Abstract: A compact fuel conditioner assembly which performs fuel heating and pressure regulation functions in a circuit between a tank and a fuel injector. The assembly's body has two parallel bores arranged side by side. An electrically powered heater is disposed in one bore to heat fuel passing to the injector. The second bore is divided by a transverse wall which has a central hole. A thermal motor actuator is disposed in this second bore on one side of the transverse wall, and a spring-biased valve is disposed in the same bore on the opposite side of the transverse wall. The thermal motor actuator operates the spring-biased valve via a tubular element which passes through the hole in the transverse wall, and controls the recirculation of excess fuel returning from the injector.

Abstract: A heating system for improving the efficiency of a hot gas engine comprises a "heat pipe" type evaporator and condenser configuration forming a closed system for a condensing medium, such as sodium. The sodium is heated in the evaporator and vaporized. It flows through a conduit to the condenser where it condenses onto tubes which carry the hot working as for the engine, thereby heating the working gas. The condensed liquid sodium flows back through the conduit into the evaporator where it is again vaporized. This is a continuous cycle whereby a thermal power flow from the evaporator to the condenser is continuously induced by the heating of the sodium in the evaporator. The condenser comprises an outer cylindrical walled tube surrounding tubes which carry the hot working gas. These latter tubes are S-shaped and arranged in a bundle.