Abstract: Energy expended by pedestrian or vehicular traffic is captured by a device which includes a plurality of tread plates which when depressed by traffic thereupon drive rocker arms mounted by one way clutches on a shaft. The rocker arms are spring biased upwardly to keep the tread plates normally raised so that the tread plates return to their initial position after being depressed. Preferably, the shaft is connected to a generator, and the generator to a battery so as to store electrically the energy captured mechanically. By using the aforedescribed configuration a relatively thin device is achieved which can be conveniently installed under a carpet and used in the doorways of buildings or other heavy traffic areas.

Abstract: The engine of the present invention includes a cylindrical, elongated boiler housing with a turbine mounted within it, and the turbine and boiler rotate relative to each other. Heat is applied to the outside of the boiler and converts a liquid working fluid in the boiler to vapor. A shroud in the boiler directs the vapor to the turbine to cause the turbine to rotate in one direction. Because the boiler can rotate, the boiler and shroud rotate about the shaft in a direction opposite the rotation of the turbine. Centrifugal force holds the liquid working fluid against the boiler walls. After passing through the turbine, the working fluid is condensed and it is injected through a hole into the boiler by centrifugal force. The novel condenser which rotates with the boiler housing relies on the centrifugal force developed by rotation. Solar energy, the preferred heat source, is concentrated to a hot line on the boiler. The rotation of the boiler exposes the entire surface to the hot line.

Abstract: An electrical generator is formed with at least one nonconductive cylinder mounted for rotation about an axis and containing four pairs of permanent magnets, longitudinally spaced within the cylinder and angularly offset from each other in a helical array. Each of the magnets in each pair is radially disposed in the cylinder opposite the other and separated from the other at the cylinder axis with like poles facing each other. An electrical secondary is provided within the magnetic field of the magnets in the cylinder. A ring magnet is oriented with an axis parallel to the cylinder axis and is relatively movable therealong. The magnetic fields acting between the ring magnet and the magnets in the cylinder rotates the cylinder to induce electrical current in the generator secondary.

Abstract: A series of magnetized cylindrical rollers are rotatably mounted in spaced transverse channels under a freeway off ramp. Each roller is made of non-magnetic material and has plurality of cavities around its rim in which arcuate bar magnets are mounted. The bar magnets are arranged with like poles adjacent each other to produce magnetic spokes which penetrate the off ramp and extend into the space traversed by vehicles travelling along the off ramp. Motion of the vehicles induces rotation of the magnetic rollers by magnetic interaction with the magnetic spokes. Electrical generators are coupled to the rollers to change their rotary motion into electrical energy.

Abstract: The inventive pumping system includes at least two parallel-working pumps or compressors, at least one of which is operable as either a pump or a turbine in one or both directions, its drive motor being also capable of operating as a generator so as to feed electrical power back into the electrical network to which it is connected when necessary. At high fluid flows all the pumps or turbines act as pumps to cause the fluid medium to flow in one direction, whereas as low fluid flows the normal-acting pump or compressor operates at a relatively high energy-efficient speed while the excess flowing fluid medium is caused to flow in a return fashion through the outer pumps or turbines such that they act as turbines and thus generate electrical energy for feeding back to the electrical network to which it is connected.

Abstract: The engine comprises a generally toroidal cylinder containing a piston having optional permanent magnets or electromagnets disposed thereon. The piston rotates through the cylinder due to a force exerted on it by expanding vapor. A shutter valve extends across the cylinder at one point and the vapor is injected between the shutter valve and the piston thereby forcing the piston to traverse the extent of the cylinder. An exhaust port is disposed such that the piston will pass it toward the completion of one revolution. The expanding vapor is exhausted through this port after which the piston momentum forces it past the shutter valve where a fresh supply of vapor is injected and the cycle repeats itself. Sensors and valving arrangements are supplied for providing optimum timing of the vapor injection. Also coils are disposed about the toroidal surface through which the magnet carrying piston passes for the production of electrical energy.

Abstract: In an energy producing system, a movable device is mounted at least partially within a housing which, in turn, is mounted in the ground at the surface of a road or the like. The movable device at least partially extends through an opening in the housing and is positioned transversely within the path of travel of vehicles moving along the road for engaging the vehicles seriatim to be set into motion thereby. A coupling device connects drivingly the movable device and a generating device for transmitting drivingly the motion of the movable device to the generating device, such as an electrical generator. A flywheel is journaled for rotation about its axis for storing the energy in response to the movable device to provide a more continuous production of energy from the generating device.

Abstract: An electrical power generating system is disclosed which utilizes as a source of energy the otherwise wasted energy expended by motor vehicles moving along a roadway. The system includes a vibrational transducer which is mounted in the roadway and which is constructed for producing electrical energy directly from the vibrational energy imparted to the transducer from the motor vehicles passing thereacross. The electrical energy thus produced may be used to charge a storage battery for powering various devices, such as traffic signals, warning devices, and the like.

Abstract: A system for generating power from the passage of motor vehicles over a roadway which includes a highly efficient linkage for connecting a treadle or rocker plate mounted in the roadbed with one or more turbine wheels. The turbine wheels are affixed to a common shaft that is adapted to drive a generator for providing work. The linkage is constructed so that losses throughout the system are minimized whereby a relatively high percentage of the total input energy is converted to useful work.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a solar still and a wind powered generator. Sea water is preheated in a condenser and is supplied to the still where it is heated further either by solar radiation, or by a heated pipe containing brine, or both. The still supplies warm humid air and vapor to the condenser to provide a distilled water condensate, which condensate is supplemented by water collected from the sloping parts of the still roof. The brine in the heated pipe in the still is supplied from a brine pit which is heated by electrodes connected to the wind powered generator. The generator also charges batteries and supplies electrical power to brine pumps and to a ventilator in the still.

Abstract: Thermodynamic unit comprised of a pair of vessels which alternately generate and condense vapor are connected in a sealed system to drive a turbine with the vessel generating vapor having an outlet nozzle directed to the turbine and with the turbine exhaust being connected to the vessel condensing the vapor. Thermal control shutters and particular thermal radiation shutters control the alternate impingement of radiation onto the vessels so that the vessels each alternately act as vapor-generating and vapor-condensing vessel, and each operate at the function opposite from the other vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method employing the engine unit of a conventional chain saw to power an electrical generator. In a first embodiment, a generator is detachably mounted to the engine unit, with an endless belt drivingly connecting the two. A second embodiment includes an engine unit of the above-described type operatively connected to a vehicle-mounted alternator.

Abstract: Radiant energy is converted into electric energy by irradiating a capacitor including an ionic dielectric. The dielectric is a sintered crystal superionic conductor, e.g., lanthanum trifluoride, lanthanum trichloride, or silver bromide, so that a multiplicity of crystallites exist between electrodes of the capacitor. The radiant energy cyclically irradiates the dielectric so that the dielectric exhibits a cyclic photocapacitive like effect. Adjacent crystallites have abutting surfaces that enable the crystallites to effectively form a multiplicity of series capacitor elements between the electrodes. Each of the capacitor elements has a dipole layer only on or near its surface. The capacitor is initially charged to a voltage just below the dielectric breakdown voltage by connecting it across a DC source causing a current to flow through a charging resistor to the dielectric. The device can be utilized as a radiant energy detector or as a solar energy cell.

Abstract: A power generation-refrigeration system comprising a refrigerant boiler, and a primary turbine for extracting energy from the refrigerant. The system also comprises a reversible turbomachine having a compressor mode of operation for compressing refrigerant passing therethrough and a turbine mode of operation for extracting further energy from the refrigerant; a first flow path in communication with the primary turbine, the reversible turbomachine, and a condenser; a second flow path in communication with the primary turbine, the reversible turbomachine, the condenser, and an evaporator; and means for directing refrigerant through the first flow path when the reversible turbomachine is in the turbine mode and through the second flow path when the reversible turbomachine is in the compressor mode.

Abstract: A generally mushroom-shaped, open cycle OTEC system and distilled water producer which has a skirt-conduit structure extending from the enlarged portion of the mushroom to the ocean. The enlarged part of the mushroom houses a toroidal casing flash evaporator which produces steam which expands through a vertical rotor turbine, partially situated in the center of the blossom portion and partially situated in the mushroom's stem portion. Upon expansion through the turbine, the motive steam enters a shell and tube condenser annularly disposed about the rotor axis and axially situated beneath the turbine in the stem portion. Relatively warm ocean water is circulated up through the radially outer skirt-conduit structure entering the evaporator through a radially outer portion thereof, flashing a portion thereof into motive steam, and draining the unflashed portion from the evaporator through a radially inner skirt-conduit structure.

Abstract: Two sets of hinged control doors for regulating motive steam flow from an evaporator to a condenser alternatively through a set of turbine blades in a steam bypass around the turbine blades. The evaporator has a toroidal shaped casing situated about the turbine's vertical axis of rotation and an outlet opening therein for discharging motive steam into an annular steam flow path defined between the turbine's radially inner and outer casing structures. The turbine blades extend across the steam flow path intermediate the evaporator and condenser. The first set of control doors is arranged to prevent steam access to the upstream side of the turbine blades and the second set of control doors acts as a bypass around the blades so as to maintain equilibrium between the evaporator and condenser during non-rotation of the turbine. The first set of control doors preferably extend, when closed, between the evaporator casing and the turbine's outer casing and, when open, extend away from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating electrical energy is disclosed wherein an annular arrangement of rotor windings is affixed to a number of rotatable blades which radiate outwardly from a central rotatable hub. An annular stationary assembly of stator windings is coaxially positioned adjacent the rotor. Jet engines, mounted at or near the outer terminus of the blades, cause the blades and rotor to rotate about the hub and induce alternating current electrical energy into the stator windings. Some arrangements of the disclosed electrical generating apparatus include a second electrical generator wherein the stator thereof is affixed to a stationary wall that coaxially surrounds the path followed by the rotating blades. A second annular rotor assembly, including wind vanes that are subjected to airflow caused by the jet engines and rotation of the blades, is slidably mounted to the upper end of the stationary wall.

Abstract: An hydraulic motor having as an energy source a cyclically controlled rising and falling level of liquid in a working tank in which is provided a piston element having a liquid-tight hollow chamber that is arranged to move vertically with the rising and falling liquid level in response to buoyant and gravitational forces acting thereon. The liquid level in the tank is varied by using a plurality of liquid-tight exchange receptacles located adjacent the tank in vertically spaced relationship between the lower and upper liquid levels in the tank, with each exchange receptacle communicating with the tank through an opening including a normally closed valve. A control means for varying the liquid level in the tank includes a system for sequentially and individually opening and closing each of the valves from the uppermost to the lowermost exchange receptacle, and vice versa.

Abstract: A method of electrical power generation is disclosed wherein the energy source to operate the said electrical power generation apparatus is that energy existing between two fluid sources being at different temperatures and therefore at different energy levels. These fluid sources could be as divergent as warm underground crude oil as it is pumped from wells and the cooler atmospheric air above the said oil wells, or as intimately related as the warm water output from conventional and nuclear power generating plants and the cooling water source usually available to such generating plants. Warm water pumped from deep below the earths surface, geo-thermally heated, as the warm or hot source and surface water from lakes, oceans, rivers, etc. as the colder, or lower energy source provides an additional source of energy for the method of electrical power generation herein described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for generating power utilizing press-retarded osmosis, in which a concentrated solution at a high hydraulic pressure is passed along one face of a semi-permeable membrane, and a dilute solution at a low hydraulic pressure is passed along the opposite face of the membrane to effect, by pressure-retarded-osmosis, the passage of at least a part of the dilute solution through the membrane forming a pressurized mixed solution. The potential energy stored in the pressurized mixed solution is converted to useful energy by depressurizing and repressurizing only the dilute solution.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for concentrating fluid and for providing electrical power. The apparatus comprises an evaporator and a condenser interconnected by a conduit. A heat exchanger thermally couples warm liquid to the fluid in the evaporator. Means are provided for coupling a cool liquid to the condenser, thereby creating a mass flow of vapor from the evaporator to the condenser. A prime mover is interposed in the conduit for converting the mass flow of vapor into mechanical movement. An electrical generator is coupled to the prime mover enabling an electrical control to direct the output of the electrical generator for operating the apparatus and for directing excessive electrical energy produced by the electrical generator for external use.

Abstract: An integrated system including a residence and an automobile utilizes environmental energy, such as solar energy, as the primary energy source, and the automobile provides a backup or supplementary source of energy for this system. An exemplary system has photovoltaic and thermal collectors associated with the residence for collecting radiant solar energy and converting a portion thereof to electricity and to heat, and residential energy storage means for storing energy generated within the integrated energy system; hybrid electric drive means associated with the automobile in this exemplary system includes batteries for storing electrical energy generated within the integrated energy system, an electrically energized motor to propel the automobile, and a liquid-fueled combustion engine for driving an associated electrical generator to function as a backup or supplementary source of energy for both the residence and the automobile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for generating power utilizing reverse electrodialysis in which a concentrated ionic solution and a dilute ionic solution are passed through two pathways in a reverse electrodialysis unit including a membrane stack, whereby solute from the concentrated solution passes through the membrane to the dilute solution accompanied by the generation of an output electrical current and voltage. The concentrated and dilute ionic solutions are regenerated by thermal separation from the solutions exiting from the unit and are recycled back through the unit.

Abstract: Electric solar or windpowerplant with flywheel battery in which the electric generator is in the form of a d.c. generator, electrically connected to brushless d.c. motors switched in parallel which can also act as generators and each of which is coupled to a flywheel.

Abstract: An energy system that is responsive to and converts radiant energy into direct current electricity at a pair of output connectors which are maintained at a potential difference. The hydrogen and oxygen-generating electrodes of an electrolysis cell are coupled to such terminals so that hydrogen and oxygen may be produced, with at least the former being stored under pressure. Valve or regulator means is supplied the hydrogen storage system such that, preferably, a constant volumetric output over a given time span is maintained for producing a useful result such as a continuous source of electrical energy. The valve means is regulated so that the gas pressure within the storage system is always maintained above a predetermined threshhold. Useful results are produced in the form of mechanical power, electrical power, the synthesizing of ammonia, and other important products and results.

Abstract: The machine comprises one cylinder in which two symmetrical opposed working pistons are placed. A gas-oil introduced between the pistons burns and causes a reciprocating motion of the working pistons against the return motion of two resilient devices. An energy is produced thereby and is extracted without mechanical connections. The mass of the working pistons ranges between 5 and 30 grams per cm.sup.3 of the cylinder. The quantity of gas-oil ranges between 0.01 and 0.02 milligram per cm.sup.3 of the cylinder. The resilient devices are effective for accumulating and sending back upon each reciprocating motion thereof a power ranging between 0.5 and 2 joules per cm.sup.3 of the cylinder.

Abstract: An electrical and thermal energy supply system for buildings is disclosed wherein electricity is generated by an engine driving a generator either inside or in close proximity to the building. Heat generated by the engine is recovered and supplied to the building. The electrical generating system is activated on demand for electricity from within the building. Optionally, the output of the generator may be used to electrically heat water or air, or both, to supplement the heat recovered from the operation of the engine. Additionally, a battery-inverter, chargeable by the generator, may be included to reduce the duty cycle of the engine. A wind powered generator may be further added to charge the battery and conserve fuel, especially in warmer time periods.

Abstract: A geothermal energy recovery system of improved efficiency makes use of thermal energy stored in hot, solute-bearing well water as it is pumped upward to the earth's surface through an extended heat exchange element for continuously heating a downward flowing organic fluid to a supercritical state. Some of the energy of the latter fluid is used within the well for operating a turbine-driven pump for pumping the hot, solute-bearing well water at high pressure and always in liquid state to the earth's surface, where it is reinjected into the earth in another well. The temperature difference between the upward flowing brine and the downward flowing organic fluid is maintained finite in a predetermined manner along the subterranean extended heat exchange element.

Abstract: An improved electric power regeneration system, featuring reduced environmental air and thermal pollution. The system employs a method and means whereby during periods of low load demands upon a conventional type electric power generating plant, the excess power then available is employed (at low cost to the system) to pump low temperature ambient air (or any other suitably heat-absorbent gas) at relatively low pressure into a subterranean cavity in a salt deposit which is in thermal communication via an interconnecting spire or dome of salt with a geological "mother bed" occurring at such depths below the earth's surface as to constitute a constant high heat source. The air/gas conduit system is intermittently closed, whereupon the heat intake from the earth's center causes significant storage of heat energy in the entrapped air/gas and substantial increases of the pressures under which it is entrapped.

Abstract: Radiant heat is converted to electricity by a heat pipe - turbogenerator combination. Specifically, a heat pipe having heat-sorbing wicking or other material in an evaporation section thereof from which the heat pipe liquid in contact with or adjacent said wicking may evaporate, has such wicking heated by radiant heat, as by solar heat, vaporizing the liquid to a gas, which passes through a turbogenerator to a condensation section wherein it is condensed to the liquid, which is returned to the evaporation section. The heat pipe - turbogenerator assembly is suitably externally insulated, as by a vacuum shield, to prevent heat losses and heat is recovered from the condenser portion of the heat pipe and returned to the evaporator portion.In an application of the generic invention it is employed in a building, such as a house, where it is utilized on wall and roof portions thereof and serves as at least a partial supporting structure for these.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for generating electric and hydraulic power adjacent an undersea oil well for use in operating the well-head equipment. The difference in the temperature of the oil being extracted from the well and the temperature of the surrounding sea water is utilized to generate such power.

Abstract: Described is an ocean thermal energy conversion system wherein floating, submerged and fixed drilling platforms installed offshore primarily for exploration and/or production of hydrocarbons serve also as working and supportive bases for means for producing electricity by the adiabatic expansion of hydrocarbon gases which are thereby cooled. The cooled gases are then heated by contact with the solar heated surface layers of water and thermally expand thereby actuating a turbine and an electricity producing generator. Pipelines usually installed for the transmission of gases and crude oil to the shore are used dually by running electric cables with them to bring the electricity produced by the system to on-shore consuming or storage facilities. The system also includes means for increasing the surface water temperature such as insulated pipes bringing heat-containing effluent streams from on-shore treating plants.

Abstract: A housing in the form and size of a freight container in which a machine aggregate driven by an internal combustion engine together with its accessories can be permanently stored and operated; guide surfaces are thereby arranged in front of the openings in the end face at the housings for the supply and discharge of cooling air, combustion air and exhaust gases, which are formed by flaps connected with the housing bottom by means of hinges and pivotal into an angular position relative to the end faces of the housing.

Abstract: A power supply of installations, especially of motor vehicles, driven by internal combustion engines which consists of a generator, a storage battery and loads as well as corresponding switching means; at least one thermionic converter acted upon by the hot exhaust gases serves as generator while at least one electric motor feeding mechanically into the drive connection of the installation is provided as load; the thermionic converter or converters as well as preferably also the storage capacity of the battery are designed as regards their power output for approximately the utilizable thermal energy of the exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Radiant energy is converted into electric energy by irradiating a capacitor including an ionic dielectric having a dipole layer only on or near its surface. The dielectric is selected from the group consisting of the rare earth trifluorides and trichlorides, and is preferably lanthanum trifluoride or lanthanum trichloride. The radiant energy cyclically heats and cools the dielectric to cause cyclic changes in the capacitance and resistance of the capacitor without changing the dielectric state. The capacitor is initially charged to a voltage just below the dielectric breakdown voltage by temporarily connecting it across a source of emf causing a current to flow through a charging resistor to the dielectric. The device can be utilized as a radiant energy detector, as well as a solar energy cell. In the latter case, the dielectric is heated and cooled at a predetermined frequency and the capacitor is connected in circuit with a means for resonating the capacitor at the frequency.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion system includes a centrally positioned tower supporting a solar receiver, and an array of pivotally mounted reflectors disposed circumferentially therearound which reflect earth incident solar radiation onto the receiver which thermally excites and photo-ionizes a working fluid to form a plasma. The plasma is accelerated and further heated through a ceramic turbo-compressor into a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator to produce direct current. The working fluid is then passed through a heat exchanger channel where the waste heat is removed by another working fluid which drives a vapor turbine connected to the ceramic turbo-compressor and an AC generator. Seed may then be removed and the working fluid is recycled in the closed cycle MHD system. The electrical power is distributed, part of it being used to electrolyze water into hydrogen and oxygen which are stored and allowed to exothermally recombine to drive the system during low solar radiation intervals.

Abstract: Radiant energy is converted into electric energy by irradiating a capacitor including an ionic dielectric having a dipole layer only on or near its surface. The dielectric is selected from the group consisting of the rare earth trifluorides and trichlorides, and is preferably lanthanum trifluoride or lanthanum trichloride. The radiant energy cyclically heats and cools the dielectric to cause cyclic changes in the capacitance and resistance of the capacitor without changing the dielectric state. The capacitor is initially charged to a voltage just below the dielectric breakdown voltage by temporarily connecting it across a source of emf causing a current to flow through a charging resistor to the dielectric. The device can be utilized as a radiant energy detector.

Abstract: The specification discloses a Solar Power Plant which utilizes a sun-tracking parabolic collector and a plurality of energy storage and conversion devices, all of which are operated under the control of a novel energy management system. Allocation of energy to a particular storage component or to useful output is dependent upon the state of the system as well as the nature of the demand. Outputted energy may also be recaptured and reallocated to minimize losses. Efficiency at the component level is enhanced by the utilization of novel heat exchangers which effectuate complete conversion of the operating liquid to superheated gas.

Abstract: A power plant of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,991,563 is housed in a pressure chamber filled with a body of water having a standpipe relatively upstanding thereabove to pressurize the water.

Abstract: Problems associated with moving fuel from remote sources to large centralized power generation plants are avoided with an economical system for collecting power from small stations located near the scattered, remote fuel sites. To avoid a need for many massive, costly transformers, a plurality of relatively low voltage generating stations are connected in series to cumulatively produce the high voltage needed for long-distance transmission line delivery. Power-generating devices of the successive stations are supported on insulative structures of progressively greater height and are driven or supplied with fuel through insulative means.

Abstract: This invention provides novel mechanical work generating means. Basically, the novel mechanical work generating means provided by the present invention comprise: first means for mechanically generating a heat component of work; second means, mechanically interconnected to the first means, for mechanically generating a non-heat component of work; and third means, mechanically interconnected to the first and second means, for combining the heat and non-heat components of work into a resultant mechanical work output.

Abstract: An automatic output control method and dynamo equipment for generating sets using automobile wheel friction drive, which, in relation to generating sets using automobile wheel friction drive and consisting of a base plate with a jack attached and a dynamo which is removable from the said base plate and tiltable so that its shaft bears upon an automobile wheel driven by the automobile engine to achieve electricity generation over long periods of time with good efficiency and stability by utilizing the said automobile engine power, features the use of a tapered drum having a parallel section for the dynamo drum driven by friction with an automobile wheel, arranged so that the said tapered drum, sliding freely in the axial direction along a screw groove notched along the shaft, and so that a coil spring fits around the said shaft in such a manner that the tapered drum may be pressed always in the direction of the smaller diameter section by the elastic tension, that the revolution of the tapered drum may be tran

Abstract: A multirotary energy conversion valve comprising inlet and outlet passages interposed by meshing pairs of inlet and outlet rotors of unequal constant volume displacements with an enclosed channel in between having energy conversion means and additionally interposed by meshing intermediate rotors of unequal constant volume displacements with at least one rotary linkage connecting an inlet and an outlet rotor and additionally an intermediate rotor in synchronous rotation about one axis, said valve being applicable in a range including check valves, heat pumps, heat engines, vacuum pumps, vapor flash valves, cool engines, direct air conditioners and nuclear fusion devices.

Abstract: Radiant energy is converted to thermal energy utilizing forced convection through a fluidized bed. The bed is made up of solid, radiant energy absorbing solids in particulate form, which are maintained in fluidized condition by passage of a gas therethrough. Radiant energy impinges upon and is absorbed by the bed, and in turn is transferred thermally to the gas. The gas may be utilized to drive a gas turbine power generator, may be reacted chemically with the particulate solids or the like.

Abstract: Energy, from road bed jolts, expended against the wheels and axle or axle housing of either a self-propelled or a trailer vehicle so as to cause the axle to rise and fall is transmitted to a rotatable shaft through a reciprocatory-to-rotary motion transformer including elongated double rack housings containing compression springs engaging relatively-sliding shorter double racks which through their delayed actions due to their inertia and the time required for them to compress their respective springs cause the motion of the racks to lag behind the road-shock induced motions of their respective rack housings, whereupon the thus-compressed springs expand and push their respective racks into the end spaces so opened up within their respective housings, whereupon the thus-tardily moving racks belatedly rotate their respective pinions provided with oppositely-acting unidirectional clutches. The consequent intermittent rotation of the shaft is rendered continuous by a flywheel on the shaft.

Abstract: A gas turbine power plant is provided with an industrial gas turbine which drives a rotating brushless exciter generator coupled to a power system through a breaker. One or more of the turbine-generator plants are operated by a hybrid digital computer control system during sequenced startup, synchronizing, load and shutdown operations. The program system for the computer and external analog circuitry operate in a multiple gas turbine control loop arrangement. Automatic synchronization is achieved with a hybrid subsystem which includes the programmed computer and external phase detection circuitry. An automatic synchronization program for the computer is divided into rough speed and voltage matching, fine speed matching and breaker closure subprograms.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for starting a pump, wherein when a pump runner effects the idle running in a runner chamber which is filled with compressed air, a water-pumping-up starting instruction is given, then a drain valve is first closed according to the water-pumping-up starting instruction, the aforesaid drain valve being provided in a draft tube for discharging pressurized water from a runner band chamber of the runner chamber; then compressed air in the runner chamber is discharged therefrom; subequently water is charged into the runner chamber; and after water pressure at the adjacent portion of the runner periphery in the runner chamber has been raised to a given level, a by-pass valve and a main valve in a discharge tube and guide vanes are sequentially opened; and a device for automatically substantiating the method.

Abstract: A power system comprising a generator mounted on the propulsion unit of an outboard motor through an interposed adaptor which exposes the drive connection between the generator and propulsion unit to allow access thereto for employment of the drive mechanism for the driving of accessories other than the outboard motor. Clutch means selectively couple the drive means of the generator and the driven means of the propulsion unit for a selective operation of the mounted generator independently of the propulsion unit.

Abstract: Modular operating centers for use in electric power generating plants and other industrial and commercial plants, processes and systems are constructed by using a novel prefabricated modular technique. This technique includes loading a plurality of transportable room-size building modules with control system equipment at a factory site. Typically, the control system equipment includes sophisticated and complex electrical and electronics data processing and control equipment. The control system equipment is installed and bolted down in the different building modules and the equipment in each module is inter-wired at the factory site. Temporary inter-module connections are established between the control system equipment in different ones of the building modules and such equipment, as a whole, is then thoroughly tested and adjusted under simulated use conditions. Thereafter, the loaded and tested building modules are separated and separately transported to the industrial or commercial installation site.

Abstract: Modular operating centers for use in electric power generating plants and other industrial and commercial plants, processes and systems are constructed by using a novel prefabricated modular technique. This technique includes loading a plurality of transportable room-size building modules with control system equipment at a factory site. Typically, the control system equipment includes sophisticated and complex electrical and electronics data processing and control equipment. The control system equipment is installed and bolted down in the different building modules and the equipment in each module is inter-wired at the factory site. Temporary inter-module connections are established between the control system equipment in different ones of the building modules and such equipment, as a whole, is then thoroughly tested and adjusted under simulated use conditions. Thereafter, the loaded and tested building modules are separated and separately transported to the industrial or commercial installation site.