Abstract: There is disclosed a thermal energy storage and supply method that includes providing subcooled water to a pressure vessel; heating liquid water within the pressure vessel using an electrically-powered heater so that the vessel contains saturated liquid water and steam at a variable storage pressure; controlling the heater to raise the storage pressure to a peak storage pressure of at least 2 MPa; and selectively discharging steam from an outlet of the pressure vessel to a thermal load, in response to a thermal energy demand, such that during a depletion period the storage pressure reduces by at least 1 MPa from the peak storage pressure.

Abstract: A vertical axis windmill turbine comprises a support structure for supporting the vertical axis windmill turbine above ground level. At least one rotor rotates upon the support structure and has a horizontal structure having a rotational axis perpendicular to the ground level. A plurality of blades are positioned within each of the at least one rotor for causing the at least one rotor to rotate on the support structure responsive to wind force. A plurality of vanes are located on each of the plurality of blades and rotate between an open position to limit drag on the at least one rotor and a closed position that provides a rotational force to the at least one rotor. The plurality of vanes rotate between the open position and the closed position of approximately 180°. A plurality of hinges each connect a vane of the plurality of vanes to a blade of the plurality of blades.

Abstract: A vertical axis windmill turbine includes a support structure for supporting the vertical axis windmill turbine above ground level. At least one rotor rotates upon the support structure. The at least one rotor comprises a horizontal structure having a rotational axis perpendicular to the ground level. A plurality of blades positioned within each of the at least one rotor cause the at least one rotor to rotate on the support structure responsive to wind force. A plurality of vanes are located on each of the plurality of blades and rotate between an open position to limit drag on the at least one rotor and a closed position that provides a rotational force to the at least one rotor. The plurality of vanes rotate between the open position and the closed position responsive to a wind force. A plurality of vane stops each associated with a vane of the plurality of vanes stops the rotation of the vane when the vane reaches the closed position.

Abstract: An oil deflector is provided comprising a ring-shaped body having a first face and an axial projection extending from the first face. The projection has a radially inwardly facing deflection surface. An oil deflector-bearing assembly includes a bearing, the oil deflector, and a carrier with a plurality of radial oil grooves. The second face of the oil deflector is arranged adjacent to an axial face of the bearing and the carrier is arranged adjacent to the oil deflector so that the projection is at least partially received in one of the oil grooves for deflecting an axial flow of oil.

Abstract: A wedge clutch, including: an inner race including first and second sides facing in first and second opposite axial directions, respectively and a radially outermost surface sloping radially inward from the second side to the first side; an outer race located radially outward of the inner race; a wedge plate radially disposed between the inner and outer races and including third and fourth sides facing in the first and second axial directions, respectively, a radially innermost surface sloping radially inward from the fourth side to the third side, and a first plurality of retention features; and an axially displaceable retention ring including a second plurality of retention features. In a free-wheel mode the inner and outer races are rotatable with respect to each other and the second plurality of retention features is engaged with the first plurality of retention features to block radially outward expansion of the wedge plate.

Abstract: An oil deflector is provided comprising a ring-shaped body having a first face and an axial projection extending from the first face. The projection has a radially inwardly facing deflection surface. An oil deflector-bearing assembly includes a bearing, the oil deflector, and a carrier with a plurality of radial oil grooves. The second face of the oil deflector is arranged adjacent to an axial face of the bearing and the carrier is arranged adjacent to the oil deflector so that the projection is at least partially received in one of the oil grooves for deflecting an axial flow of oil.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, uses and compositions for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The invention describes methods and uses for treating rheumatoid arthritis wherein a TNF? inhibitor, such as a human TNF? antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof. Also described are methods for determining the efficacy of a TNF? inhibitor for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, uses and compositions for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The invention describes methods and uses for treating rheumatoid arthritis wherein a TNF? inhibitor, such as a human TNF? antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof. Also described are methods for determining the efficacy of a TNF? inhibitor for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in a subject.

Abstract: An automatic override circuit is responsive to the magnitude of instantaneous current flow through a monitored conductor to produce an output signal which can actuate a solenoid or a ground fault interrupter to automatically trip a circuit breaker in repsonse to an excursion of current flow which exceeds a predetermined maximum current overhead level. The short circuit protector can automatically override a thermal trip delay and cause the circuit breaker to trip instantly or delay tripping for a prescribed period of short circuit events which exceed the maximum current overload level. In one embodiment, a control signal is generated which actuates a solenoid which is coupled to a thermal magnetic circuit breaker. In an alternative embodiment, the control signal is utilized for automatically triggering a ground fault interrupter.

Abstract: A heating element for bathroom and similar mirrors is formed as a laminate for placing behind a conventional mirror glass. The laminate has separate foil conductor patterns forming distribution and return conductors for the supply current, and a continuous conductor layer formed by a higher resistivity conducting paint or coating extending between the conductor patterns. Preferably the conductor patterns are formed as longitudinal bands on a continuous web of insulative substrate material which is then cut into lengths which are mounted on backing sheets of appropriate size and which carry buses to establish connection between the conductor bands and an electrical supply.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for verifying the load rating of an active alternating current distribution circuit at a power outlet. The load rating of the distribution circuit is verified by measuring the change in line voltage at the power outlet as different loads are applied. The no-load line voltage is factored out by summing an analog signal derived from the no-load line voltage with a reference voltage to produce a null balance. When the distribution circuit is loaded by a programmed load or by the load of an external appliance such as a resistance heater, the loaded circuit waveform is transformed and rectified to produce a relatively low amplitude no-load direct current waveform. The transformed, loaded circuit waveform and the null balance waveform are summed, amplified and measured. The amplified sum corresponds exactly with the drop in line voltage across the distribution circuit at the power outlet.