Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a magnetic regenerator for an active magnetic refrigerator, the method comprising: forming a magnetic regenerator from a slurry or a paste containing a magnetocaloric material the magnetic regenerator being formed to have plural paths therethrough for the flow of a heat transfer fluid; and varying the composition of the magnetocaloric material so that the magnetic transition temperature of the magnetic regenerator varies along the paths.

Abstract: The invention provides a refrigeration device, comprising: a magnetic field source; a magnetocaloric bed, one of the magnetocaloric bed and the magnetic field source being arranged to substantially surround the other, the magnetocaloric bed being arranged for relative rotation with respect to the magnetic field source such that during said relative rotation, the magnetic field experienced by parts of the magnetocaloric bed varies; plural pathways formed within the magnetocaloric bed for the flow of a working fluid during the relative rotation between the magnetocaloric bed and the permanent magnet; and a flow distributor placed at each end of the magnetocaloric bed, for controlling the part of the magnetocaloric bed able to receive working fluid during a cycle of operation.

Abstract: The present invention provide for snow shovels suitable for removing snow from uneven surfaces without inflicting damage to the underlying surface or jarring stops, while leaving a layer of protective snow with larger convex lower edges. The snow shovel includes an elongated handle attached to a scoop having a well for collecting snow and a front end for receiving snow. The front end defines an outwardly convex shape, such as a half-cylinder or a half-tear drop shape.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of portable scanners and docks. The scanners include first and second configurations to provide different functionality. The docks include at least one of floor, a wall, and a table dock. The scanners are selectively mateable to the various docks.

Abstract: The invention provides a magnetic assembly, the assembly comprising: a magnet (4); and a ferromagnetic component (6) having at least two regions of different Curie temperature, the magnet (4) and the ferromagnetic component being movable with respect to each other in dependence on the temperature of the ferromagnetic component (6).

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a magnetic regenerator for an active magnetic refrigerator, the method comprising: forming a magnetic regenerator from a slurry or a paste containing a magnetocaloric material the magnetic regenerator being formed to have plural paths therethrough for the flow of a heat transfer fluid; and varying the composition of the magnetocaloric material so that the magnetic transition temperature of the magnetic regenerator varies along the paths.

Abstract: A reversible SOFC monolithic stack is provided which comprises: 1) a first component which comprises at least one porous metal containing layer (1) with a combined electrolyte and sealing layer on the porous metal containing layer (1); wherein the at least one porous metal containing layer (1) hosts an electrode; 2) a second component comprising at least one porous metal containing layer (1) with a combined interconnect and sealing layer on the porous metal containing layer; wherein the at least one porous metal containing layers hosts an electrode. Further provided is a method for preparing a reversible solid oxide fuel cell stack. The obtained solid oxide fuel cell stack has improved mechanical stability and high electrical performance, while the process for obtaining same is cost effective.

Abstract: A major drawback to the proliferation of RFIDs in, for example, a retail environment, is that patrons are wary of how much information about them will be transmitted to a proprietor, and how that information will be used. Such privacy concerns are seen as one of the biggest hindrances to the ubiquity of RFIDs in many environments. Additionally, patrons will have an overwhelming amount of information transmitted to their devices containing RFIDs. To address these privacy concerns, the invention includes a device, a system, and a method for transmitting a personal profile includes: a memory containing a personal profile; a personal profile selection component; and a transmitter for transmitting a signal, the signal including at least one subset of the personal profile selected using the personal profile selection component.