Abstract: A system for supercharging an internal combustion engine. In the present invention, waste heat from an internal combustion engine heats surrounding coolant water to make steam. Steam then passes through a steam compressor, which feeds a high-velocity stream of steam to the intake manifold of the combustion chamber of the engine. This stream draws air and fuel vapor to it, and the resulting supercharged mixture is injected into the combustion chamber of the engine. The high-pressure super-charged mixture exerts pressure on the piston during the intake stroke, increases the pressure inside the combustion chamber, absorbs more heat during combustion, and gathers the engine's waste heat into a high-energy exhaust stream. As a result, the fuel burns more efficiently, less heat is lost from the combustion chamber, engine knocking decreases, thermal stress is reduced, fewer nitrogen oxide pollutants are produced, and the exhaust stream may be used for by-product power generation.

Abstract: An electronic circuit utilizing a parallel tuned resonant circuit and time variant frequency multiplying to eliminate undesired response changes of the tuned circuit due to temperature is disclosed. The electronic circuit illustrated permits accurate measuring of the change of inductance in a parallel tuned circuit where such change of inductance is due to an input parameter to be measured. The inductive component being measured may be located in environmental conditions which include a large variation in ambient temperature. While normally such wide temperature variations may substantially interfere with the measurement of the value of the inductance in question, the disclosed invention provides for compensation of such undesired changes so that the actual change of the inductance can be monitored without interference.

Abstract: This invention is a device for orally directing air while wearing an air mask. In the invention, a tube extends from outside the air mask, through the air mask, and into the mask wearer's mouth. The tube is fitted with means to seal its passage through the mask and may also include a one-way valve to prevent aspiration through it. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is manufactured separately from an air mask and may be reused after the air mask becomes worn out.

Abstract: This invention is an annular or garter spring having a welded overlapping region. In this invention, the end tips of a straight spring fit within the spaces between coils at the opposite end of the spring. This result is reached by first hooking an end tip of the spring through the first whole coil at the opposite end of the spring, then placing the opposing end tip between the first and second full coils of the first side of the spring. The coils at the ends of the spring are then clamped to so that each end tip aligns alongside the first full coil of the opposite end of the spring. When that position is reached, the spring will form a virtually perfect ring, and the intertwined coils may be welded together to maintain the garter spring shape.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor for the collection and measurement of ferrous particles through the use of an electronic tuned circuit is disclosed. The sensor contains an electrical inductance along with an integral magnet to attract ferrous particles suspended in the fluid. The ferrous particles collecting on the magnetic surface of the sensor causes a change in the inductance of the integral coil which is measured by an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit operating in conjunction with the sensor utilizes a parallel tuned resonant circuit and time variant frequency multiplying to eliminate undesired response changes of the tuned circuit due to the temperature change of the sensor. The sensor may be located in environmental conditions which include a large variation in ambient temperature. The disclosed invention provides for compensation of such undesired changes caused by temperature change so that the actual change of the inductance in the sensor can be monitored without interference.

Abstract: This device is an electronic module activated by a vehicle's existing brake light switch which, when electrically connected to a motor vehicle's brake light circuit, will flash the brake lights several times before continuous illumination. In the preferred embodiment described, the brake lights flash each time the vehicle's brakes are applied.

Abstract: A stretch frame in combination with a fabric anchoring member is formed from a lower section having a concave upper surface and a transparent flexible plastic upper section. Fabric is grasped between the sections when they are drawn compressably together. The curved surface grasps the fabric ends without damaging the fabric which is particularly advantageous with hemmed ends. The clear upper section allows the artist to visually observe the coloration of the fabric ends. The anchoring members are mounted on light weight side frame members to form a frame easily handled and placed on the artist's easel.

Abstract: A manually operated device to aid in docking a boat by clasping a dock bollard or in clasping other stationary pole-like objects. This invention comprises two outwardly rotating semicircular jaws, linked by a linkage mechanism, that clasp together and latch together to encircle an object such as a dock bollard or stationary pole. Release of the bollard or pole is accomplished by twisting the clasping device so that the sides of the jaws detach themselves from the latching position.

Abstract: A spelling check module for use in conjunction with an electronic typewriter or personal computer of the type which has a keyboard and a data processor interconnected by a respective keyboard connector and a data processor connector, includes male and female connectors which are arranged to receive the keyboard connector and data processor connectors. The spelling check module is installed by disconnecting the keyboard connector from the data processor connector and interposing the spelling check module therebetween by connecting the keyboard connector and the data processor connector to the respective connectors of the spelling check module. The spelling check module is controlled by selected non-printing, non-control keys, and also includes a personal dictionary to which dictionary words can be added by the user to customize the spelling check module to a specific application.