Abstract: A compact forced air cooled thermophotovoltaic generator includes a TPV converter assembly, a fan which is driven by electric power generated by the converter assembly and a housing for enclosing the assembly and fan. The assembly includes a fuel/air mixing tube, an infrared emitter positioned in the combustion chamber, a receiver positioned around the emitter and a heat shield positioned between the receiver and the emitter. The receiver includes a circuit having TPV cells connected to an inner surface and radial fins extending from an outer surface. A fuel source may be provided proximate (i.e. beneath) the mixing tube or may be remotely connected to the mixing tube by a fuel line. A housing encloses the TPV converter assembly and the fuel source, if provided as part of the unit. A fan or other updraft mechanism electrically connected to the cell circuit is provided at the bottom of the housing beneath the fuel source and/or converter assembly.

Abstract: An electric vehicle recharging parking meter includes a parking meter, a processor, a display interconnected to the processor for giving visual information to a user, and an input device interconnected to the processor. The input device enables the user to select the parking time and/or the recharging time for the electric vehicle. The processor is responsive to the user selection of recharge time, parking time, and recharge power requirements entered on the input device. A payment receptor for receiving payment for the parking and recharge time selected by the user is interconnected to the processor for indicating receipt of payment for parking time and recharge electricity. The processor enables a switch to close so that power will be supplied to the vehicle from a power source. A connector is attached to a post or stand on this the meter may be mounted whereby the electric vehicle can be interconnected to the power source.

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic generator provides a greater power output while maintaining a compact, simplistic structure. The generator includes a burner having adjustable fuel and air flows, an infrared radiation emitter suspended above the flame nozzle of the burner and a cylindrical receiver surrounding the emitter. The emitter is a conical infrared emitter connected to the burner by wires. The emitter is positioned above the burner nozzle such that the emitter is immersed in the generated hydrocarbon flame. The emitter material catalyzes combustion on its surface. Infrared energy radiated by the heated emitter is collected by a cylindrical receiver that completely encircles the emitter. The receiver includes a flexible circuit having an inner surface, an outer surface, opposite ends, top and bottom edges and bending regions. First and second rows of low bandgap cells are connected to the top and bottom edges of the circuit, respectively, away from the bending regions.

Abstract: A valve assembly for an internal combustion engine coupled to a cylinder and a crankshaft and having a valve and an electrical magnetic actuator, wherein the electrical magnetic actuator is interconnected to the valve. A command mechanism is coupled to the valve assembly and the crankshaft. The command mechanism receives signals from the crankshaft to produce an electrical signal, wherein the electrical signal is intermittently sent to the valve assembly. The valve assembly utilizes the electrical signals to intermittently move the valve between an open and closed position of the cylinder.

Abstract: An electro-acoustical structure for switching on and supplying sound to an all-acoustical headset upon the insertion of an acoustic-use plug. A piston-valve is depressed against a spring upon the insertion of the plug, opening acoustic ports, and also moving a bifurcated contact attached to the piston to close a circuit with coactive stationary contacts for energizing an electro-acoustic transducer.

Abstract: An automatic signaling device responsive to small pressure variation, said pressure variations being created by a restriction of fluid flow within a flow system. The pressure variation causes fluid to flow through a resonant; loading chamber, activating a longitudinal wave resonator. The generation of longitudinal waves is apparent by the production of an audible signal. The device is mounted to the flow system using attaching means designed as part of or appurtenant to the device. In some embodiments the dimensions of the respective components of the device are adjustable.

Abstract: A solar heating and cooling panel which has a plurality of conduits through which fluid flows in one or more layers, said conduits being formed by structural elements, said structural elements being attached or in contact with additional elements so as to form additional conduits for fluid flow or insulation, and in such manner as to have structural integrity for force vectors through the layers comprising the panel. The unit is designed to allow introduction of selective absorbent such as CO2 into the conduit to create additional insulation and radiation entrapment. Such selective absorbent or transmitter may be a coating sprayed or otherwise affixed to one or more surfaces comprising the conduits. The unit is designed to have low flow restriction, selectivity of channels, deep channel re-radiation entrapment, and greenhouse efect re-radiation entrapment. In addition, a process of manufacture includes extrusion of plastic, vacuum molding of sheets of plastic, use of tubing and channels, etc.

Abstract: A whistle audibly responsive to extremely small pressure differentials is described. The whistle has a cylindrical inlet portion, a cylindrical outlet portion and a cylindrical constriction that form a passageway between said inlet and outlet portions. The whistle produces audible sound having an intensity of about 80 DB in response to a pressure differential, across the inlet and outlet portions, that is in the range of about 0.005 to 0.02 psi.

Abstract: A fluid filter and purifying apparatus located within a supportive structure wherein substantially all of the fluid passing therethrough is caused to be conducted through two separate mediums, a stranded fibrous medium in order to remove particulate matter and activated carbon in order to remove chemical pollutants. The granulated carbon is located within a plurality of elongated envelopes with a preferential oval cross-section. Each of the envelopes are mounted within the frame in a spaced apart manner forming a gap between adjacent envelopes. The major axis of each oval shaped envelope is inclined at an acute angle, preferably 45.degree., with respect to the direction of fluid flow. Located within each gap may be a quantity of stranded glass fibers which is to remove particulate matter from the fluid.