Abstract: A heat recovery system for use with a rotatable cylindrical kiln having a curved sidewall surface and which is adapted to be fired, for example, by a burner supplied through a fuel supply line with fuel oil, comprises, at least one segment member which overlies and is spaced from the kiln curved sidewall surface and which defines a heat radiation absorbing surface. A coolant circulating system is connected to the segment member and a coolant is circulated therethrough and then into a separate heat exchanger which is used for recovering the heat. The heat exchanger may be employed, for example, to preheat the oil which is delivered to a burner for firing the kiln or it may be used in a separate system requiring heat. A segment member is advantageously mounted on an undercarriage so that it may be moved toward or away from the kiln surface in accordance with the heat exchange requirements.

Abstract: A heat pipe which can be rolled up for storage and automatically deploys when heat is applied. Two highly flexible parallel sheets are bonded together at their edges, thus permitting compact rolled storage. The inside portions of the joined edges form creases which act as capillary channels to move the heat exchange liquid from the condenser to the evaporator. A further embodiment involves multiple longitudinal cells which yield many more capillary channels and increases the structural strength of the deployed heat pipe, while maintaining the large surface area for heat transfer.

Abstract: An electrical machine with cryogenic cooling, comprising a superconducting field winding rigidly fixed to the shaft of a hollow rotor. The rotor is filled with a coolant which flows from the cavity of said rotor through heat exchangers mounted on the end face portions of the rotor. The design of the proposed machine provides for an increased effectiveness of thermal isolation of the superconducting field winding.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring heat between solid particles includes an inclined cylindrical drum in which is disposed a helical auger. The outer lip of the auger, which is maintained in contact with the interior wall of the drum, is curved in the upward direction of the incline axis. The auger blade includes a plurality of apertures of generally uniform size. A feed bin is provided to introduce a first granular material into the upper end of the drum, with the particles of such granular material generally being of a size less than the size of the apertures in the auger blade. A second feed bin is provided to introduce a second granular material into the lower end of the drum, with the particle size of the second granular material generally being greater than the size of the apertures. The drum and auger are rotatable about the incline axis.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for storing thermal energy and subsequently releasing and extracting the stored thermal energy upon demand. At least one sealed container of salt hydrate is agitated continually and is positioned in heat exchange relationship with a heat exchange liquid which is passed between a thermal energy source and a container enclosing or partially enclosing the sealed container(s) for the salt hydrate. Agitation of the container(s) of salt hydrate prevents or minimizes salt separation and supercooling so that the latent heat of fusion of the salt hydrate can be stored and extracted by the heat exchange liquid upon demand, in addition to the sensible heat of the salt hydrate composition.

Abstract: A solar collector is disclosed that enables the installation of the collector parallel to the surface plane or angle of any structure, including vertical walls and flat roofs, without affecting generating efficiency. The collector is efficient for both energy absorption and transfer to the transport fluid. The collector removes architectural constraints and is suitable for building structure applications not heretofore possible. The collector comprises an array of integral fin/tube extrusions all of which are aligned in the East-West direction. Mechanical linkage rotates the extrusions in unison, with a sun tracking device, to the solar altitude angle. The extrusions, mechanical linkage, and sun tracking device are contained within an insulated housing enclosure. The integral fluid channels likewise extend in an East-West direction, are spaced apart in the North-South direction and are directed to supply and return manifold piping extending in the North-South direction with inlet and outlet connections.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for flue gas in which water tubes are inserted through the flue wall into the flue from the exterior thereof so as to be adjustable in the depth of insertion. Each of the water tubes has a structure comprising an inner water feed tube and an outer recovering tube for recovery of the waste heat by returning the water from the water feed tube to generate steam by heat transferring from the waste gas passing through the flue. Headers are provided at each exterior top of the feed water tubes and recovering tubes and are connected respectively to a water-steam drum through movable connecting tubes. The headers are movable in co-operation with driving means provided at the exterior of the flue so as to adjust the heating surface of the water tubes inserted into the flue by the action of the driving means.

Abstract: A heat dissipating and mounting structure for an electrical circuit includes a disc which is mounted to a rotatable shaft. The disc extends outward from the shaft to present a front surface upon which the circuit is mounted and a rear surface upon which cooling fins are formed. A pair of openings are formed in the disc and cooling air flows through them when the shaft rotates. The cooling fins are rotated through the air flowing through the disc openings and heat generated by the electrical circuit is carried away with little temperature rise and minimal disturbance of the air flow.

Abstract: This invention comprises a solar unit in the form of a window having a plurality of vanes extending thereacross connected for unitary pivotal movement relative to the frame, together with means for adjusting the vanes for the collection of solar heat in utilizing such heat to heat water or air circulated through pipes carried by the vanes and connected to suitable headers at each end of the vanes or adjustment of the vanes to permit air and light to enter the enclosure in a wall of which the window collector is mounted and to permit circulation of cold water or air through the pipes extending through the vanes to cool the interior of the enclosure, as well as to permit adjustment of the vanes in such manner as to, in effect, to close the window from the outside of the enclosure from the outside atmosphere enveloping the enclosure, and to position the vanes in such manner as to augment either the heating or cooling of the enclosure as desired.

Abstract: In a blower heat exchanger, (defined as a rotating heat exchanger without external means for fluid transport), several annular fin regions are provided, arranged in series in the radial direction which are staggered against each other, whereby the heat exchange is improved.

Abstract: Cooling a hot component such as a rotor of a rotary piston engine by passing a coolant liquid through a passageway defined between adjacent surfaces of the component and a plug inserted into a socket in the component, the plug being made of a material having greater thermal conductivity than that of the material from which the component is made and the cross-sectional area of the passageway being sufficiently small as to produce turbulent flow of the coolant through the passageway.

Abstract: An electromagnetic machine having a salient pole rotor, impellor means for directing a flow of coolant gas through the machine, an electrically conductive winding carried on each salient pole of the rotor, and a heat pipe structure carried by each such winding positioned with the evaporator end of each heat pipe structure embedded within the associated winding the condenser end projecting out of the winding into the path of flow of the coolant gas and the portions of the heat pipe structure between the ends extending literally across a plurality of the conductors of the associated winding.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for storing thermal energy and subsequently releasing and extracting the stored thermal energy upon demand. At least one sealed container of salt hydrate is agitated continually and is positioned in heat exchange relationship with a heat exchange liquid which is passed between a thermal energy source and a container enclosing or partially enclosing the sealed container(s) for the salt hydrate. Agitation of the container(s) of salt hydrate prevents or minimizes salt separation and supercooling so that the latent heat of fusion of the salt hydrate can be stored and extracted by the heat exchange liquid upon demand, in addition to the sensible heat of the salt hydrate composition.

Abstract: A freeze desalination and concentration apparatus comprising a desalination unit including mounted in the flow sequence a three-circuit heat exchanger, a condenser for a refrigerant and for melting ice mass, a cylindrical crystallizer having a separator with an auger arrangement mounted inside the crystallizer in a spaced relationship thereto and coaxially therewith. An ice-cutting device is accommodated between the crystallizer and separator, and another ice-cutting device is provided between the casing of the desalination unit and the outer ice-forming surface of the crystallizer, the lower part of the crystallizer having a perforated bottom plate, and the apparatus further comprises, directly adjacent to the desalination unit a refrigerator compressor, pumps, a pipeline for feeding a mixture of a starting solution and a part of recycled brine, the refrigerant condenser and the three-circuit heat exchanger being combined to form an integral heat-exchange system.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided with pivotally mounted, angularly disposed, cooling modules or cores so as to increase the cooling capacity of the heat exchanger and, at the same time, to have a self-cleaning capability for the modules or cores. The angular disposition of the modules or cores results in a larger effective frontal area to the heat exchanger thereby increasing the cooling capacity of the heat exchanger. The angular orientation of adjacent modules or cores slightly compresses the oncoming air which provides an increased level of cooling for the cores. Each module or core can be pivoted about an axis a sufficient amount such that the opposite surface of each module or core is swept by the oncoming air which passes around and through the modules or cores in a direction opposite to an initial pass of said air whereby the modules or cores are cleaned by the reverse flow of air.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is equipped with a cross flow fan. The rotor of the cross flow fan is composed of annularly arranged air-blowing blades and annular passage members intersecting said air-blowing blades and arranged at suitable intervals in the axial direction. A working fluid is distributed to flow through said annular passages for thereby exchanging heat with another working fluid which is caused to flow by the rotor.

Abstract: In a vacuum environment such as space, conductive ball and socket members are fixed to respective heat pipes for permitting orthogonal movement of one heat pipe relative to the other and the gap between the ball and socket members is maintained under a light gas pressure with the low pressure gas forming a low thermal impedance path across the gap.

Abstract: A vehicle engine radiator assembly has a radiator having first and second opposed surfaces, an inlet conduit, and an outlet conduit. A fluid coupling is connected to each conduit and is of a construction sufficient for pivotal movement of the radiator for controllably directing either the first or second surface outwardly from the vehicle. Means is provided for permitting pivotal movement of the radiator and maintaining the radiator fixed to the vehicle at a preselected position. The radiator is pivoted for changing the direction of air flow therethrough for removing dirt and other materials from the radiator.

Abstract: A plurality of parallel heat pipes extends between supply and exhaust ducts leading to and from an industrial or habitable enclosure. The heat pipes are mounted on, but at a fixed angular offset from, an axis about which they can be angularly rotated within the exhaust and supply ducts. Their mounting is also at an angular inclination to gravitational force to assure unidirectional operation. In this arrangement, the heat input is into the lower side of the heat pipes for proper operation. For two-season operation, rotation of the heat pipes by 180.degree. ensures that the lower side of the heat pipes will always be in the warmer duct, whether exhaust or supply. Temperature control of incoming air is obtained by slight angular rotation of the heat pipes so that a part of each air stream in the exhaust and supply ducts bypasses the heat pipes. Defrost control is also obtained by a similar slight angular rotation of the heat exchanger, although a complete 180.degree.

Abstract: An axial gap, disc type, dynamoelectric machine has a stator housing, field pole structures located inside the housing at angularly spaced intervals, and a discoidal rotor. The field pole structures alternate with interpolar spaces. Fluid directing means are provided for inducing vortical fluid flow enhances heat transfer from the rotor to the housing.This invention relates to means for improving the cooling of axial gap, disc-type dynamoelectric machines, and in particular to means for inducing vortical flow of the cooling fluid in the interpolar spaces.Dynamoelectric machines of the general character suitable for embodiment of this invention are of the axial gap, disc-type such as, for example, the machine described in the applicant's United States application Ser. No. 534,058 filed Dec. 26, 1974, Eric Whiteley.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for transferring heat between two bodies separated by a narrow space and movable relative to each other, the temperature of one body dependent upon the temperature of the other body.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating or cooling a fluid includes a housing having a chamber, the housing having an inlet and an outlet with a flow path for the fluid defined therebetween, the inlet communicating between the chamber and a source of the fluid. A rotor is positioned within the chamber and includes a tubular member passing through the rotor and in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet. Portions of the rotor surrounding the tubular member define a hollow space, the rotor being mounted on a hollow shaft in order that means, such as another fluid, may be utilized at the periphery of the tubular member to effect a change in the temperature of the fluid passing through the tubular member.

Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus having a heat collector on one side of a wall and such collector contains an expandable fluid medium which communicates with a heat dissipating member and causes such member to be extended through the wall to transfer the heat to a location remote from the heat source.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, melting block sulfur to avoid contamination of the environment by sulfur dust employ a heating element having a plurality of flow passages formed by pipe sections in a generally planar array, with a steam inlet and a condensate outlet enabling steam to be flowed through the passages. The underside of the heating element has a flow surface adjacent one edge thereof, and a suspension is provided for lowering the heating element onto the sulfur block with the heating element downwardly inclined towards that edge and with the edge projecting beyond the sulfur block so that molten sulfur adhering by surface tension to the flow surface flows beyond the sulfur block and drops into a collecting trough.

Abstract: An apparatus that comprises (a) a fluid-tightly closeable materials-treating or reaction chamber with at least its body portion substantially completely enclosed by a temperature-control fluid chamber provided by its being surrounded by a temperature-control fluid jacket, (b) means to rotate the jacketed chamber end over end about an axis substantially normally transverse to its central axis, (c) divider-baffling means dividing its temperature-control fluid chamber into a plurality of, such as four, substantially similar and independent control-fluid compartments or quadrants, (d) temperature-control fluid ingress means which enable feeding temperature-control fluid into such quadrant while the reactor is rotating, (e) means in each compartment or quadrant to affect the flow of fluids through it to provide substantially uniform overall heat transfer from each of them; and (f) fluid egress means to enable discharging heat-control fluid from these compartments during the rotation.

Abstract: A large starting motor is provided, especially for reversible, pumped storage water wheel generator-motor units, having a rotor member which comprises a relatively thin ferromagnetic rim and a closed container of cooling fluid disposed adjacent and radially inward thereof. Heat developed due to circulation of starting currents within the rim is conducted to the cooling fluid through the inside diameter surface of the rotor rim. Provision is made for venting and replenishing the cooling fluid which heats up and in extreme cases vaporizes in response to the thermal energy transferred from the rim.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating heat and vaporizing of liquids, and for providing cooling by using a continuous flow centrifuge to compress a gas with accompanying temperature increase and removing heat to another fluid from said gas in compressed state; said gas then being passed from the first rotor via nozzles mounted on said first rotor in backward direction thus reducing the absolute tangential velocity of said gaseous fluid; said gaseous fluid being then passed to a second rotor for which the rotor tip speed may be nearly the same as the velocity of said entering gaseous fluid. After said gaseous fluid enters the second rotor, it is then passed inward within said second rotor and discharged near said second rotor center. Work is supplied to said first rotor normally, and recovered in said second rotor. The gaseous fluid may be air, carbon dioxide, or some other fluid. The fluid receiving said heat may be water, ammonia, or some other fluid.

Abstract: A rotatable braking member, for example a disc or a drum, for a vehicle brake is provided with a separate plurality of spaced cooling fins having a co-efficient of thermal conductivity higher than that of the braking member to dissipate heat to a flowable working medium within passages between adjacent fins, and at least some of the passages are substantially uninterrupted circumferentially with respect to the direction of rotation of the braking member.

Abstract: A ventilation system for rotating water feeds particularly useful in water-cooled generators is equipped with bypass means arranged to extend between coaxial feed duct means and discharge duct means defining a centrally located axis of rotation. The bypass means includes at least one inlet which is located to open in the space around the axis of rotation with outlet means of the bypass means opening into the discharge duct means to vent air or gas bubbles.

Abstract: The invention pertains to air-conditioning apparatus capable of selectively heating, cooling or circulating air by the use of separate heating and cooling heat exchangers and a neutral zone selectively located within the airflow path through the apparatus. The heating and cooling heat exchangers are in the form of circular segments mounted upon support structure rotatable about an axis and separated by a neutral zone, and pivoting of the support structure about the axis selectively locates one of the heat exchangers or the neutral zone within the apparatus air inlet.

Abstract: One of a plurality of members is rotated by driving means relative to another member around an axis, the members forming between them a narrow passage extending around the rotation axis and serving for through-flow of a liquid to be heat treated, the driving means effecting relative movement between the walls defining the narrow passage, so that the liquid flowing therethrough is heated by internal friction in the liquid. The passage has a liquid inlet spaced from the rotation axis; and the passage extends from this inlet, via a point spaced a greater distance from the axis than is the inlet, to a liquid outlet located closer to the axis than is said point.

Abstract: The apparatus described comprises two rotating heat exchangers, which serve as a heat source and a heat sink respectively, and which are designed to act simultaneously as fans. Owing to a very small separation between the annular rotating heat-exchange surfaces, the fans function with extremely low noise. These heat exchangers form a unit with a casing rotatably supported in bearings and their heat-exchange surfaces communicate with the inside of the casing. An expansion engine is located inside the casing and may be designed as a high-speed turbine or as a high-speed displacement motor.

Abstract: An independently heated or cooled room is linked with an environment of different temperature through a fluid-circulation system including a closed path traversed by a heat-carrier medium. The medium travels between two heat exchangers, respectively located in the warmer and in the colder air, under a pressure differential low enough to maintain a coherent flow at substantially uniform speed in one or more pairs of channels extending between the two heat exchangers.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a thermodynamic machine, such as a heat pump or an expansion motor, comprises two corotating and coaxial sections, namely an evaporator section and a condenser section, interconnected by conduits in a closed circuit for the passage of a vaporizable working fluid. Each rotary section comprises an annular collector, centered on the axis of rotation, and an array of axially extending tubes closed at one end, the open tube ends being partly obstructed by barriers serving to retain a pool of liquefied working fluid by centrifugal force in an outer peripheral sector of each tube; the pool on the condenser side overflows into the corresponding collectors to form a reservoir for the liquid.

Abstract: A unique rotary hermetic heat pipe is disclosed for transferring heat from an external source to an external heat sink. The heat pipe has a tapered condensing surface which is curved preferably to provide uniform pumping acceleration, the heat pipe being rotated at a velocity such that the component of centrifugal acceleration in an axial direction parallel to the tapered surface is greater than 1G and so that the condensing surface is kept relatively free of liquid at any attitude. The heat pipe may be incorporated in an air conditioning apparatus so that it projects through a small wall opening. In the preferred air conditioning apparatus, a hollow hermetic air impeller is provided which contains a liquefied gaseous refrigerant, such as freon, and means are provided for compressing the refrigerant in the evaporator region of the heat pipe.

Abstract: A motor car heater comprising a rotating heat exchanger which acts as the air blowing element and where the heat exchanger has a large number of annular fins which are traversed by axially running pipes and with supply and discharge channels in a hollow face wall of the exchanger.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is disclosed which is operated between a source and a sink comprising a frame journaling a rotor relative to the frame which rotor has a first and second rotor end. Heat transfer means which may include a fluid conducting conduit or an electrical heating path forms a conduction path between the first and second rotor ends. The conduction path extends back and forth between a region proximate a first rotor end and a region proximate a second rotor end a plurality of times. The conduction path is connected to either the source or the sink to provide energy transfer therebetween. Means are provided for rotating the rotor for transferring heat between the conduction path and the other of the source and the sink. The foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application, is not a complete discussion of all principles of operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Abstract: Rotary cooling and heating apparatus comprising a rotary housing containing a refrigerant compressor, a refrigerant expander rotatable with the housing and an external refrigerant condenser and evaporator. The components are disposed on a common axis for coaxial rotation together as a unit, and rotary power means rotationally drives the compressor and the housing-condenser-evaporator unit at predetermined different speeds. The refrigerant expander is completely self-regulating and is constructed to operate in a highly stable manner essentially adiabatically with no nucleate boiling of the refrigerant in the expander.

Abstract: One of two axially spaced annular heat exchangers, interconnected in a closed circuit traversed by a fluidic heat carrier, serves to preheat a flow of ambient air downstream of a compressor which impels that flow toward a combustion chamber where an air-fuel mixture is ignited to drive a turbine coupled with the compressor. The other heat exchanger, which extends radially beyond the first-mentioned heat exchanger to create a thermosiphon effect for the circulation of the carrier, abstracts residual heat from the expanding gas flow downstream of the turbine. In one embodiment, the compressor and the turbine are interconnected by a central shaft surrounded by a coaxial tubular member which carries the two heat exchangers; in another embodiment this relationship is reversed.

Abstract: An independently heated or cooled room is linked with an environment of different temperature through a fluid-circulation system including a closed path traversed by a heat-carrier medium. The medium travels between two heat exchangers, respectively located in the warmer and in the colder air, under a pressure differential low enough to maintain a coherent flow at substantially uniform speed in one or more pairs of channels extending between the two heat exchangers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring heat by employing a rotating centrifuge to compress a gaseous first fluid with accompanying temperature increase and then transferring heat from said first fluid in its compressed state to a second fluid being circulated within said centrifuge in heat exchange relationship with said first fluid. After transferring said heat from said first fluid, said first fluid is allowed to expand within said centrifuge with accompanying temperature reduction. Said first fluid may then be passed out from said centrifuge, or said first fluid may be receiving heat within said centrifuge from a third fluid, being circulated in heat exchange relationship with said first fluid, after which said first fluid is again compressed within said centrifuge. Various gases may be employed as said first fluid, such as air, or halogenated hydrocarbons. Said second fluid is usually a liquid, such as water. The third fluid may also be water.

Abstract: A conductive heat transfer mechanism through which energy readily flows between two bodies or systems at different temperatures. The present mechanism is embodied in a temperature sensing network for determining and controlling the surface temperature of a xerographic fuser roll. The network includes a probe shoe containing at least one temperature sensing element with the shoe being positioned in close non-contiguous relation with the moving surface of a heated fuser roll. A magnetic flux field is created within the air gap between the heated roll surface and the probe shoe and a magnetic medium, preferably being in fluid form, having a relatively high coefficient of thermal conductivity is placed within the flux field through which a rapid and efficient flow of heat is maintained.

Abstract: Rotary closed Rankine cycle cooling and heating apparatus utilizing a single fluid for both engine power and refrigeration. The apparatus includes a rotary housing containing a boiler, power fluid expander coupled with a refrigerant fluid compressor and a refrigerant expander. A condenser for the expanded power portion and the compressed refrigerant portion of the single fluid, and an evaporator for the expanded refrigerant fluid portion, are mounted at respectively opposite sides of the housing coaxially thereof for rotation with the housing as a unit. The power fluid expander is driven at a predetermined speed by pressure power fluid vapor generated in the boiler and in turn drives the refrigerant fluid compressor. The refrigerant expander is of the capillary type constructed and arranged with respect to the evaporator to automatically control the capacity balance of the refrigerant system.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a disc brake or the like wherein a plurality of electrically conductive probes are arranged in circumferentially spaced-apart relationship radially outwardly from frictionally engageable disc portions of the brake and adapted to direct a high voltage, low amperage electrical flow to the frictionally engageable disc portions which are of opposite electrical polarity and separated from the probes by a predetermined air gap. A suitable high voltage electrical source is connected to the probes and the frictionally engageable disc portions to establish electrostatic discharge across the air gap.

Abstract: A centrifugal refrigeration unit which comprises a rotatable shaft carrying two spiral tubular assemblies, one on each end. Each assembly comprises two spiral tubes. At one end the assembly acts as a condenser, and at the other end as an evaporator. Means are provided for directing separate streams of air across the condenser and evaporator assemblies. Numbering the spirals from the condenser end as first, second, third and fourth, and considering the rotation of the shaft clockwise as seen from the condenser end, the first spiral expands outwardly from the shaft in a counterclockwise direction. The second spiral expands outwardly from the shaft in a clockwise direction. The third expands in a counterclockwise direction, and the fourth expands in a clockwise direction. The shaft is hollow and the small ends of the first and fourth spirals are connected through the hollow shaft.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to a rotary compressor and/or condenser for refrigerating systems. The rotary compressor has a rotor with a passage formed therethrough to be in fluid communication with an inlet port at one end of the rotor housing and in periodic fluid communication with an outlet formed at the other end of the rotor housing. The outlet passage is formed in a valve plate which is in sliding sealing contact with the terminating end of the rotor of the compressor. A condenser may be connected to a common shaft with the compressor rotor and has a rotating member with a helical passage extending therethrough. Heat radiating fins are formed on the condenser rotor to improve heat transfer for cooling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating power by passing a fluid from a higher energy level to a lower energy level by compressing said fluid first in a continuous flow centrifuge rotor and then reducing the pressure of said fluid in an inward flow reaction turbine section. The fluid enters the first rotor at center and leaves the second rotor at center, and vanes are provided within both rotors to assure that said fluid will rotate with said rotors. Nozzles are provided near the periphery of the first rotor to increase the absolute tangential velocity of the fluid leaving said first rotor; the tangential velocity of second rotor near rotor tip is greater than said first rotor tangential tip velocity. The said fluid is contained within said rotors, and passes from said second rotor to said first rotor near rotor center.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing and expanding a fluid by passing said fluid through a rotating continuous flow centrifuge wherein said fluid is pressurized by centrifugal action on said fluid by said centrifuge rotor. Said rotor is provided with passageways for said fluid with vanes placed therewithin assuring that the fluid will rotate with said rotor. After compression, said fluid is passed in compressed state through nozzles near the periphery of said rotor with said nozzles oriented to discharge said fluid backward thus reducing the absolute tangential velocity of said fluid. After passing said nozzles, said fluid is passed through inward extending passageways to exit near the rotor center. Cooling is provided for said fluid during said compression, and heating is provided during expansion in said inward extending passages. As an alternate, two rotors may be employed, wherein said fluid is passed to a second rotor for said expansion and for deceleration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing fluid by passing said fluid through a rotating continuous flow centrifuge wherein said fluid is pressurized by centrifugal action on said fluid by said centrifuge rotor. Said rotor is provided with passageways for said fluid with vanes placed therewithin for assuring that the fluid will rotate with said rotor. After compressing occurs, said fluid is passed in compressed state to a second rotor wherein energy contained in said fluid is converted to work, with said fluid being passed within fluid passageways in said second rotor inwardly to an exit at center, with vanes ensuring that said fluid second rotor will rotate with said fluid for receiving the work associated with deceleration of said fluid. Cooling may be provided during compression of said fluid by circulating a coolant in heat exchange relationship with said fluid. Nozzles may be provided near the first rotor periphery for decelerating said first fluid.

Abstract: A cross flow blower unit for use in a grain cleaning system of a self-propelled combine harvester. The rotor of the blower unit doubles as a rotary heat exchanger for use in the engine coolant system and furnishes a heated air stream to the grain cleaning system for drying and removing moisture from the kernels of grain undergoing cleaning treatment therein.