Abstract: A hydraulically-driven pump is disclosed having one or more rotating discs within a housing. The housing is sealed and hydraulic fluid under pressure supplied to the housing maintains a positive pressure within the housing. The pump is mechanically-driven by hydraulic fluid rather than by an electric motor. With no electrical power supplied directly to the pump, there is reduced risk of spark generation within the pump. The rotating discs may include small surface perturbations.

Abstract: A downsized, high-power, single-pole electrical connector is disclosed. The connector employs an insulating axial positioner between two rigid insulators, such that the insulating axial positioner maintains proper internal axial alignment while allowing for use of a smaller outer shell.

Abstract: A solar distillation device and method of constructing same are disclosed. The device employs a fluid flow surface for controlling the thickness of a flowing, laminar fluid (i.e., seawater in preferred embodiments) film. The fluid is deposited on an upper end of the flow surface where a relatively thick layer forms. The fluid flows over a fluid dispersal region and then over an active region where the surface area is designed to control the fluid film thickness for maximum evaporation. An outer domed surface surrounds the fluid flow surface and may enhance the heating effect from the sun.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling the thickness of a flowing algae film. The algae film flow may be gravity-induced or the result of an alternative force. The algae is deposited on an upper end of a flow surface where a relatively thick layer of the film forms. The algae film flows over a fluid dispersal region where the surface area is expanding, which results in thinning of the film thickness. The fluid then flows over an active region where the surface area is designed to control the fluid film thickness. While in the active region, the algae film may absorb carbon dioxide, while releasing water vapor. Hydrogen gas may be captured from the process, as well.

Abstract: A high power, single pole male electrical connector with a reduced surface area contact is disclosed. The male connector is configured for insertion into a female connector of standard design. The reduced surface area of the contact region of the male connector results in less surface contact between the male and female connectors.

Abstract: A high power, single pole male electrical connector with a reduced surface area contact is disclosed. The male connector is configured for insertion into a female connector of standard design. The reduced surface area of the contact region of the male connector results in less surface contact between the male and female connectors.

Abstract: A downsized, high-power, single-pole electrical connector is disclosed. The connector employs an insulating axial positioner between two rigid insulators, such that the insulating axial positioner maintains proper internal axial alignment while allowing for use of a smaller outer shell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling the thickness of a flowing, laminar fluid film. The film flow may be gravity-induced or the result of an alternative force. The fluid is deposited on an upper end of a flow surface where a relatively thick layer of the film forms. The film flows over a fluid dispersal region where the surface area is rapidly expanding, which results in rapid thinning of the film thickness. The fluid then flows over an active region where the surface area is designed to control the fluid film thickness. For example, in some applications, it may be desirable to maintain an approximately constant film thickness as the fluid flows over the active region of the surface. The geometry of the flow surface is used to obtain the desired control over the fluid film thickness. The flow surface is the outer surface of a solid with a closed upper end and a lower end that may be open or closed.

Abstract: A high-power, shielded, multi-pole electrical connector and method for installing such a connector are disclosed. The connector has separate structure for connecting each line of a multi-pole connector, with this structure housed within an electrically conductive outer shell. The inner connections are electrically insulated and shielded from the outer shell. A shielding trap is used to provide electrical contact between the outer shell of the connector and a shielding layer of a shielded electrical supply cable. The inner structure may be a male-female type or a lug-type connection. In a typical arrangement, a three-pole connector is used to provided a shielded connection to each of three power lines within a shielded cable.

Abstract: A high-power, shielded, multi-pole electrical connector and method for installing such a connector are disclosed. The connector has separate structure for connecting each line of a multi-pole connector, with this structure housed within an electrically conductive outer shell. The inner connections are electrically insulated and shielded from the outer shell. A shielding trap is used to provide electrical contact between the outer shell of the connector and a shielding layer of a shielded electrical supply cable. The inner structure may be a male-female type or a lug-type connection. In a typical arrangement, a three-pole connector is used to provided a shielded connection to each of three power lines within a shielded cable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling the thickness of a flowing, laminar fluid film. The film flow may be gravity-induced or the result of an alternative force. The fluid is deposited on an upper end of a flow surface where a relatively thick layer of the film forms. The film flows over a fluid dispersal region where the surface area is rapidly expanding, which results in rapid thinning of the film thickness. The fluid then flows over an active region where the surface area is designed to control the fluid film thickness. For example, in some applications, it may be desirable to maintain an approximately constant film thickness as the fluid flows over the active region of the surface. The geometry of the flow surface is used to obtain the desired control over the fluid film thickness. The flow surface is the outer surface of a solid with a closed upper end and a lower end that may be open or closed.

Abstract: A high-power, shielded, single-pole electrical connector and method for installing such a connector are disclosed. The connector has a single-pole connector housed within an electrically conductive outer shell. The inner, single-pole connector is electrically insulated from the outer shell. A shielding trap is used to provide electrical contact between the outer shell of the connector and a shielding layer of a shielded electrical supply cable. The inner, single-pole connector may be a male-female type or a lug-type. If a lug-type single-pole connector is used, a dual-shell, cylindrical insulator may be used to provide access to the lug bolts. Such an insulator may be realigned after the lug-bolt access is no longer required so that a complete insulating barrier is provided around the lug-type connector. A variable-angle, lug-type connector may be used.

Abstract: A pump is disclosed having one or more rotating discs within a housing. The discs have a plurality of relatively small surface perturbations covering at least half of one side of their surface. The perturbations may be recessed or raised. In operation, a boundary layer is formed near the surface of the rotating discs. The fluid within the pump flows in a circular and outward direction, thus moving fluid from a central coaxial inlet to an outlet located at the peripheral wall of the housing. The surface perturbations produce turbulence within the boundary layer during operation. The pump is suitable for pumping liquids with entrained gases, liquids with entrained solids, liquids with both gases and solids, and thick liquids.

Abstract: A high-power, shielded, single-pole electrical connector and method for installing such a connector are disclosed. The connector has a single-pole connector housed within an electrically conductive outer shell. The inner, single-pole connector is electrically insulated from the outer shell. A shielding trap is used to provide electrical contact between the outer shell of the connector and a shielding layer of a shielded electrical supply cable. The inner, single-pole connector may be a male-female type or a lug-type. If a lug-type single-pole connector is used, a dual-shell, cylindrical insulator may be used to provide access to the lug bolts. Such an insulator may be realigned after the lug-bolt access is no longer required so that a complete insulating barrier is provided around the lug-type connector. A variable-angle, lug-type connector may be used.

Abstract: A high-power, single-pole electrical connector is disclosed. A nonconductive mounting base is used to attach the connector to an electrical distribution panel. The connector extending from the panel has a bolted together connection, rather than a pin-and-collet configuration, as is found in some existing connectors. In the present invention, a panel-mounted connection is secured to a working side connection by bolting the two parts together.

Abstract: A high-power, shielded, single-pole electrical connector and method for installing such a connector are disclosed. The connector has a single-pole connector housed within an electrically conductive outer shell. The inner, single-pole connector is electrically insulated from the outer shell. A shielding trap is used to provide electrical contact between the outer shell of the connector and a shielding layer of a shielded electrical supply cable. The inner, single-pole connector may be a male-female type or a lug-type. If a lug-type single-pole connector is used, a dual-shell, cylindrical insulator may be used to provide access to the lug bolts. Such an insulator may be realigned after the lug-bolt access is no longer required so that a complete insulating barrier is provided around the lug-type connector. A variable-angle, lug-type connector may be used.

Abstract: A high-power, single-pole electrical connector is disclosed. A nonconductive mounting base is used to attach the connector to an electrical distribution panel. The connector extending from the panel has a bolted together connection that is safe and secure. Other connectors of this type use a pin-and-collet configuration. The bolted together connection of the present invention may provide additional security over a pin-and-collet design.

Abstract: A micro-switch monitored, single-pole connector is disclosed. The micro-switch is mounted to the body of the connector. The micro-switch plunger and the end of an actuating member are enclosed in a sealed chamber, thus protecting these components from debris. The connector may be a panel-mounted model or a cable-to-cable model. A standard type connection, such as a buss bar connection, is provided at the axial end of the connector.

Abstract: A high-power, shielded, single-pole electrical connector and method for installing such a connector are disclosed. The connector has a single-pole connector housed within an electrically conductive outer shell. The inner, single-pole connector is electrically insulated from the outer shell. A shielding trap is used to provide electrical contact between the outer shell of the connector and a shielding layer of a shielded electrical supply cable. The inner, single-pole connector may be a male-female type or a lug-type. If a lug-type single-pole connector is used, a dual-shell, cylindrical insulator may be used to provide access to the lug bolts. Such an insulator may be realigned after the lug-bolt access is no longer required so that a complete insulating barrier is provided around the lug-type connector. A variable-angle, lug-type connector may be used.

Abstract: An improved single-pole, male, electrical connector for use in industrial applications involving very high currents (e.g., in excess of 1,000 amps) and a method for making and adjusting the connector are disclosed. The connector has a male pin with a slot along most of its length and an adjustment mechanism that is used to vary the width of the slot. By varying the width of the slot, the effective diameter of the pin is changed. The male connector must fit tightly in a female connector, and the adjustment is used to obtain the required fit. In the disclosed invention, the adjustment mechanism is positioned near a tip of the pin and under an insulating safety cap. The adjustment mechanism is configured for adjustment prior to installation of the safety cap.