Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to rotary displacement systems and associated methods of use and manufacture. The systems can be used to compress and/or expand compressible fluids. In some embodiments, the rotary displacement systems include a chamber housing having a pressure-modifying chamber with a first port and a second port, a first passageway in fluid communication with the chamber via the first port, and a second passageway in fluid communication with the chamber via the second port. The systems can further include a shaft positioned within the chamber housing and rotatable relative to the chamber housing about a rotational axis, and a rotor comprising no more than two lobes.

Abstract: Pulsed plasma engine and method in which a noncombustible gas is introduced into an explosion chamber, the gas is ionized to form a plasma within the chamber, an electrical pulse is applied to the plasma to heat the plasma, the pulse is turned off to produce an explosive pressure pulse in the plasma, and the plasma is confined in the chamber by a magnetic field that directs the pressure pulse toward an output member which is driven by the pressure pulse.

Abstract: A cooling system, in particular for use on board an aircraft, includes a first cooling circuit allowing circulation of a two-phase refrigerant therethrough, a first evaporator disposed in the first cooling circuit, a first condenser disposed in the first cooling circuit, and a first heat sink adapted to provide cooling energy to the first condenser. The cooling system further includes a second cooling circuit allowing circulation of a two-phase refrigerant therethrough, a second evaporator disposed in the second cooling circuit, a second condenser disposed in the second cooling circuit, a second heat sink adapted to provide cooling energy to the second condenser, and a cooling energy transfer arrangement which is adapted to transfer cooling energy provided by the first heat sink and/or the first condenser to the second cooling circuit or to transfer cooling energy provided by the second heat sink and/or the second condenser to the first cooling circuit.

Abstract: The system to generate power by freeze expansion pressure powered generator and method for tapping the energy of cold weather from the environment, comprising of flexible water chambers that enable motion for the rotor shaft, gears enabling transformation of linear motion to shaft rotation, and power generator coupling achieving the generation of electricity. The inner part of flexible water chamber is fitted with an immersed heating coil to de-freeze water, so that it can be subjected to freezing and exertion of pressure to rotate the shaft continuously. Freezing of water in flexible chamber is achieved by exposing portion of chamber to atmospheric cold. The turbine rotor speed, temperature, water chamber pressure, and atmospheric pressure are monitored by sensors to ensure overall system safety and performance.

Abstract: A self-contained refrigerant powered system is provided having a motor configured for receiving liquefied refrigerant and converting the liquefied refrigerant into gaseous form for powering the motor; a condenser in fluid communication with the motor for receiving gaseous refrigerant and for converting the gaseous refrigerant to liquefied form; and at least one pipe in fluid communication with the condenser and the motor for returning the liquefied refrigerant to the motor.

Abstract: A bio signal measuring apparatus. The bio signal measuring apparatus includes an electrocardiogram measuring attached to the skin of a patient to measure an electrocardiogram signal of the patient. A heart sound sensor contacts the skin of the patient to measure a heart sound signal of the patient. A controlling unit obtains bio information including at least a heart rate from the electrocardiogram signal using the heart sound signal.

Abstract: An electrical generator including a magnetic field generator and at least one energy converter for converting energy present in fluid flows into vibrations or oscillations. The converter includes a flexible membrane having at least two fixed ends. The membrane vibrates when subject to a fluid flow. One of the electrical conductor and the magnetic field generator is attached to the membrane and configured to move with the membrane. The vibration of the membrane caused by the fluid flow causes a relative movement between the electrical conductor and the applied magnetic field. The relative movement causes a change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the electrical conductor, and the change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the electrical conductor induces a current flowing in the conductor.

Abstract: An electrical generator including a magnetic field generator and at least one energy converter for converting energy present in fluid flows into vibrations or oscillations. The converter includes a flexible membrane having at least two fixed ends. The membrane vibrates when subject to a fluid flow. One of the electrical conductor and the magnetic field generator is attached to the membrane and configured to move with the membrane. The vibration of the membrane caused by the fluid flow causes a relative movement between the electrical conductor and the applied magnetic field. The relative movement causes a change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the electrical conductor, and the change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the electrical conductor induces a current flowing in the conductor.

Abstract: A thermo-magnetic actuator includes a housing; a chamber within the housing; a working fluid changing phase upon heating and located in the chamber; an electrical heater disposed within the chamber for heating the working fluid; a piston rod slidably disposed in the housing and movable between retracted and extended positions; a spring biasing the piston rod toward the retracted position; an electromagnet disposed at an end of the housing and generating a magnetic field; and a ferromagnetic target assembly attached to the piston rod, sliding within the housing, and attracted toward the electromagnet to maintain the piston rod in the extended position even if electrical power is no longer applied to the heater. Preferably, the position of the piston rod is detected by the actuator and electrical current flow to the electrical heater is terminated when the piston rod is detected at the extended position.

Abstract: An electrothermal actuator producing linear and/or rotational movement includes a housing having a longitudinal axis. A chamber within the housing contains a working fluid that changes phase upon heating. A piston is slidably disposed within the housing and movable along the longitudinal axis between first and second positions. A spring biases the piston toward the first position. The piston slides from the first position to the second position in response to heating of the working fluid. The piston includes a piston rod extending along the longitudinal axis and protruding from the housing. The housing includes helical grooves on an interior surface and the piston includes partially spherical recesses. Balls captured between the grooves and recesses produce rotation of the piston and piston rod when the piston moves between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A system for generating electrical power supply signals includes at least one heat engine having a chamber that undergoes heating/cooling cycle and corresponding pressure variations. At least one piezoelectric transducer is deformed in response to the pressure variations of the heat engine. A power converter transforms the electric signals generated in response to deformation of the piezoelectric transducer(s) to a desired electrical power supply signal. The heat engine preferably uses a geothermal source of cold and an ambient source of hot or vice-versa. Hydrogen can be used as a working fluid, and metal hydride material can be used for absorbing and desorbing hydrogen during the cycle of heating and cooling of the heat engine. A phase change material can also be used. The power converter preferably includes an electromechanical battery with a flywheel storing rotational energy and possibly an electrostatic motor that adds rotational energy to the flywheel.

Abstract: An electrothermal actuator producing linear and/or rotational movement includes a housing having a longitudinal axis. A chamber within the housing contains a working fluid that changes phase upon heating. A piston is slidably disposed within the housing and movable along the longitudinal axis between first and second positions. A spring biases the piston toward the first position. The piston slides from the first position to the second position in response to heating of the working fluid. The piston includes a piston rod extending along the longitudinal axis and protruding from the housing. The housing includes helical grooves on an interior surface and the piston includes partially spherical recesses. Balls captured between the grooves and recesses produce rotation of the piston and piston rod when the piston moves between the first and second positions.

Abstract: There is provided a micro power generator enhanced in efficiency and power generation output, and having an increased temperature range for operation. The micro power generator comprises: a high-temperature heat source; a low-temperature heat source; an enclosed body containing a working substance therein, the enclosed body being deformable by means of a phase change of the working substance between a first shape wherein heat can be transferred from the high-temperature heat source and a second shape wherein heat can be transferred to the low-temperature heat source; a permanent magnet constituting the enclosed body, the permanent magnet being maintained in a first position when the enclosed body has the first shape and in a second position when the enclosed body has the second shape; and a wire in which an electric current is induced by a movement of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: Movement of a gel structure is propagated by successively applying external stimuli to cause volume phase transition in the gel structure by alternately causing the gel structure to collapse and swell to move the center of mass of the gel structure in the direction of successive stimuli application. The movement is mediated by confining structure for the gel and anchoring—the starting side of the gel in the swelling cycle.

Abstract: A selectively configurable beam and systems utilizing such are disclosed. The distribution of mass of the beam can be selectively adjusted or altered by adjusting one or more characteristics of the beam. Specific strategies utilizing continuous electro-wetting, and selective formation or movement of gases in liquid are disclosed. The selectively configurable beams are used in systems for harvesting vibrational energy from vibrating bodies.

Abstract: A compact electrothermal actuator includes a housing having a longitudinal axis. A slot extends through the housing. A chamber within the housing contains a working fluid that changes phase upon heating. A piston is slidably disposed within the housing and movable along the longitudinal axis between first and second positions. A spring biases the piston toward the first position. The piston slides from the first position to the second position in response to heating of the working fluid. The piston includes a guide pin extending transverse to the longitudinal axis and protruding into the slot. The slot may be linear or helical for sliding of the piston between the first and second positions without or with rotation of the piston. The length of the actuator, measured along the longitudinal axis, is constant, independent of the position of the piston within the housing.

Abstract: Internal explosion engine and generator having an explosion chamber, a movable member forming one wall of the chamber, a charge of non-combustible gas sealed inside the chamber, means for repeatedly igniting the gas in an explosive manner to drive the movable member from a position of minimum volume to a position of maximum volume, means for returning the movable member from the position of maximum volume to the position of minimum volume, and means coupled to the movable member for providing electrical energy in response to explosion of the gas. In one disclosed embodiment, the movable member is a piston connected to a crankshaft, and it is returned to the position of minimum volume by a flywheel on the crankshaft. In another, two pistons are connected back-to-back in a hermetically sealed chamber to prevent loss of the explosive gas.

Abstract: A heat engine, preferably combined with an electric generator, and advantageously implemented using micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technologies as an array of one or more individual heat engine/generators. The heat engine is based on a closed chamber containing a motive medium, preferably a gas; means for alternately enabling and disabling transfer of thermal energy from a heat source to the motive medium; and at least one movable side of the chamber that moves in response to thermally-induced expansion and contraction of the motive medium, thereby converting thermal energy to oscillating movement. The electrical generator is combined with the heat engine to utilize movement of the movable side to convert mechanical work to electrical energy, preferably using electrostatic interaction in a generator capacitor.

Abstract: A high heat producing system which encapsulates a deflected rotating laser beam in a chamber and propagates it through a gaseous medium within the chamber. The heat energy of the deflected rotating laser beam agitates the molecules of the gaseous medium such that the temperature of the gaseous medium increases to at least about two thousand (2000° F.) degrees Fahrenheit, thereby increasing the temperature of the high heat producing device. In the preferred embodiment, the high heat producing device is in direct heat transfer with a working fluid in an expansion chamber for powering, for example, a turbine or the like.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device forming a mechanism, in particular for use in the space sector, characterised in that it comprises in combination: a material (300) with low melting point capable of producing a soldering joint, at least heating means (400), a structure having an architecture with a zone blocked by the low melting point material (300), capable of being released by liquefying the low melting point material, and means for forced rolling of the low melting point metal (300) in liquid state, after the heating means (400) have been activated, to produce a shock absorbing function.

Abstract: A flow rate control valve includes a second substrate having a flexible thin film and interposed between a first substrate having a heating mechanism and a third substrate having a sealing section. The first substrate and the second substrate close an internal space formed adjacent to the heating mechanism and filled with an expandable material. The sealing section and the flexible thin film function together as a valve. The heating mechanism heats and expands the expandable material whose pressure is detected by pressure-detecting sensors. The detected pressure value is fed back to a control mechanism of the heating mechanism for opening/closing a fluid flow passage and controlling the valve opening degree.

Abstract: A heat engine having two stages, a first low temperature chamber and a second high temperature chamber. A low boiling point liquid or solution is heated in a first low temperature chamber to slightly above the boiling point. A second high temperature chamber having electric heating coils therein is injected with the returned condensed liquid at predetermined times causing a high vapor pressure driving a piston. The expanding vapor or gas is returned though an exhaust port and condensed by a cooling chamber to be returned to the solution or liquid reservoir. The piston is used to do work and may be coupled to a generator. Different piston configurations may be used. The heat engine of the present invention has the advantage of using a relatively low boiling point liquid, which may be heated by a variety of fuel sources, including solar energy. The invention has a relatively quick response time as a result of the second high temperature chamber.

Abstract: A flow control valve includes a base plate, a cover plate coupled on the base plate, having an inlet and an outlet, an adiabatic chamber formed within the cover plate and supported on the upper surface of the base plate, and a pressure generating space at the lower portion of the adiabatic chamber. The pressure generating space is filled with heat expansion solution. A hollow is formed at a mid-portion of the adiabatic chamber to communicate with the pressure generating space. A membrane is coupled to the upper circumference of the adiabatic chamber, a coolant space where coolant is filled is located between the cover plate and the adiabatic chamber, a disc is coupled to the lower surface of the adiabatic chamber for sealing the pressure generating space, and a heating member is provided for heating the heat expansion solution filled in the pressure generating space.

Abstract: Incremental control of motion in the thermodynamic phase space of a heat engine, by modulating the piston speed to control the instantaneous rate of change of temperature relative to the instantaneous heat flow during each cycle. The modulation is independent of the overall operating speed, overcoming a basic flaw in the concept of quasistatic operation that thermal leakages cannot be diminished by merely reducing the speed, and would cause the efficiency of a real engine to also vanish in the limit. The modulation and control are envisaged for more precise execution of given thermodynamic cycles, asymptotic approach to the ideal thermodynamic cycles, and emulation of the cycles of other engines by real heat engines, as well as to mechanical and electrical transformers for assuring the maximum power factors at any operating speed by executing the analogous "Carnot cycles".

Abstract: An engine for powering by water that includes a stator, a rotor rotatably mounted in the stator, and a plurality of blades movably mounted in the rotor. The stator has a throughchamber. The rotor is rotatably mounted in the throughchamber. By virtue of a throughbore in a top plate of the stator being offset from its longitudinal axis, a throughbore in a bottom plate of the stator being offset from its longitudinal axis, and a throughbore in the rotor being along its longitudinal axis, the rotor is offset in the throughchamber and has only one tangential point contacting a circular periphery of throughchamber at any one time as it rotates in the stator. The rotor rotates clockwise in the stator, by steam applying a greater force on a blade of a pair of blades of three blades that define a communicating power chamber that protrudes further than another blade of the pair of blades, by virtue of the fact that it presents a greater surface area exposed to the steam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal machine having a housing (2, 2a, 2a', 2b) which defines an operating space, an operating space, an operating medium which is contained in the operating space, a heat source (6, 6') which is arranged in the housing (2, 2a, 2a', 2b) as well as a heat sink (5, 5') which is arranged in the housing (2, 2a, 2a' 2b), a regenerator (7, 7') which forms an intermediate heat store which is mounted such that it can move linearly in the operating space, and at least one operating piston (4, 13, 14, 20, 20', 25) which is acted on by the operating medium, for outputting mechanical power from the operating space, and for coupling mechanical power from the operating space.

Abstract: A high heat producing system which transforms a alternating current or a pulsating direct current having a relatively low voltage such as one hundred and ten (110v) volts to a very high electric volt arc wherein the very high electric volt arc has a base temperature of, preferably, at least two thousand (2,000.degree. F.) degrees Fahrenheit. A very high electric volt arc is created and encapsulated in a chamber and is propagated through a fuel medium within such chamber to a rotating arc mobilizer. The heat energy of the very high electric volt arc increases the temperature of the fuel medium to further increase the temperature of the high heat producing system. In the preferred embodiment, the high heat producing system is in direct heat transfer with a working fluid in an expansion chamber for powering a turbine or the like.

Abstract: A hot-gas engine electric heater that is partially disposable in a heat exchange tube of a hot-gas engine and supplies heat to a working fluid in the hot-gas engine wherein the heat exchange tube has a contour. The heater includes a thin and circular-shaped base, at least one conically-shaped and outwardly tapering heating element, and a voltage regulator. The thin and circular-shaped base conforms to the contour of the heat exchange tube and has an outer surface and an inner surface that is conformingly and sealingly abuttable against the heat exchange tube and is disposable externally thereto. The at least one conically-shaped and outwardly tapering heating element is horizontally oriented and extends perpendicularly outwardly from the inner surface of the thin and circular-shaped base and receives a voltage for heating the working fluid and is enterable into the heat exchange tube so as to be non-protruding from the heat exchange tube and eliminate wasted heat.

Abstract: A microdevice in the form of a microactuator or micropump. A microdevice for providing reciprocating motion at a high repetition rate, including a cell having an output wall with at least a portion movable, such as a diaphragm or inlet and outlet valves. A charge of gas in the cell and a source for cyclicly and directly heating the gas to increase the gas pressure in the cell and move the diaphragm or control the valves, the source for heating including a pulsed source for generating transient gas pressure increases in the cell at cycle times of not more than about 50 microseconds, with the cell including an arrangement for cooling the gas for reducing the gas pressure in the cell. In one embodiment, the source for heating includes a source of photons and an arrangement for directing the photons into the cell to the gas or to the cell inner surface.

Abstract: A shell having a closed upper end and an open lower end, and a weight in the form of a piston sealingly slidable in the shell. In one form partial vacuum is produced in the shell above the weight and atmospheric pressure consequently raises the weight. In another form, pressurized air lifts the weight, against the action of weight. The weight has driving connection with a load, such as a generator, and upon being permitted to drop, acting by its potential energy, drives the load. The partial vacuum is produced in one form, by heating and cooling units; and in another form, by natural heating and cooling. A plurality of power plants are utilized to drive a single load, so that one weight can be raised, and the power plant re-activated, while others continue to drive the load, thereby maintaining continuity of drive.

Abstract: The invention is similar to the internal combustion engine but instead it uses pressure. The power for a propulsion derives from the expansion of compressed steam (salt free water) and needs no air intake.

Abstract: A flash plug for an internal expansion heat engine is heated by a non-ferrous coil surrounding the ferric steam flash plug and connected to a source of alternating current. The coil may be a conduit for the passage of cooling water.

Abstract: A flash plug for an internal expansion heat engine is heated by electromagnetic microwave energy. The flash plug is an annular ceramic dielectric body having electrically connected metal rings on the inside and a metal sleeve on the outside supplied by a high frequency alternating current.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to internal expansion engines of the type where a non-combusting operating fluid is vaporized within a cylinder or cylinders so that the vapor upon expansion performs mechanical work. The internal expansion engine utilizes a non-combusting liquid operating fluid, a linkage apparatus for having an expansion chamber for transforming an expansion of the operating fluid into shaft power, and a vaporizing apparatus for expanding the liquid fluid to vapor.

Abstract: A fast-acting, self-resetting hydride actuator comprising an enclosure containing hydrogen, and an actuating means communicating with the interior of the enclosure responsive to changes in pressure of the hydrogen gas and adapted to provide an actuating force based upon a change in pressure of the hydrogen gas. The actuator also comprises an electric resistance means inside the enclosure which includes a resistor element made in whole or in part of a hydridable electric conductor and means for passing electric current through said resistor element.

Abstract: Electric motors are connected to the front wheels of a vehicle to commence the propulsion of the vehicle. Fluid pressure motors are connected to the rear wheels of the vehicle to propel the vehicle once the electric motors have commenced the propulsion thereof. An electric pump supplies expansible fluid to the fluid pressure motors. Electric heaters expand the fluid in the fluid pressure motors to cause the fluid pressure motors to rotate the rear wheels of the vehicle thereby propelling the vehicle. The electric motors are adapted to act as generators after the fluid pressure motors have commenced the propulsion of the vehicle to recharge a battery that operates the electric motors, the electric pump and the electric heaters.

Abstract: A machine operable according to the gas discharge principle comprising a fixed housing having side walls and a casing surrounding peripherally the side walls, a rotary member arranged for rotation in the housing in an eccentric fashion, and having a plurality of projections, which during the rotation are in continuous sliding contact with the inner surface of the casing and slide along it, the rotary member during rotation forms a plurality of operating chambers having each a variable volume, further including an inner toothed wheel fixed on the rotary member and an outer toothed wheel fixed on the housing, a plurality of electrodes provided in the casing of the housing, an electrode provided in the rotary member, the electrodes in the casing and the electrodes in the rotary member being arranged lying opposite with respect to each other when the rotary member is mounted in the housing for rotation and the electrodes in the casing and the rotary member having a predetermined distance with respect to each othe

Abstract: Fluidic vibration isolation system which includes an isolator having a chamber, liquid and the vapor of the liquid in said chamber, heater means for heating the liquid and regulating means for controlling the heater depending upon the isolator relative height.

Abstract: An engine is disclosed which includes most of the parts of a conventional internal combustion engine with the exception of the fuel and intake mechanisms. In place of the fuel and intake portions, a steam head is substituted. A fluid to be utilized as steam is injected at varying small quantities into the head where the fluid is heated to produce steam. A valve train lets steam into the cylinder forcing the piston down. On the return stroke the piston forces the exhaust steam out an open exhaust valve. The movement of the piston, results in rotation of a crank. Either the rotation of the crank or the exhaust steam, or both, are utilized to produce electrical energy which is used to produce the steam and thus at least partially minimize the amount of fuel required to operate once the engine is operated for a short time.

Abstract: Three operating chambers, each having an electric heating element therein and simultaneously operated solenoid inlet and outlet valves, are arranged to operate in sequence, each operating chamber having a power piston in communication therewith that engages the driving end of a separate fulcrumed power arm. The three power arms are arranged to jointly rotate a crank shaft through three crank arms, to produce power for operating generators and the like. At the start of an operating cycle for each operating chamber, it is filled with cold starting liquid from a refrigeration unit. The electric heater element is activated for a precise time period to heat and expand the liquid to operate the power piston, and thereafter the inlet and outlet valves are operated to drain the heated liquid and replace it with cold. A control circuit driven from the crankshaft operates the heater elements and the solenoid valves in a precise timed sequence, to ensure maximum efficiency and smooth power output.

Abstract: An engine is provided which will greatly reduce atmospheric pollution and noise by providing a sealed system engine power source which has no exhaust nor intake ports. The engine includes a spherical hollow pressure chamber which is provided with a reflecting mirror surface. A noble gas mixture within the chamber is energized by electrodes and work is derived from the expansion of the gas mixture against a piston.

Abstract: An expansion chamber is provided and heated heat exchange surfaces are disposed in the expansion chamber. An expandable fluid supply is provided together with structure for selectively admitting the expandable fluid into the chamber in good heat exchange relation with the heat exchange surfaces. Further, energy conversion structure is provided and communicated with the expansion chamber and operable to convert the energy of the fluid expanded in the chamber into mechanical energy.