Abstract: A balancing mechanism for an engine that has a rotating crankshaft and reciprocating pistons. The balancing mechanism comprises a primary balance mass assembly non-rotatably and removably affixed to the crankshaft. The primary mass assembly comprises a primary mass affixed to a primary hub portion and a primary cap portion removably affixed to the primary hub portion to clamp a portion of the crankshaft therebetween. A secondary balance mass assembly may be rotatably and removably supported on the crankshaft. A driver assembly is affixed to the crankshaft to cause the secondary balance mass to rotate in a direction that is opposite to the direction in which the crank shaft is rotating. The driver assembly may include auxiliary gears configured to transport rotary power to auxiliary components. The gears are readily detachable from the apparatus to facilitate inspection and repair operations.

Abstract: An amplifier system including a vacuum tube amplifier having an input signal terminal, an output signal terminal, and an electron source, and a control circuit having an input terminal coupled to one of the input signal terminal and the output signal terminal, and for controlling a kinetic energy of electrons emitted by the electron source based on one of an input signal to the vacuum tube amplifier and an output signal from the vacuum tube amplifier. According to another embodiment, the control circuit may be for controlling an amount of electrons emitted by the electron source based on one of the input signal to the vacuum tube amplifier and the output signal from the vacuum tube amplifier.

Abstract: A thin-film rechargeable battery and its method of manufacture having a substrate over which may be formed layered battery components. The layered components include, in series, a first electrode layer, and an electrolyte layer. The layered arrangement reduces reactivity between the layered components and provides improved battery performance.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor including a substrate defining an opening therethrough, a sensing electrode connected to a first surface of the substrate and adjacent a first end of the opening, a diffusion barrier connected to the sensing electrode, a counter electrode adjacent a second end of the opening, and an electrolyte located in the opening between the sensing electrode and the counter electrode.

Abstract: A filter including first and second resonators and a coaxial cable connecting the resonators. Also, a filter including a housing and stepped impedance resonators wherein the high impedance portions of the stepped resonators are integral with the housing. Also, methods of manufacturing the filters.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus and method for cooling a structure using boiling fluid acted upon by centrifugal force. The cooling apparatus has an actuator with a shaft, a heat transfer member with a heat transfer surface and a fluid passageway connected to the shaft and in thermal communication with the structure. The cooling apparatus can be used to cool the anode of an x-ray tube.

Abstract: A piston and connecting rod assembly includes a piston crown, a piston skirt, a connecting rod, and a bearing insert. The piston skirt is a component separate from the piston crown and is connected to the piston crown to provide a piston body. The bearing insert is a component separate from the piston crown and the piston skirt and is fixedly disposed within the piston body. A bearing surface of a connecting rod contacts the bearing insert to thereby movably associate the connecting rod and the piston body.

Abstract: A balancing mechanism for an engine that has a rotating crankshaft and reciprocating pistons such as those engines used in automobiles, aircrafts, boats, piston-driven compressors, piston-driven slider crank mechanisms, etc. The present balancing mechanism may comprise a first balance mass non-rotatably affixed to the crankshaft and a second balance mass rotatably supported on the crankshaft. A driver assembly is affixed to crankshaft to cause the second balance mass to rotate in a direction that is opposite to the direction in which the crank shaft is rotating. The driver assembly may include auxiliary gears configured to transport rotary power to auxiliary components.

Abstract: A heater includes a housing having an angled top, a fan having a discharge disposed parallel to the angled top of the housing, and a baffle for laminarizing airflow through the heater. The heater may also create airflow through a cover, across a housing, a heat sensitive component, and/or a raceway, and into a housing inlet. The heater may include a manifold having at least one coupling member that slidingly engages and disengages a burner. Methods for propelling combustion air through a heater, laminarizing combustion airflow in a heater, improving the efficiency of a heater, and converting a heater to make it compatible with a different fuel are also disclosed.

Abstract: A guide for supporting sliding movement of a movable member includes a guide body having an outer surface, a first portion defining a first end of the guide body, and a second portion defining a second end of the guide body. A void is provided between the first and second ends and is defined by an inner surface of the guide body. A plurality of cooling projections project from the outer surface of the first portion, and a flange for stabilizing the guide projects radially from the guide body and defines a boundary between the guide's first and second portions. The guide may be adapted as, for example, a valve guide for use in an internal combustion engine for guiding the reciprocating sliding movement of a valve stem.