Abstract: A furling mechanism for a sail of a vertical axis turbine, the furling mechanism comprising: first and second elongate furling spars attachable to first and second edges of the sail; wherein each of the first and second furling spars are rotatable about their respective longitudinal axis such that, in use, rotation of the first and/or second furling spar causes the sail to be furled or unfurled.

Abstract: An information system is provided for transmitting data into a local area surrounding the transmitter. The transmitter may be used to provide information to pedestrians, or to passing road traffic. Data is stored in a local memory 64 associated with the transmitter such that data stored in the memory can be repeatedly and frequently transmitted to users 70 having suitable reception apparatus 18 in the vicinity of the transmitter.

Abstract: An information system is provided for transmitting data into a local area surrounding the transmitter. The transmitter may be used to provide information to pedestrians, or to passing road traffic. Data is stored in a local memory 64 associated with the transmitter such that data stored in the memory can be repeatedly and frequently transmitted to users 70 having suitable reception apparatus 18 in the vicinity of the transmitter.

Abstract: An information system is provided for transmitting data into a local area surrounding the transmitter. The transmitter may be used to provide information to pedestrians, or to passing road traffic. Data is stored in a local memory 64 associated with the transmitter such that data stored in the memory can be repeatedly and frequently transmitted to users 70 having suitable reception apparatus 18 in the vicinity of the transmitter.

Abstract: An information system is provided for transmitting data into a local area surrounding the transmitter. The transmitter may be used to provide information to pedestrians, or to passing road traffic. Data is stored in a local memory 64 associated with the transmitter such that data stored in the memory can be repeatedly and frequently transmitted to users 70 having suitable reception apparatus 18 in the vicinity of the transmitter.

Abstract: An attitude sensor comprises a spherical ball suspended in a fluid contained in a housing. The ball is maintained neutrally buoyant with respect to the fluid and out of direct contact with the housing. A means is provided for detecting the orientation of the ball. The sensor is particularly useful as a compass, in which case one or more magnets may be provided within the ball or a passive magnetic element is provided which is influenced by the earth's magnetic field.

Abstract: A rotational machine developed mechanical power from the reciprocation of a free-piston in a closed cylinder to drive a mechanical output shaft or electrical generator or conversely operated in a pumping mode utilizes the rotation of an output drive to pump fluid by means of the free piston. The machine generally described has a frame means or outer body rotating about a first axis or shaft, a carrier means rotating about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, the chamber or cylinder extending generally parallel to the second axis and orthogonal to the first axis. As the frame means rotates and the piston reciprocates, the reaction forces on the piston are translated into a torque producing rotation of the carrier means. Power is therefore developed at the carrier means in the engine mode of operation. Frame means rotation is effected by coupling to the carrier means or an independent prime mover.