Abstract: Vapour turbine operating with geothermal vapours containing corrosive agents or aggressive substances such as chlorides and/or sulfides in particular. The turbine comprises a series of stator blades and a series of rotor blades, each stator blade of the series of stator blades comprises a surfacing consisting of a nickel alloy containing a quantity of nickel ranging from 54% to 58% by weight to avoid the washing of the geothermal vapours, at the same time maintaining a high useful life of the series of stator blades and vapour turbine.

Abstract: This is a description of the submitted drawings—FIG. 1 —frontal view showing the weight belt enclosed in a frame suspended on gears mounted on a axel. FIG. 2—side view of frame supporting weight belt and angel the belt travels. FIG. 3—the best perspective and should be on the cover of this invention. It shows the direction the weight belt travels and location of sag rail necessary for optimum performance. FIG. 4—gives the spacing of the gears that support the belt and angel that the belt travels. FIG. 5—is a view of the weight belt with size specifications of the different component parts along with the rollers that contact the sag rail. FIG. 6—gives the specifications of three different parts of the machine, mainly for the manufactory. FIG. 7 —sketch of a support gear. manufactory info. FIG. 8—picture of assembled prototype to support theory of the machine.

Abstract: A molecular motor in which multiple concentric cylinders (or nested cones) rotate around a common longitudinal axis. Opposing complementary surfaces of the cylinders or cones are coated with complementary motor protein pairs (such as actin and myosin). The actin and myosin interact with one another in the presence of ATP to rotate the cylinders or cones relative to one another, and this rotational energy is harnessed to produce work. The concentration of ATP and the number of nested cylinders or cones can be used to control the rotational speed of the motor. The length of the cylinders can also be used to control the power generated by the motor. In another embodiment, the molecular motor includes at least two annular substrates wherein one annular substrate is coated with a first motor protein and the other annular substrate is coated with a second motor protein. The first and second motor proteins interact with each other to move the second annular relative to the first annular substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heretofore-unknown use for zirconium nitride as a hydrogen peroxide compatible protective coating that was discovered to be useful to protect components that catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide or corrode when exposed to hydrogen peroxide. A zirconium nitride coating of the invention may be applied to a variety of substrates (e.g., metals) using art-recognized techniques, such as plasma vapor deposition. The present invention further provides components and articles of manufacture having hydrogen peroxide compatibility, particularly components for use in aerospace and industrial manufacturing applications. The zirconium nitride barrier coating of the invention provides protection from corrosion by reaction with hydrogen peroxide, as well as prevention of hydrogen peroxide decomposition.

Abstract: An improved diode energy converter for chemical kinetic electron energy transfer is formed using nanostructures and includes identifiable regions associated with chemical reactions isolated chemically from other regions in the converter, a region associated with an area that forms energy barriers of the desired height, a region associated with tailoring the boundary between semiconductor material and metal materials so that the junction does not tear apart, and a region associated with removing heat from the semiconductor.

Abstract: A device for producing a net force against a base comprising a mass change object, an accelerator, a power source operatively connected to the mass change object and configured to selectively apply to the mass change object (1) a mass-increasing waveform, characterized in that the time rate of change of the power of the mass-increasing waveform is positive, and (2) a mass-decreasing waveform, characterized in that the time rate of change of the power of the mass-decreasing waveform is negative; the power source being configured to apply the mass-increasing waveform to the mass change object when the acceleration of the mass change object has at least a component opposite to the net force direction, and to apply the mass-decreasing waveform to the mass change object when the acceleration of mass change object has at least a component in the net force direction; wherein the mass-increasing waveform is a different waveform, as a function of time, than the mass decreasing waveform.

Abstract: A device for converting gravitational force to energy. The device comprises a rotor (1). The rotor comprises a first outer chamber (4), a second outer chamber (5), and a casing (40). A piston (3) is slidably received in the casing between the first outer chamber (4) and the second outer chamber (5), above the first outer chamber. When the piston slides in the casing towards the first outer chamber, displacement fluid (7) exits the first outer chamber and enters the second outer chamber, thereby causing the second outer chamber to be heavier than the first outer chamber. A pivot (12) is provided wherein the rotor (1) can rotate such that the second outer chamber becomes lower than the first outer chamber. A shaft (14) is provided which is parallel to the pivot and capable of rotating with the rotor. A generator (15) is coupled to the shaft.

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

Abstract: Energy in the form of heat is recoverable and controllable in a process that reacts an acid and a base in the presence of steam. The recovered heat energy can be used to vaporize water to form steam which when used in conjunction with a turbine will produce electricity.

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

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

Abstract: A fuel reforming system has a reformer (4) for reforming a fuel to produce a reformate gas; a shift converter (5) for reacting carbon monoxide (CO) contained in a reformate gas with water to produce hydrogen (H2); a CO oxidizer (6) which removes CO discharged from the shift converter; and a startup combustor (11) for supplying combustion gas to the reformer (4), a shift converter (5) and CO oxidizer (6) to warm up them. An NOx trap (16) is disposed downstream of the startup combustor so as to adsorb nitrogen oxides (NOx) in combustion gas. A fuel reforming system further has a controller for controlling warm-up operations. When the warm-up operation for the reformer, the shift converter and the CO oxidizer is completed, the reformate reactions are commenced in the reformer (4). The NOx trapped by the NOx trap is decomposed by the reformate gas which contains CO gas and H2 gas.

Abstract: Systems and methods involving monopropellant and hypergolic powered proportional actuators that may be used in applications such as robotics. A blowdown tank delivers fuel to a reaction site, produce gaseous products. Those gaseous products are transported to a pressure reservoir or directly to the actuator. The gaseous products are controllably introduced into the actuator to actuate a piston. The piston may be used to power a host of devices including robots.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an actuator system having an electrical actuator in hydraulic communication with a hydraulic actuator are described. The apparatus includes a controller module in communication with a source of electrical power and a transceiver. The transceiver is adapted for bi-directional wireless communication with a remote transceiver for the transfer of control data and feedback data. The controller module sends a control signal to the electrical actuator in response to control data received from the remote transceiver. The source of electrical power includes a hydraulic motor and an electrical generator to provide local electrical power from a hydraulic flow. Because the electrical power is generated locally and the control and feedback data are carried over the wireless link, no wires to remote locations are required.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manipulating acoustic energy are presented. In some embodiments, a combustion zone provides heat to a regenerator using a mean flow of compressible fluid. In other embodiments, a thermoacoustic driver is concentrically disposed within a shell to permit radial heat transfer from the thermoacoustic driver to compressible fluid within the shell, thereby preheating the compressible fluid within the shell. In other embodiments, burning of a combustible mixture within the combustion zone is pulsed in phase with the acoustic pressure oscillations to increase acoustic power output.

Abstract: Methods and systems for exchanging energy reversibly between inertial and rotating forces with a masstubarc flow siphon by non-partitioning mass flow movement are disclosed. Energy can be exchanged reversibly between inertial and rotating forces utilizing a specific geometric design that preserves longitudinal molecular connectivity. A reversible masstubarc flow siphon can be configured as a symmetric interface for the contention of mass as linear in an inertial force zone and as arc in a rotating force zone. The arc section reversibly and gradually transfers the energy between linear and rotating motions. A geometric design allows a reversible masstubarc flow siphon to function like a rotating pump that adds kinetic and/or mechanic energy to the mass. If the device changes its rotating direction, the mass flow can also change direction, thereby reversibly moving the mass.

Abstract: This invention relates to actuators having biologically-based components, and methods of making and using the same. The actuator of the invention has a movable member that moves substantially linearly as a result of a biomolecular interaction of biologically-based components within the actuator. These actuators can be utilized in nanoscale mechanical devices to, e.g., pump fluids, open and close valves, and provide translational movement.

Abstract: Thermoacoustic devices are disclosed wherein, for some embodiments, a combustion zone provides heat to a regenerator using a mean flow of compressible fluid. In other embodiments, burning of a combustible mixture within the combustion zone is pulsed in phase with the acoustic pressure oscillations to increase acoustic power output. In an example embodiment, the combustion zone and the regenerator are thermally insulated from other components within the thermoacoustic device.

Abstract: Stirling engine which may be used as a heat pump, which consists of a hot half and a cold half. Both halves are connected by two lines which constitute a counterflow heat exahnger or in which a counterflow heat exchanger is mounted. Moreover, a mutual shaft, to which in the hot half a large and a small piston are mounted and to which in the cold half a large and a small piston are mounted, connects both parts. For every up or down going movement of the shaft, a complete Stirling cycle is performed. If desired, the shaft may be replaced by a hydraulic interconnection.

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

Abstract: Mineral-containing, auto-fluorescent, pigmented materials are disclosed that comprise conglomerates or aggregates of very fine chemical structures that are held together by a newly defined force termed Selective Mineral Affinity Force (SMAF). Particles comprising these materials can form on the skin of some stealth virus infected patients. They can also be seen attached to the hair strands of such patients. Similar particles form in stealth virus cultures and are thought to provide an alternative (non-mitochondria) cellular energy source for the virally infected cells, including the conversion of electromagnetic energy into chemical energy. These particles have been called alternative cellular energy (ACE)-pigments. The patient skin and hair derived aggregated ACE-pigments can be disrupted into highly energetic smaller components using various chemicals, including aldehydes and alcohols.

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

Abstract: A thermoacoustic engine-driven system with a hot heat exchanger, a regenerator or stack, and an ambient heat exchanger includes a side branch load for rapid stopping and starting, the side branch load being attached to a location in the thermoacoustic system having a nonzero oscillating pressure and comprising a valve, a flow resistor, and a tank connected in series. The system is rapidly stopped simply by opening the valve and rapidly started by closing the valve.

Abstract: A floating plant for liquefying natural gas comprising a barge (2) provided with a liquefaction plant (3), means for receiving natural gas and with means for storing and discharging liquefied natural gas, which liquefaction plant (3) includes a heat exchange (12) in which heat removed when liquefying natural gas is transferred to water, which barge (2) is further provided with a receptacle (20), an open-ended water intake conduit (25) having an inlet (28), a connecting conduit (35) extending from the outlet (30) of the water intake conduit (25) to the receptacle (20), a pump (40) for transporting water from the receptacle (20) to the heat exchanger (12) and a water discharge system (45) for discharging water removed from the heat exchanger (12), wherein the connecting conduit (35) has the shape of an inverted “U” of which the top (47) is located above the receptacle (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic control circuit for a radial piston engine with two speeds. The changeover between the speeds takes place through the alteration of the absorption volume, the delivery side (22, 122, 222) being connected to the discharge side (24, 124, 224, 324) with a bypass connection by means of a valve arrangement 830, 130, 230, 330, 430) for a selected number of engine pistons. The aim of the invention is to provide a particularly space-saving means of ensuring that the changeover between speeds occurs smoothly and in such a manner as to preserve the individual components as far as possible. To this end, at least one intermediate switching position (230-Z; 330-Z2; 330-Z3), in which the delivery side (22, 122, 222) is throttled to the discharge side (24, 124, 224, 324), i.e. connected via a diaphragm-type arrangement (231; A1; A2; 282; 284-A; 284-B; 286-B; 382-2; 384-2), is provided in front of valve arrangement (30, 130, 230, 330, 430) between the two end switching positions.

Abstract: A water-activated locking mechanism has a housing with a chamber formed therein. Compressed water-absorbent fiber pellets are housed in the chamber. Ports in the housing allow water to enter the chamber when the housing is immersed in water. Mounted in the housing is a slidable piston assembly that is biased towards the chamber with a first end of the piston assembly residing in the chamber. A pin assembly is slidably mounted in the housing at an angle relative to the piston assembly. The pin assembly is biased towards the piston assembly with one end of the pin assembly contacting an indented portion of the piston assembly to define a first position of the pin assembly. When the housing is immersed in water, the fiber pellets expand and apply a force to the first end of the piston assembly. The piston assembly then slides within the housing with the indented portion thereof moving past the pin assembly.

Abstract: An innovative way of producing propulsion by rotating a bent circular tube while mass is circulating through it. New in principle and function to any known propulsion concept.

Abstract: In order to evacuate a turbine condenser, air (L) contained in the turbine condenser (1) is suctioned using propellant steam from a starting jet pump (19). According to the invention the propellant steam (D) and the air (L) are guided into an auxiliary condenser (5) which is arranged downstream from said turbine condenser (1).

Abstract: A polynucleotide motor is disclosed, comprising an enzyme capable of binding to a nucleic acid sequence, which enzyme is also capable of translocating the nucleic acid sequence without causing cleavage thereof. The motor may be associated with a substance bound to the nucleic acid sequence so that the bound substance, such as a magnetic bead, biotin, streptavidin, a scintillant or the like, can itself be translocated, relative to the region of binding of the enzyme, during translocation. Such a system has applications in the screening or testing for a pre-determined biological, chemical or physical activity; for example, in screening for new pharmacologically-effective ligands.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a compound device (a “modular power-producing network”, or “power net”) for the purpose of transducing the energy in ocean waves into electrical energy. The invention first pressurizes ocean water (or a suitable alternative hydraulic fluid) into at least one storage chamber with a compressible air pocket, employing at least one float (responding to oscillatory wave motion) linked to at least one hydraulic ram (or alternative pressurizing device), the system being designed so that a multiplicity of these inventions may function concurrently in proximity to each other. The fluid in the chamber, when brought to a minimum threshold pressure by the float/ram mechanism, is released in a pressure-regulated stream that engages a hydraulically-operated turbine, which, because of the regulation, may directly produce properly governed alternating current suitable for release on standard power grids.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and an apparatus for reducing the content of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gases of diesel engines or turbines for stationary or mobile applications/vehicles in an SCR system by providing a stored source of liquid reducing agent and feeding the stored reducing agent to the exhaust gases, said process comprising transferring the liquid reducing agent from the external storage tank to a membrane storage tank equipped with an inner bellow consisting of a non-permeable flexible membrane, and a hydraulic or pneumatic displacement fluid located outside the inner bellow, filling the flexible inner bellow with liquid reducing agent and transferring the liquid reducing agent from the flexible inner bellow to the exhaust gases.

Abstract: A molecular motor in which multiple concentric cylinders (or nested cones) rotate around a common longitudinal axis. Opposing complementary surfaces of the cylinders or cones are coated with complementary motor protein pairs (such as actin and myosin). The actin and myosin interact with one another in the presence of ATP to rotate the cylinders or cones relative to one another, and this rotational energy is harnessed to produce work. The concentration of ATP and the number of nested cylinders or cones can be used to control the rotational speed of the motor. The length of the cylinders can also be used to control the power generated by the motor. In another embodiment, the molecular motor includes at least two annular substrates wherein one annular substrate is coated with a first motor protein and the other annular substrate is coated with a second motor protein. The first and second motor proteins interact with each other to move the second annular relative to the first annular substrate.

Abstract: Bioelastomers, having repeating peptide monomeric units selected from the group consisting of bioelastic nonapeptides, pentapeptides and tetrapeptides, are used to produce nanomachines and biosensors.

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

Abstract: An improved fly wheel for storing rotational energy includes an inner ring and an inertial ring separated by an intermediate space. A radially resilient coupling device connects the inner and inertial rings and is subjected to a radial bias force, which exerts an outward force on the inertial ring.

Abstract: A gravity motor which is formed of at least one motor unit which has at least one motor member fixed to an output shaft. The output shaft is rotationally mounted on a housing. The housing includes a guide surface. The motor member is low frictionally longitudinally movable relative to an output shaft. Each end of the motor member includes a weighted follower which is low frictionally movable relative to a guide surface. The rotation of the motor unit will cause one weighted follower to be moved toward the output shaft by the guide surface with the opposite weighted follower of the motor member being moved away from the output shaft. The result is gravity produces an overall clockwise torque on the motor member which causes rotation of the output shaft.

Abstract: Energy transfer apparatus has a resonator for supporting standing acoustic waves at a selected frequency with a steady flow process fluid thermodynamic medium and a solid medium having heat capacity. The fluid medium and the solid medium are disposed within the resonator for thermal contact therebetween and for relative motion therebetween. The relative motion is produced by a first means for producing a steady velocity component and second means for producing an oscillating velocity component at the selected frequency and concomitant wavelength of the standing acoustic wave. The oscillating velocity and associated oscillating pressure component provide energy transfer between the steady flow process fluid and the solid medium as the steady flow process fluid moves through the resonator.

Abstract: The electricity generating engine has modest efficiency, but may be attrave in remote applications where high-reliability or low cost or low environmental noise or solar powering is important. The generator is likely to be most attractive in capacities of a few kW to below 100 W where a tiny engine would be impractical using other technologies.

Abstract: A new portable battery charger for jump-starting an engine of a disabled vehicle. The inventive device includes a main housing having a motor and a generator disposed therein. The main housing includes gasoline and oil intake portions in communication with the motor. A pair of cables extend outwardly from one of the side walls of the main housing. The pair of cables are in communication with the generator. The pair of cables each have a spring-loaded clip disposed on free ends thereof for operative coupling with positive and negative terminals of a battery.

Abstract: A water-reacting absorbent cartridge for a release mechanism has multiple layers of water-absorbing paper material compressed into a solid, densified mass with a fraction of the original volume of the paper layers. The compacted cartridge may be wrapped in a tube of heat-shrink material with holes along its sides or may have adhesive interspersed between layers in order to keep the expansible paper layers together. Another water-reacting absorbent cartridge has multiple layers of a super absorbent material interspersed with layers of paper material compressed into a densified mass. The super absorbent material may be a powder dispersed in paper sheets, or in sheet form with paper layers interposed between. The expansible material may be contained in a jacket made of a water-permeable tightly-woven cotton fabric.

Abstract: Methods of using styrene oil, its fractions, and combinations thereof as working fluids, lubricants, fuels and solvents.

Abstract: By applying balance between atmospheric pressure and gravity, Torricelli's vacuum is formed and by utilizing the vacuum, power is generated. When the operating tube directs to nearly the right above, because of weight of the liquid in the inside of the operating tube, Torricelli's vacuum is formed under the piston, and by this vacuum, the piston is lowered to rotate the operating crank shaft. Then, linking to the rotation of the operating crank shaft, the operating tube inclines, then the piston is pushedly returned to the original position by the liquid, and in this state the operating tube is returned to the afore-described position. A plurality of operating tubes which are balanced in gravity by the balance weighing mechanism repeat the afore-described operation in different phases.

Abstract: A heat engine (H) has a heat input means (10) and a work output means (20). A property of a first working substance is cyclically changed in a first subsystem forming a property modulator (1). The property modulator is provided with a work transfer input means (3) and a work transfer output means (4), a heat input means (10), a heat transfer input means (5) and a heat transfer output means (6), the sum of said work transfer input and said work transfer output being equal to zero over a cycle of the heat engine. The property modulator (1) is connected to a second subsystem forming an energy converter (2) wherein said change in the property of the first working substance of the property modulator induces a corresponding change in a property of a second working substance of said energy converter.

Abstract: The body of a micromachine has a plurality of energy-power converting means for receiving different forms of energy including rays, microwaves and sound waves and converting the different forms of energy to electric power, i.e., photoelectromotive devices, a microwave-power converter and an acousto-electromotive device. The electric power obtained by these means is supplied to a drive system and an operation system incorporated in the machine body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for driving one or multiple microbodies having a size in the order of several nanometers, using a relatively simple system structure that does not require the use of large peripheral devices. Each body moves along a substrate that is hydrophobic at a low temperature and hydrophilic at a high temperature, and consists of an attachable flexible portion at the front and a detachable flexible portion adjoining the rear of the attachable flexible portion.

Abstract: A vibration motor comprises a first member for receiving an external vibration, a second member set to be brought into collision with the first member as a result of the receipt of the external vibration, and a converting mechanism provided at the first member and/or the second member and having an asymmetric configuration for establishing a relative movement of the second member upon collision of the first member thereto.

Abstract: A conduit extends from a platform or a fixed structure above a deep cavity filled with deep liquid which contains dissolved gases. Sufficient liquid is drawn from the top of the conduit to cause gas containing deep liquid to enter the lower end of the conduit and release dissolved gas thereby forming a foam which causes the bulk density of the foam to fall. The change in bulk density causes the foam to move upward through the conduit pushing the foam to higher heights in an effort to reach pressure equilibrium inside and outside the conduit at a level of incipient foaming. The energy of the moving foam is used to drive a turbine or otherwise provide useful energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanochemical engine capable of converting chemical work to mechanical work. The mechanochemical engine comprises an elastomeric material capable of reversibly contracting and relaxing by an inverse temperature transition induced by changes in the chemical potential of a surrounding medium. Examples of elastomeric materials and their elastomeric units that may be used in the mechanochemical engine are described.

Abstract: A tappet valve arrangement for a railway car coupler having a main valve for supplying air pressure from one railway car to another coupled railway car. A piston and cylinder valve for supplying air pressure to a coupler centering device when the railway is in an uncoupled state and for interrupting the flow of air to the coupler centering device when the railway car is in a coupled state. A negating spool valve for overriding the flow of air to the coupler centering device when the railway car is in an uncoupled state. A shut-off valve for interrupting the supply of air from one railway car to another railway car when it is desired to uncouple the railway cars.

Abstract: A composition that expands against an exerted pressure, which comprises a polymeric material having an inverse temperature transition in the range of liquid water, wherein at least a fraction of the monomers in the polymer contain a hydrophobic group that is present in an amount sufficient to provide PdV/dS for the polymer of at least 0.2.degree. K. The composition can be used in a variety of different application to produce mechanical work or cause chemical changes in a sealed environment by varying the pressure on the composition, with the degree of mechanical or chemical change being controlled by selection of the number, hydrophobicity, and size of the hydrophobic group and the presence or absence of reactive functional groups in the polymer.