Abstract: A steam engine with improved intake and exhaust flow provided by separate pairs of intake and exhaust ports located at both ends of a steam drive cylinder. A slide valve located adjacent to the drive cylinder provides for timed sealing of intake and exhaust ports during operation. Exhaust is facilitated by the provision of two paths of exhaust from the cylinder and the exhaust ports may be adjusted for a flow volume to meter exhaust steam flow to significantly reduce back pressure only at low speeds of said engine.

Abstract: An interactive wide area computer network system and method for accessing and transmitting data using a printed page optical code. The code includes a system configuration mode identifier which configures the system to perform specified functions and allow the user certain interactive options. Based on the configuration mode and the user's selected option, the system generates and executes the necessary queries, commands, and responses to be routed upon the network. In an embodiment, a two dimensional optical code (“2DOC” or “barcode”) is printed on a magazine page advertisement containing information such as internet web addresses, product identity, advertisement identity, location, page number, magazine issue number, and geographic routing numbers.

Abstract: A camera storage apparatus adapted for engagement to a user having a case formed by two elastically engaged sidewalls. An aperture provides access for the camera to an interior cavity and a projection creates a restraint for the camera while in the interior cavity. The elastic edgewall may be stretched by the user to remove or insert the camera into the interior cavity past the projection. A lip extending past the aperture and over the body of the user provides a guide for the camera into the interior cavity so the user need not look at the device during insertion and removal of the camera.

Abstract: An air compressor formed of a plurality of collapsible members engaged between opposing rotating side members. The collapsible members alternate between a collapsed state and enlarged state during rotation around the side members which are engaged to polygonal segments of a generally circular rotating frame. Air compressed in each of said collapsible members during rotation toward the collapsed state is communicated to a reservoir in sealed communication with each of the plurality of bellowed members. The reservoir acts to hold-compressed air for use for powering air powered devices.

Abstract: A stent delivery and deployment system for placement of vascular stents. The device employs a guide wire which is threaded into position in a vein or artery of a patient. An elongated stent having a central cavity communicating therethrough also has a passageway formed axially on or integral to, the sidewall defining the central cavity. The passageway has a diameter sufficient in size to slide upon the guide wire to allow the stent to be translated to the desired position in the blood vessel with the guide wire engaged in the passage. Sliding the stent to the proper position is accomplished by insertion of a balloon angioplasty catheter engaged with the stent, or other means to translate the stent on the guide wire, and sliding the stent with the on the engaged guide wire to the desired position. Once so positioned the stent is expanded and engaged in the blood vessel and the catheter may be removed leaving the guide wire in place for subsequent placement of additional stents or removal.

Abstract: A guiding device and method to provide information about a path traveled by a user. The device features a cane having a magnet mounted on a distal end. The magnet is attracted to a magnetic pathway formed on a walking surface by a buried cable or applied surface. Nodes positioned at points or intersections along the magnetic path have magnetic switches triggering a broadcast of additional information to the user concerning the magnetic path at the triggered node and along any divergent magnetic paths extending from the node. The device and method can be used to aid visually impaired and even sighted people around areas of residence such as homes and hotels, and public places such as airports and zoos.

Abstract: A racket swing training apparatus providing a user-chosen static positioning of a tennis racket in the hand, at angles to the forearm, which are determinable and repeatable. The device further provides components to set the face angle of the racket engaged to the device and visual indica to allow for the same positioning in subsequent uses. A planar member is removably engageable in a translatable engagement with a cuff adapted for engagement to the user's forearm. The planar member has an aperture opposite the cuff which is adapted to encircle the grip of a racket and sized to prevent rotation of the racket axis past predetermined limits relative to the axis of the planar member.

Abstract: A method of configuring a phased array antenna having a plurality of radiators, each said radiator elements capable of radiating or receiving signals in one of two orthogonal polarizations determined to achieve a pseudo-random mix of horizontally and vertically polarized radiators. Upon switching of each of the radiator elements to a calculated one of said two polarizations, a desired slant angle for the antenna is achieved.

Abstract: A support for the head of a patient lying in a generally prone position. The support features a tray adapted for support on an underlying operating table surface. A plurality of pins projecting from an engagement with the tray are positioned to engage and suspend either a cushion directly or a cushion engaged in a casing. The pins may be adjusted to raise or lower the engaged cushion or casing. A mirror is also provided to view a patient's eyes through slots in the cushion and casing engaged over a patient's face.

Abstract: A steam generator for generation of steam in a water tube boiler having first and second upright headers in sealed communication with lower and upper inclining banks of tubes communicating therebetween. An end portion of the tubes in the upper bank, changes to a declining angle toward its communication with the upright header. The declining angle provides for increased separation of steam from hot water in the tubes.

Abstract: An louver rotation mechanism for use in rotating a louvered shutter having louvers rotationally engaged with a frame. The device features one or a plurality of gear modules which are positionable to a fixed location on one or a plurality of rack bars. The gear modules may be spaced on the rack bars to any number of positions wherein they will engage with louver gears from an array of louvers engaged with the frame. A high degree of customization is provided by allowing the use of the rack bars with any number of different sized louvers at different spacings in a frame by simply adjusting the positions of the rack modules for operative engagement with the louver gears.

Abstract: A hand held measuring device for measuring for construction or other industries using measuring tapes to ascertain measurements. The device features an extendable tape engaged to an electronic sensor communicating the measurement to a data processor and digital display. Software operating on the data processor stores and employs the taken measurements to estimate time and materials for a given industry. The software may be changed by engaging a memory card with industry specific software adapted to employ the measurements taken for calculations. A camera will take digital photos of measured areas and store them in association with individual measurements. A second video display provides a software driven graphic interface for display and input of data.

Abstract: A razor cutter for hair using a blade having one or two accordion shaped cutting edges to allow a feathered cut of hair strands at different points when the cutting edge of the blade contacts hair. Each cutting edge is made up of a plurality of smaller edge sections in angled engagement. The cutting edges may also be angled diagonally to yield a cutting edge that is both accordion shaped, and has individual cutting edges which alternately angle toward and away from the center of the blade.

Abstract: A hand held omnidirectional toy figure manipulator allowing an operator to manipulate a toy figure to mimic movements made by a player of various sports such as baseball or soccer. The device employs with a one or a plurality of actuators attached to communicating control rods to move the arms, legs, and torso of the toy figure in sports related motions.