Abstract: A solar distillation apparatus configured to produce a distillate from a source liquid mixture, including a base member defining at least one flow path, a transparent cover panel spaced apart from the base member to define a volume therebetween; and an intermediate panel positioned between the base member and the transparent cover panel to divide the volume into an evaporation chamber and a condensation chamber, wherein the evaporation chamber communicates with the condensation chamber, the flow path of the base member is configured to carry the source liquid mixture in a first direction in the evaporation chamber to increase evaporation of a liquid from the source liquid mixture, and the evaporated liquid is configured to flow from the evaporation chamber in a second and opposite direction into the condensation chamber where the evaporated liquid condenses into the distillate.

Abstract: A solar distillation apparatus configured to produce a distillate from a source liquid mixture, including a base member defining at least one flow path, a transparent cover panel spaced apart from the base member to define a volume therebetween; and an intermediate panel positioned between the base member and the transparent cover panel to divide the volume into an evaporation chamber and a condensation chamber, wherein the evaporation chamber communicates with the condensation chamber, the flow path of the base member is configured to carry the source liquid mixture in a first direction in the evaporation chamber to increase evaporation of a liquid from the source liquid mixture, and the evaporated liquid is configured to flow from the evaporation chamber in a second and opposite direction into the condensation chamber where the evaporated liquid condenses into the distillate.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic electrical generating device includes first and second wing assemblies each having axis vertical wings. First and second beam assemblies support the first or second wing assemblies. A first sliding member is slidably connected to the first beam assembly and a second sliding member is slidably connected to the second beam assembly. The axis vertical wings are rotatably connected to one of the first or second sliding members. A first sliding connector is connected to the first sliding member and a second sliding connector connected to the second sliding member. A mechanical-electrical section has first and second flywheels connected by a first or second drive belt to a generator. First and second flywheel connecting rods connect the first or second sliding connector to the first or second flywheel. A water force rotating the wings displaces the connecting rods causing flywheel and drive belt rotation thereby operating the generator.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic electrical generating device includes first and second wing assemblies each having axis vertical wings. First and second beam assemblies support the first or second wing assemblies. A first sliding member is slidably connected to the first beam assembly and a second sliding member is slidably connected to the second beam assembly. The axis vertical wings are rotatably connected to one of the first or second sliding members. A first sliding connector is connected to the first sliding member and a second sliding connector connected to the second sliding member. A mechanical-electrical section has first and second flywheels connected by a first or second drive belt to a generator. First and second flywheel connecting rods connect the first or second sliding connector to the first or second flywheel. A water force rotating the wings displaces the connecting rods causing flywheel and drive belt rotation thereby operating the generator.

Abstract: A power panel designed to incorporate a means of both thermal energy production and electrical energy production from the solar energy produced by the sun. The power panel comprises: a synthetic molded enclosure comprising a solar radiation top surface, bottom surface and sidewalls; and a transparent panel disposed on said synthetic molded enclosure. The transparent panel is adapted to insulate the thermal energy captured by the liquid circulating in the enclosure. The enclosure includes a plurality of segmented partitions adapted to form liquid pathways for channeling a liquid through the enclosure when the transparent panel is disposed on the segmented partitions thereby forming a liquid boundary in proximate contact with the segmented partitions and with the liquid in said enclosure.

Abstract: An insulated storage tank incorporating modular panels includes a structural rigidity to store large volumes of hot and cold liquids. The insulated storage tank includes a plurality of insulating panels disposed on an insulation substrate in a circumferential pattern, the insulating panels each in proximate contact with two other panels forming a cylindrical wall. The insulating panels are a rigid structure and provide structural support to an inner liner disposed within the cylindrical wall and operable to be filled with a hot or cold liquid. The cylindrical wall of insulating panels is further supported by a thin outer support jacket. The insulated storage tank has a lid disposed on the insulating panels thereby sealing the contents of the insulated storage tank.

Abstract: A power panel for generating thermal and electric energy from solar radiation, the power panel includes a synthetic molded enclosure having a solar radiation top surface, bottom surface, and sidewalls. A photovoltaic panel for generating electrical power includes multiple solar cells, each fixedly connected to a first face of a metal PV cell tray. The PV cell tray is positioned in contact with the synthetic molded enclosure top surface. The PV cell tray has a second face oppositely directed with respect to the first face in contact with a fluid flowing along the top surface. A transparent panel is positioned in direct contact with the synthetic molded enclosure side walls and spaced above the photovoltaic panel. The transparent panel insulates thermal energy contained within the enclosure.

Abstract: A power panel designed to incorporate a means of both thermal energy production and electrical energy production from the solar energy produced by the sun. The power panel comprises: a synthetic molded enclosure comprising a solar radiation top surface, bottom surface and sidewalls; and a transparent panel disposed on said synthetic molded enclosure. The transparent panel is adapted to insulate the thermal energy captured by the liquid circulating in the enclosure. The enclosure includes a plurality of segmented partitions adapted to form liquid pathways for channeling a liquid through the enclosure when the transparent panel is disposed on the segmented partitions thereby forming a liquid boundary in proximate contact with the segmented partitions and with the liquid in said enclosure.

Abstract: An insulated storage tank incorporating modular panels includes a structural rigidity to store large volumes of hot and cold liquids. The insulated storage tank includes a plurality of insulating panels disposed on an insulation substrate in a circumferential pattern, the insulating panels each in proximate contact with two other panels forming a cylindrical wall. The insulating panels are a rigid structure and provide structural support to an inner liner disposed within the cylindrical wall and operable to be filled with a hot or cold liquid. The cylindrical wall of insulating panels is further supported by a thin outer support jacket. The insulated storage tank has a lid disposed on the insulating panels thereby sealing the contents of the insulated storage tank.

Abstract: A regulator for regulating outlet pressure of a fluid supplied to the regulator from a fluid source includes a body having an inlet, and a pressure regulating chamber disposed in the body. A high pressure fluid circuit extends between the inlet and the pressure regulating chamber for transmitting the fluid from the inlet to the pressure regulating chamber. The high pressure fluid circuit includes at least two longitudinally extending high pressure passages in fluid communication with each other. One longitudinally extending high pressure passage transmits the fluid in a first direction, and another longitudinally extending high pressure passage transmits the fluid in a second direction different than the first direction.

Abstract: A regulator for regulating outlet pressure of a fluid contained in a tank includes first and second pistons. The first piston is biased in a first direction and is movable against the bias when exposed to pressure in the tank. The second piston is biased in a second direction away from an end of the first piston, and the second piston is movable against the bias when exposed to the outlet pressure. The ends of the first and second pistons are separated by a first distance to allow the fluid to flow out of the tank, and the ends of the first and second pistons are positioned closer together than the first distance to inhibit flow out of the tank when the outlet pressure reaches a threshold.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for permitting the transmission of an electrical signal between areas. A housing defines first and second areas having different pressures. A sleeve threadingly engaged with the housing defines a port, and an electrically conductive button is disposed at least partially in the port. An input wire extending into the port is connected to the button at a first point, and an output wire is connected to the button at a second point and extends into the second area. A first compressible insulator is disposed between the button and the housing, and a second compressible insulator is disposed between the button and the sleeve. An insulative O-ring is disposed between the first insulator and the second insulator, and a third insulator is disposed between the sleeve and the second insulator.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for interrupting operation of a starter of an alternatively-fueled motor vehicle. The apparatus comprises a fuel receptacle, a cover and a switch. The fuel receptacle has an electrically conductive, grounded fill opening. The cover mates with the fill opening of the fuel receptacle, and has a contact sensor which generates a ground signal indicative of contact between the cover and the fill opening. The switch communicates with the contact sensor and with the starter, and interrupts operation of the starter when no signal indicative of contact is received from the contact sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for converting fuel injected internal combustion engines normally operated with a conventional fuel such as gasoline to operate with an alternative fuel are disclosed. The methods include a synchronization method where an alternative fuel injector control signal is synchronized among two or more alternative fuel injectors throughout the engine's energy demand range; a method for transforming non-sequential conventional fuel injector control signals to individual cylinder timed alternative fuel injector control signals; a method for transforming sequential multi-port conventional fuel injector control signals to throttle body alternative fuel injector control signals; and a method which includes adjusting the timing of the start of the injection relative to the valve opening event as a function of fuel flow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting a fuel injected internal combustion engine normally operated with a conventional fuel such as gasoline to operate with an alternative fuel are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an alternative fuel introduction assembly having at least one alternative fuel injector, a temperature sensor, and an electronic translator. The electronic translator is adapted to receive conventional fuel injector control signals generated by an electronic control module, and to receive an output signal from the temperature sensor. The electronic translator then calculates an alternative fuel injector control signal to facilitate the supply of a required energy amount of the alternative fuel. The calculation is based upon the energy content of the alternative fuel, the temperature of the alternative fuel, and the flow and operating characteristics of the alternative fuel injector relative to a conventional fuel injector. Preferably, the alternative fuel is natural gas.