Abstract: An apparatus and method powered by compressed fluid, which preferably provides both air conditioning and power generation. The apparatus includes a fluid conduit of substantially elongate form (51), a helical accelerator (80), a substantially elongate distributor body (53) associated with said accelerator (80), wherein at least part of said distributor body (53) is positioned substantially coplanar to said fluid conduit (51), and a TEG device (55), positioned intermediate said fluid conduit (51) and said distributor body (53). In use, a compressed fluid (70) is supplied to an inlet (60) of said helical accelerator (80). The accelerator (80) causes the fluid (70) to form a vortex inside said distributor body (53) and thereby produce a hot fluid stream (71) and a cold fluid stream (72). The hot fluid stream (71) is directed to flow adjacent to a wall of said distributor (53) to thereby heat said distributor wall.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring device provides an operator a visual indication of the temperature of a machine component reaching a predetermined threshold temperature. The device includes at least one region of thermochromic material which changes from an initial color to an activated color when the machine component reaches a threshold temperature.

Abstract: A device is disclosed comprising a tube with a hot gas outlet at a first end and a cold gas outlet at a second end, an inlet in fluid communication with the tube and an accelerator associated with the tube. The device is configured to accept a supply of compressed gas at the inlet, the accelerator causing the air to form a vortex inside the tube and the device producing a cold gas stream that exits from the cold gas outlet and a hot gas stream that exits from the hot gas outlet. The device may further include a ventilated heat shield surrounding at least a portion of the tube. Air flowing within the heat shield can contact the outside of the tube and the heat shield may extend past the first end of the tube. The device may include an orifice to supply air from the inlet to a space between the tube and the heat shield or the hot gas stream exiting the hot gas outlet may draw ambient air through the heat shield. In one embodiment, the accelerator includes a helical groove.