Abstract: A device and method for stimulating pulsed chemical reactions in a small volume of gaseous reactants. An emitter stimulates the reactions of a fuel oxidizer mixture and a collector converts the vibrational energy of the resulting products into useful energy. The device may also include a reaction region, a collector, and reactants such as fuel and oxidizer. In one embodiment, air including exhausts is made to flow into and out of the reaction region, and fuel is made to flow into the reaction region. The device may be configured in several geometries, including but not limited to, a V-channel, a box and a plane.

Abstract: A method and a device for converting energy uses chemical reactions in close proximity to or on a surface to convert a substantial fraction of the available chemical energy of the shorter lived energized products, such as vibrationally excited chemicals and hot electrons, directly into a useful form, such as longer lived charge carriers in a semiconductor. The carriers store the excitation energy in a form that may be converted into other useful forms, such as electricity, nearly monochromatic electromagnetic radiation or carriers for stimulating other surface reactions.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an actuator is provided having a graphite comprising actuation region located between electrodes. An ion storage region is located between the electrodes, with a separator region between the actuation and the storage region. The actuation region may include graphite structures embedded in an elastic matrix, the elastic matrix is adapted to allow transport of chemical species capable of intercalating within the graphite structures. A separator region is located between the electrodes, along with an ion generation region capable of reversible electrochemical production and elimination of ions. In some embodiments, an actuator is provided with at least one of the electrode and the counter electrode including graphite. An electrolyte therebetween having a graphite intercalate ion source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that converts energy provided by a chemical reaction into energy for charging a quantum well device. The disclosed apparatus comprises a catalyst layer that catalyzes a chemical reaction and captures hot electrons and hot phonons generated by the chemical reaction, and an interface layer placed between the catalyst layer and a quantum well. The interface layer facilitates the transfer of hot electrons and hot phonons from the catalyst layer into the quantum well layer. The interface layer can also convert hot electrons into hot phonons, and vice versa, depending upon the needs of the particular quantum well device. Because the hot electrons and the hot phonons are unstable and readily degrade into heat energy, the dimensions of the catalyst layer and the interface layer are very small. To improve the efficiency of the transfer of hot electrons and hot phonons to the quantum well, other interface layers, such as a catalyst interlayer and a catalyst interface, may be utilized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting energy is provided. In one aspect the method includes using chemical reactions to generate vibrationally excited molecules, such as high-quantum-number-vibrationally-excited gas molecules in a region. The vibration energy in the vibrationally excited molecules is converted into hot electrons when the excited molecules contact a conductor. A geometry is provided so that the excited molecules may travel, diffuse or wander into a conductor before loosing a useful fraction of the vibrational energy. Optionally, the generating and the converting process may be thermally separated, at least in part. The short lived hot electrons are converted into longer lived entities such as carriers and potentials in a semiconductor, where the energy is converted into a useful form.

Abstract: The position and speed and, in some embodiments, direction of rotation of a motor for turning the rod of an object such as a window covering is determined by placing a braking magnet next to the motor and a piezoelectric element between the braking magnet and motor. As the motor rotates, the piezoelectric element generates a signal that can be used to determine the speed of rotation and also the position of the motor (and, hence, the position of the object being moved). The magnet brakes the motor from turning under the weight of the object when the motor is deenergized.

Abstract: The present invention includes the preparation of highly conducting conjugated polymers and their use as electrochemical actuators, A typical electrochemical actuator comprises a highly conducting, conjugated polymer for the anode or the cathode, or for both the anode and the cathode; suitable conjugate polymers have a conductivity ?100 S/cm. The material may have any form, including films and fibers. A preferred shape is a strip or a fiber, where the fiber can be solid or hollow, although any shape may be used. Before use, the material may be treated, for example, by immersion in an acid, in order to dope/protonate the material or to introduce anions or to exchange the anion in the polymer for another anion. Other materials may be incorporated in the polyaniline to increase its conductivity or to provide other benefits, such as increased strength. Useful conducting polymers include monomers of anilines, pyrroles, thiophenes, phenylene vinylenes, and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A conjugated polymer actuator having attached electrodes is described wherein direct electrical stimulation induces changes in the dimensions and mechanical properties thereof without the need for electrolytes or counter electrodes.

Abstract: An actuator using the vibration caused by a piezoelectric element. The actuator includes: a base; a vibratory rod bonded to the base; an piezoelectric element bonded to the vibratory rod; and a contact body for contacting frictionally with the vibratory rod under an suitable frictional force exerting therebetween. The piezoelectric element is charged and discharged, so that the piezoelectric element is transformed in one direction relatively fast and in opposite direction relatively slow, and so that the contact body is driven along the vibratory rod in a set direction.

Abstract: An optical micromotor having a rotor the rotation whereof can be controlled flexibly and freely through simple arrangement, and a micropump that uses this micromotor. The optical micromotor and the micropump have a rotor (15) that rotates about a central axis. The rotor (15) has an optical trap (bead) (2), which is trapped by a light beam (4), provided at least at one location thereon. When the optical trap (2) is irradiated with the laser beam (4), the rotor is held at a prescribed position together with the optical trap (2). When the laser beam (4) is moved or changed over, the rotor (15) rotates about the central axis together with the optical trap (2).

Abstract: A method for powering a vehicle comprises, in one embodiment, receiving infrared radiation emitted as heat from a roadway surface, and converting energy of the infrared radiation to a form of energy that is useful for providing power to the vehicle. In another embodiment, a method for powering a vehicle comprises: insulating a first region of a road's surface with a material that transmits visible light but blocks infrared radiation, while leaving a second region of the surface uninsulated; conducting heat from portions of the road beneath the first region, to the second region; receiving infrared radiation emitted as heat from the second region; and converting energy of the infrared radiation to a form of energy that is useful for providing power to the vehicle.

Abstract: A gravitational wave generating device comprising an energizing means which act upon energizable elements such as molecules, atoms, nuclei or nuclear particles in order to create nuclear reactions or collisions, the products of which can move in a single preferred direction with an attendant impulse (jerk or harmonic oscillation) of an ensemble of target nuclei or other energizable elements over a very brief time period. The target nuclei or energizable elements acting in concert generate a gravitational wave. A preferred embodiment involves the use of a pulsed particle beam moving at the local gravitational wave speed in a target mass, which is comprised of target nuclei, to trigger a nuclear reaction and build up a coherent gravitational wave as the particles of the beam move through the target mass and impact target nuclei over very short time spans.

Abstract: A device consisting of solar photovoltaic cells, a solar activated dc motor, contact brushes and wiring to transfer the electric current to the applied load. The cells are mounted on vanes attached to a central shaft that is made to rotate by the dc motor. The electrical output of the photovoltaic cells is transferred by means of brushes to a stationary contact points wired to the applied load. The device exhibits phase behavior and produces a varying electrical output. By wiring the stationary contact points opposite each other, the output produced is AC electricity. When both ends are wired in the same direction the output is fluctuating do current similar to pulsating DC. The electricity generated can be put through a transformer.

Abstract: A method of forming an opening through a substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side includes forming a trench in the first side of the substrate, forming a mask layer within the trench, filling the trench with a fill material, forming a first portion of the opening in the substrate from the second side of the substrate toward the mask layer, and forming a second portion of the opening in the substrate through the mask layer and the fill material, including communicating the second portion of the opening with the first portion of the opening and the first side of the substrate.

Abstract: A backup power supply apparatus. The apparatus includes a light absorbing device which consists of at least one light absorbing element. The light absorbing elements are pivotally engaged with each other and are foldable for being housed inside a casing for portability. The light absorbing elements may be unfolded to absorb light from a light source to generate electric power output required by a load.

Abstract: A solar energy converter includes: a light-concentrating instrument; an electron emitter in an insulated vacuum vessel, emitting electrons in a vacuum as a temperature rises by sunlight; an electron accelerator within the light-concentrating instrument; a cathode on a surface of the electron emitter opposite to a surface which is irradiated by sunlight, and electrically connected with the electron emitter; an electric field supplier having a positive terminal and a negative terminal; and an electron collector in the vacuum vessel, collecting the emitted electrons flying from the electron emitter toward the electron accelerator; wherein the electron accelerator is connected with the positive terminal and the cathode is connected with the negative terminal to generate an electric field, and the electron collector is used as a negative generator electrode and the cathode is used as a positive generator electrode in which the collected electrons migrate to the electron emitter to generate electricity.

Abstract: The use of newly discovered chemical reaction products, created when reactants combine to form products on the surface of a catalyst, to generate electricity, beams of radiation or mechanical motion. The invention also provides methods to convert the products into electricity or motion. The electric generator consists of a catalyst nanocluster, nanolayer or quantum well placed on a substrate consisting of a semiconductor diode, and a semiconductor diode on the surface of the substrate near the catalyst. The device to generate mechanical motion consists of a catalyst nanocluster, nanolayer or quantum well placed on a substrate, and a hydraulic fluid in contact with the non-reaction side of the substrate, with the surfaces of both the catalyst and substrate mechanically formed to enhance the unidirectional forces on the fluid. Both devices use a fuel-oxidizer mixture brought in contact with the catalyst.

Abstract: A regulated power supply includes a pyroelectric capacitor. Such a power supply can be incorporated into an integrated circuit.

Abstract: The solar energy converter comprises an electron emitter and an electron collector. They are provided separate from each other in a vacuum vessel. Solar energy in a wide range of sunlight spectrum can be efficiently converted into electric energy by moving electrons from the electron emitter to the electron collector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting energy is provided. In one aspect the method includes using chemical reactions to generate vibrationally excited molecules, such as high-quantum-number-vibrationally-excited gas molecules in a region. The vibration energy in the vibrationally excited molecules is converted into hot electrons when the excited molecules contact a conductor. A geometry is provided so that the excited molecules may travel, diffuse or wander into a conductor before loosing a useful fraction of the vibrational energy. Optionally, the generating and the converting process may be thermally separated, at least in part. The short lived hot electrons are converted into longer lived entities such as carriers and potentials in a semiconductor, where the energy is converted into a useful form.

Abstract: Energy conversion systems utilizing nanometer scale assemblies are provided that convert the kinetic energy (equivalently, the thermal energy) of working substance molecules into another form of energy that can be used to perform useful work at a macroscopic level. These systems may be used to, for example, produce useful quantities of electric or mechanical energy, heat or cool an external substance or propel an object in a controllable direction. In particular, the present invention includes nanometer scale impact masses that reduce the velocity of working substance molecules that collide with this impact mass by converting some of the kinetic energy of a colliding molecule into kinetic energy of the impact mass. Various devices including, piezoelectric, electromagnetic and electromotive force generators, are used to convert the kinetic energy of the impact mass into electromagnetic, electric or thermal energy.

Abstract: A driving system using an intercalation substance as a novel mechanochemical system includes an actuator using the intercalation substance and driven by exchange of solutions or by changing concentration of a solution, and a solution supplier that supplies the actuator with the driving solution or solutions. The actuator is composed of one or more cylindrical or fiber-shaped elements each extending in the expanding and contracting direction of the intercalation substance, or one or more film-shaped or plate-shaped elements each having a major surface extending vertically of the expanding and contracting direction of the intercalation substance. The driving system is used as artificial muscle, for example.

Abstract: Actuators are described that operate as a result of double-layer charge injection in electrodes having very high gravimetric surface areas and gravimetric capacitances. The actuator output of the actuators may be a mechanical displacement that can be used to accomplish mechanical work. As a result of the non-faradaic process and the actuator materials utilized, such as carbon nanotubes, the actuators have improved work capacity, power density, cycle life, and force generation capabilities. Other benefits include low voltage operation and high temperature performance. The actuators also convert a mechanical energy input to an electrical energy output. The actuators may be used to control either thermal, electrical or fluid transport or cause either the switching, phase shift, or attenuation of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A fuel cell powered magnetically driven shaft assembly comprises: (a) a stationary fuel cell stack having a hollow core; (b) an electrically conductive sleeve lining the hollow core so as to define a cylindrical passage therethrough; and (c) a shaft extending through the sleeve passage and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The shaft is embedded with one or more magnets configured to produce a magnetic field extending substantially perpendicularly to that longitudinal axis. Anodes of the fuel cell stack are connected to one end of the sleeve and cathodes are connected to the other end so as to provide a path for conducting electrons through the sleeve constrained in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. Because the current flows perpendicularly through the magnetic field, an electromagnetic force is produced in a direction which is tangential to the shaft, causing the shaft to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A rotating body in which a number of electrons injected from one rotation surface is the same as a number of electrons ejected from another rotation surface, and in which a degree of spin polarization of electrons injected from one rotation surface is different from a degree of spin polarization of electrons ejected from another rotation surface is used as a rotor, thus making possible a micro motor with a small amount of loss and that has a simple structure.

Abstract: A gravitational wave generation device comprising an ensemble of energizable elements involving magnetic, electrical and electromechanical functions that are under the control of a computer and attendant computer software system. The magnetic and electrical force elements, when energized as directed by the computer, operate in concert to produce a rapid third-time-derivative motion of a mass. This action causes the generation of high-frequency gravitational waves that can be modulated and shaped in order to be utilized for communication, propulsion, and various physics experiments. The energizable elements can be very small coils or coil sets encased in a computer chip, current-carrying conductors, or small electromechanical devices. The mass acted upon by the coil elements can be a permanent magnet or magnets, or electromagnets. In the electromechanical-element configuration the device can be used both for the generation of gravitational waves and their detection.

Abstract: A device and method for stimulating pulsed chemical reactions in a small volume of gaseous reactants. An emitter stimulates the reactions of a fuel oxidizer mixture and a collector converts the vibrational energy of the resulting products into useful energy. The device may also include a reaction region, a collector, and reactants such as fuel and oxidizer. In one embodiment, air including exhausts is made to flow into and out of the reaction region, and fuel is made to flow into the reaction region. The device may be configured in several geometries, including but not limited to, a V-channel, a box and a plane.

Abstract: The use of newly discovered chemical reaction products, created when reactants combine to form products on the surface of a catalyst, to generate electricity, beams of radiation or mechanical motion. The invention also provides methods to convert the products into electricity or motion. The electric generator consists of a catalyst nanocluster, nanolayer or quantum well placed on a substrate consisting of a semiconductor diode, and a semiconductor diode on the surface of the substrate near the catalyst. The device to generate mechanical motion consists of a catalyst nanocluster, nanolayer or quantum well placed on a substrate, and a hydraulic fluid in contact with the non-reaction side of the substrate, with the surfaces of both the catalyst and substrate mechanically formed to enhance the unidirectional forces on the fluid. Both devices use a fuel-oxidizer mixture brought in contact with the catalyst.

Abstract: The use of newly discovered chemical reaction products, created when reactants combine to form products on the surface of a catalyst, to generate electricity, beams of radiation or mechanical motion. The invention also provides methods to convert the products into electricity or motion. The electric generator consists of a catalyst nanocluster, nanolayer or quantum well placed on a substrate consisting of a semiconductor diode, and a semiconductor diode on the surface of the substrate near the catalyst. The device to generate mechanical motion consists of a catalyst nanocluster, nanolayer or quantum well placed on a substrate, and a hydraulic fluid in contact with the non-reaction side of the substrate, with the surfaces of both the catalyst and substrate mechanically formed to enhance the unidirectional forces on the fluid. Both devices use a fuel-oxidizer mixture brought in contact with the catalyst.

Abstract: The use of newly discovered chemical reaction products, created when reactants combine to form products on the surface of a catalyst, to generate electricity, beams of radiation or mechanical motion. The invention also provides methods to convert the products into electricity or motion. The electric generator consists of a catalyst nanocluster, nanolayer or quantum well placed on a substrate consisting of a semiconductor diode, and a semiconductor diode on the surface of the substrate near the catalyst. The device to generate mechanical motion consists of a catalyst nanocluster, nanolayer or quantum well placed on a substrate, and a hydraulic fluid in contact with the non-reaction side of the substrate, with the surfaces of both the catalyst and substrate mechanically formed to enhance the unidirectional forces on the fluid. Both devices use a fuel-oxidizer mixture brought in contact with the catalyst.

Abstract: A method for generating electricity is provided utilizing a conducting polymer, an electrolyte and a counterelectrode and applying mechanical work to the polymer thereby generating an electrical potential between the conducting polymer and the counterelectrode. Coupling of the electrical potential is then made to an external circuit. The resultant mechanical to electrical energy conversion efficiency is at least 0.01%. Also provided is a method for braking a mechanical member by utilizing a conducting polymer, coupling it to the mechanical member, generating an electrical potential between the conducting polymer and a counterelectrode and coupling the electrical potential to an external circuit. The step of coupling may include dissipating and/or storing electrical energy in the external circuit. The conducting polymer provided may preferably be polypyrrole. In another embodiment, a brake for the mechanical member is provided.

Abstract: In the present invention, various sizes of non-wetting droplets are inserted into microtube devices of various shapes having therein a gas or wetting fluid which causes the droplets to movement in response to fluid pressure. The droplets may translate within a void of the microtube device which is filled with the gas or wetting fluid or rotate in a fixed position. The nonwetting fluid may also be formed into rings within ring shaped channels. The microtube devices may operate to stop fluid flow, act as a check-valve, act as a flow restrictor, act as a flow regulator, act as a support for a turning axle, and act as a logic device, for example.

Abstract: A movement actuator includes an elongate filament made of a flexible material, and a strip of shape memory alloy disposed on the surface of one side of the filament. The shape memory alloy is responsive to actuation signals, heat or electrical signals, for changing its shape and when its shape changes, it causes the filament to move, i.e., bend, to accommodate the change in shape of the alloy. Also included is a signal supply device for selectively applying heat signals or electrical current to the strip of shape memory alloy to cause the alloy to change its shape and cause the filament to bend. Other patterns for the shape memory alloy could be disposed on the filament to cause other kinds of movements. For example, a helical pattern of the shape memory alloy about the filament would cause the filament to twist when the helical pattern were caused to shorten or lengthen.

Abstract: The polymer electrolyte type hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell of the present invention comprises an oxygen electrode and a hydrogen electrode, a polymer electrolyte membrane provided between the oxygen electrode and hydrogen electrode and electron conductors provided on the side of the electrodes which is opposite to the electrolyte side and the oxygen electrode comprises a catalytically active component, a carrier for the catalytically active component and a binder and has such a gradient in water repellency across the thickness that the water repellency is highest in the area adjacent to the electrolyte and lowest in the area adjacent to the conductor. In this fuel cell, flooding of water at the interface between the oxygen electrode and the electrolyte can be prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a translation device comprising an actuator body and a coupling member which mechanically contacts said actuator body, the actuator body having at least one body of a solid electrolyte which is clamped between a pair of supporting surfaces and which is provided with at least one pair of electrodes between which mass transport takes place via the electrolyte under the influence of an electric potential difference, said mass transport causing the dimensions of the electrodes to change so that the coupling member is subject to a translation in a first coordination direction relative to a reference of the device. Preferably, AgI is used as the solid electrolyte and silver is used for the electrodes. On the basis of the above-mentioned principle, translation devices can be constructed for one, two or three-dimensional translations. Translations based on both translatory and rotatory motions are possible.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solar harness apparatus which includes a plurality of solar cells with each having an active surface, that is, a surface which absorbs photons to generate electrical power, and these are arranged in a substantially parallel fashion with the active surfaces all facing the same direction and with the solar cells being stacked in line behind one another. The solar harness includes a plurality of magnets with at least one magnet being located between each adjacent solar cell in the plurality of solar cells so as to hold the cells in the stacked arrangement without any further support and so as to create solderless contacts therewith. Means is connected to the stack for drawing electric current therefrom. Preferably, the magnets are at least partially wrapped or wound in electrically conductive material so that the conductivity in series is enhanced.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the position and movement of an object in up to six desired degrees of freedom. The system comprises an armature which is provided with a distribution of electric charge. The armature may also include one or more magnetized regions. The system further comprises a base having components that may be actively controlled so as to cause a force to be exerted on the electric charge distribution of the armature. By appropriately controlling the components of the base, the position and movement of the armature with respect to the base can be selectively controlled.The base may also include passive electric and/or magnetic components which assist in stabilizing the armature in one or more degrees of freedom. In addition, the base may be provided with position sensors which provide position information to control circuitry such that the position and movement of the armature with respect to the base can be controlled automatically.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa, which advantageously utilizes the phenomenon known as contact charging. A metallic first member is urged into intimate abutting contact along a surface thereof with a surface of a second member formed from semiconductor material. The abutting surfaces of the members are each divided into a plurality of segments such that relative movement between the members, while the members are retained in abutting contact, results in the capacitance of the device varying within predetermined limits. Four preferred embodiments of the device are contemplated. In the first embodiment the area of contact between the abutting surfaces is caused to synchronously vary between predetermined limits. In the second, third, and fourth embodiments the contact area remains constant and, instead, the surface characteristics of the second member are controllably varied to thereby cause the variance in capacitance.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for converting thermal energy into chemical energy by means of a low-temperature process. A liquid flow loop with two vertical columns that are interconnected at the top and bottom circulates an electrically conducting fluid, such as mercury. A convective flow of this electrically conducting fluid is established by heating the fluid in one of the columns and cooling the fluid in the other column to establish a weight differential between the fluid in the two columns. A magnetohydroynamic generator is placed on this loop so that, as the fluid flows through the loop and through the generator, electrical energy is generated. This electrical energy is used to electrolize a second fluid, such as a solution of sulphuric acid, into gasses such as hydrogen and oxygen. The gasses so generated are injected into the rising column of the electrically conducting fluid to increase the weight differential between the fluid in the two columns and enhance the convective flow of that fluid.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for converting one form of energy into an alternate form of energy by means of a low-temperature process. A liquid flow loop with two vertical columns that are interconnected at the top and bottom circulates a fluid. A convective flow of this fluid is established by heating the fluid in one of the columns and cooling the fluid in the other column to establish a weight differential between the fluid in the two columns. An electric generator is placed on this loop so that, as the fluid flows through the loop and through the generator, electrical energy is generated. This electrical energy is used to electrolize a second fluid, such as a solution of sulphuric acid, into gasses such as hydrogen and oxygen. The gasses so generated are used to increase the rate of flow of the fluid, and consequently the rate of electric energy production.

Abstract: A system is described for acoustically controlled rotation of a levitated object (12), which avoids deformation of a levitated liquid object. Acoustic waves (50, 52 in FIG. 6) of the same wavelength are directed along perpendicular directions across the object, and with the relative phases of the acoustic waves repeatedly switched so that one wave alternately leads and lags the other by 90.degree.. The amount of torque for rotating the object, and the direction of rotation, are controlled by controlling the proportion of time one wave leads the other and selecting which wave leads the other most of the time.

Abstract: These inventions relate to novel advances in Electrothermodynamics (ETD), also known as charged aerosol, heat/electric power generators:(1) A new more efficient, compact converging/diverging configuration comprising a torus of revolution (TORON) used with a gas flywheel.(2) A "Method II" two-fluid mixed flow ejector/converter in a gas flywheel loop employing a primary steam or a high molecular weight driver jet such as a fluorocarbon containing charged aerosol water droplets and a low molecular weight carrier gas such as hydrogen or helium with an electro-negative gas additive, in a Rankine cycle including a vapor/gas and liquid separator with a bypass to the ejector/converter loop.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating electric power directly from a supersonic gas flow. An obstacle is positioned in the supersonic gas flow to establish a standing shock wave having a potential gradient. A pair of electrodes, one located in the upstream direction from the shock wave and the other located in the downstream direction from the shock wave, are used to extract power from the potential gradient.

Abstract: Electromagnetic radiation is converted to usable power in the form of electrical current by means of a plurality of transducing cavities having a wall structure that is inclined inwardly to receive impinging radiation and includes potential barrier strips each having different conduction electron densities which are also different from the conduction electron density of the material constituting the wall structure of each cavity; each potential barrier strip extends from the mouth of the cavity to the base thereof and, at the mouth, is connected to a conductor having a preselected conduction electron density whereby radiation impinging on a cavity will induce current flow which will be rectified across the potential barriers; the cavities are connected in parallel so that current can be delivered to a load connected across the conductors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for use in converting heat to electrical energy and comprises a plurality of capacitors which have a temperature dependent capacitance. Heat is used to decrease the dielectric constant in the capacitors causing charge to expand from the capacitors into an associated circuit and do electrical work. The invention also includes reeds which are caused to vibrate by the flow of vapor carrying heat between stages. These reeds serve as thermal switches which pulse heat at the proper frequency and phase through a large number of stacked capacitors. The efficiency of the apparatus is optimized by operating the individual capacitors through cycles approximating Carnot cycles.

Abstract: A two-part pile or probe device in which the parts can be moved relative to one another by a jacking mechanism. In operation, one of the two parts is made anodic to grip the material in which the device is to be moved, the other is made cathodic to encourage slip and the jacking mechanism is used to urge the cathodic part through the material against the anchoring action of the anodic part. The polarity of the two parts is then reversed and the process repeated to move the previously anodic part. In this way the device can be made to move through the material in a series of discrete steps as first one part and then the other is forced through the material by the jacking mechanism.

Abstract: Solar energy (called exergy to the extent it is thermodynamically useful) is focussed by an inflated, buyont reflector for heating lithium circulating through an MHD conversion system. Hydrogen and nitrogen are added to the heated lithium, finely divided iron serving as catalyst to obtain lithium amid. The hydrogen has been produced by electrolysis of water. The lithium-lithium amid mixture (liquid) is mixed with pressurized nitrogen to obtain a two phase flow in which the liquid is accelerated; focussed into a jet passing through the MHD converter to obtain hydrazine and additional electrical energy e.g. for the hydrogen electrolysis; and returned to the solar heater. The gas (N.sub.2) is separated; subjected to recuperative heat exchange with itself; and low temperature isothermic compression under direct contact with a liquid which in turn is, ultimately, air cooled. The entire assembly is of elongated construction wherein the main active elements are arranged along a center axis e.g.