Abstract: A braking system comprised of a rotor, a plurality of actuators, a brake control unit and a by-pass valve. When in a brake-on mode of operation, the brake control unit effects braking by restricting the flow of a working fluid that is pumped in and out by each of the plurality of actuators as they engage the rotating rotor. The degree of restriction to the flow of the working fluid can be varied to adjust the amount of braking force applied. The brake system is self-energizing in that it is not reliant on a substantial external source to create the operating pressure necessary to effect braking. Operating the by-pass valve into a by-pass on position effectively negates the generation of braking forces normally resulting from operation into the brake-on mode of operation while still allowing the actuators to engage the rotor and working fluid to be circulated.

Abstract: A reciprocating engine comprising a cylinder assembly having a pair of connected pistons for reciprocation therein, a drive ring having a rotational orbit substantially encircling the cylinder assembly and a power transfer mechanism for coupling and converting reciprocating motion of the piston to rotating motion of the drive ring. The engine with drive ring can be more compact than an equivalent conventional engine with crankshaft, can generate higher torque and can be subject to less cylinder wall wear due to side thrust of the pistons.

Abstract: A cam-drive engine having one or more cylinder assemblies detachably affixed to an engine core that does not include a cylinder block per se. Each cylinder assembly can be attached to or detached from the engine core without the need for disassembly of the cylinder assembly unit. This allows cylinder assemblies to be easily removed or replaced for repair or cylinder assemblies to be easily added to an existing engine. The cylinder assemblies can include cylinder pressure and solenoid actuated intake and exhaust valves that facilitate attachment. The engine can further include a catalytic converter contained in a central hub proximate to the cylinder assemblies thereby facilitating rapid warm-up of the catalyst.

Abstract: A cam-drive engine having one or more cylinder assemblies detachably affixed to an engine core that does not include a cylinder block per se. Each cylinder assembly can be attached to or detached from the engine core without the need for disassembly of the cylinder assembly unit. This allows cylinder assemblies to be easily removed or replaced for repair or cylinder assemblies to be easily added to an existing engine. The cylinder assemblies can include cylinder pressure and solenoid actuated intake and exhaust valves that facilitate attachment. The engine can further include a catalytic converter contained in a central hub proximate to the cylinder assemblies thereby facilitating rapid warm-up of the catalyst.

Abstract: A wound plate heat exchanger includes a series of air cooling passages defined between the convolutions of its windings such that, when rotated about a longitudinal axis through the center of the windings, cooling air is drawn through the cooling air passages.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having a core comprising a conduit, a plurality of heat conducting elements extending transversely through the conduit and having portions projecting outwardly on each side of the conduit, a plurality of fins spaced along the length of said portions, and a housing enclosing said conduits and heat conducting elements, means for directing a medium to be heated or cooled through said conduit, and means for inducing a flow of heat exchanging medium through said housing and over said heat conducting elements and fins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a puzzle having nine virtually identical interconnected members contained within a casing. The members are interconnected through toothed gears which are accessible from the exterior of the casing. Each of the nine members and the top surface of the casing has colored dots arranged in an array. To solve the puzzle matching pairs of dots must be aligned with each other and with the dots arranged around the periphery of the surface of the puzzle. The puzzle is both challenging and entertaining and will provide the user with hours of entertainment.