Abstract: A compact portable electrical generator powered by a gas fueled internal combustion engine. A combined starter and generator is coupled to the engine for starting of the engine and for generating electrical power when the engine is running. The engine includes a lubricating system including lubricant that is supplied from a separately insertable lubricant cartridge and which is pumped by a hose compressing type of pump so as to insure adequate delivery of small amounts of lubricant regardless of the orientation of the unit and also so as to insure that lubricant cannot leak from the system when the unit is not being operated.

Abstract: An energy conversion device which benefits from forces associated with angular momentum. A mass such as fluid is directed through a conduit from one elevation to a lower elevation with the conduit configured to conform to a decreasing cross-sectional area and oriented in a spiral of substantially conical shape so that fluid entering into the conduit accelerates both by virtue of the decreasing cross-sectional area of the conduit and by the velocity added to the fluid by successively constricting the fluid to an ever tighter spiral path of lesser radius ultimately to an output of the conduit which is in communication with a converter such as a turbine. The converter has an interior passageway in axial alignment with an outlet of the conduit and includes an interior vane which coacts against the fluid exiting from the outlet of the conduit imparting rotation to the rotor which circumscribes the passageway. The rotor is supported on a bearing block and operatively couples to a stator for power output.

Abstract: A compact acoustic refrigeration system actively cools components, e.g., electrical circuits (22), in a borehole environment. An acoustic engine (12, 14) includes first thermodynamic elements (12) for generating a standing acoustic wave in a selected medium. An acoustic refrigerator (16, 26, 28) includes second thermodynamic elements (16) located in the standing wave for generating a relatively cold temperature at a first end of the second thermodynamic elements (16) and a relatively hot temperature at a second end of the second thermodynamic elements (16). A resonator volume (18) cooperates with the first and second thermodynamic elements (12, 16) to support the standing wave.

Abstract: A method and installation for generating energy using the BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) reaction wherein condensate is pumped from an expansion chamber and is fed to a first heat exchanger. There, the liquid gas is heated in a first step to a certain temperature. The liquid gas is heated in a second heat exchanger with a safety valve to a higher temperature and, while expanding, is introduced via a pre-expansion valve, at the end of a feed line, to a BLEVE-reaction chamber. The BLEVE-reaction takes place in the reaction chamber, during which gas is released and supplied via the outlet pipe to a gas turbine. The gas turbine drives a generator. The turbine and the generator may be housed in the closed expansion chamber. The cycle of the method is controlled by means of a regulating control. The method described is particularly suited for a thermal power plant, the waste heat of which is transformed into electricity.

Abstract: Thermal energy radiation is converted into another energy form by setting up a temperature differential between two heat sinks forming part of a conventional converter or heat engine, but the warmer heat sink derives its input energy by collecting optically-focused thermal radiation from a primary heat sink within the converter structure. Heat rejected by the cooler heat sink is recycled to the primary heat sink to enhance the thermal efficiency above the Carnot level set by the base temperature conditions. The power rating of the converter is enchanced by combination with a reverse heat engine which elevates the temperature of heat input to the primary heat sink and so the temperature of the radiating surface.

Abstract: A method for generating power and a power supply for use in the atmosphere on Mars that use the Martian atmosphere as a working fluid. The power supply has an open Brayton cycle combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator that use the Martian atmosphere for their operation. The Martian atmosphere working fluid picks up heat derived from a nuclear heat source that transfers the heat to the working fluid by laminar flow heat exchange. The combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator have provisions for separating dust from the dust laden Martian atmosphere and for operating with any residual Martian atmospheric dust that is ingested into the combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator. Reliability of operation is achieved by having two functionally separate power operating units that each have their own combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator and by only using one power unit at a time.

Abstract: A power plant and method of production of synchronous electric power utilizes diesel railroad locomotives which, when connected in parallel and when suitably governed and connected, can provide utility grade electrical power during periods of peak electrical demand while still supplementing the railroad fleet during the remainder of the year. The dual use of railroad locomotives provides substantial economic benefits to both rail carriers and electrical utilities with complimentary seasonal peaks.

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: A hydraulic pressure system for supplying a fluid under pressure includes a fluid pressure source for supplying the fluid pressure, an accumulator for storing part of the fluid from the fluid pressure source, the accumulator having a gas chamber filled with a high-pressure gas for pressurizing the stored fluid, and a structural member having a hermetically sealed space held in fluid communication with the gas chamber. The structural member comprises a link of an articulated mechanism interconnecting articulations, the link comprising a high polymer composite material and a metal material and having smaller-diameter portions joined to the articulations, respectively. The composite material comprises a prepreg which is either woven of weft threads extending parallel to an axis of the link and warp threads extending perpendicularly to the axis of the link, or woven of weft threads and warp threads which are inclined at about 54.75.degree. with respect to the axis of the link.

Abstract: An acoustic cryocooler with no moving parts is formed from a thermoacoustic driver (TAD) driving a pulse tube refrigerator (PTR) through a standing wave tube. Thermoacoustic elements in the TAD are spaced apart a distance effective to accommodate the increased thermal penetration length arising from the relatively low TAD operating frequency in the range of 15-60 Hz. At these low operating frequencies, a long tube is required to support the standing wave. The tube may be coiled to reduce the overall length of the cryocooler. One or two PTR's are located on the standing wave tube adjacent antinodes in the standing wave to be driven by the standing wave pressure oscillations. It is predicted that a heat input of 1000 W at 1000 K will maintian a cooling load of 5 W at 80 K.

Abstract: Solar energy produces electric current which powers an electrolysis unit and a cryogenic cooling unit. Gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen are liquified in the cooling unit and pumped into cryogenic transport vehicles (railroad cars or highway trailers). An end user of the liquids has a boiler and vaporizing equipment for burning the reactants (H.sub.2 and O.sub.2) to produce electrical energy or mechanical power. The broiler may be part of a stationary electrical facility power plant or part of a vehicle propulsion system.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a cogeneration facility combined with means for producing CO.sub.2 includes an internal combustion engine that drives an electrical generator, a waste heat recovery unit through which hot exhaust gases from the engine are passed to recover thermal energy in usable form, and means for conveying exhaust gases coming out of the waste heat recovery unit to a CO.sub.2 recovery unit where the CO.sub.2 is extracted and made available as a saleable byproduct.

Abstract: A solar power system includes a solar concentrator and a power conversion unit for converting direct solar energy from the concentrator to electrical energy to power appropriate loads. The power conversion unit operates through the medium of a working fluid, such as a turbo-generator. An integrated combustor/heat exchanger is coupled to the power conversion unit for heating the working fluid during periods of solar eclipse and giving off a water combustion product in the form of water vapor. An electrolyzer receives the water combustion product and regenerates the product to gaseous hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolyzer is coupled to the power conversion unit as to be powered thereby during the periods of excess electrical energy. The regenerated hydrogen and oxygen is used in the integrated combustor/heat exchanger during periods of solar eclipse.

Abstract: A thermal performance monitor informs the operator and result's engineer of the economic losses, efficiencies, deviation in heat rates and power losses of operating a steam turbine-generator system at its controllably selected pressure and temperature. Specifically temperature and pressure signals are generated at various points in the system along with the control valve position signal and the electric output signal from the electric generator. This data is processed along with the corresponding design values and the economic losses due to temperature deviation, pressure deviation and exhaust pressure deviation from design are calculated. Other calculations produce a comparison of efficiencies of the turbines in the system and consequential power losses.

Abstract: A system for the detection of oil or water leakages having a housing with a plurality of openings. The housing is to have a sufficient volume to permit the expansion of an absorbent material when such is placed within it. Additionally the housing is to have a hollow rod extending from it. Running through the rod is a wire. One end of the wire extends into the housing and holds a weighted member. The other end of the wire is connected to means for signaling persons of the presence of the liquid sought to be detected. When an expandable absorbent material is placed in the housing and the material detects the presence of a particular liquid, the absorbent material expands. This expansion forces the weighted member to push the wire through the hollow rod so that the signaling means are activated. In a modification of the present invention, underground leakages in oil and/or water tanks may also be detected and signaled to persons in the area.

Abstract: A heat-driven acoustic cooling engine having no moving parts receives heat from a heat source. The acoustic cooling engine comprises an elongated resonant pressure vessel having first and second ends. A compressible fluid having a substantial thermal expansion coefficient and capable of supporting an acoustic standing wave is contained in the resonant pressure vessel. The heat source supplies heat to the first end of the vessel. A first heat exchanger in the vessel is spaced-apart from the first end and receives heat from the first end. A first thermodynamic element is adjacent to the first heat exchanger and converts some of the heat transmitted by the first heat exchanger into acoustic power. A second thermodynamic element has a first end located spaced-apart from the first thermodynamic element and a second end farther away from the first thermodynamic element than is its first end. The first end of the second thermodynamic element heats while its second end cools as a consequence of the acoustic power.

Abstract: An energy generator includes a pendulum suspended at one end and in operative relationship with an external power device which imparts oscillation movement to the pendulum. The pendulum includes a weight disposed at one end being in operative cooperation with a hydraulic fluid cylinder to increase the hydraulic pressure of the fluid within the cylinder. A power output device receives the high pressure hydraulic fluid and generates output power. A second embodiment is directed to a power booster wherein energy is transferred between a pendulum and a power generating device.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus uses a vane pump in which a rotor coupled to a second rotary shaft is rotatably housed in a rotatable housing coupled to a first rotary shaft, and flow of hydraulic operating fluid in the vane pump due to relative rotation of the first and second rotary shafts is regulated to transmit drive force between the first and second rotary shafts. In the power transmission apparatus, small passages are formed in pump chambers defined between the housing and the rotor to permit flow, to a certain extent, of hydraulic operating fluid between delivery side chambers and suction side chambers formed by partitioning the pump chambers by movable vanes mounted in the rotor, thereby preventing fluctuation of torque transmitted between the first and second rotary shafts and preventing occurrence of cavitation in the pump chambers.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an auxiliary cell connected thereto by a transfer valve. Approximately isothermally compressed gas, which may be a combustible mixture, is introduced into the cell through an input valve. A displacer piston in the cell is biased toward lower volume of the cell. In an illustrated embodiment, the displacer piston is translated by the compressed gas toward a larger volume in the cell. When the cell is fully charged with compressed gas, the input valve is closed and the transfer valve is opened for intermittently discharging the mass of gas in the cell into the cylinder of the internal combustion engine. The displacer piston displaces substantially all of the gas from the cell into the engine. Combustion is initiated and may, at least in part, occur within the cell, providing power to the engine as the gas expands and performs work by way of the engine piston.

Abstract: A downhole tool for an oil or gas well includes a self-contained power supply having a housing in which a primary fuel source, a Stirling cycle engine, and a linear alternator are disposed. The primary fuel source includes a radioisotope which, by its radioactive decay, provides heat to operate the Stirling engine which in turn drives the liner alternator to provide a suitable electrical output for use by the circuit of the downhole tool.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic device is provided which includes a fluid holding and U-shaped conduit having a first leg and a second leg, an electrical generating device positioned between and in flow communication with the first and second legs and being motivated by passage of the fluid therethrough, and injection means for injecting a substance of substantially less density relative to the normal density of the fluid within the second leg and at a location spaced below the top end of the first leg. The second leg diverges substantially where the low density substance is injected thereinto so as to accommodate expansion of the fluid occasioned by injection of the low density substance thereinto. In one embodiment, the device utilizes a compressible gas, such as air, as the low density substance which is provided by gas compressors.

Abstract: The invention involves a novel method of increasing the efficiency of a thermal engine. Heat is generated by a non-linear chemical reaction of reactants, said heat being transferred to a thermal engine such as Rankine cycle power plant. The novel method includes externally perturbing one or more of the thermodynamic variables of said non-linear chemical reaction.

Abstract: In the vacuum boosting system for the brake of a vehicle wherein the boosting vacuum is supplied from the intake manifold of the engine and also, as an assistance thereto, from a vacuum pump which is to be occasionally operated when the intake vacuum of the engine is insufficient to boost the brake, the operation of the vacuum pump is controlled in two alternative modes. In the first mode, when the vehicle is running at a relatively high speed with the transmission being shifted to a relatively high speed stage, the vacuum pump is switched on when the brake boosting vacuum has dropped below a first relatively high threshold value to be operated for a first relatively short period so as to recover the vacuum.

Abstract: A hydraulic adjustment apparatus for use in adjusting and positioning microwave radiating antenna or any other treatment monitoring device is disclosed. The hydraulic adjustment apparatus, generally comprises an upper portion having a box-like member suitable for accommodating therein a mounting member; a plurality of upper adjustable leg member means; a plurality of upper switch valve means with associated plurality of upper tubular means attached thereto; as well as a plate member for joining said upper portion to a lower portion of said hydraulic adjustment apparatus. Said lower portion, generally comprises a plurality of lower tubular members; and lower adjustable leg member means operably coupled to a base member having a preferable microwave radiating antenna or any other treatment monitoring device integrally coupled thereto.

Abstract: A soundproof type engine working machine comprising a soundproof casing containing therein an engine and a working machine such as for example a dynamo driven by the engine and situated one behind another in the rotary axis direction. In this engine working machine, a main air inlet port into the soundproof casing is formed in a bottom portion of the soundproof casing and at the side where the working machine is situated, a fan for cooling the working machine is mounted to the working machine and a fan for cooling the engine is mounted to the engine, respectively, and a fan cover for covering the engine cooling fan is communicated with a duct covering a cylinder portion of the engine and an exhaust muffler and opened up outside of the soundproof casing at an end portion thereof, a cooling air by the working machine cooling fan being introduced to the duct after the air cooled the working machine. An oil pan cooling air passage is disposed along an oil pan portion of the engine.

Abstract: An automatic transmission, for a vehicle with an engine, includes a hydraulic fluid pump which supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid. It is detected whether or not the engine is being started, and the pump output is controlled so as to be decreased when the engine is being started. If the pump is one whose output per one revolution of its input member is variable, then its output may be thus controlled by decreasing its output per one revolution when the engine is being started. And, if the pump is a variable capacity type vane type hydraulic fluid pump the output of which per one revolution of its input member is controlled by varying the eccentric position of a controlling member thereof, then its output per one revolution may be thus controlled by varying this eccentric position to give a pump output per one revolution decreased when the engine is being started.

Abstract: An engine-operated machine such as an electric generator includes a box-shaped casing, an engine disposed in an upper portion of the casing, a machine unit disposed in a lower portion of the casing, and a power transmission assembly by which the engine is operatively connected to the machine unit. The box-shaped casing includes a casing body having front and rear openings, a pair of upper doors mounted on the casing body for opening and closing upper portions of the front and rear openings, respectively, a pair of lower doors mounted on the casing body below the upper doors for opening and closing lower portions of the front and rear openings, respectively, independently of the upper doors, and a pair of screen doors mounted on the casing body inwardly of the lower doors, respectively, for opening and closing the lower portions of the front and rear openings, respectively. A fuel tank is slidably removably disposed in the casing adjacent to the machine unit.

Abstract: A system wherein a fluid is agitated by microwave frequency to produce motive power. A fluid, preferably the refrigerant CHClF, is cycled within a closed system. From a holding tank, the fluid, in liquid state, is pumped to a boiler chamber. The fluid is heated to an agitated state therein by a microwave frequency. The fluid, so agitated, is directed through a throttle to a diverter which apportions the flow of fluid between two sets of vanes on a turbine wheel. The exhausted fluid is then returned to the liquid state and to the holding tank. The operation of the system and of the various components may be adapted for monitor and control by computer.

Abstract: This invention is an improved traveling wave ring resonator utilizing only one source of waves. The standard traveling wave ring resonator uses two wave sources phased 90 degrees apart and physically separated by a quarter wavelength to separately excite two equal-frequency standing wave modes which make up a traveling wave. The present invention uses perturbations of the ring resonator to shift the frequency of the standing wave modes, by specified amounts, and to correctly fix their position, to allow a single wave source to properly excite the standing wave modes which comprise a traveling wave. This invention has application to traveling wave ring resonators in acoustics, mechanical devices, and electromagnetic devices, as well as to simply-connected resonators to be excited in rotating wave modes. Specific applications include improved thermoacoustic traveling wave heat engines and pumps, simplified surface wave motors, and energy efficient wave pools for recreational purposes.

Abstract: A rotator apparatus comprising at least one channel capable of containing a flowable material and capable of assuming a first configuration and a second configuration at least one pump capable of causing the flowable material to flow in the channel; and a configuration change motor capable of moving the channel between the first configuration and the second configuration. An acceleration mode and a deceleration mode are described useful to control the direction and/or speed of rotation of the present apparatus. A further rotator apparatus is disclosed and comprises a plurality of motor/flywheel assemblies arranged so as to have at least one and preferably two assemblies per each of the three axes of rotation. This apparatus also has an acceleration mode useful to control the direction of rotation of the present apparatus.

Abstract: A portion of the thermal energy in the hot water in a domestic hot water heater is transferred by a heat exchanger to a fluid, such as FREON 11, in a closed pipe circuit. The temperature-pressure characteristics of the fluid are selected so that as the fluid is heated, it evaporates. In its heated, pressurized, gaseous state the fluid drives a turbine. Upon exhausting from the turbine, the fluid is condensed in a heat exchanger cooled by the cold water supply to the heater. The residual heat in the exhaust gas from the turbine serves to raise the temperature of the cold water entering the heater.

Abstract: An electrical generating plant of high efficiency utilizes a conventional steam plant powered by a fossil fuel such as coal, gas or oil, in internal integration with a high temperature solid-oxide fuel-cell. In one embodiment, the spent fuel and the wast heat from the fuel-cell of electrochemical action is made directly available to the combustion furnace of the steam plant for thermodynamic extraction. The system can achieve efficiencies up to 65% compared to ordinary steam plants which have an efficiency of about 35%.

Abstract: The thermoacoustic device is provided with rod-like elements which are disposed in the vibration chamber between the heat source and the heat sink. The rod-like elements may be in the form of wires or other elements having a circular cross-section or a convexly curved surface. The elements may be supported directly on the vibration chamber wall, between holding elements which are supported on the vibration chamber wall and in perforated holding elements secured across the vibration chamber.

Abstract: A portable engine-generator set is provide, which includes a soundproof cover defining an internal space for housing the components of the engine-generator set. The internal space comprises an intake compartment, a heat source compartment and an exhaust compartment. The heat source compartment comprises first and second sub-compartments which form independent cooling wind passages, each of the sub-compartments having an intake port in communication with the intake compartment. The exhaust compartment has an exhaust port in communication with the atmosphere, and intake ports in communication with the first and second sub-compartments such that air flow from the first and second sub-compartments are combined in the exhaust compartment.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for containing a rotatable body such as a flywheel comprising at least two parts which together define a housing within which the rotatable body can be rotated. The parts of the housing are not rigidly fixed together but instead they are secured together by a length of high tensile strength tape which is wrapped around the parts to provide at least one layer of tape, overlapping at its edges which envelopes and is in contact with at least 50%, and preferably at least 70%, of the surface area of the housing. An impact of the rotatable body, or a part thereof, with the inner surface of the housing causes movement and/or deformation of at least one of the parts of the housing. This movement and/or deformation is resisted by the tape and the point loading resulting from the impact is thereby transformed into a loading over the surface of the parts wrapped with tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combustion of hydrogen to produce heat, for example to generate steam for power generation. Water is electrolyzed and the hydrogen and a fraction of the oxygen products of electrolysis are passed immediately to a first combustion zone where the immediate combustion of the oxygen products and a function of the hydrogen products is effected. The products from this first combustion zone are immediately passed to a second combustion zone where combustion is again effected with the remaining fraction of the oxygen products of the electrolysis and the remaining hydrogen products from the first combustion zone. The heat generated is thereafter applied to the desired use, for example by passing the products of combustion from the second combustion zone through water to boil the water, the steam thereby produced being used for power generation. Apparatus to carry out this method is also described.

Abstract: An energy source for a closed cycle engine including a boiler (10) having a working fluid chamber (12) in heat exchange relation with a reaction chamber (14). A closed flow path loop (16, 34, 36, 38, 44, 46, 52) including a turbine (18) receives working fluid from the fluid chamber, provides a power output and returns the fluid to the chamber. Lithium (80) is reacted with water (70) in the reaction chamber (14) to generate heat for heating the working fluid and hydrogen. Oxygen, obtained by decomposition of sodium superoxide (82) elsewhere in the system, is fed to the reaction chamber (14) and combined with the hydrogen to provide water and additional heat for the working fluid.

Abstract: A chemical energy power plant includes control of steam temperature to prevent turbine damage while allowing throttling of the power output level and rapid response to commands for changed power output level.

Abstract: The cooling machine or heat pump has a thermoacoustic work system having a heat source and a heat sink coupled with at least one thermoacoustic drive system of like construction. The heat source of the drive system has a higher temperature than the heat source of the work system. The machine can be used in a refrigerating system with heat energy removed from a cold chamber and used as a heat source in the thermoacoustic work system. The machine can also be used in a heat pump heating system with heat energy removed by way of a first heat exchange surface from a burner and used as a heat source in the thermoacoustic drive system. A process water circuit is used as a heat sink for the thermoacoustic drive system while a heating-water circuit is used as a heat sink for the thermoacoustic work system.

Abstract: A thermodynamic method and system is described and claimed for up-grading the quality of digester methane gas by removing substantially all of the non-combustible carbon dioxide gas from the digester gas in a scrubbing system operated by the waste heat of an internal combustion engine utilizing the up-graded methane gas as its fuel source and driving a generator to produce electric power. In accordance with the invention, raw digester gas is compressed and blended with relatively cold water (absorbent). The compressed gas-water mixture is scrubbed in a contact tower with the result that an absorbent-condensed gas stream (primarily water and condensed carbon dioxide) is formed. The absorbent-condensed gas stream is removed from the tower, heated and expanded to release the carbon dioxide component of the stream as product CO.sub.2 gas.

Abstract: Spindle drive for a power shaft. A pawl is mounted on the spindle, the spindle being connected to be rotated by stroke action of the pawl. An expansible chamber motor is connected to the pawl to rotate the spindle. The expansible chamber motor contains two different fluids. An electrical resistance wire passes through one of the fluids. A source of electricity is connected to the wire whereby the fluid becomes energized by the electrical resistance wire and thermo expansion inside the motor will rotate the spindle to do physical work.

Abstract: A multifunctional magnetic systems, draft, centrifugal force turbine which employs magnetic attraction and repulsion systems including a turbine with turbine magnets and magnetic shield magnets. The magnetic attraction and repulsion systems are augmented by a cooling system which creates a draft through the motor. The magnetic systems simultaneously with a compression-partial vacuum motor which is integrally connected with draft and atmosphere pressure upon turbine curved blades. A compression-partial vacuum motor has a centrally located within a compression-partial vacuum piston within its rectangular and arched character. That placement of the compression-partial vacuum piston completes the formation of two shrinkable-expandible compartments--one at each end of the compression-partial vacuum piston. Within these compartments are contained atmosphere which is intermittently compressed and forced through jets to impinge upon turbine curved blades.

Abstract: The power engine includes at least two separate fluid-tight enclosures. A solid mass is associated with each enclosure. A coupling rigidly interconnects the enclosures. A pivot shaft defines an axis of rotation and pivotally supports the engine for rotation from a first position, whereat a first enclosure is located at a first level above the axis of rotation, to a second position, whereat the first enclosure is located at a second level below the axis of rotation. A motive fluid is enclosed within each enclosure whose pressure varies in response to temperature changes. Each solid mass is movable in response to a pressure change in its associated enclosure. The engine is responsive to alternating thermal effects which cause alternating variations in the pressures of the enclosures resulting in alternating shifts of the center of gravity of the engine, thereby rotating the engine about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A system for obtaining air movement is disclosed which includes a dome which is supported a spaced distance above the earth to provide for the inlet of air from a location outside the dome. A passage or tunnel is provided which has an air inlet beneath the dome in substantially axial alignment with the dome axis and an air outlet outside the dome, with the passage or tunnel outlet below the level of the air inlet thereof. Cooling elements of refrigeration means are located in the passage or tunnel for cooling air therein and producing gravity flow of air down the passage or tunnel from the air inlet to the air outlet of the passage or tunnel. Air enters the passage or tunnel air inlet with a cyclonic motion due to Coriolis acceleration, and wind-operated means are located under the dome for operation by the cyclonically moving air. A generator is located in a chamber beneath the passage or tunnel and is coupled to the wind-operated means under the dome for operation thereby.

Abstract: A rotor rotating device connected to an oil supply system for turning the rotor of a rotary machine, which rotor is fitted with a gear wheel, the device including: a hydraulic motor; a hub mounted to be rotated by the motor; a pinion mounted on the hub and dimensioned to mesh with the gear wheel; a screw shift drive operatively associated with the pinion for permitting movement of the pinion in the direction of the axis of rotation of the hub between a first position in which the pinion is disengaged from the gear wheel and a second position in which the pinion meshes with the gear wheel; a compression spring disposed to urge the pinion toward the first position; and a piston connected to the pinion and arranged to be actuated by oil under pressure from the oil supply system for moving the pinion into the second position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the generation of energy from the oxidation of aluminum comprise means for breaking up the continuity of the passivating oxide layer on the aluminum surface by exposing said surface to a mercury-, indium- or gallium-containing substance, exposing the surface-treated aluminum to a fluid which is capable of oxidizing said aluminum, and withdrawing useful energy from the oxidation reaction. The oxidizing fluid may be air, with the energy-withdrawing means a thermal engine, preferably of the closed cycle type. Alternatively, the fluid may be an aqueous electrolyte, preferably a neutral saline, mildly alkaline or mildly acidic solution, with the energy-withdrawing means comprising an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for generating energy from a rocking float tank utilizing the buoyant force of water contained therein. The float tank is mounted to rock between first and second off center positions wherein the center of gravity of the water contained therein is shifted. A pair of flotation devices are mounted within the tank and forced upwardly by the buoyancy of the fluid volume therearound. The flotation devices are coupled to hydraulic cylinders or the like for transducing the energy resulting from the rocking flotation tank into a usable form. Rocking of the tank is effected through sequential shifting of ballast about the tank, ballast transfer being effected by compressed air in one particular embodiment.

Abstract: A fluid-impervious self-inflatable sealed pouch containing separately compartmented first and second gas generating components which, upon admixture in successive discrete quantities, generate gas, causing the pouch to expand gradually from an initial collapsed condition to an ultimately fully expanded condition. Within the pouch is a mechanically rupturable solvent-containing member optimally including a measured quantity of one of said components and the other said component is enclosed by a water-soluble film barrier of polyvinyl alcohol, methylcellulose or the like, additional inner receptacles within the pouch contain measured quantities of said one component for successive release into said admixture caused by expansion of said pouch.

Abstract: A cartridge is made up of a plurality of packet-like members each forming a closed pocket containing a material which expands to many times its dry volume when contacted by liquid water. The packet-like members are arranged superposed on one another with the members secured together as a unit. When the material is contacted by water, the individual packet-like members expand but the members remain together as a unit.

Abstract: An oceanic mining system. A sea bulldozer is movable across the bottom of the ocean by means of driven wheels to scrape up sediment from the ocean floor. The wheels are driven by an engine of the type which uses electrolysis to convert sea water into hydrogen and oxygen and then ignites the hydrogen and oxygen to provide power for driving the engine output. A mobile material transporting platform has a loading edge for receiving sediment from the bulldozer. The mobile platform is raised to the surface of the ocean and lowered to the bottom by a cable and winch system mounted on at least one ship with the cables attached to the platform. A cargo ship receives material from the platform. The cargo ship having a material receiving opening. Cable and winch are provided in the cargo ship with the cable attached to the end of the platform opposite the loading edge for maneuvering the loading edge of the platform into operative relationship with the opening for dumping the material into the cargo ship.