Abstract: A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects. The apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow generally in the form of a helical or spiral shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.

Abstract: A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects. The apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow generally in the form of a helical or spiral shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.

Abstract: A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects. The apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow generally in the form of a helical or spiral shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.

Abstract: A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects. The apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow generally in the form of a helical or spiral shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved vacuum cleaner nozzle. The vacuum cleaner nozzle comprises two concentric tubes which guide fluid flow into toroidal vortex. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region such that dust, dirt, and a variety of other objects may be sucked up. The nozzle is designed to be used in conjunction with a vacuum cleaning system. The entire system is closed such that airflow is contained. Thus, the vacuum cleaner system is highly efficient and prevents dust from escaping into the atmosphere. Additionally, the toroidal vortex nozzle may be fitted with an additional sleeve to allow the nozzle to be placed against surfaces without impeding fluid flow. Furthermore, by venting the nozzle, undesired pluming in front of the nozzle can be prevented.

Abstract: A lifting platform is disclosed that utilizes means for energy recovery in order to maximize efficiency. Prior lifting platforms described by the inventor have utilized partial toroidal vortices in order to create a high pressure region below the platform. The present invention, however, improves on the prior lifting platforms by utilizing a complete toroidal vortex. Thus, a great deal of the energy expended is recovered by the recirculation of the fluid. The vortex fan must only supply the energy needed to overcome friction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved vacuum cleaning apparatus utilizing a self-sustained vortex flow in a centrifugal separator. More specifically, vortex flow is maintained via pressure differentials allowing the ejection of dust and other particles without bags, filters, or liquid baths. Furthermore, the impeller inside of the separator serves the dual purpose of moving air through the system as well as creating a cylindrical vortex fluid flow providing an efficient and simple configuration. Also disclosed herein is a complete toroidal vortex vacuum cleaner in which a toroidal vortex nozzle is used in conjunction with the centrifugal separator. The vacuum cleaner exhibits recirculating airflow that not only prevents unseparated dust from escaping into the atmosphere, but also conserves the kinetic energy of the flowing air. The present invention excels in producing clean air of a better quality more efficiently, more quietly, and more simply than the prior art.

Abstract: Several types of ballast circuits for operating one or many LEDs in AC circuits finding particular use in aircraft lighting panels are disclosed. The first type is a linear transfer function ballast using inductors to limit diode current, and capacitors to ensure unity input power factors. The second type is a non-linear transfer function ballast using inductors to limit current, capacitors to ensure unity input power factor, and diodes shunted across one or many series connected inductors to steepen the transfer function. The aim of steepening the transfer function is to imitate the voltage—brightness characteristic of incandescent bulbs, thereby providing a direct replacement aerospace lighting solution compatible with existing AC light dimmers. It is also possible to configure the ballasts of the present invention to function with a DC input voltage.

Abstract: A lifting platform is disclosed that utilizes means for energy recovery in order to maximize efficiency. Prior lifting platforms described by the inventor have utilized partial toroidal vortices in order to create a high pressure region below the platform. The present invention, however, improves on the prior lifting platforms by utilizing a complete toroidal vortex. Thus, a great deal of the energy expended is recovered by the recirculation of the fluid. The vortex fan must only supply the energy needed to overcome friction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved debris collection apparatus that utilizes a toroidal vortex within the apparatus housing to establish a pressure differential between the outside of the device and the inside. This system and its derivatives are essentially closed systems-there is no constant intake and exhaust of fluid. Included in the debris collection apparatus is a compaction means that captures debris caught in the toroidal vortex flow, and deposits it in a desired chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved vacuum cleaning apparatus that utilize a toroidal vortex within the apparatus housing in order to establish a pressure differential between outside the device and inside. These systems differ significantly from prior vacuum cleaners in that they are essentially closed systems there is no constant intake and exhaust of fluid. Disclosed herein are toroidal vortex vacuum cleaner nozzles that function with a fluid delivery system, which, in combination, yield a toroidal vortex that is split between the extreme ends of the nozzle. Also disclosed is a complete toroidal vortex vacuum system employing a centrifugal dirt separator. The present invention excels in being more efficient, lighter weight and quieter than the prior art.

Abstract: An improved elastic motor is disclosed having a constant torque characteristic. The motor utilizes a reel with elastic stretched to its maximum tension. Each unit length of the elastic is allowed to relax back to its normal state while generating work in a process that will continue until the wheel is fully unwound. The present invention will ease design of mobile devices and the like by providing a power source having a predictable and stable output characteristic.

Abstract: A novel means of stability for a lifting platform utilizing toroidal vortex airflow through air guide means. A toroidal vortex created by the airflow means efficiently maintains a raised air pressure zone beneath the lifting platform or body. Airflow is directed downwards by means of air guides, which serve to produce lift and control rotational motion of the lifting platform to achieve stability of the body during operation. The system can also be easily modified to function as an attractor device. Overall, the present invention explores the uses of vortex airflow towards maintaining rotational stability.

Abstract: A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects. The apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow generally in the form of a helical or spiral shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.

Abstract: An improved elastic motor is disclosed having a constant torque characteristic. The motor utilizes a reel with elastic stretched to its maximum tension. Each unit length of the elastic is allowed to relax back to its normal state while generating work in a process that will continue until the wheel is fully unwound. The present invention will ease design of mobile devices and the like by providing a power source having a predictable and stable output characteristic.

Abstract: A novel drive for a lifting platform utilizing a simple propeller, impeller, or gas turbine is disclosed. The axial air rotation from the drive is eliminated in order to permit the development of a partial toroidal vortex which efficiently maintains a raised air pressure zone beneath the lifting platform. The axial components are eliminated by means such as flow straightening vanes, which may also serve to control lateral motion of the lifting platform. The system can also be easily modified to function as an attractor device. Overall, the present invention explores the effect of vortices, both cylindrical and toroidal, and seeks to optimize their effects.

Abstract: Contra-rotating members are used for straightening a fluid flow. The members may take the form of propellers, fans or impellers. The contra-rotation eliminates tangential flow components, and most importantly, eliminates cylindrical vortices. The present invention finds specific use in applications in which toroidal vortices are employed and/or generated.

Abstract: A power inverter capable of both DC-AC and DC-DC conversion is disclosed. Said inverter features a novel current mode slope modulation scheme to regulate output while eliminating stability problems commonly held by current mode systems. Furthermore, an embodiment is disclosed utilizing three state modulation to reduce switching losses in the power stage thereby increasing efficiency. Additionally, a novel sine wave compression circuit is disclosed to prevent output wave clipping under low DC supply conditions.

Abstract: Transformer rectifier units (TRU) for the conversion of AC to regulated DC are disclosed. One aspect of a TRU according to the invention is output boost regulation by monitoring the output from a conventional TRU, and when the output drops below 28 volts DC an additional electronic switching converter boosts the output up to the 28 volt DC level. Under overload conditions a bypass diode returns the operation to that of a conventional TRU to maintain the required high current. Another aspect, input buck regulation, regulates by controlling the impedance of an auxiliary TRU by transferring its output to the DC output via a conventional flyback converter.

Abstract: An improved coupling circuit for use in switched power supplies and other applications utilizes a DC restoration circuit following the secondary stage of a coupling transformer to maintain a relatively constant DC component in the coupled waveform, regardless of its duty cycle. Advantages of the invention include better frequency response, lower noise, and better linearity.