Abstract: An assembly includes a piston and a transition arm coupled to the piston. The position of the transition arm is adjustable to vary a stroke of the piston. A balance member is adjustable relative to the transition arm to counterbalance the transition arm in varying positions. A control rod is coupled to the transition arm and the balance member. Linear movement of the control rod moves the transition arm in a first direction to change the stroke of the piston and moves the balance member in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction to counterbalance the transition arm. A method of counterbalancing a variable stroke assembly includes moving a transition arm coupled to a piston to vary a stroke of the piston, and moving a balance member in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of movement of the transition arm to counterbalance the transition arm.

Abstract: A piston assembly includes first and second pistons, a transition arm coupled to each of the pistons, and a rotating member rotating in a first direction about a first axis. The transition arm includes a drive member coupled to the rotating member off-axis of the rotating member. A first counterbalance is mounted to rotate in the first direction, and a second counterbalance is mounted to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction. The second counterbalance rotates about a second axis offset and parallel to the first axis. Alternatively, the second counterbalance rotates about the first axis. A method of counterbalancing a piston assembly includes mounting a first counterbalance to the piston assembly to rotate in the first direction, and mounting a second counterbalance to the piston assembly to rotate in the second direction.

Abstract: A piston assembly includes first and second pistons, a transition arm coupled to each of the pistons, and a rotating member rotating in a first direction about a first axis. The transition arm includes a drive member coupled to the rotating member off-axis of the rotating member. A first counterbalance is mounted to rotate in the first direction, and a second counterbalance is mounted to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction. The second counterbalance rotates about a second axis offset and parallel to the first axis. Alternatively, the second counterbalance rotates about the first axis. A method of counterbalancing a piston assembly includes mounting a first counterbalance to the piston assembly to rotate in the first direction, and mounting a second counterbalance to the piston assembly to rotate in the second direction.

Abstract: A variable compression piston assembly includes a plurality of pistons, a transition arm coupled to each of the pistons, and a rotating member mounted for pivoting movement to slide along an axis of the drive member. Movement of the rotating member relative to the drive member changes the compression ratio of the piston assembly. An engine assembly includes first and second piston assemblies mounted back-to-back and 180° out of phase. A joint for positioning between first and second pistons includes an outer member and an inner member. The outer member is configured for movement relative to the pistons along a first axis perpendicular to the common axis of the pistons. The inner member is mounted within the outer member for rotation relative to the outer member about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and the common axis.

Abstract: A joint for positioning between first and second elements includes an outer member and an inner member. The first and second elements are arranged for linear motion along a common axis. The outer member is configured for movement relative to the first and second elements along a first axis perpendicular to the common axis, and the inner member is mounted within the outer member for rotation relative to the outer member about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and the common axis and for movement relative to the outer member along the second axis. The outer member is restrained from movement along the second axis. The outer member defines first and second parallel fiat sides. Each fiat side defines a plane perpendicular to the common axis. The outer and inner members each defining an opening for receiving a drive arm.

Abstract: A variable compression piston assembly includes a plurality of pistons, a transition arm coupled to each of the pistons, and a rotating member mounted for pivoting movement to slide along an axis of the drive member. Movement of the rotating member relative to the drive member changes the compression ratio of the piston assembly. An engine assembly includes first and second piston assemblies mounted back-to-back and 180° out of phase. A joint for positioning between first and second pistons includes an outer member and an inner member. The outer member is configured for movement relative to the pistons along a first axis perpendicular to the common axis of the pistons. The inner member is mounted within the outer member for rotation relative to the outer member about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and the common axis.

Abstract: A hybrid fuel cell system in which a fuel cell and a heat engine are employed. Waste heat from the fuel cell is used to fire the heat engine cycle and the system is configured such that a high temperature fuel cell and conventional heat exchange equipment can be used in the system. Additionally the configuration allows independent operation of the fuel cell and the heat engine.

Abstract: The invention is a piston engine which has a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder having two ends in a first embodiment, and single ended in another embodiment, each end having a spark plug and inlet and exhaust valves. A distibutor is used for controlling the timing of firing the spark plugs and cams for controlling the operation of the inlet and exhaust valves. In each cylinder is a double ended piston. A transition arm is connected to each double ended piston by connecting shafts which extend into a central opening in each double ended piston. An adjustable flywheel is connected by a drive arm to the transition arm. Output from the engine is through an output shaft connected to the flywheel.

Abstract: The construction system of the present invention comprises a plurality of connectors and a plurality of struts, each of the connectors including three discrete flat elements interconnected in three mutually perpendicular planes, each of the three flat elements being composed of a semi-rigid material, each of the three flat elements having a plurality of outwardly directed prongs, and each of the struts being tubes into which the prongs project. The three flat elements are connected by engaging notches and slots. The prongs and the struts are connected by engaging catches and apertures. At least two of the elements have central openings presenting internal profiles and outer peripheries presenting external profiles.

Abstract: A fuel cell generation system comprises a cell stack consisting of a plurality of cells, said cell having a fuel electrode, an oxidizer electrode, and an electrolyte layer located between said both electrodes, a fuel cell main body having a plurality of cooling plates for absorbing heat generated in said cell, said plate being located between said cells, and a cooling unit for supplying a coolant through said cooling plate. The system further provides a reference voltage source for supplying a reference voltage and a determining unit for comparing an output voltage of at least one cell located at the upper portion of the cell main body with the reference voltage and determining if an abnormal state occurs in the cooling unit based on the comparing result. The reference voltage is picked up out of a part of the cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell power plant has an auxiliary burner (40) to supplement input to the turbo compressor (22). Gas line 44 to the burner contains a check valve (62) and an accumulator (64) downstream of the check valve. On a temporary power loss the continued gas supply to at least the pilot (52) of the auxiliary burner avoids flameout and a consequent longer term plant outage.

Abstract: A hinge assembly composed of a planar-surfaced mounting bracket, a pivoted connection means, and an approximately "J"-shaped leaf member is disclosed. The hinge, being configured to function in a concealed fashion, operates to pivotedly mount a recessed door within a security enclosure.

Abstract: A clutch means particularly useful in the rapid and precise alignment of a large number of rotating members such as take-up reels on a single shaft. Each rotating member, e.g., each reel-hub member, is positively engaged by a resilient and non-fouling spring member which is readily inserted into conventional clutch means and which comprises a cam means to facilitate the sliding passage of a number of reels onto a shaft as well as locking means to couple the clutch means and the reels to be rotated thereon.

Abstract: A web, for instance magnetic tape, is cleaned by pulling it across a plurality of scraper bars. Simultaneously, a cleaning fluid such as air is moved from below the web, upwardly and laterally across its downwardly facing front surface, while cleaning fluid is also moved from above said web, laterally away from the web and downwardly past the side edges of the web.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning magnetic tape and like webs, comprising a series of sharp scraping edges for cleaning said web, said edges forming the periphery of a series of air ports through which a vacuum is drawn laterally across the bottom of the web. Thus the apparatus can be utilized to perform a novel cleaning process wherein the cleaning edges are constantly washed with air. Air-distributing means is provided whereby there is no situs on the tape being cleaned on which loose debris can be immobilized in a zone of stagnant air during its entire passage through the apparatus.

Abstract: A plurality of magnetic field generating, electrical coils are preferably arranged in a circle, in one embodiment. Digitally controlled, recurring switching pulses are generated for sequentially defining a plurality of discrete time periods. During each of these time periods, a separate magnetic field is generated responsive to each switching pulse. The pulses are applied to the coil, in turn, for sequentially stepping a magnetic field in a rotary motion about the circle of coils. In other embodiments, the pole pieces may be arranged in another geometry. For example, they could be linearly positioned to slide a stirrer or to lift a stirrer member up a test tube. A substance which is to be stirred is placed in a non-magnetic container positioned within the stepping magnetic field. A stir rod of magnetic material is placed in the container and within the stepping magnetic field, so that the stir rod couples into and rotates or otherwise moves with the rotary magnetic field.

Abstract: Process for recovering boric acid from a sodium borate-mineral acid reaction product mixture by use of a diluted monohydric alcohol having 6 to 12 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The construction system of the present invention comprises a plurality of connectors and a plurality or struts, each of the connectors including three discrete flat elements interconnected in three mutually perpendicular planes, each of the three flat elements being composed of a semi-rigid material, each of the three flat elements having a plurality of outwardly directed prongs, and each of the struts being tubes into which the prongs project. The three flat elements are connected by engaging notches and slots. The prongs and the struts are connected by engaging catches and apertures. At least two of the elements have central openings presenting internal profiles and outer peripheries presenting external profiles.