Abstract: A composition for coating an overhead conductor is disclosed comprising: (i) a reflective agent; (ii) a photocatalytic agent comprising ?70 wt % anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) having an average particle size (“aps”) ?100 nm; (iii) a non-aqueous solvent; and (iv) one or more alkyl silicate binders.

Abstract: A single coated conductor for an overhead power transmission or distribution line is provided comprising one or more electrical conductors (400) and a first coating (401) provided on at least a portion of the one or more electrical conductors (400). The first coating (401) comprises: (i) an inorganic binder comprising an alkali metal silicate; (ii) a polymerisation agent comprising nanosilica (“nS”) or colloidal silica (SiO2); and (iii) a photocatalytic agent, wherein the photocatalytic agent comprises ?70 wt % anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) having an average particle size (“aps”) ?100 nm. The first coating (401) has an average thermal emissivity coefficient E?0.90 across the infrared spectrum 2.5-30.0 ?m and has an average solar reflectivity coefficient R?0.90 and/or an average solar absorptivity coefficient A?0.10 across the solar spectrum 0.3-2.5 ?m.

Abstract: A single coated conductor for an overhead power transmission or distribution line is provided comprising one or more electrical conductors (400) and a first coating (401) provided on at least a portion of the one or more electrical conductors (400). The first coating (401) comprises: (i) an inorganic binder comprising an alkali metal silicate; (ii) a polymerisation agent comprising nanosilica (“nS”) or colloidal silica (SiO2); and (iii) a photocatalytic agent, wherein the photocatalytic agent comprises ?70 wt % anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) having an average particle size (“aps”)?100 nm. The first coating (401) has an average thermal emissivity coefficient E?0.90 across the infrared spectrum 2.5-30.0 ?m and has an average solar reflectivity coefficient R?0.90 and/or an average solar absorptivity coefficient A?0.10 across the solar spectrum 0.3-2.5 ?m.

Abstract: A power generating apparatus suitable for use in extracting energy from the movement of water, in particular tidal movement, is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongate, generally circular in cross section, buoyancy vessel (1), having depending from its underside on a mounting means, rotatable rotor blades (2). The rotor blades are connected to a power generating means whereby in use of the apparatus movement of water across the rotor blasé, drives them so as to generate power in the power generating means.

Abstract: Systems and methods for checking broadband network components are provided in which an automated interactive system permits a field technician to check various conditions of a communication line or other broadband network components without the assistance of a support technician. While options to request assistance from a support technician are provided, the automated interactive system permits the field technician to perform various functions on a communication line without additional assistance, especially for routine tasks. The automated interactive system, therefore, removes efficiencies that may be associated with conventional approaches for checking broadband network components.

Abstract: A power generating apparatus (10) comprising a first arrangement (14) comprising a first buoyancy vessel configured to float at a surface of a body of water, the first arrangement comprising at least one energy conversion apparatus operable to be driven by the environment. The power generating apparatus (10) also comprises a second arrangement (16) permanently moored to the bed of the body of water, the second arrangement comprising: a second buoyancy vessel configured to be neutrally buoyant at a location in the body of water spaced apart from the bed of the body of water; and an electrical cable (18). The first and second arrangements (14, 16) are configured for releasable attachment to each other and such that electricity is conveyed through the electrical cable (18) in dependence upon operation of the energy conversion apparatus when the first and second arrangements are attached to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power generating apparatus suitable for use in extracting energy from the movement of water, particularly tidal movement. The apparatus comprises an elongate, generally circular in cross section, buoyancy vessel (1), having depending from its underside on a mounting means, rotatable rotor blades (2). The rotor blades are connected to a power generating means whereby in use of the apparatus movement of water across the rotor blades, drives them so as to generate power in the power generating means.

Abstract: Systems and methods for checking broadband network components are provided in which an automated interactive system permits a field technician to check various conditions of a communication line or other broadband network components without the assistance of a support technician. While options to request assistance from a support technician are provided, the automated interactive system permits the field technician to perform various functions on a communication line without additional assistance, especially for routine tasks. The automated interactive system, therefore, removes efficiencies that may be associated with conventional approaches for checking broadband network components.

Abstract: A skimmer for removing debris off the surface of a river includes a float line installed across the river at an angle with respect to the river current, and a collecting net installed at the downstream end of the float line. The ends of the line are slidable upwards, along inclined supports, to unsnag the line when a heavy object hooks onto the line. A second mechanism, assisting in raising the line, is a series of rods which swivel in a pole-vaulted fashion from their leverage at the bottom of the river to lift the line out of the water and allow the heavy object to pass underneath. If the object hits the line with an excessive force, the line will reliably break at a desired weak point. The rods may have elbow joints that would provide better leverage in shallow water.

Abstract: Systems and methods for checking broadband network components are provided in which an automated interactive system permits a field technician to check various conditions of a communication line or other broadband network components without the assistance of a support technician. While options to request assistance from a support technician are provided, the automated interactive system permits the field technician to perform various functions on a communication line without additional assistance, especially for routine tasks. The automated interactive system, therefore, removes efficiencies that may be associated with conventional approaches for checking broadband network components.

Abstract: A skimmer for removing debris off the surface of a river includes a float line installed across the river at an angle with respect to the river current, and a collecting net installed at the downstream end of the float line. The ends of the line are slidable upwards, along inclined supports, to unsnag the line when a heavy object hooks onto the line. A second mechanism, assisting in raising the line, is a series of rods which swivel in a pole-vaulted fashion from their leverage at the bottom of the river to lift the line out of the water and allow the heavy object to pass underneath. If the object hits the line with an excessive force, the line will reliably break at a desired weak point. The rods may have elbow joints that would provide better leverage in shallow water.

Abstract: An improved uniflow engine has a plurality of vertically extending cylinders distributed in-line along a horizontally extending common crankshaft connected to pistons reciprocating in the cylinders. A working fluid vapor is supplied to those cylinders in which the respective pistons are in their working strokes to initiate rotation of the crankshaft in a predetermined direction regardless of where the crankshaft has stopped last. Once rotation is initiated and a predetermined mode change speed attained in a “start-up mode” engine operation, vapor inlet valves are controlled by an inlet valve control mechanism to change engine operation over to a “running mode”. In the start-up mode, incoming vapor is admitted over a substantial portion of the piston working stroke, whereas in the “running mode” vapor inflow is terminated relatively early in the working stroke so that a vapor change does work in expanding against the piston.

Abstract: A cable braced, open air chapel or meeting hall is formed from a series of cables interconnected to each other in countertension to provide a rigid structural support to provide basic definition for the building structure. One set of cables is preferably tensioned through weights or spring assemblies imparting tension in the downward direction in turn transmitted to the second set of cables in countertension. The second set of cables may extend upwardly in a curved configuration for connection to the upper end of a support tower. The cables slidably pass through the tower through a series of passageways formed in a honeycomb-like mounting structure enabling the back ends of the cables to be anchored to the ground in a spread, fan-like configuration. The weighted or spring tensioned ends of the first cables and the ability of the second cables to pass slidably through the tower support enable the cabled arrangement to breathe as a result of thermally induced expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A uniflow engine has a plurality of cylinders disposed symmetrically around a common crankshaft connected to pistons reciprocating in the cylinders. In response to the availability of a working fluid vapor at a predetermined condition, such as a high pressure or temperature, incoming vapor is supplied to those cylinders in which the respective pistons are in their working strokes to thereby initiate rotation of the crankshaft in which the crankshaft had stopped last. Once rotation is initiated and a predetermined mode change speed attained in a "start-up model" by engine operation from start, vapor inlet valves are controlled to change engine operation over to a "running mode". In the "start-up mode" incoming vapor is admitted over a substantial portion of the piston working stroke, whereas in the "running mode" vapor inflow is terminated relatively early in the working stroke so that a vapor change does work in expending against the piston.

Abstract: A uniflow engine has a plurality of cylinders disposed symmetrically around a common crankshaft connected to pistons reciprocating in the cylinders. In response to the availability of a working fluid vapor at a predetermined condition, such as a high pressure or temperature, incoming vapor is supplied to those cylinders in which the respective pistons are in their working strokes to thereby initiate rotation of the crankshaft in a predetermined direction regardless of the position in which the crankshaft has stopped last. Once rotation is initiated and a predetermined mode change speed attained in a "start-up mode" by engine operation from start, vapor inlet valves are controlled to change engine operation over to a "running mode". In the "start-up mode" incoming vapor is admitted over a substantial portion of the piston working stroke, whereas in the "running mode" vapor inflow is terminated relatively early in the working stroke so that a vapor change does work in expanding against the piston.

Abstract: A closed loop thermodynamic system that recirculates a vaporizable working fluid between its liquid and vapor states includes a thermal regeneration unit that receives exhausted working fluid after its utilization in an energy-utilizing device and transfers a portion of the enthalpy contained therein to a pressurized flow of condensed working fluid to a vaporizing unit in the system. Uncondensed exhausted vapor, after regenerative heat has thus been extracted, is then directed to a condensing unit of known type for condensation therein and collection in a condensate-holding unit. Condensation formed from the exhausted vapor during the course of the regenerative heat transfer therefrom is collected in a pool in the regeneration unit and is transferred to join the condensate in the condensate-holding unit to be flowed through the regeneration unit for regenerative heating therein.

Abstract: An improved closed loop thermodynamic system that recirculates the vaporizable working fluid between its liquid and vapor states include a thermal regeneration unit that receives vaporized working fluid after its utilization and transfers a portion of the enthalpy contained therein to condensate, the pressure of which has been raised to the highest vapor pressure in the closed loop system by communication with a vaporizing unit therein. The vaporized working fluid, from which the regenerative heat has thus been extracted, is then directed to a condensing unit of known type for condensation therein and any incidental condensation formed during the course of the regenerative heat transfer from the vaporized working fluid is collected in a separate portion of the regeneration unit and is periodically transferred to join the condensate flowing from the condensing unit to the regeneration unit for regenerative heating therein.

Abstract: A semi-gelled honey composition which is spreadable and which will not crystallize, is prepared by combining honey with low and high methoxyl pectins in the absence of added alkaline earth metal cations and acid. The ratio of low-to high-methoxyl pectins may range from 1:1 to 5:1.

Abstract: A closed loop solar collector system includes a linear concentrating parabolic reflector, a linear vaporizer tube horizontally aligned along the focal line of the parabolic reflector, and a fluid metering assembly attached to the input end of the vaporizer tube for precisely metering a quantity of a vaporizable heat transfer fluid from a supply tank to the vaporizer tube. Solar energy concentrated by the parabolic reflector on the vaporizer tube vaporizes the heat transfer fluid. The heated vapor flows out the outlet end of the tube opposite the fluid metering assembly through a pipe and enters a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger contains a heat absorptive medium which absorbs heat from the vaporized fluid to cause the fluid to condense and release its latent heat of vaporization to the heat absorptive medium. The condensed fluid flows back to the heat storage tank for re-use under pressure provided by the vaporized fluid entering the heat exchanger.