Abstract: A probe includes a substrate and a tetragonal structure disposed on the substrate that has four end points. Three of the end points are disposed adjacent to the substrate. A fourth of the end points extends outwardly and substantially normal to the substrate. In a method of making a probe tip, a plurality of tetrapods are grown and at least one of the tetrapods is placed on a substrate at a selected location. The tetrapod is affixed to the substrate at the selected location.

Abstract: A displacement sensor employs an electromagnetic radiation source that generates a beam of electromagnetic radiation for measuring a feature of an object. The displacement sensor includes a displacement probe, a multi-dimensional diffraction grating and a plurality of photon detectors. A reflection surface, which is changed when the probe interacts with the object, interacts with the beam from the electromagnetic radiation source and reflects a beam from the reflection surface. The multi-dimensional diffraction grating interacts with the reflected beam and generates a pattern of diffracted beams. Each photon detector senses a different diffracted beam, thereby providing information about the state of the probe.

Abstract: A displacement sensor employs an electromagnetic radiation source that generates a beam of electromagnetic radiation for measuring a feature of an object. The displacement sensor includes a displacement probe, a multi-dimensional diffraction grating and a plurality of photon detectors. A reflection surface, which is changed when the probe interacts with the object, interacts with the beam from the electromagnetic radiation source and reflects a beam from the reflection surface. The multi-dimensional diffraction grating interacts with the reflected beam and generates a pattern of diffracted beams. Each photon detector senses a different diffracted beam, thereby providing information about the state of the probe.

Abstract: A displacement sensor employs an electromagnetic radiation source that generates a beam of electromagnetic radiation for measuring a feature of an object. The displacement sensor includes a displacement probe, a multi-dimensional diffraction grating and a plurality of photon detectors. A reflection surface, which is changed when the probe interacts with the object, interacts with the beam from the electromagnetic radiation source and reflects a beam from the reflection surface. The multi-dimensional diffraction grating interacts with the reflected beam and generates a pattern of diffracted beams. Each photon detector senses a different diffracted beam, thereby providing information about the state of the probe.

Abstract: A probe includes a substrate and a tetragonal structure disposed on the substrate that has four end points. Three of the end points are disposed adjacent to the substrate. A fourth of the end points extends outwardly and substantially normal to the substrate. In a method of making a probe tip, a plurality of tetrapods are grown and at least one of the tetrapods is placed on a substrate at a selected location. The tetrapod is affixed to the substrate at the selected location.

Abstract: A modular motor or alternator assembly which comprises an alternator or a motor having a rotor with longitudinal lobes and no windings, commutators, slip rings, magnets, or laminations. A number of modules are provided including two end bell modules, a stator and field coil module, a field coil module, and a stator module. A plurality of stator and field coil modules, field coil modules, and stator modules may be combined with the two end bell modules and a rotor to create a wide variety of motors or alternators having using combinations of standard modules. For instance, motor of various horsepowers can be created using multiple standardized modules.

Abstract: A probe includes a substrate and a tetragonal structure disposed on the substrate that has four end points. Three of the end points are disposed adjacent to the substrate. A fourth of the end points extends outwardly and substantially normal to the substrate. In a method of making a probe tip, a plurality of tetrapods are grown and at least one of the tetrapods is placed on a substrate at a selected location. The tetrapod is affixed to the substrate at the selected location.

Abstract: A displacement sensor employs an electromagnetic radiation source that generates a beam of electromagnetic radiation for measuring a feature of an object. The displacement sensor includes a displacement probe, a multi-dimensional diffraction grating and a plurality of photon detectors. A reflection surface, which is changed when the probe interacts with the object, interacts with the beam from the electromagnetic radiation source and reflects a beam from the reflection surface. The multi-dimensional diffraction grating interacts with the reflected beam and generates a pattern of diffracted beams. Each photon detector senses a different diffracted beam, thereby providing information about the state of the probe.

Abstract: An improved rotary kiln having an elongated kiln member formed of refractory material and supported for rotation, a tubular liner in the kiln member formed of electrically conductive material, a stationary tubular structural non-electrically conductive member concentrically surrounding the kiln and of interior diameter greater than the exterior diameter of the kiln providing an annular space therebetween, an induction coil wound on the exterior of the tubular structural member and an AC source connected to the induction coil and means of rotating the kiln member, the induction coil heating the tubular liner to heat contents within the kiln as the contents are tumbled by rotation of the kiln.

Abstract: A system for providing a regulated low voltage DC source and a regulated higher voltage AC source at a preselected frequency, such as 60 Hz. from the same windings of an alternator rotated at variable speeds including a phase WYE connected engine driven alternator providing three output posts and a neutral post and having a field circuit, a half-wave rectifier connected to each of the output posts of the alternator providing a low voltage DC source, a cycloconverter having a three phase input connected to the posts of the alternator and providing a single phase output at the preselected frequency, a resonating transformer having the primary connected to the output of the cycloconverter and having a capacitor in the secondary providing a resonant frequency at the desired AC frequency, such as 60 Hz., and a clock circuit providing an AC control voltage at a preselected frequency, such as 60 Hz.

Abstract: A method of converting organic materials into useful products and disposable waste including the steps of shredding the organic material into particles, mixing the organic particles with water to obtain a pumpable slurry, raising the temperature and pressure of the slurry to about 300.degree. to 500.degree. C. and about 8000 to 12,000 psig in a reaction vessel to cause the slurry to hydropyrolyize, separating the products of hydropyrolysis to remove gases from the liquids and solids, separating the liquids and solids, treating the separated gases and liquids to extract hydrocarbon components therefrom and using the solids as fuel directly.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the regulating inductance of a power supply by applying across a control winding mounted on the same core a voltage having a volt-second product proportional to the difference between a desired output voltage and the actual output voltage so that the frequency of response is the same under all operating conditions. In a preferred form, the apparatus is incorporated in a power supply having a source of DC pulses that are rectified to produce the output voltage and the volt-second product of the voltage applied across the control winding is proportional to the difference between the detected value of said pulses and a control voltage that is related to the difference between the actual output voltage and the desired value.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing induction currents in a pipe to heat the same comprising an axially extending collar adapted to removably surround the pipe, the collar including at least two arcuate frames hingedly connected in end to end circumferential relationship and having a pair of free ends adapted to be opened for placing the frames around the pipe, a plurality of electrically conducting wires carried upon the frames across the axial width thereof and extending circumferentially between the free ends, a connector assembly mounted at each free end, each connector assembly having a plurality of connectors, each connector of each assembly being connected to an end of a wire and being connected electrically to a connector of the other assembly when the frames are in closed position around the pipe, the wires on one axial half of the collar being connected to each other to form two interlaced bifilar windings; the wires at the other axial end of the collar being interconnected to form two interlaced bifilar windin