Abstract: A wobbling-type evaporator mounts a container 1 holding at least one vertically oriented heat transfer tube 30 fed by a liquid inlet 35 to the container 1. The container 1 is supported with respect to a base 10 so that it wobbles in response to the rotation of an orbiting counterweight 2,2' the counterweight and container wobble as a two body system about common axis. In one form a set of struts 6 located around the container are part of the support system. The invention also includes inlet water distribution systems, compatible with this orbital drive.

Abstract: An evaporation or distillation apparatus uses one or more tubes driven to wobble about a vertical wobble axis that is aligned with the tube. A fluid distributor supplies a fluid to the inner surface of the wobbling tube at its upper end. A flexible whip rod located at least in part within the tube slides around over the inner surface as the tube wobbles. The pressure generated between the wobbling whip rod and the tube spreads the incoming fluid stream into a very thin film having a uniform thickness over the entire length of the tube. In the preferred form the whip rod is anchored at its lower end to a stationary base and is restrained against rotation about its own longitudinal axis, but is sufficiently flexible at its lower end to act as a universal joint. In this preferred form the whip rod has a flexible core surrounded by at least one length of tubular sheathing.

Abstract: Distillation apparatus in which a group of pairs of heat-transfer tubes are each driven to wobble about a vertical axis which passes through a wobbling center. A stream of fluid is directed to flow down inside each tube. The fluid stream tends to cling to the inner surface of the tube away from the wobbling center while it revolves with respect to the tube in response to the wobbling motion. The revolving flow stream wipes the inside surface of the tube to form a thin film which offers low heat resistance to facilitate the evaporation, carries away the residue by its lateral motion and carries the reflux downward with little restriction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wind power generating apparatus for producing megawatt levels of power. The apparatus comprises at least one endless flexible cable supported on the peripheries of two spaced apart wheels. Airfoils are attached to the cable and disposed for generating aerodynamic forces which cause the cable and supporting wheels to turn allowing for the generation of power.

Abstract: A continuous band of Nitinol wrapping in between a cluster of tightly engaged rollers to form a series of S-shaped bends is used as the principle working medium of a thermal engine to convert low grade heat to mechanical power output. The band, together with the rollers, divides the space into an inner and an outer zone. A stream of warmer water and a stream of cooler water are guided to flow separately through one or the other of the two zones to make uniform and intimate contact with the segments of the Nitinol band alternatively at appropriate intervals. A well defined four-cycle operation of temperature and stress is thus established and can convert a portion of the energy which is available in the thermal gradient of the two water streams into a mechanical shaft power which may be tapped from one of the rollers.

Abstract: Distillation apparatus in which a group of heat-transfer tubes are each driven to wobble about a vertical axis which passes through a wobbling center. A stream of fluid is directed to flow down inside each tube. The fluid stream tends to cling to the inner surface of the tube away from the wobbling center while it revolves with respect to the tube in response to the wobbling motion. The revolving flow stream wipes the inside surface of the tube to form a thin film which offers low heat resistance to facilitate the evaporation, carries away the residue by its lateral motion and carries the reflux downward with little restriction.

Abstract: A protective, flexible membrane structure for installation in a framed opening with corners. Typically a clear plastic structure having a peripheral tension element running through affixed tubes lying in peripheral circular arcs. Tensioning members at the corners apply tension to the tension element to produce a flat, wrinkle-free surface. In preferred embodiments the tension means also have clamping means to hold folded corners of the flexible membrane, a fold of the membrane along the perimeter of the membrane lying against the frame of the opening to provide a sealing arrangement.

Abstract: A racket having a primary frame and a secondary frame, the latter being disposed within and being secured to the primary frame. The secondary frame contains the string surface of the racket and is adapted to distribute forces in such a way that the "sweet spot" of the racket is much larger than in a conventional racket of the same size. Use of a secondary frame permits manufacturing economies not permitted by the more conventional design.

Abstract: A deceleration controlled and limited brake incorporates a deceleration sensor to limit the amount of braking torque which can be manually applied to a disc type brake. The deceleration sensor is a weighted lever which responds to deceleration by tending to disengage a disc clutch which the activated normal brake lever is engaging. The clutch force is applied at the end of a lever to provide the torque to engage the disc brake and provide deceleration of the vehicle containing the disc brake. Mechanical advantage together with deceleration control is provided by this clutch-brake assembly.

Abstract: A torque controlled brake of the disc type has a caliper which is free to rotate about the axis of the wheel shaft. The caliper contains a rotatably mounted lever having disc pads which press upon the disc to provide the frictional braking force. The pads close onto the disc in response to rotational motion of the lever with respect to the caliper. This rotational motion is produced by a manually controlled brake lever on the handlebar of a bicycle. The rotational motion is restrained by a cable attached to the bicycle frame and to the lever, thus providing a negative feedback effect. The braking torque is dominated by the restraining force which bears a fixed ratio to the force applied by the manual brake lever. A limited manual braking force thereby determines the maximum braking torque.

Abstract: An archery bow having a pair of elastic limbs at least one of the limbs storing potential energy in the deformation of its cross sectional shape as the bow is drawn as well as in its bending mode in the plane of the bow.

Abstract: A normal pendulum is coupled to an inverted pendulum to provide a composite conjugate pendulum having an effective length much longer than the actual physical lengths. The motion of the pendulum is sensed by a capacitive transducer and pivot friction is minimized by a two-bar two-strap suspension system.