Abstract: A cycle for a heat driven heat pump using two salts CaCl.sub.2.8NH.sub.3 and ZnCl.sub.2.4NH.sub.3 which may reversibly react with ammonia with the addition or evolution of heat. These salts were chosen so that both ammoniation processes occur at the same temperature so that the heat evolved may be used for comfort heating. The heat to drive the system need only be slightly hotter than 122.degree. C. The low temperature source need only be slightly warmer than 0.degree. C.

Abstract: A thermochemical energy storage and mechanical energy converter system utzing a turbine. The system has a power or discharge phase, and a reactivate or charge phase. In the power phase ammonia gas is released by CaCl.sub.2.8NH.sub.3, expanded in a turbine and combined with ZnCl.sub.2 to form ZnCl.sub.2.NH.sub.3. In an example of the reactivate phase, ammonia gas is released by ZnCl.sub.2.NH.sub.3 and added to CaCl.sub.2.NH.sub.3 to form CaCl.sub.2.8NH.sub.3.

Abstract: A compound aerostat employing a primary lifting mixture of helium and methanol in a first enclosure and a secondary lifting mixture of ammonia in a second enclosure. Both enclosures are contained within a single envelope. The methanol in the primary enclosure gradually condenses out as the altitude increases yielding a decreasing lift with altitude up to the stratosphere to provide passive altitude stability to the system. An absorbent, metallic lithium is provided within a separate container and connected to controllably absorb the ammonia and thereby control the displacement of the secondary enclosure. The process is reversible with the application of heat by means of propane combustion or solar heating. Other absorbents are LiNO.sub.3, LiCl and CaCl.sub.2. This controllable displacement system can compensate for solar superheat and snow and ice accumulation and facilitate long endurance flights, especially in the troposphere.

Abstract: A balloon filled with a gas mixture of ammonia and n-hexane will stay at a onstant altitude due to condensation at altitude of the n-hexane. Since both components are liquid below about 50 meters in the ocean and together with the load are buoyant, the aerostat may be submarine launched and rise to the surface at which point the ammonia and n-hexane evaporate and take the balloon and load to its preset altitude.