Abstract: An Advanced Uniflow Rankine Engine (“AURE”) that is effective and thermodynamically efficient at higher speeds (e.g., 400-1800 rpm) and has low torque output. This allows the AURE to be compact of size without the need for a massive foundation found in prior art steam engines. The AURE includes an admission valve assembly, a cylinder head/valve gear assembly, a cylinder/piston assembly, a crank shaft assembly, an external sump, and an integral condenser. The admission valve assembly includes a counterbalancing poppet valve and valve stem that creates counterbalanced unsupported areas that allow the poppet valve to operate at higher speeds. The AURE can be fueled by raw, unprocessed fuel, including biomass, to generate efficient energy in a smaller overall package.

Abstract: A feeder for discharging a load of material includes a hopper, a swing arm pivoting between raised and lowered positions in the hopper, and a ram mounted on the free end of the swing arm. The ram is moved by the swing arm back and forth on a curved floor in a trapezoidally shaped trough underneath the hopper to push material in the trough out of the hopper through a discharge outlet. A shutoff valve at the discharge outlet prevents backflow of discharged material into the trough.