Abstract: A heat exchanger (10) to provide heat exchange between fluids (24, 25), such as in a solar power plant (1), may include a first and second pipe connectors (13, 14), and a pipe bundle (17) extending between the first and second pipe connectors, with pipes (17a-17n) of the pipe bundle configured to guide a second fluid (25). The pipe bundle may be connected to the first and second pipe connectors at pipe connection points (16) so the inside of the pipes (17a-17n) is in fluid communication with cavities (15) of those connectors. The pipes may be arranged adjacent each other and extending together between the pipe connectors in a meandering manner providing a plurality of crests (20a, 20b) on the pipes between the pipe connectors, so that crests of the pipes are arranged to extend into recesses provided by one or more crests on other pipes of the pipe bundle.

Abstract: A heat exchanger including a pipe bundle to guide a fluid between first and second pipe connectors, the pipes being distributed in layers of pipes, wherein pipes of each of the layers of pipes each includes two bends, wherein a length of a flow path section is at least 1.7 times greater than lengths of two other flow path sections. A first bend of the two bends is provided between the longer flow path section and a first of the shorter flow path section, and wherein a second of the two bends is provided between the first, shorter flow path section and the other shorter flow path section, and wherein each of the layers of pipes includes two pipe subgroups. The second bend in one of the pipe subgroups in the pipe layer is opposite to the second bend-in the other pipe subgroup of the same pipe layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a hoist mechanism for a backdrop as used in the photographic setting. The hoist uses two vertical channels, each having and upper and a lower pull around which a belt is attached. A bracket, secured to the belt, is used to secure a roller of the backdrop thereto. A connecting rod, secured to the lower pullies of the vertical channels, is used to keep the two belts operating in concert. A hand crank, secured to the connecting rod, permits the operator to move the two brackets up/down which moves the a roller having the backdrop in like fashion.

Abstract: A tripod having a first side leg, a second side leg, and a hollow leg. The three legs are connected to a center member which use swivels for the first side leg and the second side leg. The hollow leg engages a hollow circular receiver which allows an extension member to extend from the interior of the hollow leg, through center member. An attachment mechanism, such as for a camera, is secured to the distal end of the extension. The attachment mechanism permits the camera secured thereto to be rotated and directed to the operator's desires.

Abstract: A holder for flexible materials which incorporate two arms connected by an elbow. Within the elbow is a tensioning mechanism which, when engaged, tends to press the arm apart. When the tension is released, the holder collapses into an easily stored mechanism. With the arms being variable in length, the range of material dimensions is greatly enhanced. A connector positioned at the elbow permits the holder to be secured to a base and arranged in gangs to address the particular need at the time.

Abstract: The invention provides a stand using two legs which are selectively elongated. Ideally, each leg has two spaced apart wheels allowing the stand to be readily moved. The legs are connected by a scissor member which allows the assembly to be collapsed for storage and easy movement. A receiver for a paper roll is attachable to the top of both legs. A roller, from which paper from the paper roll extends. The legs are manually extended either by hand or in concert using a winch assembly connected to both legs.

Abstract: The invention provides a hoist mechanism for a backdrop as used in the photographic setting. The hoist uses two vertical channels, each having and upper and a lower pull around which a belt is attached. A bracket, secured to the belt, is used to secure a roller of the backdrop thereto. A connecting rod, secured to the lower pullies of the vertical channels, is used to keep the two belts operating in concert. A hand crank, secured to the connecting rod, permits the operator to move the two brackets up/down which moves the a roller having the backdrop in like fashion.

Abstract: A mechanical arm assembly which has two arm members connected by an elbow. The movable connectors at the end of each arm are connected by belts or the like to a locking mechanism at the elbow such that engaging the locking mechanism simultaneously locks both movable connectors as well as the elbow.

Abstract: An adjustable base configured to allow a user to release the ball joint without using their hands. On the stand member is a foot activated release member which is swivelly secured to the stand member utilizing a spring to keep the foot activated release member in a relaxed state. At one end of the foot member is a ball joint which is released when foot pressure is applied against the foot activated release member.

Abstract: A heat exchanger (10) is disclosed for providing heat exchange between fluids (24, 25), such as in a solar power plant (1), wherein said heat exchanger (10) comprises a first pipe connector (13) and a second pipe connector (14), and a pipe bundle (17) extending between the first and second pipe connectors (13, 14), wherein said pipes (17a-17n) of the pipe bundle (17) are configured to guide a second fluid (25), wherein said pipe bundle (17) is connected to the first and second pipe connectors (13, 14) at pipe connection points (16) so the inside of the pipes (17a-17n) of the pipe bundle (17) is in fluid communication with the cavities (15) of the first and second pipe connector (13, 14), and wherein pipes (17a-17n) of the pipe bundle (17) are arranged next to each other and extend together between the pipe connectors (13, 14) in a meandering manner providing a plurality of crests (20a, 20b) on the pipes (17a-17n) between the pipe connectors (13, 14), and so that crests (20) of pipes (17a-17n) of the pipe b

Abstract: A mechanical arm assembly which has two arm members connected by an elbow. The movable connectors at the end of each arm are connected by belts or the like to a locking mechanism at the elbow such that engaging the locking mechanism simultaneously locks both movable connectors as well as the elbow.

Abstract: The invention provides a stand using two legs which are selectively elongated. Ideally, each leg has two spaced apart wheels allowing the stand to be readily moved. The legs are connected by a scissor member which allows the assembly to be collapsed for storage and easy movement. A receiver for a paper roll is attachable to the top of both legs. A roller, from which paper from the paper roll extends. The legs are manually extended either by hand or in concert using a winch assembly connected to both legs.

Abstract: A rolling base having two leg members connected to a hinge mechanism. Three wheels support the rolling base, each leg having one wheel each with the third wheel secured to the hinge mechanism. Two attachments are provided, one at the hinge with a second positioned between the legs. The attachment mechanisms accepting support members used to support lights, cameras, and other accessories.

Abstract: A holder for flexible materials which incorporate two arms connected by an elbow. Within the elbow is a tensioning mechanism which, when engaged, tends to press the arm apart. When the tension is released, the holder collapses into an easily stored mechanism. With the arms being variable in length, the range of material dimensions is greatly enhanced. A connector positioned at the elbow permits the holder to be secured to a base and arranged in gangs to address the particular need at the time.

Abstract: An improved tripod having enhanced versatility for use preferably as a stand for photographic camera or lighting equipment, wherein the legs are. variable not only with respect. to the length of each other leg. but also with respect to the angle between the legs and the support platform for the photographic equipment, and where one of the legs is independently, longitudinally movable with respect to the other two legs, the other two legs being locked together for longitudinal movement.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-leg stand, for photography and the like comprising a vertical main tube, a supporting structure for the vertical main tube comprising a plurality of legs connected to the bottom portion of said vertical main tube and including a plurality of lockable collars rotatably secured around the outer circumference of the vertical main tube and a leg rigidly secured to each of the lockable collars; each leg extends horizontally outwardly from one of the collars and including an outer end portion extending downwardly. At least one of the downwardly extending end portions, comprises a secondary tubular member having an opening at each end designed to securely hold a replaceable member; the replaceable member extends downwardly from the lower end opening thus providing further support for the stand. The stand can thus support either multiple lights or a combination of lights and reflectors or other elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining power consumption of an electrical heating system, where the power consumption is defined by a reading of information from a conductor (4, 6) within a thermostat (1). The invention further relates to a thermostat comprising an element for determining the power consumption of an electrical heating system, where the thermostat (1) is provided with a reading element (5) for reading current from a conductor (4, 6) and a reading element (28) reading voltage from a transformer output.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-leg stand, for photography and the like comprising a vertical main tube, a supporting structure for the vertical main tube comprising a plurality of legs connected to the bottom portion of said vertical main tube and including a plurality of lockable collars rotatably secured around the outer circumference of the vertical main tube and a leg rigidly secured to each of the lockable collars; each leg extends horizontally outwardly from one of the collars and including an outer end portion extending downwardly. At least one of the downwardly extending end portions, comprises a secondary tubular member having an opening at each end designed to securely hold a replaceable member; the replaceable member extends downwardly from the lower end opening thus providing further support for the stand. The stand can thus support either multiple lights or a combination of lights and reflectors or other elements.

Abstract: An improved tripod having enhanced versatility for use preferably as a stand for photographic camera or lighting equipment, wherein the legs are. variable not only with respect. to the length of each other leg. but also with respect to the angle between the legs and the support platform for the photographic equipment, and where one of the legs is independently, longitudinally movable with respect to the other two legs, the other two legs being locked together for longitudinal movement.