Abstract: A power generator for generating power from a water flow. The generator has a single blade (1) rotatable through a limited arc about a sweep axis (13) and rotatable through a limited arc about a pitch axis (6) extending along a mid-portion of the blade such the blade is overbalanced. The blade is retainable in two rotary positions in which opposite faces (4) face the flow, It is pushed by the flow in about the sweep axis and is configured to tack about the pitch axis to an opposite rotary position. Passive tacking stops (26) arrest the momentum of the leading edge of the blade and cause the blade to tack. The generator is preferably mounted to extend downwardly from a surface vessel (80).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for analysing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil comprising an apparatus and a soil VOC sensor strip, wherein the apparatus comprises a sampling chamber for receiving soil, a sensor strip aperture in the sampling chamber for positioning the sensor strip in fluid communication with the sampling chamber, a power source and an electrical resistance detector, wherein the sensor strip comprises a flexible substrate with a first surface and an array of semiconductor polymer sensors arranged on the first surface, wherein each of the semiconductor polymer sensors comprises a pair of electrodes, wherein the pair of electrodes comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein a semiconductor polymer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and wherein the sensor strip is electrically connectable to the power source and the electrical resistance detector.

Abstract: A device monitors an appliance that receives power from a source. The device includes a first coupler that couples the device to the power source. A second coupler couples the device to the appliance. A monitoring circuit is connected to the first coupler and the second coupler to monitor power supplied by the source to the appliance. A communications circuit also is provided. The monitoring circuit provides data based on the monitored power to the communications circuit for output to the first coupler. The communications circuit may include a receiver that receives a signal from the first coupler to control the monitoring circuit. The communications circuit also may include a transceiver that receives a signal from the first coupler to control the monitoring circuit and to transmit monitored power data.

Abstract: A communications module adapted to be received by an appliance having an appliance controller is provided. The module includes a communications protocol translator. The communications protocol translator translates signals received from a communications media into appliance controller signals. The translator also translates appliance control signals received from the appliance controller into a communications protocol to be output to an appliance communications network. A network ready appliance is also provided. The appliance includes an appliance controller having a communications port. The appliance also includes a cavity, defined by a plurality of walls, adapted to receive a communications module. An opening in a wall of the appliance allows access to the cavity. A connector is attached to one of the plurality of cavity walls. A communications line connecting the communications port and the connector is also provided. The connector is electrically coupled to the appliance controller or main power supply.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a home marketing system may include an appliance, a communications network connected to the appliance, a processor connected to the communications network for monitoring appliance data signals, and a service provider. The service provider may provide a service based on the monitored data appliance signals. The service provided may be information about the appliance, maintenance of the appliance, or an extended warranty for the appliance.

Abstract: A device monitors an appliance that receives power from a source. The device includes a first coupler that couples the device to the power source. A second coupler couples the device to the appliance. A monitoring circuit is connected to the first coupler and the second coupler to monitor power supplied by the source to the appliance. A communications circuit also is provided. The monitoring circuit provides data based on the monitored power to the communications circuit for output to the first coupler. The communications circuit may include a receiver that receives a signal from the first coupler to control the monitoring circuit. The communications circuit also may include a transceiver that receives a signal from the first coupler to control the monitoring circuit and to transmit monitored power data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling an output variable of a process having long dead times and delay times, for example for controlling the interior temperature of an absorber refrigerator, and also relates to an apparatus for carrying out such a method. The output variable of the process, such as the interior temperature, is sampled and compared with a desired value in order to determine a desired value deviation. In dependence on the determined desired value deviation, a manipulated variable, such as the power supplied to the absorber, is calculated in such a manner that the output variable of the process is brought near to the desired value. After the lapse of a waiting time, a value of the manipulated variable is newly determined. During the waiting time, the manipulated variable is not altered. The waiting time is calculated on the basis of the difference between the value of the manipulated variable and an earlier value of the manipulated variable.