Abstract: A buoyant actuator (19) for coupling wave motion to a device operable in response to wave motion in a body of water. The buoyant actuator (19) comprises a generally spherical body (20) defining an exterior surface and a hollow interior adapted to contain water received from the body of water. The exterior surface comprises a plurality of facets (101) which are tessellated. Typically, there are 36 facets (101), of which 12 comprise generally pentagonal facets (105) and 24 comprise generally hexagonal facets (107). The body (20) comprises a plurality of openings (143) for fluid flow between the hollow interior and the surrounding body of water. A closure configured as a flap (145) is provided for each opening (143) to block or at least inhibit fluid flow therethrough, the closure being adapted to move away from the opening to permit fluid flow therethrough in response to a predetermined fluid pressure differential imposed thereon between the hollow interior and the surrounding body of water.

Abstract: An impressed current cathodic protection system for a target structure susceptible to corrosion (such as of steel or cast iron) which comprises an inert mixed metal oxide anode surrounded by a tightly packed conductive zone connected to a power supply source and having an input/output regulator to control the flow of current to the target structure. The present invention relates to device and method to provide personal and/or medical details of one or more individuals in the event of an emergency.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for harnessing ocean wave energy and for converting the harnessed energy to high pressure sea water, typically above 100 psi and preferably above 800 psi. The high pressure seawater generated by the apparatus (10) can be piped to shore for use in any appropriate purpose. The apparatus (10) comprises a float (12) buoyantly suspended within the body of seawater (1) and a pump (13) operatively connected to the float (12). The pump (13) comprises an intake chamber (47), a discharge chamber (49) and a piston (61) extending between the intake and discharge chambers (47, 49). The piston (61) comprises a tube (63) having a flow passage (102) extending between the intake and discharge chambers (47, 49). The piston (61) and discharge chamber (49) cooperate to define a pumping chamber (100) adapted to undergo expansion and contraction in response to reciprocatory motion of the piston. The piston (61) is operatively connected to the float (12) to be driven by upward movement of the float.

Abstract: A buoyant actuator (19) for coupling wave motion to a device operable in response to wave motion in a body of water. The buoyant actuator (19) comprises a generally spherical body (20) defining an exterior surface and a hollow interior adapted to contain water received from the body of water. The exterior surface comprises a plurality of facets (101) which are tessellated. Typically, there are 36 facets (101), of which 12 comprise generally pentagonal facets (105) and 24 comprise generally hexagonal facets (107). The body (20) comprises a plurality of openings (143) for fluid flow between the hollow interior and the surrounding body of water. A closure configured as a flap (145) is provided for each opening (143) to block or at least inhibit fluid flow therethrough, the closure being adapted to move away from the opening to permit fluid flow therethrough in response to a predetermined fluid pressure differential imposed thereon between the hollow interior and the surrounding body of water.

Abstract: A tyre (10) adapted to be fitted onto a conventional wheel rim (13) for pneumatic tyres, the rim (13) has a tyre support surface (15), bead seats (17), each bead seat (17) comprises an inner seat portion (19) and an outer seat portion (21) terminating in an arcuate portion (22) defining the outer periphery of the rim (13), the tyre (10) comprises a radially inner portion (31) engageable with the rim (13), the radially inner portion comprising a band (41), the band comprises a metal band adapted to the supportingly received on, and releasably fixed with respect to the outer periphery of the rim (13) by welding at circumferentially spaced intervals, the tyre (10) further comprises a cushioning structure (33), the cushioning structure (33) comprises a resiliently deformable body of appropriate material such as rubber, bonded onto the band (41), the band (41) provides a rigid base for supporting the resiliently deformable body (43).

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for harnessing ocean wave energy and for converting the harnessed energy to high pressure sea water, typically above 100 psi and preferably above 800 psi. The high pressure seawater generated by the apparatus (10) can be piped to shore for use in any appropriate purpose. The apparatus (10) comprises a float (12) buoyantly suspended within the body of seawater (1) and a pump (13) operatively connected to the float (12). The pump (13) comprises an intake chamber (47), a discharge chamber (49) and a piston (61) extending between the intake and discharge chambers (47, 49). The piston (61) comprises a tube (63) having a flow passage (102) extending between the intake and discharge chambers (47, 49). The piston (61) and discharge chamber (49) cooperate to define a pumping chamber (100) adapted to undergo expansion and contraction in response to reciprocatory motion of the piston. The piston (61) is operatively connected to the float (12) to be driven by upward movement of the float.

Abstract: A buoyant actuator (10) for use in apparatus (11) for harnessing ocean wave energy and for converting the harnessed energy to high-pressure seawater. The buoyant actuator (10) comprises a body (21) defining a chamber (23) having a pliant outer skin (27). The chamber (23) is adapted to contain matter and a hydrodynamic property of the body (21) is selectively variable by varying the matter within the chamber (23). The variation to the hydrodynamic property may comprise a variation to the buoyancy (either positively or negatively) or a variation to the response area (such as the volume or shape) of the body (21), as well as a combination thereof. The variation to the matter may comprise addition of matter to, or extraction of matter from, the chamber (23). The matter may comprise a solid, liquid or gas, as well as any combination thereof. In the arrangement shown, the matter comprises foam spheres (53).

Abstract: A reciprocating pump (10) comprises a body (11) configured as a cylindrical pressure vessel defining an internal space (13). The body (11) comprises a wall (17) having an opening (18) therein. The pump (10) further comprises a reciprocating plunger (25) having a cylindrical side face (26) and an end face (27). The plunger (25) extends into the internal space (13) through the opening (18) within the wall (17). A seal means (40) is provided for establishing a fluid seal between the body (11) and the plunger (25) at the opening (18). The seal means (40) is adapted to accommodate limited tilting movement of the plunger (25) with respect to the body (11). The seal means (40) comprises a bush (43) with which the plunger (25) is in sliding and sealing engagement. The bush (43) is supported in a mount (45) and is moveable with respect thereto to accommodate the limited tilting movement of the plunger (25).

Abstract: A reciprocating pump (10) for pumping seawater or other fluid under high-pressure. The pump (10) has a pump body (11) defining an internal space (13) and an opening (18) onto the internal space. A plunger (25) extends through the opening (18) and into the internal space (13). A sheath (30) closes the opening (18) and embraces an inner portion of the plunger (25), whereby pumping chamber (33) is defined between the pump body (11) and the sheath (30). The sheath (30) is deformable in response to reciprocatory movement of the plunger (25) to effect volume change within the pumping chamber (33). The sheath (30) comprises a first portion (31) which is generally stable, and a second portion (32) which embraces the plunger (25) and which deforms through expansion and contraction upon reciprocatory movement of the plunger. The first portion (31) defines a mounting flange (35) clampingly engaged with the pump body (11). The sheath (30) incorporates a recess (45) adjacent the open end thereof.

Abstract: A ground engaging segment providing a running surface for wheels, endless tracks and the like, which is not pneumatic in nature, thereby not susceptible to puncture, and which is resiliently flexible to offer some resistance to shock. The ground engaging segment comprises a base and a number of removable, hollow, tubular ground engaging elements which extend transversely of the direction of travel of the running surface. Said ground engaging elements include an inner face for engagement to the base and an outer face for contact with the ground surface, and angular shaped side faces between the inner and outer faces allowing for resilient flexibility under normal load conditions. It is preferable that the ground engaging elements are open at their ends to allow for dissipation of heat and are arranged in circumferential rows, defining a chevron pattern, to prevent resultant side thrust imposed upon the running surface.

Abstract: A rotary engine comprising a substantially cylindrical outer casing, a central drive shaft, a substantially triangular shaped first rotor mounted to said drive shaft substantially "clover" shaped secondary rotors one rotatably mounted to each of the three lobes of said first rotor, rotation of the drive shaft and first rotor being in the reverse direction from the secondary rotors, lobes of said secondary rotors engaging the base pistons which are provided in chambers formed within the outer casing.