Abstract: Apparatus for converting energy contained within a stream of gaseous refrigerant to mechanical work. A refrigerant motor utilizing a diaphragm dividing a chamber into an equalizing chamber and a driving chamber is utilized with appropriate valve means causing the refrigerant to flow into and out of the driving chamber. A rod connected to the diaphragm reciprocates to deliver work to the appropriate work piece. Both rocker arm and spool valve embodiments are shown for providing the appropriate valve arrangements.

Abstract: A refrigeration purging system for the removal of non-condensible gases such as air and condensible contaminants such as water is disclosed. A portion of the refrigerant in the refrigeration system is placed in a first purge chamber which condenses the refrigerant and condensible contaminants such as water leaving non-condensibles such as air and a small portion of the refrigerant at the top of the chamber. The non-condensibles and remaining refrigerant is extracted from the first chamber pumped to a higher pressure and passed to a second purged chamber wherein the remaining refrigerant is condensed and returned to the first purged chamber. The non-condensible gases remaining are released to the atmosphere. The condensible contaminants are extracted from the first purged chamber and the condensed refrigerant is returned to the refrigeration system.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for utilizing energy from a high temperature source such as a solar collector to both provide heat energy to a low temperature source such as a body of water and to accomplish mechanical work utilizing a refrigerant motor. The refrigerant motor may be coupled to a pump for circulating refrigerant within a closed loop system such that the apparatus and method requires no power source other than the high temperature source.