Abstract: An electrical generator assembly including a central rotatable shaft (12) having a winding assembly (26) mounted thereto for rotation therewith, a rotatable permanent magnet assembly (28) surrounding the winding assembly (26) adjacent thereto and in use cooperating therewith to induce a current in the winding assembly (26), and a drive system (38, 138, 238, 338, 438) drivingly interconnecting the central shaft (12) and the permanent magnet assembly (28), the drive system (38, 138, 238, 338, 438) defining a relative rotational speed between the permanent magnet assembly (28) and the winding assembly (26) which is greater than an absolute rotational speed of the winding assembly (26). A method of powering an electrical system (22) on a rotating rotor blade (18) supported by a rotating mast (12) is also discussed.

Abstract: A fluid turbine apparatus which is able to increase the fluid velocity and consequently increase the rotation speed of the fluid turbine. The fluid turbine apparatus has a convergent section, a fluid turbine section and a divergent section. The fluid enters into the fluid turbine through the convergent section, passes through the fluid turbine and exits through the divergent section. The combination of the convergent section and the divergent section creates a Venturi effect and increases the fluid velocity and thus the energy density entering turbine for increasing the energy extracted by the turbine.

Abstract: An electrical generator assembly including a central rotatable shaft (12) having a winding assembly (26) mounted thereto for rotation therewith, a rotatable permanent magnet assembly (28) surrounding the winding assembly (26) adjacent thereto and in use cooperating therewith to induce a current in the winding assembly (26), and a drive system (38, 138, 238, 338, 438) drivingly interconnecting the central shaft (12) and the permanent magnet assembly (28), the drive system (38, 138, 238, 338, 438) defining a relative rotational speed between the permanent magnet assembly (28) and the winding assembly (26) which is greater than an absolute rotational speed of the winding assembly (26). A method of powering an electrical system (22) on a rotating rotor blade (18) supported by a rotating mast (12) is also discussed.

Abstract: A fluid turbine apparatus which is able to increase the fluid velocity and consequently increase the rotation speed of the fluid turbine. The fluid turbine apparatus has a convergent section, a fluid turbine section and a divergent section. The fluid enters into the fluid turbine through the convergent section, passes through the fluid turbine and exits through the divergent section. The combination of the convergent section and the divergent section creates a Venturi effect and increases the fluid velocity and thus the energy density entering turbine for increasing the energy extracted by the turbine.

Abstract: A bracket primarily for mounting on a stud wall has a bracket body formed of injection molded plastics with a first set of holes arranged generally at right angles to a side surface plane of the body for fastening the side of the bracket body against the a side of one of the studs a second set of holes arranged generally parallel to the side plane for fastening an end wall of the bracket body against a side of the stud. Thus the bracket can stand out from the wall for receiving a shelf or the bracket can be located between the studs along the outside sheathing. The bracket has a mounting sleeve at right angles to the side plane for holding an article support hook or other support extending outwardly from the sheathing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for cooling and reducing fluoride emissions from a hot, spent anode butt removed from an electrolysis cell. The system comprises an elongated fluidised bed cooling chamber comprising particles of alumina and conveyor means for transporting a hot, spent anode butt through the fluidised bed. A lower air distributor is provided for injecting fluidising air into the chamber to create the fluidised bed and an upper air distributor is provided which is adapted to direct fluidised particles into contact with the top surface of the hot anode butt, whereby the fluidised bed surrounds the hot anode butt and serves to simultaneously uniformly cool the hot anode butt and significantly reduce fluoride emissions from the hot anode butt.

Abstract: A process and control system for controlling a rotary calcining kiln having a feed material inlet for material to be calcined, a calcined product outlet and a high temperature zone in which said material is calcined, the high temperature zone being movable within the rotary calcining kiln according to changes in operational control variables of the rotary calcining kiln. The process comprises measuring temperatures within the rotary calcining kiln at various positions spaced from each other along the rotary calcining kiln in a region overlapping a predetermined desired position for the high temperature zone, and adjusting the control variables to move the high temperature zone to the desired position when the high temperature zone deviates from the desired position. In the process, the temperatures are measured by thermocouples having thermocouple junctions protected by heat and abrasion resistant sheaths, preferably made of alumina/silicon carbide ceramics, positioned within the rotary calcining kiln.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature of an abrasive particulate material of the type found, for example, in rotary calcining kilns and the like. The device comprises a temperature sensor producing an indication of a temperature to which the sensor is exposed, circuitry or the like for connecting the temperature sensor to remote equipment for converting the indication to a recognisable form and a protective element shielding the temperature sensor from damage by the abrasive particulate material. The protective element comprises a layer of ceramic material having a matrix of alumina reinforced with 5 to 50% by volume (based on the total volume of the ceramic material) of particles of silicon carbide having an average size, at least in two dimensions, within the range of about 5 to 60 microns. The protective element provides good abrasion, heat-shock and mechanical resistance while exhibiting sufficient thermal conductivity to avoid undue inaccuracies in the temperature measurements.