Abstract: A tubular pipe assembly for hot or cold fluid transfer which assembly includes a plurality of insulated conduit sections joined together, end to end, with male and female couplings. Each conduit section has concentric inner and outer pipes with insulation disposed between the pipes. The outer pipes have threaded ends. A means at both ends of each conduit section seals the cavity between the inner and outer pipes and supports the pipes relative to each other. A male coupling has a first end threaded on the outer pipe of a first conduit section and has a second end which is threaded. A female coupling has a first and a second threaded end. The first threaded end of the female coupling is threaded on the outer pipe of a second conduit section. The second threaded end of the female coupling is threaded on the second end of the male coupling and thusly joins the first and second insulated conduits together.

Abstract: A free piston inertia compressor comprises a piston assembly including a connecting rod having pistons on both ends, the cylinder being split into two substantially identical portions by a seal through which the connecting rod passes. Vents in the cylinder wall are provided near the seal to permit gas to excape the cylinder until the piston covers the vent whereupon the remaining gas in the cylinder functions as a gas spring and cushions the piston against impact on the seal. The connecting rod has a central portion of relatively small diameter providing free play of the connecting rod through the seal and end portions of relatively large diameter providing a limited tolerance between the connecting rod and the seal. Finally, the seal comprises a seal ring assembly consisting of a dampener plate, a free floating seal at the center of the dampener plate and a seal retainer plate in one face of the dampener plate.

Abstract: The rotor of the expander has axially extending slots containing vanes which reciprocate generally radially as the rotor turns since the rotor is eccentrically mounted in a casing. Vapor distribution ports extend from the base of each slot to the surface of the rotor forward of the slot. Axial passages for admitting pressurized, high temperature vapor from the ends of the rotor intersect with the vapor distribution ports at a point between the ends of the ports.Annular bearing elements are contained in the endwalls and lubricating oil is provided directly to them.