Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, and a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product. Other embodiments of the invention are directed toward heat management, and other process enhancements for making the system especially efficient.

Abstract: Method for controlling a vehicle that includes a support, at least one wheel, a platform coupled to the at least one wheel, a coupling structure having a support portion coupled to the support and a platform portion coupled to the platform that allows the support portion to move or slide fore and aft with respect to the platform portion, an actuator coupled to the coupling structure to control the position of the support portion relative to the platform portion, a drive coupled to the at least one wheel to deliver power to the at least one wheel to propel the vehicle and maintain the platform level, and a controller coupled to the drive to control the drive and coupled to the actuator to control the actuator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for substituting a different forend assembly in a long gun (e.g., a shotgun) without the use of tools by a user in the field. Applicants' preferred apparatus for substituting a forend comprises: a modified forend carrier that is affixed to the long gun (e.g., the illustrated shotgun); a forend; and tool-less means for removably attaching the forend onto the carrier, or removing the forend off the carrier, without the use of tools, wherein the tool-less means comprises: (i) a tongue-and-groove arrangement in the forend and carrier, and (ii) a releasable lock contained, at least in part, in the carrier. This permits the forend to be swapped out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for substituting a different stock, or a different receiver assembly, in a long gun (e.g., a shotgun) without the use of tools by a user in the field. Applicants' preferred apparatus comprises: a long gun (e.g., an illustrated shotgun) having a stock and a receiver assembly; and an adaptor assembly which removably interconnects the stock to the receiver assembly, wherein the adaptor assembly includes: an adaptor base affixed to the receiver; an end of the stock is mounted onto the adaptor base; and a rotatable locking pin, continuously attached to the base, which can be lifted up and rotated or turned on its axis by 90° to unlock the adaptor assembly. The stock can then be pulled off the adaptor base. Upon a new stock being mounted on the adaptor base, the locking pin can be rotated back to its original orientation and pushed down to lock the adaptor assembly, whereupon the adaptor assembly interconnects the substitute stock with the receiver assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for substituting a different stock, or a different receiver assembly, in a long gun (e.g., a shotgun) without the use of tools by a user in the field. Applicants' preferred apparatus comprises: a long gun (e.g., an illustrated shotgun) having a stock and a receiver assembly; and an adaptor assembly which removably interconnects the stock to the receiver assembly, wherein the adaptor assembly includes: an adaptor base affixed to the receiver; an end of the stock is mounted onto the adaptor base; and a rotatable locking pin, continuously attached to the base, which can be lifted up and rotated or turned on its axis by 90° to unlock the adaptor assembly. The stock can then be pulled off the adaptor base. Upon a new stock being mounted on the adaptor base, the locking pin can be rotated back to its original orientation and pushed down to lock the adaptor assembly, whereupon the adaptor assembly interconnects the substitute stock with the receiver assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided having articulating, distal end rotation and tip rotational functions. The articulating function includes a wheel rotatable relative to a handle of the surgical instrument and operable to move an articulating section of the surgical instrument from a neutral or straight position to an articulated or bent position. The wheel incorporates a groove in the form of an Archimedes spiral to drive the articulating section between the neutral and bent positions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a wheel to an axle. The apparatus comprises a wheel with a hub for insertion into an indentation in the end of the axle and a single bolt that is offset from the axis of rotation of the wheel and axle and that attaches the wheel to the axle.