Abstract: This is a heat exchanger having a heating cycle part and a thermal cycle part. The heating cycle part comprises a compressor which is driven by the thermal power cycle in a heating medium circulation line connecting a radiator and an evaporator while the thermal power cycle part includes a turbo-engine in the thermal power medium circulation line connecting a condenser and an evaporator. The output shaft of the turbo-engine is connected to the compressor, and a heater as a constant heat source is provided for heating the evaporator in the thermal power medium circulation line. If the compressor is replaced with a power generator, the heat exchanger can be used as a power generator/heat exchanger of temperature-difference-driven type. The components are housed in a pressure vessel to thereby simplify the structure without necessity for a special pressure resistant structure.

Abstract: A lower stage chemisorption refrigeration system physically and functionally coupled to an upper stage physical adsorption refrigeration system. Waste heat generated by the lower stage cycle is regenerated to fuel the upper stage cycle thereby greatly improving the energy efficiency of a two-stage sorption refrigerator. The two stages are joined by disposing a first pressurization chamber providing a high pressure flow of a first refrigerant for the lower stage refrigeration cycle within a second pressurization chamber providing a high pressure flow of a second refrigerant for the upper stage refrigeration cycle. The first pressurization chamber is separated from the second pressurization chamber by a gas-gap thermal switch which at times is filled with a thermoconductive fluid to allow conduction of heat from the first pressurization chamber to the second pressurization chamber.

Abstract: A small and simple system is provided for cooling or heating a small component by flowing air or other fluid over it, which does not require any macroscopic moving parts. The system includes a transducer and reflector that are spaced apart with the component between them, and with the transducer being operated at a frequency resonant to the spacing between it and the reflector. The resulting standing wave pattern produces acoustic streaming which results in the circulating of air or other fluid in the environment across the component. The system is especially useful in the reduced gravity environment of outer space because of the absence of any buoyancy-induced convection there.

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: Multiple refrigeration systems, each with refrigerants having a different boiling point, are connected in series to provide successively lower temperatures. Following compression and heat rejection, the refrigerant mixture is cooled by heat exchange with refrigerant returning to the compressor. Gas and liquid phases are separated and the gas is cooled further by heat exchange with mixture returning to the compressor. System capacity is controlled by throttling the compressor suction.

Abstract: Krypton and a monolithic porous carbon such as Saran carbon are used respectively as the sorbate and sorbent of an adsorption type refrigerator to improve refrigeration efficiency and operational longevity.

Abstract: A cryogenic cooling system using hydrogen as a primary refrigerant fluid and oxygen as a secondary refrigerant fluid to precool the hydrogen gas below its inversion temperature. In a first embodiment, the cryogenic cooling system (10) includes an electrochemical compressor (12) operative to compress hydrogen and oxygen gas without any moving parts. Compressed oxygen from the electrochemical compressor passes through a regenerative heat exchanger (24) in heat transfer relationship with low pressure oxygen, and expands through a Joule-Thomson expansion valve (28) absorbing heat from a compressed hydrogen gas stream in a precooler heat exchange (30). The low pressure oxygen provides additional cooling in a parasitic heat exchangeer (36), returning to the electrochemical compressor through the regenerative heat exchanger (24).

Abstract: In a method and system for storing gas, especially an inert gas for elect impulse space drives which use inert gas as a reaction mass, the inert gas is filled into a storage tank in the gaseous and/or liquid state and is then cooled to solidify it into the solid state in which it is then stored. While in the earth's atmosphere, temperature regulation is achieved by means of thermal insulation of the tank and a convective heat exchange between a cryogenic coolant and the inert gas in the tank. While in the vacuum of space, temperature regulation is achieved by means of radiant heat exchange between the tank and deep space. For extracting the gas from the tank, the frozen gas is locally sublimated from the solid to the gaseous state by a controlled localized heat application, whereby the required gas pressure is developed for withdrawing gas from the tank which holds the gas in the solid state, except at a heated outlet area.

Abstract: A compact, reliable, and efficient cryogenic cooling system that can provide cryogenic cooling for a variety of desirable uses. The system is particularly desirable to provide cooling for infrared detectors in temperature ranges from 40K to 77K, and may be advantageously used in multi-stage systems to produce temperatures as low as 5K. In cryogenic cooling systems using a compressor and Joule-Thomson valves, working fluids, such as nitrogen, can be precooled to temperatures substantially below 165K at the input to a Joule-Thomson valve, and the power input to systems of our invention providing cooling 77K, for example, can be reduced by a factor of 4.5.

Abstract: An engine or heat pump for a refrigeration system employing a first elongated expansion-compression device defining a pair of chambers, each having a linearly movable piston therein which are axially interconnected by a hollow cylinder. A second expansion-compression device is mounted within the cylinder. Conduit means are provided, one extending into each end of the first device, through the associated piston and into the cylinder. The first device forces working fluid received through the device to provide fluid under relatively high pressure to the power and work loops of a refrigeration system, while the second device actuated by the first device draws relatively low pressure fluid from the system and returns it under pressure to a source.

Abstract: A bi-directional Joule Thomson refrigerator is described, which is of simple construction at the cold end of the refrigerator. Compressed gas flowing in either direction through the Joule Thomson expander valve and becoming liquid, is captured in a container in direct continuous contact with the heat load. The Joule Thomson valve is responsive to the temperature of the working fluid near the valve, to vary the flow resistance through the valve so as to maintain a generally constant mass flow between the time that the refrigerator is first turned on and the fluid is warm, and the time when the refrigerator is near its coldest temperature and the fluid is cold. The valve is operated by differences in thermal coefficients of expansion of materials to squeeze and release a small tube which acts as the expander valve.

Abstract: A thermally powered heat transfer system employing a boiler for producing a refrigerant in vaporized form at relatively high pressure, the output of the boiler being connected to a pump, aspirator or compressor which may comprise a single cylinder, double piston structure functioning as a power source for moving the refrigerant and a pumping source for creating a low pressure for drawing refrigerant vapor form from an evaporator and into the condenser where the refrigerant vapor gives up its heat. The condenser is coupled in circuit with receiver means which holds liquid refrigerant and delivers same to the boiler and evaporator under control of suitable valving means.

Abstract: A dual refrigeration system for cooling a sink device is described, which automatically thermally couples the cold refrigerator to the sink device while thermally isolating the warm refrigerator from the sink device. The system includes two gas gap heat switches that each thermally couples one of the refrigerators to the sink device, and a pair of sorption pumps that are coupled through tubes to the heat switches. When the first refrigerator (18) is operated and therfore cold, the first pump (50) which is thermally coupled thereto is also cooled and adsorbs gas to withdraw it from the second heat switch (44), to thereby thermally isolate the sink device (12) from the warm second refrigerator (26). With the second refrigerator being warm, the second pump (52) is also warm and desorbs gas, so the gas lies in the first switch (38), to close that switch and therefore thermally couple the cold first refrigerator (18) to the sink device.

Abstract: A plant having a process portion is described, which is supplied with primary operating energy via a heat supply portion. The heat supply portion simultaneously serves to utilize the waste heat released by the process. The heat supply portion includes a combination of a heat transformer and a heat pump, furnishes the input heat energy required by the process portion to the process portion, accepts the output heat energy from the process portion, and in turn releases waste heat at a temperature range that is lower than the output heat temperature range of the process portion. By means of this combination, unusually high energy savings can be achieved.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a heat accumulating unit for accumulating an exceess heat generated during the operation of a refrigeration cycle main unit and radiating the accumulated heat at a desired time. The accumulating unit includes a heat accumulating container and latent heat accumulating material housed in the container. The material has a predetermined phase transition temperature and a supercooling state release temperature which is lower than the phase transition temperature. The material maintains a supercooling state at a temperature between the phase transition temperature and the supercooling state release temperature. When the material is cooled by a release mechanism to a temperature below the supercooling state release temperature, the supercooling state of the material is released and the material radiates the accumulated heat. The radiated heat is used for heating the refrigerant to be sent a compressor at the start of the heating or defrosting operation of the main unit.

Abstract: The kinetic energy of a liquid flowing under pressure form a source is employed to power a heat pump for accumulating thermal energy in a controlled volume. The liquid is jetted at high speed into a low pressure region in a drift tube wherein a portion of the fluid flash vaporizes and decreases the temperature of the resulting liquid-vapor mixture. As the mixture flows through the drift tube, the liquid couples momentum to the vaporized portion and causes the vapor to flow to a high pressure region within the tube. As a result, the vapor compresses and is maintained in a saturated state by heat transfer across the liquid-vapor phase boundary of the mixture. During the compression process, heat is transferred to the mixture from the controlled volume so as to increase the vapor pressure of the liquid and thereby prevent condensation of the vapor portion until a desired temperature is attained.

Abstract: An acoustic cooling engine with improved thermal performance and reduced internal losses comprises a compressible fluid contained in a resonant pressure vessel. The fluid has a substantial thermal expansion coefficient and is capable of supporting an acoustic standing wave. A thermodynamic element has first and second ends and is located in the resonant pressure vessel in thermal communication with the fluid. The thermal response of the thermodynamic element to the acoustic standing wave pumps heat from the second end to the first end. The thermodynamic element permits substantial flow of the fluid through the thermodynamic element. An acoustic driver cyclically drives the fluid with an acoustic standing wave. The driver is at a location of maximum acoustic impedance in the resonant pressure vessel and proximate the first end of the thermodynamic element. A hot heat exchanger is adjacent to and in thermal communication with the first end of the thermodynamic element.

Abstract: A chemical heat pump utilizing a hydrating agent as the working fluid is disclosed. The clathrate formation reaction of a hydrating agent such as flon 31 or 22 is used as one of the two equilibrium reactions of the working fluid so that heat can be pumped up across a temperature difference greater than that between the two heat sources. The heat pump comprises four container means in which reactions take place so that the regeneration process can be effected simultaneously with the heating or refrigerating process in which the temperature of the thermal medium to be utilized, e.g., water, is raised or lowered. The working fluid flows either in continuous one-directional circulation through the four container means, or in alternate directions therebetween. In addition to the two heat sources at two different temperatures, such as waste heat and open air, the heat pump further comprises gas pipes which allow the free movement of the working fluid between the connected container means.

Abstract: Rapid cooling of a gas with simultaneous heat recovery is accomplished by directly contacting the gas with finely divided solids, and then recovering heat from the finely divided solids by passing the solids through at least two separate compartments where the solids are maintained as a fluidized bed, with heat being recovered therefrom by indirect heat transfer between a heat transfer fluid and the heated solids in the fluidized beds. Pyrolysis effluent may be rapidly quenched while providing for effective heat recovery.

Abstract: A chemical pump system that utilizes a self-driven compressor to increase the system pressure while obviating the need for a one-way valve and liquid head to provide the driving force for the reactants, thus enhancing long distance transport. The system comprises a chemical heat pipe employing reversible endothermic/exothermic chemical reactions to transfer thermal energy between a heat source and a heat sink. At least one reactant is self-driven substantially unidirectionally through the heat pipe by compressing the reactant(s) with a compressor and heating the reactant(s) to a predetermined pressure and temperature sufficient to form a reaction product having at least a 150% molar increase. The reaction product is expanded with an expander that is linked mechanically to the compressor. The expansion energy is sufficient to compress the reactants to the predetermined pressure while maintaining the self-driven unidirectional flow.

Abstract: A refrigerating system for generating low temperatures has one high-temperature region refrigerator sub-system and one low-temperature region refrigerator sub-system. The low-temperature region refrigerator sub-system has at least one expansion space defined internally of a first bellows and at least one compression space defined internally of a second bellows. Each bellows is expanded and contracted by a respective connecting member coupled to a power source. A working medium provided in the low-temperature region refrigerator sub-system travels through a flow path between the compression and expansion spaces inside the respective bellows. Means are provided for bringing the maximum pressure of the working medium to a value below its critical pressure, or for bringing the critical pressure of the working medium to a value between its maximum and minimum pressures, thereby liquifying some or all of the working medium in the at least one expansion space.

Abstract: A chemisorption refrigeration system includes dual containers containing a material such as silver which is alternately heated and cooled to chemically desorb and reabsorb oxygen gas. The gas is desorbed at high temperature and pressure and is pre-cooled and then passed through a Joule-Thomson valve where it is expanded and partially liquefied to provide cooling at 60.degree.-100.degree. K. The liquefied oxygen is then boiled and returned to a cooled container where it is reabsorbed. By alternately heating and cooling the containers, a continuous source of high pressure high temperature oxygen can be provided.

Abstract: A thermally powered engine has a pair of power cylinders with each power cylinder defining a closed interior space. A power pistin is reciprocally mounted in the interior space of each power cylinder with each piston dividing the interior of its cylinder into upper and lower portions. A liquid piston interconnects the upper portions of the two power cylinders. First mechanically powered valves having two states control the flow of the working fluid of a heat transfer loop through the lower portions of each power cylinder. A second mechanically powered valve causes the first mechanically powered valve to change state so that movement of the power pistons in the pair of power cylinders is substantially 180.degree. out of phase.

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: The system generally includes an electrochemical pump for pressurizing a cryogenic gas, a heat exchanger for cooling the gas to below its inversion temperature, a Joule-Thomson flow restrictor to cool the gas by adiabatic expansion, a load heat exchanger that is thermally coupled to an electronic component or surface that requires cryogenic cooling, and a low-pressure flow path back to the pump. One or more reservoirs can be provided in the high-pressure and low-pressure flow paths. The flow paths can be thermally coupled by one or more regenerative heat exchangers. The electrochemical pump can be adapted to transport either protons or hydronium ions. Protons are preferably transported using pump components that do not contain water in any chemical form. Either hydrogen or oxygen can serve as the cryogen.

Abstract: An absorption-resorption heat pump comprising a first circuit including a desorber and an absorber interconnected by conduits having a heat exchanger provided therein, so that a first circulatory flow of a first system of liquid substances can be maintained by suitable means from the desorber to the absorber via one of the conduits and from the absorber to the desorber via another one of the conduits, and a second circuit including a resorber or condenser and an evaporator likewise interconnected by conduits having a heat exchanger provided therein, so that a second circulatory flow of a second system of essentially similar liquid substances can be maintained by suitable means from the evaporator to the resorber or condenser via one of the conduits and from the resorber or condenser to the evaporator via another one of the conduits.

Abstract: A heat pump using water as a refrigerant comprises an evaporator equipped with a feedwater control device and a draining device, a compressor and a condenser equipped with a vacuum generating means.

Abstract: A dual mode heat exchanger 10 for cooling airborne electronics 12 through a cold plate 14. The heat exchanger either radiates heat to air through radiator fins 18 or absorbs heat by evaporative cooling. A liquid coolant contained in grooves 16 of the cold plate 14 boils at a preselected temperature and thereby absorbs heat energy. Vapor released by the boiling liquid is exhausted through a hydrophobic filter membrane 24.

Abstract: A training device is provided to test the skill of a worker assembling cors with cold fingers to dewars containing infrared detectors. The latter are very expensive and fragile. Dummy units are employed and undesirable contacts between these units are recorded electrically.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing the cool outdoor air or other cooling sources for cooling a volume are disclosed. The system comprises at least two coils suitable fluid pipe line, fluid and a circulator pump. In the preferred embodiment, indoor and outdoor coils and the circulator are connected by circulation piping containing a heat transfer fluid, the fluid being isolated from ambient air. In winter the circulator pump is activated and warm fluid flows through the outdoor coil, causing the fluid in the coil to release heat, the coil fluid flows through the indoor coil, causing the fluid in the indoor coil to absorb heat. Such a system can be used to cool a volume when the ambient, outdoor air is cooler than the air within the volume.

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 radiative cooling system for use with an ice-making system having a radiating surface aimed at the sky for radiating energy at one or more wavelength bands for which the atmosphere is transparent and a cover thermally isolated from the radiating surface and transparent at least to the selected wavelength or wavelengths, the thermal isolation reducing the formation of condensation on the radiating surface and/or cover and permitting the radiation to continue when the radiating surface is below the dewpoint of the atmosphere, and a housing supporting the radiating surface, cover and heat transfer means to an ice storage reservoir.

Abstract: A thermally powered engine which obtains energy from a closed heat transfer loop. The engine has two power cylinders. A piston is reciprocally mounted within each cylinder and divides the interior space of each cylinder into two portions. A piston rod is affixed to each piston and extends through the upper closed end of each cylinder. A flexible diaphragm is mounted in the lower portion of each cylinder and with the lower closed end of the cylinder forms a power chamber. A fluid fills the upper portion of both cylinders. A passageway between the cylinders permits the fluid to act as a free piston causing the piston of the cylinder in its exhaust stroke to force refrigerant from its power chamber to the condenser of the heat transfer loop. Refrigerant from the evaporator of the transfer loop flowing into a power chamber forces the piston upward during the pistons power stroke. Valves regulate the flow of refrigerant into and out of the power chambers of each of the power cylinders.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus including an external rotor. An internal stator is hermetically sealed within the rotor. An inertia device, attached to the stator, is able to resist movement of the stator so that a difference in speed between the stator and the rotor can be maintained on rotation of the rotor. A refrigerant is present. A rotary compressor for the refrigerant comprises a core attached to the stator. A wheel surrounds the stator. Vanes are mounted on the wheel and are able to move with the rotor and there is a cylinder, eccentric to the vanes and attached to the stator. Oil is able to form a liquid piston on rotation. Thus relative rotation of the vanes and the cylinder compresses refrigerant as the volume between the wheel and the liquid piston decreases. There is a condenser for the compressed refrigerant. An evaporator evaporates condensed refrigerant and evaporated refrigerant is returned to the compressor. The oil can be separated and its level required for the liquid piston can be maintained.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle or heat pump employing an electrochemical compressor. The cycle uses a working fluid at least one component of which is electrochemically active. Another component of the working fluid is condensable. In one embodiment, the electrochemically active component is hydrogen and the condensable component is water. The electrochemical compressor raises the pressure of the working fluid and delivers it to a condenser where the condensable component is precipitated by heat exchange with a sink fluid. The working fluid is then reduced in pressure in a thermal expansion valve. Subsequently, the low pressure working fluid is delivered to an evaporator where the condensed phase of the working fluid is boiled by heat exchange with a source fluid. The evaporator effluent working fluid may be partially in the gas phase and partially in the liquid phase when it is returned from the evaporator to the electrochemical compressor.

Abstract: A material for a wavelength-selective radiative cooling system, the material comprising an infrared-reflective substrate coated with magnesium oxide and/or lithium fluoride in a polycrystalline form. The material is non-absorptive for short wavelengths, absorptive from 8 to 13 microns, and reflective at longer wavelengths. The infrared-reflective substrate inhibits absorption at wavelengths shorter than 8 microns, and the magnesium oxide and/or lithium fluoride layers reflect radiation at wavelengths longer than 13 microns.

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 magnetically focused liquid drop radiator for application in rejecting rgy from a spacecraft, characterized by a magnetizable liquid or slurry disposed in operative relationship within the liquid droplet generator and its fluid delivery system, in combination with magnetic means disposed in operative relationship around a liquid droplet collector of the LDR. The magnetic means are effective to focus streams of droplets directed from the generator toward the collector, thereby to assure that essentially all of the droplets are directed into the collector, even though some of the streams may be misdirected as they leave the generator. The magnetic focusing means is also effective to suppress splashing of liquid when the droplets impinge on the collector.

Abstract: A miniaturized high efficiency closed cycle cryogenic cooling system employs an integral electrically-actuated diaphragm compressor and expander arranged to enable the work of expansion of a portion of compressed gas to be applied to the compressor via a fluid coupling to reduce the external input power requirements of the compressor. Another portion of compressed gas is expanded through an expansion valve and liquefied at the cryogenic temperature. The expanded gas from the expander and the expansion valve is returned to the compressor through a heat exchanger to pre cool the portions of compressed gas prior to expansion.

Abstract: A thermally powered heat transfer system which sequentially displaces thermal energy from the highest temperature heat source through two or more high temperature heat transfer loops to a heat sink. The system includes two or more two chamber compressors, with the high temperature chamber of each compressor being included in a high temperature heat transfer loop, there being a high temperature heat transfer loop for each compressor. The low temperature chamber of each compressor is included in one or more low temperature heat transfer loops. The source of heat for the evaporator heat exchanger of each high temperature heat transfer loop except one being heat from the condenser heat exchanger of another high temperature loop. The heat exchangers for the low temperature heat transfer loops being interchangeable depending on the mode of operation at any given time.

Abstract: A thermally powered heat transfer system consisting of two closed heat transfer loops which share a compressor which is powered alternately by the refrigerants of the two loops. This system is powered by a single heat source with a portion of the heat from that heat source being transferred at a higher temperature to a structure to be heated, the balance being transferred to a low temperature external heat sink. The first loop includes an evaporator and the condenser within the structure to be heated, and is charged with a first refrigerant. The second loop includes an evaporator and a condenser located so as to transfer heat to an external heat sink. The second loop is charged with a refrigerant having a lower boiling point than the refrigerant in the first loop.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus for a low temperature magnet system includes a superconducting magnet coil (32) which encircles a test space (36). The magnet coil (32) is surrounded by at least one intermediate shield (26, 29) and is contained in an evacuated outer shell (22). On the outer shell (22) is a motor driven refrigerator (11) which actively cools the at least one intermediate shield (26, 29) by means of a cooling arm (18) extending through the outer shell (22). For compensating the disturbing fields emitted by the motorized drive of the refrigerator (11) a sensing device is provided for picking up these magnetic and/or mechanical disturbing signals. The sensor signal controls at least one coil (62) for compensating the disturbing field effective in the test space (36).

Abstract: A rotary inertial thermodynamic absorptive system which can be used as a gas-driven heat pump, a heat-flow-driven gas pump, or, in combination, a heat splitter for moving low-grade heat energy from a lower temperature source to a higher temperature heat sink. In one embodiment, an absorptive type rotary inertial thermodynamic device employs overspill/underspill barriers in its absorption and desorption chambers to achieve counterflow heat exchange therebetween and to ensure effective control of thermodynamic impedance.

Abstract: A metal hydride heat pump system has a plurality of operating units, the metal hydride heat exchange medium of each operating unit be a combination of a first metal hydride having a lower equilibrium dissociation pressure at the operating temperature and a second metal hydride having a higher equilibrium dissociation pressure at the operating temperature and the metal hydrides being such that hydrogen can flow freely between the two metal hydrides, wherein the equilibrium dissociation pressure characteristics of one or both of the first and second metal hydrides in a given operating unit differ from those of one or both of the first and second metal hydrides in at least one other operating unit.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a rotating cylinder defining an elongated S-shaped fluid pressure chamber having the two ends thereof remotely located with respect to the axis of rotation. The S-shaped fluid pressure chamber accommodates a free piston which reciprocates along the length of the chamber according to fluid pressure and centrifugal forces applied thereto. Solenoid operated inlet and exhaust valves are provided at each end of the S-shaped fluid pressure chamber, and sensing devices, responsive to the passage of the free piston therethrough are disposed on opposite ends of the S-shaped fluid pressure chamber and adjacent the medial portions thereof to control the operation of the inlet and exhaust valves in accordance with the desired objective to either maximize the extraction of mechanical energy from a pressured gas or maximize the expansion of the pressured gas to derive the greatest possible cooling effect therefrom.

Abstract: Thermal energy contained in a flow of hot fluid is employed to produce a heat source liquid at a temperature higher than that of said hot fluid by transferring heat from said hot fluid to a liquid at a relatively low superatmospheric pressure, which liquid contains two chemical substances in combination pursuant to a reversible exothermic chemical reaction, causing said two substances to separate with one remaining in liquid state and the other, which is non-aqueous, volatilizing into gaseous state. The gaseous substance is then separately condensed at said low superatmospheric pressure and the condensate and the said remaining liquid substance are each pumped to a high pressure and then mixed together with the result that the two chemical substances recombine pursuant to said exothermic reaction causing the liquid mixture to heat to a relatively high temperature and thereby produce the said heat source liquid from which heat is transferred to a heat utilizing fluid, e.g.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an oscillatable body mounting a cylinder defining an elongated fluid pressure chamber having at least one end thereof remotely located with respect to the axis of oscillation. The elongated fluid pressure chamber accommodates a free piston which reciprocates along the length of the chamber according to fluid pressure applied thereto. Solenoid operated inlet and exhaust valves are provided at each end of the elongated fluid pressure chamber, and sensing devices, responsive to the passage of the free piston therethrough are disposed on opposite ends of the elongated fluid pressure chamber and adjacent the medial portions thereof to control the operation of the inlet and exhaust valves in accordance with the desired objective to either maximize the extraction of mechanical energy from a pressured gas in the form of oscillating movements of the body, or maximize the expansion of the pressured gas to derive the greatest possible cooling effect therefrom.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a low temperature 4 to 20 K. refrigeration apparatus and method utilizing a ring of magnetic material moving through a magnetic field. Heat exchange is accomplished in and out of the magnetic field to appropriately utilize the device to execute Carnot and Stirling cycles.

Abstract: The vent line of a space-borne solid subliming cooler is formed to provide a heat radiator which radiates much of the heat losses otherwise parasitically conducted back to the cooler thereby permitting the use of certain high heat capacity cryogens at operating and working temperatures requiring very low operating vapor pressures but without as much parasitic heat conduction loss as is associated with conventionally vented solid subliming coolers.

Abstract: In a control system for a split type air-conditioner comprising an indoor control circuit and an outdoor control circuit wherein control signals are exchanged between the indoor and outdoor control units via a signal conductor, each of the indoor control circuit and the outdoor control circuit comprises a switching element for performing ON-OFF operation to serially transmit control logic signals towards the opposite control circuit and a signal receiving element for receiving control logic signals transmitted from the opposite control circuit. The switching elements and the signal receiving elements are connected in series with each other by the signal conductor, and when control logic signals are transmitted from one of the control circuits, the switching element in the other control circuit is kept closed.