Abstract: A system for rapid and efficient water heating is provided, with a water and heat recovery component. Using a thermal store as a heat exchanger the system mixes steam and cold water to deliver hot water at a user-controlled temperature. The high operating temperature of the thermal store and its thermal efficiency result in a compact, highly-efficient means of hot water delivery. Water and energy usage are further reduced through a means of recycling hot water through the system in operation.

Abstract: An electromagnetic system consists of an electric circuit comprising two solenoids wired in series, one mounted either side and proximate to a toroid. Voltage is applied across the toroid and the solenoids in a specific sequence which alters the inductance behavior of the system, resulting in an inductance gain and no mutual inductance between the toroid and the two solenoids.

Abstract: An electromagnetic system consists of an electric circuit comprising two solenoids wired in series, one mounted either side and proximate to a toroid. Voltage is applied across the toroid and the solenoids in a specific sequence which alters the inductance behaviour of the system, resulting in an inductance gain and no mutual inductance between the toroid and the two solenoids.

Abstract: A passive magnetic bearing which has an exceptionally low friction couple. Radial and axial restraint is achieved through magnetic and mechanical means. The embodiment of the passive magnetic bearing has two axially magnetized rings, which each exhibit at least one pair of north and south poles. The magnetized rings are positioned in a manner where the poles are in a repulsive magnetic interaction such that the plane of symmetry which separates the like poles lies perpendicular to the axis of the rotation of a shaft and this radially constrains the movement of the shaft. Axial rigidity is added to the system by the use of ceramic bearings and related axial retaining mechanisms on one of the ring magnets thus maintaining the magnetic bearing in an otherwise unstable axial plane.

Abstract: A test system for measuring a rotary load comprises a stepper motor drives a gear box that is mounted at one end of a frame. A torque sensor provides a measurement signal transmission. The gear box's output shaft is connected to one of the torque sensor's stubs by means of a universal joint coupling. On the other side of the torque sensor a second universal joint coupling connects the sensor to a stainless steel shaft. A low friction flange bearing is used to provide support for the shaft. An angle encoder is disposed on the end of the shaft distal to the gear box. The gear box's output shaft, the torque sensor's cylindrical shaft hubs and associated couplings are arranged such that they are directly aligned with the shaft. The test system has been designed to take automated torque and angle readings from a shaft capable of rotary motion.

Abstract: A low energy magnet actuator allows magnetic fields to be turned on and off using a small amount of energy. The magnetic actuator according to the invention generally includes a base suitable for the support of a plurality of magnets. An actuatable shield is positioned in relation to the plurality of magnets so that it effectively blocks the magnetic field when it is positioned over at least one of the magnets. The magnetic fields of the plurality of magnets interact in a manner that allows low energy actuation of the shield.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for measuring magnetic force response time due to the magnetic viscosity of materials and for measuring total energy exchanged due to relative motion of magnetic materials. Voltage and current versus time through an electromagnet is measured and recorded. Corresponding force versus time is measured for magnetic forces applied to a material under test in response to energizing the electromagnet to determine effects of magnetic viscosity of the material under test. A test system is also provided for measuring energy exchanged due to the relative motion of magnetic materials. Absolute values of transferred mechanical energy and electrical energy are combined to determine the total energy exchanged by interaction of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet.