Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hydraulically actuated device/system are described herein. For example, systems and methods for the compression and/or expansion of gas can include at least one pressure vessel defining an interior region for retaining at least one of a volume of liquid or a volume of gas and an actuator coupled to and in fluid communication with the pressure vessel. The actuator can have a first mode of operation in which a volume of liquid disposed within the pressure vessel is moved to compress and move gas out of the pressure vessel. The actuator can have a second mode of operation in which a volume of liquid disposed within the pressure vessel is moved by an expanding gas entering the pressure vessel. The system can further include a heat transfer device configured to transfer heat to or from the at least one of a volume of liquid or a volume of gas retained by the pressure vessel.

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 generator comprising heat differential, pressure, and conversion modules, and a heat recovery arrangement; the differential module comprising a first high temperature reservoir containing a work medium at high temperature, a second low temperature reservoir containing a work medium at low temperature and a heat mechanism in fluid communication with the reservoir(s). The heat mechanism maintains a temperature difference therebetween by providing heat to and/or removing heat from the reservoirs; the pressure module comprises a pressure medium in selective fluid communication with the reservoirs for alternately performing a heat exchange process with the work medium.

Abstract: In various embodiments, compressed-gas energy storage and recovery systems include a cylinder assembly for compression and/or expansion of gas, a reservoir for storage and/or supply of compressed gas, and a system for thermally conditioning gas within the reservoir.

Abstract: Heat engine with at least two cylinder-piston units, each containing an expansion fluid, which stands under a prestressing pressure and which changes its volume in the case of a change of temperature and thus moves the piston, elements for the individually controllable supply of heat to the expansion fluid of each cylinder-piston unit, and a control means controlling the heat supply elements to allow each expansion fluid to alternately heat up and cool down and thus move the pistons, wherein a common prestressing fluid acts on the pistons of all cylinder-piston units in order to exert a common prestressing pressure on the expansion fluids, the control means is fitted with a pressure gauge for the prestressing pressure, and the control means controls the heating and cooling phases of the heat supply elements in dependence on the measured prestressing pressure in order to hold the prestressing pressure within a predetermined range.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding and compressing gas in energy storage and recovery systems that use open-air hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder assemblies, such as an accumulator and an intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits. The systems use heat transfer subsystems in communication with at least one of the cylinder assemblies or reservoir to thermally condition the gas being expanded or compressed.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for storing energy, comprising: compression chamber means (24) for receiving a gas; compression piston means (25) for compressing gas contained in the compression chamber means; first heat storage means (50) for receiving and storing thermal energy from gas compressed by the compression piston means; expansion chamber means (28) for receiving gas after exposure to the first heat storage means; expansion piston means (29) for expanding gas received in the expansion chamber means; and second heat storage means (60) for transferring thermal energy to gas expanded by the expansion piston means. The cycle used by apparatus (10) has two different stages that can be split into separate devices or combined into one device.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for optimizing heat transfer within a device or system used to compress and/or expand a gas, such as air, are described herein. In some embodiments, a compressed air device and/or system can include an actuator such as a hydraulic actuator that can be used to compress a gas within a pressure vessel. An actuator can be actuated to move a liquid into a pressure vessel such that the liquid compresses gas within the pressure vessel. In such a compressor/expander device or system, during the compression and/or expansion process, heat can be transferred to the liquid used to compress the air. The compressor/expander device or system can include a liquid purge system that can be used to remove at least a portion of the liquid to which the heat energy has been transferred such that the liquid can be cooled and then recycled within the system.

Abstract: In various embodiments, gas is compressed to store energy and/or expanded to recover energy to or from high pressures, and the gas is exchanges heat with a heat-exchange fluid that is thermally conditioned at low pressures.

Abstract: Apparatus (100) comprising a power plant or air motor utilizing compressed air or liquid air for energy storage. The apparatus includes an electrical plant (200), a mechanical plant (300), and a pneumatic plant (400). When operating as a compressor, the plant receives electrical and/or direct mechanical power as an input to drive the plant, compress air, and store its output in the form of compressed or liquefied air. When operating as an engine, the plant consumes the compressed or liquid air to drive a mechanism of the engine and deliver mechanical power and/or electrical power as an output.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hydraulically actuated device/system are described herein. For example, systems and methods for the compression and/or expansion of gas can include at least one pressure vessel defining an interior region for retaining at least one of a volume of liquid or a volume of gas and an actuator coupled to and in fluid communication with the pressure vessel. The actuator can have a first mode of operation in which a volume of liquid disposed within the pressure vessel is moved to compress and move gas out of the pressure vessel. The actuator can have a second mode of operation in which a volume of liquid disposed within the pressure vessel is moved by an expanding gas entering the pressure vessel. The system can further include a heat transfer device configured to transfer heat to or from the at least one of a volume of liquid or a volume of gas retained by the pressure vessel.

Abstract: An artificial muscle (10) comprises a chamber (12) having a flexible wall of plastics material, a device for heating and/or cooling a low-boiling-point fluid contained in, or in communication with, the chamber so that at least some of the fluid changes state between liquid and gaseous so that the force in the chamber on the flexible wall changes and/or the flexible wall moves to change the volume of the chamber, and a tendon (14) which at least partly encircles the chamber over an extent that varies with variations in the chamber volume for transmitting force between the flexible wall and a load. The use of a low-boiling-point fluid operating at around its boiling point enables plastics materials to be used without thermal damage, and the use of plastics materials enables low production costs. The use of a flexible wall to convey an effort to a load avoids the need for sliding parts and can provide advantages such as reduced friction and ease of sealing.

Abstract: In various embodiments, efficiency of energy storage and recovery systems compressing and expanding gas is improved via heat exchange between the gas and a heat-transfer fluid.

Abstract: An external combustion engine comprising a pipe-shaped main container in which a working fluid is sealed flowably in a liquid state, a heated part formed at a location of one end of the main container and heating part of the working fluid in the main container in order to make it evaporate, a cooled part formed at a location next to the heated part toward the other end of the main container and cooling the vapor of the working fluid evaporated at the heated part in order to make it condense, an output unit communicated with the other end of the main container and converting the displacement of the liquid phase part of the working fluid to mechanical energy for output, and a controller alternately performing a heat storage mode making displacement of the liquid phase part of the working fluid stop in order to make the heated part store heat and an output mode allowing displacement of the liquid phase part of the working fluid and taking output from the output unit.

Abstract: An engine and a method for operating the engine comprising a chamber defined by at least one fixed wall and at least one movable wall, the volume of the chamber variable with movement of the movable wall; an injector arranged to inject liquid into the chamber while the chamber has a substantially minimum volume; apparatus through which energy is introduced that is absorbed by the fluid which then explosively vaporizes, performing work on the movable wall; and apparatus which returns the movable wall to a position prior to the work being performed thereon so the chamber has the substantially minimum volume, substantially evacuating the chamber of vaporized fluid without substantially compressing the vaporized fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston steam engine having flash vaporization. Said inventive piston steam engine can be operated with various working mediums and at different temperatures. The liquid working medium is successively injected into individual prechambers of the vapor machine cylinder. The inlet temperature of said working medium is adapted to the expansion step in the working cycle of the machine in relation to the respective point in time of injection.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding and compressing gas in energy storage and recovery systems that use open-air hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder assemblies, such as an accumulator and an intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits. The systems use heat transfer subsystems in communication with at least one of the cylinder assemblies or reservoir to thermally condition the gas being expanded or compressed.

Abstract: A steam engine has a pipe shaped fluid container, a heating and cooling devices respectively provided at a heating and cooling portions of the fluid container, and an output device connected to the fluid container, so that the output device is operated by the fluid pressure change in the fluid container, to generate an electric power. In such a steam engine, an inner radius “r1” of the cooling portion is made to almost equal to a depth “?1” of the thermal penetration, which is calculated by the following formula (1); ? 1 = 2 ? a 1 ? ( 1 ) wherein, “a1” is a heat diffusivity of the working fluid at its low pressure, and “?” is an angular frequency of the movement of the working fluid.

Abstract: An artificial muscle (10) comprises a chamber (12) having a flexible wall of plastics material, a device for heating and/or cooling a low-boiling-point fluid contained in, or in communication with, the chamber so that at least some of the fluid changes state between liquid and gaseous so that the force in the chamber on the flexible wall changes and/or the flexible wall moves to change the volume of the chamber, and a tendon (14) which at least partly encircles the chamber over an extent that varies with variations in the chamber volume for transmitting force between the flexible wall and a load. The use of a low-boiling-point fluid operating at around its boiling point enables plastics materials to be used without thermal damage, and the use of plastics materials enables low production costs. The use of a flexible wall to convey an effort to a load avoids the need for sliding parts and can provide advantages such as reduced friction and ease of sealing.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a rotational output using a non-combustion heat source. The system may include a sealed chamber and a triggering element. The sealed chamber may contain a substance that expands when heated and contracts when cooled. The sealed chamber may include a displacer capable of moving within the sealed chamber, wherein the displacer moves when the substance is heated and a heat source situated within the sealed chamber. The heat source heats the substance when activated. The triggering element is coupled to the sealed chamber and activates the heat source. The system may include mechanisms for translating the displacer movement into a rotational output or other output.

Abstract: An engine comprising a closed circulating system containing a working fluid, the system comprising; means to raise the pressure of said working fluid from a low cycle pressure to a high cycle pressure by use of at least one variable displacement pump; means to add heat to said fluid substantially at said high cycle pressure to raise it to its high cycle temperature substantially above its critical temperature; means to expand said fluid by use of at least one scroll expander to do useful work; means to cool said fluid substantially at said low cycle pressure to a low cycle temperature by a regenerator and a condenser; and means to power said at least one variable displacement pump from said at least one scroll expander. With the working fluid in the closed circulating system able to have temperatures and entropies associated with a Rankine, Brayton, or supercritical cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to micro heat engines (MHEs) and methods of manufacture. More particularly, the present invention relates to an MHE including a substrate having a sealed microchannel for operatively containing a liquid droplet within the microchannel and a thermal bridge for providing a heat source or heat sink to the microchannel. The MHE also includes a piezoelectric sensor responsive to a pressure change within the microchannel to induce voltage across the piezoelectric sensor and a power output.

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: 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: The internal pressure p1 of the hollow body of a pneumatic structural element that comprises a hollow body (1), at least two traction elements (4) and at least one compression member (2) can be electrothermally varied by means of a fluid. The hollow body (1) houses a void (12) which is filled with a gas (15), and a container (9) which contains a volatile liquid (10). Said liquid (10) can be heated or cooled by means of a heat pump (13). Said heat pump (13) thermally contacts the liquid (10) via lamellas (24). A pressure sensor (14) measures the pressure inside the void (12). A cable (16) links the sensor (14) and the heat pump (13) with control and regulating electronics (23).

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: Cooling control device for a condenser is provided which includes the condenser, a cooling device for cooling the condenser, and a control device for controlling the cooling device. The cooling device includes a first cooling fan for cooling a gaseous-phase portion of the condenser, and two second cooling fans for cooling a liquid-phase portion of the condenser independently of the first cooling fan. The control device also includes a pressure control section for optimally adjusting a pressure within the gaseous-phase portion, and a temperature control section for optimally adjusting a temperature within the liquid-phase portion. The pressure control section operates the first cooling fan, in accordance with a detected pressure within the gaseous-phase portion, to adjust the pressure within the gaseous-phase portion.

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: In a steam engine having a heating device, a cooling device, and an output device, the output device comprises a piston reciprocally moving by a self-excited fluid vibration of a working fluid in a fluid container. The piston is reciprocally moved by the output device for a certain period before starting an operation of the steam engine, so that the working fluid is moved to an inside space of the heating device. Since the working fluid is surely heated and vaporized by the heating device, the fluid vibration is stably started, and as a result, the operation of the steam engine can be smoothly started.

Abstract: The engine for converting thermal energy to stored fluid energy includes expansion cylinders (61a–f) with expansion chambers (62a–f) and flexible membranes (63a–f). Heating and cooling of working fluid inside the cylinders (61a–f) is carried out by fluid supply lines (73, 71) communicating with external heat resources and sinks. Pressure accumulator (66a) is adapted to store a pressurised fluid (64a–f), such as hydraulic oil, from the individual cylinders (61a–f). In use, this pressurised fluid is delivered at an elevated and above a minimum threshold pressure level, irrespective of the irregularities of the movement of the expansion cylinders (61a–f).

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 thermodynamic cycle consisting of six events repeated continuously. Event 1 is adiabatic compression of a carrier gas to raise its temperature. Event 2 is liquid Injection into the hot carrier gas near the end of event 1. Event 3 is temperature equalization between the carrier gas and injected liquid with the liquid's full or partial vaporization. Event 4 is adiabatic expansion of the mixture. Event 5 exhausts the mixture. Exhaust should be captured to save and separate the mixture into its components to increase efficiency, however, this cycle may be either an open or closed cycle. Event 6 is the induction a new charge of carrier gas, which brings the cycle back to the initial conditions of event one. This cyclical sequence of six events numbered from any starting point will be referred to as the RAKH CYCLE. Engines using it are RAKH engines. Refrigeration machines using it are RAKH refrigerators.

Abstract: A micromachined fluid handling device having improved properties. The valve is made of reinforced parylene. A heater heats a fluid to expand the fluid. The heater is formed on unsupported silicon nitride to reduce the power. The device can be used to form a valve or a pump. Another embodiment forms a composite silicone/parylene membrane. Another feature uses a valve seat that has concentric grooves for better sealing operation.

Abstract: This is the mechanization of an external combustion hot air engine cycle known as the “Warren Cycle”. The “Warren Cycle” has four parts. They are: 1. cooled compression; 2. stored heat released from a regenerator and heat added to the working fluid at constant volume; 3. heated expansion; and 4. heat stored in a regenerator and heat removed from the working fluid at constant volume. The resulting engine is a thermally regenerated, reciprocating, two stroke external combustion engine that stores the spent heat in regenerator 10 and returns it to the engine cycle to do work. Each unit of the engine has cylinder 12 that is closed at one end by cylinder head 4 and contains working fluid, regenerator 10, heater 14, cooler 24, and power piston 18 that is connected to power output shaft 22. Cooler 24 is moved through the working fluid as it is being compressed, cooling the working fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to regenerative working and thermal processes, the drive energy of which is supplied by external combustion of the fuel. The heat supply for this, almost always assumed to be isothermic, is achieved only in exceptional cases, since the flue gases usually have a low specific thermal capacity. The invention explains new types of processes in order to obtain the optimum thermodynamic efficiency even for these less efficient heating cases. The heating heat exchangers and thermal regenerators used in regenerative processes are replaced by regenerative heat exchangers, which comprise a plurality of short regenerators, which are connected by tubular heat exchangers for the heating medium. It is thereby possible to supply the heat to the process not at a fixed but at a sliding temperature.

Abstract: This invention is a two stroke, regenerated, external combustion, reciprocating engine. Each unit of the engine has cylinder 12 that is closed at one end by cylinder head 4 and contains power piston 18 that is connected to power output shaft 22, and plunger 11 that sucks in fluid and pushes out exhaust. Plunger 11 is a movable wall which has attached to it plunger valve 8 that opens to allow fluid to flow through plunger 11 while plunger 11 is moving away from piston 18, and closes to form a plunger while plunger 11 is moving towards piston 18. Plunger 11 also has attached to it exhaust pipe 7, exhaust valve 6, heater 14, and an alternating flow heat exchanger, called regenerator 10. Means are provided for the introduction of heat into cylinder 12.

Abstract: A method and a device for operating a heating and cooling machine, in particular a Vuilleumier heat pump, that functions on the basis of a regenerative gas cyclic process are described. The device includes a burner as the source of thermal driving, energy in which, to increase its efficiency or to maximize an output number of the heating and cooling machine, the combustion air conveyed to the burner is preheated in a heat exchange with exhaust gases. It is proposed that, for increasing the output performance of the heating and cooling machine, the preheating of the combustion air is forestalled at least partially. In response to a simultaneous increase of the burner output, the hot exhaust-gas mass-flow is conveyed to an exhaust-gas-water heat-exchanger. In this manner, a output of the heating and cooling machine system is increased in an advantageous manner, without having to change the design data or the size of the heating and cooling machine.

Abstract: New artificial muscles and actuators, that are operated by hydrogen gas as working fluid stored interstitially in metal hydrides as a hydrogen sponge. These artificial muscles and actuators are operated both electrically and thermally. The artificial muscles and actuators have fast response, are compact/light-weight, are noiseless, and produce high-power density. They can be used for biomedical, space, defense, micro-machines, and industrial applications.

Abstract: A micromachined fluid handling device having improved properties. The valve is made of reinforced parylene. A heater heats a fluid to expand the fluid. The heater is formed on unsupported silicon nitride to reduce the power. The device can be used to form a valve or a pump. Another embodiment forms a composite silicone/parylene membrane. Another feature uses a valve seat that has concentric grooves for better sealing operation.

Abstract: A micromachined fluid handling device having improved properties. The valve is made of reinforced parylene. A heater heats a fluid to expand the fluid. The heater is formed on unsupported silicon nitride to reduce the power. The device can be used to form a valve or a pump. Another embodiment forms a composite silicone/parylene membrane. Another feature uses a valve seat that has concentric grooves for better sealing operation.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic actuator 10 contains a tapered piston 30 that is first propelled through a chamber 18 upon actuator 10 operation. A narrower portion 38 of the piston 30 initially enters an annular retainer 40 having an annulus 42. The diameter or cross-sectional area of the annulus 42 is about equal to or less than the cross-sectional area of portion 38. As the diameter of the tapered piston 30 increases over the length passing through retainer 40, to a diameter greater than that of annulus 42, the piston 30 is then wedged or fixedly received within the annular retainer 40, thereby preventing retraction of piston 30 once a load is exerted thereon.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic actuator comprises a deformable membrane (24) separating a first chamber (20), which is able to receive pyrotechnic combustion gases, from a second chamber (22) containing a control member (32) displaceable by the membrane (24) during the operation of the actuator. In the inoperative state, the membrane (24) is prestressed counter to its deformation controlled by the intake of gases into the first chamber (20). In this way the functional travel is increased, which e.g. makes it possible to open or close a circuit with a larger cross-section without increasing the actuator size.

Abstract: A heat engine is constructed from sheet metal and the like. The heat engine has an outer container and inner container which contains a displacer and a power piston. A plurality of positioning members are provided to dimensionally stabilize the inner and outer containers. By providing positioning members that extend between the inner and the outer containers, a sandwiched construction is obtained which allows the inner and outer containers to reinforce each other thus permitting the use of thin walled containers and improving the thermal efficiency of the heat engine and decreasing the weight of the heat engine.

Abstract: A heat engine is constructed from sheet metal and the like. The heat engine has an outer container and inner container which contains a displacer and a power piston. A plurality of positioning members are provided to dimensionally stabilize the inner and outer containers. By providing positioning members that extend between the inner and the outer containers, a sandwiched construction is obtained which allows the inner and outer containers to reinforce each other thus permitting the use of thin walled containers and improving the thermal efficiency of the heat engine and decreasing the weight of the heat engine.

Abstract: A thermal management system is disclosed by selectively breaking the thermal connection between the heat sinks and the electronics being cooled. This preserves the excess heat generated by the electronics rather than dissipating it, thereby maintaining the electronics at or above the minimum specified operating temperature during exposure to extremely cold environments. The thermal connection can be broken in several ways including an electrically controlled device such as an solenoid or via a device that harnesses a phenomenon of the same low temperatures that is the ultimate source of the problem to be solved. A preferred example of such a device is a solidification engine. A solidification engine produces reversible motion based upon the tendency of certain substances to expand with significant force upon freezing and to contract upon melting.

Abstract: A single-pipe cylinder type reformer for manufacturing a hydrogen-rich reformed gas by steam-reforming a hydrocarbon-based crude fuel such as town gas, natural gas, or LPG or an alcohol and a reformer used with a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The reformer has an upright outer circular cylinder, a circular cylinder, radially spaced, concentrically inside the outer cylinder, a circular intermediate cylinder concentrically located between the outer and inner cylinders, and a circular radiation cylinder concentrically located inside the inner cylinder. A burner is fixed to one end portion of the reformer and is located in the center of the radiation cylinder. A plurality of laminar annular flows including a reforming catalyst are formed between the inner and intermediate cylinders and between the intermediate and outer cylinders. End portions of the outer and inner cylinders located opposite to where the burner is fixed are sealed with different cover plates that form a double-bottom structure.

Abstract: A confined gaseous mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen is irradiated with a carbon dioxide laser which excites a significant portion of the gas to vibrational energy levels, thereby reducing the translational energy and therefore the temperature of the gas. The gas is adiabatically compressed, and then allowed to relax so that the temperature of the compressed gas increases. The high temperature, compressed gas is then expanded through a turbine or in a cylinder which drives an external device, such as vehicle propulsion apparatus or an electric generator, thereby to perform work. The process may occur in engines having one or more closed cylinders, or in turbocompressors.

Abstract: An apparatus has a heat engine and a power output member drivenly connected to the piston of the heat engine and having an output for supplying work. The displacer is driven by an adjustable drive member. An adjustable signal generator is provided for modulating a signal which is sent to the adjustable drive to adjust the frequency of the displacer.