Abstract: An apparatus (100) for reducing the size of fuel particles injected into a combustion chamber is disclosed. The apparatus includes fuel line (110), a first metallic mesh (114) disposed within the fuel line (110), and a second metallic mesh (112) disposed within the fuel line (110), upstream of the first metallic mesh (114). An electrical supply (130) is electrically coupled to the first metallic mesh (114) and the second metallic mesh (112). Operation of the electrical supply (130) generates an electrical field between the first metallic mesh (114) and the second metallic mesh (112). A fuel injector (120) is disposed at an end of the fuel line (110), downstream from the first metallic mesh (114). Methods of reducing the size of fuel particles, improving gas mileage in a vehicle, increasing power output from a combustion engine, and improving emissions for a combustion engine are also provided.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler including a generally tubular body having inlet and outlet ends is disclosed. The body defines a fluid flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet such that the outlet is in fluid flow communication with the inlet. A magnetized member is disposed within the fluid flow passage and is movable between a first position wherein fluid flow communication between the outlet and the inlet is blocked and a second position wherein fluid flow communication between the outlet and the inlet is open. A temperature sensitive magnetic member is coupled to the body and has sufficient magnetic properties to attract the magnetized member below a predetermined temperature, thereby maintaining the magnetized member in the first position. The temperature sensitive magnetic member loses a sufficient percentage of its magnetic properties at and above the predetermined temperature, thereby allowing the magnetized member to move to the second position.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler including a generally tubular body having inlet and outlet ends is disclosed. The body defines a fluid flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet such that the outlet is in fluid flow communication with the inlet. A magnetized member is disposed within the fluid flow passage and is movable between a first position wherein fluid flow communication between the outlet and the inlet is blocked and a second position wherein fluid flow communication between the outlet and the inlet is open. A temperature sensitive magnetic member is coupled to the body and has sufficient magnetic properties to attract the magnetized member below a predetermined temperature, thereby maintaining the magnetized member in the first position. The temperature sensitive magnetic member loses a sufficient percentage of its magnetic properties at and above the predetermined temperature, thereby allowing the magnetized member to move to the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for reducing the size of fuel particles injected into a combustion chamber is disclosed. The apparatus includes fuel line (110), a first metallic mesh (114) disposed within the fuel line (110), and a second metallic mesh (112) disposed within the fuel line (110), upstream of the first metallic mesh (114). An electrical supply (130) is electrically coupled to the first metallic mesh (114) and the second metallic mesh (112). Operation of the electrical supply (130) generates an electrical field between the first metallic mesh (114) and the second metallic mesh (112). A fuel injector (120) is disposed at an end of the fuel line (110), downstream from the first metallic mesh (114). Methods of reducing the size of fuel particles, improving gas mileage in a vehicle, increasing power output from a combustion engine, and improving emissions for a combustion engine are also provided.

Abstract: A method for increasing and/or modulating the yield shear stress of an electrorheological fluid includes applying a sufficient electric field to the fluid to cause the formation of chains of particles, and then applying a sufficient pressure to the fluid to cause thickening or aggregation of the chains. An apparatus for increasing and/or modulating the transfer or force or torque between two working structures includes an electrorheological fluid and electrodes through which an electric field is applied to the fluid such that particles chains of particles are formed in the fluid and, upon application of pressure to the fluid, the chains thicken or aggregate and improve the force or torque transmission.

Abstract: A method for increasing and/or modulating the yield shear stress of an electrorheological fluid includes applying a sufficient electric field to the fluid to cause the formation of chains of particles, and then applying a sufficient pressure to the fluid to cause thickening or aggregation of the chains. An apparatus for increasing and/or modulating the transfer or force or torque between two working structures includes an electrorheological fluid and electrodes through which an electric field is applied to the fluid such that particles chains of particles are formed in the fluid and, upon application of pressure to the fluid, the chains thicken or aggregate and improve the force or torque transmission.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing metal oxides which are useful as high temperature superconductors. The method comprises the steps of:(a) mixing generally stoichiometric amounts of metal compounds with an alkali metal metal hydroxide, thereby forming a mixture;(b) heating the mixture to drive off water; and(c) filtering the mixture to remove the alkali metal ions.