Abstract: The drawback of conventional projector type head lights of lighting excessively the immediate front of the automobile is dissolved by an improved projector type head light according to the invention.

Abstract: A tool for driving a nail or other fastener is actuated by a caseless propellant charge formed of combustible material that is transported into a combustion chamber on a strip. The propellant charge is ignited by striking a sensitizer portion of the charge at an oblique angle. The ignition member intermixes the sensitizer material with an oxidizer layer of the surface of the propellant charge, resulting in combustion of the charge. When ignited, the propellant charge is compressingly interposed between an orifice plate and a movable portion of the combustion chamber. The orifice plate includes a pedestal with an annular compression surface that separates the surface of the ignition area from the remaining surfaces of the charge, insuring that ignition gases are forced through the charge. An annular C-shaped ring is interposed between the orifice plate and the movable portion of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An energy recovery, pressure reducing system according to the present invention for reducing high pressure gas in a transmission pipeline to a lower pressure in a consumer pipeline includes a primary pressure regulator or regulating valve having an adjustable flow control opening, the pressure regulating valve being selectively connectable between the transmission and consumer pipelines for throttling the high pressure gas and producing low pressure gas when the primary pressure regulator or regulating valve connects the pipelines. A bypass line shunts the primary pressure regulator or regulating valve for connecting the pipelines when the primary pressure regulating valve is disconnected from the pipelines. The bypass line includes an expander system having at least one expander for expanding the high pressure gas in the gas transmission pipeline and producing work and lower pressure gas that is supplied to the consumer pipeline.

Abstract: In a system for treating an exhaust stream, such as the exhaust of an internal combustion engine (10), the exhaust is initially treated by a first catalytic converter (14) and its effluent is cooled in an indirect heat exchanger (18) with an extraneous coolant fluid, i.e., one other than recycled engine exhaust, before introducing the exhaust into a hydrocarbon trap (30) to adsorb hydrocarbons therefrom at least during a cold-start period of engine operation. Such cooling enables utilization of highly efficient adsorbent materials such as activated carbon which otherwise could not be used. Adsorbed hydrocarbons are desorbed from the hydrocarbon trap (30) as the engine exhaust heats up. The exhaust is passed from hydrocarbon trap (30) to a second catalytic converter (34) for oxidation of the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A windscreen for use with a motorcycle hiring. This windscreen incorporates a plurality of light bulbs adjacent a lower edge portion of the windscreen, which portion is attached to the motorcycle fairing, in order to illuminate the windscreen, making it glow with light conducted through windscreen material. The light bulbs are securely positioned in slots formed in the windscreen by clips which clip onto the windscreen.

Abstract: In a combustion gas heat recovery plant having a plurality of ovens, each oven is provided, at an exhaust passage thereof, with an operative filtering unit. Each operative filtering unit has a heat exchanger receiving fumes from the oven, cooling the same and thereby heating water or any other suitable fluid flowing therein. A filter receives the cooled waste products from the heat exchanger and filters the same to recover the waste products which are sent back to the oven and thus recycled. The hot water from the heat exchangers is fed into a heat transmitting circuit which is connected with another heat exchanger positioned at an output thereof and connected to an organic cycle power plant which has a secondary circuit using a high molecular mass organic fluid flowing therethrough to drive a turbine which drives an alternator which generates electric power.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the selective catalyzed NO.sub.x reduction in oxygen-containing exhaust gases of internal-combustion engines. For improving the reduction of nitric oxides, hydrocarbons and air are supplied to the exhaust gas purifier and, for producing reactive short-chained unsaturated hydrocarbons, a defined quantity of fuel from the stored fuel intended for the fuel supply of the internal-combustion engine is catalytically cracked and is oxidized by the simultaneous supply of air. The resulting species are guided into the exhaust gas flow of the exhaust gases which are to be purified.

Abstract: A method of reducing oxides of nitrogen (NO.sub.X) in the exhaust of an internal combustion engine includes producing oxygen enriched air and nitrogen enriched air by an oxygen enrichment device. The oxygen enriched air may be provided to the intake of the internal combustion engine for mixing with fuel. In order to reduce the amount of NO.sub.X in the exhaust of the internal combustion engine, the molecular nitrogen in the nitrogen enriched air produced by the oxygen enrichment device is subjected to a corona or arc discharge so as to create a plasma and as a result, atomic nitrogen. The resulting atomic nitrogen then is injected into the exhaust of the internal combustion engine causing the oxides of nitrogen in the exhaust to be reduced into nitrogen and oxygen. In one embodiment of the present invention, the oxygen enrichment device that produces both the oxygen and nitrogen enriched air can include a selectively permeable membrane.

Abstract: A fluorescent backlit display or the like embodying a generally planar light transmissive display panel, a back wall having a generally planar diffusely reflective surface facing, spaced from and parallel with the display panel an array of spaced parallel cylindrical lamps between and parallel with the display panel and back wall, improved light leveling means including masking means on the side of each lamp facing the display panel, and a light spreader associated with each lamp at the diffusely reflective back wall surface and effective to reflect laterally outwardly onto the back wall surface light flux directed thereat from the side of said lamps facing said back wall, whereupon the thus reflected light flux is directed forwardly toward areas of said display panel in front of the respective lamps.

Abstract: An arrangement for silencing the exhaust gases discharged from a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, wherein the exhaust gas is discharged in first and second streams from separate exhaust gas manifolds on opposite sides of the engine and the two streams traverse a different but equal lengthed path to be combined into a single stream to be presented to exhaust system components, such as catalytic converters and separate mufflers. In one embodiment, the streams pass through conduits integrally formed, in part, with through structure of a muffler. In other embodiments, the stream paths are equalized by being passed through conduits formed in closed shells.

Abstract: A 180 degree.times.90 degree solar tracking system using two sensors for tracking the sun from sunrise to sunset. A parabolic collector rigidly plumbed to a steam engine which drives an electric generator mounted on the latitude lever. The 180 degree.times.90 degree movement support is a group of pipes and levers that is powered by household water pressure via three hydraulic rams.

Abstract: A thermal energy differential power conversion apparatus. A parallel series of vessels hold a working liquid at a level intermediate the upper and lower ends of the vessel. A first tube operatively engages the uppers ends of the vessels for carrying a liquid above the boiling temperature of the working liquid. A second tube is in contact with the liquid in each vessel for carrying a liquid at a temperature below the boiling temperature of the liquid. An outlet on each vessel directs heated working liquid under pressure from each vessel to a chamber for vaporizing the liquid and directing the resulting high pressure vapor to a work producing station, such as s scroll compressor operated in reverse as an expander. An inlet tube conveys low pressure vapor from the work producing station back to the vessels.

Abstract: A yard light having a cylindrical housing with a cap telescoped over the upper end portion thereof. The cap internally receives a bulb seated on a shoulder within the cap. The bulb is retained against the shoulder by an annular retaining ring for removal from the housing as a unit with the cap or independently thereof.

Abstract: Given a reflector arrangement in a device that is employed for the individual illumination of objects, high demands must be made of the durability of the mirror layers to be applied onto carriers. Considerable difficulties result in satisfying this demand, particularly given large-area reflector arrangements which are exposed to weather. In order to overcome these difficulties, the reflector arrangement is designed with shell carriers of transparent material that are designed tub-shaped and which have a vapor-deposited mirror layer provided on the side of the shell. This mirror layer is durably protected with suitable cover techniques against environmental influences which deteriorate or destroy it.

Abstract: A decorative illuminating torch that, by reflecting and refracting light emitted to the side and rear of a light source through transparent thread members and down the length of a grip portion, the grip portion is illuminated. The light emitted from the front of the light source can be used to illuminate further novelty items.

Abstract: Insulating the exhaust pipe of an internal combustion exhaust system by sliding a flexible insulated tube over the exhaust pipe. The tube comprises concentrically arranged inner and outer corrugated stainless steel tubes, with the annulus between the corrugated tubes filled with refractory fiber insulation. The wall thickness of the corrugated tubes is in the range of 0.002 inch and 0.004 inch, which provides the insulated tube with sufficient flexibility to be trained over the angled portions of the exhaust pipe. The contact between the corrugations and the pipe assists in holding the insulated tube in place. The inner tube may extend beyond the outer tube and be flared back to the outer tube to enclose the insulation and facilitate movement of the insulated tube over the exhaust pipe. Alternatively, the insulation may also be sealed by end caps.

Abstract: A portable light and table provides a caster-mounted work/storage table having an angularly-adjustable light panel attached to its table surface. One side of the light panel bears at least one work table light (preferably incandescent bulb-type) that can be generally directed to illuminate the table surface, and the other side of the light panel bears at least one work area light (preferably fluorescent bulb-type), which can be simultaneously adjustably directed to illuminate a work area adjacent the work/storage table.

Abstract: Illuminating means for balloons comprising a lightweight plastic cone insertable into the orifice of the balloon so as to prevent escape of gas from within the balloon and to prevent damage to illuminating means located within said cone, an electric light means mounted within said cone, said cone and light bulb being light enough to be lifted by a conventional lighter-than-air gas-filled elastic balloon, and means for supplying electrical energy to said light means.

Abstract: An improved undershelf elongated task light fixture. The fixture includes an elongated housing means having a top, a front wall depending from the top, and a back wall depending from the top and spaced rearwardly of the front wall. A tubular lamp is positioned in the housing between the front wall and the back wall. An elongated shield having a rearwardly facing, downwardly and rearwardly inclined reflector element is mounted on the housing. The shield lies beneath, and extends forwardly of, the tubular lamp. The housing and shield define an elongated opening adjacent the base of the housing between the front wall and the tubular lamp. A light diffuser, such as a batwing diffuser, covers the opening. The elongated shield substantially blocks direct radiation from the tubular lamp from impinging on the light diffuser, hence prevents veiling reflections almost entirely.

Abstract: A recirculatory system comprising a combustion chamber, means to cause fuel to combust in the combustion chamber, means to exhaust exhaust gas from the combustion chamber, a circuit through which the exhaust gas is fed from the combustion chamber and returned to the combustion chamber and the circuit including means to treat at least some of the exhaust gas to remove a part therefrom wherein storage means are provided to store the part removed from the exhaust gas in the circuit.