Abstract: An alternating current generator, comprising: a disc shaped rotor and first and second ring shaped stationary cores, coaxially located with the rotor, the rotor further comprising a non-magnetic disc attached to a shaft, with a plurality of low permeability magnetic blocks fastened to the rim of the disc; the first stationary core being an electromagnet shaped so as to present magnetic poles to the rotor blocks; and, the second stationary core being an armature, further comprising: a low permeability magnetic core wound with a conductive coil, shaped so as to present poles which can be magnetically polarized to the rotor blocks.

Abstract: A self-sharpening pocket knife is provided that includes a housing having abrasive stone strips or other sharpening means, and additional means for biasing the strips inward so that as the stone wears down there is always enough surface area in contact with the blade to sharpen it. The biasing means may take the form of foam rubber which expands, or multiple coiled springs, with either means being positioned between the walls of the housing and the stone strips.