Abstract: A substantially leak-free arrangement for isolating at least two fluid streams from each other and for conducting each fluid stream into a mixing zone is characterized in a first embodiment by a casing having substantially parallel upstream and downstream partitions, each partition being provided, for each fluid stream, with an orifice of a predetermined cross-section. Defined within the casing between the partitions is a valve chamber in which a valve plate, having a flow passage corresponding to each orifice in the partitions, is moveable from a first, closed, to a second, open, position. The valve plate in the first, closed, position prevents fluid communication between each of the orifices in the first partition and the corresponding orifices in the second partition.

Abstract: A thermal engine system is characterized by a cylinder having a suitable working fluid disposed therein and having a piston reciprocally movable in first and second directions within the cylinder, the piston dividing the cylinder into first and second pressurization regions. In one embodiment, a thermally responsive, expansible member is operatively connected directly at one free terminus thereof to the piston. In an alternate embodiment, the free terminus of the thermally responsive, expansible member is indirectly attached to one or more double-acting piston-cylinders through lever connections. The thermally responsive, expansible member is connected at the second end thereof to suitable means for maintaining the second end of the expansible member in a substantially stationary position.