Abstract: A Stirling engine which uses a dual pressure shell surrounding the high pressure and temperature engine components. Space between the shells is filled with an incompressible and insulating liquid material, such as a liquid salt. The liquid may have a filler material to prevent excessive movement. The liquid provides a time varying pressure field, driven by the pressure variations in the Stirling engine working fluid, which cancels the pressure differential on heat transfer tubing. The heat transfer tubing is inside of a dome which contains an incompressible, highly thermally conductive liquid, such as Sodium. The heat transfer tubing uses smaller diameter passages contained within a larger diameter body to reduce manufacturing cost and increase reliability. An annular regenerator offers improved efficiency and power levels. A throttling system vents working fluid to a low-pressure container and maintains engine efficiency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to selectively oxidize diesel particles in the exhaust from a diesel engine provides an elliptical shaped chamber installed in series in the exhaust line from a diesel engine. The elliptical shaped chamber has an internal reflective surface and two focal lines. A flash tube is located at one of the focal lines, and a transparent exhaust tube is located at the other. Exhaust from the diesel engine is directed through the transparent exhaust tube where it is exposed to an intense flash of approximately visible light from the flash tube. The elliptical shaped reflective chamber refocuses the majority of light emitted from the flash tube into the transparent exhaust tube. The diesel particles in the exhaust absorb most of the light energy, thereby heating sufficiently to rapidly oxidize.