Abstract: A control system for an hydraulic supercharger system. The control system is specially adapted to control a supercharger system comprising: (A) an hydraulic pump; (B) a supercharger comprising: an hydraulic turbine drive and a compressor driven by the hydraulic turbine drive; (C) a main hydraulic piping means providing a hydraulic circulation loop for hydraulic fluid to flow from said pump, to drive said hydraulic turbine drive, and back to said pump; and (D) a supercharger bypass system comprising a controlled bypass valve and a piping means to permit a portion of said hydraulic fluid to bypass said supercharger turbine drive. The control system includes a solenoid arranged to close and partially or fully open the controlled bypass valve. The solenoid may be controlled by a pressure switch connected to sense hydraulic pressure and to apply a voltage to said solenoid to open or close said valve upon said hydraulic pressure reaching a predetermined value.

Abstract: A shoe horn apparatus for helping a user insert a foot into a shoe. The shoe horn apparatus has a heel element matched to the heel of the user's foot and in addition the apparatus has a tongue part to hold the tongue of the shoe forward while the user inserts his foot. Portions of the shoe horn part and the tongue part are positioned to fit inside the shoe with the shoe horn being adjacent to the back edge of the shoe and the tongue part being adjacent to the lace part of the shoe, providing a space in between the shoe horn part and the tongue part for the user's foot to slip into the shoe guided by said shoe horn part and said tongue part. A support tab at the bottom of the handle in conjunction with the shoe horn and the tongue parts hold the shoe steady while it is being put on. The device permits the user to pretie his shoes. In a preferred embodiment a spring member permits a shoe to be held in spring compression between the support tab and the shoe horn and tongue parts.

Abstract: A device for evacuating plume products. A gas is forced through at least one compressed gas jet nozzle which directs a compressed gas flow toward an evacuation orifice. A vacuum system provides a vacuum at said evacuation orifice sufficient to provide a vacuum mass flow rate substantially greater than said compressed gas mass flow rate so that the plume products are entrained in gas exiting said gas jet nozzles and evacuated along with the gas through the evacuation orifice. In one embodiment, compressed gas may be cooled to produce aerosol particles to further improve collection efficiency and produce beneficial therapeutic effects. The device is especially useful in laser surgery to evacuate ablation products in plumes created by pulse lasers.

Abstract: A supercharger system in which an hydraulic driven supercharger shares an hydraulic power system with at least one other hydraulic driven device. The system includes a very high speed radial inflow hydraulic turbine drive driving a compressor for supplying compressed air to an internal combustion engine. Pressurized hydraulic fluid for driving a supercharger hydraulic turbine is provided by a first pump driven by the engine shaft. A second pump provides a higher pressure hydraulic fluid flow for driving at least one other device, such as a power steering device. In a preferred embodiment, when the hydraulic turbine is not needed at high engine speed because sufficient air is provided by a turbosupercharger, a bypass valve is opened by a controller to unload the hydraulic pump and then the controller causes a clutch to decouple the supercharger hydraulic pump from the engine shaft.

Abstract: An hydropneumatic supercharger system for charging air into an internal combustion engine. An hydropneumatic supercharger is driven by an hydraulic turbine and an air turbine. The supercharger compressor provides supercharger air to a turbocharger. The turbocharger is driven by exhaust gasses from the engine and the turbocharger compressor provides compressed air to the engine and also provides compressed air to drive the supercharger air turbine.

Abstract: A beam of acoustic energy comprising acoustic radiation and the associated acoustic streaming of an ultrasonic beam is used to indent or applanate (flatten) the eye. These two effects produce acoustic pressure on the eye which partially overcomes the IPO of the eye. A concurrent determination of acoustic pressure and the distortion of the eye allows one to determine the IOP.

Abstract: A can for holding paint and similar products. The can has a rectangular bottom, preferably square, and rectangular sides providing a space savings of about 20 percent as compared to round cans. It has a main opening large enough to permit passage of large paint brushes or sprayer suction lines and filters. This opening is covered with a large cap. A swivel pour valve permits paint to be poured from the can in a controlled manner with no spillage or mess. In a preferred embodiment, the swivel pour valve is an integral part of the large cap covering the large opening. The can is preferably made of plastic which eliminates problems of rust and other corrosion problems.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a thermoelectric module with thermoelectric elements installed in an gapless eggcrate. This gapless eggcrate provides insulated spaces for a large number of p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements. The absence of gaps in the walls of the spaces virtually eliminates the possibility of interwall shorts between the elements. Thermoelectric elements, both p-type and n-type, are inserted into the insulated spaces in the gapless eggcrate to provide the desired thermoelectric effects . Electrical connections are established on both the hot and cold sides of the module to connect the thermoelectric elements in series or parallel as desired. Normally, most or all of the elements will be connected in series. In a preferred embodiment the gapless eggcrate is formed from a high temperature plastic. P-type thermoelectric material is extruded and then sliced to form p-type thermoelectric elements, and n-type thermoelectric material is extruded and sliced to form n-type thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: A portable fuel element made from stacked sheets of cardboard impregnated and held together with paraffin wax. In a preferred embodiment, each portable fuel element contains at least one match that is protected from moisture by the paraffin wax and cardboard. The embodiment is made from a stack of five sheets of paraffin wax impregnated recycled cardboard. The stack, which is about 3/4 inch high, is perforated into 21/2 inch squares. Rectangular blocks that measure 3/4 inch high, 21/2 inches wide, and 5 inches long are broken out along the perforations, leaving a perforation in the middle of each block which separates each rectangular block into two 21/2 inch square, 3/4 inch thick blocks attached at the perforation. A wick is placed into each half of each block and two matches are inserted inside the rectangular block along the line formed by the perforation. The rectangular block is then dipped into paraffin wax to get a wax coating.

Abstract: A filter kit for electronic equipment such as personal computers and stereo amplifiers. The kit includes frame material having a total length of at least two feet, a generally "U" shaped cross section and a width of less than 11/2 inches, at least one square foot of air filter material and material for attaching a frame made from the frame material around the air intake of the electronic equipment. In a preferred embodiment, the filter kit contains rubbery vinyl gasket material, filter material and double-sided tape. A filter frame large enough so that it fits around the air intake to the electronic device is made from the gasket material. The frame is then attached to the electronic device with doublesided tape or it may be glued in place. Finally, the filter material is inserted inside the frame. The rubbery nature of the frame permits filter replacement (even stiff filters) without removal of the frame from the electronic device.

Abstract: A boot dryer (1) comprising an electric motor driven blower which is contained in a blower housing (2). The blower forces air past a deodorizer pad and through a flexible hose (16) which is placed inside a boot. A toe piece attached at the end of the flexible hose prevents flow blockage. In a preferred embodiment, a liquid deodorizer is applied through a port in the blower housing onto an absorbent pad mounted within the dryer. The flexible hose (16) may be detached and the blower driven by a small battery so that the blower portion of the unit can be easily carried by back packers.

Abstract: A linear motion electric power generator for generating electric current from work done by an intermittent force. A moving magnet is confined so that it can move with bi-directional linear, or approximately linear, motion through each of at least two coils. The coils are spaced apart from each other and connected electrically so that current produced in a first coil as a result of movement of the moving magnet is substantially in phase with current produced in said second coil. Preferred embodiments are described for providing electric power generation from extremely lower power mechanical forces. Embodiments of the invention are useful for providing power for long life flashlights, for alarm systems and for communication devices located at places where conventional electric power sources are unavailable. Another preferred embodiment is a low profile unit which derives its mechanical from repetitive forces such as the forces on the heel of a shoe during walking or running.