Abstract: A self steering system for a sailboat has a rotatably and pendulously supported servo blade or “oar” member, which is suspended in the water behind the boat. A central body portion is attached to the transom of the boat. A pendulum body having two lever arms or “winglets” which extend generally in opposite directions is fixedly supported on a shaft suspended below the central body portion. A line is attached to each of the tips of the lever arms. Each of these lines runs upwardly and through separate blocks to the boat's steering control. A wind vane is installed on the top of the assembly and drives a push rod, which is coupled, to the servo blade. In operation, the wind vane provides a motional signal in accordance with changes in the heading of the boat from a preset heading, this motional signal operating to drive the servo blade, which controls the sailboat's main rudder, to bring the boat back to its preset heading.

Abstract: A steering device for sailboats comprises a bracket (11), a rocker (12) pivotally mounted on the bracket and including means for connecting it to a rudder, a servo oar (13) rotatably mounted in the rocker (12), a steering lever (17) mounted on the bracket (11) and pivotable in response to a steering signal, and a linkage (17A/18/23) coupling the steering lever (17) to the servo oar (13) to rotate it in response to the steering signal. The linkage comprises a link rod (18) which extends generally transversely of the axis (L) of rotation of the servo oar (13) and generally forwardly from the servo oar to a lever arm (17A) of the steering lever (17).

Abstract: A thermodynamic system for interchanging thermal energy with external sources or sinks while minimizing the dead volume presented to the pressure cycle is based upon a thermodynamic machine which cycles a working fluid bidirectionally through a regenerator means and at least one external heat exchanger for interchanging thermal energy with a heat source or sink. Between the thermodynamic machine and the heat exchanger is a switchable thermal energy storage system using at least one heat load capacitor and two different circulation loops through the storage system. By switching the working fluid paths through the thermal energy storage system, thermal energy is exchanged but the thermodynamic machine is isolated from the heat exchanger at least predetermined intervals during operation, and the dead space in the external device does not affect the pressure cycle of the machine.

Abstract: A system for providing thermal energy output at intermediate levels below about 120.degree. C. uses both a conventional heat source input and an ambient heat source input to the hot and cold ends, respectively, of a Vuilleumier cycle machine. While converting thermal energy to work in both a heat engine process and a heat pump process, an intermediate working chamber integral with both processes is arranged to provide thermal output at the desired intermediate level. By maintaining the pressure ratio within predetermined limits and observing a number of temperature relationships desirably high coefficients of performance are provided with useful levels of output in a reliable system having long operating life.

Abstract: In thermodynamic apparatus and methods utilizing constant volume cycling devices, substantial improvements in energy output can be gained by utilization of an integrated thermodynamic process placing regenerator efficiency in a higher regime. Displacer elements operating in phased relation to the thermodynamic cycle provide superheating and supercooling to extended opposite ends of the regenerator, to establish steady state conditions which increase the temperature ratio of the system. In turn, the pressure ratio of the thermodynamic cycle is increased and the specific energy output improved. This expansion of the capability of thermodynamic machines for working in moderate temperature ranges is further utilized with systems for achieving thermal gain for heating or cooling, utilizing ambient energy as a heat source as well.

Abstract: A hot-gas engine the power output of which is regulatable comprises a cylinder defining variable-volume primary and secondary chambers separated by a piston moving in the cylinder, the movement of which piston is transmitted to an external system extracting the mechanical work produced by the engine. The engine has a heater communicating with the primary chamber, a regenerator communicating with the heater and a cooler containing a supply of working gas at the maximum gas pressure occurring during the work cycle. The engine is provided with valves controlled to pass the working gas to, from and between the primary and secondary chambers in sequential steps.

Abstract: A compact, highly versatile, modular solar energy collector is achievable through the employment of well distributed bypass flow components providing a bypass mass flow within a given range across a thin collector face, in conjunction with a low height, laminar interior flow having a predetermined proportionality to the bypass flow. A short flow path length along the collector together with the bypass flow relationship and other parameters permit high temperature differentials to be attained, accompanied by high efficiency. Further, the mass flow through the collector may be varied within a substantial range in response to changing insolation conditions while maintaining the bypass flow in an acceptable range by incorporation of a pressure drop having mass flow dependent characteristics in the principal flow path.

Abstract: A readily fabricated, high efficient modular solar energy collector that may be arranged in a wide variety of arrays comprises a relatively small, typically but not necessarily rectangular, panel structure that is centrally coupled to an insulative support that may define an outlet conduit. In a specific example, a pair of coextensive, thermally conductive panels, the outer one of which preferably has a light absorptive black upper surface of low emissivity, defines flow paths directed laterally inwardly from side margins of the panel to a central mid-line region at which outlet apertures flow into a manifold region under the panel. The heated fluid in the manifold communicates with an outlet conduit within the support that is connectable at its respective ends to like conduits of adjacent modules. The centrally supported panels are sufficiently rigid to need no additional support, and freely expand and contract in response to temperature changes.

Abstract: High efficiency solar radiation collectors may employ a dual flow path relative to heat transfer surfaces of the collector panel. A major air flow is confined beneath the panel, but a subsidiary (bypass) air flow at an angle to the principal air flow is also employed to suppress natural (free) flow convection at an upper side of the panel. Advantageously, the subsidiary air flow can be established by perforations in the collector panel and by creation of a suction for the bypass air. High efficiency energy collection, particularly adapted to weak and intermittent radiation environments, is further enhanced by the usage of a collector panel having a low thermal mass and providing good thermal interchange with a relatively small air mass moving beneath and above the panel, while being arranged to limit thermal conduction along the panel in the direction of air flow.