Abstract: For use in combination with a heat engine, a thermal energy transformer comprising a flux receiver having a first wall defining therein a radiation absorption cavity for converting solar flux to thermal energy characterized by a first wall defining a radiation absorption cavity having a solar flux entry aperture, and a second wall defining an energy transfer wall for the heat engine, and a heat pipe chamber interposed between the first and second walls having a working fluid disposed within the chamber and a wick lining the chamber for conducting the working fluid from the second wall to the first wall, whereby thermal energy is transferred from the radiation absorption cavity to the heat engine.

Abstract: An electro-optical wheel alignment system for vehicles includes a coaxially disposed radiant energy source and detector in which the source and detector are axially spaced apart and the source is physically small and provides a modulated output. The source and detector are adjustably disposed on the component of an automobile to be positioned in a predetermined attitude with respect to a reference device that is, in turn, positioned in a predetermined attitude with respect to the vehicle, such device comprising a radiant energy reflecting planar surface.