Abstract: A solar energy collection system can include a plurality of heliostats configured to reflect sunlight to a target mounted on a tower. Each of the heliostats can include (i) a mirror assembly, which can include at least one mirror, at least one support arm and a pair of diagonals attached to each end of the support arm, the support arm attached to the backside of the mirror along its entire length, (ii) an elongated central support element, (iii) at least one connecting element configured to attach the mirror assembly to the elongated central support element. The location of attachment points on the at least one connecting element can define the curvature of the mirror in at least one dimension.

Abstract: Support members for heliostats (or other components installed in a field) can be hollow and thin-walled, for example, to reduce construction and/or material costs. However, such support members may be relatively fragile and susceptible to buckling or other damage when driven into relatively rocky and/or hard-packed soil using pile-driving. To avoid damaging the support members, the soil may be pre-conditioned to loosen the soil prior to insertion of the support member therein. An auger can drill a hole in the soil and then be reversed such that soil remains in and/or is subsequently re-introduced into the hole after removal of the auger, thereby leaving a substantially loosened column of soil in the hole. Vibration hammering can cause temporary liquefaction of the soil around the support member to insert the support member into the column of soil while reducing the potential for damage to the support member.

Abstract: A solar heliostat and system are described with various characteristics particularly suitable for concentrating systems with a relatively large number of small heliostats. Other features contribute to high performance, low cost, high durability, and high temperature operation, such as desired for high efficiency thermal power generation.

Abstract: A casing for use as a test kit that employs crushable ampoules prefilled with chemical or biological reagents, comprising a molded casing having a distinct reaction chamber, and at least one distinct cell adapted for receiving a crushable ampoule. The cell has a flexible pressing area at its outer wall for pressing and crushing the ampoule. An opening exists between the chamber and the cell that is either narrow enough, or provided with filtering means so as to allow passage of the reagent while preventing passage of glass shards from the cell to the chamber. The casing further comprises an inlet leading from the exterior of the casing into the inner space of the reaction chamber and a sampling probe, for enabling obtaining samples of material and delivery of said material through the inlet to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A solar heliostat and system are described with various characteristics particularly suitable for concentrating systems with a relatively large number of small heliostats. Other features contribute to high performance, low cost, high durability, and high temperature operation, such as desired for high efficiency thermal power generation.

Abstract: The fuel injection system for internal combustion engines comprises at least one hydraulically actuated intensifier-injector with inlet (13) and outlet (14) cavities for actuating fluid, one or more interconnected manifolds [rail(s)] (8); with at least one medium pressure pump (5), check valves (8, 9), coarse and fine purification filters (2, 4), a primary pump (3), a sump or tank (1), and electronic control unit (21) and a piping system. The exhaust actuating fluid (19) is fed to the medium pressure pump (5). A cooler (20) is installed between the exhaust of the injector (19) and the inlet (6) of medium pressure pump (5). The system allows driving the medium pressure pump(s) either from the engine crankshaft/camshaft, or autonomously by an electric motor, or by a secondary internal combustion engine. In the two latter cases, the common rail pressure, and respectively the injection pressure, is controlled by modifying the speed of the electric motor or of the secondary internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A casing for use as a test kit that employs crushable ampoules prefilled with chemical or biological reagents, comprising a molded casing having a distinct reaction chamber, and at least one distinct cell adapted for receiving a crushable ampoule. The cell has a flexible pressing area at its outer wall for pressing and crushing the ampoule. An opening exists between the chamber and the cell that is either narrow enough, or provided with filtering means so as to allow passage of the reagent while preventing passage of glass shards from the cell to the chamber. The casing further comprises an inlet leading from the exterior of the casing into the inner space of the reaction chamber and a sampling probe, for enabling obtaining samples of material and delivery of said material through the inlet to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A casing for use as a test kit that employs crushable ampoules prefilled with chemical or biological reagents, comprising a molded casing having a distinct reaction chamber, and at least one distinct cell adapted for receiving a crushable ampoule. The cell has a flexible pressing area at its outer wall for pressing and crushing the ampoule. An opening exists between the chamber and the cell that is either narrow enough, or provided with filtering means so as to allow passage of the reagent while preventing passage of glass shards from the cell to the chamber. The casing further comprises an inlet leading from the exterior of the casing into the inner space of the reaction chamber and a sampling probe, for enabling obtaining samples of material and delivery of said material through the inlet to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A gas-flame heated, self-contained kettle comprises a housing (12); a gas burner (14) contained within the housing (12); a container (16) for the fluid (18) to be heated, positioned within the housing (12) and above the burner(14); and exhaust duct (22) leading from an area (24) above the burner (14), through the container (16), and out of a surface of the housing (12). Excess heat and combustion gases are exhausted in heat-exchanged contact with fluid in the container (16) via the ducts (22), for augmented heating of the fluid with simultaneous protection and insulation of the housing (12).