Abstract: A wind turbine arrangement including a first rotatable blade arrangement and a second rotatable blade arrangement. The first blade arrangement forms part of a first wind turbine, and the second blade arrangement forms part of a second wind turbine. The second wind turbine can produce a rotative force to the first wind turbine. At wind speeds below that required to operate the first turbine, the second turbine may be operable and provide power to rotate the first turbine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to blades for turbines, such as wind turbines, including a structural frame with a sail mounted on the frame. In certain embodiments, a portion of the frame contributes to the buoyancy of the blade. In further embodiments, the frame includes strengthening cords. In further embodiments, the frame includes a reinforced tip. In further embodiments, the blade has a tip arranged to articulate relative to a body portion to alter the aerodynamic profile of the blade as the blade rotates to assist up-strokes of the blade.

Abstract: An energy generation system includes a pavement interlayer, comprising: at least one layer of geosynthetic interlayer material, a plurality of piezoelectric elements; at least one transmission line, coupled to the plurality of piezoelectric elements, for transmitting power generated by the plurality of piezoelectric elements to an output.

Abstract: A pedal (2) for use with both feet wherein depression with one foot causes acceleration and depression by the other foot causes braking. The pedal pivots about a medial line of a user. A system to detect a change in the pivot direction of the pedal is also included, the system automatically switching between acceleration and braking in response to a detected change.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to blades for turbines, such as wind turbines, comprising a structural frame with a sail mounted thereon. In certain embodiments, a portion of the frame contributes to the buoyancy of the blade. In further embodiments, the frame comprises strengthening cords. In further embodiments, the frame comprises a reinforced tip. In further embodiments, the blade has a tip arranged to articulate relative to a body portion to alter the aerodynamic profile of the blade as the blade rotates to thereby assist up-strokes of the blade.

Abstract: A roll of interlayer, suitable for laying between layers of pavement, the roll of interlayer includes at least one layer of interlayer material, a plurality of piezoelectric elements; at least one transmission line coupled to the plurality of piezoelectric elements for transmitting power generated by the plurality of piezoelectric elements to an output. The interlayer is in the form of an elongate, flexible sheet.

Abstract: A floatable turbine (10) is described, which is movable on a substantially vertically oriented guide (20) so that the turbine (10) may move downwards along the guide (20) under gravitational force. The turbine equipment (10) is of negative buoyancy to facilitate it sinking, but is further provided with adjustable buoyancy means to allow the turbine arrangement to be imparted with a positive buoyancy when required. When imparted with a positive buoyancy the turbine equipment (10) floats back up the vertically oriented guide (20) under the buoyancy force. When moving down the guide (20) under gravity, and back up the guide (20) under buoyancy force an effective artificial current is generated by the movement through the turbine blades, turning the blades which in turn cause a generator to produce electricity, typically by suitable gearing.

Abstract: The invention is a device which uses stored pressure to pump waste and a corresponding method of use. Waste is stored in a first chamber and the chamber is subsequently sealed by a valve and pressurized prior to a second valve opening. The pressurized waste is thereby ejected from the pressure chamber down an outlet pipe.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises an engine block defining a cylinder having a longitudinal axis A. A piston is arranged slidably within the cylinder and an impeller is arranged at one end of the cylinder. The impeller is rotatably mounted on a shaft, which extends out of the cylinder and which is driven in rotation by rotation of the impeller. The engine further comprises an anti-rotation formation to prevent the piston rotating about a longitudinal axis of the cylinder and a swirl-inducing vane arranged on the face of the piston which faces the end of the cylinder at which the impeller is arranged. Combustion gas generated by combustion of a fuel in the cylinder between the piston and the impeller is caused to swirl by reaction with the swirl-inducing vane and the swirling combustion gases, in turn, cause the impeller to rotate.

Abstract: A device to harvest energy from lightning is disclosed. The electrical energy of the lightning may be used to heat a fluid, which may then be used to drive a turbine to produce electricity. The electricity provided by the turbine is in a form suitable to either be used or stored. The lightning strikes an antenna and is conducted through an insulated chamber where it heats the fluid.

Abstract: A wind turbine arrangement including a first rotatable blade arrangement and a second rotatable blade arrangement. The first blade arrangement forms part of a first wind turbine, and the second blade arrangement forms part of a second wind turbine. The second wind turbine can produce a rotative force to the first wind turbine. At wind speeds below that required to operate the first turbine, the second turbine may be operable and provide power to rotate the first turbine.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention extends to an interface for converting rotational motion to electrical signals comprising a mechanical actuator which is rotationally moveable in a first direction and in a second direction, and a first and a second electrical component connected to the actuator and arranged so that rotation of the actuator in the first direction causes changes in electrical properties of the first electrical component and rotation of the actuator in the second direction causes changes in electrical properties of the second electrical component. The first and the second electrical components are connected to one or more electrical circuits so that rotation of the actuator in the first and the second directions causes changes in the one or more electrical circuits.

Abstract: A pavement interlayer, suitable for laying between layers of pavement, includes: at least one layer of interlayer material, a plurality of piezoelectric elements; at least one transmission line, coupled to the plurality of piezoelectric elements, for transmitting power generated by the plurality of piezoelectric elements to an output.

Abstract: A floatable turbine (10) is described, which is movable on a substantially vertically oriented guide (20) so that the turbine (10) may move downwards along the guide (20) under gravitational force. The turbine equipment (10) is of negative buoyancy to facilitate it sinking, but is further provided with adjustable buoyancy means to allow the turbine arrangement to be imparted with a positive buoyancy when required. When imparted with a positive buoyancy the turbine equipment (10) floats back up the vertically oriented guide (20) under the buoyancy force. When moving down the guide (20) under gravity, and back up the guide (20) under buoyancy force an effective artificial current is generated by the movement through the turbine blades, turning the blades which in turn cause a generator to produce electricity, typically by suitable gearing.

Abstract: A pavement interlayer, suitable for laying between layers of pavement, includes: at least one layer of interlayer material, a plurality of piezoelectric elements; at least one transmission line, coupled to the plurality of piezoelectric elements, for transmitting power generated by the plurality of piezoelectric elements to an output.

Abstract: A transmission comprising a plurality of concentric tori, each tori having means for engaging with an adjacent tori, the engaging means being actuated by the pressure of a pressurised fluid to thereby increase or decrease a gearing of gears attached to the transmission. A method of gearing is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to blades for turbines, such as wind turbines, comprising a structural frame with a sail mounted thereon. In certain embodiments, a portion of the frame contributes to the buoyancy of the blade. In further embodiments, the frame comprises strengthening cords. In further embodiments, the frame comprises a reinforced tip. In further embodiments, the blade has a tip arranged to articulate relative to a body portion to alter the aerodynamic profile of the blade as the blade rotates to thereby assist up-strokes of the blade.

Abstract: A device to harvest energy from lightning is disclosed. The electrical energy of the lightning may be used to heat a fluid, which may then be used to drive a turbine to produce electricity. The electricity provided by the turbine is in a form suitable to either by used or stored. The lightning strikes an antenna and is conducted through an insulated chamber where it heats the fluid.

Abstract: A process for comparing the fit of two objects. A request is sent to compare the fit of two objects, a program loads two models, model 1 and model 2, corresponding to the two objects. The program simulates the first model, model 1, being fit inside the second model, model2. A result of the simulation is saved and the result is reported to a user.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises an engine block defining a cylinder having a longitudinal axis A. A piston is arranged slidably within the cylinder and an impeller is arranged at one end of the cylinder. The impeller is rotatably mounted on a shaft, which extends out of the cylinder and which is driven in rotation by rotation of the impeller. The engine further comprises an anti-rotation formation to prevent the piston rotating about a longitudinal axis of the cylinder and a swirl-inducing vane arranged on the face of the piston which faces the end of the cylinder at which the impeller is arranged. Combustion gas generated by combustion of a fuel in the cylinder between the piston and the impeller is caused to swirl by reaction with the swirl-inducing vane and the swirling combustion gases, in turn, cause the impeller to rotate.