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: Steam resources, which may in some cases be of forms heretofore considered unusable because of low energy content or corrosive contamination, are used for electrical power and water treatment operations in installations where these formerly separate activities may be combined, with the waste products of one being a valuable input to the other. In one embodiment, discharge heat from a steam driven generating station and contaminated sewage water, each of which formerly presented costly or environmentally hazardous disposal problems, are combined to produce sterilized water reusable for crop irrigation. In another embodiment, fresh water enroute to a municipal utility system is used to condense discharge steam from generating station turbines for return to the boilers while sterilizing the water to reduce or eliminate cholorination requirements.

Abstract: A multi-directional positioner for moving one element relative to another element wherein a socket in a housing receives a ball with a rotating fit with a portion of the ball projecting outwardly of the socket and being connected to one element and the housing being connected to the other element. An arcuate groove in the socket extends in a plane passing generally through the center of the ball and receives a piston which is pivotally connected to the adjacent side of the ball. An arcuate groove in the outer surface of the ball extends in a plane passing generally through the center of the ball and perpendicular to the groove in the socket and receives a piston which is pivotally connected to the adjacent portion of the housing. Fluid is introduced under pressure selectively into the arcuate grooves in the ball and the arcuate groove in the socket to impart relative movement between the ball and the housing.

Abstract: A reciprocating engine utilizes the pressure difference between a partial vacuum and the ambient atmospheric pressure as a source of power. The engine includes an engine block defining a plurality of cylinders each having a piston operating within it. The first or outer face of each piston is maintained substantially at atmospheric pressure while the second or inner face of each piston is maintained at less than ambient atmospheric pressure during the power stroke of the piston by connection to a flame-free vacuum source. Once each piston has reached the end of this power stroke due to the pressure difference across the piston, a limited amount of air is permitted to enter the respective cylinder adjacent the second or inner face of the piston to thereby return the second face of the piston to substantially atmospheric pressure.

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 water motor unit includes a fixed cylinder having an outlet conduit on the bottom thereof and a telescoping sleeve on the upper end thereof. A piston head is disposed for reciprocating movement above the sleeve. The water motor unit is immersed in a container providing a continuous supply of water. When the piston head is in its uppermost position ports provided on the sleeve and the cylinder are open to permit a column of water to flow from the container down through the outlet conduit. As the piston head descends, the sleeve telescopes into the cylinder and closes off the ports in each causing the column of water in the outlet conduit to exert a downward pull on the piston head. When the piston head is in its lowermost position the ports in the sleeve and the cylinder mate at which time water again flows from the container into the cylinder and relieves the pull of the column of water on the piston head.

Abstract: The invention described herein pertains to a combination hydraulic thermodynamic prime mover, for the conversion of thermal energy from low-temperature heat sources, such as solar heat, geothermal steam of poor quality and waste heat of all kinds, into useful mechanical or electrical power, employing a new and novel technique of low temperature-pressure energy conversion.

Abstract: A thermal motor is disclosed for converting heat energy to hydramechanical energy. A plurality of heat-responsive elements are mounted on a rotor to periodically expose the elements to heating and cooling. Thermally responsive elements generate a mechanical movement in response to the heating and cooling. The mechanical movement actuates a hydraulic cylinder which, in turn, operates a hydraulic motor. The output of the hydraulic motor is used to perform useful work and also to rotate the rotor. In one preferred form, the heat-responsive elements are in the form of bimetallic strips which mechanically deflect.

Abstract: A fluid power system comprising a steam generator connected to a hydraulic pumping device for delivering steam under pressure to the device for driving the same, while steam is returned to the steam generator via a condenser. The hydraulic pumping device is connected by means of suitable conduits to a plurality of hydraulic motors for driving the same and the conduits include valving means for controlling the direction of fluid between the hydraulic pumping device and the hydraulic motors and returning fluid to a reservoir from which fluid is initially drawn by the hydraulic pumping device. The hydraulic motors provide a rotary output for driving the wheels of a vehicle on which the fluid power system is used. The system further comprises valve means for controlling the pressure at which the system operates.

Abstract: A power device utilizing a housing and rotor assembly receiving pressurized, non-compressible liquid from a pump for driving an output shaft which may be employed for many purposes. The housing is communicated with and positioned on top of the tank or sump for the liquid and the pump includes an intake associated with the tank for circulating the liquid which may be in the form of an oil, such as that used as transmission fluid, or the like. A bypass control is provided for the pump for varying the output characteristics of the shaft and a DC electric motor drives the pump. The electric motor is associated with an electric power system for providing electrical energy to the pump motor which includes an alternator or equivalent charging device, battery assembly and an inverter and convertor, in one embodiment, associated in a manner to supply sufficient electrical energy to the pump motor for driving the pump.

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 hydraulic fluid supply system includes a single motor driven pump which supplies a dual pressure level output for providing both a high pressure oil output and a low pressure oil output. In combination with a turbomachine, the dual pressure level output of the oil pump obviates the requirement of pressure reducing valves in the low pressure supply lines and losses associated therewith. Moreover, since only a portion of the entire oil requirement is raised to the higher pressure level, the pump motor horsepower requirements are reduced to save energy and thereby improve overall system efficiency. A further improvement is a system of pressure differential valves whereby under certain conditions, high pressure oil flow is conserved even though the low pressure oil flow momentarily drops below a preset value.

Abstract: The housing of the power plant defines a chamber at a level below the surface of a surrounding body of water; and also a series of penstocks which open into the water at points between the level of the chamber and the surface of the water, and which discharge into the chamber. The hydroelectric power generating means in the plant include turbines in the penstocks, and means for discharging the tailwater from the respective turbines including nipples on the housing which communicate with the chamber and open into the body of water at levels below that of the chamber.

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: 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 oil pressure chamber is coupled to the input of a turbine for driving the turbine with hydraulic fluid under pressure. A lower cylinder has a piston movably mounted therein for movement in axial directions. The output end of the lower cylinder is coupled to the oil pressure chamber. An upper cylinder has a piston movably mounted therein for movement in axial directions and coupled to the piston of the lower cylinder for movement therewith. A hydraulic fluid supply is coupled to the output end of the lower cylinder for supplying hydraulic fluid to the lower cylinder. A fuel and air mixture supply is coupled to the output end of the upper cylinder for supplying a fuel and air mixture to the upper cylinder. A coupling device couples the output end of the upper cylinder to the input end of the lower cylinder whereby movement of the piston from the input end to output end in the upper cylinder compresses the fuel and air mixture and supplies it to the input end of the lower cylinder.

Abstract: An oil hydraulic motor is provided with a casing in which a rotor is disposed in an eccentric position. An oil having a preselected pressure is sealed in the chambers defined between the rotor and the inner wall surfaces of the chambers and a high pressure is intermittently propagated into said chambers from a high pressure generating device with which it is in communication thereby rotating said rotor to develop an output.

Abstract: A hydraulic or pneumatic coupling including a hydraulic or pneumatic pump and a hydraulic or pneumatic motor driven by the pump through a coupling has two pairs of adjacent chambers divided and connected by a rotatable valve element which allows the varying of speed and direction of the motor. The coupling forms the key element to a hydraulic or pneumatic actuated transmission.

Abstract: In combination with a hydraulic step motor comprising a servo-valve having a rotary valve member and a housing surrounding this member. The rotary valve member is provided with two fluid manifolds conjointly movable therewith. Two main conduits communicating with a source of fluid under pressure provide passage for the fluid to the servo-valve and to the fluid manifolds.A drivable shaft of the step motor is connected to the servo-valve rotary member to drive same. The rotary valve member comprises a plurality of primary positioning projections and of secondary sealing projections alternately spaced from one another and uniformly distributed around the periphery of the rotary valve member. Between the adjacent projection gaps are formed which are alternatively connected with one and the other of the fluid manifolds. Fluid channels provided in the wall of the housing open towards the periphery of the rotary valve member.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system is disclosed. A power wheel or turbine is supplied with motive fluid from a hydraulic pump driven by an appropriate prime mover. The power wheel has oppositely disposed valve plates which alternately register with cavities disposed around the periphery of the wheel to define isolated pressure chambers. A sequencing valve alternately delivers fluid pressure to the pressure chamber in registry with a valve plate. A drive shaft transversely extends from the wheel and is adapted to be coupled to the driving wheels of a vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a centrifugal pump having a housing, an input and an output port, and a driven impeller. Surrounding the impeller is a turbine means which serves to retrieve at least part of the kinetic energy imparted by the impeller to the pumping medium. The energy retrieved by the turbine means can be used to apply additional power to a prior auxiliary stage, an after auxiliary stage, or back to the original impeller itself. In this manner, the turbine retrieves kinetic energy which might otherwise be wasted and, therefore, the turbine improves the overall efficiency of the pump. Stationary flanges at the discharge end of the pump jacket serve to convert the remaining curvilinear motion of the water column into a non-revolving column of water. The stationary flanges also help to avoid a drop in the operating pressure at the discharge end of the jacket.

Abstract: A hydraulic safety circuit which keeps a hydraulic motor supplied with fluid during the interval when the motor coasts to a stop following shut off of its source of driving fluid. The circuit includes a conduit extending between the motor outlet and the motor inlet, with a check valve arrangement which shuts off normal fluid flow from the motor outlet to the fluid reservoir when the driving pump is shut off, and which instead diverts the fluid through the above noted conduit back to the motor inlet. This permits fluid to circulate through the motor as the motor coasts to a stop, preventing dry coasting and consequent possible burnout. The invention is particularly applicable to a wood chipper, where a heavy rotor (containing wood chipping blades) is connected to the motor and causes the motor to coast for an appreciable interval after the pump is shut off.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, particularly for use with a vehicle, having a turbine driven supercharger for supplying air to the intake manifold. The turbine is driven by a pressurized liquid, specifically a combustible fuel such as gasoline. The fuel is stored within a conventional storage tank, such as is commonly associated with a vehicle, and is supplied, via a pump, to the turbine for rotatably driving same. In one embodiment, the fuel used to drive the turbine is collected in an intermediate storage compartment which, via an intermediate tube, communicates with a venturi located in the intake manifold for causing fuel to be drawn into and intermixed with the air in the intake manifold. In another embodiment, the pressurized fuel from the pump is supplied, via a separate conduit, to a fuel injection nozzle located upstream of the supercharger.