Abstract: A multi-faceted light reflector has a reflecting surface with a plurality of adjacent facets, a light source placed in a predetermined spatial relationship to the reflecting surface, and an image surface placed in a predetermined spatial relationship to the light source and the reflecting surface. Each facet has a plurality of edges bounding each facet with each edge joining an edge of an adjacent facet to define a common edge between the two adjacent facets. The surface of the facet generally has three curvature regions. The first region is a base curvature surface portion formed in a predetermined relation to the light source and the image surface for illuminating a predetermined first area of the image surface. The second region is an edge curvature surface portion of each facet adjacent the edges for illuminating a second area of the image surface displaced in predetermined angular relation to the base portion.

Abstract: An automatic lighting system simplifies reproduction of desired lighting conditions by use of a computer which compares characteristics of an actual subject to prestored data representing light locations for preferred lighting of a similar mimic subject, and orients mounted lighting fixtures accordingly. A plurality of light fixtures are mounted for movement on frame. Ideal locations of the light fixtures are determined for mimic subjects of various characteristics by a skilled photographer. The location and illumination data are then stored in computer memory. When an actual subject is placed in the same position as the mimic subject for photographing thereof, data for a mimic subject having characteristics closest to the actual subject are selected from the prestored data, and the light fixtures are automatically oriented accordingly in response to computer control.

Abstract: A method for use during starting and/or low-load operation of a once-through boiler. The method includes the steps of generating steam in a steam generator; separating water from the steam in a moisture separator; heating the steam in a superheater and feeding the steam to a high-pressure turbine; returning expanded steam from the high-pressure turbine to a reheater for heating before supplying the steam to an intermediate-pressure turbine; supplying the separated water from the moisture separator to a reheater flashbox; and feeding stream separated in the reheater flashbox to the reheater.

Abstract: This disclosure is the use of high efficiency turbomachinery designs to achieve high efficiency thermodynamic cycles. The high efficiency thermodynamic cycles are referred to as the Modified Ericsson cycles, an expansion of the regenerative Brayton cycle. A Modified Ericsson cycle can include 2,3,4, or more stages (number of intercooling and heat/reheat cycles between stages) that achieve higher efficiencies and power density (net output power/cycle weight flow rate) than those of regenerative and nonregenerative Brayton cycles. Also included is a high temperature tip-turbine driven compressor design for Brayton, Modified Ericsson and other power/refrigeration cycles.

Abstract: A combined cycle gas turbine power plant uses compressed air bleed from the gas turbine compressor discharge air as a source of warming air for the steam turbine at start-up by incorporating a bypass line from the compressor discharge to the steam chest. During this time period, the steam produced by the heat recovery steam generator is dumped to the condenser. After warming the steam turbine, the compressed air is directed to the heat recovery steam generator for discharge to atmosphere. Once the heat recovery steam generator is capable of generating steam at sufficient temperature and pressure for introduction into the steam turbine, a control valve in the bypass line is closed, thereby eliminating the warming air, and a control valve in the steam supply line from the heat recovery steam generator to the steam turbine is opened so that the steam turbine can be brought on line.

Abstract: A connector is provided for joining two upstream exhaust pipes with a downstream exhaust pipe and for substantially offsetting any difference in length that may exist in the upstream exhaust pipes. The connector includes first and second external shells that are secured on opposite respective sides of an internal divider plate. The external shells and internal plates cooperate to define unequal travel lengths within the connector to offset the unequal travel lengths of the upstream exhaust pipes leading to the connector. The two separate exhaust flows with travel lengths equalized by the connector converge with one another into a chamber defined by the connector, and exit from the connector through an outlet. Expansion of the converging exhaust gas streams into the chamber contributes to acoustical tuning of the exhaust system. The equal lengths of the respective exhaust gas streams also facilitates acoustical tuning performed by a downstream muffler.

Abstract: A commercial refrigerator cabinet is illuminated by fluorescent lamps which are located closely behind insulated glass doors for closing the cabinet. Each lamp is located behind a reflector and is at least partially enclosed by a clear plastic lens having multiple facets on its inner side. The reflector and the lens cause the light emitted from the lamp to reflect and refract in such a manner as to distribute the light substantially uniformly on products located at various distances from the lamp and to reduce glare in the immediate vicinity of the lamp.

Abstract: A system for the conversion of sea wave energy including a breakwater structure including a wave energy collector integrally formed within the breakwater structure. The energy collector collects and directs oncoming waves to an upwardly extending duct having hydraulic oil separated from seawater by a membrane for converting the wave energy into oil pressure. The wave energy collector incorporates a plurality of control valves which are electronically coupled through a computerized control system which regulate the control valves so that the optimum wave pressure is collected and transferred to the hydraulic oil. A piping system conducts the pressurized hydraulic oil to a pressure tank which is connected to a hydraulic motor which is mechanically coupled to an electric generator. The system may be combined with a solar distillation apparatus.

Abstract: A trouble light is provided with a metal protective cage which surrounds a light bulb and has planar surfaces. When energized by a separate switch, an electromagnet within the handle generates a magnetic field which magnetizes the protective cage, enabling it to be mounted to any convenient ferrous metal surface, such as the hood of a car.

Abstract: A device for thermal regeneration of particle filters is provided for use with a diesel engine exhaust system with a particle filter. The device includes a burner for heating the particle filter during regeneration of the particle filter. A combustion air supply is provided connected to the burner for supplying combustion air. A fuel pump arrangement is provided preferably including plural pumps which are individually actuatable to deliver fuel dependent on the speed and load condition of the diesel engine.

Abstract: A peripherally sealed card-like flashlight device includes an inner light generating module, a middle folded card insert, and an outer peripherally sealed protective cover. The inner module includes a flat battery pack, a lamp having a light emitting element and a pair of conductive lead elements extending therefrom, and an electrical switch assembly attached on the flat battery pack. Strips of metallic tape are used to electrically connect one of the lead elements to one electrically conductive portion of the flat battery pack and to position the other of the lead elements over an aperture through the switch assembly and overlying and spaced from another electrically conductive portion of the flat battery pack.

Abstract: A lighting control console has a base and a top. The top includes a control panel having control members on one side operably connected to control circuits on an opposite side. The circuits are covered by a removable insulation member. The top is connected to the base and is movable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the top and base are in nested contact. In the open position, the top is raised relative to the base. A storage compartment is provided in the base. The storage compartment and circuits can be accessed when the top is in the open position. When the top is in the closed position, the insulation member insulates the circuits from the storage compartment. A handle is provided on the console and is suitable for hand gripping so that the control console can be carried.

Abstract: A lighted adjustable mirror with clamp is disclosed. The device consists of a illuminated two-surfaced mirror--one surface without magnification, the other surface with magnification. The mirror, housed within a frame, is pivitolly attached to a bracket. The bracket is pivitolly attached to a flexible column. The mirror is free to pivot about mutually perpendicular axes with the column adding further multi-directional adjustment. The column is attached to a clamp for easy securement to a variety of surfaces.

Abstract: A system and method is provided whereby exhaust gases from a cold started internal combustion engine are rapidly brought to catalytic combustion conditions. Specifically, a closed system of a low pressure metal hydride heat exchanger and a high pressure metal hydride heat exchanger is provided which, upon engine ignition, effectuates hydrogen flow from the high pressure alloy exchanger to the low pressure alloy exchanger with rapid heating of the low pressure alloy due to hydrogen occlusion, and with the further provision that the heated low pressure hydride alloy exchanger is in heat exchange relationship with the cold started engine exhaust gases or the vehicle catalytic converter and provides heat necessary for initiation of catalytic combustion of pollutants in the said exhaust gases.

Abstract: A multi-stage combustion apparatus and method for use with externally fired power plants that allows the temperature of the heat released at any stage to be matched to the thermal characteristics of the working fluid from the power plant.

Abstract: A hand mounting of illumination device. A common flashlight or other light source is mounted on the hand between the metacarpal bones of the thumb and forefinger. This directs the light to the area where the fingers meet and where common hand tools operate and allows full use of the hand holding the light source.

Abstract: A flashlight having a means attached thereto for holding and thereby illuminating an item such as a small document.

Abstract: The device for confirming the adjustment of the optical axis of an automotive headlamp comprises a case fixed to a lamp housing of the headlamp, a rod of which the rear-end portion one end is located inside the case while the front end is inserted through a hole in the lamp housing and fixed to the reflector of the headlamp, the case having an index marked thereon and the rod also having a scale marked thereon, and a protective cover having a window for viewing the index and scale from outside and which is destined to protect, against external shock, the case and rod both projecting out of the lamp housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting heat energy to mechanical energy with greater efficiency. According to the method, heat energy is applied to a working fluid in a reservoir sufficient to convert the working fluid to a vapor and the working fluid is passed in vapor form to means such as a generator for converting the energy therein to mechanical work. The working fluid is then recycled to the reservoir. In order to increase the efficiency of this process, a gas having a molecular weight no greater than the approximate molecular weight of the working fluid is added to the working fluid in the reservoir, separated from the working fluid downstream from the reservoir, compressed and returned to the reservoir.

Abstract: The SMA-CDS engine uses shape-memory-alloy (SMA) means which include at least one stack of conical-disc-springs (CDSs) mounted on a perforated tube. Each CDS has a zero axis, a martensite mode, and an austenite mode. A support structure mounts the CDSs on a tube so as to allow each CDS to reciprocate along the tube's outer wall and to deflect within a predetermined deflection range. A drive shaft is attached through a coupler to the stack of CDSS. Heating and cooling means cyclically heat and cool the stack of CDSs thereby causing each CDS thereof to cyclically transform in response to the heating from its said martensite mode into its said austenite mode, and in response to the cooling to return to its said martensite mode, and during each such transformation cycle each CDS deflects within the predetermined deflection range and generates martensite deflection forces and austenite extension forces of different magnitudes which result in a resultant force that causes the drive shaft to reciprocate.