Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind energy generating and storing system comprising methods and apparatuses for providing energy dedicated for immediate use and energy storage, to provide electrical power on an uninterrupted and continous basis, to locations remote from an electrical power grid. In a large application, the invention contemplates having a predetermined number of windmills dedicated for immediate use, and a predetermined number of windmills dedicated for energy storage, as compressed air energy in one or more high pressure tanks. A hybrid windmill having the ability to simultaneously switch between energy for immediate use and energy storage can also be provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a decorative item. The decorative item includes a number of components which cooperate together. A layer of luminescent material is provided. The layer of luminescent material is preferably, but not necessarily, a substantially rigid and planar carrier. A translucent image is affixed to the layer of luminescent material. The decorative item is operable in a plurality of modes of operation, including an excitation mode of operation and a delayed light emission mode of operation. During the excitation mode of operation, the decorative item is exposed to a source of exciting energy, such as light. In the delayed light emission mode of operation, the layer of luminescent material generates a phosphorescent light emission, after the source of exciting energy is removed, which passes through the translucent image and makes it visible in low light conditions.

Abstract: A noise generator is created by having a high pressure gas applied to a Mach 2 nozzle which is combined in an adjustable nozzle assembly with a resonance tube of adjustable length with a closed end forming a Mach disk between them. The resultant compression and expansion shock wave oscillations exit the resonance tube and are propagated between reflecting domes which direct the generated noise around a test article in a housing which contains the generated noise. A muffler includes a water spray chamber and baffled bulkheads to dissipate the generated noise.

Abstract: A stackable cup holder (10) for use with a disposable cup (12) is disclosed as including a cup holding body (14), and a handle (22) having an upper portion (24), and also a base (28) having a positioning space (30). The upper portion (24) of the handle (22) of another like stackable cup holder (10) includes a lip (32) which is received within the positioning space (30) to permit stacking of the stackable cup holders and to retain the disposable cup (12) in the body (14). Preferably, the body (14) is made from a ceramic material.

Abstract: A microwave system uses a high dielectric constant waveguide embedded in a ow dielectric constant sheath with mechanical properties matched to those of the surrounding geological material with an end microwave reflecting surface to create a standing wave to permit measurement of particle and shock velocities resulting from an explosion.