Abstract: A gas pressure reduction apparatus has a high pressure inlet port and low pressure outlet port. A spring-biased piston is operatively interposed between the inlet and outlet ports. The apparatus includes a metal part with a high pressure passage communicating the inlet port with the piston. The high pressure passage has a portion with a relatively constricted flow area, whereby compression of gas flowing through the passage yields heat of compression that heats the metal part. The apparatus further includes a plastic part configured to engage and support the metal part in an operative position in which the inlet port communicates with an outlet port on a pressure vessel outlet valve.

Abstract: A piston type expander/prime mover utilizes a plurality of pairs of cylinders mounted on a rotatable cylinder support. Each cylinder has an open end and a closed end and each pair of cylinders has their open ends disposed in spaced, opposed relationship. A pair of pistons respectively cooperate with the pair of cylinders, and each piston has a connecting rod pivotally secured thereto and projecting through the open end of the respective cylinder. The two ends of the connecting rods are in turn pivotally connected to a lever arm which is secured to the movable element of a first unidirectional (over-running) clutch which has its stationary element secured to a stationary shaft. A first load transmitting element is secured to the rotatable element of the unidirectional (over-running) clutch. Valving is provided in the closed end of each cylinder to permit a charge of pressured gas to be introduced into such closed end as the respective piston approaches such closed end.