Abstract: Disclosed is an enclosed needle bearing hinge mechanism having externally rotatable race surfaces, internal needle bearings, an internal pathway for introducing grease into the assembly for improved lubrication, reduced wear and a construction adapted to support large door or latch loads. The assembly comprises a housing having at least one needle bearing in contact with an outer rotating race, stationary or counter-rotating interior races, a central pin shaft and an internal pathway for lubrication to be communicated from a topmost grease fitting to the contact interface between the needle bearing and outer rotating race. One or plurality of needle bearing assemblies and counter-rotating outer races may be present within the assembly, each with an independent grease pathway branch. The pathway comprises a hollow internal conduit that allows lubricant to contact each needle bearing in the assembly, reducing friction and improving longevity of the hinge bearing assembly.

Abstract: An attaching apparatus and method that is adaptable to a pre-existing hat for holding the cannula of an oxygen user while he or she is mobile, and a hat that is capable of easily and removably attaching a cannula and can be desirably worn in public.

Abstract: An array of photovoltaic (PV) module(s) is arranged in series and/or parallel electrical connection to deliver direct current electrical power to an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen. The electric power is delivered by the array at its maximum power point (Vmpp) to deliver Ioper at Voper for the electrolyzer. The arrangement of the PV modules in the array, or the arrangement of cells in the electrolyzer, is continually monitored and controlled by an automatic controller system to operate the PV and electrolyzer systems at or near their respective maximum efficiencies. A DC-DC converter may be used to adjust the Vmpp to the operating voltage of the electrolyzer.

Abstract: An array of solar powered photovoltaic modules is optimally oriented and operated to provide more electrical energy for uses such as powering an electrolyzer system for hydrogen production. The array is positioned with its light receiving surface at an optimal angle, preferably a continually changing angle determined by two-axis solar tracking, when continually measured solar irradiance indicates suitable sunlight, and at a horizontal position when measured solar irradiance indicates excessive atmospheric cloudiness.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the efficiency of a solar powered hydrogen generation system is disclosed. The system utilizes photovoltaic modules and a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer to split water into hydrogen and oxygen with an efficiency greater than 12%. This high efficiency for the solar powered electrolysis of water was obtained by matching the voltage generated by photovoltaic modules to the operating voltage of the electrolyzer. Optimizing PV-electrolysis systems makes solar generated hydrogen less expensive and more practical for use as an environmentally clean and renewable fuel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle signal light assembly comprising a two-sided sign assembly composed of cooperatively opposite sign structures each having a central opening defined therein, an inner sign structure surface, and an outer sign structure surface. The central openings are defined by a light panel-receiving framework at the inner sign structure surfaces and by opposed diffusing panel-receiving frameworks at the outer sign structure surfaces. The light panel-receiving framework frames a two-sided light emitting diode (LED) light panel, the LED lights of which are exposed by the central opening. The light panel is thus sandwiched between the cooperating sign structures within the light panel-receiving framework. Light diffusing panels are received in the opposing diffusing panel-receiving frameworks. Light emitting from the LED's thus passes through the central opening and is diffused by the opposed light diffusing panels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a traffic control sign assembly that comprises a sign having a central opening. Control consoles are positioned on opposite sides of the sign in centered relation to the central opening and are connected to one another and to the sign. A two-sided bread board type LED light panel is mounted in the central opening within the control consoles with light-diffusing panels mounted over the LED light panel. A power source is connected to the LED light panel. A first silk screen with legend “STOP” and a second silk screen with legend “STOP” or “SLOW” is located on the back of each of the light-diffusing panels in alignment with the LED light panel. Switch means for turning said power source “ON” in a holding or a flashing mode or “OFF” is provided. A handle assembly is secured to the sign.

Abstract: A method for configuring a solar hydrogen generation system and the system optimization are disclosed. The system utilizes photovoltaic modules and an electrolyte solution to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The efficiency of solar powered electrolysis of water is optimized by matching the most efficient voltage generated by photovoltaic cells to the most efficient input voltage required by the electrolysis cell(s). Optimizing PV-electrolysis systems makes solar powered hydrogen generation cheaper and more practical for use as an environmentally clean alternative fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating hydrogen from the disassociation of water using sunlight (photoelectrolysis) is provided. The system utilizes an aqueous fluid filled container which functions both to hold the water to be disassociated and as a light collecting lens. A photovoltaic module is positioned at a point to most efficiently accept the refracted light from the fluid filled container. A pair of electrodes which are coupled to the photovoltaic module are disposed within the fluid and configured to split the water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a photoelectrode and also provides a photoelectrode comprising a semiconductor layer having a first and second opposite major surfaces, with the first major surface overlaid with a layer of indium tin oxide having a thickness, crystal structure, and composition sufficient for robust operation in an electrochemical cell for electrolysis of water.

Abstract: A boiler including a main bank of riser tubes and at least one downcomer tube which are connected by upper and lower headers of flat construction. The main bank of tubes being arranged within a housing the bank of riser tubes being adjacent a furnace combustion chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine steam boiler. It includes a furnace, and a convection section including a bank of steam generating tubes. The walls, roof and floor of the boiler are made into an air tight enclosure by being formed from finned water tubes adjacent ones of which are joined to one another by fins. The spacings of the adjacent tubes in the walls, floor and roof are all substantially identical. The water tubes forming these walls extend directly from a lower water drum through the walls to an upper steam water drum and so there is no difficulty of reduced circulation due to intervening headers. Also because the walls, roof and floor are air tight only a thin cover of refractory is required and this reduces problems of cracking when the boiler is used in a motor ship where it would be subject to considerable vibrations.

Abstract: This invention relates to waste heat steam boiler plant and in particular to a transition chamber for joining a waste heat gas duct to a waste heat boiler in such plant. The cross-section of the boiler inlet differs from that of the waste gas duct and so this transition chamber has a cross-section which progressively joins one to the other. Instead of using refractory clad steel the chamber is made according to the invention from air-tight water cooled tube panels formed of tubes joined by fins.