Abstract: A cycle (100) for producing work from heat involves pressurizing a first working fluid (F1), and heating the first working fluid under pressure (102) to obtain a first vapor. A second working fluid (F2) is compressed (106) in a compressor (204a, 204b). The first vapor and the second vapor are then mixed (108) to form a third vapor (F3). Heat is thereby transferred directly between the vapors at a common pressure. The third vapor is expanded (112) to perform work. All or a portion of the third vapor is communicated (121) to a low pressure expansion zone (214, 215) where it functions as a refrigerant used to provide cooling for the third vapor, thereby facilitating the condensate of the first fluid to liquid extracted from the third vapor. Heat extracted during the condensate process is used for later performing work. The first fluid condensate is returned to the initial pressurizing step with capacity to again acquire heat that is useful for performing work.

Abstract: A method (400, 1100) and apparatus (500, 1200) for producing work from heat includes a boiler (510) which is configured for heating a pressurized flow of a first working fluid (F1) to form of a first vapor. A compressor (502) compresses a second working fluid (F2) in the form of a second vapor. A mixing chamber (504) receives the first and second vapor and transfers thermal energy directly from the first vapor to the second vapor. The thermal energy that is transferred from the first vapor to the second vapor will generally include at least a portion of a latent heat of vaporization of the first working fluid. An expander (506) is arranged to expand a mixture of the first and second vapor received from the mixing chamber, thereby performing useful work after or during the transferring operation. The process is closed and enables recirculation and therefore recycling of thermal energy that is normally unused in conventional cycle approaches.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent, multiple-part marking system comprising at least one first reactant and at least one second reactant, wherein the at least one first reactant is chosen from a viscous oxalate composition, and wherein the at least one second reactant is chosen from a liquid activator. A chemiluminescent, multiple-part marking system comprising at least one first reactant and at least one second reactant, wherein the at least one first reactant is chosen from a liquid oxalate composition, and wherein the at least one second reactant is chosen from a viscous activator composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiple-part electrochemical thermal signaling or marking systems, comprising at least one first part comprising at least one super-corroding alloy and at least one absorbent material, and at least one second part. The at least one first part and the at least second part must be kept separate until use, at which time they are combined and heat generation commences. Further disclosed herein are containment devices comprising such thermal signaling or marking systems.

Abstract: An antenna reflector (100, 700) comprising a centrally located hub (120), inner ribs (108) rotatably secured at a proximal end to the hub, outer ribs (110) extendible from the inner ribs, and a guideline truss structure (132, 160) configured to support a flexible antenna reflector surface (122). The inner ribs are rotatable from a stowed position in which they are generally aligned with a central axis of the hub, to a rotated position in which they extend in a radial direction relative to the central axis. The guideline truss structure is secured to each outer rib using standoff cords attached at intermediate locations along a length of the outer rib between opposing ends (116, 118) thereof. The outer ribs are configured to be linearly displaced respectively along an elongated length of the inner ribs from a proximal position adjacent to the hub, to an extended position distal from the hub.

Abstract: A projectile having light emitting structure and a rechargeable power source is launched by projectile launching apparatus such as a gun. The projectile launching apparatus charges the rechargeable power source and when the projectile is propelled a visual display is produced by the lighted propelled projectile.

Abstract: The thixotropic composition of the instant invention may be cured to a more or less rigid form without the use of a mold. The shaped thixotropic composition includes one of the two components which when combined result in chemiluminescent light. The cured solid is useful in a variety of environments and will emit chemiluminescent light upon addition of a second chemiluminescent component.

Abstract: A signaling system for an emergency light station containing chemiluminescent light sticks. The light station includes a cover that generates mechanical energy upon opening that is then transformed into electrical power. The electrical power is then utilized to transmit a radio frequency signal to a remote location is alert an observer to the fact that the light station has been opened. The alert provides an immediate indication that an emergency is in progress or that the safety emergency light station is being vandalized.

Abstract: A formable, porous chemiluminescent reactant composition, device therefore, and a process for production thereof is disclosed. The fluidizable solid admixture of the instant invention may be cured to a more or less rigid form with or without the use of a mold. The cured solid is useful as a chemiluminescent reactant component and is useful in a variety of environments.

Abstract: A formable, porous chemiluminescent reactant composition, device therefore, and a process for production thereof is disclosed. The fluidizable solid admixture of the instant invention may be cured to a more or less rigid form with or without the use of a mold. The cured solid is useful as a chemiluminescent reactant component and is useful in a variety of environments.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent lightstick evacuation station consisting of a wall mountable fixture that stores a plurality of lightsticks that are accessed by opening the fixture cover. The fixture cover is opened by pivoting from a closed position to an open position wherein a lightstick restraint causes the activation of one lightstick so as to illuminate the remaining lightsticks to facilitate their removal during an emergency.

Abstract: A wireless handset including an antenna array. The antenna array includes an active antenna element and two passive antenna elements. The active and passive antenna elements are arranged to form a triangle with a vertex. The vertex includes a vertex angle and the active antenna element is disposed at the vertex. The vertex angle is between 90 degrees and 180 degrees.

Abstract: A system (112) for generating electric power from solar energy is provided. The system is comprised of a solar concentrator (302) formed of an optically reflective material having a curved surface. The curved surface defines a focal center or a focal line toward which light incident on the curved surface is reflected. A thermal energy collector (310) is positioned substantially at the focal center or along the focal line. A thermal energy converter (116-1) is operatively coupled to the thermal energy collector. The thermal energy converter is configured for converting thermal energy collected by the thermal energy collector to electric power. A fuel based power generation system (128) is also provided. The fuel based power generation system is operatively connected to the thermal energy converter. The thermal energy converter provides electric power to the fuel based power generation system for generating a fuel and an oxidizer when the thermal energy collector is exposed to solar radiation.

Abstract: A small light source for internally illuminating live flowers and other products is formed in the shape of a pin with a battery case operatively connected to the light source. A sharp penetrating tip surrounds the light source and is fixed to a rigid tube for manipulating the device to insert the light source within the structure of the plant. The device is of such a size that it can be supported by a plant without deformation of the plant.

Abstract: An antenna array that uses at least two passive antennas and one active antenna disposed above a ground plane, but electrically isolated from the ground plane, and a respective resonant strip positioned beneath each passive antenna. The passive antenna elements are positioned about the active element, and each of the at least two passive antenna elements is individually set to a reflective or a transmissive mode to change the characteristics of an input/output beam pattern of the antenna apparatus.

Abstract: An antenna array includes a dielectric substrate comprising an integral center hub including a pivotal center section therein, and a pivotal wings extending radially from the integral center hub. An active antenna element is on the pivotal center section of the integral center hub, and passive antenna elements are on the pivotal wings. The active antenna element and the passive antenna elements are pivotal between a stored position and an operational position. The active antenna element and the passive antenna elements are substantially planar when in the stored position, and are substantially perpendicular to the integral center hub when in the operational position.

Abstract: An antenna includes a dielectric substrate, an ative antenna element carried by the dielectric substrate, and passive antenna elements carried by the dielectric substrate. The passive antenna elements are laterally adjacent the active antenna element. A respective impedance element is selectively connectable to each passive antenna element for antenna beam steering. Image elements are carried by the dielectric substrate, and a respective image element is connected to each impedance element and ground.

Abstract: An antenna array that uses at least two passive antennas and one active antenna disposed above a ground plane, but electrically isolated from the ground plane, and a respective resonant strip positioned beneath each passive antenna. The passive antenna elements are positioned about the active element, and each of the at least two passive antenna elements is individually set to a reflective or a transmissive mode to change the characteristics of an input/output beam pattern of the antenna apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for decorating an edible food without substantially deforming the edible food. A container delivers a liquid decorating substance to an elongated, soft, flexible nib. When placed in contact with a surface of the edible food and moved relative to the edible food, the nib readily laterally flexes when pressure is exerted on the surface by the nib so that the nib does not substantially deform the edible food even when the edible food is soft.

Abstract: A children's water toy that has a base unit for directing flow of a fluid in a substantially vertical direction and a spraying unit configured to receive fluid from the base member and rebound the fluid to direct it out of the bottom of the spraying unit so that the spraying unit is maintained aloft by the fluid pressure.