Abstract: An electron current generator is disclosed which includes a non-electrical heat source, a heat pipe having its first end in thermal relationship with the heat source, and a second end projecting upwardly therefrom and constituting a thermionic emitter enclosed within a chamber containing an alkali metal vapor at a substantially reduced atmospheric pressure. A substantial portion of the chamber wall constitutes a thermionic collector which is cooled by an appropriate cooling means to enhance current generation. A body of liquid metal is disposed between the heat source and heat pipe as a thermal stabilizing agent while a solid state diode is arranged in a forward bias situation in the electrical output of the generator to stabilize the voltage thereby forming a constant voltage current generator.

Abstract: A radiation-to-electrical energy converter in which transmission of radiation from a radiation source is controlled by radiation gates to alternate the build up of positive potential on a pair of radiant energy absorbers and in which the positive potentials on the absorbers are employed to produce an alternating current. The radiation gates are liquid crystals which are specially constructed to pass radiation when in an un-energized state.

Abstract: A hot fluid is directed through a valved conduit inlet. Downstream of the inlet, the conduit divides into a pair of outlets through which the hot fluid flows. The flow through the outlets is controlled by a pair of vertically oriented valves linked together by a V-shaped linkage and weight biased toward the closed position such that when one valve is open the other is closed, and vice versa. The valve actuation means comprises a permanent magnet mounted on the housing in close proximity to each valve; each valve has mounted thereon and exposed to the hot fluid a magnetic material. Thus, when the magnetic material on the open valve is heated above its Curie temperature, the material loses its attraction for the permanent magnet and the weight bias closes that valve and simultaneously moves the other valve close enough to the permanent magnet to be held open thereby. When that valve's magnetic material is heated above the Curie temperature it in turn closes and the other valve opens.