Abstract: An apparatus 1 to aid walking, the apparatus 1 comprising a base unit 3, housing a motor; and further comprising first and second horizontally orientated foot supports 6,7, mounted for back and forth parallel motion relative to the base unit 3; the foot supports 6,7 each being operably connected to the motor; a foot support comprising a plurality of planar members 5, including a base plate 41, an intermediate plate 44 and a foot plate 45 having an upper surface to receive a user's foot, the intermediate plate 44 being pivotally linked at a first end to the base plate 41 and at a second end to the foot plate.

Abstract: A power generation system comprises a first energy conversion device configured to convert a first renewable energy resource into electricity, an electrolysis device configured to use electricity from the first energy conversion device to electrolyze water into hydrogen and oxygen, a hydrogen gas storage tank configured to store hydrogen from the electrolysis device, a fuel cell configured to convert chemical energy in the hydrogen from the hydrogen gas storage tank into electricity, a boiler configured to use electricity from the fuel cell to boil water into steam, and a steam powered turbine generator configured to convert energy in the steam to electricity.

Abstract: A viscometer for measuring liquid viscosities based upon rotational deflections of a suspended bob. The viscometer comprises a deflection indicator, a deflection reader located at a spaced relative position with respect to the indicator, a rotating element which rotates in unison with the bob and includes either the deflection indicator or the deflection reader, and a magnetic bearing assembly which prevents any substantial change in the spaced, relative position of the deflection reader with respect to the deflection indicator.

Abstract: A viscometer for measuring liquid viscosities based upon rotational deflections of a suspended bob. The viscometer comprises a deflection indicator, a deflection reader located at a spaced relative position with respect to the indicator, a rotating element which rotates in unison with the bob and includes either the deflection indicator or the deflection reader, and a magnetic bearing assembly which prevents any substantial change in the spaced, relative position of the deflection reader with respect to the deflection indicator.

Abstract: The invention comprises a viscometer for indicating a liquid viscosity in terms of a measured rotational deflection imparted upon a support structure for supporting a bob within the liquid, which has a bob assembly unit suspended between the fixation points for a torsion wire. The torsion wire runs through a tube, which is connected to the bob. The tube has cutouts so that it may rotate in response to rotations of a cup, in which the bob is disposed. The framework to support the fixation points for the wire is preferably positioned to extend through cutouts in the tube so as not to interfere with rotational movements of the tube. An arm connected to the tube in conjunction with a transducer measures the angular defection of the wire for determination of viscosity for the fluid being examined.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a fluid for use in drilling and completion operations comprising mixing a fluid comprising a salt of an alkaline earth metal with a nonionic colloid-forming material in an amount and under conditions sufficient to convert a majority of said nonionic colloid-forming material into water insoluble hydrated colloidal complexes comprising hydrated ions of said alkaline earth metal complexed with said nonionic colloid-forming material, said complexes being effective to improve a property of said fluid selected from the group consisting of rheology, fluid loss control, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention comprises a viscometer which has a bob assembly unit suspended between the fixation points for a torsion wire. The torsion wire runs through a tube, which is connected to the bob. The tube has cutouts so that it may rotate in response to rotations of a cup, in which the bob is disposed. The framework that can include spokes or bars to support a fixation point for the wire is preferably positioned to extend through cutouts or open window-like slots in the tube so as not to interfere with rotational movements of the tube. An arm connected to the tube, in conjunction with a transducer, measures the angular deflection of the wire for determination of viscosity for the fluid being examined via a direct sensing means without any manual contact, visual observation or mental judgement by a test operator.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for electrical erosion by electrical discharges across the gap between an electrode and workpiece being eroded. A sensor means provides information regarding the electrical condition in the gap.

Abstract: A relief valve assembly for pressure cookers in which the valve port is controlled by a predetermined weight. A skirt portion forming part of the mass of the weight surrounds the valve port so forming a chamber. The skirt portion has an opening in it such that gas entering the chamber from the pressure cooker via the valve port can escape to the atmosphere in a predetemined direction, e.g. away from a hand grip portion.

Abstract: The body member and cover member of a pressure cooker are adapted to be held together by means of inter-engageable pairs of lugs arranged on each member. One or more selected pairs of lugs are constructed so that a shoulder on a first lug or lugs can interact with either of two linearly arranged projections carried by a second lug or lugs. The interaction of the selected pair of lugs produces two locking positions of the body and cover. The pressure cooker preferably incorporates a further safety mechanism, such as a gasket off-set device which prevents pressurization of the vessel if there is only partial overlap of the body and cover lugs.

Abstract: A vehicle door arrangement in which a lower edge part of the door is retractable upwards into the main part of the door prior to opening. This ensures that when the vehicle is standing alongside a platform, there is no risk of the bottom of the door fouling the platform. The arrangement is particularly suitable for slide and plug doors which move outwards and then alongside the vehicle when opening. Even if the bottom of the door is normally above the platform, the invention provides an essential safety feature to cope with situations where the vehicle is abnormally depressed, e.g. by excessive loading or suspension failure. Moreover, the invention enables the height of the interior floor of vehicle to be optimised with respect to platform level so as to enhance passenger safety and convenience, whereas with prior art rigid one-piece doors, clearance requirements dictated non-optimum floor heights.

Abstract: A mounting device is provided for mounting a door to a door supporting mechanism, the device including a mounting member which is slideable in a slot and which projects to be rotatably engageable with an eccentric aperture in a further mounting member which when assembled is itself rotatably located in a further aperture, the arrangement affording easy levelling and positioning adjustment and locking means being provided for locking the members together after such adjustment.