Abstract: Several methods of increasing the thrust and energy efficiency of charged particle jet engines operating in a gaseous or liquid medium have been developed. We identify the three main components of charged particle thrust generation and provide means to take maximum advantage of each. We also describe several methods to reduce the energy associated with the generation of charged particles and to minimize the number of charged particles needed to further increase energy efficiency. In addition to the methods used to increase thrust and energy efficiency, we have also developed several methods of efficiently controlling the amount and direction of thrust. Finally, we show many uses of these charged particle jet engines and ways to control them.

Abstract: A manually manipulable actuator mechanism includes a body and a manually manipulable element. The body has at least one wall element having a length extending along a first axis and a height extending along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. The manually manipulable element has a button portion adapted for human digital manipulation and at least one wing portion extending outwardly from the button portion. The manually manipulable element is movable along the first axis between a first position in which an operative element is in a non-actuated condition and a second position in which the operative element is in an actuated condition. The wall element, which has a first height at the first position and a different second height at the second position, cooperates with the wing portion to constrain movement of the manually manipulable element at least along a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes while the manually manipulable element is moved between the first and second positions.