Abstract:
A compact, optically fast catadioptric imager. In one embodiment, the catadioptric imager of this invention includes a first group of optical elements optically disposed to receive electromagnetic radiation from an object and having positive optical power, a second group of optical elements, optically disposed between the first group of optical elements and an image plane, having at least one optical surface and having positive optical power, a third group of optical elements, optically disposed between the object and the second group of optical elements, having at least one optical surface and having negative optical power, a fourth group of optical elements substantially centered along an optical axis of said second group of optical elements and having negative optical power, and a fifth group of optical elements having positive optical power.
Abstract:
An electrode is disclosed having a coating on part of the electrode, e.g., a front face, comprising the oxides of tin, antimony, at least one platinum group metal and at least one valve metal. Another part of the electrode, such as a back face, has a coating comprising the oxides of at least one valve metal and at least one platinum group metal. The electrode can be generally plate-shaped and most desirably has at least one chamfered corner. The electrode is particularly useful in a cell wherein brine electrolyte is electrolyzed to prepare a disinfectant solution containing hypochlorite. The disinfectant solution can be especially serviceable, such as in maritime application, for treating water, e.g., freshwater as represented by desalinated water.
Abstract:
A method for detecting exposed steel in the surface of reinforced concrete, comprising the steps of: moving an electrode across an exposed surface of said concrete; connecting said electrode to one terminal of a power source; connecting the other terminal of said power source to the reinforcement of said concrete; said power source providing a high voltage current effective to produce a spark across an air gap occurring when exposed steel is detected, said spark initiating a means to signal the occurrence of said exposed steel.
Abstract:
A method of installing a coated valve metal electrode as impressed-current anode in a cathodic protection system for a steel-reinforced concrete structure comprises providing a roll of coated valve metal mesh, unrolling the mesh and installing it in conformity with the structure, fixing the mesh to the structure and embedding the mesh in an ion-conductive overlay. The mesh is a highly expanded valve metal sheet providing multiple current paths and therefore enhanced redundancy. Current distributor strips can be welded to the mesh after unrolling.
Abstract:
A catalytic polymer electrode compries a current conducting polymer body forming an electrode base which is provided with catalytic valve metal particles fixed to its surface. A current conducting body of carbon filled thermoplastic polymer is heated to soften its outer surface, and the catalytic valve metal particles are pressed onto its softened surface and thereby attached to the surface of the polymer body. Such a catalytic polymer electrode used as an anode in an impressed-current cathodic protection system comprises a catalyst to provide a reduced oxygen potential. Such catalytic polymer anodes may be applied in systems for impressed current cathodic protection of reinforced concrete structures, such as bridge decks, support members, parking garages, or of buried or submerged steel structrues such as gas and oil pipelines, offshore production platforms, fuel storage tanks, well casings.
Abstract:
Optical connectors that substantially preserve alignment and are easy to manufacture. The alignment system using the optical connectors disclosed herein include a first housing, a second housing and an alignment component, the said alignment component configured to provide optical alignment between the optical components.