Abstract: An opto-electronic power transfer assembly comprises a first circuit comprising a primary LED (3), and a second circuit comprising a secondary LED (5), wherein the primary and secondary LEDs are optically coupled to each other so as to provide a bidirectional current transfer ratio therebetween of at least 32%. With such an assembly, light can be used in place of a magnetic field to make a photonic equivalent of an induction transformer.

Abstract: An opto-electronic power transfer assembly comprises a first circuit comprising a primary LED (3), and a second circuit comprising a secondary LED (5), wherein the primary and secondary LEDs are optically coupled to each other so as to provide a bidirectional current transfer ratio therebetween of at least 32%. With such an assembly, light can be used in place of a magnetic field to make a photonic equivalent of an induction transformer.

Abstract: A mask for supplying gas under pressure to an airway of a human including a flexible manifold shell, an air inlet connected to an air delivery pipe, and at least two side walls which are at least partially formed by portions of the manifold shell. A flexible face contacting element defines an orifice to accommodate the nose of the human. Straps connected to the mask allow forces exerted by the straps to deform the manifold shell at least along X and Y axes, creating a variety of different orifice shapes. The face contacting part includes a flexible membrane allowing X and Y axis movement of the mask and movement of the mask along a Z axis between the user's face and the manifold shell. The flexible membrane may deform while retaining a gas seal against the face of a wearer.

Abstract: An assembly including an arm having a rotatable brush for cleaning a vehicle, the arm being rotatable about a generally vertical axis to move the brush between a parked position and a deployed position, the arm being supported by a mechanism such that the arm is in a raised position when the brush is in the parked position and the arm is in a lowered position when the brush is in the deployed position and the arm is biased to move the brush towards the deployed position by the mechanism.

Abstract: A mask for supplying gas under pressure to an airway of a human including a flexible manifold shell, an air inlet connected to an air delivery pipe, and at least two side walls which are at least partially formed by portions of the manifold shell. A flexible face contacting element defines an orifice to accommodate the nose of the human. Straps connected to the mask allow forces exerted by the straps to deform the manifold shell at least along X and Y axes, creating a variety of different orifice shapes. The face contacting part includes a flexible membrane allowing X and Y axis movement of the mask and movement of the mask along a Z axis between the user's face and the manifold shell. The flexible membrane may deform while retaining a gas seal against the face of a wearer.

Abstract: A mask for supplying gas under pressure to an airway of a human including a flexible manifold shell, an air inlet connected to an air delivery pipe, and at least two side walls which are at least partially formed by portions of the manifold shell. A flexible face contacting element defines an orifice to accommodate the nose of the human. Straps connected to the mask allow forces exerted by the straps to deform the manifold shell at least along X and Y axes, creating a variety of different orifice shapes. The face contacting part includes a flexible membrane allowing X and Y axis movement of the mask and movement of the mask along a Z axis between the user's face and the manifold shell. The flexible membrane may deform while retaining a gas seal against the face of a wearer.

Abstract: An assembly including an arm having a rotatable brush for cleaning a vehicle, the arm being rotatable about a generally vertical axis to move the brush between a parked position and a deployed position, the arm being supported by a mechanism such that the arm is in a raised position when the brush is in the parked position and the arm is in a lowered position when the brush is in the deployed position and the arm is biased to move the brush towards the deployed position by the mechanism.

Abstract: A mask for supplying gas under pressure to an airway of a human including: a flexible manifold shell, being made of a flexible material, the manifold including means for connection to a gas delivery pipe. There are at least two side walls which are at least partially formed by portions of the manifold shell; a flexible face contacting element defining an orifice to accommodate the nose of the human; a first connecting strap having a first end connected to the mask and a second end connectable to a mask retaining strap; and a second connecting strap having a first end connected to the mask and a second end connectable to the mask retaining strap. The first strap and the second strap engage respective side walls of the mask for distributing opposing distortional forces to a substantial portion of the respective side walls when the mask is in use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing noxious oxides of sulphur and nitrogen from a hot exhaust gas produced by burning fossil fuels and simultaneously producing a hot water stream essentially free of noxious acidic gases, suitable for district heating. The hot exhaust gas stream is fed to an absorber where it is counter currently contacted with a recirculation water stream, an inlet water stream and an alkali stream to cool the hot exhaust gas then absorb the noxious oxides. A first water line containing absorbed oxides leads from a catch try beneath the absorber middle section to a sub-atmospheric pressure stripper and a second water line leads hot recirculation water from the absorber bottom to a flash pan in the stripper. Due to the reduced pressure in the stripper the absorbed oxides are removed from the water and heat is transferred from the absorber to the stripper. All the heat energy required to operate the stripper is supplied to the system by the hot gases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the thermal cracking and fractionation of petroleum heavy gas oil and simultaneously heavy crude oil feedstock below atmospheric pressure. The feedstock is fed to a fractionator after heat exchange with distillate fractions withdrawn from the fractionator. A heavy gas oil fraction is withdrawn from the fractionator, fed to a heater and subsequently to the top of a thermal cracking reactor, while the reduced or heavy crude stock is fed to the mid-section of the reactor. The cracked products are quenched with the feedstock and fed to the bottom flash zone of the fractionator. The process may also be applied to existing crude oil topping still with modifications and operated above atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for cracking heavy hydrocarbons--for example, petroleum oil or coal tar. The reactor comprises an outer spherical pressure vessel and an inner vessel within the outer vessel. The inner vessel has an open bottom end. The cracking reaction takes place in the inner vessel and the products leave through the open bottom end. The reaction is inhibited in the outer vessel since the contents are maintained at a temperature insufficient to sustain the cracking reaction. The product is withdrawn, either continuously or intermittently, via an outlet. The coke produced may be fluidized in the outer vessel or may be allowed to settle. The inner vessel may be rotated slowly about its vertical axis and high pressure fluid jets directed at its surface to dislodge coke deposited on the inside and outside wall.The reactor may be used in a system for the simultaneous distillation and thermal cracking of crude oil. Feedstock is fed to a flash-settler having three sections.