Abstract: A compressed gas engine is adapted for pumping ground water. The engine is powered by a low temperature heat source provided with a hydridable metal and hydrogen arranged operatively in a sealed loop to drive a piston. The piston is coupled magnetically to a pump piston for conjoined motion therewith. The engine is cooled by means of pumped water. A rack and pinion arrangement rides one of the pistons for electric generation.

Abstract: A thermally reversible heat exchange unit comprising an elongated outer jacket, at least one interior heat transfer surface and heat exchange fluid flowing therebetween in plug fashion.

Abstract: A thermally reversible heat exchange unit and method of use comprising an elongated outer jacket, at least one interior heat transfer surface and heat exchange fluid flowing therebetween in plug fashion.

Abstract: A hydrogen compressor (10) having a hydride (26) suspended in a matrix (28). A cooling jacket (12) circumscribes the compressor (10) and a heater (22) is inserted within the compressor (10). A spring filter (30) is inserted within the compressor (10). A plurality of compressors (10A and 10B) are ganged together and are sequentially energized and deenergized by a plurality of timing means (72, 74A and 74B).

Abstract: Discloses a hydrogen compressor having two series of chambers or hydride containers specifically located in a pair of jackets adapted to contain flowing heat exchange liquid, e.g. water. The series of chambers are connected through a check valve arrangement and flow of hot and cold water through said jackets is controlled by a timing means.

Abstract: Means (10) for storing and recovering hydrogen. A tube (12), circumscribing a flexible spring (14), is packed with hydridable material (16). Recovery for storage of the hydrogen may be effectuated by hydriding or dehydriding the hydridable material (16). Depending on the circumstances, (i.e. hydriding or dehydriding) hydrogen will be driven across the boundry between the spring (14) and the hydridable material (16).

Abstract: A fast-acting, self-resetting hydride actuator comprising an enclosure containing hydrogen, and an actuating means communicating with the interior of the enclosure responsive to changes in pressure of the hydrogen gas and adapted to provide an actuating force based upon a change in pressure of the hydrogen gas. The actuator also comprises an electric resistance means inside the enclosure which includes a resistor element made in whole or in part of a hydridable electric conductor and means for passing electric current through said resistor element.

Abstract: A fire protection system which senses the fire and actuates the dispensing of a fire suppressant without the use of electronics or electrical devices. This invention utilizes the process known as occlusion to storage large amounts of hydrogen gas in relatively small confined volumes. When an external heat source is presented to the system, such as that from a fire and/or explosion, the storaged hydrogen--via a metal hydride--is released and thereby builds up a pressure in its confined volume. This pressure is used to do work, namely moving a piston. After the piston moves a predetermined distance, it actuates the release of a gas which in turn fluidizes a dry powder suppressant which is dispensed via hoses and nozzles to the same fire and/or explosion. After the fire is suppressed, cooling of the metal hydride occurs which causes the hydrogen gas to reenter the metal hydride and the pressure in the piston to decrease.

Abstract: A self-recocking actuation device. One possible use for it is in conjunction with a pneumatic fire protection system. This invention employs the process known as occlusion to store large amounts of gas in a small volume. Metal hydrides in a chamber are used to store hydrogen in the disclosed preferred embodiment. Upon the application of heat--from a heat source like a resistance heater--the charged metal hydride releases its hydrogen (H.sub.2) in a chamber having only one exit opening which empties into a sealed bellows. This bellows contacts a piston located in another chamber wherein a biased resetting spring is provided to normally maintain the piston in contact with the bellows. As the pressure from the H.sub.2 gas builds up, it overcomes the biased spring to move it and the piston along with an associated pin or other actuator.