Abstract: A device and method are provided to improve performance of a vapor compression system using a retrofittable control board to start up the vapor compression system with the evaporator blower initially set to a high speed. A baseline evaporator operating temperature with the evaporator blower operating at the high speed is recorded, and then the device detects if a predetermined acceptable change in evaporator temperature has occurred. The evaporator blower speed is reduced from the initially set high speed as long as there is only a negligible change in the measured evaporator temperature and therefore a negligible difference in the compressor's power consumption so as to obtain a net increase in the Coefficient of Performance.

Abstract: A diagnostic monitoring system and method is employed for one or more vapor compression systems such as air conditioners and heat pumps having a compressor, an indoor air handler fan coil and an outdoor condensor. Temperature, voltage and current sensors are provided at the outdoor condensor to determine that at least one vapor compression system is operating properly. Data obtained from the sensors is wirelessly transmitted to a receiving-device for use by the systems' custodian or repair service provider and includes information concerning an occurrence of periods when one or more of the vapor compression systems are operating at an abnormal state.

Abstract: Nanostructured elements and a method for fabricating such nanostructured elements with an enhanced power and aerial power density are disclosed. A hierarchical template with ordered and arrayed nanopores is produced on either a mating part or a support material that is pre-shaped so as to be conformable to the mating part. At least one compound can be optionally layered within the nanopores to reduce the diameter thereof. The template is supplied with filling material having selected electrical or thermoelectric properties. Selective removal of the template produces freestanding nanostructure arrays which are then backfilled with thermoelectric material or the like to form a nanostructure array comprised of nanowires supported by the backfilled material on the substrate.

Abstract: An enhanced energy storage device such as double layer capacitor or battery is made starting with a substrate capable of conducting stored energy. The substrate material is one in which ordered pores can be formed, creating a template of densely arrayed pores. An electrode comprised of high density carbon nanotubes within the template is grown from and oriented substantially perpendicular to the substrate to constitute an axi-symmetric, ultra-high surface area electrode, and then the template is then selectively and only partially etched. An electrolyte is structurally confined anisotropically around the nanotubes by a remaining portion of the selectively and partially etched template so that substantially enhanced energy storage is obtained. The optimal structural confinement, which causes optimal charge storage, depends upon the amount of partial etching of the template which is defined by the electrolyte selected.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing elements ultra-low diameter, ultra-high aspect ratio nanowires. A hierarchical template with ordered and arrayed nanopores either freestanding or on a support material is provided. The template can be pre-shaped. Optionally, one or more compounds can be layered within the nanopores to reduce the diameters thereof. The template is filled with material to form a nanostructure array configured as ultra-low diameter, ultra-high aspect ratio nanowires with a diameter of less than 10 nm. The optional layering is self-initiated by selectively adjusting pH of a coating material. The nanostructure array may be supported in a lower thermal conductivity material. The method can be used to produce elements that function as a phonon-confined thermoelectric device, a photovoltaic device and a battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for inducing a supercavitating flow inside a fuel injection nozzle orifice to reduce the penetration length of the fuel spray, maintain high levels of fuel atomization, and improve uniformity of the fuel spray exiting the nozzle such that high-pressure injectors can be used on small engines. This reduction in penetration length is accomplished without any reduction in upstream fuel pressure.

Abstract: A compact and lightweight electric generator for portable power applications employs a new engine design and integration approach for reducing engine, generator, and starter weight. A unique flywheel alternator/starter configuration that generates electrical power, rotates the engine for starting, provides inertia for smooth engine operation, pressurized air for cooling, and inertia for the alternator. An engine cowling provides rotating component protection, a fan shroud mechanism, cooling air ducts, and a cooling mechanism for handling large quantities of heat produced by rectified power conversion. An electrical hook up that allows the generator to provide transient surge capacity for starting inductive loads, or improved load leveling and fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A utility pad arrangement for mounting outdoor equipment such as air conditioner condensers thereon, having a flat, plate-like pad body with a plurality of recesses around its periphery. Mounting devices are provided and are shaped to nest within the recesses for optionally adding a security cage formed out of strap-like bars to securely surround the equipment located on the pad body in association with the mounting devices.

Abstract: A water heater and purifier has a membrane element and employs an exothermic and pressure-generating chemical reaction. The exothermic reaction heats water, and the gaseous reaction products pressurize an enclosure and force water through a membrane filter for purification. Disinfection of the water is achieved using heat, filtration, and optionally a chemical disinfectant.

Abstract: A compact and lightweight hybrid vehicle power source employs an integrated engine hybrid electric boost power design that operates on a single battery bank for all electrical functions. An integrated flywheel, cooling fan and a single hybrid electric motor drive, engine starter, electromagnetic regenerative braking device and battery charging alternator are combined. The flywheel alternator/starter/hybrid-drive configuration generates electrical power for battery recharging and parasitic loads, rotates the engine for starting, provides boost power for faster vehicle accelerations, provides regenerative braking for faster decelerations, provides inertia for smooth engine operation, and provides pressurized air for forced convection cooling.

Abstract: The total-to-static pressure ratio is increased across a Ram Air Turbine (RAT) by developing a localized accelerated flow of free-stream air near the discharge of the turbine rotor exhaust. This localized accelerated flow decreases the static pressure at the exit of the turbine and allows for additional power generation for a given free-stream flight condition. Lobe mixers in various locations improves mixing between the accelerated flow and the turbine exhaust flow, and the combined exhaust flow and the free-stream air surrounding the aerodynamic body.

Abstract: Compositions and related methods for detecting leaks in HVAC/R components such as furnaces, portable gas heaters, swimming pool heaters, air conditioners, heat pumps, refrigerators, freezers, and other closed loop vapor compression systems, as well as heat exchangers. These compositions provide more sensitive detection of leaks in inaccessible areas of furnaces using low ODP and non-flammable compounds classified as hydrofluorochloro-ethers (HFCE's), hydrobromochlorofluoro-alkenes (HBCFA's) hydrofluoro-ethers (HFE's), and halogenated compounds which are either alkanes, alcohols, diones, acetates, ketones (e.g., butanones, pentanones), esters (e.g., propanoates), anhydrides, cycloalkanes (cycloparaffins), cycloalkenes (cycloolefins), heterocyclics (e.g., furans), and aromatics.

Abstract: A specific force capacity thrust bearing and a method for producing such a design for a particular application are disclosed. The magnetic flux density in the stator material is maximized by varying cross-sectional area normal to the flux path. After a set of initial parameters are chosen, the design can be improved upon by changing the design variables and then verifying the force capacity using a finite element program. By linking the finite element program to a model of the geometry and using some basic algorithms, it is possible to automatically iterate until an optimal design is reached. The resulting design has a much higher force capacity than designs typical of the prior art.

Abstract: CFC replacement solvent compositions, methods of using the same and methods of making the same. These compositions meet or exceed the solvency, flammability, and compatibility requirements for CFC's while providing similar or improved environmental and toxicological properties. These solvent compositions have applications including, but not limited to, oxygen handling, refrigeration or heat pumps, electronics, implantable prosthetic devices, and optical equipment.

Abstract: A method and components for heating and hydrating foods and beverages using an exothermic and pressure generating chemical reaction are described. The exothermic reaction can be initiated by water, spark, electrical impulse, squib, friction, or shock to heat non-potable water and force the water through a membrane filter, thereby producing heated, potable water.

Abstract: Chlorofluorocarbon replacement solvents include a main component (first solvent) and a property-modification component (second solvent). The resulting solvent mixtures meet or exceed the solvency, flammability, and compatibility requirements for CFC's while providing similar or improved environmental and toxicological properties. These solvent mixtures can be used in conjunction with refrigeration or heat pumps, electronics, implantable prosthetic devices, oxygen systems, and optical equipment.

Abstract: CFC replacement solvent compositions, methods of using the same and methods of making the same. These compositions meet or exceed the solvency, flammability, and compatibility requirements for CFC's while providing similar or improved environmental and toxicological properties. These solvent compositions have application including, but not limited to, oxygen handling, refrigeration or heat pumps, electronics, implantable prosthetic devices, and optical equipment.

Abstract: A compact and lightweight electric generator for portable power applications employs a new engine design and integration approach for reducing engine, generator, and starter weight. A unique flywheel alternator/starter configuration that generates electrical power, rotates the engine for starting, provides inertia for smooth engine operation, pressurized air for cooling, and inertia for the alternator. An engine cowling provides rotating component protection, a fan shroud mechanism, cooling air ducts, and a cooling mechanism for handling large quantities of heat produced by rectified power conversion. An electrical hook up that allows the generator to provide transient surge capacity for starting inductive loads, or improved load leveling and fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A self-cleaning air purifier for use with a central air conditioning device includes at least one ion generator made up of at least one ionizer bar and an electrically grounded water reservoir with an exposed surface, where the surface of the water is parallel and proximate to the at least one ionizer bar. Contaminants in the air flow path are charged and driven to the grounded water surface. This grounded water surface (ground plane) is comprised of a container with a submerged grounding plate or is comprised of a grounded electrically conducting container. The grounding plate may also be comprised of metals such as Cu, Zn, Sn, Ni, and Ag, or alloys containing these metals, which will also act as biocides in the water. Materials such as tablets or packets may also be added to the electrically grounded water reservoir so as to provide the biocide materials. The tablets or packets can be comprised of metal biocide salts with chelating agents to retain the dissolved biocide metals in solution.

Abstract: A method treats ordinary filters with an electrostatic material that will turn any filter into a passive electrostatic filter. A formulation is sprayed or otherwise applied onto the filter to increase the filter's ability to effectively reduce indoor air particulates and improve indoor air quality. The formulation includes a water-soluble dielectric formulation and can also be combined with a biocide.