Abstract: The sink line comprises a plurality of weights attached to a longitudinal supporting structure, preferably in a spaced a part relationship, the weights comprising a core member of a first material entirely enclosed in a coating of a second material, the weights having an outer surface in securing engagement with the supporting structure.

Abstract: A mosquito trap, capable of trapping and killing a very high percentage of mosquitoes by attracting and killing mosquitoes simply, safely and effectively. The trap utilizes the attractant lactic acid applied to easily replaceable adhesive panels located inside the trap. A mesh screen located outside of the treated panels and having particular sized openings, allows only mosquitoes and smaller insects to fly into the mosquito trap and prevents contact with the adhesive panels from outside sources. Mosquitoes are attracted by the glossy, contrasting colors of the trap. Mosquitoes are then drawn into the trap by the lactic acid, are trapped by the non-drying adhesive and die. To enhance the attractiveness of the trap to mosquitoes, a light/heat source such as a candle can optionally be used. The candle can be treated with the attractant lactic acid also. A burning candle produces light, heat, and Co2, all of which act as attractants to mosquitoes.

Abstract: The invention is a fuel medium. The medium is in a gel state and consists entirely of material from vegetable matter in combination with alcohol, primarily ethanol, although other low carbon alcohol may be used in combination with some water. This blend is made into a gel by the addition of Methyl Hydroxyl Propyl Cellulose (MHPC). When spilled, the gel is biodegradable and not harmful to the environment. During combustion the gel is smokeless, without soot, devoid of noxious gas emissions, non-carcinogenic and non-corrosive. The gel form makes for ease of packaging, as fuel for suitable cooking and barbeque/fire lighter units, and the reduction of ash makes for easy maintenance of these units. Ease of packaging makes the product easy to transport, thereby offering flexibility of use. The low cost of production, due to the efficacy of the MHPC, makes the present invention affordable to low-income earners.

Abstract: A fuel additive for middle distillate fuels is a mixture of at least one methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl ester of a vegetable oil or a C16-C18 fatty acid, at least one alkyl ether of propylene glycol, a surfactant, and an antioxidant. A fuel additive for gasoline is a mixture of ligroin or toluene/xylene, at least one alkyl ether of propylene glycol, a surfactant, and tertiary amyl methyl ether.

Abstract: A method for controlling the deposits in the fuel vaporizer of a fuel reformer used to prepare a liquid hydrocarbon for use as a fuel in a fuel cell which comprises introducing into the fuel vaporizer a liquid hydrocarbon containing an effective deposit controlling amount of a nitrogen-containing detergent additive and a fuel composition suitable for use in a fuel cell which comprises a liquid hydrocarbon having a boiling range at atmospheric pressure falling between about 77 degrees F. (25 degrees C.) and about 437 degrees F. (225 degrees C.), a total sulfur content of less than 3 ppm, and containing an effective deposit controlling amount of a nitrogen-containing detergent additive.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pot plant stand which purifies the air by passing the air through soil holding a plant root and an exchangeable plant pot used for the stand. The pot plant stand having an air cleaning function, which can exchange the plant pot without grubbing up the soil, which can cause a large quantity of air to pass through the soil, and which is easy to maintain is obtained.

Abstract: A system and method for regulating plant growth according to the creation of temperature gradients within the vegetative portion of a plant and its roots or rhizomes. A system of pipes or conduits capable of thermally manipulating their surrounding environment is placed within proximity of roots or rhizomes to create a temperature differential across the selected plant species. Through temperature variations created by thermally conductive pipes or conduits, plant growth can be regulated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a culture tray 1, in particular for the rooting of young plants, with channels 2 that run in parallel and at predefinable distances and serve to accommodate young plants. To enable removal of individual young plants preferably without harming them and to enable relatively economical consumption of water for the young plants it is proposed in accordance with the present invention that the space for each young plant be limited by the sidewalls 3, 4 of the channel 2 and across the longitudinal direction of the channel 2 by partition webs 21, 31. This will, in particular, ensure that the water is directly supplied to each plant space and, moreover, that the plants can be pushed sideways out of the culture tray by pushing out of the culture tray the web and ledge skeletons 20, 30, and the plants are easy to take out, because there are then no sidewalls.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a bottom which may be closed, and the sleeve is sized to cover a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of generating a carburizing atmosphere are provided which can stably generate a reformed gas containing carbon monoxide of high concentration that is suitably used as a carburizing atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a window in a frame which is mounted in a casing and that can be pivoted 180° within the casing for use on both faces. A pair of concealed hinges mounted, between the casing and the frame, provide pivots about which the frame is rotated. Further, a connector is mounted on opposing faces of the frame. An opening and closing device can be alternately connected and disconnected between the casing and opposing connecters. When disconnected, the frame is rotatable. Once rotated, the opening and closing device is reconnected to the connector on the opposite face of the window. Deformable sealing elements are mounted around the periphery of the frame and on either side of the concealed hinges to provide an air tight seal when the frame is closed.

Abstract: A driving mechanism for a door leaf (1) of a sliding door includes a pivoted lever (6) moved by a drive (4). The pivoted lever (6) is pivotal about a fixed pivoted lever shaft (5) extending perpendicularly onto the door leaf plane and carries an entraining device (8) which projects into a substantially vertical groove (2) connected to the door leaf and which can be moved with respect to the pivoted lever shaft (5) the entraining device (8) is arranged on a rotary handle (7) rotatably mounted on the pivoted lever (6) about a rotary handle shaft (17), and the rotary handle (7) is subject to the effect of a spring (9) which forces it in the direction corresponding to the closed end position of the door leaf (1).

Abstract: A replacement window having a window frame, the window frame having a window header, a window sill, a first frame jamb, and a second frame jamb, wherein the first frame jamb and the second frame jamb each connect the window header to the window frame and the window header, the window sill, and the first frame jamb and the second frame jamb define a window frame opening. A sash having a reinforced sash header may be movably positioned in the window frame opening. A reinforcement pin may be positioned adjacent to the reinforced first sash header of the sash, and a jamb retainer clip may be positioned adjacent to the first frame jamb, the jamb retainer clip defining a reinforcement pin orifice, wherein the reinforcement pin orifice receives the reinforcement pin.

Abstract: A bracket system for forming gate assemblies. Four separate brace members are provided, and two of the brace members are rigidly attached to hinge assemblies. The brace members are adapted to be attached to support members to form the corners of a gate box functioning as the structural portion of the gate assembly. The hinge assemblies are adapted to be rigidly attached to a fence post to allow the gate assembly to pivot relative to the fence post. Gate assemblies of arbitrary height and width can be formed using the bracket system of the present invention.

Abstract: A nonwoven composite cleaning pad is disclosed. The cleaning pad includes a first nonwoven layer having an absorbent surface. A second nonwoven layer is laminated to the first layer, and a plurality of abrasive polymer formations are provided on the exposed surface of the second layer.

Abstract: A polishing pad is described as comprising, (a) particulate polymer which can be chosen from particulate thermoplastic polymer (e.g., particulate thermoplastic polyurethane), particulate crosslinked polymer (e.g., particulate crosslinked polyurethane and/or particulate crosslinked polyepoxide) and mixtures thereof; and (b) organic polymer binder (e.g., polyurethane binder and/or polyepoxide binder), which can bind the particulate polymer together, wherein said organic polymer binder can be prepared in-situ. The particulate polymer and organic polymer binder can be distributed substantially across the work surface the polishing pad, and the pad can have a percent pore volume of from 2 percent by volume to 50 percent by volume, based on the total volume of said polishing pad.

Abstract: An abrasive includes abrasive grains, a solvent, and an additive. MnO2, Mn2O3, Mn3O4, MnO or a mixture thereof as the abrasive grains, H2O2 as the solvent, and HNO3, an organic acid, H2O2, etc., as the additive are employed. The abrasive is solidified with cooling, etc. The abrasive and the additive can be supplied to a polishing apparatus through separate routes.

Abstract: A protective joist cover is adapted to cover a joist. The joist cover includes a top section and a bottom section. The top section has a top end web and a pair of substantially parallel top side webs each extending from an end of the top end web. The top side webs are substantially perpendicular to the top end web. The bottom section has a bottom end web and a pair of substantially parallel bottom sides webs each extending from an end of the bottom end web. The bottom side webs are substantially perpendicular to the bottom end web. The pair of top side webs and the pair of bottom side webs are dimensioned such that they overlap when positioned over the joist. The protective joist cover is made of a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A flashing apron for use in grain bins roofs which has apron segments comprised of a single sheet of metal with a plurality of spaced crease lines therein wherein the crease lines create a plurality of truncated areas in an upper surface of the apron segment. Each apron segment has a side edge comprising a downwardly bent lip which fits underneath a side edge of an adjacent apron segment which is planar in shape and which lies on or above the bent lip. Suitable fasteners are provided to secure the apron segments together to create a composite flashing apron for mounting around the circular ring at the apex of the grain bin roof.

Abstract: An anchor system for attaching a series of structural members to a wall comprises an elongate horizontal track and a plurality of anchor plates. The horizontal track has a pair of spaced apart sidewalls defining therebetween an upwardly facing channel with a restricted opening. The anchor plates each include an enlarged head portion, nailing plate and a relatively narrow strap extending between the head portion and the nailing plate. The head portion is sized to fit within the channel and engage the sidewalls to retain the anchor plates at selected longitudinal positions. The strap is sized to pass between the sidewalls to position the nailing plate normal to the track for attaching a structural member thereto.

Abstract: A window anti-fog system for preventing fogging between windowpanes. The window anti-fog system includes an aperture within a lower portion of a first windowpane, a gas container containing a pressurized volume of gas, and a delivery tube fluidly connected to the gas container with a distal portion inserted within the aperture within the first windowpane. The delivery tube preferably has a size smaller than the aperture for allowing air to escape, however, another opening within the windowpane may be utilized. The gas container preferably contains a gas lighter than air such as nitrogen. A valve between the gas container and the delivery tube controls the flow of the gas into the interior cavity between the first windowpane and a second windowpane. As the gas rises within the interior cavity, the gas eventually displaces the air within the interior cavity thereby forcing the air outwardly through the aperture about the delivery tube.

Abstract: A mullion for providing structural support between a pair of adjacent window frames includes a first member having a planar section affixable to a first window frame, a first portion of a first coupler extending outwardly from the planar section of the first member, and a first portion of a second coupler extending outwardly from the planar section of the first member. The mullion also includes a second member having a planar section affixable to a second window frame, a second portion of the first coupler extending outwardly from the planar section of the second member and adapted to couple with the first portion of the first coupler, and a second portion of the second coupler extending outwardly from the planar section of the support member and adapted to couple with the first portion of the second coupler.

Abstract: An environmental building block has a storage container, a plurality of inner protruded ribs disposed on four side walls of the storage container, a through hole formed on the storage container, a garbage block disposed in the storage container, a shaft pin passing through the through hole of the storage container, a plurality of first U-shaped frames inserted in the garbage block, a plurality of second U-shaped frames inserted in the garbage block to bestride the first U-shaped frames, and a concrete poured into the storage container.

Abstract: A stud-support frame for quick and easy installation of a window, particularly of a non-rectangular window, such as an oval, octagonal, or circular window. The stud-support frame has a shape and size that corresponds to that of the window. The frame is typically used together with a template that serves as a guide for cutting a window opening of a specific shape and size in a studded wall construction for receiving the stud-support frame and the window casing of the window. After the window opening is cut, the stud-support frame is inserted into the opening, fastened to the wall studs, and the window casing inserted into the frame. A finishing window trim is assembled around the window casing and covers the face of the stud-support frame that is on the face of the wall, thereby eliminating finish work on the wall around the window.

Abstract: A column protector for positioning at a base of a warehouse rack column to protect the column from damage caused by a forklift. The column protector includes a collar and a foot. The collar and the foot form a device that protects columns of a rack systems from forklift impact.

Abstract: A device for holding and vacuum-sealing a container as used in particular in the internal and/or external coating of containers. The device holds and vacuum-seals at least one container and has a sealing device for sealing the pouring opening in a defined end state also to comprise a holder with an introduction region, into which the wall region, which adjoins the pouring opening, together with the pouring opening, can be at least partially introduced, and a cage, which interacts with the holder and holds at least one clamping element in such a manner that, when force is applied to the cage in the direction in which the container is introduced into the defined end state, the clamping element can be guided out of a position in which it substantially releases the introduction region into a position in which it projects into the introduction region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a flexible intermediate bulk container bag is disclosed wherein the bag is suspended clear of an underlying platform by a lift (9) urged upwards by a counterweight (11) so that during filling the bag “B” the bag falls to the underlying platform to prepare a stable base. There is also disclosed a telescopic spout (8) for delivering fill to the bag (B) and a spout closure (24) for preventing spillage of fill from the spout after filling. Hooks (10) for suspending the bag from the lift may be articulated and overlooking to allow for automation of the bag release after filling. A base (1) and tower frame (2) of the apparatus can be pivotally connected to enable the apparatus height to be reduced for transport.

Abstract: In a machine for the production of packs of rolls of paper, comprising a supporting surface designed to lift the rolls of paper, arranged in two or more rows, towards a zone in which there is a sheet of plastic film, in particular polyethylene, to be wrapped around the rolls to form the pack, the sheet is closed on the lower side of the pack by initiating a process for activating sheet horizontal flat folders, suitably combined with the return stroke of the two parts of which the supporting surface consists. The process allows correct closing of the two flaps of plastic film on the lower side of the pack, guaranteeing the stability of the configuration of the various rows of rolls.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus and a method for forming a packaging unit consisting of an endless hose, or for sealing a prefabricated packaging unit, comprising an ultrasonic welding device including an anvil and a sonotrode, which are movable towards each other, and a means for positioning the hose material to be welded between the anvil and the sonotrode. In accordance with the present invention it is suggested that the anvil comprises two anvil parts which are movable relative to one another in the direction of the sonotrode, one of said anvil parts being implemented as a sealing anvil and the other part being implemented as a separating anvil. Hence, the apparatus according to the present invention permits the production of packaging units which end directly at the weld, i.e. in the case of which no length section of the foil material projects outwardly beyond the weld.

Abstract: A vertical form, fill, and seal apparatus for making different types of packages is provided. The packaging material travels around the outside, and the product goes through the inside, of the form-and-fill tube. A fin sealing mechanism, pleat sealing mechanism, and horizontal sealing mechanism are used in combination to make the different types of packages.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a manual overwrapper and methods of use thereof. The overwrapper of the present disclosure can be used to overwrap articles using a wrapping material. Overwrapping is a preferable method to shrinkwrapping a majority of the time. The overwrapper comprises a tower and runway. The tower and runway may be affixed to one another or be molded out the same material. An operator moves an article to be overwrapped through the apparatus with the only, in some embodiments, the heater blocks requiring energy input.

Abstract: In a cleaning arrangement for a filter element disposed in a gas flow channel and including a plurality of filter pockets, a flow blocking element arranged adjacent the filter element at the downstream side thereof and having openings movable with the flow blocking element into alignment with the various filter pockets for controlling a back-flushing gas flow through the filter element, the blocking element is an elastic thin-walled structure provided with at least one opening of a shape corresponding in cross-section to the filter pocket openings and means are provided for generating in the area downstream of the blocking element a gas pressure for back-flushing the filter element pockets in succession as the blocking element with the at least one opening is moved across the filter element.

Abstract: A filter element, a safety element and fluid cleaner assembly. The fluid cleaner assembly generally includes a housing having a cover and a primary fluid cleaner section. The element generally comprises z-filter media, arranged in a straight through configuration, and an axial seal gasket positioned to extend continuously around at outer perimeter of the straight through flow construction. The fluid cleaner assembly can have a precleaner positioned therein. Methods of assembly and use are provided.

Abstract: A DPF apparatus includes: a container; an exhaust inlet pipe; a diesel particulate filter; a pair of perforated plugs; a pair of partition plates; and a diffusion chamber. The exhaust inlet pipe is inserted into the container and having openings formed in a pipe wall thereof. The diesel particulate filter is disposed inside the container. The perforated plugs are separately disposed inside an end portion of the exhaust inlet pipe. The partition plates have one or more openings and disposed on the pipe wall of the exhaust inlet pipe. The diffusion chamber is defined by an inner wall face of the container, the perforated plugs, the partition plates, and the pipe wall of the exhaust inlet pipe.

Abstract: A device for the separation of liquid and/or solid pollutants entrained by gaseous streams, comprising a separating element (11), contained inside a protective casing (12) which comprises a gas inlet and outlet (13, 14), wherein the separating element (11) includes a coil (17). The coil (17) is situated between an outlet disk (18), having an outlet hole (20), and an unloading disk (19), wherein the unloading disk (19) has a series of discharge channels (21), relating to the external loops of the coil (17), and discharge channels (21′), relating to the internal loops of the coil (17), so that the geometrical parameters of the coil (17) and the distribution of the discharge channels (21, 21′) allow liquid and/or solid micro-particles to be eliminated from a stream of gas.

Abstract: A mower has a pair of cutter heads which are pivotally supported by respective cantilever beams. The cantilever beams are pivotally coupled with a hitch assembly, which in turn is coupled with a traction unit via two lower lift arms and a floatable top link. The floatable top link allows the hitch assembly to float relative to the traction unit during transport. A hydraulic cylinder interconnected between the cantilever beams pivots the beams between a transport position and a working position. Stops on the hitch assembly limit pivotal movement of the beams relative to the hitch assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for adjusting the cutting length of a chopping device. It is proposed that a sensor ascertain a parameter of the harvested crop and that the cutting length of the chopping device be adjusted automatically as a function of the measured parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a discharge spout arrangement of an agricultural harvesting machine through which harvested crop processed by the harvesting machine can be transported to a transport vehicle. The discharge spout arrangement includes a first spout element connected with the harvesting machine. A second spout element is mounted to and defines an extension the first spout element. The second spout element is slidably movable between fully retracted and extended positions respectively wherein a discharge end of the second spout element is spaced a minimum and a maximum distance from a discharge end of said first spout element.

Abstract: A lawnmower is convertible between a bagging mode and a mulching mode. The convertible lawnmower includes a cutter housing having a discharge opening, an engine mount centrally positioned on the cutter housing, a prime mover supported on the engine mount, a mulching blade coupled to the prime mover to rotate in a blade circle within the cutter housing, a mounting ring rotatably mounted in the cutter housing, and a plate connected to the mounting ring. The plate translates along an arcuate path in the cutting chamber between a full bagging position where the plate is laterally spaced from the discharge opening and a full mulching position where the plate obstructs the discharge opening.

Abstract: A lawnmower is convertible between a bagging mode and a mulching mode. The convertible lawnmower includes a cutter housing having a discharge opening, an engine mount centrally positioned on the cutter housing, a prime mover supported on the engine mount, a rotary mulching blade coupled to the prime mover to rotate in a cutting plane about a rotation axis within the cutter housing, a cover and a fin extending from the cover toward the cutting plane. The cover is movably mounted within the cutter housing in a plane parallel to the cutting plane and between a full bagging position where the discharge opening is unobstructed by the cover and a full mulching position where the cover obstructs the discharge opening.

Abstract: A lawnmower includes a cutter housing and an engine mount on the cutter housing. A prime mover is supported on the engine mount and a blade is coupled to the prime mover to rotate within the cutter housing. A plate translates within the cutter housing between a first position and a second position. Preferably, the cutter housing includes a discharge opening and the blade is a mulching blade. The first position is a full bagging position where the discharge opening is substantially unobstructed by the plate and the second position is a full mulching position where the plate substantially obstructs the discharge opening.

Abstract: A heat exchanger with catalyst is provided with a plurality of cooling membrane portions for circulation of cooling water, which are piled up and communicated with each other, first tank portions respectively communicated with first ends of the cooling membrane portions, second tank portions respectively communicated with second ends of the cooling membrane portions, cavities respectively held between the cooling membrane portions, fins disposed in the cavities and an air flow path communicating with the cavities. The first tank portions are communicated with each other and the second tank portions are communicated with each other. The reformed gas flows through the cavities. The catalyst is supported on the respective fins. The air supplied from an outside and the reformed gas are mixed in the cavities and oxidized on the catalyst.

Abstract: A flow control device for a combustor is provided in which the flow control device comprises a shroud having a first end and a second end wherein the second end is coupled to the combustor. The shroud is disposed to receive a primary fluid and disposed to direct the primary fluid into the combustor. In addition, the shroud further comprises a plurality of ports disposed therein wherein the ports are oriented to extract a portion of a flow from a flow path of the primary fluid so as to control a flow rate of the primary fluid through the shroud.

Abstract: A fuel supply control system for a gas turbine includes a plurality of solenoid valves. The solenoid valves are energized in a timing sequence with a phase relationship designed to achieve a desired fuel flow. In one example, one solenoid valve is associated with a primary portion of a fuel manifold while at least two other solenoids are associated with a secondary portion of the manifold. A controller that energizes the solenoids to achieve the desired fuel flow can receive feedback information regarding turbine performance to make adjustments to the solenoid operation to bring the turbine performance closer to a desired level.

Abstract: A counterrotatable booster compressor assembly for a gas turbine engine having a counterrotatable fan section with a first fan blade row connected to a first drive shaft and a second fan blade row axially spaced from the first fan blade row and connected to a second drive shaft. The counterrotatable booster compressor assembly includes a first compressor blade row connected to the first drive shaft, a plurality of fan shaft extensions connected to the second drive shaft for driving the second fan blade row, and at least one compressor blade integral with each fan shaft extension so as to form a second compressor blade row interdigitated with the first compressor blade row.

Abstract: A side thruster valve of an aerospace craft is improved to reduce torque of a servo-motor, etc. needed for nozzle opening and closing to thereby realize a compact and light weight device. The side thruster valve comprises a valve plug having its back directed to an axis of the aerospace craft and independently movable between a fully opened position and a fully closed position of the valve plug in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the aerospace craft, an actuating means for moving the valve plug in an axial direction of the valve plug and an elastic member for activating the valve plug in the axial direction of the valve plug. In a side thruster device comprising a plurality of the side thruster valves, the side thruster valves are arranged independently of each other to thereby broaden freedom of combustion control and improve fuel consumption.

Abstract: In a gas turbine power generator, a compressor rotor and a junction boss are assembled by fitting a convex faucet joint provided on the compressor rotor and a concave faucet joint provided on the junction boss, in a freely releasable manner, and the compressor rotor and a rotor shaft are assembled by fitting the convex faucet joint provided on the compressor rotor and a concave faucet joint provided on the rotor shaft, in a freely releasable manner, and those compressor rotor, the rotor shaft and a generator core are combined in series and fastened by using a tie bolt and a nut, which is connected to the junction boss of the turbine rotor.

Abstract: An exhaust emission control device having a deposit amount detecting section for detecting a deposit amount correlation value Qpm of the particulate matter captured by a diesel particulate filter, a temperature detecting section for detecting a temperature correlation value Tdpf of the particulate filter, and a correction section for correcting the target idle rotating speed Ni to the higher rotating speed to suppress overheating of the diesel particulate filter in accordance with detection results of the deposit amount detecting section and the temperature detecting section.

Abstract: Hydrostatic power steering device comprising a source of pressurized fluid, a cylindrical barrel-type distributor the elements of which are connected elastically together, and of which the inner element, the so called spindle, is connected to the steering wheel; the distributor being arranged to assume a central position, the solo called neutral position, in which it directly short-circuits, to discharge, the fluid originating from the source of pressurized fluid, and two positions, symmetrical about the central position, in which the distributor, via a dispenser of orbital type the rotor of which is rigidly connected to the steering wheel shaft and to the spindle, feeds the fluid to one and respectively to the other of the chambers of a hydraulic actuator connected to the steering wheel; the device also comprises an auxiliary conduit for feeding the pressurized fluid to the cylindrical distributor; a slide valve operable by the driver to feed said auxiliary feed conduit when desired; a barrel locking system

Abstract: A solar energy powerplant comprises at least one vertical tower with an open top mounted on a base structure. Each tower (10) has a height of at least 100 metres with a plurality of outwardly projecting heating chambers (12) mounted externally around the lower end of the vertical tower. Each heating chamber is a generally hollow chamber with walls formed of thin metal sheeting for absorbing solar energy, a closeable opening in a lower region of the chamber for introducing ambient air into the chamber and a closeable opening in an upper region of the chamber for releasing heated air accumulated in the chamber into the tower. A constricted zone, e.g. Venturi chamber, within the tower above the heated air inlet openings is adapted to increase the velocity of the heated air moving up the tower, and a wind powered turbine (14) is mounted within the constricted zone and adapted to drive an electrical generating unit.