Abstract: Coupling a solar array to a device with fluctuating power requirements through a mechanical energy accumulator to smooth power demand.

Abstract: An improved power plant incorporating a gas turbine and a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generating means is provided wherein a plurality of coolant conducting fins are disposed in the diffuser region of the duct between the MHD generator and the turbine. The cooling fins are provided with means to supply compressed coolant to the diffuser duct for mixing with the combustion gases to provide optimum gas pressure, temperature and velocity for driving the turbine.

Abstract: A fast rotating ferrite ring engine that is started by an external starting motor generates a medium mechanical power continuously. The rotating ferrite ring engine body is composed of thin circular ferrite rings affixed to a nonmagnetic plate connected to external devices necessary for the inventive operations, a heat portion, a magnetic field generator both of which are located in the same place where the rings are passing through, and a cooling portion through which the ferrite rings also are passing and restoring cyclically the heated portion of the rings to the cool state that is magnetizable.After starting by an external starter motor, the ferrite ring engine is controlled at a constant peripheral velocity V.sub.O by the countertorque of an externally connected electric power generator.In this state, the magnetic energy which enters into the heat portion is made to V.sub.O .multidot.HB.sub.S .multidot.S.multidot.(1/8.pi.).multidot.10.sup.

Abstract: A low axial stiffnesss thrust bearing is disclosed. The thrust bearing includes a housing having a generally cylindrical space formed therein and a generally cylindrical thrust collar located coaxially within the space. The axial length of the cylindrical space is sufficiently greater than the axial length of the thrust collar to permit the thrust collar to move axially within the cylindrical space over a predetermined distance and to insure that first and second fluid chambers are formed on opposite sides of the thrust collar when the thrust collar is located centrally within the cylindrical space. A fluid circuit supplies fluid under pressure to the first and second chambers in such a manner that the fluid attempts to maintain the thrust collar at a predetermined axial location within the space even when external thrust forces are placed on the thrust collar.

Abstract: A plurality of cylindrical rollers are embedded in a roadway over which wheeled vehicles move such that the vehicle wheels rotate the contacted rollers. A shaft transverse to the roadway supports the rollers and turns with them to transfer power from vehicle contact to an electrical generating apparatus. Power accumulating apparatus, such as a water or hydraulic fluid reservoir, may intervene between the shaft and the generator to smooth the power flow when vehicle travel is intermittent. Alternate apparatus may directly link the shaft to an electrical generator which may, in turn, charge batteries or pump water upwardly to accumulate power for response to later demand. The rollers may be housed in a metal or concrete trough and cross one or more lanes of traffic to a median power collector such as a spider and bevel gear arrangement that is capable of receiving rotating motion from four right angle directions at once.

Abstract: A power absorbing device according to the present invention is a device for absorbing the mechanical energy of reciprocating motion of pistons of a reciprocating adiabatic expansion engine, comprising a cylindrical cam having a hollow space therein and converting the reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotatory motion, a speed-increasing gear disposed in the hollow space to increase the speed of the rotary motion and having an output shaft to rotate at an increased speed, and an electric generator including a rotor mounted on the output shaft to rotate and an electric generating section operating jointly with the rotor to supply an external load with electric power.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved device for capturing and converting energy expended by pedestrian or vehicular traffic. In one embodiment, the device comprises a tread plate (34) having an elongated generally channel formed member having a top web with downwardly extending side walls (36) with inwardly directed flanges (40) which mates with a base member (54) having a channel formed member defining a base web with upstanding side walls (52) of a common height which terminate at outwardly directed flanges, (56) the tread plate in mating telescopic engagement with the base enabling relative vertical movement of the tread plate. The base web includes a plurality of supports (70) stamped therefrom, each of the supports having an aperture therein, all of the apertures in axially alignment. A rocker arm shaft (80) is rotatably mounted to each of the supports and carries a plurality of rocker arms (201) mounted by one way clutches (100).

Abstract: A stability control system for a free piston Stirling engine/alternator power unit whose engine power is an exponential function on the engine piston stroke and whose alternator power demand is also an exponential function of the piston stroke, and wherein the engine exponent is normally equal to or greater than the alternator exponent, includes a connection through a rectifier between the alternator output terminals and the alternator field windings. This increases the alternator exponent above the engine exponent to make the system stable. The large time constant of the field winding inductance, which would tend to slow the response time during transients, can be avoided by adding a suitable resistance in series with the field winding.

Abstract: A generator characterized by a circular track attached to the relieved circumferential surface of a wheel, a carriage coupled to the track by rotary bearings, a generator supported by the carriage, and a clutch wheel coupling an armature of the generator to the track. The track, which preferably has a T shaped cross section, has a driving surface which causes the clutch wheel to rotate when there is relative motion between the track and the carriage and/or between the carriage and the air within the tire.

Abstract: In a flapper nozzle actuator system a radial outward flow turbine like flapper is used as the flapper. The angular velocity of the turboflapper is used to lift the turboflapper off a backplate towards a nozzle. The amount of lift off the backplate and hence nozzle outlet area is a function of the angular velocity of the turboflapper. An adjustable opposing torque on the turboflapper controls the angular velocity of the turboflapper and thus controls the flow rate.

Abstract: A self-contained system embodying the principles of the radiometer, the otheoscope, and the dynamoelectric machine is provided to derive an output of electrical energy from an input of radiant energy, and in particular infra-red energy, from the surrounding environment, and for amplifying that output. The system is suitable for airborne and space as well as terrestrial applications.

Abstract: An apparatus is described which pressurizes fluid and causes it to flow by capturing energy dissipated by moving vehicles. The apparatus is a network of collapsible bodies containing a working fluid which is attached to a turbine generator system. The bodies are resilient tubes, preferably three part structures made of elastic, inner tubes with projections and outer sections of semirigid hose. The network may be overlayed with a flexible sheet which distributes the weight and motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: Both a method and an apparatus for generating electrical energy from the rotation of a wheel are disclosed. The apparatus is disposed within a pneumatic tire of a non-magnetic wheel and includes a non-magnetic support track circumferentially attached around the wheel, at least one coil positioned along the track, a magnet slidably engaging the track, and an actuator attached to the magnet for developing a drag upon the magnet to cause relative motion between the magnet and coil as the wheel is rotated.

Abstract: A medium-power, free-piston electric current generator is disclosed in which the piston is slidable in a vertical cylinder open at its top end, with a combustion chamber at its lower end. Induction coils are provided along the length of the cylinder. The piston is formed at least in part of magnetic material and the piston return is effected by the force of gravity. Valves for exhausting combustion gases are provided in the lower part of the cylinder and the opening and closing of the valves is synchronized with the movement of the piston. The cylinder and piston are cooled appropriately. The generator may employ gasoline, heating oil, a gas fuel or explosive substance.

Abstract: A power plant and process for converting gas expanding and contracting energy sources into useful forms of energy and utilizing gravitational force, wherein a piston containing a magnet and able to fall within an enclosed cylinder, having a non-magnetically-responsive center portion surrounded by an induction coil is repeatedly impelled upwards thereby inducing an alternating electric current in the coil. In the first alternate embodiment, concentrated solar energy is directed onto a liquid in the bottom of the cylinder to provide an expanding gas beneath the piston. As the piston moves upwards within the cylinder, compressed air is pumped into a reservoir, after which it is available to serve as a source of stored energy.

Abstract: A strong air suction is created by installing an air tube on the top of the discharge side of a large siphoning tube over a dam to drive air turbines for electricity generation. To facilitate the discharge of air bubbles, the intake air thru the air tube is manipulated thru a plate with numerous small holes located at the air exit to the water discharge tube and thru small tubes in the water discharge tube so that the air is discharged as small bubbles.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic device is provided which includes a fluid holding and U-shaped conduit having a first leg and a second leg, an electrical generating device positioned between and in flow communication with the first and second legs and being motivated by passage of the fluid therethrough, and injection means for injecting a substance of substantially less density relative to the normal density of the fluid within the second leg and at a location spaced below the top end of the first leg. The second leg diverges substantially where the low density substance is injected thereinto so as to accommodate expansion of the fluid occasioned by injection of the low density substance thereinto.

Abstract: A power generating system for supplying electrical power to an external electrical power demand load including a vertically oriented centerbody adapted to adsorb radiant solar energy; an annular enclosure around the centerbody defining a vertically extending air passage between the centerbody and the enclosure capable of transmitting radiant solar energy therethrough toward the centerbody; mirror means for directing solar radiant energy through the enclosure onto the centerbody to heat it so that the air in the air passage is heated to induce an airflow through the passage; a rotor rotatably mounted at the lower end of the air passage with a plurality of vanes operatively associated with the air passing into the lower end of the air passage to cause the rotor to rotate; electrical power generating means operatively connected to the rotor so that rotation of the rotor causes the generating means to generate electrical power for the external electrical power demand load; and fuel synthesis means selectively con

Abstract: A closed-loop process is disclosed for managing electrical energy in displaced time and space by utilizing aluminum in an oxidation-reduction cycle. Metallic aluminum, in a substantially pure electrolytic form, is burned to provide substantial quantities of heat for use by any of a wide variety of heat engines to in turn generate electrical energy. For example, the heat of combustion from the aluminum may drive a turbine to generate electrical energy. In addition to heat, combustion of the aluminum produces aluminum oxides which as disclosed herein (at a convenient time and place) receive energy for reduction back into the metallic form of aluminum. The chloride-reduction process is disclosed. The metallic aluminum is thus again in an effective form for storage and movement of energy pursuant to combustion and another cycle.

Abstract: A solar energy system is disclosed in which the solar energy is converted to electrical energy for immediate use or the energy may be stored for use at a later date. The solar energy is converted to electrical energy by a large photo-voltaic array and the output of the photo-voltaic array is fed through an inverter and other control circuitry to produce an a.c. electrical output of a predetermined magnitude. The a.c. electrical output may be used directly or the electrical energy may be fed to a storage system for later use. In one embodiment the a.c. electrical energy is employed to drive a pneumatic pump or air compressor for storing the energy in the form of a compressed gas, either in a rigid tank or in a resiliently expandable tank. The compressed air from the tank is released through a control valve and is fed through a pneumatic motor. The pneumatic motor drives an electric generator for producing an a.c. electrical output at the desired times.

Abstract: A hydraulic process and apparatus recover energy generated by the testing of a motor in the form of electrical energy. The process includes utilizing a hydraulic pump and an asynchronous electric generator and coupling the shaft of the motor being tested to the hydraulic pump, feeding a plurality of hydraulic motors by the pump in accordance with the feed from the hydraulic pump and coupling the hydraulic motors to the asynchronous generator so that the motors will be capable of operating both as pumps and motors. The device for recovering energy includes a hydraulic volumetric pump, an asynchronous electric generator, and a pressurized oil reservoir connected to the hydraulic pump. The motor being tested is attached to the pump. A plurality of hydraulic motors are connected in parallel with the hydraulic pump and in series with the asynchronous electric generator so that the motors can act both as pumps by feeding themselves and as motors to furnish energy to the asynchronous generator.

Abstract: The invention concerns a thermo-electric power station, supplied by a geothermal heat source, involving the use of at least two fluids. The first fluid (water) makes it possible to transfer the geothermal energy from the subsoil to the power station. The fluid is pumped into the subsoil through a downcast shaft (29, 33) and returns, after being heated to a pre-established temperature, via an outlet shaft (28, 32). The second fluid is carbon dioxide, which, through direct contact with the first fluid, absorbs the latter's thermal energy and transforms it into mechanical energy via successive machines (7, 8, 9). A possible third fluid (ammonia) produces, in an absorption refrigerator plant (2), the refrigeration necessary for lowering the temperature and, therefore, the pressure of the second fluid when it leaves the last machine (9), thus making possible the pre-established optimal pressure stage.

Abstract: Solar radiation is concentrated by a parabolic reflector having a solar tracking system associated therewith, onto a heat absorbing conduit circulating a heat exchange medium through a steam generator having a burner as an auxiliary source of heat. The steam generator operates a turbine driven electrical generator. The electrical energy output of the generator in excess of load demand, is converted into and stored as chemical energy from which fuel for the burner is derived. The solar tracking system has two moveable signal generating cell means: the first generates a signal in response to solar energy in any position, the second generates a signal controlling a servomotor for tracking.

Abstract: Thermodynamic unit comprised of a pair of vessels which alternately raise and lower pressure in thermodynamic fluid is connected in a closed system to an engine, which utilizes the fluid in its gas phase, with the vessel raising pressure having a gas outlet connected to the engine and with exhaust therefrom being connected to the vessel lowering the fluid pressure. The vessels are alternately heated and cooled so that each alternately acts as a fluid pressure raising and lowering vessel, and each operates at the function opposite from the other vessel. Heat for the pressure raising vessel is any conventional terrestrially available heat source such as nuclear, geothermal, waste heat, electrical, solar, fossil fuel, and the like. The pressure lowering vessel delivers its heat to any conventional terrestrial sink. The gas engine is preferably a turbine, but may be another conventional gas-expanding engine.

Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic generator (30) is fired with a clean, medium BTU combustible gas produced in an oxygen atmosphere. The combustible gas is generated in an oxygen blown coal gasifier (10) and cleaned of sulfur compounds, nitrogen compounds, and particulate matter before being delivered to the burner (32) of the MHD generator (30). An air separation plant (70) is provided to supply oxygen to both the MHD burner (32) and the coal gasifier (10). Nitrogen from the air separation plant (70) is preheated and utilized to dry the coal supplied to the gasifier (10). A vapor generator (40) is disposed downstream of the MHD generator (30) to receive and cool the hot gases exiting therefrom thereby generating steam.

Abstract: A power plant and process for converting gas expanding and contracting energy sources into useful forms of energy and utilizing gravitational force, wherein a piston containing a magnet and able to free fall within an enclosed cylinder, having a non-magnetically-responsive center portion surrounded by an induction coil is repeatedly impelled upwards thereby inducing an alternating electric current in the coil. In the preferred embodiment, a mixture of fuel and air is ignited beneath the piston and compressed air is pumped into a reservoir in response to the piston's upwards motion. The reservoir of compressed air is then used to assist in expelling contaminated gases to increase the pressure of the air and gas mixture, and to serve as an additional source of stored energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator which comprises a plurality of reciprocating motion type expansion engines, a converter mechanism, a speed-up mechanism, and a energy converting mechanism. The engines and the three mechanisms are assembled solidly so that they are successively direct-coupled in a main direction substantially parallel to a direction in which pistons of the engines reciprocate. The converter mechanism converts reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotation by means of a cylindrical cam with an output shaft extending along the main direction, the speed-up mechanism increases the rotation speed of the cylindrical cam and rotates the output shaft at high speed, and the energy converting mechanism includes a generator section having a rotor direct-coupled to the output shaft, electric power generated at the generator section being consumed by an electric load located in a suitable position when the rotor is rotated at high speed.

Abstract: A power generating apparatus, in which air is discharged into a lower portion of a rotatable, underwater wheel or the like, so as to provide buoyancy, in order to rotate the wheel and drive an electric generator; the apparatus including, in one design thereof, an endless bucket-line around a periphery of an upper and lower rotatable wheel, the buckets at a lower end of the line being turned into inverted position where an air nozzle, directed under the buckets, fills them with air, so as to cause the buckets to lift.

Abstract: A binary vapor cycle method of electrical power generation is disclosed wherein two refrigerant fluids can be used to operate an apparatus for the generation of mechanical power as well as electrical power generation. This method, which is essentially a dual heat pump system, offers an approach to utilizing the advantages of two different refrigerants within a single apparatus. This advantage is particularly advantageous in the ulitization of low specific energy sources, such as two water sources which exist in close proximity to each other, but at different temperatures. Thus, water, which itself is a heat pump fluid, can be used as a means of transmitting heat energy to a second heat pump fluid, or refrigerant, without incurring the disadvantages of water, or water vapors, as a means to produce power, because of its high specific volume and low saturation pressures at low temperatures.

Abstract: A system for generation of electricity which comprises warming an intermediate heat exchange medium, cooled and liquefied as the result of having been used for warming LNG to vaporize, with water or sea water to vaporize, introducing the vaporized intermediate heat medium into a turbine equipped with an electric power generator for driving and using again the intermediate heat medium discharged from the turbine for warming LNG to vaporize while the intermediate heat medium discharged from the turbine is contacted with the condensed liquid of the intermediate heat medium with intervention of a packing material.

Abstract: Energy producing apparatus comprising an imbalance wheel mounted for energy producing rotation about a substantially horizontal axis, and which is substantially in rotational balance and defines at least two peripherally located and substantially equally circumferentially distributed electrochemical cell zones for conversion of liquid to gas, each zone having operatively opposed cathode and anode devices and operatively disposed imbalance imparting captive gas collection spaces for collecting corresponding conversion gas therein, plus a liquid feed system for feeding liquid to the zones, electrical conductor devices arranged for selectively providing a circuit of current from a source to the corresponding cathode and anode devices of each successive zone when at a selective imbalance imparting lower location in the lower half wheel portion, and a gas delivery system arranged for delivering conversion gas from the corresponding collection space of each successive zone when at the substantially uppermost locati

Abstract: A ship lock system having a ship lock interconnecting two bodies of water at different water levels. The system includes one or more underground hydroelectric pumped-storage units connected by one or more penstocks with the ship lock which serves as the upper reservoir to the pumped-storage units so that water can be drained from the ship lock through the penstocks to drive one or more reversible pump-turbines of the pumped-storage units which generates electrical energy, particularly during high demand hours for electrical energy. A lower reservoir adjacent to the pump-turbines is used to store the water which drives the turbines. The lowering of the water in the ship lock permits ships which entered the lock at the upper water level to leave the lock at the lower water level. By a pumping action, the pump-turbines can pump the water from the reservoir upward into the ship lock through the penstocks, particularly during periods of low power demand.

Abstract: A turbine generator or motorized compressor wherein the blades of the turbine or compressor serve as armature conductors for a DC homopolar machine having a single stator which serves as a housing for the turbine or compressor and houses a field coil.

Abstract: A dynamic, self sustaining and self perpetuating, device for the production of motive force by combining cryogenic and thermodynamic principles into one system, keeping the systems separated, two open to atmosphere, the other closed, sealed, pressurized and utilizing special compounded fluids, which when alternately exposed to the heat of atmospheric temperature, then, to the coldness of a liquid or an air cooled condensor, first evaporates, then condenses. Rapid expansion during evaporation produces a high pressure vapor which operates an engine and a generator, which are an integral part of the closed system. Rapid condensation drastically reduces back pressure on the aft side of the engine, and the engine operates on the difference between the two pressures, producing electricity, or, the engine can be used as a direct drive for vehicles or equipment. Built in safeguards and alternatives are a part of the systems, assuring continuance of operation despite adverse conditions.

Abstract: A well water retrieval system for deep shaft wells including an electrical generator of limited generating capacity of the type that operates upon input of naturally occurring energy in wave or kinetic form as, for example, a photovoltaic generator. The system includes a plurality of electrically operated pumps each having an electrical energy demand not in excess of the generating capacity of the generator and a plurality of water reservoirs each sized to be disposed in a well shaft, there being a reservoir for most of the pumps. A conduit system supports the pumps and the reservoirs in a well shaft with the pumps and reservoirs stacked substantially vertically with the outlet of each pump connected to a reservoir higher in the stack and the inlet of each pump connected to an adjacent reservoir.

Abstract: A power generation system and method of operation for generating electricity by utilizing temperature differences inherently present in the ocean between water near the surface and water from the ocean's depths. A pump provides relatively warm, surface ocean water to a flash evaporator where a portion of the water is flashed into steam. The steam is expanded through a subatmospheric pressure range turbine which exhausts into a condensing enclosure. The steam exhausting into the enclosure is condensed by relatively cold ocean water pumped thereinto. The turbine drives a generator and thus produces the electricity. The turbine speed and generator output are controlled by selectively introducing atmospheric air and relatively warm water into the exhausted motive steam flow. Such selective introduction into the exhausted steam flow of air and/or relatively warm water increases the absolute pressure at the turbine's exhaust end and thus reduces steam flow through the turbine.

Abstract: An improved turbo-generator unit for a sea power plant having a wall separating the sea from a space at atmospheric pressure has the turbine submerged in the sea on one side of the wall, the generator in the atmospheric space and a common shaft sealingly extending through the wall. The turbine motive fluid is a halocarbon vapor while the generator is cooled with a halocarbon refrigerant having a closed circuit which includes a fluid-tight generator housing.

Abstract: A liquid powered, closed loop power generating system which generates power substantially as a result of the flow of a pressurized liquid through its power generating means is disclosed. The liquid flows through the power generating means and into a dissolving means wherein it dissolves a pressurized gas to form a solution, thereby reducing the pressures of both gas and liquid. The solution is separated into gas and liquid whereby both are repressurized. The liquid then flows back to the power-generating means and the gas flows back to the dissolving means, whereby both materials are recycled. A process for generating power is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power supply generator system including a fuel cell, an impulse turbine, an electrolyzer and a regulator battery which serve to supply each other and a consumer with energy. The fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity and water. The fuel cell is located at a distance above the impulse turbine and the water from the fuel cell falls to activate the turbine which produces energy. The water then flows to the electrolyzer to be separated into hydrogen and oxygen for fuel cell use.

Abstract: An energy conversion system utilizing gravity flow of water from a high elevation to sea level utilizing gravity to provide large pressure gradients in pipe lines as large quantities of water move from a high elevation at low pressure to low elevations at high pressure and then move under controlled conditions to low atmosphere pressure to operate electrical generators to generate large amounts of electrical current which can be effectively used for electrolysis separation of large volumes of hydrogen gas and oxygen from water and for other purposes.

Abstract: An electro-pneumatic dynamo includes a rotary engine having an engine casing, two rotors rotatably mounted within the casing having intermeshing blades and fluid medium inlet means for injecting a fluid medium between two intermeshing teeth of said rotors. The engine casing and blades are made of a non-magnetic material. The dynamo also includes a generator device composed of a plurality of magnetic rods, each of which is mounted in one of the teeth of the blades and a plurality of magnetic circuit elements mounted on the casing for cooperation with the rods. The circuit elements include a coil and a generally U-shaped magnetic bar having a base on which the coil is mounted and two ends between which the rods of one of the rotors passes upon rotation of the rotors so as to induce a flow of magnetic flux through the bar and thereby inducing an emf or current flow in the coil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for converting the potential energy stored in an upper reservoir of water into electrical energy, whereby, during periods of high energy demand, water is introduced from the upper reservoir into an underground salt dome by way of an underground shaft which connects the upper reservoir with the underground salt dome. Hydroelectric generators which are located along the shaft convert the kinetic energy of the falling water into electrical energy to meet periodic high energy demands. The water empties into the underground salt dome and dissolves a cavity in the same to produce a large underground reservoir. During periods of electrical energy surplus, electric pumps are utilized to pump the water back to the surface so that the process may be repeated.

Abstract: An energy conversion apparatus is disclosed adapted to convert any type of rotatable mechanical energy into electrical energy in an efficient manner which includes a plurality of generators positioned upon a rotating wheel of arms wherein the wheel is secured to a rotating drive shaft. Cylinders such as drums are axially oriented around the drive shaft and are caused to rotate in an opposite direction therefrom by a reversing gear system driven by the drive shaft. These cylinders include grooves therein which are adapted to receive a drive belt which extends outward along the individual arms to a pulley located on the rotor shaft of each generator.

Abstract: Solar energy is utilized to convert water into steam for use in driving a turbine which, in turn, is used to generate electricity. At the same time air in a solar panel is utilized to drive another turbine which in turn generates electricity. The water recovered by condensation of the steam is permitted to drop from the elevation at which it is accumulated and that water is used to drive another turbine which in turn generates further electricity.

Abstract: An internal combustion reciprocating engine is operable as a compressor during slack demand periods utilizing excess power from a power grid to charge air into an air storage reservoir and as an expander during peak demand periods to feed power into the power grid utilizing air obtained from the air storage reservoir together with combustible fuel. Preferably the internal combustion reciprocating engine is operated at high pressure and a low pressure turbine and compressor are also employed for air compression and power generation.

Abstract: A mover is provided having a housing and an element movable in the housing. Container means accommodates the gas which is heated under the action of a surrounding medium. The thus-heated gas is fed into the housing of the mover from the container means and expands in the housing so as to move the movable element. At the same time, the expanded gas is cooled and partially condensed. Then, a new portion of the gas is supplied into an opposite part of the housing and moves the movable element in an opposite direction. Thus, the gas, cooled and partially condensed in the previous step, is expelled from the housing of the mover and travels back into the container means wherein it is again heated under the action of the surrounding medium.

Abstract: Electric power is provided during periods of peak demand, employing a turbine generator facility activated by the expansion of compressed air, withdrawn from an underground air storage reservoir, in a substantially isothermal system. A generator system, which may comprise a steam boiler or a fuel gasifier, is employed for isothermal compression of air into reservoir storage during periods of low power demand.

Abstract: This invention consists of a system and apparatus for converting solar heat to electrical energy by accumulating normally non-heated air under a transparent roof which covers a vast area of sand, gravel, or rock covered ground. The accumulated air is sucked into a very high tower of large diameter which is centrally located on said roof, by the existing air pressure differential. A central pedestal located within the tower, at its base, supports an electrical generator which is powered by an impeller which is activated by the air rising in the tower. A pair of truncated cones joined at their truncated openings provide a reduced area within which the impeller is located in order to increase the air velocity at this point, and the air entering the impeller is previously caused to assure a rotary motion by angular air entrances in an enclosure around said pedestal.

Abstract: A power plant for generating electrical power comprises opposed piston assemblies each at the end of a rack and pinion mechanism conformed to pass through a linear inductor. Thus on each piston firing stroke the linear translation of the rack is used to produce electrical power. This is achieved by an interdigitated magnetic structure attached to each rack. In this manner a linear inductor is utilized to take benefit of each stroke in the course of generating electricity. Each pair of opposed pistons includes its own throttle control system, thus allowing for convenient balancing of the total power. The throttle control system operates a mixture mechanism which combines combustion air with fuel and water to form a charge which is injected into the firing chamber.

Abstract: A method of converting inertial mechanical energy into a high energy direct current electrical pulse of short time duration is disclosed. Apparatus for practicing the method is described. According to the invention, a rotating mass is provided together with electrical conductor means for producing a localized magnetic field at the surface of the mass. A localized magnetic flux compression means is also provided at the surface of the mass and either the electrical conductor means or the flux compression means is rotated with the mass to produce periodic compression of the flux of the localized magnetic field in response to the rotation of the mass. A load is connected across the electrical conductor during such flux compression which converts a major portion of the inertial energy of the rotary mass into an exponentially rising pulse of direct current through the load with a very rapid decay.