Abstract: A fluid control valve having a spring biased shuttle plunger member which opens or closes fluid flow through a plurality of radially spaced apart fluid passageways disposed between an upstream chamber and downstream chamber in the valve body responsive to a fluid pressure greater than the spring force and any differential pressure between the upstream and downstream chambers to prevent fluid from being supplied at a pressure higher than a desired operating pressure and prevent high dynamic differential pressures, such as a “water hammer” or explosive pressure. Alternatively, in a normally closed embodiment, pilot fluid at a pressure greater than the spring force and any differential pressure in the upstream chamber is utilized to open the valve, which is then closed by the spring force.

Abstract: A combustion-driven hydroelectric generating system has one or more combustion cylinders that contain a liquid (such as water) and receive a combustible fuel/oxidizer mixture that is ignited and the explosive force of the combustion acts on the surface of the liquid to transfer a metered slug of the liquid to a pressurized vessel containing a pressurized gas (preferably an inert gas). The pressurized liquid from the pressurized vessel serves as a “head of water” that can be used to operate a water wheel (Pelton wheel) or hydroelectric generator and perform other useful work. The transferred liquid is replaced in the combustion cylinders, another charge of the fuel/oxidizer is introduced and ignited and the process is repeated.

Abstract: A combustion-driven hydroelectric generating system has one or more combustion cylinders that contain a liquid (such as water) and receive a combustible fuel/oxidizer mixture that is ignited and the explosive force of the combustion acts on the surface of the liquid to transfer a metered slug of the liquid to a pressurized vessel containing a pressurized gas (preferably an inert gas). The pressurized liquid from the pressurized vessel serves as a “head of water” that can be used to operate a water wheel (Pelton wheel) or hydroelectric generator and perform other useful work. The transferred liquid is replaced in the combustion cylinder, another charge of the fuel/oxidizer is introduced and ignited and the process is repeated.

Abstract: An optical transducer, wherein the output end of a light transmitting optical fiber or fiber bundle and the input end of a light receiving optical fiber or fiber bundle are fixed angularly adjacent an effective light receiving area of a movable light reflecting member. The light transmitting optical fiber directs a beam of light from a source onto the light reflecting area at a predetermined angle and the light receiving optical fiber is connected with light detection device for receiving at least a portion of the reflected light and detecting the intensity of the reflected light. Upon acceleration or vibration, the movable light reflecting member moves relative to the output and input ends of the optical fibers such that the movement of its effective light reflecting area varies the intensity of the reflected light and the intensity of the reflected light received by the light receiving optical fiber corresponds approximately logarithmically to the amount of movement of the light reflecting member.

Abstract: A passive transducer apparatus and method of use for producing a useful output light signal in response to a sensed condition. The sensed condition varies the light emitted from a first fiber optic light conductor that is apparently captured or detected by a second fiber optic light conductor. The light captured by the second or collector fiber optic member is the useful output signal which may be made proportional to the sensed condition. The apparent change in light capture may be caused by a relative change in geometry of the fiber optic members, by variation in the coupling fluid or by an external optical member.

Abstract: A passive transducer apparatus and method of use for producing a useful output light signal in response to a sensed condition. The sensed condition varies the light emitted from a first fiber optic light conductor that is apparently captured or detected by a second fiber optic light conductor. The light captured by the second or collector fiber optic member is the useful output signal which may be made proportional to the sensed condition. The apparent change in light capture may be caused by a relative change in geometry of the fiber optic members, by variation in the coupling fluid or by an external optical member.

Abstract: A passive transducer apparatus and method of use for producing a useful output light signal in response to a sensed condition. The sensed condition varies the light emitted from a first fiber optic light conductor that is apparently captured or detected by a second fiber optic light conductor. The light captured by the second or collector fiber optic member is the useful output signal which may be made proportional to the sensed condition. The apparent change in light capture may be caused by a relative change in geometry of the fiber optic members, by variation in the coupling fluid or by an external optical member.