Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system that compresses ionized gas is stored in at least one containment cell. The compressed ionized gas is transferred from the at least on containment cell to an expansion chamber in which a piston is situated; The piston moves based in part on a reaction between ionized gas in the expansion chamber and an electrical charge of a surface of a head of the piston. The movement of the piston drives a drive shaft. Movement of the drive shaft is converted to electrical energy.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: Pulsed plasma engine and method in which a noncombustible gas is introduced into an explosion chamber, the gas is ionized to form a plasma within the chamber, an electrical pulse is applied to the plasma to heat the plasma, the pulse is turned off to produce an explosive pressure pulse in the plasma, and the plasma is confined in the chamber by a magnetic field that directs the pressure pulse toward an output member which is driven by the pressure pulse.

Abstract: Pulsed plasma engine and method in which a noncombustible gas is introduced into an explosion chamber, the gas is ionized to form a plasma within the chamber, an electrical pulse is applied to the plasma to heat the plasma, the pulse is turned off to produce an explosive pressure pulse in the plasma, and the plasma is confined in the chamber by a magnetic field that directs the pressure pulse toward an output member which is driven by the pressure pulse.

Abstract: In various embodiments, foam is compressed to store energy and/or expanded to recover energy.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: In various embodiments, foam is compressed to store energy and/or expanded to recover energy.

Abstract: An internal expansion engine having a housing. Secured to the housing is a cylinder defining an expansion chamber. A piston is provided within the cylinder defining a wall of the expansion chamber. A charge of noble gas is provided within the expansion chamber. A magnetic field generator and radio frequency power generator is provided around the expansion chamber and an initiator system is located within the expansion chamber. The magnetic field generator, radio frequency power generator and initiator system coact to cause the noble gas to expand, pushing against the piston and generating work. The actions of the engine are monitored and controlled by an intelligent electronic control system that provides all switching needed to operate the engine and communicate with outside elements providing external control of information sources.

Abstract: A process for generating refrigeration, electricity or work utilizing a sorption system is disclosed. The sorption system includes a sorbent material and a fluid, in which the sorbent material and fluid in combination have a pressure index of at least 1.2.

Abstract: Method for production of mixed vapors at low temperatures. The thermal energy stored in the mixed vapors is intended to be converted to mechanical energy in a thermal power machine, in order to operate an electrical generator.

Abstract: An internal expansion engine having a housing. Secured to the housing is a cylinder defining an expansion chamber. A piston is provided within the cylinder defining a wall of the expansion chamber. A charge of noble gas is provided within the expansion chamber. A magnetic field generator and fadio frequency power generator is provided around the expansion chamber and an initiator system is located within the expansion chamber. The magnetic field generator, radio frequency power generator and initiator system coact to cause the noble gas to expand, pushing against the piston and generating work. The actions of the engine are monitored and controlled by an intelligent electronic control system that provides all switching needed to operate the engine and communicate with outside elements providing external control of information sources.

Abstract: A system for producing energy includes a solvent chamber, a pressure chamber and a semi-permeable barrier separating the solvent chamber from the pressure chamber. The solvent chamber for holds a solvent, and the pressure chamber hold a solute solution comprising a solute dissolved in a solvent. The semi-permeable barrier is permeable to solvent molecules and impermeable to solute molecules. Solvent molecules effuse across the semi-permeable barrier into the solute solution of the closed pressure chamber to increase the pressure of the pressure chamber, thereby generating energy in the form of hydrostatic pressure. A conversion device may convert the increased pressure in the pressure chamber to energy. The solute solution may be expelled and recycled after use.

Abstract: A selectively configurable beam and systems utilizing such are disclosed. The distribution of mass of the beam can be selectively adjusted or altered by adjusting one or more characteristics of the beam. Specific strategies utilizing continuous electro-wetting, and selective formation or movement of gases in liquid are disclosed. The selectively configurable beams are used in systems for harvesting vibrational energy from vibrating bodies.

Abstract: A housing of a multiway valve contains several inlets and outlets and a chamber containing several valve seats, each of which is allocated to one of the outlets. A closing device can be displaced between the valve seats. A cylinder contains a cylinder chamber having a fluid. A heating device is provided for heating the fluid and a plunger is provided that can be displaced in the cylinder by the pressure of the fluid. By its displacement, the plunger is able to dislodge the closing device from one of the valve seats.

Abstract: A high heat producing system which encapsulates a deflected rotating laser beam in a chamber and propagates it through a gaseous medium within the chamber. The heat energy of the deflected rotating laser beam agitates the molecules of the gaseous medium such that the temperature of the gaseous medium increases to at least about two thousand (2000° F.) degrees Fahrenheit, thereby increasing the temperature of the high heat producing device. In the preferred embodiment, the high heat producing device is in direct heat transfer with a working fluid in an expansion chamber for powering, for example, a turbine or the like.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device forming a mechanism, in particular for use in the space sector, characterised in that it comprises in combination: a material (300) with low melting point capable of producing a soldering joint, at least heating means (400), a structure having an architecture with a zone blocked by the low melting point material (300), capable of being released by liquefying the low melting point material, and means for forced rolling of the low melting point metal (300) in liquid state, after the heating means (400) have been activated, to produce a shock absorbing function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micro reactor arrangement, particularly for a micro relay. It comprises a substrate (1) with two thermomechanical micro actuators (3, 4). In response to thermal stimulation, the first micro actuator (3) performs a movement in parallel with the substrate surface (2), while the second micro actuator moves in a direction orthogonal on the substrate surface (2). Both thermomechanical micro actuators are so disposed relative to each other that the first micro actuator (3), in the extended state, reaches under the second micro actuator (4).

Abstract: A confined gaseous mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen is irradiated with a carbon dioxide laser which excites a significant portion of the gas to vibrational energy levels, thereby reducing the translational energy and therefore the temperature of the gas. The gas is adiabatically compressed, and then allowed to relax so that the temperature of the compressed gas increases. The high temperature, compressed gas is then expanded through a turbine or in a cylinder which drives an external device, such as vehicle propulsion apparatus or an electric generator, thereby to perform work. The process may occur in engines having one or more closed cylinders, or in turbocompressors.

Abstract: An engine cycle that is carried out in a reciprocating piston/cylinder engine consists of a working stroke in which exothermic decomposition of at least one liquid compound is caused to occur without combustion so as to produce a gaseous product of the decomposition that drives the piston along the cylinder in one direction and an exhaust stroke in which the products of the decomposition are exhausted from the cylinder upon return movement of the piston.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heterogeneous structure for energy accumulation-dissipation (10), the structure being constituted by a porous capillary solid matrix (11) of open capillary porosity and of controlled topology, with capillary passages (12) of varying section and/or mutually interconnected to form labyrinths, and by a liquid (13) surrounding the porous capillary matrix and defining a liquid/solid separation surface, with the matrix (11) being lyophobic relative to said liquid. The area of the separation surface then varies isothermally and reversibly as a function of the external pressure to which the heterogeneous structure (10) is subjected.

Abstract: A high heat producing system which transforms a alternating current or a pulsating direct current having a relatively low voltage such as one hundred and ten (110v) volts to a very high electric volt arc wherein the very high electric volt arc has a base temperature of, preferably, at least two thousand (2,000.degree. F.) degrees Fahrenheit. A very high electric volt arc is created and encapsulated in a chamber and is propagated through a fuel medium within such chamber to a rotating arc mobilizer. The heat energy of the very high electric volt arc increases the temperature of the fuel medium to further increase the temperature of the high heat producing system. In the preferred embodiment, the high heat producing system is in direct heat transfer with a working fluid in an expansion chamber for powering a turbine or the like.

Abstract: A microdevice in the form of a microactuator or micropump. A microdevice for providing reciprocating motion at a high repetition rate, including a cell having an output wall with at least a portion movable, such as a diaphragm or inlet and outlet valves. A charge of gas in the cell and a source for cyclicly and directly heating the gas to increase the gas pressure in the cell and move the diaphragm or control the valves, the source for heating including a pulsed source for generating transient gas pressure increases in the cell at cycle times of not more than about 50 microseconds, with the cell including an arrangement for cooling the gas for reducing the gas pressure in the cell. In one embodiment, the source for heating includes a source of photons and an arrangement for directing the photons into the cell to the gas or to the cell inner surface.

Abstract: Motor apparatus which converts hydraulic energy and change of state heat energy to mechanical energy. The motor includes a main chamber divided by a piston into first and second portions. During a first half cycle or hydraulic power stroke, a valve places the first portion of the chamber in fluid communication with a source of pressurized, saturated liquid and the second portion of the chamber in fluid communication with a drain port. A switch senses the end of the hydraulic power stroke and causes the valve to move to a second position wherein the first and second portions of the chamber are placed in fluid communication with one another to form a common motor chamber and drive the piston in an expansion power stroke. Power is derived from the working fluid during the piston stroke in each direction. The motor finds particular application for energy recovery in an absorption refrigeration system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the pumping of heat wherein a working fluid is alternately compressed and expanded in a machine, and which usually provides for heat removal after the compression. The working fluid is a gas-liquid mixture comprising usually a gas such as argon and a liquid such as light oil, with such fluid mixture circulating within the machine both during compression and expansion. Normal uses for this machine are home heating and other heating uses.

Abstract: Process and machine are disclosed for converting the internal energy of a fluid into mechanical energy capable of producing work, based on the use of the fluid having two alternative states, liquid and gaseous, at temperatures below and above, respectively, its critical temperature. In a first step the fluid is liquefied at a temperature and a pressure below the critical temperature and pressure thereof and is introduced into a chamber provided with means for transmitting movement and means for transmitting heat. In a second step the liquefied fluid is subjected to a rapid heating, whereby the critical temperature is exceeded, the pressure is considerably increased, and the fluid is converted to the gaseous state. In a third step the fluid is expanded in the interior of the chamber in spite of the resistance offered by the means for transmitting movement. In a fourth step there are provided means whereby the fluid recovers and returns to the initial conditions of the first step.

Abstract: A reciprocating solar engine includes at least one cylinder 3 which has an essentially transparent head 4 and a pistion 12 disposed in the cylinder 3. A gas-particle mixture 7, 8 is injected into the cylinder 3 between the piston 12 and the transparent head 4. Radiant solar flux is directed through the transparent head 4 so that the gas-particle mixture 7, 8 is heated and the piston 12 is pushed away from the transparent head 4. The engine further includes a device for allowing the radiant energy flux to be directed at the transparent head 4 during only a portion of the operating cycle of the engine.

Abstract: An inert gas fuel consisting essentially of a precise, homogeneous mixture of helium, neon, argon, krypton and xenon. Apparatus for preparing the fuel includes a mixing chamber, tubing to allow movement of each inert gas into and through the various stages of the apparatus, a plurality of electric coils for producing magnetic fields, an ion gauge, ionizers, cathode ray tubes, filters, a polarizer and a high frequency generator. An engine for extracting useful work from the fuel has at least two closed cylinders for fuel, each cylinder being defined by a head and a piston. A plurality of electrodes extend into each chamber, some containing low level radioactive material. The head has a generally concave depression facing a generally semi-toroidal depression in the surface of the piston. The piston is axially movable with respect to the head from a first position to a second position and back, which linear motion is converted to rotary motion by a crankshaft.

Abstract: A gas-operated motor adapted to be driven by gas evaporated from a reservoir of liquefied carbon dioxide or the like. In order to overcome the problems generally associated with such motors due to the cooling of the gas as it evaporates from the liquid state in the reservoir and expands in the working chamber(s) of the motor, a chamber holding a substance which undergoes a change of state to release heat to the gas in operation of the motor is included. More particularly this chamber is located to be in heat conductive relationship both with the working chamber(s) of the motor and with a tortuous passage through which gas is supplied to the working chamber(s) and wherein superheating of the gas prior to its introduction to the working chamber(s) takes place.

Abstract: In a process for recovering mechanical work in a heat engine there is used as a working medium in the heat engine a gas to which vapor is added having a H-value lower than the H-value of the gas, the gas being caused to absorb the condensation heat from the vapor by condensation of the vapor under essentially isothermal expansion. A heat engine for carrying out the process comprises; an isothermal compressor to which a liquid injection mechanism is connected; an isentropic compressor; an expansion machine to which a vapor generator is connected; and at least one additional expansion machine with liquid separator; said compressors and expansion machines being included in a closed circulation system for the gas serving as a working medium.

Abstract: An engine powered by the internal vaporization of a low boiling point liquid such as Freon which is changed into the gaseous state by a suitable heat source applied to the engine. The engine control system further includes a closed Freon well for condensation of the Freon gas after vaporization in the engine. The vaporization of the Freon within the engine is provided by heat collected by a solar furnace and passed from a oil heat jacket surrounding the engine piston acting as a heat source.

Abstract: A plasma focus electrode is described which utilizes a cylindrical hollow conductive anode having a concentric cylindrical insulator. This anode is used in conjunction with a lithium vortex cathode in the formation of a plasma focus for the liberation of neutrons from a plasma at the focus.

Abstract: A machine operable according to the gas discharge principle comprising a fixed housing having side walls and a casing surrounding peripherally the side walls, a rotary member arranged for rotation in the housing in an eccentric fashion, and having a plurality of projections, which during the rotation are in continuous sliding contact with the inner surface of the casing and slide along it, the rotary member during rotation forms a plurality of operating chambers having each a variable volume, further including an inner toothed wheel fixed on the rotary member and an outer toothed wheel fixed on the housing, a plurality of electrodes provided in the casing of the housing, an electrode provided in the rotary member, the electrodes in the casing and the electrodes in the rotary member being arranged lying opposite with respect to each other when the rotary member is mounted in the housing for rotation and the electrodes in the casing and the rotary member having a predetermined distance with respect to each othe

Abstract: A solar reactor engine is disclosed which includes a concrete or other suitable housing having a reactor chamber therein. In one embodiment, the reactor chamber is cylindrical. A solar intensifier, such as a parabolic reflector, is mounted on top of the reactor housing. The parabolic reflector collects and intensifies solar rays and guides them down through a solar sight glass, mounted on top of the housing, into the reactor chamber. The concentrated beam of light is directed onto a reflector cone within the reactor chamber which disperses solar rays throughout the chamber. Hydrogen and chlorine are conducted into the reactor chamber and react with controlled explosive violence when exposed to the solar rays. Oxygen is used as a control medium to regulate the energy given off by the reaction of the hydrogen and chlorine in the presence of solar energy. The heat and pressure thus formed are utilized to drive a turbine, the output of which is utilized to drive a suitable utilization device.

Abstract: A pollution-free thermodynamic engine system and method for converting thermal potential energy to useful mechanical energy employing an isothermal or quasi-isothermal primary working fluid thermodynamic expansion cycle. A relatively cold primary working fluid is conducted from a low temperature storage tank, through a plurality of engine stages each comprising a heat exchanger and an expansion engine operated on an isothermal of quasi-isothermal expansion cycle, and finally exhausted. A relatively warm secondary fluid is circulated through the engine stages to provide a heat input thereto. The engine stages are connected to the primary working fluid path in parallel to operate on a first isothermal expansion cycle; the engine stages are cascaded to operate on a second serial isothermal expansion cycle.

Abstract: A steam or vapor engine comprising a vapor generating apparatus, at least one cylinder with a piston working in the cylinder, and pipes and valves for supplying vapor from the vapor generating apparatus to a closed chamber, formed in the cylinder, and for discharging vapor from the cylinder chamber after a working stroke, and an apparatus for supplying an additive, which rapidly expands at the temperature of the vapor, to the cylinder chamber essentially simultaneously with the vapor.

Abstract: A highly efficient, pollution free thermodynamic engine employing a primary cold working fluid which is conducted in an open loop from a low temperature storage tank, through a succession of engine stages each comprising a constant volume heat exchanger and an expansion engine, and finally exhausted; and a secondary hot fluid which is circulated in a closed loop through successive engine stages and a secondary loop heat exchanger. A plurality of optional preliminary heat exchangers in the primary fluid loop initially heat the primary working fluid before entering the first engine stage to a temperature above the freezing temperature of the secondary fluid to eliminate freezing thereof. A secondary fluid heat exchanger enables transfer of heat between ambient tertiary fluid and the secondary fluid. Each engine stage employs a constant volume heat exchanger which provides an improved thermodynamic cycle with resulting high efficiency.

Abstract: Three operating chambers, each having an electric heating element therein and simultaneously operated solenoid inlet and outlet valves, are arranged to operate in sequence, each operating chamber having a power piston in communication therewith that engages the driving end of a separate fulcrumed power arm. The three power arms are arranged to jointly rotate a crank shaft through three crank arms, to produce power for operating generators and the like. At the start of an operating cycle for each operating chamber, it is filled with cold starting liquid from a refrigeration unit. The electric heater element is activated for a precise time period to heat and expand the liquid to operate the power piston, and thereafter the inlet and outlet valves are operated to drain the heated liquid and replace it with cold. A control circuit driven from the crankshaft operates the heater elements and the solenoid valves in a precise timed sequence, to ensure maximum efficiency and smooth power output.

Abstract: An engine is provided which will greatly reduce atmospheric pollution and noise by providing a sealed system engine power source which has no exhaust nor intake ports. The engine includes a spherical hollow pressure chamber which is provided with a reflecting mirror surface. A noble gas mixture within the chamber is energized by electrodes and work is derived from the expansion of the gas mixture against a piston.