Abstract: Gravity powered electrical energy generators, particularly for producing lighting is disclosed. The apparatus has a support frame (1, 30) in which a series of gears and a gear-driven generator (20) are mounted. The power to drive the most upstream gear (2) is provided by a weight suspended from a point to one side of the axis of rotation of gear (2). The drive gear of the furthest downstream gear has no teeth so that the final contact between the drive gear and the shaft of the generator (20) is frictional. The gear ratio of the final downstream gear is at least 25. When used for lighting, the apparatus may include one or more high brightness LEDs (40) mounted on the housing (30). By suitable choice of gear ratios, the device may produce thirty minutes of illumination while allowing a 10 kilogram weight to fall through a distance of 1.8 metres.

Abstract: Combined computer and communications apparatus is described which has an improved hinging arrangement between two casing halves (1, 2). By enabling each casing half to hinge around one of two spaced parallel hinge axes, with a hinge including an articulated linkage (28, 30) having its ends pivoted around the two hinge axes, improved snap action open or closed may be achieved. The articulated linkage has two pivots (21) intermediate its ends, each pivoted to one of the casing halves (1, 2). Spring means (20) urge the casing halves together or into a coplanar arrangement.

Abstract: Combined computer and communications apparatus is described which is constructed with a two-part casing, the parts (1, 2) being hinged together. When folded together, the entire unit can act like a mobile phone (FIG. 1) and when unfolded (FIG. 2) a keyboard (5) Is exposed enabling it to act as a palmtop computer. In accordance with the invention, the keyboard (5) is folded about a line running substantially perpendicular to the direction of the rows of keys. One casing portion (1) may have a window (4) through which a screen (3) mounted on the other casing portion (2) may be viewed when the unit is folded.

Abstract: Combined computer and communications apparatus is described which is constructed with a two-part casing, the parts (1, 2) being hinged together. When folded together, the entire unit can act like a mobile phone (FIG. 1) and when unfolded (FIG. 2) a keyboard (5) is exposed enabling it to act as a palmtop computer. In accordance with the invention, the keyboard (5) is folded about a line running substantially perpendicular to the direction of the rows of keys. One casing portion (1) may have a window (4) through which a screen (3) mounted on the other casing portion (2) may be viewed when the unit is folded.