Abstract: Geothermal brine always contains some carbon dioxide in solution. Separating steam from geothermal brine removes the carbon dioxide, sharply increasing the pH of the brine and causing precipitation of pH sensitive minerals, including calcium carbonate, magnesium silicate and other metal silicates, clays, and metal sulfides. The binary heat exchanger in a steam-binary hybrid geothermal power plant is especially sensitive to scale deposition from flashed geothermal brine, and application of expensive scale inhibitors is required. Deposition of scale in the binary heat exchanger can be controlled by separating a small amount of gas-rich vapor from the brine before the main stage of steam separation, and combining this gas rich vapor with the flashed brine before in enters the binary heat exchanger. The carbon dioxide thus added to the brine will decrease pH, decreasing or completely blocking precipitation and deposition of pH sensitive minerals as scale.

Abstract: A system to convert the heat collected by solar thermal collectors into electricity using a Rankine cycle generator with multiple working fluids and multiple temperature-level heat sources is disclosed.

Abstract: High-temperature solar thermal systems and methods are described. In one aspect, a system is described that includes a heat engine power conversion system, or a “heat engine,” with a fluid working medium. The heat engine includes a first input, a second input, and a heat exchanger. The first input receives heated high temperature tolerant particles, or “heated particles,” from a solar energy collection and distribution component that is coupled to the heat engine. The heat engine's second input receives the working fluid medium used to drive the power cycle in the heat engine. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the received heated particles to the working fluid medium, and thereby, energized the heat engine's power cycle.

Abstract: A method and system for generating electrical power for sub-sea applications includes assembling each of the main components (132, 138, 142, 146) of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system (100) inside a pressure vessel to form a series of vessels (104, 106, 108, 110) removably connected to one another and configured to be placed near, on or below a sea floor. The main components of the ORC system include an evaporator (132), a turbine (138), a condenser (142) and a pump (146). A working fluid (135) is circulated through the pressure vessels in order to generate mechanical shaft power that is converted to electrical power (P). In some embodiments, the ORC system includes at least one redundant component that corresponds to one of the main components. The working fluid may be circulated through at least one redundant ORC component such that the ORC system is able to continue operating when one of more of the main components is not operating properly.

Abstract: Pendular and differential periodic heat engines with theoretical efficiencies of ONE, and industrial efficiencies close to ONE, exclusively subordinate to the physical constraints inherent in any material device under ordinary conditions of use, operating with recirculation of the gases in closed loops between a thermodynamic pendulum (2/2, 2/4) made up of a chamber (1/2, 1/4) fitted with a piston (2/2, 2/4) connected to a free flywheel (3/2), and a regulated supply of heat (10/4, 10/4, etc.) positioned some distance away from the chamber of the thermodynamic pendulum (FIG. 2), with extension to turbine engines (FIG. 5) thanks to phase changes.

Abstract: Controlling a solar-fossil-fuel hybrid power plant to provide supplemental heat includes receiving concentrated solar power thermal energy from a concentrated solar power (CSP) field for use in a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) that uses waste heat thermal energy from waste heat produced by a gas combustion process and the concentrated solar power thermal energy to produce steam to drive a steam generator. Supplemental fossil fuel generated heat is added to the (HRSG) such that the temperature of steam produced by the (HRSG) is maintained within an inlet operating tolerance of the steam generator when the concentrated solar power thermal energy contribution to the (HRSG) falls below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Increasing power generation efficiency of a solar-fossil-fuel-hybrid power plant includes heating working fluid with a concentrating solar field by directing a first portion of a steam turbine drive working fluid from an economizer of a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) of the solar-fossil-fuel hybrid power plant into a concentrated solar power (“CSP”) field where the first portion of the steam turbine drive working fluid is heated to a predefined temperature and pressure above that which is in a CSP inlet to the steam boiler while a second portion of the steam turbine drive working fluid is directed from the economizer to a steam boiler and the first portion of the steam turbine drive working fluid is combined with the second portion of the working fluid at the inlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods including an energy conversion system for storage and recovery of energy using compressed gas, a source of recovered thermal energy, and a heat-exchange subsystem in fluid communication with the energy conversion system and the source of recovered thermal energy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concentrating and storing solar energy are provided. A solar energy receiver for use with the systems and methods may include a container for holding a solar absorption material, such as a phase change material, and a cooled cover disposed above the container for condensing and collecting vaporized phase change material collected along an underside of the cover.

Abstract: A cold water pumping system comprises a center tube and a cold water pipe surrounding the center tube. The cold water pipe is supported from a bottom end of the center tube and an impeller is coupled to the bottom end of the center tube. The impeller is operable to move water through the cold water pipe, wherein the cold water pipe is comprised of a plurality of segments. Each segment of the cold water pipe comprises at least two frame sections configured to be coupled together to surround the center tube and a removable skin configured to be inserted throughout the perimeter of the at least two sections.

Abstract: A thermodynamic engine is configured to convert heat provided in the form of a temperature difference to a nonheat form of energy. Heat is directed through a heating loop in thermal contact with a first side of the thermodynamic engine. A second side of the thermodynamic engine is coupled to an environmental cooling loop in thermal contact with an environmental cooling device. The thermodynamic engine is operated to dispense heat from the second side of the thermodynamic engine through the environmental cooling loop into the environmental cooling device. Operation of the thermodynamic engine thereby generates the nonheat form of energy from the temperature difference established between the first side and the second side of the thermodynamic engine.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a system for power generation from a fluid, such as air or water. The system comprises a rail tether, and a working umbrella movably mounted to the rail tether such that the working umbrella is powered by the fluid in a first direction along the rail tether during a working stroke of the working umbrella. A working tether couples the working umbrella to a generator during at least the working stroke of the working umbrella, and a motor is coupled to the working umbrella during at least a recovery stroke of the working umbrella, the recovery stroke being in an opposite direction to the first direction along the rail tether.

Abstract: Power is generated from an ambient environment through the use of thermodynamic engines. A thermodynamic engine is disposed in the ambient environment and converts heat provided in the form of a temperature differential to a nonheat form of energy. Conditions in the ambient environment induce a phase transition in a heat-transport medium that causes the temperature differential. The heat-transport medium is renewed by allowing inducing a reverse phase transition in the heat-transport medium, permitting the heat-transport medium to repeatedly or continuously undergo the phase transition that causes the temperature differential.

Abstract: Among other things, a combination comprises interaction with a system that has a perturbation. In such perturbed system, a non-directional input is applied to a first variable of the system. Based on an asymmetry of the perturbed system, a directional effect is achieved in a second variable of the system, the first and second variables comprising a conjugate pair of variables. At least one of the following pertains: the interaction occurs other than by an apparatus and other than in a way that actually achieves the directional effect, or the conjugate pair is other than position and momentum, or the input or the asymmetry are in a dimension other than spatial coordinates, or the directional effect is other than translational motion and other than rotary motion.

Abstract: A system for relieving the stress on an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) cold water pipe includes a slidable joint that couples the OTEC cold water pipe to a surge tank at an opening in the surge tank. The system can further include a first flotation device that is coupled to the OTEC cold water pipe below the surge tank, and a second flotation device that is coupled to the OTEC cold water pipe within the surge tank.

Abstract: An intermediate duct (108) is connected between first and second positive displacement machines (104, 106). An inlet duct (107) is connected to the first positive displacement machine (104). An outlet duct (109) is connected to the second positive displacement machine (106). A heater (102) raises the temperature and pressure of a gaseous working fluid in the intermediate duct (108). There is a kinematic connection (111) between the first and second positive displacement machines (104, 106) and the arrangement is such that, in operation, the first positive displacement machine (104) causes the working fluid to flow through the intermediate duct (108) to the second positive displacement machine (106), the heated working fluid drives the second positive displacement machine (106), and the second positive displacement machine (106) drives the first positive displacement machine (104) via the kinematic connection (111). The positive displacement machines include at least one orbiting piston.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for harnessing heat energy uses at least one thermally conductive material in communication with a heat collecting material in order to conduct heat from a first region of the heat collecting material to a second region of the heat collecting material. The thermally conductive material can be interspersed within the heat collecting material and/or applied externally to the heat collecting material. Heat drawn from the second portion can be stored and/or converted into another form of energy for providing power to a structure or vehicle. Conversion can use the differential between the temperature of the second region and the temperature of a cold sink. Additional heat can be added to the heat collecting material.

Abstract: A solar power generator includes a number of solar cell units, a shaft and a connector assembly. Each of the solar cell units has a housing defining a through hole at one end and an opening in an upper surface thereof. A number of solar panels are received in the opening. The shaft passes through each through hole thereby aligning the solar cell units in a manner that one stacked on another. Each of the solar cell units is capable of rotating around the shaft. The connector assembly is electrically coupled to the solar panel for providing electrical energy to a power consuming device.

Abstract: A geothermal power system for production of power, and in particular electrical energy, utilizing naturally occurring geothermal energy sources and a method for identifying and converting manmade and natural geological formations into a substantial source of energy and at the same time providing remediation of environmental and safety hazards. Utilizing surface air that is substantially cooler than the geothermal temperature of the subterranean cavern an induced air flow will be produced. This naturally induced air flow will be harnessed and provide the energy to the system power plants for production of electrical energy. The system includes a hydro-electric power system, a geothermal well, underground farms, heat recovery systems, a source of renewable biomass material, and air and water remediation systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to the using of low temperature heat for the production of electrical energy by using of supercritical carbon dioxide as working fluid. It included a process and a device for process realizing with higher efficiency in relation to other known processes and with a wide temperature working range. This is related to a wider adjustability which allows an optimal operation both in summer and in winter operation without technical or constructional changes. The process is realizable without damages to the environment and is realizable with low effort. The relative emission of carbon dioxide is reduced in relation to other processes. Low temperature heat from a given heat source (1) is taken off by carbon dioxide at high supercritical pressure as heat transfer and working fluid in the process. Then the heated fluid is expanding in an expansion machine (2), which is connected with a generator (3) for the production of electric power.

Abstract: A method and system is provided relating to the production of ethanol or other renewable bio-fuels on a mass, large scale basis while maintaining a positive energy balance. In one example, the present invention relates to a system and method for the mass manufacture of fuel, fuel stock, or fuel additives by using dry or drying up hydrocarbon wells as a heat source in the manufacturing process. In one example, the distillation column is constructed from dried up oil wells.

Abstract: A system for generating energy which utilizes motive chemicals 40 with boiling point temperatures in the range of ?5° C. to 45° C. These temperatures are within the typical range of temperatures found near or at the earth's surface. Heat is transferred from the surroundings to a boiling chamber 10 and then the motive chemical. Vapor pressure is generated which turns a gas turbine 14. The motive chemical passes through the turbine and condenses in the condensation chamber 14, at ambient air, ground or fluid temperatures using no supplemental energy source. The condensation chamber returns the motive chemical to its liquid state. Gravity acting on the motive chemical drives a fluid turbine 24. The fluid is returned to a holding chamber 26. When the motive chemical is depleted in the boiling chamber, the motive chemical is transferred from the holding chamber to the boiling chamber and the cycle begins again.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for regasifying a cryogenic liquid to gaseous form. Heat is transferred from ambient air to the cryogenic liquid across a heat transfer surface by circulating the cryogenic liquid or an intermediate fluid through an atmospheric vaporizer, wherein he ambient air and the cryogenic fluid or intermediate fluid are not in direct contact. A layer of ice forms on an external portion of the heat transfer surface exposed to the atmosphere where the temperature at the heat transfer surface is below the freezing temperature of water. The layer of ice is dislodged intermittently from the vaporizer using a source of heat operatively associated with a control device, the control device arranged to generate a signal when de-icing is required. De-icing is achieved without the need to discontinue circulating the cryogenic fluid or the intermediate fluid through the vaporizer.

Abstract: Vapor turbine operating with geothermal vapors containing corrosive agents such as chlorides and/or sulfides in particular. The turbine comprises a series of rotor blades made of a nickel alloy containing a quantity of nickel ranging from 55% to 59% by weight to avoid the washing of the geothermal vapors, maintaining a high useful life of the series of rotor blades and vapor turbine.

Abstract: A remote and portable, hybrid power system comprising one or more of the following components: a solar system, batteries, a back-up generator, a wind energy system, and a communications system. The components are disposed on a platform that is portable and transportable to the remote location by a truck or other transportation vehicle.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage apparatus is disclosed. The thermal energy storage apparatus has a phase change medium. The thermal energy storage apparatus also has an inner manifold area having at least one inner feed port. The thermal energy storage apparatus also has an outer manifold area having at least one outer feed port and fluidically coupled to the inner manifold area. The inner manifold area and the outer manifold area are configured to be substantially immersed in the phase change medium. Methods of constructing and controlling embodiments of related thermal energy storage apparati are also disclosed, as well as embodiments of related heat exchangers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a generation facility management system using natural energy, and an object of the invention is to promote introduction of a generation facility by giving a consideration for generated and consumed power.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the integration of a water splitting process with the production of fertilizer precursors such as ammonia, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid are provided. At least one of heat and electricity from a power plant are used to split water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. Nitrogen gas is provided by air separation. The hydrogen gas and nitrogen gas are used to produce ammonia. The ammonia and oxygen gas are used to produce nitric acid. The oxygen gas, water, and sulfur are used to produce sulfuric acid. Further disclosed is an apparatus for the production of nitric acid comprising a power plant and an apparatus for the production of nitric acid. Also disclosed is an apparatus for the production of sulfuric acid comprising a power plant and an apparatus for the production of sulfuric acid.

Abstract: Device converting thermal energy into kinetic energy, related to the group of machines based on four-phase basic thermodynamic cycles. It uses rarefied gas in a novel three-phase cycle, of which the first phase is a spontaneous isothermal gas aggregation (0 - - - 1), equivalent to an ideal isothermal compression, followed by an adiabatic expansion (1 - - - 2), with work produced at the expense of the internal thermal energy of the gas via a gas turbine (5), and by an isobaric expansion (2 - - - 0)), where the expanded gas is reheated via a heat exchanger (6), while cooling the ambient air (7).

Abstract: A method for producing power from a heat source comprises the steps of: heating an intermediate fluid with heat from the heat source and producing a vaporized intermediate fluid in an intermediate fluid heater/vaporizer. Heat from the vaporized intermediate fluid vaporizes an organic liquid working fluid present in an organic working fluid vaporizer to form a vaporized organic working fluid and intermediate fluid condensate. The vaporized organic working fluid is expanded in an organic vapor turbine for generating power and producing expanded vaporized organic working fluid; the expanded organic vaporized working fluid being condensed to produce an organic fluid condensate with the organic fluid condensate being supplied to the organic fluid vaporizer. According to the present invention, prior to supplying the vaporized intermediate fluid to the organic fluid vaporizer the vaporized intermediate fluid is expanded in an intermediate fluid vapor turbine and power is produced.

Abstract: An integrated platform to house an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system that utilizes: (i) a cold water circuit consisting of a way of receiving and distributing the cold water from the cold water pipe (CWP) to vertical conduits housing the condensers into collectors that discharge via large pumps into open discharge channels connected to the discharge water pipe (DWP); (ii) a surface water circuit consisting of a way of collecting and distributing the surface water to vertical conduits housing the evaporators to surface water collectors that discharge via large pumps into the same discharge channels connected to the DWP; (iii) means of adjusting the buoyancy of the integrated platform by adding water as ballast into floatation chambers in the hull surrounding the discharge channels or in a plurality of either vertical or horizontal flotation chambers to provide protection to the CWP and DWP and stability to the integrated platform.

Abstract: A fluid machine according to the present invention has an expansion device for collecting waste heat from an internal combustion engine and converting the collected heat energy into mechanical rotational force, an electric rotating device selectively operating as an electric power generator and as an electric motor, and a pump device for pressurizing refrigerant for Rankine cycle, wherein those components are operatively connected with each other by a single rotating shaft. When starting up Rankine cycle, the electric rotating device is operated as the electric motor, so that the pump device is driven to pressurize and pump out high pressure refrigerant. Once the expansion device starts its operation, the electric rotating device is rotated by the expansion device and therefore the operational mode of the electric rotating device is switched over to the power generating mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying water, such as for desalinization, includes a source of a heated air stream, the heated air stream having a temperature above an ambient temperature. A diffusion tower having high surface area material therein receives a water stream including at least one impurity and creates at least one region having thin films of water therein from the water stream. The heated air stream is directed over the thin films of water to create a humidified air stream that is at least substantially saturated. At least one direct contact condenser is in fluid communication with the humidified air stream for condensing the humidified air stream, thus producing purified water. A power plant can include the apparatus for purifying water, where energy to heat the air stream is provided by low pressure condensing steam.

Abstract: A wind energy turbine includes a tower, a nacelle rotatably supported by the tower, a rotor rotatably supported by the nacelle, and at least one unit to be cooled and arranged in the tower and/or the nacelle. The unit is adapted to be cooled by a cooling medium flowing in a cooling circuit from the unit to at least one heat exchanger. The at least one heat exchanger is located outside of the tower and/or nacelle and configured to be cooled by ambient air.

Abstract: A renewable portable stored energy generating apparatus is provided, comprising a fully contained and stand-alone container. The container includes one or more storage batteries for providing auxiliary electrical power when required, with one or more renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, connected to the storage batteries. A water filtration system is connected to an inlet of a pump, the pump being connected to the storage batteries. An outlet of the pump is connected to an inlet of one of a fresh and salt water filter, the water filter including an outlet that is connected to a water dispensing device. The water filtration system includes a conduit system adapted to deliver water to the pump inlet from alternate water sources, and a valve located in the conduit system. The valve is moveable between a plurality of positions to selectively deliver water to the pump from one of the alternate water sources.

Abstract: A natural thermo-carrier heat release system that provides open or closed temperature regulation on an object with temperature delta to receive the heat release based on the work principle of descending of a flow at lower temperature and ascending at higher temperature of a fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is converting any environmental heat into a useful form of energy, by utilizing kinetic energy of randomly moving particles, by use a mechanism which selectively block particles by their direction related said mechanism, for creating a force, or a pressure difference or a flow of particles, and etc, for example, in FIG.

Abstract: A wind power plant with a tower, a gondola carried by the latter so as to rotate about an axis and a rotor mounted in the gondola, the tower containing an evaporator and a vapor compressor mechanically driven by the rotor by a gear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel regasification method and system in which the evaporative coolant is forced through an evaporation and condensation cycle, allowing control of the evaporative coolant condensation pressure; thus yielding a more flexible and more compact regasification system than those of the prior art.

Abstract: Applicant's preferred embodiment utilizes municipal wastewater effluent to replenish a depleted geothermal field. Condensate produced by expanding steam produced in the geothermal field through a steam turbine-generator may be pooled with cooked water collected from said field, and then directed through a penstock from a higher elevation to a lower elevation where further energy is extracted through a traditional hydroelectric turbine-generator. The cooked water and condensate may be treated to produce potable water and/or distributed for public consumption either before or after being directed to the hydroelectric turbine-generator. The effluent is pumped up to the geothermal field during off-peak periods of electric consumption, and the hydroelectric generation is accomplished during periods of peak electric demand. A fraction of the effluent may be used as cooling water for the steam turbine-generator and its associated condenser before injection into the geothermal field.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator comprising a body (1) connected through an arm (5) with an activating member (15), the body (1) being arranged for rotation around a pivot (2) and connected to a first wire (9) and a second wire (10) of a shape memory alloy such as nitinol and to a biasing means such as a tension spring (6) such that heating and therefore shortening of the wire (10) rotates the body (1) counter-clockwise such that the tension spring (6) is in its cocked position while heating (shortening) of the wire (9) and cooling (lengthening) of the wire (10) to the position shown in 10a rotates the body (1) clockwise past a balance point for the tension spring (16) whereafter the body (1) rotates further clockwise under the influence of the tension spring (6), thereby exerting a relatively powerful actuation of the activating member (15), the whole cyclus being repeated by heating wire (10) causing it to shorten and rotate the body (1) counter-clockwise until the spring (6) is cocked again.

Abstract: A method for powering a vehicle comprises, in one embodiment, receiving infrared radiation emitted as heat from a roadway surface, and converting energy of the infrared radiation to a form of energy that is useful for providing power to the vehicle. In another embodiment, a method for powering a vehicle comprises: insulating a first region of a road's surface with a material that transmits visible light but blocks infrared radiation, while leaving a second region of the surface uninsulated; conducting heat from portions of the road beneath the first region, to the second region; receiving infrared radiation emitted as heat from the second region; and converting energy of the infrared radiation to a form of energy that is useful for providing power to the vehicle.

Abstract: A natural thermo-carrier heat release system that provides open or closed temperature regulation on an object with temperature delta to receive the heat release based on the work principle of descending of a flow at lower temperature and ascending at higher temperature of a fluid.

Abstract: The present invention features geothermal systems with improved control strategies for efficient operation of multiple geothermal wells. In many embodiments, each well in a geothermal system of the present invention is operated in cycles. Each cycle includes a heat exchange phase followed by a thermal recovery phase. During a heat exchange phase, the well is engaged in exchanging heat with a heat pump. During a thermal recovery phase, the well is kept inactive for establishing thermal equilibrium with the earth. On many occasions, the geothermal system simultaneously operates a group of wells in a heat exchange phase to serve the building HVAC load, while maintaining other wells inactive for thermal recovery. The switching between different operational stages is regulated for each well to improve the overall performance of the system while satisfying the building demand.

Abstract: Improvements to a process for moving icebergs from Antartica to arid destinations wherein the iceberg is thermally insulated on bottom and sides with kelp grown into mats, pushed with a subtug below sea level to direct its force vector throught the iceberg's center of gravity, stopped at a destination site by pawls extending from bedrock at the bottom of a channel which has multiple rolldams made of rollable round discs which can open the channel to allow passage of the iceberg and close the channel to contain melt water.

Abstract: An energy producing apparatus and method are provided to harness thermal energy from a down hole resource (such as oil or gas) on an offshore rig and to generate electrical power from the thermal energy. This may include a pipe to receive either the high temperature gas or oil and a power module coupled to the pipe to convert thermal energy from the received oil or gas to electrical power.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel engine technologies for power generation and work applications. The engines transform sunlight, heat, or cold, directly into mechanical force. The invention uses a focusing means to apply temperature differentials to a thermally reactive material retained in moveable housings. Said thermally reactive material is mounted in contact with a bearing element configured to apply directional force to said thermally reactive material surface as it changes shape in response to said applied temperature differentials.

Abstract: A method for optimally operating co-generation of electricity and heat in which the district heating power range is divided to a lower range and a higher range is characterized in that base load electricity and regulation electricity are produced with a steam turbine operating like a condensing turbine; the lower heating power range (B) is produced mainly by heat pumps using the energy of the exhaust steam of the turbine as an energy source; peak-load power and wintertime regulation electricity are produced with a peak-load engine; and the higher heating power range (A3, A4) is produced partially by heat pumps using said energy as the energy source and partially by the exhaust gas heat of said peak-load engine. Both the electricity and the heat are produced with a remarkably higher fuel utilization rate and significantly more electricity in relation to heat is produced than with conventional district heating power plants.

Abstract: Large volumes of energy in the forms of gaseous fuels, such as, liquefied natural gas, compressed natural gas, compressed air, or liquid fuels, such as, propane, butane, are stored within an abandoned railroad, highway or aqueduct tunnel or similar such structure, in one or more pressure vessels or cylinders which have been permanently installed within the previously abandoned tunnel structure. The stored energy may be directly delivered at high rates to meet any “peak” demand requirements, or may be delivered during times of normal demand based on market economics. The stored energy can also be utilized at the site to directly produce electricity for delivery to the end user.

Abstract: A piezoelectric power generating arrangement activated by elements caused to rotate by a natural energy source, includes a plurality of bristles; a plurality of piezoelectric elements in surrounding relation to and in contact with the bristles; a rotating device for providing rotation of the bristles relative to the piezoelectric elements such that the piezoelectric elements are activated to produce an output in response to engagement of the piezoelectric elements by the bristles during the rotation; and a solar activated bimetallic strip in a tube surrounded by vehicle tires, the bi-metallic strip expanding and contracting in response to solar radiation absorbed by the tires and tube and connected with a rack that meshes with a gear system that rotates the bristles.