Abstract: A regenerator for a thermal cycle engine and methods for its manufacture. The regenerator has a random network of fibers formed to fill a specified volume and a material for cross-linking the fibers at points of close contact between fibers of the network. A method for manufacturing a regenerator has steps of providing a length of knitted metal tape and wrapping a plurality of layers of the tape in an annular spiral.

Abstract: A device includes a visual display and a memory for storing a plurality of subject record sets. The device may be used by a user to help identify a subject, and information related to the identified subject may be displayed on the visual display. In one embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a clock that determines the present time and a locator that determines the present location of the device. The subject record sets stored in the memory are evaluated to identify those subjects that are likely to be proximate the present location at the present time.

Abstract: An external combustion engine having an exhaust flow diverter for directing the flow of an exhaust gas. The external combustion engine has a heater head having a plurality of heater tubes through which a working fluid is heated by conduction. The exhaust flow diverter is a cylinder disposed around the outside of the plurality of heater tubes and includes a plurality of openings through which the flow of exhaust gas may pas. The exhaust flow diverter directs the exhaust gas past the plurality of heater tubes. The external combustion engine may also include a plurality of flow diverter fins coupled to the plurality of heater tubes to direct the flow of the exhaust gas. The heater tubes may be U-shaped or helical coiled shaped.

Abstract: A fishing lure having a body section coupled to a fishing line that pulls the lure through water. An energy storage device is positioned in the body section and coupled to a propeller. The energy storage device stores potential energy as the lure is pulled through the water.

Abstract: An auxiliary power system for providing electrical power and heat to an indoor area includes an external combustion engine, such as a Stirling cycle engine, for generating mechanical energy and thermal energy. The external combustion engine burns a fuel with substantially complete combustion such that exhaust emissions from the external combustion engine are below a predetermined exhaust level. A generator is coupled to the external combustion engine and converts the mechanical energy produced by the external combustion engine to electrical power. A first power output is used to provide the electrical power produced by the generator. The external combustion engine and generator are disposed within a housing such that the external combustion engine, generator and housing combination is a portable size. The thermal energy generated by the external combustion engine may be used to heat the atmosphere surrounding the housing.

Abstract: An emission control device and method are provided for treating exhaust to reduce pollutants contained therein. The device includes a first chamber through which the exhaust passes. First and second metal grids are disposed within the first chamber at a predetermined distance from each other. Voltage is supplied to the insulated first grid by an electrical induction coil at a predetermined frequency depending upon the application. Electrical charges are generated between the first and second grids which electrically ionizes the exhaust stream. The exhaust stream is then further treated at a second chamber having strata. The strata can further include or exclude noble metals for treatment of the exhaust.

Abstract: An emission control device and method are provided for treating exhaust to reduce pollutants contained therein. The device includes a first chamber through which the exhaust passes. First and second metal grids are disposed within the first chamber at a predetermined distance from each other. Voltage is supplied to the insulated first grid by an electrical induction coil at a predetermined frequency depending upon the application. Electrical charges are generated between the first and second grids which electrically ionizes the exhaust stream. The exhaust stream is then further treated at a second chamber having strata. The strata can further include or exclude noble metals for treatment of the exhaust.

Abstract: A collapsible and expandable interbody fusion cage primarily for use between adjacent vertebrae is designed to be collapsed so as to require the smallest opening necessary for insertion. An upper body is connected to a lower body by articulated supports. In the collapsed position, the articulated supports are folded inward between the upper body and the lower body. Once inserted, the fusion cage can be expanded to its fully open position to maintain spacing between adjacent vertebrae. The fusion cage is maintained in its fully open position by an overcenter latch. Bone material can be inserted in the space formed by the fully open fusion cage to aid in the fusion of the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: An automated fine needle biopsy device is described for extracting tissue from the body predominantly in suspected cases of breast cancer. However, it can be used in other parts of the body accessible to needle biopsy. The device causes a fine needle, which is attached to the device, to reciprocate and/or rotate at the same time causing tissue to enter the needle. The depth and number of the thrusts can be pre-programmed, and the force behind each thrust is constant. Suction may or may not be used. The tissue extracted is subsequently expelled onto glass slides for microscopic interpretation. This device and method offer a vast improvement over the present method for fine needle biopsy wherein it is performed manually and in a very haphazard way. The prime deficiency of the manual method currently used is insufficient tissue extraction. This device will correct that situation enabling accurate diagnosis to be made on adequate tissue samples obtained.

Abstract: An engineered log jam for controlling stream flow characteristics is formed from multiple layers of logs. A first layer intended to be placed parallel to stream flow consists of two or more generally parallel logs. In normal use these would be anchored to the stream bottom. A second layer of logs is placed on top of the first. This also consists of a plurality of spaced apart logs crossing the first layer. The second layer logs are angled with respect to each other to control and direct water flow passing over and through the structure. A third layer of spaced apart logs crosses the second layer logs and further acts to direct water flow. Additional layers may be used as might be dictated by the use environment. The logs are permanently joined to each other at the points of crossing.

Abstract: An engineered wood structure is shown that can be placed in an aquatic or other environment. It is particularly useful in environmental enhancement efforts as a resting place for various avian and aquatic species. The structure is preferably made from small logs. A number of logs are placed side-by-side to form a deck surface. A single log is spaced apart from and generally centered below the deck logs. A pair of spaced apart struts depend from the lower surface of each deck log and are connected into the keel log to form a unitary structure.

Abstract: A thermal cycle engine having a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy across the heater head from a heated external fluid to the working fluid. The heat exchanger has a set of heat transfer pins each having an axis directed away from the cylindrical wall of the expansion cylinder, or, alternatively, a set of fins substantially aligned with the axis of the expansion cylinder. The height and density of the heat transfer pins may vary with distance in the direction of the flow path, and the pin structure may be fabricated by stacking perforated rings in contact with a heater head. A ring burner supplements the main combustor for supplying additional fuel to cause additional combustion of the exhaust gas. A regenerator for the thermal cycle engine has a random network of fibers formed to fill a specified volume and a material for cross-linking the fibers at points of close contact between fibers of the network.

Abstract: A tent having the overall appearance and shape of a NASCAR vehicle has fabric suspended between two sections of flexible pipe manufactured from PVC or fiberglass. The flexible tube sections cross forming two gentle smooth curves which when viewed from above form a flattened X. The bottom panel of the tent is a rectangle which has two parallel long sides and two parallel short sides and which may be staked to the ground. Two sides extend upwardly from the two long sides of the rectangle, and have the appearance of the sides of an automobile. The front bumper, the hood, the front windshield, the car top, the back window, rear spoiler and the rear bumper are formed by a panel which is joined to the tent bottom and the tent sides having printed indicia thereon representative of the various automotive parts. The driver's side of the car has a door formed by a zipper. A screen flap within the door forms an inner screen door.