Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided, for connecting prime mover driven alternator to circuit that has an existing alternating current. Alternator is connected to circuit when minimum current flows to or from alternator. The actual current is measured by controller following connection and the value of this current is used to determine the optimal connection conditions when alternator is next connected. Alternator is disconnected by controller by running down prime mover, monitoring the current and stalling prime mover when the current flow is at a minimum.

Abstract: A combined heat and power system comprising a Stirling engine (1) the head (2) of which is heated by a burner. A heat exchanger (10) absorbs heat from exhaust gases from the burner which have heated the engine head. A supplementary burner (22, 23) generates additional heat which is directly absorbed by the heat exchanger. The supplementary burner is a multi-stage burner with separate stages (22, 23) which are independently controlled.

Abstract: A domestic combined heat and power system comprising a Stirling engine and water heater in the form of a supplementary burner. The exhaust gas from the Stirling engine is used to preheat combustible gas entering the Stirling engine and subsequently used to heat the water. The water heater has a helical water duct towards the periphery of a housing. Separate parts of this duct are heated, in series, by the exhaust gas from the Stirling engine and the supplementary burner firing radially outwardly through the helical duct.

Abstract: A combined heat and power system comprising a Stirling engine (1) the head (2) of which is heated by a burner. A heat exchanger (10) absorbs heat from exhaust gases from the burner which have heated the engine head. A supplementary burner (22, 23) generates additional heat which is directly absorbed by the heat exchanger. The supplementary burner is a multi-stage burner with separate stages (22, 23) which are independently controlled.

Abstract: The attachment of an electrical component to an electrical termination on a component-carrying substrate by a solder bump technique of a thermally curable adhesive composition for encapsulating purposes is described which comprises a thermosetting polymer and a chemical cross-linking agent which has fluxing properties but which is unreactive or of severely restricted reactivity with the polymer without the action of heat and/or catalyst. The composition is to be thermally curable when heated to soldering temperatures in a reaction which is catalyzable merely by metal oxide fluxed from metal surfaces by cross-linking agent then dissolved in the thermosetting polymer.

Abstract: A domestic combined heat and power system comprising a Stirling engine (1) and water heater in the form of a supplementary burner (17). The exhaust gas from the Stirling engine is used to preheat combustible gas entering the Stirling engine and subsequently used to heat the water. The water heater (15) has a helical water duct (41) towards the periphery of a housing (39). Separate parts of this duct are heated, in series, by the exhaust gas from the Stirling engine and the supplementary burner (17) firing radially outwardly through the helical duct.