Abstract: This is a method, and an apparatus for performing said method, wherein the latent energy in expansible fluids is utilized in a multi stage series of expanders, or energy extractors, wherein succeeding expanders or energy extractors derive energy from fluid emanating from a preceding expander from which some energy was previously derived; and, wherein, important features are: the ability to maximize the torque output from the combined units as necessary for special load conditions by bypassing the primary fluid around one expander and into a succeeding expander with the bypassed expander being immmobilized; and differential coupling of the mechanical output of the expanders for utilization of maximum output and efficiency under varying conditions of capacity of the expanders due to changes in fluid and load conditions.

Abstract: This is a method, and an apparatus for performing said method, wherein the latent energy in expansible fluids is converted to mechanical or electrical energy or the like by the utilization of a multiplicity of expanders wherein succeeding expanders derive energy from fluid emanating from a preceding expander from which energy was previously derived; and, wherein, a feature is the by-passing, as desired, of subsequent expansions so that maximum torque can be obtained when desired; and wherein, the mechanical outputs of the expanders are connected by differential energy distributing means so as to accommodate for changes in the relative capacities of the two expanders by reason of changes in conditions in such manner that the relative change of capacities are accommodated by relative changes in the speed of the mechanical output of the expanders.