Abstract: A method for increasing the total-to-static pressure ratio across a Ram Air Turbine (RAT) has designed and experimentally tested. The invention develops a localized accelerated flow of free-stream air near the discharge of the turbine rotor exhaust. This localized accelerated flow decreases the static pressure at the exit of the turbine and allows for additional power generation for a given free-stream flight condition. Full-scale wind tunnel experimenting testing shows that creating this low static pressure region behind the turbine resulted in significant increases in turbine output power when compared to a turbine that is not subjected to this invention. The invention showed the ability to increase the total-to-static pressure ratio across the turbine.

Abstract: A method and components for heating and hydrating foods and beverages using an exothermic and pressure generating chemical reaction are described. The exothermic reaction can be initiated by water, spark, electrical impulse, squib, friction, or shock to heat non-potable water and force the water through a membrane filter, thereby producing heated, potable water.

Abstract: A method and components for heating and hydrating foods and beverages using an exothermic and pressure generating chemical reaction are described. The exothermic reaction can be initiated by water, spark, electrical impulse, squib, friction, or shock to heat non-potable water and force the water through a membrane filter, thereby producing heated, potable water.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus to prevent clogging of condensate drain lines with a biocide delivery system that prevents the growth of bioorganic growth in the liquid trap using time release biocide tablets or liquid biocide. When using solid biocide tablets erosion and dissolution of the tables is reduced. When using liquid biocides, combination of initial release followed by gradual release of residual liquid biocide in the drain water is attainable. Drain line are promoted from clogging while being installed anywhere on the drain line upstream of the liquid trap. The apparatus can also be incorporated with a liquid trap, allowing placement anywhere in the drain line.

Abstract: Chlorofluorocarbon replacement solvents include a main component (first solvent) and a property-modification component (second solvent). The resulting solvent mixtures meet or exceed the solvency, flammability, and compatibility requirements for CFC's while providing similar or improved environmental and toxicological properties. These solvent mixtures can be used in conjunction with refrigeration or heat pumps, electronics, implantable prosthetic devices, oxygen systems, and optical equipment.

Abstract: CFC replacement solvent compositions, methods of using the same and methods of making the same. These compositions meet or exceed the solvency, flammability, and compatibility requirements for CFC's while providing similar or improved environmental and toxicological properties. These solvent compositions have applications including, but not limited to, oxygen handling, refrigeration or heat pumps, electronics, implantable prosthetic devices, and optical equipment.

Abstract: CFC replacement solvent compositions, methods of using the same and methods of making the same. These compositions meet or exceed the solvency, flammability, and compatibility requirements for CFC's while providing similar or improved environmental and toxicological properties. These solvent compositions have applications including, but not limited to, oxygen handling, refrigeration or heat pumps, electronics, implantable prosthetic devices, and optical equipment.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable, water purification device can be used to recover potable water from any water source. The manually operated device, requires no external power, is very lightweight, and removes salt and other impurities from source water while also disinfecting it. A symmetrical reverse osmosis (RO) membrane coupled with a pre-filter is used to remove salt and impurities from the raw water. Metal biocides are integratable to disinfect the permeate, improve wet storage and to significantly reduce biofouling within the RO membrane.

Abstract: A retrofit arrangement for attacking an electrical lead to a terminal has a body consisting of a conductive central portion and a non-conductive portion substantially surrounding the central portion.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus to prevent clogging of condensate drain lines with a biocide delivery system that prevents the growth of bioorganic growth in the liquid trap using time release biocide tablets or liquid biocide. When using solid biocide tablets erosion and dissolution of the tables is reduced. When using liquid biocides, combination of initial release followed by gradual release of residual liquid biocide in the drain water is attainable. Drain line are promoted from clogging while being installed anywhere on the drain line upstream of the liquid trap. The apparatus can also be incorporated with a liquid trap, allowing placement anywhere in the drain line.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes are grown directly on metal substrates using chemical vapor deposition. Metal substrates are comprised of catalysts which facilitate or promote the growth of carbon nanotubes. The nanotube coated metal substrates have applications including, but not limited to, heat transfer and thermal control, hydrogen storage, fuel cell catalytic reformers, electronics and semiconductors, implantable medical devices or prostheses, and tribological wear and protective coatings.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable, water purification device can be used to recover potable water from any water source. The manually operated device, requires no external power, is very lightweight, and removes salt and other impurities from source water while also disinfecting it. A symmetrical reverse osmosis (RO) membrane coupled with a pre-filter is used to remove salt and impurities from the raw water. Metal biocides are integratable to disinfect the permeate, improve wet storage and to significantly reduce biofouling within the RO membrane.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes are grown directly on metal substrates using chemical vapor deposition. Metal substrates are comprised of catalysts which facilitate or promote the growth of carbon nanotubes. The nanotube coated metal substrates have applications including, but not limited to, heat transfer and thermal control, hydrogen storage, fuel cell catalytic reformers, electronics and semiconductors, implantable medical devices or prostheses, and tribological wear and protective coatings.

Abstract: A device for increasing the closing force of an AC powered contact in a circuit having a low-voltage AC source and a switch in a structure of the type used for activating electric devices by means of a low voltage such as heating pumps, air conditioners and refrigerators. In order to improve the closing force, a half-wave rectifier operates on the AC voltage to provide an output to energize the contactor. The closing force when the contactor receives the half-wave rectified voltage exceeds a force generated by the contactor when it receives an unrectified low-voltage alternating current of the same voltage and frequency value. The resulting improved closing force is accompanied by an improvement in the life time of the electromagnetic contactor and a decrease in the resistance of the electrical flow through the contactor.

Abstract: An acid test kit uses an indicator paper in a transparent tube which is easily and temporarily inserted in a Schrader-valve at a compressor suction inlet of a refrigeration system. The simplicity, yet sufficient accuracy, of the kit permits several different ways of holding the paper in the tube through a friction fit. One way is to sandwich the paper between a tapered holder which is folded to provide a nose for actuating the Schrader valve. Another way is to provide the paper on or over a cylindrical member. A method for using the test kit including allowing vapor refrigerant from the system to pass through the tube to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A retrofit arrangement is used to attach leads to deteriorated compressor terminals and the like. A secure holding force between the leads and the terminals is obtained with a wedging force. A screw arranged at an angle to the terminal can directly provide the wedging force or, alternatively, indirectly through one or more wedge-shaped bodies.

Abstract: An injector employs a method for introducing an exact amount of liquid additive into operating vapor-compression systems and the like. The injector has a chamber and a piston-cap which have a loose fitting threaded connection to define a leakage path for removing excess liquid additive and undesirable non-condensable gas. After filling the chamber with the liquid additive and screwing the piston-cap back onto the chamber, each end of the injector is connected via Schraeder valves to the high and low sides of an operating vapor-compression system through refrigeration hoses with valve depressors.

Abstract: A vapor compression refrigeration system, such as a water chiller, uses a centrifugal compressor with magnetic bearings and a refrigerant, specifically HFC-227ea and HFC-227ca, to minimize enthalpy rise across the compressor and/or provide compression in a single stage for low cooling capacity. Magnetic bearings eliminate the problem caused by lubricated bearings to support rotating structure during normal compressor operation. The centrifugal compressor can be configured with a pre-defined static surge line.

Abstract: A relatively lightweight cooling device and method utilizing adsorption of perspirated water vapor to permit evaporative cooling of a person wearing a sealed suit for defined time periods. The device can be constructed in the form of a rectangular pad or the like having an open cell foam adjacent the person's skin to permit static transport of perspirated water vapor to an adsorbent layer. The open cell foam or a separate material acts as a thermal insulator to prevent heat flow back toward the skin resulting from the exothermic heat of adsorption produced by the adsorbent layer. In lieu of static movement of the water vapor, a small fan can be operatively associated with the fan for actively moving the water vapor to a single point to enhance the evaporative cooling, particularly where a smaller amount of adsorbent material is used.

Abstract: A relatively lightweight cooling device utilizing adsorption of perspirated water vapor to permit evaporative cooling of a person wearing a sealed suit for defined time periods. The device can be constructed in the form of a rectangular pad or the like having an open cell foam adjacent the person's skin to permit static transport of perspirated water vapor to an adsorbent layer. The open cell foam or a separate material acts as a thermal insulator to prevent heat flow back toward the skin resulting from the exothermic heat of adsorption produced by the adsorbent layer. In lieu of static movement of the water vapor, a small fan can be operatively associated with the fan for actively moving the water vapor to a single point to enhance the evaporative cooling, particularly where a smaller amount of adsorbent material is used. The vest itself can be the evaporator and filled with working fluid which is vaporized as the evaporator section of the vest absorbs heat from the body.