Abstract: An electro-kinetic electrostatic air conditioner includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises one or more wire electrodes spaced staggeringly apart from a second array comprising hollow “U”-shaped electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. A bias electrode, electrically coupled to the second array electrodes, affects net polarity of ions generated. The outflow of ionized air and ozone is thus conditioned.

Abstract: A battery operated gyroscopic entertainment device is powered from a mating cradle, or from a battery supply within the device. The device includes an egg-shaped housing in which is disposed a high speed DC motor whose motor shaft preferably extends from each end of the motor. A hub member is attached to each shaft end, and a weighted belt is attached to each hub member. A central portion of the motor housing is fixedly attached to the device housing such that upon application of operating potential to the motor, the motor shaft, and the weighted hub members rotate at high speed, which imparts a gyroscopic action to the device. A cradle may be provided containing a power source, with power connections that mate to the device housing when the housing is placed within the cradle.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises one or more wire electrodes spaced staggeringly apart from a second array comprising hollow “U”-shaped electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. A bias electrode, electrically coupled to the second array electrodes, affects net polarity of ions generated. The outflow of ionized air and ozone is thus conditioned.

Abstract: A sound generator includes a memory bank storing user-selectable recorded sounds, a microprocessor that can quasi-randomly time-delay at least one of the recorded sounds, and a mixer that can combine a user-selected recorded sound and the time-delayed sound for output by speakers or earphones. The microprocessor can also cause the output sound to include a microprocessor-selected one of the recorded sounds for inclusion during playback of a user-recorded sound.

Abstract: A motorized rack for holding the jewel cases or containers of CDs (or the CDs themselves) in a very compact manner includes a continuous loop formed of holders for the CD cases or other retainers which is driven by a pair of sprockets on which the holders are mounted for rotation. High density storage is provided by spacing the holders and their associated CD containers contiguously to one another and then removal is facilitated by allowing the holders and containers to fan out at the top the vertical tower for manual removal.

Abstract: A hand-holdable electro-kinetic electro-static ionic air refreshener-conditioner for a pet shelter or litter box includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises one or more pin-like electrodes and the second array comprises one more washer-like electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. Optionally, a sensor detects odor adjacent the refreshener-conditioner causes the ion generator to be activated when sensed odor exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A hand-holdable electro-kinetic electro-static ionic air refreshener-conditioner for a pet shelter or litter box includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises one or more pin-like electrodes and the second array comprises one or more washer-like electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. Optionally, a sensor detectors odor adjacent the refreshener-conditioner causes the ion generator to be activated when sensed odor exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A self-contained fortune telling entertainment device includes an electronic library of human speech and sound effects, to be selected and enunciated in apparent response to a user's question. User intent to use the device is detected, whereupon a pre-answer initiation mode is entered during which sound effects and/or speech is selected from the library and enunciated. After this period ends, a circuit then selects at least one sound, e.g., sound effect and/or vocalized speech, from the library for enunciation as the answer to a user's question, propounded before or during the pre-answer period. Selection of an answer or response may be random, quasi-random, or other, and may be influenced by detected ambient or environment conditions, and may be influenced by at least one user control. LEDs may be activated while the device is in use to provide visual as well as audible entertainment. The device may be handholdable in size, and can function without reliance upon ambient light.

Abstract: A method for converting methane hydrates to methanol, as well as hydrogen, through exposure to light. The process includes conversion of methane hydrates by light where a radical initiator has been added, and may be modified to include the conversion of methane hydrates with light where a photocatalyst doped by a suitable metal and an electron transfer agent to produce methanol and hydrogen. The present invention operates at temperatures below 0° C., and allows for the direct conversion of methane contained within the hydrate in situ.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises one or more wire electrodes spaced staggeringly apart from a second array comprising hollow “U”-shaped electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. A bias electrode, electrically coupled to the second array electrodes, affects net polarity of ions generated. The outflow of ionized air and ozone is thus conditioned.

Abstract: A self-contained evaporative personal cooling device fits conformally around a user's neck or other body portion. The device includes at least one heat dissipating member that is urged conformably against the body portion to absorb heat therefrom. The device-facing side of this member preferably has a large surface area with a liquid-wickable surface. A liquid-retainable material contacts at least a portion of the wickable surface area and also defines at least one air plenum. Ambient air is moved along the plenum, preferably by a battery-powered fan. The air transfers heat from the member, cooling the user, and is exhausted from the device. A thermostat can sense temperature at the heat dissipating member to control duty cycle of the fan to prevent overcooling the user.

Abstract: A brush includes a self-contained ion generator that subjects material being brushed to an outflow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises at least one metal pin spaced coaxially-apart from a metal ring-like structure. Alternatively, the first array may comprise one or more wire electrodes spaced staggeringly apart from a second array comprising hollow “U”-shaped electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. The outflow of ionized air and ozone is directed between the brush bristles onto the material being brushed.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises one or more wire electrodes spaced staggeringly apart from a second array comprising hollow “U”-shaped electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. A bias electrode, electrically coupled to the second array electrodes, affects net polarity of ions generated. The outflow of ionized air and ozone is thus conditioned.

Abstract: An electro-kinetic electro-static air conditioner includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The conditioner may be sized to condition air in a closet, or may include an illumination source and be sized to be attached to an AC wall outlet to provide a night light function as well as a conditioning function. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises one or more pin-like electrodes and the second array comprises one or more washer-like electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone.

Abstract: A hair brush includes a self-contained ion generator that subjects the hair and scalp being brushed to an outflow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises at least one metal pin spaced coaxially-apart from a metal ring-like structure. Alternatively, the first array may comprise one or more wire electrodes spaced staggeringly apart from a second array comprising hollow "U"-shaped electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone.

Abstract: A self-contained personal cooling and/or heating device includes a heat dissipating member that fits around a portion of the user's body to be thermally regulated. A Peltier thermo-voltaic module operated with low voltage at relatively low current is thermally coupled to the rear surface of the member, and the rear surface of the module is provided with a large surface area, preferably augmented by a heat sink. A fan directs ambient air onto this rear module surface or heat sink. The device preferably is controlled by a microprocessor that biases the module with a pulse train, samples temperature across the module during an off-portion of the pulse train, and used sampled signals to vary duty cycle and/or amplitude of the voltage across the module to finely control temperature. The device preferably is controlled by a self-contained battery source whose polarity across the module is user-changeable, causing the device to heat or cool the user as desired.

Abstract: A personal groomer includes a hand-holdable housing within which is disposed a battery operated motor coupled to a cutting head assembly that protrudes at least partially from a distal end of the housing. An impeller fin assembly is attached to a lower portion of the cutting head assembly for rotation therewith when the motor is energized. Preferably the lower portion of the cutting head assembly and the impeller fin assembly are surrounded by a thimble-shaped member defining sidewall vents and having an opening in its upper surface, through which a distal portion of the cutting head assembly protrudes. A light source is mounted in the housing so as to focus light on hairs to be cut with the groomer. The groomer is cleaned by submerging the distal end of the housing assembly in water and energizing the motor. The resultant impeller fin rotation draws water into the cutting head assembly, and expels the water along with cut hairs and any other debris out the vents in the thimble-shaped member.

Abstract: A fluid heater includes a housing, a burner unit disposed in a bottom portion of the housing for burning combustible fuel, a combustion chamber disposed within the housing where the fuel is burned and a heat exchanger disposed substantially within the housing over the combustion chamber. The heat exchanger absorbs heat generated from burning the fuel and conducts the heat to a fluid to be heated. The heat exchanger includes a pair of spaced, parallel, stainless steel tubesheets with a plurality of tubes running therebetween and sealingly received within mating apertures in each of the tubesheets. A plastic front header and a plastic rear header are removably attached to the tubesheets distal to said tubes. The apertures in the tubesheets preferably have forged flanges for increasing the surface contact area with the heat exchanger tubes. The heat exchanger is corrosion resistant due to the combination of corrosion-resistant tubesheets, tubes and headers.

Abstract: A hair brush includes a self-contained ion generator that subjects the hair and scalp being brushed to an outflow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises at least one metal pin spaced coaxially-apart from a metal ring-like structure. Alternatively, the first array may comprise one or more wire electrodes spaced staggeringly apart from a second array comprising hollow "U"-shaped electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone.