Abstract: Small hot particles contained in fluid stream 101 are partially vaporized by laser 46 and deflected transversely to the direction of flow out of interaction region 45 and into removal duct 65. An alternate embodiment ionizes the particles and deflects them by an electric field.

Abstract: An AC converter changes the frequency of an incoming voltage waveform to operate an induction motor driving a ventilation system at one or several different speeds. A program followed by a microprocessor utilizes the phase-to-phase incoming voltage waveform in a step-by-step sequence to generate control signals for the switches in a switching matrix. A full-speed subroutine, a three-quarter speed subroutine and a half-speed subroutine are disclosed for the microprocessor.

Abstract: Coupling of a CW laser beam to a reflective surface is enhanced by a plasma that is confined to the surface region by a transverse gaseous flow.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for utilizing the earth as a heat source and heat sink for heating and cooling buildings are disclosed. Flexible material such as hollow plastic or metal foil bags which can be buried in deep, narrow trenches are draped over and clamped to heat transfer fluid conduits or conventional heat pipes vastly increasing the heat transfer surface area serving the conduits or heat pipes. The heat pipe bags contain a heat transfer fluid and can contain wicks which are in heat transfer communication with the heat transfer fluid conduits or other heat pipes. The plastic or metal of the heat pipe bag similarly enclosed the wick forming a closed, sealed system which can also include the conduit or heat pipe. Such conduit-heat pipe bag combination can be used in combination with conventional heat pumps to both heat and cool buildings.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for utilizing the earth as a heat source and heat sink for heating and cooling buildings are disclosed. Flexible material such as hollow plastic or metal foil bags which can be buried in deep, narrow trenches are draped over and clamped to heat transfer fluid conduits or conventional heat pipes vastly increasing the heat transfer surface area serving the conduits or heat pipes. The heat pipe bags contain a heat transfer fluid and can contain wicks which are in heat transfer communication with the heat transfer fluid conduits or other heat pipes. The plastic or metal of the heat pipe bag similarly encloses the wick forming a closed, sealed system which can also include the conduit or heat pipe. Such conduit-heat pipe bag combination can be used in combination with conventional heat pumps to both heat and cool buildings.

Abstract: Hydrogen is produced from an electrolyte solution by suspending semiconducting platelets in a vertically flowing solution of the electrolyte contained in a radiant energy transparent, vertically disposed divergent fluid conduit. By utilizing a divergent fluid conduit to suspend the platelets in the vertically flowing electrolyte the platelets are maintained in a substantially stable equilibrium position in the conduit with a constant electrolyte flow rate and the particular array of platelets in the conduit can be specifically controlled by simply varying the weight, size or shape of the platelets, further improving the hydrogen generating capability of such system. The fluid conduit is impinged with radiant energy of sufficient wavelength to cause charge transfer in the platelets dissociating the electrolyte solution producing the hydrogen gas. The platelets are maintained suspended in the vertically flowing electrolyte by controlling the flow rate of the electrolyte solution.

Abstract: Hydrogen and bromine are produced from a bromide-containing electrolyte solution by suspending semiconducting platelets in a vertically flowing solution of the electrolyte contained in a radiant energy transparent vertically disposed fluid conduit. The fluid conduit is impinged with radiant energy of sufficient wavelength to cause charge transfer in the platelets dissociating the electrolyte solution into bromine liquid and hydrogen gas. The platelets are maintained suspended in the vertically flowing electrolyte by controlling the flow rate of the electrolyte solution. The respective dissociation products are collected for subsequent energy generation. The semiconducting platelets comprise an n-doped semiconducting layer, ohmic contact, and p-doped semiconducting layer, at least the edge of the ohmic contact being covered by an insulation layer.

Abstract: Various apparatus and their applications to the determination of the flux of a fluid flowing through a region in accordance with the present invention are disclosed. The technique involved is based on the formation of charged particles within the fluid and subjecting these particles to an electric field which is colinear with the direction of fluid travel. Two charged particle collection stations are established, one upstream and the other downstream of the charged particle formation site and the resulting electric currents through such stations are correlated to the flux of the fluid.