Abstract: In this sensitive, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, photo-detector, one surface of an amorphous silicon photovoltaic element is bonded to a thin transparent conductive layer formed on an insulating base. A conductive pattern is formed on the opposite surface of the element. The conductive layer may be formed of indium-tin oxide (ITO) and the photovoltaic element may be an element with an intrinsic semiconducting layer between p and n doped layers. The photovoltaic element generates component currents in response to photons passing through the transparent base and conducting layer. Those current components flowing predominantly in a direction at right angles to the photovoltaic element surfaces are summed by the conductive pattern which acts as a spatial filter, responsive to desired ones of these components and relatively unresponsive to other current components.

Abstract: A housing for integrated circuit structures containing magnetic thin film which has permeable protective layers parallel thereto.

Abstract: A precision filter for accomplishing filtering of precision of submicron order. A filter element of the filter consists of a plurality of superposed disc-shaped annular support members for filter membranes. Each support member has a radially outwardly extending intermediate section located between an annular boss section and an outer frame section. The intermediate section is formed on its upper and lower sides with a plurality of gently winding elongate ridges and largely winding elongate ridges. Each largely winding elongate ridge extends from the boss section to the outer frame section, but each gently winding elongate ridge located between the two largely winding elongate ridges is separate from the boss section thereby to form two elongate winding grooves which are joined and continuous to a central opening of the boss section.

Abstract: A joint mechanism in which a plurality of joints are connected in series and each of the joints may be folded. A chain-like connection of intermediate links (L.sub.1, . . . ) through universal joints (U.sub.1, . . . ) enables the intermediate links (L.sub.1, . . . ) to be folded in any direction, and an arrangement of ball joints (B.sub.1, . . . ) and sliding joints (S.sub.1, . . . ) at the connections of the intermediate links (L.sub.1, . . . ) does not cause any twisting force to be applied to the intermediate links when folded. The joint mechanism shows a soft resiliency and performs an accurate positioning of the distal end of the joint.