Abstract: A device for the lifting of liquid solely by the use of solar energy is constructed of two vertically disposed pipes, one pipe extending below the surface of the liquid and the second pipe extending above the surface of the liquid. A third pipe, in the form of a transverse section, joins the top of the first pipe and the bottom of the second pipe, the transverse section being inclined to provide entrapment of liquid therein upon submergency of the first pipe. A liquid inlet is provided at the bottom of the first pipe and an air vent is provided at the top of the first pipe at the junction thereof with the transverse section. A discharge port for liquid is provided at the top of the second pipe. An air pressure differential is established between the vent and the discharge port for forcing liquid from the transverse section to the port.

Abstract: This pump operates by repeatedly forcing water alternately first through a heater and later through a cooler in such a way that a stream of heated water arrives at a pressurization chamber in the form of steam during one time period and a succeeding stream of cooled water arrives at the chamber in an alternate time period, thereby producing alternate pressurizations and depressurizations within the chamber, and the pressure alternations are transmitted to an adjacent pumping chamber by means of a diaphragm separating the two chambers. During the low pressure period in the pumping chamber, water is drawn in through an inlet check valve and during the high pressure period it is expelled through an exit check valve, and the energy to drive the alternating water streams is derived from the pressurizing steam forcing water into an air chamber compressing air so that in a subsequent period the compressed air forces water through the heater and then the cooler.

Abstract: The draft from a solar heated convection column or series of convection columns is used to alternately draw first heated air from a black body solar collector and then to draw cooled air from a heat sink over the walls of a heat exchanger so that the walls of a sealed cavity in the heat exchanger alternately contacting first the hot air draft and then the cool air draft are first heated and then cooled, thereby first heating the sealed gas or vapor within the cavity and then cooling the gas or vapor within the cavity, the consequent pressure changes in the cavity are converted to mechanical energy by action against the interior walls of a large bellows or on a piston in a cylinder the interior walls of which are part of the same sealed heated and cooled cavity.

Abstract: In a geothermal energy conversion system having a boiler and a turbine driven pumping unit, a separator is disposed between the boiler and the turbine driven pump for separating entrained liquid droplets from the vaporized working fluid exhausted from the boiler.

Abstract: A solar pumping system, comprises, a pumping housing which defines a pump chamber therein which is adapted to be positioned in the ground below ground water level. Displacer means in the form of, for example, a bladder, arranged within the pump chamber, is capable of displacing liquid out of the pump chamber in response to a pressurized medium acting thereon to expel the water out of the chamber and up to a level above the ground for use. A suction valve connected into the chamber permits the ground water to flow into the chamber and a discharge valve connected out of the chamber permits the outflow of the ground water during the action of the displacer means. The construction includes a solar collector having at least one hydride conduit which is adapted to be exposed to the sun for solar heating to act on the hydride to cause hydrogen to be formed, the pressure of which acts against the displacer means to displace the ground liquid out of the pump chamber.

Abstract: A boilerless steam displacement pump for pumping water is disclosed which uses steam not only to displace water from a chamber to pump the water but also uses the pressurized steam to charge and energize an internal water-to-steam delivery system in order to present water to the steam generating chamber without the use of any auxiliary pump. In this way steam being generated intermittently is used in one period of a cycle to supply water under pressure to the water-to-steam delivery system and then this system delivers the pressurized water to the steam generating chamber during an alternate period to produce the succeeding surge of steam.

Abstract: A multiple-stage pump compressor is disclosed for utilization in a heating or cooling system which comprises separate hot and cold containers connected to flexible members within pressure chambers in each of a plurality of pumping stages.

Abstract: The expansions and contractions of a diaphragm into and out of a pumping chamber for the purpose of pumping fluid from the chamber are provided by pressurizations and depressurizations against the diaphragm, produced by alternate vaporization and condensation of a volatile liquid which is moved to a vaporization chamber through two separate feed lines, one line carrying cooled liquid for condensing expanded vapor and the other line carrying liquid that is vaporized by a heat source immediately before entry to the chamber. The liquid flow through one feed line alternates with the flow through the other to provide first vaporization and pressure and then condensation and depressurization, and the heat application to the one liquid flow produces vaporization and pressure from the liquid as it enters the chamber in order to remove the requirement of a boiler or pressure storage tank.

Abstract: In a gravity head geothermal energy conversion system, downwardly flowing working fluid is supplied to a downwell turbine pump in heat transfer relationship to the upwardly flowing geothermal brine. The working fluid which is used to drive the downwell turbine pump is reheated by conveying the working fluid upward in heat transfer relationship with the geothermal brine to a predetermined point.

Abstract: A pump system is disclosed for pumping a first fluid from a source to a storage facility comprising a multiple-stage small temperature differential heat-powered pump, a second fluid heater operable to heat a second fluid to a fixed hot temperature, and a third fluid cooler operable to cool a third fluid to a fixed cold temperature, wherein hot fluids and cold fluids are diverted into the multiple-stage small temperature differential heat-powered pump.

Abstract: A solar powered liquid metering device is disclosed including a solar chamber sealed from atmospheric pressure and partialy filled with a liquid to be metered. Trapped within the device above the liquid is an expansible gas. Also included is an overflow chamber partially filled with the liquid and coupled to the solar chamber to allow fluid communication between the two bodies of liquid. An overflow pipe has an end located within the overflow chamber. When the gas expands due to solar heating liquid is forced from the solar chamber into the overflow chamber and then out the overflow pipe. Various mechanisms are described to keep the liquid level within the overflow chamber no lower than the lip of the overflow pipe.

Abstract: A pump apparatus for transferring precise amounts of fluid from a container to a patient has a defined volume pump chamber divided by a first diaphragm to define a first chamber and a second chamber. A pumped fluid enters the first chamber through a one-way valve as the first chamber volume increases and is exhausted through a second one-way valve as the first chamber volume decreases. A third one-way valve is coupled to the first and second one-way valves in such a way as to prevent the pumped fluid from flowing through the pump in response to a pressure head at the input or output ports. A priming chamber is divided by a second diaphragm to define first and second sections, respectively. A passageway extends between the first section and the passageway connecting the second and third one-way valves.

Abstract: A pump driven by the radiation energy of the sun, wherein the radiation energy is converted into mechanical energy by means of a liquid evaporated by the effect of the radiation heat. The pump has a face that absorbs radiation and a casing part whose inside space is divided into two parts by means of a flexible and elastic membrane that can be moved back and forth. One of the parts constitutes the intake space into which the liquid to be pumped is sucked during the intake phase while the membrane moves so that the intake space becomes larger. The intake space is connected to an intake opening provided with a valve, which valve permits flow only into the intake space, and to an exhaust opening provided with another valve, which other valve permits flow only out of the intake space. A tightly sealed evaporation space, which contains evaporable liquid, is placed between the casing and the membrane against the membrane, whereby the vapor pressure of the evaporable liquid directly moves the membrane.

Abstract: A pump system is disclosed for pumping a first liquid from a source to a storage facility comprising a multiple-stage small temperature differential heat-powered pump, a second liquid heater operable to heat a second liquid to a fixed hot temperature, and a third liquid cooler operable to cool a third liquid to a fixed cold temperature, wherein hot liquids and cold liquids are diverted into the multiple-stage small temperature differential heat-powered pump.

Abstract: A new heat engine is provided in the form of a pressure oscillation generation device having a chamber with two spaced apart walls, means on the outside of one wall continuously heating said one wall, means on the other of said walls continuously cooling said other wall, a thermal shield movable between said walls, means alternating said thermal shield back and forth between said walls whereby a heat expansible fluid contained in said chamber is alternately heated and cooled thereby causing said fluid to undergo alternate expansions and contractions.

Abstract: A Stirling cycle engine is provided with a variable volume displacer piston for displacing a working fluid alternately between the hot and cold ends of the engine. The drive shaft for the displacer piston is hollow and communicates with the interior variable volume of the displacer piston. As the displacer piston volume increases it draws a fluid being pumped into the system through a check valve. As the volume of the displacer piston decreases the fluid being pumped is ejected under pressure through another check valve. Movement of the displacer piston is accomplished by mechanical or fluid programming and the power for driving the displacer piston may be derived from the fluid being pumped.

Abstract: A pump system is disclosed for pumping a first liquid from a source to a storage facility comprising a multiple-stage small temperature differential heat-powered pump, a second liquid heater operable to heat a second liquid to a fixed hot temperature, and a third liquid cooler operable to cool a third liquid to a fixed cold temperature, wherein hot liquids and cold liquids are diverted into the multiple-stage small temperature differential heat-powered pump.

Abstract: A deep well pumping apparatus utilizing a geothermal source of energy is disposed within or above a stratum having a cool irrigating fluid, and an associated heat exchange unit is disposed within a stratum having the geothermal source. An organic working fluid is conveyed under pressure through the heat exchange unit and applied as a gas to a turbine assembly operatively coupled to the pump. The spent working fluid and cool irrigation fluid are then conveyed to the surface.

Abstract: In this solar steam driven water pump steam is periodically generated and then condensed within a cavity to produce first a period of pressure over a column of water and then a period of vacuum to thereby first expell water from the cavity through one check valve and to subsequently fill the cavity with water through another check valve at the time of the vacuum, the generation of said steam pressure within said cavity being effected by a separate small pump within the cavity when this pump moves a small quantity of water in the cavity to a solar heated chamber in the cavity and the subsequent effecting of the vacuum within said cavity being accomplished when the water pumping chamber is cooled by condensation of the steam on the column of water against which it is acting, the periodic cessation of the small pump causing steam generation to cease when thermostats contacted by hot steam as water is expelled from the water chamber open a circuit stopping the small pump.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for utilizing energy from a high temperature source such as a solar collector to both provide heat energy to a low temperature source such as a body of water and to accomplish mechanical work utilizing a refrigerant motor. The refrigerant motor may be coupled to a pump for circulating refrigerant within a closed loop system such that the apparatus and method requires no power source other than the high temperature source.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus for moving a pumped fluid from a reservoir to a destination in response to variations in the pressure of a pumping fluid includes a pump housing; a pumping chamber; an input passageway; an exit passageway; and a passageway network between the input passageway and the exit passageway. A diaphragm divides the pumping chamber into first and second volumes for respectively receiving the pumped and the pumping fluids. Apparatus is provided for intermittantly varying the pressure of the pumping fluid. A first diaphragm valve responsive to variations in the pressure of the pumped fluid is positioned between the input passageway and the passageway network. A second valve also responsive to variations in the pressure of the pumped fluid is positioned in the passageway network for being opened when the first valve is closed and visa versa.

Abstract: A pump for transferring precise amounts of fluid from a container to a patient. A pump apparatus has a defined volume pump chamber divided by a diaphragm into a pumping fluid portion and a pumped fluid portion. The pumped fluid portion receives and exhausts pumped fluid in response to a decrease or increase in pressure in the pumping fluid portion of the pump chamber. The diaphragm and the defined volume pumping chamber provide accurate per cycle pumping volumes. The pumping fluid pressure is varied by periodically electrically heating a ribbon filament in a pumping fluid chamber thereby increasing the temperature and therefore the pressure and/or volume of the pumping fluid. The pumped fluid enters the pumping chamber through a one-way valve as the pumped fluid portion volume expands and is exhausted through a second one-way valve as the volume of the pumped fluid portion contracts. Control circuitry is provided to allow variations in the pulse repetition rate and pulsewidth.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for converting relatively low temperature heat energy, for example, up to approximately 212.degree. F., into useful work. A heated zone having a temperature range including a first predetermined temperature and a cooled zone having a second temperature range including a second predetermined temperature are provided. A meltable wax material whose melting and resolidification occur within a preselected temperature range positioned along the thermal gradient between said first and second temperatures is alternately placed in heat exchange relationship with said heated and cooled zones for producing cyclic melting and resolidification of said wax material. The wax material may be separated into multiple discrete units for increasing its surface-to-volume ratio for augmenting the rate of heat flow into and out of the material during its melting and resolidification.

Abstract: A pump for fluid media having different temperatures. The pump has two chambers for the two media, respectively, each chamber having an inlet and an outlet each provided with a respective check valve. The chambers are separated by a displacement body whose shape is a function of temperature and which, upon a change in shape due to a change in temperature, changes the sizes of the two chambers. The displacement body is arranged in the two chambers such that initially there is a greater heat exchange between the displacement body and the fluid in one of the chambers than there is between the displacement body and the fluid in the other of the chambers, but that subsequent to the shape change brought about by the heat exchange between the displacement body and the fluid in the one chamber, the heat exchange between the displacement body and the fluid in the other chamber will be greater than the heat exchange between the displacement body and the fluid in the one chamber.

Abstract: A solar energy device for producing a continuous mechanical motion to drive apparatus such as a well pump comprises a frame made of conduit sections that supports a heat collector to receive the sun's rays. Heat generated within the collector is transferred to a network of conduits therein through which an evaporatable fluid is circulated as it is heated to its vaporous state. The vaporized fluid or gas is furnished to a vapor pressure motor having a common connection to the conduit network. The motor is situated within the collector and has a movable piston operated by its own valving system that produces a continuous reciprocating action. The piston is connected to an output shaft that engages a working lever arm connected to the pump. Vapor used to operate the motor is conveyed to a condenser within the frame where it is cooled to its liquid state by water produced by the well pump which is forced through the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating power from the temperature difference between two bodies of fluid, one of which is heated by trapping solar energy in a dome and the other one of which is cooled by wind passing beneath an airfoil. A pair of heat exchange basins are provided into which hot and cold fluid is supplied, with heat exchange coils disposed therein for developing a differential pressure which is transmitted to opposite sides of a piston. The fluid temperature in each heat exchange basin is reversed by gravitational action so that piston motion can be reversed for pumping action.

Abstract: A power generator utilizing the full volumetric expansion of water upon its change from the liquid phase to the solid phase (ice). The generator includes a chamber having heat transmitting, fluid impervious, flexible walls. The chamber is filled with water. A pressure-containing housing has an internal cavity in which the chamber is located in spaced relation to the housing. The space between the housing and the flexible walls of the chamber is filled with a fluid which is circulated through the cavity. A conduit connected to the housing provides flow communication between the cavity and means for utilizing moving fluid, such as a fluid driven motor. The phase of the water in the chamber is changed from liquid to solid so that the water expands in volume. Expansion of the water expands the flexible walls of the chamber to displace a proportional amount of fluid from the housing through the conduit, the moving displaced fluid serving as a power medium to drive the motor to do work.

Abstract: A heat operated pump comprising:a boiler containing a driving fluid;means for heating said driving fluid in said boiler;condenser means;a pumping chamber including a flexible partition sealingly disposed in said chamber to define first and second sealingly separated portions;first inlet means defining a communication passage from the interior of said boiler to said first portion;first exit means defining a communication passage between said first portion and said condenser means;second inlet means providing a uni-directional flowpath from a source of fluid to be pumped to said second portion; andsecond exit means providing a uni-directional flowpath from said second portion to a fluid utilization location;said pumping chamber, first exit means and flexible partition being configured together to define a valve permitting communication between said condenser means and said first portion only when the volume of said first portion exceeds a predetermined volume;said condenser being maintained at a pressure less t

Abstract: A heat-powered water pump including a flexible diaphragm as the pumping element with a volatile liquid as a working fluid. The flexible diaphragm is enclosed within a vessel and isolates the working fluid from the water to be pumped. One-way valves control the direction of water flow through the pump. A U-shaped siphon tube acts as a temporary reservoir for the pumped water and is siphoned empty after being filled. A portion of the water siphoned from the U-shaped siphon tube is recirculated through the vessel in heat exchange relationship with the working fluid to condense the working fluid. A reservoir of warm water is maintained in thermal contact with the flexible diaphragm to minimize condensation of the working fluid by thermal contact with the water through the diaphragm.

Abstract: A thermally responsive power device is disclosed employing a thermally sensitive unit in which are housed multiple vapor/gas filled capsules which expand and contract in response to temperature changes. The thermally responsive element is connected in a closed system through a conduit or tube to a remote diaphragm power or motion producing unit, and a temperature stable hydraulic fluid filling the space with the system moves the diaphragm in accordance with the expansions and contractions of the capsules. Several different embodiments for the capsules and their housings are shown, and all embodiments contemplate selective use of capsules with different vapor/gas fills to tailor the completed thermally sensitive elements to provide substantially equal temperature sensitivity in two or more regions of their working temperature range.

Abstract: The operation of a geothermal well power-generationsystem is monitored by sensor, communication, and performance monitoring equipment normally associated integrally with the operating power generation system. Sensors detect magnitudes of well water temperature, of water pressure below and above the pump, and of other parameters of interest deep in the well. This data is transmitted by multiplex communication via a novel two-wire line telemetric system to receiver and utilization means at the earth's surface. Power for excitation of deep well monitor units is supplied from the earth's surface also by the two-wire telemetric system. A configuration involving a mechanically separable transformer disposed serially within the two-wire line aids installation of the monitor system and its removal in the rare event that it is required to remove the entire pump from its operating deep well site.

Abstract: A heat-powered water pump including a vapor generator and a vapor-inflatable pumping member enclosed in a pumping chamber. The vapor generator and pumping member form a closed system for a volatile working fluid. Check valves control the movement of vapor and condensate through the closed system as well as the direction of water through the pump. The vapor generator is configurated to be heated either by a solar concentrator or by heat from combustion of agricultural wastes. The expandable diaphragm/pumping piston operates in a pumping chamber having a diametrally enlarged check valve above the diaphragm to accommodate the rapid explusion of water from the pumping chamber upon expansion of the expandable diaphragm.

Abstract: A heat-powered water pump including a flash boiler and a metering device for metering a predetermined quantity of condensate to the flash boiler. A flexible pumping member is enclosed in a pumping chamber and is expanded by the vapor to force water from the pumping chamber. The flexible pumping member also serves as the heat exchange surface for transferring heat from the vapor into the water surrounding the pumping member thereby condensing the vapor. The condensate is collected in a condensate reservoir and is valved into the metering device upon collapse of the pumping member during condensation of the vapor.

Abstract: Two spaced-apart closed pipes containing a vaporizable working fluid are each successively heated by focusing sun rays on the pipe and then chilled by directing wind along the pipe while shielding the pipe from the sun rays. As one pipe is heated, the other is chilled so that a pressure differential is built up therebetween in the working fluid. A piston in a pump has opposed shafts which push and pull the piston, with an end of each arm forming a moving sealed closure for each of the closed pipes which communicates with the working fluid therein.

Abstract: A system for making use of the thermal energy carried by a fluid and which is supplied to the fluid by a solar energy detector which converts the solar energy into heat.The system basically comprises a solar energy detector which heats the fluid and valves, operated by the intrinsic energy of the fluid, for enabling the fluid to discontinuously flow through the detector only in a single direction. In one embodiment the system is used to pump hot air into a space to be heated. In other embodiments pressure accumulating chambers are also provided to accumulate the energy of the fluid which is intermittently supplied to a heat exchanger. The pressure accumulating chamber in another embodiment is an arrangement for producing work, such as a water pump or the compressor of a refrigerating system.

Abstract: An engine for driving the compressor of an air conditioner system which is powered by the heat of the exhaust manifold of a vehicle internal combustion engine. The engine of the invention includes a closed cylinder with a piston dividing the cylinder into two compartments, and with the piston rod extending beyond one end of the cylinder to power both the air conditioner compressor pump and a liquid pump that supplies the engine with pressurized liquid. The inlet port of the engine is located on a cylinder wall midway between the cylinder ends, with bores in the piston linking the inlet port with each cylinder compartment at the position of the cylinder that reduces the particular compartment to its minimum volume. Each end of the cylinder is surrounded by a heated exhaust jacket so that the liquid fed into the cylinder compartment is vaporized to expand the cylinder compartment and drive the piston.

Abstract: A geothermal energy recovery system of improved life duration 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 working 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 well water at high pressure and always in liquid state to the earth's surface, where it is reinjected into the earth in a second well. After driving the deep-well turbine-driven pump, the organic fluid still in supercritical state arises toward the earth's surface in a thermally insulated conduit; at the earth's surface, vapor turbine electrical power generation equipment is driven by the ascending organic fluid, after which it is returned into the well for re-heating in the extended heat exchanger.

Abstract: The specification discloses a rotary gas pressure engine system including a housing and a stationary shaft extending through the housing. A circular cylinder block is rotatably mounted on the stationary shaft. The cylinder block includes a plurality of radial piston cylinders and a piston mounted within each cylinder for slidable movement therein. The cylinder block further includes a circumferentially mounted cam ring having generally elliptical risers around its inner periphery in order to cause radial operation of the pistons. A vane pump is associated with the cylinder block for pumping fluid from a fluid reservoir external of the housing and through the housing to a vaporization chamber external of the housing.

Abstract: A power unit, energizable by solar heat, having a thermodynamic system including an evaporator, vapor pressure actuated motor, pump and condenser, the motor being arranged to operate upon evaporation of fluid in the evaporator, which is subsequently condensed and pumped back into the evaporator. The vapor pressure actuated motor is coupled to a hydraulic pump which in turn drives a hydraulic motor. The fluid in the thermodynamic circuit is a low temperature boiling fluid, preferably a fluoro carbon refrigerant, so that use can be made of "low grade" heat.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling a well providing access to an underground source of high temperature geothermal brine against flashing as the hot brine is delivered upwardly through the well to surface power apparatus for use of heat from the brine in the generation of electrical power, thereby eliminating plugging of the well by precipitated mineral deposits as well as other problems which have heretofore caused most geothermal resources of this character to be beset with operational problems. A pump down in the well pressurizes the hot output liquid that is delivered to the surface generating equipment against flashing, the pump having a novel long tailpipe suspended therefrom which extends deep into the well.

Abstract: An underwater thermal energy conversion unit adapted to exploit the temperature differential between the surface temperature and the water temperature at the depth of submersion to generate useful power. The unit includes a cylinder divided by a piston assembly into a variable-temperature (VT) air-filled chamber and a constant-temperature (CT) air-filled chamber, both chambers being in heat exchange relationship with the relatively cold water at the depth of the submerged cylinder. The air in the CT chamber is always at the cold water temperature, whereas the air in the VT chamber communicates through a thermally-insulated duct with ambient air above the water body, so that when a control valve is open, the air temperature within the VT chamber rises above the cold water temperature, and when the valve is thereafter closed to isolate the VT chamber from ambient air, the air temperature therein falls again to the cold water temperature.

Abstract: A thermal engine system is characterized by a cylinder having a suitable working fluid disposed therein and having a piston reciprocally movable in first and second directions within the cylinder, the piston dividing the cylinder into first and second pressurization regions. In one embodiment, a thermally responsive, expansible member is operatively connected directly at one free terminus thereof to the piston. In an alternate embodiment, the free terminus of the thermally responsive, expansible member is indirectly attached to one or more double-acting piston-cylinders through lever connections. The thermally responsive, expansible member is connected at the second end thereof to suitable means for maintaining the second end of the expansible member in a substantially stationary position.

Abstract: A geothermal energy transfer and utilization system makes use of thermal energy stored in hot solute-bearing well water to generate super-heated steam from an injected flow of clean water; the super-heated steam is then used for operating a turbine-driven pump at the well bottom for pumping the hot solute-bearing water at high pressure and in liquid state to the earth's surface, where it is used by transfer of its heat to a closed-loop boiler-turbine-alternator combination for the generation of electrical or other power. Residual concentrated solute-bearing water is pumped back into the earth. The clean cooled water is regenerated at the surface-located system and is returned to the deep well pumping system also for lubrication of a novel bearing arrangement supporting the turbine-driven pump system.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting heat derived from a heated fluid into mechanical energy comprising a double-walled shell having a high coefficient of thermal expansion and other preferred qualities, such as a relatively high coefficient of heat conductivity and low specific heat, the shell being immersed in a fluid within a container having a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion and other qualities. When heated fluid is passed between the walls of the shell, expansion of the latter displaces fluid from within the container to actuate a fluid operated device. Alternatively, passage of a cold fluid between the walls of the shell causes the shell to contract and thus enable the displaced fluid to return into the container to complete an operating cycle.

Abstract: A fluid pressure power plant which converts heat energy, externally generated, to high hydraulic pressure. The system generates heat energy in the form of steam or hot gas, supplies the heat energy to a double-acting intensifier piston which converts the heat energy to high hydraulic pressure which is stored in an accumulator. The high pressure hydraulic energy stored in the accumulator is used to drive hydraulic motors or turbines through hydraulic output control valves. The system operates on a demand cycle in that no energy input from the heat generator and power conversion piston is necessary until there is some demand for power output from the hydraulic accumulator, once said accumulator is fully charged.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing mechanical energy utilizing the sun's rays is disclosed. The apparatus includes a continuously rotating structure having a plurality of thermally actuated pump units, consisting of a temperature sensitive cell and a piston assembly, mounted thereon. A focusing means concentrates solar rays on a number of the cells causing the expansion of material contained in each cell, resulting in the extension of a piston rod, the compression of a cylinder within the piston assembly and the transfer of fluid contained therein to a high pressure accumulator for operating hydraulic motors or the like. When rotated from under the focusing means, the cell cools resulting in a decrease in volume of the expansible material and a retraction of the piston rod causing fluid to enter the piston assembly from a reservoir.

Abstract: An expansion mode tidal regenerator heat engine including a housing assembly enclosing an interior region, a power extraction means and a condensable vapor disposed within the interior region. A condenser is adapted to maintain a portion of the interior region at a condenser temperature equal to or below the boiling point of the working fluid at a predetermined minimum pressure. A super-heater is adapted to maintain a portion of the interior region at a super-heater temperature above the boiling point of the working fluid at a predetermined maximum temperature. A boiler is adapted to maintain a portion of the interior region below the super-heater temperature and above or equal to the boiling point of the working fluid at a predetermined maximum pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for recovering useful amounts of low-temperature industrial and solar waste heat energy previously dissipated to ambient. The low-temperature heat energy is used cyclically for heating and expanding thermally expandable wall means shown as a cylindrical walled structure located between two pumping chambers for simultaneously changing the volumes of the chambers in opposite senses, then a cold sink is used cyclically for cooling and contracting said cylindrical walled structure for again simultaneously changing the volumes of both chambers in the opposite senses, i.e. in push-pull relationships. The cyclic change in volumes of the chambers displaces an incompressible fluid which is used for pumping a liquid from a reservoir for performing useful work, and, in one form of the invention, the liquid is directed into an accumulator under pressure, and the pressurized liquid in the accumulator may thereafter be utilized to perform useful work.

Abstract: An annular tidal regenerator heat engine including a housing assembly enclosing a cylindrical interior region with a loose-fitting piston and a condensable vapor working fluid disposed therein.A condenser is adapted to maintain a portion of the interior region near one end of the piston at a condenser temperature equal to or below the boiling point of the working fluid at a predetermined minimum pressure. A super-heater is adapted to maintain a portion of the interior region near the other end of the piston at a super-heater temperature above the boiling point of the working fluid at a predetermined maximum pressure. A boiler is adapted to maintain a portion of the cylindrical shell portion of the interior region between the piston and housing at a boiler temperature below the super-heater temperature and above or equal to the boiling point of the working fluid at a predetermined maximum pressure.

Abstract: A solar-powered pump particularly suited for intermittently delivering a stream of water. The pump is characterized by a housing adapted to be seated in a source of water having a water discharge port disposed above the water line of the source, a sump including a valved inlet port through which water is introduced to the sump, disposed beneath the water line, a displacer supported for vertical reciprocation in said housing, an air passageway extended between the vertically spaced faces of the displacer, a tipple disposed adjacent to the water discharge port adapted to be filled in response to a discharge of water from the housing, and a line so interconnecting the tipple and the displacer that the displacer is moved upwardly in response to a filling of the tipple and moved downwardly once water is discharged from the tipple.