Abstract: An interchangeable and fully adjustable solar thermal-photovoltaic concentrator system is provided, comprising: one or more heat collecting elements; one or more primary reflectors having one or more openings; one or more sunray directing optical mechanisms at the sun-collecting side of primary reflectors and between the heat collecting elements and openings in the primary reflectors; one or more PV cell modules disposed at the non-sun-collecting side of the primary reflectors; and one or more sunray distributing optical mechanisms disposed at the non-sun-collecting side of the primary reflectors. Wherein after sunrays irradiate to the primary reflectors, a proportion of sunrays ranging from 0% to 100% are reflected to one or more heat collecting elements and the remaining sunrays are directed by the sunray directing optical mechanisms, through openings in the primary reflectors, and distributed by the sunray distributing optical mechanisms to one or more PV cell modules.

Abstract: An interchangeable and fully adjustable solar thermal-photovoltaic concentrator system is provided, comprising: one or more heat collecting elements; one or more primary reflectors having one or more openings; one or more sunray directing optical mechanisms at the sun-collecting side of primary reflectors and between the heat collecting elements and openings in the primary reflectors; one or more PV cell modules disposed at the non-sun-collecting side of the primary reflectors; and one or more sunray distributing optical mechanisms disposed at the non-sun-collecting side of the primary reflectors. Wherein after sunrays irradiate to the primary reflectors, a proportion of sunrays ranging from 0% to 100% are reflected to one or more heat collecting elements and the remaining sunrays are directed by the sunray directing optical mechanisms, through openings in the primary reflectors, and distributed by the sunray distributing optical mechanisms to one or more PV cell modules.

Abstract: A concentrated and non-concentrated solar photovoltaic (PV) system with rotating PV cells or cell assemblies is provided to enhance cooling, receive both concentrated and non-concentrated sunlight, avoid hot spots and prolong PV cell operation life. The solar PV system comprises: one or more reflectors having a sun-facing side and a non-sun-facing side; and one or more rotating members with attaching PV cells or cell assemblies disposed at the sun-facing side of the reflector, herein the rotating members are able to rotate. The one or more rotating members with PV cells or cell assemblies are placed at predetermined positions at the sun-facing side of the reflector, and, during operation, the PV cells or cell assemblies has at least one light illuminated surface which is able to receive reflected light from different positions of the reflector, the direct solar radiation from the sun or the diffused solar radiation from the surroundings.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for estimating temperature of fuel in a fuel delivery system of a motor vehicle engine includes the step of calculating a fuel temperature estimate in an engine running state as a function of fuel flow rate, engine coolant temperature and intake air temperature.In a second embodiment of the present invention, a method for estimating temperature of fuel in a fuel delivery system of a motor vehicle engine includes the step of calculating a fuel temperature estimate in an engine not running state as a function of a fuel temperature estimate when the engine was last in a running state, time the engine has been in the not running state, engine coolant temperature and intake air temperature.

Abstract: A load module for use with a uniaxial materials testing apparatus includes a module frame defining a rectangular opening therein defined by two opposed first sides and two opposed second sides, and a floating bracket disposed within the rectangular opening for movement between the first sides. A fixed grip for holding a first end of a test sample is rigidly attached to one of the first sides. A floating grip is rigidly fixed to the floating bracket on a side of the bracket facing the fixed grip. The floating grip for holding a second end of the test sample is axially aligned with the fixed grip. Linear bearings disposed between the second sides and the floating bracket are configured and located to constrain motion of the floating bracket to a single axis.

Abstract: A magnetically activated drain plug apparatus employs a permanent magnet placed externally of a plastic or thin non-magnetic drain pipe while another permanent magnet is placed at the lower end of the drain plug. The external magnet can be a ring shaped magnet, a plurality of magnets in a ring held in a support arm or a magnet slideably retained in a rail on the outside of the pipe. The external magnet is operated by a lever linkage or flexible cable that is external to the drain pipe. Moving the external magnet by operating the linkage or the cable attracts or repels the magnet in the drain plug. Consequently, due to the magnetic attraction or repulsion, the drain plug is moved between an open and a closed position. Guide nubs on the interior of the drain pipe and a stem or fins on the drain plug can be interengaged, thereby preventing tilting or rotation of the drain plug while in the up or open position.

Abstract: A bath for invalids or elderly people has a sitting member 1 fixedly supported so that a sitting surface thereof is at a convenient height above floor level for a user to sit on, and a raisable and lowerable substantially rigid side surround 3 shaped to extend continuously around the periphery of the sitting surface. The surround is movable between a lowered position in which it is located at least substantially below the sitting surface to allow the user to sit on or get off the sitting surface, and a raised position in which it surrounds and projects above the sitting surface to at least partly define therewith a bath cavity for receiving liquid. The bath may include first seal 16 attached to the sitting member and second seal 17 on or attached to the surround for engaging each other to seal the surround to the sitting member in liquid tight manner in the raised position. A closeable and openable outlet is arranged to facilitate the exit of liquid from the bath cavity.

Abstract: A bath is proposed for the use of the elderly, disabled or infirm. It includes a sitting member fixedly supported so that a sitting surface thereof is at a convenient height above floor level for a user to sit on and a raisable and lowerable substantially rigid side surround shaped to extend continuously around the periphery of the sitting surface. The surround is movable between a lowered position in which it is located at least substantially below the sitting surface to allow the user to sit on or get off the sitting surface, and a raised position in which it surrounds and projects above the sitting surface to define therewith a bath cavity for receiving liquid. Sealing means are attached to the sitting member and on or attached to the surround for engaging each other to seal the surround to the sitting member in liquid tight manner in the raised position.