Abstract: A molded plastic base has longitudinally extended channels, with the channel walls being relieved at laterally spaced locations to define closely spaced posts which support a transparent cover. A flat metal heat absorbing plate is provided just below the cover, and has holes for loosely receiving the posts. A corrugated plate is welded to the underside of the heat absorbing plate to define fluid passageways, which passageways are located in the channels of the base. The plate assembly is supported at one end of the base by inlet and outlet pipes for circulation fluid to be heated, and at the opposite end the plate assembly is supported by a gas adsorbing device which operates from the expansion and contraction of the plate assembly in order to preserve the vacuum in the area surrounding the heat absorbing plate.

Abstract: A rotary engine has an annular stator and an externally rotating rotor, as well as an internally counter-rotating hollow shaft. Compression and expansion chambers are defined at the boundaries between the stator and said rotor and shaft respectively. Triangular valves are provided in circumaxially spaced openings in the stator so as to selectively place the compression and expansion chambers in communication with one another. Each such valve is pivotally mounted adjacent one of its apexes, and has inner and outer sealing surfaces defined adjacent its other two apexes respectively. The outer sealing surface engages the rotor to define the expansion chamber, whereas the inner sealing surface engages the hollow shaft to define the compression chamber. A hollow post pivotally supports each valve and provides fluid for lubrication and cooling to the interior of the valve.