Abstract: A blade heat exchanger includes blades that extend axially with respect to an axis of rotation and are elongated in the radial direction. The blades are arranged about the axis such that, when they are disposed in a housing, they form composite condensation and evaporation chambers that are isolated from each other. The interiors of at least some of the blades form the composite condensation chamber. The exteriors of the blades and the inner surface of the housing cooperate to form the composite evaporation chamber.

Abstract: A distillation unit (10) employs a fluid circuit (FIG. 8) in which a counterflow heat exchanger (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) transfers heat from condensate and concentrate to feed liquid to be distilled. The pumping system (100, 238) that drives fluid through the circuit is arranged to keep the pressure in the counterflow heat exchanger's condensate higher than that in its feed-liquid passage. This tends to discourage the contamination that could otherwise occur in the concentrate if the fluid isolation ordinarily maintained between those passages is compromised.

Abstract: An ergonomic mouse accessory that allows the user to easily manipulate the control buttons of the mouse with a variety of hand positions and varying movements, thereby reducing or eliminating repetitive strain injuries and increasing accessibility to those unable to operate a standard mouse. In one embodiment a sleeve is positioned over the front of the mouse and a click stick is secured to the sleeve so that the lower end of the stick contacts the mouse button while the majority of the stick protrudes above the sleeve. Striking the stick produces a lever and fulcrum action, wherein the connection of the stick at the point of contact with the sleeve acts as a pivot point and causes the lower end of the stick to depress the mouse button. A spring means can be used to return the stick to the fully vertical position.

Abstract: A reciprocating compressor capable of producing a steady-state, continuous, non-pulsing outflow at volumes less than 25 gallons per hour. The compressor utilizes at least two pistons driven in a near axial manner with any lateral forces imparted to the compressor subsequently removed. The compressor is useful in a vapor compression distillate system but could also be adapted to pump liquids. A rotating cam is provided which through cam followers drives the pistons such that the compression stroke of one compensates for the vibrational force introduced into the apparatus by another piston caused by change in that piston's direction.