Abstract: A solar tracking device is disclosed for detecting incident solar radiation and providing a means for orienting a gimbaled body relative to the solar radiation. The tracking apparatus is insensitive to movements of the gimbaled body caused by environmental factors, for example wave motion when the body is located in water. The tracker comprises a plurality of light receiving sensors, with each sensor independent and capable of individual adjustment; a means for moving the gimbaled body about a perpendicular axis relative to the position of the sun; and sensitizing means including coarse and fine adjustment means needed to control the amount of radiation to activate sensors, thus inhibiting the movement of the gimbaled body in unfavorable environmental conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser-aiming system having a means for suppressing electrical arcing and corona. The aiming system includes a light source, a member for supporting the light source having fill ports with valving mechanisms, and a buffer system for protecting the light source upon recoil of the weapon. The fill port valve connection to the member enables the evacuation of mositure and gas from within the member and further enables the introduction of dry gas or liquid for providing a stabilizing atmosphere around the light source for electrical arc suppression. The dry gas may be a dry inert gas such as nitrogen, for example, and the liquid may be ethylene glycol, for example.

Abstract: A solar distillation unit is disclosed capable of operating entirely off solar radiation and intended for large scale industrial use offshore. A lens focusing system housed within an enclosed shell focuses the incident radiation from the sun on a heating element. Saltwater or contaminated fresh water is ejected toward the heating element at a predetermined rate resulting in the immediate evaporation of the water. The water vapor migrates and condenses on the cooler inner surface of the shell running to the bottom where it is collected and removed as fresh water.

Abstract: An aiming system for attachment to a weapon has a laser for projecting a beam of light onto a target to assist in aiming the weapon. The aiming system permits the laser to be releasably attached to the firearm by providing a mount which is releasably attached to an adapter secured to the aiming system. To protect the laser from severe recoil shock and to provide a rugged housing which prevents accidental damage or undesirable contaminants from damaging the system, the laser is enclosed within the dustproof housing and connected to a bufer means also carried within the housing. The aiming system further permits easy substitution of interchangeable housings, each enclosing a laser, by providing a mount fixed to the weapon which has a bore sighted adjustment mechanism that serves to adjust the position of the laser with respect to the barrel of the weapon. To prevent damage from lateral impact of the aiming device, a lateral shock absorbing material is provided between the laser tube and the housing.

Abstract: A solar distillation unit is disclosed capable of operating entirely off solar radiation and intended for large scale industrial use offshore. A lens focusing system housed within an enclosed shell focuses the incident radiation from the sun on a heating element. Saltwater or contaminated fresh water is ejected toward the heating element at a predetermined rate resulting in the immediate evaporation of the water. The water vapor migrates and condenses on the cooler inner surface of the shell running to the bottom where it is collected and removed as fresh water.

Abstract: A liquid transport container unit carried by a vehicle for transporting liquid products such as water or gasoline is disclosed, such unit utilizing an elongated base section positioned parallel to the direction of movement of the vehicle. This base section contains an internal chamber for containing the liquid to be transported. An elongated upper section positioned substantially parallel to the base section is also mounted to the vehicle. This upper section is elevated with respect to the base section and also has an internal chamber for receiving the liquid. A plurality of return portions are connected between the base section and the upper section and are adapted for communicating the liquid between the internal chambers of the upper and base sections.

Abstract: A windage and elevation mechanism is disclosed for use on a laser aimed weapon. A laser device may be enclosed in a dust proof housing and controlled by an axial shaft rigidly connected to the housing and further movably connected to an adjusting mechanism as a bearing for example. The bearing is located in a support member in conjunction with an angle bracket and spring cam operated on by a return coil spring. The support member has a plurality of apertures for accepting windage and elevation adjusting screws and the axial shaft extending from the laser housing. Upon adjustment of these windage and elevation screws the axial shaft is calibrated in a vertical and horizontal direction thus aiming the laser along the boresight of the weapon.

Abstract: An aiming system for attachment to a weapon having a laser for projecting a beam of light onto a target to assist in aiming the weapon. The aiming system permits the laser to be releasably attached to the firearm by providing a mount which is releasably attached to an adapter secured to the aiming system. To protect the laser from severe recoil shock and to provide a rugged housing which prevents accidental damage or undesired contaminants from damaging the system, the laser is enclosed within a dust-proof housing and connected to a buffer means also carried within the housing. The aiming system further permits easy substitution of interchangeable housings, each enclosing a laser, by providing a mount fixed to the weapon which has a boresight adjustment mechanism that serves to adjust the position of the laser with respect to the barrel of the weapon.

Abstract: A control circuit arrangement for a laser aiming system for aiming a weapon or firearm is characterized by a laser head operable to generate a coherent beam of light energy useful to assist in aiming a weapon. The laser head includes a high voltage power supply having positive and negative terminals thereon. A source of D.C. electrical potential is connected to the first and second terminals. Magnetically responsive reed switches are serially connected between the source and each of the positive and negative terminals. An inductor is connected in series intermediate each of the magnetically responsive switches and the terminals to magnetically decouple the switches from the high voltage power supply and limit the intensity of magnetic fields induced by switching transient signals from the high voltage power supply.

Abstract: An aiming system for attachment to a weapon having a laser for projecting a beam of light onto a target to assist in aiming the weapon. The aiming system permits the laser to be releasably attached to the firearm by providing a mount which is releasably attached to an adapter secured to the aiming system. To protect the laser from severe recoil shock and to provide a rugged housing which prevents accidental damage or undesired contaminants from damaging the system, the laser is enclosed within a dust-proof housing and connected to a buffer means also carried within the housing. The aiming system further permits easy substitution of interchangeable housing, each enclosing a laser, by providing a mount fixed to the weapon which has a boresight adjustment mechanism that serves to adjust the position of the laser with respect to the barrel of the weapon.

Abstract: Sighting apparatus for attachment to a conventional firearm having a laser for projecting a beam of light onto a target to assist in aiming the firearm. The sighting apparatus permits the laser to be releasably attached to the firearm by providing a shockproof mount which carries the laser and is releasably attachable to an adapter secured to the firearm. To facilitate activation of the laser and yet avoid complications when removing the laser and mount from the adapter, the shockproof mount is provided with a switch mechanism that is activated by a trigger mechanism on the adapter. The sighting apparatus further permits substitution of interchangeable mounts, each carrying a laser, by providing an adapter which has a boresight adjustment mechanism that serves to adjust the position of the laser with respect to the barrel of the firearm. The laser is protected from damage by the shockproof mount which comprises a pneumatic buffer that absorbs recoil energy.

Abstract: A laser aiming system for attachment to a conventional firearm such as a pistol, rifle or shotgun is disclosed, which system utilizes a laser to project a beam of a coherent light onto a target at a given range to indicate the impact point of a projectile fired from a weapon. The laser aiming system includes a laser tube, a self-contained power supply module and apparatus for mounting the laser to the weapon whereby the recoil force developed during firing of the weapon will not be injurious to the laser. The mounting apparatus includes a track fixed relative to the firearm with a carriage that is slidable thereon to provide limited longitudinal reciprocating movement of the laser relative to the weapon. A pneumatic device is operably disposed between the carriage and the weapon to absorb and dissipate the energy of recoil.