Abstract: A device for displaying or storing jewelry such as pierced earrings, medals, nametags and like items having a decorative front portion and a back portion having at least one pin-like shaft which cooperates with a clamp to hold such items in place on the user's clothing or body. The device provides a virtually infinite number of positions and relationships in which such items can be displayed. It consists of a cloth panel mounted to a first frame which is mounted to a second frame of equal or larger size. Optionally, either frame may be provided with means for holding the device in an upright position and/or suspending it from a vertical surface such as a wall.

Abstract: A working fluid in the gaseous state at some initial temperature and pressure is expanded polytropically to a resulting exhaust fluid having some lower temperature and pressure in order to produce useful work. Large quantities of a pressured motive liquid are then employed as the vehicle for approximating an isenthalpic compression of the working fluid. The preferred method for effecting this recompression is to provide an overall adiabatic environment within which the two fluids are placed in thermal but not physical communication. The working fluid is then energized by direct compression during which partial condensation of the working fluid is accompanied by heat transfer to the motive liquid. Thereafter the two fluids are mixed, with the resulting two phases permitting separation and reconstitution of the motive and working fluids to their initial states to complete the thermodynamic cycle which, depending upon the fluids selected, can be located in a broad range of the temperature spectrum.

Abstract: A working fluid in the gaseous state at some initial temperature and pressure is expanded polytropically to a resulting exhaust fluid having some lower temperature and pressure in order to produce useful work. Large quantities of a motive liquid are then employed as the vehicle for approximating an isenthalpic compression of the working fluid. The preferred method for effecting this recompression is to reduce both fluids to a single liquid phase which is then energized. Thereafter the two fluids can be reconstituted to their initial states to complete the thermodynamic cycle which, depending upon the fluids selected, can be located in a broad range of the temperature spectrum.

Abstract: Suction cups for storing hard or semi-rigid, gas permeable contact lenses in soaking solutions are provided with rims characterized by substantially horizontal ledges which are at least as wide as the sides of the suction cup are thick. The suction cups are made by injecting a plastic forming material into a stemmed suction cup mold and contacting the plastic forming material against the adjacent convex head and ledge of a cylindrical molding pin whose cylindrical body diameter is greater than the diameter of the base of its convex head. A ledge is thus formed between the base of the convex head and the outside surface of the cylindrical body so that the resulting suction cup has a substantially horizontal ledge as its upper rim.

Abstract: A curved trough shaped housing reflects light from a light mounted within a housing to an external workspace located under a magnifying lens attached to the housing. An adjustable mounting of the lens to the housing allows for variation of the user's viewing angle through the lens so that handicraft, reading and similar close work can be carried out in a constantly well lit, optically magnified workspace without extreme downward bending of the user's neck. The distance from the eyes to the lens is adjusted by varying the length of a cord which supports the device from the user's neck.

Abstract: A small portable enclosure has at least one windowlike surface for admitting the rays of the sun and an opaque interior to absorb the energy of those admitted sun rays, thereby raising the hut's interior temperature and consequently warming the hut's occupants. At least one safety vent is provided to control the hut's interior temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A working fluid in the gaseous state at some initial temperature and pressure is expanded polytropically to a resulting exhaust fluid (vapor and liquid) having some lower pressure at some lower temperature in order to produce useful work. The exhaust fluid is then, in a manner approaching constant enthalpy, compressed to the working fluid's nominal original high pressure. Thereafter, the fluid undergoes constant pressure heating to restore its initial state. Of the several methods described for achieving isenthalpic compression, the preferred method uses an isenthalpic compression apparatus which educts the exhaust fluid vapors into a throat located between a motive fluid inlet nozzle and a wider recompression outlet. After eduction, and entrainment into the motive fluid, the exhaust vapors are recompressed by the deceleration produced at the recompression outlet. Thereafter the working fluid and motive fluid are separated.

Abstract: In a gas sensor circuit having a semiconductor gas measuring sensor such as a Taguchi, a variable gain transconductance amplifier is interconnected between the gas measuring sensor and a conventional differential amplifier so that the circuit's output voltage appears as a linear function of the gas concentration being measured.

Abstract: A soccer kicking trainer comprising an elongated mounting arm having a loop at one end for seating a soccer ball attached to the loop by elastic bands and having at the other end an extended elbow extending vertically downward for inserting loosely and pivotally in holding eyes which are attached to a vertical mounting post. The mounting arm is equipped with a biasing element for returning the ball to its original position after it has been kicked.

Abstract: A solar shield for room windows reflects and dissipates solar energy by means of a reflective surface and backing piece between which is defined a warm air channel. The backing piece is positioned away from the window surface so that sunlight is admitted between the backing piece and the window being shielded.

Abstract: A game net assembly for raising and lowering game nets to proper elevations by a tensioning ratchet positioned away from the playing area. The tensioning ratchet is affixed to a floating sleeve and hence is capable of putting the same tension on the upper and lower net cables. The net cables are received by the tensioning ratchet through the passageway created by mounting two uprights in parallel between a base plate and a top plate. A channel is slidably mounted for vertical movement along the rear side of the uprights and has a sleeve guide for receiving the sleeve affixed to a floating tensioning ratchet.

Abstract: A solar energy collector having a horizontal housing section adapted for insertion into an opening in the wall of a building, and housing having an upper warm air duct and a lower cool air duct, a lower manifold, an air pumping means, a plurality of opague, corrugated metal tubes wherein air is heated by the action of the sun, an upper manifold for collecting and dispensing the heated air, a reflecting surface for heating the rear portions of the tubes, and a transparent enclosure surrounding the tubes. The solar energy collector is particularly characterized by its adaptation for insertion into a window frame, its light weight, ease of installation, mechanical simplicity and low power requirements.