Abstract: A caliber-reducing adaptor kit for a revolver having an original revolver barrel, and a cylinder with a chamber having a powder-receiving compartment at one end. A substitute barrel, having a reduced caliber bore, is received in and is detachably mounted to the original revolver barrel. A cylinder insert is removably received in the cylinder chamber between the substitute barrel and the powder-receiving compartment, the insert having a caliber bore substantially the caliber of the substitute barrel. The cylinder insert includes a plunger having a head at one end engageable with an end portion of the substitute barrel, and having a shank portion, the bore being provided in the plunger. A sleeve is slidably mounted on the shank portion of the plunger and is engageable with the cylinder adjacent the powder-receiving compartment.

Abstract: A system for the transfer of a net formed fishing gear to a bin (2) aboard a vessel (1), which in association with a pull means (5) comprises a guide means (6) which is adapted to perform a swinging movement in mutually different planes relatively to the pull means.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder includes an outer cup-shaped plastic body of a generally rectangular configuration and having an internal separation wall defining an alert chamber to one side and a support chamber to the opposite side. A fish rod socket is located within the support chamber with a molded leaf spring member connected to the socket and body to provide a leaf spring mounting of the socket. A contact arm is secured to the support member and extends laterally toward the separation wall into operative coupling to at least one of a pair of contact members within the support chamber. A mounting stake or clamp is removably coupled to the support body such as by a slotted connection. The alert chamber has a reduced width and length to correspond to a usual dry cell battery with inclined interconnecting integral molded walls providing a compact, esthetically pleasing outer housing. A battery and coil spring contact is located within the alert chamber.

Abstract: An expandable fishing lure comprises a flexible body with an interior cavity. A resiliently biased pair of members within the cavity expands the body when released from a contracted position. A pin secures the members together in the contracted position and releases the members when a fish strikes the lure so the lure expands.

Abstract: A spinable hollow body with entry ports for receiving objects having prescribed configurations, including a base that is releasable by the spin generating mechanism in order to allow objects entered into selected entry ports to be released from the interior of the spinning body, which can therefore be considered to be a sorting top.

Abstract: A cartesian toy including at least one partly transparent liquid container in which there is at least one freely floating body movable by buoyancy changes. This is variable in that an air bladder located in a cavity of the floating body casing is compressible to a greater or lesser extent by the liquid pressure in the liquid container being varied by a pressurizing device. When this device causes expansion of the air bladder or the air zone located in the floating body, liquid flowing out of the floating body casing additionally imparts to the floating body or parts thereof by recoil or reaction force an in particular horizontally directed acceleration or movement. Also, particularly sized and arranged casing parts on the floating body cause this body to move in one rotary direction or the other when the casing parts contact the container or objects in the container.

Abstract: A toy locomotive includes a locomotive body and a planar track member. The locomotive body comprises a clockwork driving mechanism with a knurled knob, a small bogie and a pinion mounted to an outshaft of the driving mechanism, a crown gear meshing with the pinion, a drive and an auxiliary wheels suspended on the bogie and one or more guide pin also extended from the bogie. The planar track member comprises an endless groove for engaging with the guide pin. The track member may be one of a number of planar track members, such as pages connected together in the manner of a book.

Abstract: A stem cleaner for cutting away thorns, excess foliage and the like from stems having a flexible handle with two free ends to which are attached at least one cutting blade capable of being pressed against a stem. The cutting blade is shaped so as to prevent damage to the outer stem bark: the stem-contact surface is wide along the stem length direction; oblique-angle transitions are provided between that surface and surfaces sloping away from the stem-contact surface; and a sharpened cutting edge for cutting away the thorns and foliage is spaced outwardly from the stem-contact surface to prevent its contact with the stem bark.

Abstract: A seal for windows adapted to be lowered and raised, especially for side windows of motor vehicles, which is secured at a door or roof-frame within the area of the upper window edge and which includes a sealing lip which is displaced in the direction toward the upper outer edge area of the window when the window is raised; at least one bell crank is arranged inside the seal whose one leg extends into the sealing lip and whose other leg acts as a pivot when the window is being raised and presses the sealing lip against the window.

Abstract: An improved twist drill sharpening machine for sharpening two lip twist drills having a base, a chuck for chucking a drill bit W to be sharpened, and a grinding wheel spindle supported on the base, a grinding wheel fast on the spindle, the grinding wheel having a concave grinding surface profile on its periphery, an arrangement for moving the chuck and grinding wheel relative to each other so that the grinding wheel carries out metal removal grinding operations on the drill bit W for sharpening same, and the drill bit W being incrementally in-fed to the grinding wheel on an axis parallel to the grinding wheel axis while held disposed at an acute angle to the in-feed axis, an arrangement for flip-flopping the chuck and drill bit W through 180.degree. rotational arcs of travel during in-feed of the drill bit W, an arrangement for cushioning the chuck and drill bit W at the ends of the 180.degree.

Abstract: A device for grinding a fan case for a gas turbine engine to provide an eccentric opening. The device employs a rotatable hub mounted on the fan shaft by a pair of eccentric sleeves one surrounding the other for adjusting the eccentricity of the hub relative to the shaft.

Abstract: An abrasive wheel and drive spindle combination. The spindle is releasably engaged with the abrasive wheel by inserting a threaded end portion of the spindle through an opening in an inner flange of the abrasive wheel and rotating the spindle in a first direction to engaging it with a thread around a central opening in an outer flange of the abrasive wheel. Upon such engagement a collar on the spindle enters and is pressed into a socket coaxially centered in the inner flange to coaxially and releasably lock the abrasive wheel to the spindle so that further rotation of the spindle in the first direction rotates the wheel, and the flanges are held together during use of the wheel.

Abstract: To insure that cylindrical bores, and particularly blind bores (8) in a workpiece (9) are truly cylindrical, or of predetermined geometry even in the region adjacent the bottom of the blind bores, a honing blade carrier (4) has a set of long honing blades (5, 5a) of about the length of the bore and a set of short honing blades (6, 6a) located adjacent the bottom of the bore on the tool, with the short honing blades being independently adjustable; sensing elements (25, 26, 27) are integrated with the tool carrier (4) to sense the dimension of the bore at various levels or planes (A, B, C), the output signal from the plane (C) of the bottom of the bore being processed in a controlled channel (32) to adjust, individually, the honing pressure exerted by the short blades, in relation to tool feed, and hone the bottom of the bore to the appropriate size, as determined, for example, by a sample standard (28) having a sensing plane (D) which can be sensed by the same sensing elements as those which sense the bore, up

Abstract: A tarpaulin anchoring system for retaining a tarpaulin on a pile of stored grain or other granular material comprises a plurality of anchors embedded in the pile. Each anchor has an attachment element protruding upwardly from the pile, with the attachment element being connected to a fastener affixed to the underside of the tarpaulin. The anchors are placed in the grain pile, throughout the area covered by the tarpaulin, as required to retain it in place. The anchors themselves may be of a screw or auger type which can be driven into an existing grain pile and attached to a tarpaulin as it is spread over the pile. In the case where a tarp is suspended above a grain storage area prior to formation of the grain pile, the anchors may be discs or plates attached to the underside of the tarpaulin by ropes; the anchors are buried in the pile when formed.

Abstract: A protective structure for a gutter includes an elongated, impervious sheet wide enough to extend across at least about 90% of the width of the gutter and up under a lower edge of roofing material. The outer edge of the cover curls downwardly and the water follows the curvature by surface tension to cascade into the gutter. The cover may be held in place by straps that extend transversely across it and have one end engaged under the inwardly turned lip of the gutter and the other end engaged under the roofing material. Alternatively, clips may connect the curl to the inwardly turned lip of the gutter. Flanges extending downwardly from the ends of the gutter block off openings there.

Abstract: A building framework is erected from prefabricated metal elements by securing vertical uprights to a lower belt by means of vertical lugs and positioning keys. An upper belt is likewise secured to the tops of the vertical uprights. The lower belt is formed by U-sections which rest horizontally on one arm so that the opening of the U-section faces the inside of the building. The horizontal top face of the other arm is provided with the lugs. Concrete is poured in the space inside the lower belt thereby forming a shuttering. Trusses having two support plates each adapted to rest on the top of a vertical upright are secured to the uprights by means of lugs and keys. The framework is rapidly assembled without the need for bolting, rivoting, or welding. The monolithic structure however, is stable and resistant to seismic movements.

Abstract: A building block for prefabricated constructions comprises a wall portion and a covering portion made of expanded plastics material.A number of through-tubes run vertically along the wall thickness of the wall portions, the covering portion being united by joints and adhesives to the wall portion unless they are moulded as a single entity. The tubes and the open spaces serve to receive a concrete casting which unites all the component parts of the block together to form a single rigid entity.

Abstract: An insulated wall system and method of construction, which system comprises: generally horizontal metal strapping bands secured to a wall, the metal strapping bands characterized by lines of weakness therein adapted to form tab portions from the metal strapping bands; a solid-panel insulating material placed against the wall and secured by a tab portion of the generally horizontal metal strapping bands, the tab portion extending about one edge of the panel material and against the interior side thereof, so as to secure the panel material against the wall; a generally vertical, metal-bank strapping material secured to the interior tab portion; and wallboard or finished wall material secured to the generally vertical metal-band material, thereby providing for an insulated wall system and method of construction employing solid panel material, without the requirement of wall studs.

Abstract: Post anchoring device comprises main body section having post receiving opening at upper end thereof. Body section has open lower end and side wall portions that surround post when inserted into upper opening thereof. Single fixed anchoring stake is permanently secured to outer surface of one of side wall portions of main body section. Stake has top end adjacent post receiving opening of main body section and ground engaging lower end downwardly spaced from open lower end of main body section. In use stake is driven into ground until lower edges of main body section are at ground level. Signpost or other post form is then inserted into upper opening of main body section.

Abstract: A novel spacer bar for an insulating glass unit and an insulating glass unit filled with the spacer bar are disclosed. Deflection of the panes of the insulating glass unit, however caused, is essentially eliminated by the functioning of the spacer bar. The spacer bar is so constructed that a protion of its surface in contact with the space between the panes (inner surface) is perforated and a portion is imperforate and the opposite surface of the spacer bar has a small opening in its surface, which opening is opposite the imperforate portion of the inner surface. Means to place the small opening in communication with the exterior atmosphere is provided.

Abstract: A stair nosing is constituted by an edge base made of a hard material and adapted to be installed on the tread of a stair step, and an edge bead cushion formed on a surface of the edge base so as to be located at the stair tread nosing of the stair step. A positioning groove is formed on the surface of the edge base behind the edge bead cushion, and a gripper is adapted to be set in the positioning groove and to be secured to the edge base. The edge base is provided with a riser cover integrally formed at the front edge thereof so as to be positioned on the riser of the step in a manner to fit over the stair tread nosing. The gripper is composed of a sheet member adapted to be positioned in the groove and a number of spaced nails projected from the surface of the sheet member.

Abstract: A skylight structure having a condensate removal system and constructed employing rafters and purlins in interconnecting relationship. The rafters have side condensation gutters formed by an upright wall upon which ends of adjacent purlins rest. The purlins rest upon the upright wall of the rafter. Adjacent purlins are secured by means of a purlin locating clip secured to the center support of the rafter and having side extending wings each engaging in a respective purlin groove.

Abstract: The skylight may be of the domed-type or flat-type and of single or double glass (acrylic or other transparent or translucent plastic) construction. The skylight fits within an opening in a roof or the like and has a peripheral curb of an extruded rigid thermoplastic, such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), which is fixed to the roof construction about the opening. The rigid thermoplastic curb has a top co-extruded flexible thermoplastic (such as PVC) gasket integral with the curb and compressible against the edge of the glass or plastic dome or panel. There is also provided a second flexible integral co-extruded thermoplastic gasket adapted to contact a retainer secured to the curb for retaining the dome or panel on the curb. The rigid curb is of a thermoplastic in the shore "D" durometer hardness scale, while the flexible gaskets are of a thermoplastic in the shore "A" durometer hardness scale.

Abstract: A thermally insulating sash frame member comprising a pair of spaced interior and exterior metallic bars interconnected by a thermally insulating connector bar. The connector bar includes an elongate main body made of rigid thermally-insulating material and four pad portions made of soft thermally-insulating material, each pad portion extending on and along the main body through its length. The connector bar is gripped at opposite sides by two pair of gripping flanges of the interior and exterior bars, each of the gripping flanges being forced or bent against a respective one of the pad portions.

Abstract: A light weight composite panel for use in vaults or strong rooms, having a foamed plastic core, metal mesh embedded in the major faces of the core, a layer of wood on each face of the plastic core, and a sheet metal skin covering the layers of wood. An inner one of the sheet metal skins is preferably a heat conductive metal, such as aluminum.

Abstract: Fire stops for structures formed of combustible materials such as frame dwellings and the like are formed of wire screen with support frames and positioned in spaced relation below wooden floor joists and wooden plates and other transverse wooden members positioned between wooden studding and the like in such structures. The wire screen introduces an element of high heat conductivity and effectively prevents the upward propagation of flame therethrough. Perforated metal sheets in contact with said wire screen support the same.

Abstract: Apparatus for the sealing of flat roof elements or the like which are supported at their corners, comprising a bowl-shaped part disposed on the outside edge of the roof elements in the area of the top edges thereof, the bowl-shaped part running substantially parallel to these edges. A sealing tape is placed in the bowl-shaped part, and a cover rail having arms bent downwardly at an angle is provided for engagement with any two adjacent roof elements in the bowl-shaped part. The cover rail serves to press the sealing tape by means of screws which are inserted between the cover rail and the adjacent roof elements beneath the rail.

Abstract: A membrane anchor comprises a disc of rubber-like material having a central opening and downwardly inclined upper and lower surfaces. The lower surface has grooves for receiving mastic.

Abstract: A truss assembly and truss hanger for use with trusses is disclosed. A truss hanger in accordance with the invention comprises a bracket having a first leg with first and second ends, the first leg having a side which is adapted to engage the width of a beam, a base disposed in a first plane having first and second ends, the first end of the base being attached to the first end of the leg at approximately a 90.degree. angle, the base being adapted to engage the top of the beam and a second leg disposed in a second plane which is parallel to the first plane and is attached to the second end of the base at an approximate 90.degree. angle, the second leg being adapted to engage a second side of the beam across its width; and an attachment member having upper and lower connecting plates disposed at opposite ends of an intermediate member, said attachment member being joined to the first leg to form a substantially 90.degree.

Abstract: The invention relates to structural shapes intended to be used as joists, studs, braces, and/or connective members associated with frames, buildings, shipping containers, truck and trailer bodies, and other similar construction applications and, according to the invention, can preferably be roll formed from a coated metal strip to provide a novel laminated configuration which helps to reduce the rate of heat loss through a wall, roof, or floor in which they may be installed.

Abstract: A splice rail assembly for joining two adjacent panels in a coplanar relationship having two parallel tongues extending perpendicularly therefrom, the first of which tongues is located substantially in the mid-portion of the splice rail, the second being offset therefrom a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the first tongue. When two such rails are appropriately positioned with their tongues facing each other, the mid-portion tongues of each can be inserted into the space between the two tongues of the opposite rail in an interlocking relationship. The sides or ends of two panels fit, respectively, into the spaces formed between two such interlocked splice rails outwardly of the tongues and the resulting assembly can be fastened together with suitable fastening members.

Abstract: A sealing shoe assembly for providing superposed sheets with a sealing seam formed by a criss-cross pattern of straight lines by pressing together areas of the superposed sheets comprises a first pair of cooperating sealing shoes each having a plurality of parallel-extending stamping edges oriented in a first direction and a second pair of cooperating sealing shoes each having a plurality of parallel-extending stamping edges oriented in a second direction. The stamping edges of the cooperating sealing shoes are arranged to periodically assume a meshing relationship for pressing together predetermined areas of the superposed sheets passing between the cooperating shoes. The first and second pairs of sealing shoes are arranged for stamping the predetermined areas in sequence for providing the criss-cross pattern.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a continuous assembly of sealed envelopes having upper and lower sections and comprising at least one insert of the type used as a postal mailer or the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed herein for detecting possibly defectively-sealed bags and for preventing said bags from being filled. A sensor is provided to develop a first signal upon detection of a defect in a line of adhesive on flexible bag-forming material moving past the sensor. The first signal is used to generate an output signal at a time corresponding to the time when the defect-containing portion of the bag-forming material has moved from the sensor into position to be filled with product. Preferably, said filling position is located a plurality of bag lengths downstream from said sensor.

Abstract: A compact, unitary attachment for the control handle of a power lawnmower is provided that couples a hand-graspable bail to the clutch control cable of the lawnmower. The attachment body is preferably molded from a synthetic resin material and includes a bail-receiving channel coupling the attachment to the bail for pivotal motion therewith, a slot for engageably receiving the end fitting of the cable, and a control handle-engaging arm extending from the attachment. The attachment body readily accommodates a spring for biasing the bail to a released position.

Abstract: A self-propelled combine (11) includes a drive train driven by the engine (16) which includes a transverse power shaft (47) by which a header (24), a threshing rotor (34), a bin unloading mechanism (88), the change speed transmission (76) and the cleaning mechanism are driven. The power transmitting components of the shaft assembly, including a double electric clutch (44), are carried by the end portions (46, 161) of the transverse shaft (47) at the laterally outer sides of the side walls (51, 52) on which the shaft (47) is supported. The double electric clutch (44) includes air circulating means (101, 102 and 93-98) and is removable from the shaft (47) upon removal of a cap screw (118).

Abstract: A walk-behind type work vehicle has two running wheels on an axle, an upright power-take-off shaft for driving a selectably attachable implement, as well as an engine with an upright output shaft forwardly upwardly of the running wheels. Transmission system is adapted to transmit the power from the engine output shaft as parallelly divergingly branches off to the running wheels and to the power-take-off shaft.

Abstract: A seed harvester is provided for harvesting seeds from a standing crop without cutting the crop. The harvester is particularly designed for harvesting grass seed. The harvester includes a header assembly for stripping from the crop, and a seed separator for drawing the seeds from the header assembly in an air stream and for separating the seeds from the air stream. The header assembly includes a frame assembly having a transverse inlet which communicates with the seed separator. An endless revolving stripping surface is mounted across this transverse opening to contact the seed heads of the crop and strip the mature seeds from the crop. A rotating reel is mounted to rotate parallel to, and above and forwardly of, the seed stripping surface. On rotation, the reel guides the crop into contact with the seed stripping surface and holds it there for a time to permit the seed stripping surface to remove mature seeds from the crop. The seed separator includes a duct, curved between its ends.

Abstract: Tree trimming apparatus adapted to be manually controlled by an operator including a support frame with ground engaging wheel means and manually engageable handle means so that the operator can grasp the handle means to support the apparatus in combination with the wheel means and to guide the apparatus, mast means mounted on the support frame and extending upwardly and outwardly therefrom and mounting cutter means adapted to trim a tree as the operator guides the apparatus around a tree.

Abstract: A tricycle frame providing basic support for the pedal operated mower, pedals turning a forward sprocket for providing locomotion, the locomotion communicating by a chain to turn a rear sprocket mounted on a shaft having a set of split cutting blades peripherally disposed about the cutting shaft for turning the shaft and cutting blades, and gear means connecting the cutter shaft with rear wheels of the tricycle frame and resulting in the locomotion thereof. A protective shield is mounted on the tricycle frame to protect the operator from debris thrown up during the course of mowing, and also a set of goose neck handle bars, an appropriate sized front wheel and a large triangular padded seat are also provided in the combination.

Abstract: In an apparatus for manufacturing a fancy yarn, a rotary hollow spindle (2) carries a binding thread spool (3) and, at its discharge end, a false twist element (4). Associated with the hollow spindle (2) at the entry end are feed means having a pair (13) of delivery rolls for at least one core thread (G) and at least one fancy thread (E) which is supplied at higher speed than the core thread (G). In addition, arranged downstream of the false twist element (4) is a pair (5) of take-up rolls for taking up the finished fancy yarn at a lower speed than the supply speed of the fancy thread (E). A central drive motor (M2) drives the pair of take-up rolls (5) by way of belt drives (7, 10, 12) and the pair (13) of delivery rolls by way of a stepless control transmission (11). The feed means comprise a drawing system (S) for the fancy thread (E) comprising a pair (16) of entry rolls, a pair (17) of middle rolls and a pair (19) of exit rolls, and a separate pair (13) of delivery rolls for the core thread.

Abstract: The apparatus provides for continuously manufacturing a flat twisted cable composed of a plurality of single-conductor pairs having alternate oppositely directed twisted portions with straight portions therebetween. The apparatus has a multi-stage single-conductor pair supply unit, a twisting unit, a reciprocatingly movable untwist preventing unit, a lateral spacing and converging unit, a reciprocating movable welding unit, and a take-up unit. The untwist preventing unit has piston operated pins for preventing the propagation of the twist from the preceding and following twisted portions of the flat twisted cable to the straight portions of the single-conductor pairs thereof. The welding unit has a reciprocatingly movable welder. The welding unit commences movement together with the straight portion when the latter reaches a position within the welder which performs the high frequency induction welding of the insulation coverings of straight portions to each other during movement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spinning a modified fasciated yarn at a high production rate featuring a combination of open-end spinning and fasciated yarn spinning. A sliver is opened by a combing roller and deposited as a fiber layer on a fiber collecting surface of a drum rotor rotating at a high speed. Thereafter, the fiber layer is drawn off from the fiber collecting surface as a continuous fiber bundle by a central rotor rotating coaxially with the drum rotor at a faster speed. During the drawing-off operation, the fiber bundle is flattened to a ribbon form by making contact to a deflector and is subjected to a vortex within an air twisting nozzle mounted on the central rotor to form a resultant yarn. According to the present invention, high production rate can be obtained because a roller drafting system having aprons can be omitted.

Abstract: A control system including a controller for reading temperature values from sensors in a gas turbine, determining the reliability of the sensors, and issuing a fuel control signal for use in controlling the turbine is disclosed. The fuel control signal has a calculated value which is a function of the turbine operating temperature derived from the values of temperature signals generated by the sensors.

Abstract: A simple continuity circuit is provided interconnecting the connector bodies of a wiring harness which directs the signal from the computer control of a gas turbine engine to the fuel metering unit of said engine. The continuity circuit forms part of the ignition exciter circuit and acts to de-energize the exciter when the wiring harness is not in place. This prevents ignition when the failure mode of the fuel metering unit is directing a fuel flow to the combustor which is excessive for safe start-up.

Abstract: An open ended enclosure has a tubular conduit extending axially within it d is provided with both an electric spark plug and a catalytic ignition member in the annular region of the enclosure outside the tubular conduit.

Abstract: A diesel exhaust particulate trap is provided with a heat resistant particulate filter which includes a perforated and pleated metal substrate member coated with a ceramic fiber filter material on its interior surface so as to define a filter chamber for the inside-out flow of exhaust gases through the filter. In a preferred embodiment, an electrical particulate filter igniter is associated with the filter. The igniter includes a trap door pivotably secured to the substrate member, which is normally biased to a closed position by a spring but which can be opened by exhaust flow prior to an accumulation of particulates on the filter. Opening and closing of the trap door is used to effect deenergization and energization, respectively, of an electrical heating element used to initiate combustion of particulates.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting the periodic undulations of a body of water into electrical energy includes a support structure adapted to be mounted in a substantially fixed position relative to the surface of the body of water and extending a substantial distance above the surface. The apparatus also includes a float member movable relative to the support structure in response to the undulations of the surface, an electrical generator mounted on the support structure for generating electricity, and a nut and lead screw assembly of the type comprising a threaded screw member, a threaded nut member, and bearings disposed therebetween whereby the screw and nut members are axially and rotatably movable relative to each other. The screw member is connected to the float member, and the nut member is operatively connected to the generator whereby movement of the screw member with the float member drives the nut member and generator.

Abstract: An improved closed cycle hot gas engine in which virtually the entire working gas mass performs the same Ericsson Cycle loop thereby achieving maximized thermal efficiency. The invention engine embodiments consist of paired cylinders connected together by leak sealed means for controlled working gas operation. The working gas is simultaneously heated and expanded in the heating cylinder and then simultaneously cooled and compressed in the cooling cylinder to achieve the isothermal expansion and compression steps respectively of the four step Ericsson Cycle loop. The improvements consist of means to provide both the reciprocating operation of the cylinders pistons as well as control of piston relative motion with respect to each other.

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.