Abstract:
Method and apparatus are presented for the generation, regeneration, and transplantation of field enhancing whiskers to provide for an improved cathode in flat panel displays in particular, and in other applications. Such applications comprise devices in which there is an emissive cathode structure for producing electrons. There are dear advantages for the instant invention in the case of a flat panel display which requires a relatively large cathode area, because the present invention avoids excessive power loss due to radiation and conduction loss by permitting operation of the cathode at a significantly lower temperature than if it operated solely as a thermionic emitter. The combination of moderately elevated temperature and enhanced electric field allows the advantages of thermo-field assisted emission.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus are presented for snaring explosive, combustible, and other hazardous compounds in vapor and in particulate form, and also combustion residues, which system can be used to prevent, or retrodict the cause of explosions, fires, etc. after they have occurred. The snares are in the form of gated chambers on rotating time disks and moving belts which are used to capture molecules and particulate matter. The combination detects hazardous molecules and combustible particles or causes of dust explosions; and indicates an approximate time-history record of the evolution of particles before or during the course of fires and explosions, or other onerous occurances.
Abstract:
An array of SQUID detectors to map the magnetic field associated with test currents flowing in the component to be tested. The SQUID is an ultrasensitive, miniature device that transduces a faint magnetic field to a measurable voltage. Perturbation occurs in the test currents and the associated magnetic field at physical defects or inhomogeneities. Multi-dimensional test currents are injected into the component being tested; the injection being made between specific electrodes by varying the direction of the current until it is normal to the direction of the defect to maximize and amplify the effect of the perturbation. The perturbation is detected by the SQUID grid which pinpoints the location, orientation, and size of the defect. The frequency of the injected current can be made to sweep the spectrum from DC to the highest response limit of the SQUID to scan for defects at various depths. As the frequency increases, "skin effect" decreases the depth of the test current permitting multi-dimensional profiles of the defect to be imaged. Computer processing permits high resolution images of inhomogeneities to be produced.
Abstract:
A thermionic fault current limiter utilizes either a vacuum or plasma environment for a plurality of spaced conduction electrodes. The electrode can be supported by insulative spacers with the electrode providing shadow shields for the supporting spacers. Electrode spacing, power density, temperature gradients, and control grids can be utilized for optimum operation and in establishing self-absorption of energy for a desired operating environment. Cesium desorption from the electrode surfaces can be utilized to enhance current termination.
Abstract:
A coaxial electric power transmission cable has an inner conductor within an outer conductor with solid dielectric material provided in the space therebetween. The dielectric material is solid at operating temperatures but non-solid at ambient temperature. An insulative spacer is provided for maintaining the coaxial alignment. The spacer includes insulative material which is identical to the solid dielectric material and may include a solid insulative insert having a solidification point higher than the insulative material whereby at least approximate coaxial spacing may be maintained should the insulative material not be maintained as a solid.
Abstract:
Improved transmission line voltage breakdown strength is achieved by applying magnetic fields in transmission lines. In colinear transmission lines, particularly coaxial cables, one means of magnetic field introduction is accomplished by applying an axial magnetic field about the transmission line, which together with the self-induced power current magnetic field creates a net helical magnetic field whose pitch is dependent upon the relative magnitudes of the azimuthal component of the self-induced magnetic field and the axial component of the applied magnetic field. The applied magnetic field may be achieved by a permanent field or by directing either an alternating current or direct current through a helical winding defining a solenoid coaxial with the transmission cable. Alternatively, the applied field may be achieved by surrounding the grounded sheath with oriented ferrite or other magnetic material in a suitable support medium such as a pliable plastic bond form to produce a multipole magnetic field.
Abstract:
This invention provides a manner to achieve affordable solar energy, as well as other technologies. It does so by improving control grids (for addressing and alignment) in solar concentrators and optical equipment in general. Thus troublesome and expensive grid material like Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) can be replaced by more manageable, hardier, and more cost effective nanotubes; or a carbon grid simply laid down by ordinary photocopy (Xerographic) reduction techniques. The instant invention relates to improvements in the control (addressing and alignment) grid for Solar Energy Concentrators; and similar equipment such as Optical Switches; and Display devices such as Dynamic Reflection, Illumination, and Projection equipment; as well as display equipment in general. The control grid acts to address and align active optical elements such as mirrored balls, multipainted balls, electrophoretic, and magnetophoretic cells in solar concentrators; and in other equipment. Fabrication of the grids is also described.
Abstract:
It is becoming increasingly imperative to harness solar energy due to the ever growing shortage of conventional energy sources. The instant invention is concerned with method and apparatus for the stable alignment of mirrors inside transparent micro balls with the plane of the mirror perpendicular to the aligning electric field for solar energy concentration and related applications such as optical switches, etc. Coupling of an applied perpendicular electric field with the induced dipole in a mirrored ball results in an unstable orientation. The instant invention circumvents this problem so that a stable orientation is accomplished, resulting in an increase in the percentage of incident light that is reflected to the receiver. Broadly, this invention deals with novel concepts used for alignment in the focusing of light wherever mirrors are used for focusing such as for solar propulsion assist, illumination and projection of light, optical switching, etc. A particularly important objective is the focusing of sunlight for solar power conversion and production.
Abstract:
This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for positioning and motion control of the elements (lenses) of a Fresnel lens solar concentrator tracking array by induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of internal moving parts. Control can be achieved without recourse to magnetic fields, by means of high electric fields which may be attained at relatively low voltages. At low voltages, the instant invention exceeds the capability of conventional systems. It can perform dynamic motion control with independent amplitude and frequency modulation. It is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by the array onto a receiver. Since there are no mechanical likages, the instant invention is the most adapted for fabrication from the mini- to the micro-technology realm. Furthermore it provides less costly and greater ease of manufacture from the mini-to the micro-realm.
Abstract:
This invention deals with novel method and apparatus for highly polarizable high dielectric constant positioning and motion control of the elements (approximately planar mirrors) of a Fresnel reflector solar concentrator tracking heliostat array wherein the elements are suspended with the center of mass above the swivel point, below the swivel point, or have an internal-swivel. This achieves an advantageous natural vertical stability. The torque to produce angular deflection, and rotational motion is provided induced and/or permanent dipole coupling to an electronic grid. The force interaction is greatly enhanced by securing a high dielectric material adjacent to each mirror. Thus forces and torques are produced without the use of motors. The instant invention is ideally suited for maximization of solar energy focused by a low-profile concentrator array onto a receiver. Since there are no motors or mechanical linkages, the instant invention provides less costly and greater ease of manufacture. Dynamic motion can be controlled over a wide range of dimensions from nanometers to decimeters.