Abstract: A gripless, non-lethal, self-protection weapon comprises a clamshell with top and bottom shells pivotally coupled together about a rear hinge and defining a cavity therein. The clamshell has a forward opening and the top shell has a top opening. A panel is slidably carried by the top shell and selectively covers the top opening. A nozzle is carried by the clamshell at the forward opening. A cartridge is removably positioned in the cavity. The cartridge comprises a barrel with an outlet positioned at the forward opening of the clamshell; a compressed gas vessel; and a diverter to redirect compressed gas from the compressed gas vessel in a rearward direction towards an inlet of the barrel in a forward direction.

Abstract: A cartridge for a non-lethal self-protection system is received by a launch platform and has a barrel, a compressed gas vessel, a projectile in front of the compressed gas vessel containing an irritant, and a cannula with a sharp tip to pierce the compressed gas vessel.

Abstract: A gripless, non-lethal, self-protection weapon comprises a clamshell with top and bottom shells pivotally coupled together about a rear hinge and defining a cavity therein. The clamshell has a forward opening and the top shell has a top opening. A panel is slidably carried by the top shell and selectively covers the top opening. A nozzle is carried by the clamshell at the forward opening. A cartridge is removably positioned in the cavity. The cartridge comprises a barrel with an outlet positioned at the forward opening of the clamshell; a compressed gas vessel; and a diverter to redirect compressed gas from the compressed gas vessel in a rearward direction towards an inlet of the barrel in a forward direction.

Abstract: A cartridge for a non-lethal self-protection system is received by a launch platform and has a barrel, a compressed gas vessel movable from a retained position to a released position, a retainer selectively retaining the compressed gas vessel in the retained position, a projectile in front of the compressed gas vessel containing an irritant, a diffuser to spread out gas behind the projectile, a cannula with a sharp tip to pierce the compressed gas vessel in the released position, and an annular seal circumscribing the projectile and extending between the projectile and the housing to retain the projectile in the housing until the compressed gas is released from the compressed gas vessel.

Abstract: A cartridge for a non-lethal self-protection system is received by a launch platform and has a barrel, a compressed gas vessel movable from a retained position to a released position, a retainer selectively retaining the compressed gas vessel in the retained position, a projectile in front of the compressed gas vessel containing an irritant, a diffuser to spread out gas behind the projectile, a cannula with a sharp tip to pierce the compressed gas vessel in the released position, and an annular seal circumscribing the projectile and extending between the projectile and the housing to retain the projectile in the housing until the compressed gas is released from the compressed gas vessel.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system in the form of a mechanically interengagable electronic key and lock includes stored key and vehicle identifiers in both the key and in the lock. A random number is generated in the lock each time the vehicle ignition switch is closed and that random number is used to encode one of the identifiers for transmission to the key. The key uses the corresponding stored identifier to recover the random number. The other stored identifier is then encoded using the recovered random number and the encoded other identifier is returned to the lock. The lock uses the generated random number to recover the second identifier for comparison to its stored value. If the comparison fails, vehicle operation is prevented. The system may effect several trials, each using a new random number before refusing further attempts. The lock electronics is preferably disposed in the vehicle fuel tank and controls operation of the vehicle fuel pump.

Abstract: A fuel system component for a motor vehicle constructed from a polymer material to which are added stainless steel fibers to render the component electrically conductive while retaining moldability. The electrically conductive component permits charges generated by the fuel passing through the component to be dissipated to the vehicle body, thereby preventing arcing which causes erosion of the component and subsequent leaks.

Abstract: A fuel filter for a motor vehicle includes a housing made of a base Nylon 12 material to which are added stainless steel fibers to render the housing electrically conductive while retaining moldability. The electrically conductive housing permits charges generated by the fuel passing through the filtering media to be dissipated to the vehicle body, thereby preventing erosion of the housing and subsequent leaks.

Abstract: A fuel filter for the fueling system of a motor vehicle has a non-conductive housing defining a chamber in which porous sintered plastic discs are mounted transversely across the chamber defined by the housing. The discs are of graduated porosity, and tend to strip electrons from the hydrocarbon paraffin of which the fuel consists. The charges generated by the stripping are neutralized by the positive ions generated by an adjacent disc.

Abstract: A fuel filter for a motor vehicle includes a housing made of a base Nylon 12 material to which are added stainless steel fibers to render the housing electrically conductive while retaining moldability. The electrically conductive housing permits charges generated by the fuel passing through the filtering media to be dissipated to the vehicle body, thereby preventing erosion of the housing and subsequent leaks.