Abstract: The Solar Balloon Photovoltaic Array is comprised of a solar balloon supporting and lifting an array of very thin, light weight, and flexible solar photovoltaic sheet array which is attached to an electrical wire cord tethered to the solar balloon at one end, and securely tied to a structure on the ground surface at the terminal output end. The solar balloon is deployed into the atmosphere by the heating of the air inside the solar balloon by direct sunlight as well as by an electrical heating element inside the solar balloon. The solar balloon is first partially inflated on the ground surface and then fully inflated by solar energy heating the air inside the balloon, which fully inflates the solar balloon to provide sufficient buoyancy lifting force to lift the solar array into the sky, forming a vertical solar photovoltaic array to provide solar generated electricity for household consumption.

Abstract: We describe an invention, the Photovoltaic Solar Leaf Module, comprising of an active photovoltaic (PV) thin film layer being sandwiched and laminated by two sheets of light trapping surface textured polymer, which also form a durable, light weight and flexible protective casing around the active PV thin film layer, which is capable of absorbing sunlight on its front and back surfaces. A method of mounting our PV leaf module is described whereby many PV solar leaf modules are mounted in an array onto many horizontal rods, which are then mounted along a vertical pole supported by a base, which is attached to the ground surface. Another method of mounting the PV leaf module is also described whereby many PV solar leaf modules are electrically and mechanically attached to a long flexible electrical cord, forming an array of many PV solar leaf modules along the length of the flexible electrical cord.

Abstract: A system of harvesting solar energy is described whereby cylindrical tubular solar photovoltaic cells are vertically mounted into a high density array with their longitudinal axis in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A new type of engine module is described based on the Tesla turbine. Our Tesla Twin Turbines Combustion Engine Module comprises of two Tesla turbines welded together, forming a combustion chamber in between. The combustion chamber includes an air-fuel mixture inlet and an ignition inlet. Fuel-air mixture is injected through the air-fuel inlet into the combustion chamber which is ignited by an ignition device. The high temperature combustion gas flow in opposite directions across 2 stacks of evenly spaced smooth parallel discs, transferring energy into rotating the discs via the mechanism of boundary layer laminar flow interaction. The pair of rotating stacks of discs rotates a pair of rods. The gas exits through exhaust holes or openings adjacent to the pair of rods. The rotating rods can be used to drive generators or do useful works.

Abstract: A lighting system for illuminating a chamber in a building includes a lighting fixture suitable for being mounted onto a surface of the chamber, so that light emitted by at least one CCFL device mechanically supported by the fixture illuminates the chamber.

Abstract: A lighting system for illuminating a chamber in a building includes a lighting fixture suitable for being mounted onto a surface of the chamber, so that light emitted by at least one CCFL device mechanically supported by the fixture illuminates the chamber. The one CCFL device includes at least one transformer. A driver adapted to be connected to a surface of the chamber is capable of converting input power from a power source to an AC power having a voltage in the range of about 5-400 volts and a current at a frequency in the range of about 1kc-100 kc. The at least one transformer is suitable for converting the AC power to an output power suitable for operating the at least one CCFL, causing the at least one CCFL to emit light.

Abstract: A lighting device comprises a serpentine shaped CCFL, a driver driving the CCFL, a connector that allows the device to connect to and receive power from conventional power sockets, and a fixture that connects them into a single device. Such device can be used for general lighting purposes and replaces incandescent and other fluorescent lamps in current use without having to change electrical sockets. The fixture mechanically connects the CCFL, the driver and the connector to form an unitary mechanical structure. Preferably an air gap is maintained between the CCFL and the driver.

Abstract: A lighting device comprises a serpentine shaped CCFL, a driver driving the CCFL, a connector that allows the device to connect to and receive power from conventional power sockets, and a fixture that connects them into a single device. Such device can be used for general lighting purposes and replaces incandescent and other fluorescent lamps in current use without having to change electrical sockets. The fixture mechanically connects the CCFL, the driver and the connector to form an unitary mechanical structure. Preferably an air gap is maintained between the CCFL and the driver.

Abstract: A lighting system for illuminating a chamber in a building includes a lighting fixture suitable for being mounted onto a surface of the chamber, so that light emitted by at least one CCFL device mechanically supported by the fixture illuminates the chamber. The one CCFL device includes at least one transformer. A driver adapted to be connected to a surface of the chamber is capable of converting input power from a power source to an AC power having a voltage in the range of about 5-400 volts at a frequency in the range of about 1 kc-100 kc. The at least one transformer is suitable for converting the AC power to an output power suitable for operating the at least one CCFL, causing the at least one CCFL to emit light. Physically separating the driver from the at least one CCFL device reduces the adverse effects of heat generated by the at least one CCFL device on the driver and increasing the useful life of the CCFL lighting system.

Abstract: A lighting system for illuminating a chamber in a building includes a lighting fixture suitable for being mounted onto a surface of the chamber, so that light emitted by at least one CCFL device mechanically supported by the fixture illuminates the chamber. The one CCFL device includes at least one transformer. A driver adapted to be connected to a surface of the chamber is capable of converting input power from a power source to an AC power having a voltage in the range of about 5-400 volts and a current at a frequency in the range of about 1 kc-100 kc. The at least one transformer is suitable for converting the AC power to an output power suitable for operating the at least one CCFL, causing the at least one CCFL to emit light. Physically separating the driver from the at least one CCFL device reduces the adverse effects of heat generated by the at least one CCFL device on the driver and increasing the useful life of the CCFL lighting system.

Abstract: A lighting device comprises a serpentine shaped CCFL, a driver driving the CCFL, a connector that allows the device to connect to and receive power from conventional power sockets, and a fixture that connects them into a single device. Such device can be used for general lighting purposes and replaces incandescent and other fluorescent lamps in current use without having to change electrical sockets. The fixture mechanically connects the CCFL, the driver and the connector to form an unitary mechanical structure. Preferably an air gap is maintained between the CCFL and the driver.

Abstract: A display apparatus comprises of at least two stationary rotating units, which are parallel and spaced apart from each other and housed in a rigid frame with at least one opening formed as a viewing window. A flexible web is wrapped around these two rotating units, forming at least one moving viewing plane in the opening of the rigid housing. There are at least one line of light emitting elements arranged parallel to the rotating units and travels constantly through the display opening. A control unit inside the housing provides power, display data and control signal to the light emitting elements on the moving web; A communication unit provides the necessary link between the control unit and the moving web so that power, display data and control signal can be passed on to the light emitting elements causing them to display either text, or video image on the moving web, which can be viewed through the opening of the housing, thus creates a single-face display apparatus.

Abstract: A light transmitting container is used to house a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) to reduce heat loss and to increase the luminous efficiency of the lamp. An electrical connector configuration is connected to an electrode of the lamp and adapted to be electrically and mechanically connected to a conventional electrical socket. A driver circuit in the container converts 50 or 60 Hz power to the high frequency power suitable for operating the CCFL. At least one of the electrodes of the CCFL is outside of the container to facilitate heat dissipation. A two-dimensional array of CCFLs may be held by a module housing to form a display for displaying still or moving images and characters. The above-described CCFL configurations may also be used for displaying traffic information.

Abstract: A light transmitting container is used to house a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) to reduce heat loss and to increase the luminous efficiency of the lamp. An electrical connector configuration is connected to an electrode of the lamp and adapted to be electrically and mechanically connected to a conventional electrical socket. A driver circuit in the container converts 50 or 60 Hz power to the high frequency power suitable for operating the CCFL. At least one of the electrodes of the CCFL is outside of the container to facilitate heat dissipation. A two-dimensional array of CCFLs may be held by a module housing to form a display for displaying still or moving images and characters. The above-described CCFL configurations may also be used for displaying traffic information.

Abstract: A light transmitting container is used to house a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) to reduce heat loss and to increase the luminous efficiency of the lamp. An electrical connector configuration is connected to an electrode of the lamp and adapted to be electrically and mechanically connected to a conventional electrical socket. A driver circuit in the container converts 50 or 60 Hz power to the high frequency power suitable for operating the CCFL. At least one of the electrodes of the CCFL is outside of the container to facilitate heat dissipation. A two-dimensional array of CCFLs may be held by a module housing to form a display for displaying still or moving images and characters. The above-described CCFL configurations may also be used for displaying traffic information.

Abstract: A light transmitting container is used to house a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) to reduce heat loss and to increase the luminous efficiency of the lamp. An electrical connector configuration is connected to an electrode of the lamp and adapted to be electrically and mechanically connected to a conventional electrical socket. A driver circuit in the container converts 50 or 60 Hz power to the high frequency power suitable for operating the CCFL. At least one of the electrodes of the CCFL is outside of the container to facilitate heat dissipation. A CCFL having an elongated tube portion and enlarged portions for housing larger electrodes is proposed to enhance the longevity and brightness of the CCFL. Larger electrodes are used to generate more electrons in the CCFL, thereby generating more light. Larger electrodes also reduces the temperature of the tube material of the CCFL to enhance the lifetime of the device.

Abstract: A light transmitting container is used to house a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) to reduce heat loss and to increase the luminous efficiency of the lamp. An electrical connector configuration is connected to an electrode of the lamp and adapted to be electrically and mechanically connected to a conventional electrical socket. A driver circuit in the container converts 50 or 60 Hz power to the high frequency power suitable for operating the CCFL. At least one of the electrodes of the CCFL is outside of the container to facilitate heat dissipation. A two-dimensional array of CCFLs may be held by a module housing to form a display for displaying still or moving images and characters. The above-described CCFL configurations may also be used for displaying traffic information.

Abstract: A cathodoluminescent device employs elongated grid electrodes such as small gauge wires for addressing and controlling the brightness of the display, thereby increasing the osmotic coefficient of the grid electrodes. End portions of the cathode filaments are bent into springs to reduce cold terminal effects. The edges of the face plate of the device are curved to reduce the visual effects of mosaic slots. The display may be operated at low anode voltage with increased luminescence so that full screen scanning is possible. Different sections of narrow strips forming a staggered structure strengthens the integrity of the device and reduces dark areas in the display.

Abstract: In a cathodoluminescent display device, spacer elements are used to provide rigid mechanical support between the face and back plates when the chamber of the device is evacuated so that thin face and back plates may be used even for large-screen displays. The spacer support includes a spacer plate having holes therein for passage of electrons between the anode and cathode where a predetermined small number of one or more pixel dots corresponds to and spatially overlaps one hole, thereby reducing crosstalk. Shadow-reducing electrodes are employed on the back plate and spacer members alongside the cathode to cause the path of electrons from the cathode to the anode to spread out in order to reduce shadows caused by the presence of the spacer members. Various configurations of the two or three sets of grid electrodes may be employed to improve resolution and focusing.

Abstract: A super high resolution cold cathode fluorescent display (CFD) utilizes an anode with cathodoluminescent means, a cathode with field emission cathode group array, a glass like spacer plate structure providing an array of funnel-shaped channels. Each channel has a narrow aperture which serves as a pin hole for passage of electrons between the cathodes and anode. The display uses a circuit for generating a strong electric field between the anode and cathode in the array of channels to take advantage of the pin hole imaging effect to produce high resolution, full color images for the display.