Abstract: An integrated process and system for producing electricity for stationary purposes or for electric-powered vehicle using any of multiple hydrocarbon input fuels, a fuel cell, and a thermoelectric reformer that allows quick response to transient loads. Optional high-temperature and low-temperature water-gas shift reactors are used to convert carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide in the reformate stream; a hydrogen separator is used to remove carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and trace hydrocarbons; and a condenser is used to remove moisture from the reformate stream. Hydrogen gas not consumed in the fuel cell is stored or recycled for subsequent input to the fuel cell. H2O produced in the fuel cell is recycled for use in the reformer and water-gas shift reactors and is heated with waste heat from the fuel cell and carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons from the hydrogen separator. A mixer is used to vaporize the input fuel prior to entering the thermoelectric reformer.

Abstract: A rotating machine that can generate standard AC, high-frequency AC, or DC electricity by non-conventional means. The method involves changing the air gap between a pole of a stationary magnet and a ferromagnetic member on a rotating disk-like flywheel. Each time the distance of the air gap changes from a maximum to a minimum and back to a maximum, half a cycle of magnetic flux is produced in the circuit of the magnet. A conductor coil is wound around the magnet so that the half cycle of magnetic flux produces a half cycle of EMF in the conduction coil. The flywheel contains non-magnetic material as well as ferromagnetic material, which may be in the form of discrete bars or be shaped like a gear.

Abstract: A heater for providing steady-temperature heated water for domestic hot water or hygienic purposes. Water is heated in a drum-shaped tank that is divided into two chambers by a piston that can slide longitudinally within the tank. Attached to the tank is a reverse value that can direct cold water from an inlet into either chamber and direct heated water from the other chamber to an outlet leading to a heated water use. Electric component and a cycle regulator control the direction of water flow through the reverse valve and the direction of motion of the piston. When there is a demand for heated water, the cycle regulator causes the piston to move to expel heated water from one chamber while concurrently cold water enters the other chamber. After heated water is expelled from that chamber, the cycle is reversed. Because cold water and heated water are in separate chambers steady-temperature heated water can be maintained. Either electricity or gas can be used in heat water in the tank.

Abstract: A ceiling vent to reduce the temperature in a room that is subject to becoming uncomfortably hot. The vent contains two concentric tubes, one movable and the other stationary. The movable tube is attached to a damper plate so that when the movable tube is lowered, the vent opens. Attached to the stationary tube is a plastic fuse pin in a metal sleeve that engages a notch in the stepped upper portion of the movable tube. There is a spring attached at one end to the metal sleeve and at the other end to the damper plate. When the vent is opened, the spring is stretched. Should there be a fire in the room being vented, hot air rising through the vent would cause the plastic fuse pin to soften or melt, which would cause the plastic fuse pin to disengage from a notch and allow the spring to resume its rest position and close the vent.

Abstract: A system for improving the efficiency of a modem power plant for generating electricity with a water-cooled shell and tube steam condenser with an air removal system is disclosed. An air removal system typically includes an air offtake pipe and a two-stage liquid ring vacuum pump. The operating pressure of this type of air removal system under steady state operation attains equilibrium by itself and cannot be changed. This invention adds a pressure control system to lower the operating pressure at the inlet of the vacuum pump of the air removal system so that an optimum minimum pressure is attained to reduce air inventory inside the condenser. This enhances heat transfer and improves power plant efficiency. The pressure control system contains a pressure control device (e.g. miniature condenser), a chiller, and a pump with variable speed. These components are connected in a loop that circulates cold water.

Abstract: A photocatalytic reactor to recover precious metals, useful metals, and toxic metals from industrial waste streams using visible or ultraviolet light and semiconductor material as the photocatalyst. Seeds of metal in the same metal group as the metals being recovered are implanted in the reactor to create nucleation sites for the deposition, agglomeration, and growth of the metals being recovered. The reactor may have internally reflective surfaces to effectively multiply the light sources. The input waste stream may be mixed with reaction acceptor materials that reduce electron-hole recombination and that increase reaction rates.

Abstract: A process using high-temperature thermal dissociation to recover hydrogen and salable sulfur from industrial waste streams containing hydrogen sulfide (H.sub.2 S) is disclosed. Thermal dissociation occurs in a thermoelectric reactor at temperatures up to 1900.degree. C. Waste energy from the high-temperature reactor is recovered and used to preheat the H.sub.2 S-laden stream before entering the high-temperature reactor. Sulfur is separated out in a condenser. The process also includes a scrubber to eliminate the carryover of liquid sulfur mists or aerosols, and a membrane to separate the hydrogen from the dissociated product stream. Trace amounts of unconverted H.sub.2 S are recycled through the process for further dissociation.

Abstract: A reactor that can be attached to the exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine to oxidize and burn carbon soot particles, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons, and to dissociate nitrogen and sulfur oxides. The reactor has a reaction zone that contains porous heat-retaining foam cells and that is bounded by a porous heat-retaining zone, which in turn is surrounded by ceramic insulation materials to minimize energy losses. Engine exhaust at elevated temperatures and containing some oxygen (air) enters the reaction chamber. By means of impinging heat transfer, thermal radiation enhancement, energy trapping and combustion of engine emissions, temperatures sufficient to oxidize carbon soot particles, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons are attained. Steam or atomized water droplets are introduced to improve the efficiency of the reactor through gasification, regasification, water shift reactions, methanation, and hydrocracking reactions. Harmless product of the oxidation reactions, H.sub.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for adjusting the distance between the electrodes of lightning arresters, particularly of the horn gap type, used to protect ungrounded antenna systems. The adjustment mechanism is insulated from the hot electrode so that the hot electrode can be moved to adjust the gap between the electrodes while the antenna is radiating power. The hot electrode is attached to an insulator placed on a base. The position of the base on a slide track can be changed by use of a screw mechanism. Springs help keep the base in place after the adjustment is made.

Abstract: A reactor that can be attached to the exhaust manifold of a diesel or gasoline engine, or other internal combustion engines such as a jet engine or a gas turbine to oxidize and burn carbon soot particles, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons, and to dissociate nitrogen and sulfur oxides. The reactor has a reaction zone that contains porous heat-retaining foam cells and that is bounded by a porous heat-retaining zone, which in turn is surrounded by ceramic insulation materials to minimize energy losses. Engine exhaust at elevated temperatures and containing some oxygen (air) enters the reaction chamber. By means of impinging heat transfer, thermal radiation enhancement, energy trapping and combustion of engine emissions, temperatures sufficient to oxidize carbon soot particles, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons are attained. Harmless product of the oxidation reactions, H.sub.2 O and CO.sub.2 are released from the reactor.

Abstract: A thermoelectric reactor for the chemical destruction of heavy-molecule volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds, or hydrogen sulfide contained in a gaseous feed. The reactor contains a hollow core containing energy sources. This reactor core surrounded by several ceramic walls and insulating zones. Uniform, high temperatures, up to at least 1900.degree. C., are obtained in the reactor core not only from direct radiant heat from the energy sources, but also from energy reflected and emitted from the surrounding zones. Reaction rates are enhanced by non-equilibrium conditions caused by electromagnetic threes derived from the energy sources. Further chemical destruction is accomplished in a porous energy retaining zone after passage through the reactor core. Ionizing gases and ionization seed material may be added to the gaseous feed material to increase electric conductivity and promote dissociation and ionization in the reactor core.

Abstract: A multistage, double closed-loop process and apparatus for organic destruction and removal of volatile organics compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds, and halogen acids, removal of toxic metals, and recovery of precious metals and hydrocarbon fuels from gaseous, liquid, and surface-contaminated solid waste streams. Organic destruction of heavy-molecule VOCs is accomplished in a non-combustion thermal reactor by means of thermal energy. Further organic destruction is accomplished by catalytic oxidation. Removing toxic heavy metals or recovering precious metals is accomplished in a bubble-bed reactor in which sub-micron size particles of heavy metals are nucleated, condensed, and deposited onto particles comprising the bed. Acid, particulate, and gas sorbing further remove hazardous substances. Hydrocarbon fuels are recovered by condensing. The process involves high temperature recycling without use of air combustion or incineration to promote a very high degree of decontamination.

Abstract: Vapor compression refrigeration device using a non-azeotropic working fluid mixture with separation of liquid mixture and vapor mixture. The separation can occur at high pressure during condensation to expand the temperature glide, at low pressure during condensation, or both during evaporation and condensation. When there is separation during condensation the number of stages in the evaporator and in the condenser must be equal.

Abstract: A computer device for assisting spot bowlers to determine starting position and direction in which to bowl a ball to collide with a predetermined pin or group of pins, comprising two coextensive, rectangular members. On one member, a representation of a bowling lane with appropriate markings is obversely displayed. The other member is transparent and contains a bowling ball indicator that is concentric with the five-pin location spot when the two members are aligned. The invention is calibrated by aligning the two members and for a strike ball tracing a straight line from the starting position of the proper foot to the target over which the ball passes on the transparent member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic integral drafting instrument which measures its own linear displacement and displays any desired multiple or submultiple of the actual displacement. The instrument includes a straightedged plate which houses: a displacement sensor with a driving wheel which projects beneath the plate, an electronic up-down counter and calculator type circuit, a scale factor keyboard, an electronic digital display, and a sensor which detects and annunciates if the displacement sensor driving wheel does not make proper contact with the drawing media. One embodiment of the invention is easily attached to conventional drafting machines as a replacement for regular straightedges and scales. A second embodiment of the invention may be used without a drafting machine. The leading straightedge of the instrument can be lifted or lowered into contact with the drawing media. An extension straightedge may be attached to the leading edge of the instrument.