Abstract: An apparatus to capture and store electricity, and then instantly retransmit it on demand, is disclosed. An electric motor transfers rotational energy to at least one energy storage spring that rotationally connects to an electric generator via a variety of rotational energy connecting elements. Utilizing energy storage springs in this manner enables intermittent generation from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, to provide base load electric power as well as providing frequency regulation to the national electric power grids. Electric grid power may be utilized when the price is low to compress the springs, and then released and transferred to an electric generator when the price of electricity is higher. Rotational energy storage may be utilized to provide backup power for applications of all sizes. It is efficient, scalable, and deployable almost anywhere.

Abstract: A turbine which incorporates intake and exhaust pipes that prevent the passing flow from interfering with, or impeding the operation of the turbine. An optional directional cone, with optional helical supports, mounts within the intake pipe and channels flow at an optimal angle to the turbine blades as well as to the outermost, from the axis of rotation, area of the blade's surface, increasing torque and thus efficiency. The turbine's blades are affixed to the inner surface of a cylindrical shell that is free to rotate within a supporting structure. The cylindrical shell also contains the stationary intake and exhaust pipes. The vacant axis of rotation can be closed or open, by means of shorter blades that form a hole with the distal edges of the blades to allow for passing fish and debris to safely exit. Rotational energy is transferred from the outer surface of the cylindrical shell by gears or belts.

Abstract: Lacking a physical axis of rotation, this all-in-one electric generator/turbine requires less kinetic energy, substantially fewer parts, and less space in the power plant than traditional designs. The turbine is embedded within the rotor, each sharing a common axis of rotation, thus eliminating the interconnecting shaft. Power plants will be able to install more generators in the same amount of space. The reduced weight of the turbine/generator permits the generator's rotors to operate at a greater number of revolutions per minute. Unique intake and exhaust pipes prevent passing fluids or gases from interfering with the spinning rotor. A directional cone further enhances the rotor's turbine's ability to transform kinetic energy into rotational energy. More generators operating at higher rates of rotation will significantly increase the electric power generated. Also disclosed is a means of converting low head dams and reservoirs into hydroelectric electric power plants.

Abstract: Solar energy storage is achieved by capturing the rotational energy produced by a solar thermal energy system's turbines, and storing that energy in an energy storage spring, via a gear or a connected gear box/transmission, in a very efficient and scalable manner. Another gear box/transmission connected to the energy storage spring provides uninterrupted rotational energy, at a constant rate, to the system's electric generators, making it possible to provide base-load power. The stored rotational energy may also be released only during periods of peak demand, providing frequency regulation, in what is known as a peaker power plant. Previously, this instant on and off operation was only available in hydroelectric power plants. Stored rotational energy may also be utilized to provide a continuous pumping means, as well as to energize other machinery that relies on rotational energy, whereby performing work without generating electricity or burning fuel of any sort.

Abstract: A self-sustaining, fully automated, hydrogen generator that utilizes the ocean's currents, tides, and water to produce vast amounts of hydrogen and oxygen. Additional electricity may be supplied by locally generated means including offshore wind, offshore geothermal, as well as wave powered generation. Hydrogen is exported as well as the oxygen not consumed by the life support systems. Residue collected from the ocean water purification process is collected and exported for use elsewhere or dispersed locally around the underwater facility. Systems orchestration is achieved by control systems that operate independently of one another with no single point of failure.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method for managing delivery of electronic messages includes receiving an electronic message, the electronic message having an intended recipient, and analyzing the electronic message to determine a priority for the electronic message. The method further includes determining, based on the determined priority for the electronic message; whether to deliver the electronic message to the intended recipient at the current time. If it is determined, based on the determined priority for the electronic message, that the electronic message should be delivered to the intended recipient at the current time, delivery of the electronic message to the intended recipient is initiated.

Abstract: An RF power amplifier module can be used without a matching device between the power amplifier module and an antenna. The power amplifier module is constructed and operated to detect, protect and maintain the performance of the power amplifier in the presence of severe VSWR load mismatches, without requiring the use of external circuitry. The RF power amplifier module includes integral detection circuitry for generating a first detection signal having a value that is indicative of the current flowing through an output power transistor and a second detection signal having a value that is indicative the voltage appearing at the output of the output power transistor, as well as integral compensation circuitry for controlling the generation of a plurality of bias current and bias voltage signals to have values that are a function of the values of the first and second detection signals, as well as the current output power level of the RF power amplifier module.

Abstract: A buoyancy means and apparatus for reducing friction in rotational devices, particularly electric generators and or turbines. This feature is critical in hydroelectric power plants and ocean energy projects where the rotating weights are significant. Flotation devices are affixed to rotational devices and submerged into a heavy fluid encased within a chamber that does not interfere with the normal operation of the said rotational device. Vibration is also reduced, allowing for more precise operation and a longer life cycle for moving parts.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a telemetry module mounted at a rotor bearing compartment for sensing engine operational parameters and a cooling system for cooling the telemetry module separate from a rotor bearing lubricant flow.

Abstract: An uninterruptible rotational energy supply calibrated to provide constant rotational energy to electric generators and other apparatus in environments where fluctuations in kinetic energy are found. Such environments include the pause between the ebb and flow of the oceans' tides and waves as well as variations in the velocity of the oceans' currents. Wind-driven turbines may also be another beneficiary of this technology.

Abstract: A deoiler 26 for separating oil from air contaminated with the oil has at least one separator for separating the oil from the air and also has a source of suction for reducing air pressure at the source of the air. In an exemplary embodiment, the deoiler 26 creates the suction at a first operating condition, but acts as a restrictor at a second operating condition. A deoiling method according to the invention creates suction at a first operating condition to reduce the air pressure at the source of the oil-contaminated air, establishes a flow restriction at a second operating condition to pressurize the air source, and encourages oil to separate from the air at both operating conditions. When used as a component of a turbine engine lubrication system 22, the source of contaminated air may be a buffered bearing compartment 16.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring an Internet-enabled device to communicate with an unknown mail server so as to allow the device to send information as e-mail messages over the Internet using the resources of an Internet service provider (ISP). Such devices include scanners, multifunction peripherals, and digital cameras. A configuror program uses predetermined access parameters for the ISP to simplify the configuration of the device. From an e-mail address specified by the user during configuration, the configuror determines the mail server name that the device will use to send e-mail, and downloads the address, along with a portion of the access parameters and a maximum e-mail message size, to the device. After configuration, the device can directly connect to the ISP and send e-mail in a stand-alone manner.

Abstract: An auxiliary lubrication system for an aircraft turbine engine includes a reservoir 32 of lubricant 50 and a venturi 42 to suction lubricant out of the reservoir and direct an lubricant mist at a bearing 24 or other component requiring lubrication. The venturi is directly connected to a source of motive fluid, such as pressurized air extracted from an engine flowpath 10, and is continuously driven by the motive fluid. The auxiliary system accommodates a failure or malfunction of the primary, high pressure lubrication system. The auxiliary system operates during normal conditions, when the primary system is fully functional. If the primary system fails, the auxiliary system continues to operate for a limited time, until the lubricant in the reservoir is depleted, to provide an lubricant mist to the component being lubricated. The limited-duration lubricant supply allows the aircraft crew time to carry out actions required to safeguard the aircraft and its occupants.

Abstract: A heat shield for providing thermal insulation is made of several uniform thickness aluminum sheets. Each sheet has stand-offs formed therein to space adjacent sheets and create air pockets in the heat shield.

Abstract: An overspeed governor comprises a pair of wedge brakes for selectively acting against a brake surface attached to the rotational shaft of an elevator drive. A maintaining apparatus is provided to maintain the wedge brakes in a normal position, out of engagement with the brake surface. A centrifugal actuating apparatus is also provided, attached to the rotational shaft of the elevator drive. If the rotational velocity of the elevator drive exceeds a predetermined limit, the centrifugal actuating apparatus displaces the maintaining apparatus, thereby allowing one of the wedge brakes to engage the brake surface.

Abstract: A caliper brake set engages a disk on the machine shaft or drive sheave to hold the elevator car in place at a landing. The brake set is biased by one or a pair of springs to a "brake-on" condition, and a solenoid assembly is provided to hold the brake set in a "brake off" condition when power is supplied to the solenoid. Camming levers are used in conjunction with the solenoid to provide a mechanical advantage which allows use of smaller solenoids. The brake shoes are spring biased for improved operation on the disk.

Abstract: A safety braking disk (56) is secured to rope drive sheave (14). First (52) and second (54) safety brake assemblies each operate on opposing parallel sides of the disk. Brake pads (60) are resiliently placed into engagement upon initiation of the safety. The safety is initiated upon car overspeed, movement with open car doors, or excess velocity in the leveling zone.

Abstract: The cable drive sheave (14) carries a wedge-shaped brake ring (44) engageable with V-shaped brake shoes (52, 58). Each shoe is spring biased (68, 76) tangentially toward the ring and resiliently supported and biased radially (50) toward the ring. The shoes are restrained (84) during normal elevator operation and released on either cab upward overspeed (22) or on cab movement from a landing with the doors open (32).

Abstract: A caliper brake set engages a disk on the machine shaft or drive sheave to hold the elevator car in place at a landing. The brake set is biased by one or a pair of springs to a "brake-on" condition, and a solenoid assembly is provided to hold the brake set in a "brake off" condition when power is supplied to the solenoid. Camming levers are used in conjunction with the solenoid to provide a mechanical advantage which allows use of smaller solenoids. The brake shoes are spring biased for improved operation on the disk.