Abstract: The present invention provides an internal combustion engine and a method of manufacturing the internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine comprises a housing, a first rotor, first and second impellers and a compression cam. In a preferred embodiment, the housing has a first inner surface defining a first cavity therein, the first rotor is journalled for rotation within the first cavity and is situated to define compression and exhaust cavities on opposing sides therein, first and second impellers located in, and slidable with respect to, first and second opposing radial apertures in the first rotor, and the compression cam is fixedly coupled to the housing. The compression cam has a working surface portion that corresponds to a profile of the inner surface to force the first and second impellers to contact the inner surface and a dead surface portion that departs from the profile to allow the first and second impellers to withdraw from the inner surface.

Abstract: In a power converter having a power switch, a rectifier and a snubber circuit having an auxiliary switch that moderates reverse recovery currents associated with the rectifier, a driver for the auxiliary switch, a method of driving the auxiliary switch and a power converter employing the driver and method. In one embodiment, the driver includes a first driver switch, coupled between the power switch and the auxiliary switch, that allows the auxiliary switch to turn on concurrently with the power switch. The driver also includes a second driver switch, coupled between the auxiliary switch and an output of the power converter, that prevents a voltage of the auxiliary switch from rising above an output voltage of the power converter to assist the auxiliary switch in turning off.

Abstract: In a power converter having an input coupled to a power switch and a rectifier for conducting currents from the input to an output of the power converter, a snubber circuit for, a method of, moderating reverse recovery currents associated with the rectifier and a power converter employing the circuit or the method. In one embodiment, the circuit includes a snubber inductor and snubber capacitor coupled to the rectifier. The circuit further includes a first auxiliary switch that conducts to divert a portion of the currents away from the rectifier through the snubber inductor and snubber capacitor. The circuit still further includes a second auxiliary switch, interposed between the power switch and the first auxiliary switch, that conducts to create a path to discharge the capacitor to the output of the power converter.

Abstract: For use with a power factor correction circuit, a current mode controller, a method of operating current mode control to achieve power factor correction thereof and a power supply incorporating the controller or the method. In one embodiment, the controller includes: (1) a modulator, coupled to a switch in the power factor correction circuit, that senses an electrical characteristic and a current passing through the power factor correction circuit and provides, in response thereto, a control signal to the switch and (2) a compensation circuit, coupled to an input of the power factor correction circuit, that provides a compensation signal to the modulator that is a function of a rectified line voltage provided to the input of the power factor correction circuit. The compensation signal causes the modulator to modify the control signal to reduce a total harmonic distortion (THD) of the power factor correction circuit.

Abstract: A boost converter includes a snubber with finite but limited losses to minimize active power switching losses and minimize turn-off losses of the boost diode without generating any additional circulating energy losses. An inductor is connected so as to slow turn off of the boost diode and minimize reverse recovery losses. This inductor additionally minimizes the turn-on switching losses of the active power switch of the converter by providing for zero-current turn-on. A series connection of a finite resistor and a second diode is connected in shunt with the inductor/boost diode connection to prevent excessive voltage ringing across the active power switch by clamping its voltage during turn-off. A third diode is connected to the junction of the inductor and boost diode to prevent the voltage across the boost diode from ringing during the on interval of the active power switch.

Abstract: The fluid separation device contains a plurality of fluid separation elements, each element having fluid inlet, a treatable fluid chamber, a product fluid chamber, a product fluid outlet connected to the product fluid chamber, and a concentrated fluid outlet connected to the treatable fluid chamber. The elements are divided into at least first and second stages, each of which contains a plurality of elements. A pressure vessel surrounds the elements to maintain them at an elevated pressure. A manifold is attached to the outlet end of each of the elements. The manifold has a first channel formed therein for connecting the concentrated fluid outlet of each of the elements of the first stage with the fluid inlet of each of the elements of the second stage.

Abstract: A rotary engine has separate combustion chambers and expansion chambers. A two-step combustion cycle provides for a burning step in the combustion chambers, and a separate combustion step in the expansion chambers. During operation, the rotary engine compresses air for use in a fuel injection supply.

Abstract: This invention relates to a winch and clutch assembly having a spool about which a line is to be wound and unwound. An electric motor is mounted within the spool and has a housing and drive shaft operable in the forward and reverse directions. A concentric ring is mounted to and rotates with the spool and a driving gear surrounds the concentric ring, the two having concentric adjacent surfaces. A gear train operatively connects said motor shaft to the concentric driving gear, and a clutch assembly is operatively located between the concentric driving gear and the driven concentric ring, which is selectively engaged and disengaged in response to the direction of rotation of the concentric driving gear so as to produce rotation of said spool in response to operation of said motor in a forward direction when said clutch assembly is engaged.