular particles in the activity region. Particular gas molecules are identified by their fingerprint, namely a spectral response to resonating frequency of electrons orbiting in their molecular structure. The magnitude of free electrons detected determine the concentration of the particles present in air. The output may be recorded on a strip chart for identification and quantification or may be logged in a digital computer.

Abstract: A sensitive alpha radiation detector, not responsive to beta or gamma radiation, is provided in an air contamination system to respond to small levels of radon such as 4 picocuries per liter of air. Thus a substantially instantaneous detector for radon in dwellings is provided. The detector comprises a vessel having a housing outer electrode with an air passage screen leading into a first interior compartment confronting a detector electrode. Another interior compartment has therein a calibrated alpha source for ionizing that compartment which is separated from the first compartment by the detector electrode. Thus a small amount of alpha radiation is detectable when presented near the air passage screen. For providing direct radon readings consistent with the Environmental Protection Agency standard of 4 picocuries per liter of air, accumulation of dust and radon daughters from a measured amount of air passed through a filter for a minute or so are processed.

Abstract: Air contamination from deficiency of oxygen and/or the presence of unhealthy amounts of radon gas in a dwelling is controlled by the simple expedient of providing fresh air flow through a dwelling under conditions that keep the internal dwelling pressure above atmospheric, thereby prevention the radon gas from percolating through the earth adjacent the dwelling walls and floors and into the interior of the dwelling.

Abstract: A portable electronic instrument for detecting radon gas is provided by this invention. The presence of radon gas may be reliably and quantitatively measured with simple and inexpensive immediately operable in-situ detection means. Two detectors comparatively operated with respective filtered and thus uncontaminated air and inside dwelling air to be tested provide a monitoring process that can respond immediately to radon gas.

Abstract: Computerized control of a grinding mill complex to establish a predetermined optomized operating setpoint condition in the presence of chemical additive grinding aids responds to a plurality of input signals representative of mill operating characteristics and controls a plurality of input feed materials for establishing the setpoint condition. Provision is made for accelerating correction when deviations from optimum are large. A prioritized selection of input signals serves to first control mill conditions that could damage elevator motors, or the like. Control signals are derived as a function of error deviations for more effective control and are normalized for lag time. The system combines an arithmetic computer with a multiplexing computer that scans and organizes correction control signals and provides for communication with external computers.

Abstract: A general purpose programmed computer controls an air circulation type air conditioning system as the operating equipment between temperature, humidity and oxygen sensors and control devices for modifying temperature, humidity and oxygen content of the circulating air. The various control algorithms are programmed into the computer as well as the control sequence for sampling the sensors and making corresponding corrections and a complex interrelationship of variables controllable for optimum energy expenditure. In particular for tightly closed houses, the oxygen content is controlled by admission of fresh atmospheric air. Particularly for houses, such as underground houses, with substantial concrete wall surfaces in thermal contact with the earth to moderate temperature, dehumidification control is critical even for summer hookups.

Abstract: Energy efficient houses are built with concrete outer walls underground in thermal contact with the earth temperature, which is at a comfortable level for human use and varies little from summer to winter. Thus, the inner concrete walls are made active energy transfer surfaces of a year around temperature control system, which in its simplest form comprises a fan circulating interior building air in a thermal exchange relationship over substantially the entire concrete inner wall surface. For even better thermal efficiency, the outer concrete walls are thermally insulated on the upper portions nearer the earth's surface, where a larger variation of temperature is encountered from summer to winter. Therefore the entire inner concrete wall thermal exchange surface may be kept typically at a temperature of 77 degrees F plus or minus 2 degrees throughout the year and thus constitute a most efficient primary source of thermal energy.

Abstract: For isolating dynamic rotational signal components from a dominating line frequency component in the stray magnetic fields escaping from the motor, a pick-up probe for instrumentation analyzing the motor characteristics is provided with a feedback winding and feedback circuit resonant therewith over a band including a harmonic of the normal motor rotational speed, i.e. full rated load speed. Thus, sensing of a-c induction motor conditions can occur with a single uncritically spaced external probe that needs no motor mechanical, photo or electrical additions or modifications. No access need be had to rotating motor shafts or driven mechanisms.Thus for the first time instrumentation is made independent of installation of accessories by skilled technicians in existing locations for monitoring motor characteristics. Nor are special motors with special wiring, coils, rotating elements or accessories necessary to couple monitors.

Abstract: A current transformer is coupled about the power feed line of the motor operating a ball mill grinder or the like to sense the motor current. This current is converted to a motor load or horsepower signal which is processed together with mill flow rate information of both raw materials and additives such as chemicals for improving grinding efficiency. Thus, signals representative of mill operating efficiency are derived, and displayed in visual form having a relationship to internal mill conditions and optimum mill operating efficiency. Also the sampled signals are sampled and stored in digital form in a computer memory and in a tape recorder for processing and recall. The samples are identified by a recorded time signal.

Abstract: A road barrier system prevents automobile access by means of a chain array or swinging gate held in place across a roadway between two posts. A motor driven mechanism operates the barrier in response to a key or security access code in two modes of operation, one being open access and the other automatically opening and reclosing the gate after a preset time period.Features include quick operation, energy efficiency, self-powered solar energy as the sole energy input, breakaway features to prevent serious damage to the control equipment upon unauthorized entry by force and high-reliability low-maintenance simple equipment useful in country locations without access to power line energy sources. In this respect, the barrier in one embodiment is built as a part of a cattle guard assembly.

Abstract: Simple flat plate reflectors, preferably compound of a panel with a reflector surface layer laminated thereto, are pivoted to move with the position of the sun and concentrate additional energy on a solar energy collector panel. The array can take a tented or triangular end view shape for closing to protect reflective surfaces from hail or sandstorm, etc. Also the surfaces are provided with a periodically operable surface cleaner to assure long term efficiency even when remotely positioned as on roof top.Low cost present day computers are programmed to track the sun over its seasonal variations by means of simple mechanisms pivoting the reflector plates. The system is self-energizing by means of batteries charged by solar panels accompanying the system.Solar energy is storable in a self-contained water tank for use at night, etc.

Abstract: The invention comprises efficient means for conversion of solar energy into stored heat by means of a circulating fluid, preferably silicone oil, so that temperatures higher than 100.degree. C. may be efficiently attained. The fluid is passed through a helical conduit pipe of a blackened metal such as anodized aluminum or copper upon which a stainless steel semi-cylindrical reflector surface concentrates solar energy. There is a movable cleaning rig with a silicone oil wetted pad array that passes periodically over the stainless steel surface to keep it free of dirt and film. Also the transparent cover of a compartment in which the collector is mounted is periodically cleaned. Preferably the collector array is mounted in a pit in the ground to retain ground heat and prevent convection and radiation losses, and the reflector is moved to track the sun position.

Abstract: A self-contained modular chip within an induction motor housing detects and develops a motor operation signal, such as loading from motor characteristics such as slip analysis, and couples it by carrier current techniques to the power line for final processing in an external signal processing and meter display unit without necessitating wiring connections internally or externally to the motor.

Abstract: Loading of induction motors is monitored and displayed by meters or alarms by analyzing slip of the armature derived from pulse signals indicating motor shaft speed. A special sensor sensing the motor shaft rotation also provides motor operating temperature signals accompanying shaft rotation speed signals. Corresponding circuitry compensates the load display over motor temperature variations. Also, the motor operating voltage is detected and voltage variations are processed to modify the load display for improved accuracy in the presence of voltage variations and by linearization of the slip characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems for transfer of heat such as useful in solar energy systems. A heat storage medium is used, preferably salt conditioned by anti-caking anti-corrosive treatment whereby hydrated salts have increased utility by remaining granular during severe temperature and humidity changes, permitting the salt to be used more effectively as a heat storage and exchange medium. The heat storage medium is coated with a heat transfer liquid preferably silicone oil which functions to preserve salt, prevent rust and corrosion therefrom, and to serve as an efficient heat transfer medium between the heat storage medium and transfer means such as heat coils. A solar heat system comprises a solar energy concentrator, a heat input system to a granular particle storage medium, and a heat output system extracting heat from the storage medium.

Abstract: Power transmission systems having a movable member presenting variable load conditions on a motor connected thereto by means of a power transmission device are monitored by load sensing means. Sensed signals are processed to produce visual display conditions and corresponding control signals for selected motor loading parameters. The system accurately and simply measures and displays load conditions in flexible calibrated scale factor and digital form reducing possibilities of human readout error. No wiring or mechanical connections are necessary in the power train and reliable, sensitive output signals are produced with simple and miniature retrofittable electronic processing circuits. Alarm signals exceeding predetermined threshold load levels are stored digitally in a flip-flop circuit or equivalent relay for memory and control of external devices.

Abstract: Electronic circuitry senses motion of a load bearing movable element which has a speed relationship as a function of load by establishing a sequence of timing pulses varying in inter-pulse duration time as a function of the movement speed and processes those pulses to produce electronic indicia signals used for control or display purposes. Sampled timing pulses are taken from the sequence to generate a control pulse of predetermined time duration. The control pulse duration is compared with the speed or loading signal comprising a pulse of time duration between sequential timing pulses thereby to produce an indicia analog signal variable over a range of load conditions. The indicia signals is used for display or control functions responsive to the load borne by the movable element within a predetermined analog range.