Abstract: An open cycle heat engine supplies steam from a steam generator to an ejector in which the moving steam draws in atmospheric air to mix with the steam to make a flowing air-steam mixture. A first nozzle follows the ejector and effects adiabatic expansion of the air steam mixture. A thermal engine, e.g., a turbo-generator, has an input connected to the first nozzle and an outlet, and converts the kinetic energy in the mixture into a useful form, such as electricity. A second nozzle connected to the outlet of said thermal engine effects adiabatic expansion of the mixture leaving the thermal engine, and exhausts it to the atmosphere. The open cycle heat engine exhaust is at a low density, and is carried aloft when it is discharged into the atmosphere. This open cycle can have an energy conversion efficiency of 90%.

Abstract: A digital work station can be used in a radiology lab, with x-ray illuminators on an upper shelf for viewing traditional film x-rays, and computer monitors, e.g., CRTs at a lower shelf for viewing digitized x-rays. The work station is ergonomically arranged for radiologist's viewing comfort and efficiency. The height of the illuminators can be adjusted, and the shelves for the computer monitors can be adjusted also to accomodate the user preference. The monitor shelf can be level or angulated (e.g., 20 degrees) and is adjustable up and down in either orientation. The upper shelf is adjusted to minimize the gap above the monitors, and the front edge of the upper shelf maintains alignment with the sloping edge of the side walls if the upper shelf is elevated or lowered. Power outlets are provided on the front edges of the side walls just above a work shelf. The work shelf can have pull-out writing shelves.

Abstract: A transformerless driver circuit for an EL device has a battery or other source of dc power, and a microcontroller that is suitably programmed with associated firmware, so that a first switch control signal appears at a first output and a second switch control signal appears at a second output. A flyback circuit is connected to the first microcontroller output and, through a diode, to a charge storage device, e.g., a capacitor. This charges the capacitor stepwise to a relatively high voltage. The flyback circuit includes an inductor having one end connected to a first terminal of the dc power source, and another end coupled to a transistor or similar switch element. The transistor is coupled to the second dc power terminal, and has a base or gate coupled to the first output of the microcomputer. A controlled discharge arrangement bridges across the charge storage device to discharge the same periodically, and create an alternating current to drive the EL device.

Abstract: A portable loudspeaker enclosure is made of a collapsible shell of a fabric material, e.g., canvas, having top, bottom, left, right, and back walls. These walls each are each formed of a sandwich of fabric layers and an acoustic insulation layer, such as foamed plastic or glass fiber, the insulation layer being disposed to the inside of the shell. The fabric at each wall forms a pouch co-extensive with the wall. A rigid speaker frame serves as a front wall for the enclosure and is fitted into the front of the enclosure. The frame extends within the shell towards the back wall to a point behind the loudspeaker, i.e., about one-third of the front-to-back dimension. For each wall there is a rigid batt or insert that is dimensioned to fit removably into the pouch. The batts create a rigid cavity behind the loudspeaker. The portable enclosure can have a front cover that removably covers the front wall of the enclosure, i.e., for storage and transit.

Abstract: A foamed plastic insert compresses to fit into the corner moulding or corner piece of vinyl siding or other synthetic siding. The corner piece is formed with an angled web member and undercut flange members offset from the web member and joined to it by sharp bends. The web member and the flanges define a wedge-shaped void, and each of the undercut flanges defines an outward-facing recess to receive ends of the siding members. The insert comprises a resilient L-shaped open- or closed-cell foam member, having legs that compress to fit snugly within respective spaces inside the sharp bends, and defining a V-shaped valley at its back side. When the moulding and inserts are installed, the valley biases against the corner of the sheathing of the frame building beneath the corner moulding. The insert also fills the open interior profile of the moulding. This blocks drafts, dust, moisture and insects from entering the structure through the corner moulding.

Abstract: A wire collection apparatus for use with a wire cutting machine. The apparatus comprises a tubular wire channel, a rotating tubular channel closure, and an actuator device. The wire channel contains an axial opening along the entire length of the channel. The channel contains a proximal opened end for receiving a portion of wire from the cutting machine and a distal opened end for allowing the leading terminus of the wire portion to extend therethrough, if necessary. The channel closure is positioned inside of and is substantially concentric with the wire channel. The closure contains an axial opening along the entire length of the closure and contains opened ends in alignment with the proximal and distal ends, respectively, of the wire channel. The closure is rotatable inside the channel between opened and closed positions to open and close the axial opening of the channel, respectively.

Abstract: An external stabilizer employed in a plastic film blowing apparatus incorporates one or more extruded members that carry a low-friction plastic wear cover. A tubular die, fed with a supply of molten thermoplastic polymer, extrudes a tube of the molten polymer and injects air into said extruded tube to inflate the tube into a bubble. The wall of the tube expands into a film of a desired thickness; and the tube is drawn vertically upward and collapsed and flattened. The external stabilizer is positioned on a frame surrounding the extruded tube above the die to keep the tube aligned on a predetermined path as the tube is drawn upwards. The stabilizer includes at least one extrusion of a light-weight material having a profile that is rounded on a side that faces the extruded tube so that said extrusion has a rounded front surface. The associated wear cover is made of a wear resistant plastic material and is disposed on said rounded front surface of said extrusion.