Abstract: A compressor and method are provided, the compressor having elliptically-shaped combustion chambers including a first chamber having a first inlet and a first outlet, and a last chamber having an inlet and outlet. The first inlet is in communication with a low pressure plenum, the first outlet is in communication with the inlet of the last chamber, and the outlet of the last chamber is in communication with a high pressure plenum to define a flow pathway. A volume of gas is introduced into the first chamber at a first pressure. A fuel is injected into the first chamber, alternately at the foci, and ignited to advance the volume of gas along the flow pathway. A fuel is injected into the last chamber, alternately at the foci, and ignited on a schedule synchronized with ignition in the first chamber to further advance the volume of gas along the flow pathway.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method and apparatus for compressing gas, comprising providing elliptically-shaped combustion chambers including a first chamber having a first inlet and a first outlet, and a last chamber having a last inlet and a last outlet. The first inlet is in communication with a low pressure plenum, the first outlet is in communication with the last inlet, and the last outlet is in communication with a high pressure plenum to define a flow pathway. A volume of gas is introduced into the first chamber at a first pressure. A fuel is injected into the first chamber at the first focus and is ignited to advance the volume of gas along the flow pathway to the last combustion chamber. A fuel is injected into the last chamber at the first focus and is ignited to further advance the volume of gas along the flow pathway.

Abstract: A heterogeneous, pressure-sensitive, electrically conductive adhesive for disposable biomedical electrodes. The adhesive consists of two phases: a viscoelastic polymeric adhesive phase and an electrically conductive aqueous phase containing a water receptive polymer, a humectant, and an electrolyte. Both phases are intimately interdispersed and the adhesive is applied as a relatively thin film on a supporting substrate. The adhesive is characterized in that it establishes a physical equilibrium with the ambient system so that varying concentrations of moisture in the atmosphere are accommodated and tolerated by the adhesive without loss of viscoelastic and adhesion capabilities and without impairment of electrical conductivity values even under conditions of both high and of low relative humidity.

Abstract: A disposable biomedical and diagnostic electrode characterized in that functional electrical contact is effected between the skin and an electrically conductive element of the electrode by means of a conductive adhesive, and in that conductive skin contact is enhanced, when necessary, by selective application of a conductive gel contained in and releasable from a storage cavity in the electrode itself. The pressure-released gel establishes a fluid film interface between the patient's skin and the conductive adhesive and, concurrently, provides a highly conductive path between the electrode itself, and the patient's skin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating steam including an internal combustion engine providing mechanical energy and also thermal energy which is commonly referred to as waste heat. In one aspect, the engine drives a heat pump, and the low temperature side of the heat pump removes waste heat from the engine and in some instances also heat from the environment, while the high temperature side of the heat pump delivers heat to an unfired steam boiler. In another aspect, the engine drives a water injectable compressor, and waste heat from the engine is utilized in a heat exchanger to boil water and thereby produce steam at a relatively low temperature and pressure. This steam enters the compressor and emerges therefrom at a relatively high temperature and pressure. In all aspects, the generated steam can be used for such applications as heating or the operation of a steam engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating steam including an internal combustion engine providing mechanical energy and also thermal energy which is commonly referred to as waste heat. In one aspect, the engine drives a heat pump, and the low temperature side of the heat pump removes waste heat from the engine and in some instances also heat from the environment, while the high temperature side of the heat pump delivers heat to an unfired steam boiler. In another aspect, the engine drives a water injectable compressor, and waste heat from the engine is utilized in a heat exchanger to boil water and thereby produce steam at a relatively low temperature and pressure. This steam enters the compressor and emerges therefrom at a relatively high temperature and pressure. In all aspects, the generated steam can be used for such applications as heating or the operation of a steam engine.