Abstract: Method and apparatus for recovery of the product forming a slick floating on the surface of the water such as an oil slick. The apparatus comprises a recovery head formed by an enclosure having in the upper part an inlet for the product to be recovered and in the lower part an outlet for the recovered product, as well as a vortex generator which creates in the enclosure a dynamic vortex which descends in the enclosure as far s its outlet; a flotation means which supports the enclosure so as to keep its inlet at the level of the slick to be recovered; and a pipe connecting the outlet of the enclosure to a tank.

Abstract: Water-raising pump for drawing water in a ground water table, which pump comprises a tube connecting the surface to the water table to be pumped, a rod carrying the pistons, which is connected to a drive mechanism installed at the surface for imparting to the rod a reciprocating pumping motion. The mechanism comprises: two identical toothed wheels (7, 8), mounted on axes (72, 82) that are symmetrical relative to the trajectory (ZZ) of the rod (3) carrying the pistons, meshing in each other so as to rotate in opposite directions, a motive unit (9, 10, 11) connected to at least one of the wheels (7) to drive it in rotation, two identical connecting rods (12, 13) each connected to the head (14) of the rod (3) and to a point of articulation borne by each toothed wheel (71, 81), in symmetrical positions, in order to be driven in symmetrical motions relative to the trajectory (ZZ) of the rod (3) in order to guide and drive the rod and its pistons.

Abstract: A vertically reciprocating pump is described, characterized by a piston which has a support including a hub extending downwards and supporting reinforcement legs, the hub having a rod to which it is translatably coupled passing therethrough, and by a valve overlying the support, which seals the piston under the weight of the column of liquid above it or allows the passage of liquid when the piston moves down the water column in the drainage pipe.

Abstract: A process and installation for producing cooled air and water or energy and water from hot damp air. In the former embodiment, the hot damp air is first compressed. Then, the compressed air is at least partially dehumidified and cooled. The dehumidified, cooled, compressed air is thereafter expanded. In the latter embodiment, the hot damp air is first expanded. The expanded air is thereafter compressed. In addition to the above, the invention also has utility in desalinating salt water.

Abstract: A thermomechanical-conversion engine, especially an engine working with a low-boiling-point fluid, which is composed of a circuit for the circulation of a fluid having a relatively low boiling point and including a cylinder provided with a position subdividing the cylinder into two chambers connected by a changeover device to an evaporator and to a condenser, the one constituting the hot source, the other the cold source (and vice versa), the changeover device being operated in order to connect the chambers of the cylinder alternately to the source of vapor and to the condenser.

Abstract: This invention concerns an apparatus characterised in that the heat exchange surface is formed by passages with a vertical circulation, said passages being distributed in two groups, one serving for pre-heating by means of diffuse radiation and the other providing the heating action in the true sense, said two groups being connected in series in such a way that the heat-exchange liquid passes through the two groups of passages in an upward direction.

Abstract: This invention concerns an inflatable-structure apparatus for cooling a heat exchange fluid comprising a flexible cylindrical casing of plastic material which is permeable to infra-red rays, said casing being maintained in its cylindrical form by an increased internal pressure, while disposed within said casing is a wall means which is reflective in the direction of the outer casing and over which flows the heat exchange fluid to be cooled, which is supplied to the interior of the casing by way of a supply duct and is removed therefrom by way of a discharge duct to be recycled by a pump, passing through a buffer tank.