Abstract: There is described an apparatus for storing heat. The apparatus comprises a thermal mass for storing heat, the thermal mass having a first surface and a second surface. Fins are provided on the first surface and the second surface for accelerating heat transfer to and from the thermal mass. A displacement mechanism is secured to the thermal mass for translating the first surface to a first environment, e.g., a duct, while removing the second surface and its fins from a second environment, e.g., outside, and for translating the second surface to the second environment while removing the first surface and its fins from the first environment.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for converting heat dissipated from a pipe of a refrigeration cycle into electric power. The pipe has an outer surface from which heat dissipates. The apparatus comprises at least one TEG receptacle for installing a thermoelectric generator therein, the TEG receptacle comprising a cold side and a hot side. The apparatus further comprises at least one conductive body in thermal contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the pipe and adapted to conduct the heat from the outer surface of the pipe to the hot side of at least one TEG receptacle. The apparatus further comprises one heat sink for each one of the at least one TEG receptacle, in thermal contact with the cold side thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a unit for light conversion in a building. The unit comprises a solar panel comprising photovoltaic cells without any light-absorbing or light-reflecting coating such as to be raw. The photovoltaic cells can have a wavelength range of conversion optimized for natural sunlight. The unit further comprises an enclosure surrounding the solar panel and preventing the exposure of the solar panel from direct light from outside the enclosure, the enclosure comprising an input. There is provided a light guide comprising an optical fiber and adapted for optical connection to the light collector, the light guide being connectable to the enclosure via the input, the light guide having an output end located by the input of the enclosure and directed toward a surface of the photovoltaic cells for illumination thereof. A light collector is provided outside the building for collecting sunlight and guiding the sunlight into the light guide.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for storing heat. The apparatus comprises a thermal mass for storing heat, the thermal mass having a first surface and a second surface. Fins are provided on the first surface and the second surface for accelerating heat transfer to and from the thermal mass. A displacement mechanism is secured to the thermal mass for translating the first surface to a first environment, e.g., a duct, while removing the second surface and its fins from a second environment, e.g., outside, and for translating the second surface to the second environment while removing the first surface and its fins from the first environment.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for installation on a hand having a thumb and opposable fingers, both having joints and phalanges. The apparatus comprises biasing devices. Each one of the biasing devices substantially has an inversed V shape formed by a hinge, a distal end and a proximal end. The biasing devices are connected together to form the apparatus. The hinges of the biasing devices are spatially distributed so that each hinge covers a corresponding one of the joints and biases the distal end and proximal end toward each other. The apparatus keeps the hand in a substantially closed position to assist in gripping objects.

Abstract: There is provided a unit for light conversion in a building, The unit comprises a solar panel comprising photovoltaic cells without any light-absorbing or light-reflecting coating such as to be raw. The photovoltaic cells can have a wavelength range of conversion optimized for natural sunlight. The unit further comprises an enclosure surrounding the solar panel and preventing the exposure of the solar panel from direct light from outside the enclosure, the enclosure comprising an input, There is provided a light guide comprising an optical fiber and adapted for optical connection to the light collector, the light guide being connectable to the enclosure via the input, the light guide having an output end located by the input of the enclosure and directed toward a surface of the photovoltaic cells for illumination thereof. A light collector is provided outside the building for collecting sunlight and guiding the sunlight into the light guide.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for installation on a hand having a thumb and opposable fingers, both having joints and phalanges. The apparatus comprises biasing devices. Each one of the biasing devices substantially has an inversed V shape formed by a hinge, a distal end and a proximal end. The biasing devices are connected together to form the apparatus. The hinges of the biasing devices are spatially distributed so that each hinge covers a corresponding one of the joints and biases the distal end and proximal end toward each other. The apparatus keeps the hand in a substantially closed position to assist in gripping objects.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for converting heat dissipated from a pipe of a refrigeration cycle into electric power. The pipe has an outer surface from which heat dissipates. The apparatus comprises at least one TEG receptacle for installing a thermoelectric generator therein, the TEG receptacle comprising a cold side and a hot side. The apparatus further comprises at least one conductive body in thermal contact with at least a portion of the outer surface of the pipe and adapted to conduct the heat from the outer surface of the pipe to the hot side of at least one TEG receptacle. The apparatus further comprises one heat sink for each one of the at least one TEG receptacle, in thermal contact with the cold side thereof.