Abstract: A thermodynamic machine (1) of a Stirling type, the machine comprising an expansion chamber (5), a compression chamber (6), a regenerator (12) disposed between the expansion and compression chambers; a first heat exchanger (13) in communication with the expansion chamber and the regenerator; a second heat exchanger (14) in communication with the compression chamber and the regenerator; a first bypass conduit (15) connecting the expansion chamber with the regenerator bypassing the first heat exchanger; a second bypass conduit (16) connecting the compression chamber with the regenerator bypassing the second heat exchanger; at least a pair valves (18, 20, 22, 24), one valve (18, 20) provided between the expansion chamber and the first heat exchanger and/or between the regenerator and the first heat exchanger and/or in the first bypass conduit between the expansion chamber and the regenerator; and the other valve (22, 24) provided between the compression chamber and the second heat exchanger and/or between the re

Abstract: A skimming tool 1 for smoothing and levelling wet plaster applied to a surface comprising: an elongate generally rectangular, flat, flexible, elastomeric web 2 and an elongate, substantially rigid handle 3 connected to and extending along substantially the length of one long edge of the web, wherein the handle is adapted to be gripped by the user

Abstract: A thermodynamic machine (1) of a Stirling type, the machine comprising an expansion chamber (5), a compression in chamber (6), a regenerator (12) disposed between the expansion and compression chambers; a first heat exchanger (13) in communication with the expansion chamber and the regenerator; a second heat exchanger (14) in communication with the compression chamber and the regenerator; a first bypass conduit (15) connecting the expansion chamber with the regenerator bypassing the first heat exchanger; a second bypass conduit (16) connecting the compression chamber with the regenerator bypassing the second heat exchanger; at least a pair valves (18, 20, 22, 24), one valve (18, 20) provided between the expansion chamber and the first heat exchanger and/or between the regenerator and the first heat exchanger and/or in the first bypass conduit between the expansion chamber and the regenerator; and the other valve (22, 24) provided between the compression chamber and the second heat exchanger and/or between the

Abstract: A skimming tool 1 for smoothing and levelling wet plaster applied to a surface comprising: an elongate generally rectangular, flat, flexible, elastomeric web 2 and an elongate, substantially rigid handle 3 connected to and extending along substantially the length of one long edge of the web, wherein the handle is adapted to be gripped by the user.

Abstract: A skimming tool 1 for smoothing and levelling wet plaster applied to a surface comprising: an elongate generally rectangular, flat, flexible, elastomeric web 2 and an elongate, substantially rigid handle 3 connected to and extending along substantially the length of one long edge of the web, wherein the handle is adapted to be gripped by the user at any point along its length.

Abstract: A cutting tool for a pipe of specific diameter comprises a generally cylindrical body 1 defining a central bore 10 extending along an axis. The body is divided into two axially spaced half portions 2A and 2B which together clamp a cutting blade 8 projecting into the bore 10. The body has a progressively narrowing slot 12 extending from its outer circumference to the bore. At the bore 10 the width of the slot 12 is narrower than the diameter of the bore. One side of the slot 12 is flexibly resilient to flex away when a pipe of diameter equal to the bore is pushed along the slot into the bore and to resile when the pipe has entered the bore, urging the pipe against the blade so that subsequent relative rotation between the tool and pipe will cause the pipe to be severed.

Abstract: A method to store energy, the method comprising: (b) providing a phase change material, having a melting point of at least 500° C., in a container; (c) heating the phase change material to cause at least a portion thereof to melt and so store heat therein; (d) storing the phase change material for a period of time being at least one minute; (e) using at least a portion of heat from the phase change material as a power source; (e) moving the container and the phase change material from a first location to a second location, the first and second locations being spaced apart by at least 10 metres. Embodiments of the invention may be used for a variety of purposes, such as for vehicle propulsion, oil well stimulation and recovery of crude oil from sunken tankers. A vehicle may be moved to a location proximate to where the power source is required which is more convenient and indeed allows steam to be supplied in areas which where hitherto not possible.

Abstract: A cutting tool for a pipe of specific diameter comprises a generally cylindrical body 1 defining a central bore 10 extending along an axis. The body is divided into two axially spaced half portions 2A and 2B which together clamp a cutting blade 8 projecting into the bore 10. The body has a progressively narrowing slot 12 extending from its outer circumference to the bore. At the bore 10 the width of the slot 12 is narrower than the diameter of the bore. One side of the slot 12 is flexibly resilient to flex away when a pipe of diameter equal to the bore is pushed along the slot into the bore and to resile when the pipe has entered the bore, urging the pipe against the blade so that subsequent relative rotation between the tool and pipe will cause the pipe to be severed.

Abstract: A cutting tool for a pipe of specific diameter comprises a generally cylindrical body (1) defining a central bore (10) extending along a predetermined axis. The body is divided into two axially spaced half portions (2A and 2B) which clamp between them a cutting blade (8) that projects into the bore (10). The body has a progressively narrowing slot (12) extending from its outer circumference to the bore. At the bore (10) the width of the slot (12) is narrower than the diameter of the bore. The tool to one side of the slot (12) is flexibly resilient so as to flex away when a pipe of diameter equal to the bore is pushed along the slot into the bore and to resile when the pipe has entered the bore and so urge the pipe against the blade so that subsequent relative rotation between the tool and pipe will cause the pipe to be severed.