Abstract: One embodiment of an outrigger footpad retainer system is described and depicted. The system may include a spider assembly that has an upper unit and a lower unit. The upper unit may have a retainer portion and two legs extending from the portion. The lower unit may have a retainer portion and two legs extending from the portion. The upper portion may at least partially overlap the lower portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat pump system and method heat pump system comprising a first Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elastocaloric material core positioned in a housing and adapted to change state in response a temperature change supplied by a fluid. A second Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elastocaloric material core positioned in a housing and adapted to change state in response a temperature change supplied by the fluid. A pump mechanism connected in a fluid communication with the first core and second core and adapted to control delivery of the fluid to the first and second core.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat pump system and method heat pump system comprising a first Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) core and adapted to convert movement of the core into energy in response to a temper-reature change. A second Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) core in fluid communication with the first core and adapted to convert movement of the second core into energy. A third Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) or elastocaloric core in fluid communication with the first and second cores and adapted to convert movement of the third core into energy. The first core, second core and the third core are arranged in series and a control system provides waste pressure from the first core to the second core and/or third core.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat pump system and method comprising a first Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elastocaloric core positioned in a housing and adapted to absorb heat and store energy in response to a first fluid inputted at a first temperature. The housing is configured to receive the first fluid at a first temperature via an inlet to cause the first SMA or NTE elastocaloric core to change state. A device is configured to apply stress on the first SMA or NTE core in the housing to cause the SMA or NTE elastocaloric core to change state, releasing heat/energy and causing the SMA/NTE to heat up. A second fluid at a higher temperature is inputted and then subsequently heated further as a result of heat transfer. A second Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) or elastocaloric core is positioned in a cascade arrangement with the first core, but exhibiting a higher activation temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for or forming an elongated length of SMA or NTE material wire for use in an engine core, said system comprising a heat source adapted to cooperate with a base support; a wire holder support having a cavity to define a mould; said heat source is configured to receive the wire holder support to engage the base support; and the wire holder support holds part of the SMA or NTE material wire in the cavity such that on heating the part of the SMA or NTE material wire causes the SMA or NTE material wire shape to change to match the shape of the cavity mould.

Abstract: An energy recovery device comprising a drive mechanism; an engine comprising a plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements fixed at a first end by a holder element and connected at a second end to a drive mechanism wherein a compensation mechanism is positioned and adapted to combat the shrinkage of the SMA or NTE elements encountered in heating cycles.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy recovery system comprising a first Shape Memory Alloy (SMAs) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) core and adapted to convert movement of the core into energy in response to a first temperature. Various embodiments are disclosed to include cascaded core arrangements, preheating/cooling of cores and how to decrease the time of reaction for the shape memory alloy in an efficient manner.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy recovery system comprising a first Shape Memory Alloy (SMAs) or Negative the bundle Thermal Expansion (NTE) core and adapted to convert movement of the core into energy in response to a first temperature. Various embodiments are disclosed to include cascaded core arrangements, preheating/cooling of cores and how to decrease the time of reaction for the shape memory alloy in an efficient manner.

Abstract: The present application relates to the field of energy recovery and in particular to the use of shape memory alloys (SMA) for same. An energy recovery device is provided which comprises a one way drive mechanism for incrementally winding a spring. An SMA engine comprising a length of SMA material is fixed at a first end and connected at a second end to the one way drive mechanism. The SMA engine is housed in an immersion chamber and adapted to be sequentially filled with fluid to allow heating and/or cooling of the SMA engine to enable high frequency contractions and expansion. An output transmission is provided which is coupled to and driven by the spring. In this manner, repeated contractions of the SMA material incrementally wind the spring to store energy. The spring is restrained by a release mechanism which may be activated to allow the spring to drive an output transmission.

Abstract: A plurality of wire elements for use in an energy recovery device comprising Shape Memory Alloy or other Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) material, wherein at least one wire element is fixed at one end and free to move at a second end, such that the wire elements are arranged adjacently and are in friction or interference contact with each other and are secured at the outer perimeter of wires utilising a securing means. In such arrangement, during the operation of the bundle arrangement in a heat engine system, the plate elements act to transmit the aggregated force generation of the wire grouping and thus usefully recover and transmit power.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy recovery device comprising an engine comprising a plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements fixed at a first end and connected at a second end to a drive mechanism wherein a holder is configured with a plurality of slots adapted to receive the plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) or NTE elements.

Abstract: An energy recovery device comprising a drive mechanism; an engine comprising a plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements fixed at a first end by a holder element and connected at a second end to a drive mechanism wherein a compensation mechanism is positioned and adapted to combat the shrinkage of the SMA or NTE elements encountered in heating cycles.

Abstract: The present application relates to the field of energy recovery and in particular to the use of shape memory alloys (SMA) for same. An energy recovery device is provided which comprises a one way drive mechanism for incrementally winding a spring. An SMA engine comprising a length of SMA material is fixed at a first end and connected at a second end to the one way drive mechanism. The SMA engine is housed in an immersion chamber and adapted to be sequentially filled with fluid to allow heating and/or cooling of the SMA engine to enable high frequency contractions and expansion. An output transmission is provided which is coupled to and driven by the spring. In this manner, repeated contractions of the SMA material incrementally wind the spring to store energy. The spring is restrained by a release mechanism which may be activated to allow the spring to drive an output transmission.

Abstract: A plurality of wire elements for use in an energy recovery device comprising Shape Memory Alloy or other Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) material, wherein at least one wire element is fixed at one end and free to move at a second end, such that the wire elements are arranged adjacently and are in friction or interference contact with each other and are secured at the outer perimeter of wires utilising a securing means. In such arrangement, during the operation of the bundle arrangement in a heat engine system, the plate elements act to transmit the aggregated force generation of the wire grouping and thus usefully recover and transmit power.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy recovery device comprising an engine comprising a plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements fixed at a first end and connected at a second end to a drive mechanism wherein a holder is configured with a plurality of slots adapted to receive the plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) or NTE elements.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a home includes providing a structural base on a ground surface adjacent to and outside the outer walls, the structural base comprising one or more air passages; installing insulation adjacent to an outer surface of the outer walls, the insulation being supported by the structural base; and installing siding material on an outer surface of the insulation, the siding material and the existing outer walls enclosing the insulation and defining a flow path, a top of the flow path comprising one or more air passages into the attic space such that air flows along the insulation in the flow path between the structural base and the attic space. A plurality of new trusses may be supported at an apex of the existing roof that overhanging the existing outer walls and the insulation, the trusses sloping direction of the slope of the existing roof.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a home includes providing a structural base on a ground surface adjacent to and outside the outer walls, the structural base comprising one or more air passages; installing insulation adjacent to an outer surface of the outer walls, the insulation being supported by the structural base; and installing siding material on an outer surface of the insulation, the siding material and the existing outer walls enclosing the insulation and defining a flow path, a top of the flow path comprising one or more air passages into the attic space such that air flows along the insulation in the flow path between the structural base and the attic space. A plurality of new trusses may be supported at an apex of the existing roof that overhanging the existing outer walls and the insulation, the trusses sloping direction of the slope of the existing roof.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a home includes providing a structural base on a ground surface adjacent to and outside the outer walls, the structural base comprising one or more air passages; installing insulation adjacent to an outer surface of the outer walls, the insulation being supported by the structural base; and installing siding material on an outer surface of the insulation, the siding material and the existing outer walls enclosing the insulation and defining a flow path, a top of the flow path comprising one or more air passages into the attic space such that air flows along the insulation in the flow path between the structural base and the attic space. A plurality of new trusses may be supported at an apex of the existing roof that overhanging the existing outer walls and the insulation, the trusses sloping direction of the slope of the existing roof.

Abstract: The present application relates to the field of energy recovery and in particular to the use of shape memory alloys (SMA) for same. An energy recovery device is provided which comprises a one way drive mechanism for incrementally winding a spring. An SMA engine comprising a length of SMA material is fixed at a first end and connected at a second end to the one way drive mechanism. The SMA engine is housed in an immersion chamber and adapted to be sequentially filled with fluid to allow heating and/or cooling of the SMA engine to enable high frequency contractions and expansion. An output transmission is provided which is coupled to and driven by the spring. In this manner, repeated contractions of the SMA material incrementally wind the spring to store energy. The spring is restrained by a release mechanism which may be activated to allow the spring to drive an output transmission.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a home includes providing a structural base on a ground surface adjacent to and outside the outer walls, the structural base comprising one or more air passages; installing insulation adjacent to an outer surface of the outer walls, the insulation being supported by the structural base; and installing siding material on an outer surface of the insulation, the siding material and the existing outer walls enclosing the insulation and defining a flow path, a top of the flow path comprising one or more air passages into the attic space such that air flows along the insulation in the flow path between the structural base and the attic space. A plurality of new trusses may be supported at an apex of the existing roof that overhanging the existing outer walls and the insulation, the trusses sloping direction of the slope of the existing roof.