Abstract: An engine is disclosed which includes most of the parts of a conventional internal combustion engine with the exception of the fuel and intake mechanisms. In place of the fuel and intake portions, a steam head is substituted. A fluid to be utilized as steam is injected at varying small quantities into the head where the fluid is heated to produce steam. A valve train lets steam into the cylinder forcing the piston down. On the return stroke the piston forces the exhaust steam out an open exhaust valve. The movement of the piston, results in rotation of a crank. Either the rotation of the crank or the exhaust steam, or both, are utilized to produce electrical energy which is used to produce the steam and thus at least partially minimize the amount of fuel required to operate once the engine is operated for a short time.

Abstract: A log splitter for use in a high production environment utilizes a four-way, stepped knife blade at either end of a longitudinal stroke. A log is automatically placed and positioned between and at the center of the four-way knife blades by a hydraulically operated table. A self centering circular ram connected to a two-way hydraulic cylinder forces the log through either of the four-way knife blades depending upon which end of the stroke the ram was last positioned. The invention contemplates a conveyor input of logs and conveyor output of quartered logs.

Abstract: A guard for a dial-in-handset telephone is disclosed which covers both the mouthpiece and the receiver as well as a portion of the handle. The guard prevents the spread of germs both to and from the receiver and mouthpiece of the telephone. Additionally, the guard is capable to some extent of preventing dirt, grease or other undesirable substances from being transfered either to or from the handset of a telephone. The guard is further useful for advertising and/or decorative purposes.

Abstract: A target for the anode of an X-ray tube is disclosed which greatly increases both the individual length of time which an X-ray tube may be operated and the total useful life of an X-ray tube. A conventional X-ray target is provided with one or more cavities within each of which a slug of material having a relatively low melting point with respect to the base of the target is encapsulated and sealed by means of a diffusion bonding method. The slug material is chosen so that heat which builds up when the target is operated causes the slug to melt and absorb large quantities of heat produced by the generation of X-rays so that the target as a whole is capable of sustaining a greater total heat input.