Abstract: A washing machine appliance has a vertical direction, a transverse direction, and a lateral direction and includes a cabinet and a stand assembly. The cabinet defines an opening. The stand assembly supports the cabinet and facilitates movement of the cabinet between a loading position and a washing position. The stand assembly includes a stand defining a guide track, a plurality of linkage arms located within the stand, and a plurality of follower pins. The follower pins may be mechanically coupled to the cabinet and slidably received into the guide track to facilitate movement of the cabinet between the loading position and the washing position.

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a rotary pressure exchanger fluidly coupled to a low pressure branch and a high pressure branch. The rotary pressure exchanger is configured to receive the refrigerant at high pressure from the high pressure branch, to receive the refrigerant at low pressure from the low pressure branch, and to exchange pressure between the refrigerant at high pressure and the refrigerant at low pressure, and wherein a first exiting stream from the rotary pressure exchanger includes the refrigerant at high pressure in the supercritical state or the subcritical state and a second exiting stream from the rotary pressure exchanger includes the refrigerant at low pressure in the liquid state or the two-phase mixture of liquid and vapor.

Abstract: Rotary heat exchangers can include a ride-along compressor, at least a portion of which can be rotated along with the heat exchanger. By rotating at least a portion of the compressor along with the heat exchanger, a sealed fluid circuit containing a two-phase working fluid can be provided. A rotary heat pump or heat engine can include an evaporator and a condenser in the form of back-to-back centrifugal fans. The centrifugal fan blades or other portions of the evaporator and condenser may include internal cavities where the working fluid undergoes a phase change.

Abstract: An enclosure for an optoelectronic sensor. The enclosure includes a thermodynamically open first chamber; a thermodynamically closed second chamber; and a rotor extending from the first chamber into the second chamber. The rotor includes a shaft part in the second chamber coaxial to the rotational axis of the rotor. The shaft part mounts an optoelectronic sensor device. The rotor includes a head part in the first chamber coaxial to the rotational axis of the rotor. A heat dissipation fan is fixedly arranged on and surrounds the head part. The head part and the fan are rotatably and thermally coupled to the shaft part to rotate simultaneously with the shaft part. The rotor transfers heat over the shaft part from the second chamber to the head part and the fan dissipates the transferred heat to an environment.

Abstract: An air conditioning unit, which can be located in an enclosed environment comprising at least one duct through which a heat transfer fluid flows. The duct is affected sequentially by at least one compressor, for raising the temperature and pressure of the heat transfer fluid in the gaseous state, at least one condenser, for carrying off heat from the heat transfer fluid and its passage from the gaseous state to the liquid state, at least one lamination element, for lowering the pressure of the heat transfer fluid in the liquid state, and at least one evaporator, for absorbing heat by means of the passage of the heat transfer fluid from the liquid state to the gaseous state. The air conditioning unit comprises elements of natural, not forced, collection and conveyance, toward the condenser, of condensed water which may have formed along the outer surfaces of the evaporator.

Abstract: Rotary absorption heat pump that comprises a rotary unit (1) that comprises a vapour generator (2), a condenser (3), an evaporator (4) and an absorber (5) interconnected to constitute fluid flow trajectories for a volatile fluid component and a liquid absorbing it. The heat pump also comprises heat transmission means for transmitting heat to the vapour generator (2), said heat transmission means comprising a heat exchanger (6) disposed in the rotary unit (1) through which a hot fluid flows, said heat transmission means also comprising adaptor means in order to transfer said hot fluid from a static environment to said heat exchanger (6).

Abstract: Process for the stabilization of mercury metal by reaction of the mercury metal with sulphur in the solid state, in which the mercury and the sulphur are brought into contact, at an Hg/S molar ratio of 1/1 to 1/3, in a reactor integral with a hollow pipe in fluid communication with the interior space of the said reactor, the said hollow pipe comprising a first end connected to the wall of the said reactor and a second end distant from the said reactor; the said hollow pipe and the said reactor being hermetically sealed, the said hollow pipe being provided with rotating means external to the said pipe and to the said reactor for rotating the said reactor and the said pipe around the axis of the said pipe, and the said hollow pipe being provided, at its end distant from the reactor, with means for introducing the sulphur and the mercury inside the reactor and discharging the reaction products.

Abstract: A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine of the present invention includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiraled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller.

Abstract: A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine of the present invention includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiraled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller.

Abstract: A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine of the present invention includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiraled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller.

Abstract: A rotor structure rotatably supported within a stator structure, having primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from each other. The rotor structure has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiraled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller. A technically feasible heat transfer engine can be built upon the rotor structure, while avoiding the need for conventional external compressors, and allowing the use of environmentally safe refrigerants. Various embodiments of the heat transfer engine are disclosed, in addition to methods of manufacture and fields and applications of use.

Abstract: A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine of the present invention includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiraled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller.

Abstract: A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine of the present invention includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiraled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller.

Abstract: A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine of the present invention includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiraled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller.

Abstract: A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine of the present invention includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiraled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller.

Abstract: A sealed unit of refrigerant fluid for a refrigeration appliance, comprising a hermetic compressor (1), a condenser (3), an evaporator (2), an expanding device, and conducting tube (4) of refrigerant fluid, at least one of the parts consisting of the condenser (3) and the evaporator (2) being defined as a prismatic body which is at least partially tubular, the component parts of the sealed unit being relatively displaced from an inoperative position of transportation, in which the hermetic compressor (1) and the conducting tubes (4) remain contained within a contour defined by the contour of at least one of the parts consisting of the condenser (3) and the evaporator (2), to a mounting operative position in a refrigeration appliance.

Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator for cooling a rotating device includes a stationary regenerator, and a rotatable cold heat exchanger coupled to the stationary regenerator to rotate relative thereto. The cryogenic refrigerator is, for example, of the Gifford-McMahon type or pulse tube type. In the Gifford-McMahon type, a stationary cylinder houses the regenerator, and a rotatable cylinder mounted to the cold heat exchanger is concentrically arranged about the stationary cylinder. Alternatively, the rotatable cylinder is axially offset of the stationary cylinder. A seal, for example, a ferrofluidic seal, is located between the stationary and rotatable cylinders. In the pulse-tube type, a pulse tube is concentrically arranged about the regenerator, and the cold heat exchanger includes a stationary portion coupled to the regenerator and a rotatable portion coupled to the pulse tube. A back-up valve system is provided for increased reliability.

Abstract: Personal air conditioner including a heat discharging part having small sized compressor and condenser, a heat absorbing part having a small sized evaporator, a flexible high pressure pipe line connecting between the condenser and the evaporator, and a flexible low pressure pipe line connecting between the evaporator and the compressor, thereby installation and moving of the heat discharging part and the heat absorbing part are convenient, to allow an intensive cooling of a particular space.

Abstract: A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine of the present invention includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiraled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller.

Abstract: A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine of the present invention includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from in each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiralled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller.

Abstract: A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine of the present invention includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from in each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiralled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant which is automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller.

Abstract: When not only integrating the compressor and expander, but also the heat exchanger in one single rotor, a machine working according to the gas turbine process can be simplified. The gas turbine process in such a machine can also be run in reversed mode as a refrigeration machine or heat pump. Lower relative velocities between the working fluid and the components of the machine can be used which should lead to lower frictional losses and a higher efficiency. In order to further reduce the friction the rotor should rotate in a chamber with low pressure or in a medium with lower friction than air. The medium that exchanges heat with the working medium here called the heat carrying fluid is also taken into the rotor.

Abstract: The apparatus for the expansion of fluid in the gaseous or liquid state or in double phase is characterized in that it has an expansion compartment comprising:a first spiral (72),a second spiral (70) located within said first spiral,means (52, 63) to permit a circular translation movement without self-rotation of the second spiral within the first spiral during the expansion of a fluid.

Abstract: A heat transfer engine having cooling and heating modes of reversible operation, in which heat can be effectively transferred within diverse user environments for cooling, heating and dehumidification applications. The heat transfer engine includes a rotor structure which is rotatably supported within a stator structure. The stator has primary and secondary heat exchanging chambers in thermal isolation from in each other. The rotor has primary and secondary heat transferring portions within which a closed fluid flow circuit is embodied. The closed fluid flow circuit within the rotor has a spiralled fluid-return passageway extending along its rotary shaft, and is charged with a refrigerant automatically circulated between the primary and secondary heat transferring portions of the rotor when the rotor is rotated within an optimized angular velocity range under the control of a temperature-responsive system controller.

Abstract: A heat pump with a closed cooling medium circuit for transport of heat from one air flow to another, comprises an evaporator (27) provided in one air flow for evaporation of a cooling medium, a compressor for compression of the vaporiform cooling medium, a condenser (28) provided in the other air flow for condensation of the cooling medium, and a return system for condensed cooling medium from the condenser (28) to the evaporator (27). The evaporator (27), the compressor and the condenser (28) are located in a fan casing (32) and arranged to rotate about a common shaft (1), with the compressor in the middle. The compressor works according to the liquid ring principle and comprises a rotating compressor housing (17), an intermediate shaft (2) mounted eccentrically on the outside of the shaft and one or more free-running impellers (3A, 3B), thus causing the compressor housing (17) to transfer rotary energy to the impellers via the liquid ring during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for cryogenically freezing tissue specimens includes a linear motion platform and a pair of rotary motion platforms. The rotary motion platforms can be used alternatively with respect to the linear motion platform and a mechanism is provided to automatically trigger the linear motion platform for movement and to reset the linear motion platform when the rotary motion platforms are placed in covering relationship with or removed from covering relationship with respect to the linear motion platform. Cryogenic fluids are supplied to tissue receiving cryogenic discs on the various platforms through flexible plastic tubing. The tubing that supplies cryogenic fluid to the rotary motion platforms is constructed so as to form a series of loose loops in conjunction with tails that are mounted over a central rod to allow movement at cryogenic temperatures.

Abstract: Working fluid for absorption heat pumps operating at very high temperature, particularly 200.degree. to 1000.degree. C., said working fluid being a mixture of at least two constituents, characterized in that the working fluid is constituted by a mixture of at least two chemical elements, whereof the first called the "solvent" is much more volatile than the others called "solutes" at the temperature of the mixture, the nature and proportions of each of the chemical elements in the mixture being chosen in such a way that the Vapour pressure of the mixture is significantly below that of the first, more volatile chemical element throughout the operating cycle of the working fluid in the pump.These chemical elements can in particular be metals such as mercury or sodium, or metalloids such as sulphur.

Abstract: The heating or cooling apparatus includes a heat pump further including a compressor, a radiator portion, an expansion valve and a cooling portion, the heat pump being constructed in the form of a thin rotatable wheel wherein the cooling portion forms a radially inner portion of the wheel and the radiator portion forms a radially outer portion of the wheel, the wheel having a plurality of fins which, when the wheel rotates, drive stream of air over the cooling portion and the radiator portion, and a housing enclosing the wheel and having means for separating the streams of air and directing them in desired directions.

Abstract: A rotary absorption heat pump assembly. The assembly comprises a generator (2), condenser (3), evaporator (4), absorbent cooler (5), and absorber (1), all operatively associated to function as components of an absorption-type heat pump of high efficiency and superior operating characteristics. The heat pump is characterized by the presence of a tapered cylindrical absorber (1) which receives and processes, in the form of a very thin peripheral film ("d"), a predetermined amount of absorbent solution. The absorber (1) is arranged in abutting end-to-end relationship to the generator (2), with which it communicates. The condenser (3) and evaporator (4) are arranged end-to-end outside of the absorber (1) and absorbent cooler (5), concentrically therewith and radially spaced therefrom.

Abstract: An air conditioner comprises a compressing and expanding apparatus which includes a compressing system for compressing air taken into compression chambers in one of two cylinder blocks through an inlet aperture and discharging the air from an outlet aperture, and an expanding system for taking in the compressed air through an entrance aperture into expansion chambers in the other cylinder block and expanding the air therein. The air conditioner further comprises a heat exchanger for cooling positioned in the air flow between an outlet aperture of the compressing system and an entrance aperture of the expanding system. Since air is utilized as the cooling medium for the air conditioner, no air pollution or other problem is caused even if it is released into the atmosphere. Moreover, since multiple chambers are provided to process a large amount of air and since the compressing system and the expanding system are arranged compactly, the compressing and expanding apparatus can be compact.

Abstract: A sealing device for a rotary evaporator (1) possesses a two part vapor duct arrangement (6). With that, the component on the evaporator side (6a) is formed to rotate and the component (6b) on the cooler side is formed to be stationary. Both the components (6a, 6b) make contact with each other to form a seal in the area of the sealing surface (14).

Abstract: An improved centrifugal refrigeration system having an elongated rotatably supported shaft with means to rotate the shaft, a condenser unit affixed to and rotated with the shaft, the condenser unit having a tubular member coiled about the shaft in a path beginning at a condenser unit inlet point at a first radius from the shaft and increasing as it is coiled about the shaft to an outlet point at a greater radius, an evaporator unit affixed to and rotated by the shaft and being spaced from the condenser unit, the evaporator unit having a tubular member coiled about the shaft in a path beginning with an inlet point adjacent the shaft and an outlet point at a second radius from the shaft, the second radius of the evaporator unit outlet point being less than or at least not substantially greater than the first radius of the condenser inlet point, a refrigeration return line connecting the evaporator outlet point to the condenser outlet point, a refrigerant delivery tube connecting the condenser outlet point to th

Abstract: An absorption-cycle heat pump comprises a rotary assembly including a vapor generator (GE,14), a condenser (CO,23), an absorber (AB,22), an evaporator (EV) and a solution heat exchanger (X,16). The vapor generator, the condenser and the absorber each include a wall (14, 23, 22 respectively) across which the volatile component (preferably water) and/or a liquid absorbent therefore are caused to flow under the action of the forces generated during rotation of the assembly. The evaporator comprises a plurality of finned heat exchange tubes 31 into which the volatile component is injected with a radially inwardly-directed component of motion, the tubes being of generally elliptical configuration disposed with their major axes extending generally radially.

Abstract: A vapor compression heat pump is described which comprises an evaporator, a compressor and a condenser and in which at least the evaporator or the condenser is in the form of one or more rotatable plates across the thickness of which plate(s) a heat transfer takes place. Such a heat pump can be designed in compact form.

Abstract: A integrated system, using one power source (M) for environmental conditioning and heat exchange or transfer, utilizing simultaneously by means of its design configuration, two physical laws of rotating mechanics embodied in the rotating member of which one is centrifugal force, to provide multiple stages of refrigerant compressing (66, 68), (72c, 74c), (82c, 84c), which is the circulating medium by which heat is exchanged or transfered from a conditioned environment to a heat sink environment through the hermetrically sealed conically helical fistulous (72, 74), (82, 84) and fabricated (86), (64) environment, thus intercoursing heat from the expansion chamber to the condensing chamber, while at the same time utilizing the other law of physics to provide artifical currents of controlled air (88a, 88b), (80), (62) drawn from different environmental openings (50), (94br, 94bl), to pass independently through the outer expansion and inner condensing chambers, being divided by cylindrical baffles (76), (78) to kee

Abstract: Heat is transferred between conduit sections so as to use heat which otherwise would not be utilized and improve the efficiency of the apparatus and method. The sections contain working fluids flowing in opposite directions. Heat transfer longitudinally of the conduit sections is reduced relative to heat transfer transversely of the conduit sections. In a preferred embodiment, the conduit sections extend at an acute angle to the direction of the principal gravity or other acceleration field; that is, at an acute angle to horizontal in a stationary system, or at an acute angle to the radial direction in a rotary system.

Abstract: A cooling system for relatively movable components, such as a rotor seated for rotation with respect to a stationary component, includes a sealed channel in the stationary component disposed between the stationary component and the movable component, and an evaporator disposed within the sealed channel. The channel is filled with coolant, such as alcohol or oil, which is circulated by a pump in a closed circulation path. Heat is thereby conveyed from the system components to be cooled to the evaporator, and from the evaporator to a location where the heat can be dissipated without disturbing operation of the device. The cooling system is suitable for use, for example, in a computer tomograph for cooling the radiation detector.

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: An absorption heat pump is described comprising at least an evaporator, an absorber, a vapor generator and a condenser and in which at least one of the components is in the form of one or more rotatable plates across the thickness of which plate(s) a heat transfer takes place. Such a heat pump can be designed in compact form.

Abstract: A vapor trap is placed in fluid communication with the vapor exhaust pipe of a supercooled rotor between, and in fluid communication with, the helium reservoir of the supercooled rotor and the portion of the exhaust pipe which is in contact with the torque tube of the rotor. By preventing a reverse flow of heated helium gas through the exhaust pipe toward the helium reservoir, the vapor trap of the present invention improves the operation of the rotor's vapor pump. Operating in a manner similar to liquid traps, the present invention blocks the passage of heated helium vapor in a reverse direction and thus improves the overall operation of the supercooled rotor.

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: 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: 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 improved method and apparatus for operating a centrifugal piston expander of the type wherein a free piston is mounted in a rotating fluid pressure chamber having a longitudinal axis that is non-radial with respect to the axis of rotation, but extends from a position remote from the rotation axis to a position proximate to the rotation axis. To bring the free piston to a cushioned stop when it is moving radially inwardly under the influence of applied gas pressure, a normally open exhaust valve in the inner end of the fluid pressure chamber is closed to trap a column of gas in the path of the oncoming piston. After the inward motion of the piston is arrested, the valve may be opened to exhaust the trapped gas or may be maintained closed for a brief period to permit the energy stored in the trapped gas to initiate the acceleration of the piston in its return outward movement.

Abstract: A refrigeration system including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator with controls and interconnections to provide a system operating in a vapor refrigeration cycle containing a refrigerant or combination thereof selected from a group of low vapor pressure refrigerants having boiling points anywhere from about 10 degrees F. to 83 degrees F. and the compressor comprising an open system constrained rotary vane compressor having a ratio Q/D of cooling capacity per unit of displacement anywhere in the range from about 8,000 to 30,000 FT-LB per HR/FT.sup.3 per HR determined by the refrigerant or combination thereof in the system and according to a specified formula.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus for extracting heat and/or mechanical energy from a pressured gas wherein the pressured gas is applied to the radially outer ends of rotating cylinder elements defining logitudinally extending fluid pressure chambers having one end thereof remote from the axis of rotation and the other end proximate to the axis of rotation. A free piston is mounted in each of the fluid pressure chambers and is reciprocable therein solely under the influence of the gas pressure and centrifugal force. Valving elements are provided at the outer end of the cylinder elements which are operable by the movement of the free piston toward such outer end to open the pressured gas inlet valve. A second valving element is provided near the inner end of each fluid pressure chamber to open ports causing the exhaust of the expanded, cooled gas from the chamber.

Abstract: Rotary thermodynamic compression and refrigeration apparatus and methods in which the mechanical impedance and/or thermodynamic impedance of the system are controlled in order to obtain stable operation. By controlling these impedances, the overall pressure drop of the fluid flow in the system is made to increase with increasing fluid flow rate, thus ensuring stable operation.

Abstract: A heat-actuated air conditioner/heat pump is disclosed which includes a sealed, rotatable tube. The sealed tube contains a working fluid and includes an evaporator leg and a condenser leg, the condenser leg extending a greater distance from the axis of rotation than the evaporator leg. As the tube is rotated, a vapor pressure differential is created between the evaporator and condenser legs with the higher pressure in the condenser leg. Because of this pressure differential, the working fluid will evaporate in the evaporator leg at a lower temperature than that at which it will condense in the condenser leg. The evaporator leg thus can be used for cooling a stream of house air (house air conditioning) while the condenser leg rejects heat to a stream of ambient air. When all of the working fluid has evaporated, the system may be recharged for another cooling cycle by supplying heat to the condenser leg to drive the working fluid back into the evaporator leg.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for operating any centrifugal piston expander to convert energy derived from a heat source into mechanical energy. Pressured gas received from the heat source is circulated through the centrifugal piston expander, then to a series connected heat exchanger and compressor to recompress same and to remove sufficient heat to satisfy the entropy requirements of the closed cycle, and then is resupplied to the heat source for recirculation. Several types of centrifugal piston expanders are disclosed including one type wherein the centrifugally produced stroke of each piston is utilized to force the expanded gas into the subsequent apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method and apparatus for extracting heat and/or mechanical energy from a pressured gas wherein the pressured gas is applied to the radially outer ends of rotating cylinder elements defining longitudinally extending pressure chambers having one end thereof remote from the axis of rotation and the other end proximate to the axis of rotation. A free piston is mounted in each of the fluid pressure chambers and is reciprocable therein solely under the influence of the gas pressure and centrifugal force. Valving elements are provided at the outer end of the cylinder elements which are operable by sensing elements which are respectively mounted on each of the cylinders and generate signals in accordance with the position of the free piston in the respective cylinder. Electronic circuitry is provided to insure that the inlet valves of each pair of diametrically opposed cylinders are concurrently operated to an open position to assure the dynamic balance of the rotating system.