Abstract: A device for converting heat into electrical energy that is an integrated combination of thermionic and thermoelectric energy converters in a single device, or “TITE”. The electron output of thermionic portion of the TITE is the input of the thermoelectric portion of the device. The electron collector is covered by a thin layer of doped or undoped semiconductor material or a combination of doped and undoped semiconductor materials with appropriate doping and thickness to achieve increased operational temperature ranges and efficiency.

Abstract: An improved solar reflector utilizing a tensioned reflective membrane. The reflector structure includes a membrane attached on the outer surface of a metal strap that is positioned on an end form by means of a curved-face tensioning block.

Abstract: A game ball is provided with the shape of a football with tubular symmetrically placed holes along the length of the ball. The ball is made of foam and when submerged in water the holes will fill with water. As the ball is thrown in a spiraling rotation, the centrifugal force will cause the water to be expelled through the holes producing multiple spiraling streams of water to spray away from the ball as the ball travels in the air.

Abstract: An engine includes two or more serially connected air compressors coupled via a crankshaft to an expander piston and cylinder combination. An intercooler device is placed between the air compressors. Compressed air from the compressors flows through a heat exchanger where it is heated by the expander exhaust gas prior to its introduction into the expander cylinder by way of an inlet valve. Fuel is mixed with the compressed air near the inlet valve in an amount suitable to allow for combustion.

Abstract: An improved wheel interface for walkers that includes a spring interface connection between the frame of the walker and the wheel assembly. The walker is able to better absorb shocks that occur when encountering an obstacle such as a curb, allowing the user to avoid the necessity of allowing the walker to fall or to risk falling himself.

Abstract: A pull-out index for physical file folders, books, boxes and the like is shown which includes a record device that has a surface for recording information about the contents of the folder, is slidably enclosed in a pocket formed by a holder that is attachable to the folder. The record device may be constructed to have a portion of tabs near the bottom edge. Stops placed at the top edge of the pocket cooperate with the tabs to prevent the record device from inadvertently being removed from the pocket while allowing the user access to the information recording surface.

Abstract: An adjustable gearshift pedal lever for motorcycles and the like designed for attachment to a shift arm. The lever may be designed in a variety of offset lengths that allow for an increase or decrease between the lever and the motorcycle footpeg. In addition, the lever may be raised or lowered vertically by the use of shims selectively placed between the shift arm and the gearshift pedal lever.

Abstract: A flying disc toy of flexible plastic construction with a convex central top section connected to a concave central bottom section by an annular rim. The toy has a central hollow area that can be filled with water through a central opening in the top plate and also has a plurality of openings on the annular rim. When the toy is thrown and flies in the rotating manner similar to most flying discs, the centrifugal forces produced will cause the water inside of the toy to spray out of the openings in the annular rim.

Abstract: A caster assembly including a unique drawn kingpin rivet formed of stainless steel or other material of appropriate toughness which compressively holds the components of the caster assembly together.

Abstract: A magnification device for use with a container, particularly a container for medicine, having a housing adapted to receive the container, where the housing is at least partly constructed of a magnifying material, and a structure for inhibiting the rotation of the container relative to the housing.

Abstract: A network for altering the audio output of a system which comprises at least one series RC or RLC circuit coupled between the positive and ground conductor of a cable that is suitable for connecting an electrical musical instrument, or similar source, to an amplifier or other load. The components of the RC or RLC circuit are selected by determining the frequency at which the positive conductor's natural phase angle is 45°. Each of the RC or RLC circuits is selected to have a phase angle of −45° at a frequency equal to or different from the frequency at which the positive conductor has a phase angle of 45° depending upon the audio effect desired. In addition, the component values of the circuits are selected such that the measured impedance of the network at all frequencies in a predetermined frequency range is equal to or greater than 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for transcutaneous and transmucosal application of carbon dioxide in the form of a gas and in the form of a capnic solution (such as carbonated water) for the relief of pain, including musculoskeletal disorders, neuralgias, rhinitis and other ailments. Gaseous carbon dioxide is applied to the skin for at least three minutes, and the capnic solution may be held on the skin for at least three minutes, which provides relief of symptoms. The capnic solution may also be sprayed onto mucous membranes such as the nose for relief of symptoms such as allergic rhinitis.

Abstract: A one-piece caster and leveler assembly to aid in the transportation and installation of equipment that combines a leveler with a rotable foot and a wheel chassis. During movement of the equipment, the leveler may be placed in a retracted position where the rotable foot contacts and pitches away from the wheels, and rotates as the direction of movement changes, providing improved clearance, load capacity and tolerance for striking obstacles.

Abstract: A holder and/or a holder and cover for containing a dispenser of a consumable product, such as a cartridge containing pressurized gas for therapeutic use, and a method for selecting the optimum parameters for such holder are provided to allow sensitive determination of the amount product remaining in the dispenser. The holder has a curvilinear or partly curvilinear circumference, and holds the dispenser so that the center of mass of the dispenser and the product it contains is at a predetermined optimum location relative to the center of mass of the holder. Thus, when the holder is placed on a horizontal surface, the holder can roll along the curvilinear circumference, and the predetermined optimum relationship of the center of mass of the dispenser and the center of mass of the holder causes the holder to come to rest at adequately spaced unique locations on the circumference of the holder depending upon the combined mass of the dispenser and the product it contains.

Abstract: A holder for canes, umbrellas and similar accessories comprising a tubular member to which a high-friction textured contact surface is attached is disclosed. When the holder is attached to the accessory the user may hang the accessory on a table or other horizontal surface with a reduced possibility that the accessory will slip.

Abstract: A holder and/or a holder and cover for containing a dispenser of a consumable product, such as a cartridge containing pressurized gas for therapeutic use, and a method for selecting the optimum parameters for such holder are provided to allow sensitive determination of the amount product remaining in the dispenser. The holder has a curvilinear or partly curvilinear circumference, and holds the dispenser so that the center of mass of the dispenser and the product it contains is at a predetermined optimum location relative to the center of mass of the holder. Thus, when the holder is placed on a horizontal surface, the holder can roll along the curvilinear circumference, and the predetermined optimum relationship of the center of mass of the dispenser and the center of mass of the holder causes the holder to come to rest at adequately spaced unique locations on the circumference of the holder depending upon the combined mass of the dispenser and the product it contains.

Abstract: An audio signal transmission line including capacitive and/or inductive networks connected in series or parallel with an audio transmission cable providing for increased storage of electrical energy, and thereby overcoming energy storage problems associated with previous audio signal transmission systems which create unwanted pre-emphasis of audio signals at certain frequencies.

Abstract: A filter network adapted to be placed in parallel with a power supply which acts like a short circuit at a specified frequency range above 80 kHz. The filter network comprises a plurality of parallel circuits, each of which comprise a capacitor, an inductor and a resistor in series with a second resistor coupled in parallel with the inductor.

Abstract: A configuration of audio system components, utilizing standard amplifier components, wherein the audio system remains balanced through the speaker input terminals. For each channel of the system, a preamplifier produces a balanced output signal. Two power amplifiers or similar devices are conventionally configured to accept positive and negative input signals. The negative signal output of the preamplifier is connected to the positive input terminal of one of the power amplifiers, and the positive output signal of the preamplifier is connected to the positive input terminal of the other power amplifier. The negative and ground input terminals of both power amplifiers are connected to system ground. The connections between the preamplifiers and the amplifiers may be effected by a unique cable designed for this purpose.