Abstract: A compact, portable, radio-controlled on/off valve for use with a garden hose has low energy consumption by using a water-powered motor for driving the valve into open and closed positions. The on/off valve has a pilot device for starting water flow through the water-powered motor. A low-power local electrical energy source, such as a battery pack, powers the pilot device and a receiver for receiving control signals. Upon receiving a control signal, the pilot device is energized briefly to start water flow through the water-powered motor. The water-powered motor then moves the valve from a closed position to an open position, or from an open position to a closed position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a piston and a method of manufacturing the same. The piston includes a substantially cylindrical member having a first end and a second end. The cylindrical member includes an open cavity extending axially from the second end to adjacent the first end such that the second end has an inner annular surface defined by an inner diameter. The piston further includes a disk having a radially outer surface defined by an outer diameter fixedly secured to the second end of the cylindrical member. The outer diameter of the disk is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the inner annular surface of the second end of the cylindrical member. A circumferentially extending recessed area for receiving particles produced while fixedly securing the disk to the second end of the cylindrical member is provided on either the radially outer surface of the disk or the inner annular surface of the second end of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing a piston is provided. The piston includes a substantially cylindrical member having a first end and a second end. The cylindrical member includes an open cavity extending axially from the second end to adjacent the first end such that the second end has an inner annular surface defined by an inner diameter. The piston further includes a disk having a radially outer surface defined by an outer diameter fixedly secured to the second end of the cylindrical member. The outer diameter of the disk is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the inner annular surface of the second end of the cylindrical member. A circumferentially extending recessed area for receiving particles produced while fixedly securing the disk to the second end of the cylindrical member is provided on either the radially outer surface of the disk or the inner annular surface of the second end of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A rotating rectifier assembly which can be used in a brushless electrical generator comprises an arrangement for supporting diode semiconductor devices in an axially loaded assembly of components within a housing of the rectifier assembly without compressively loading the diode semiconductor devices themselves. Provision is made for flowing liquid coolant in direct contact with the diode semiconductor devices and for the escape of air which is centrifugally separated from the liquid coolant during high speed rotation of the rectifier assembly. The rectifier assembly is compact, light weight and highly reliable.

Abstract: A rotating rectifier assembly which can be used in a brushless electrical generator comprises an arrangement for supporting diode semiconductor devices in an axially loaded assembly of components within a housing of the rectifier assembly without compressively loading the diode semiconductor devices themselves. Provision is made for flowing liquid coolant in direct contact with the diode semiconductor devices and for the escape of air which is centrifugally separated from the liquid coolant during high speed rotation of the rectifier assembly. The rectifier assembly is compact, light weight and highly reliable.