US3940939A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vapor cycle engine having a trifluoroethanol and ammonia working fluid
Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc
•
Filing: 1975-04-14
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Granted: 1976-03-02
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Expires: 1995-04-14
Abstract
Abstract A closed vapor cycle engine which uses a trifluoroethanol working fluid improved by the addition of ammonia for corrosion protection. The working fluid may contain water. The improvement improves life and reduces maintenance of the engine.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerry P. Davis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 17:30
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01K; F01K25/00; F01K25/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
A closed vapor cycle engine having iron alloy parts comprising: a trifluoroethanol working fluid wherein said working fluid is in contact with said iron alloy parts of said engine; vapor generating means for vaporizing said working fluid; expander means for expanding working fluid vapor to produce work; condenser means for condensing expanded working fluid vapor to liquid; and pump means to introduce condensed working fluid vapor to said vapor generator; wherein said working fluid further comprises ammonia in sufficient quantity to inhibit corrosion of said iron alloy parts.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
A closed vapor cycle engine having iron alloy parts comprising: a trifluoroethanol working fluid wherein said working fluid is in contact with said iron alloy parts of said engine; vapor generating means for vaporizing said working fluid; expander means for expanding working fluid vapor to produce work; condenser means for condensing expanded working fluid vapor to liquid; and pump means to introduce condensed working fluid vapor to said vapor generator; wherein said working fluid further comprises ammonia in sufficient quantity to inhibit corrosion of said iron alloy parts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The engine of claim 1, wherein said working fluid comprises at least 0.1 percent by weight of ammonia.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The engine of claim 2, wherein said working fluid comprises not more than 3 percent by weight of ammonia.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The engine of claim 3, wherein said engine uses a once through vapor generator.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
94 words
A closed vapor cycle engine having iron alloy parts comprising: a trifluoroethanol working fluid containing between 1 and 40 percent by weight of water wherein said working fluid is in contact with iron alloy parts of said engine; vapor generating means for vaporizing said working fluid; expander means for expanding working fluid vapor to produce work; condenser means to condense expanded working fluid vapor to liquid; and pump means to introduce condensed working fluid vapor to said vapor generator; wherein said working fluid further comprises ammonia for inhibiting corrosion of said iron alloy parts.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
94 words
A closed vapor cycle engine having iron alloy parts comprising: a trifluoroethanol working fluid containing between 1 and 40 percent by weight of water wherein said working fluid is in contact with iron alloy parts of said engine; vapor generating means for vaporizing said working fluid; expander means for expanding working fluid vapor to produce work; condenser means to condense expanded working fluid vapor to liquid; and pump means to introduce condensed working fluid vapor to said vapor generator; wherein said working fluid further comprises ammonia for inhibiting corrosion of said iron alloy parts.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The engine of claim 5, wherein said working fluid comprises between 1 and 18 percent by weight of water.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The engine of claim 6, wherein said working fluid comprises at least 0.1 percent by weight of ammonia.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The engine of claim 7, wherein said working fluid comprises not more than 3 percent by weight of ammonia.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The engine of claim 6, wherein said working fluid comprises about 3 percent by weight of water.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The engine of claim 9, wherein said working fluid comprises at least 0.1 percent ammonia by weight.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The engine of claim 10, wherein said working fluid comprises no more than 3 percent of ammonia by weight.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The engine of claim 11, wherein said engine uses a once through vapor generator.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
43 words
A closed vapor cycle engine comprising iron alloy parts and working fluid contact with said iron alloy parts, wherein said working fluid comprises about 96.5 percent by weight of trifluoroethanol, 3 percent by weight of water, and 0.5 percent by weight of ammonia.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
43 words
A closed vapor cycle engine comprising iron alloy parts and working fluid contact with said iron alloy parts, wherein said working fluid comprises about 96.5 percent by weight of trifluoroethanol, 3 percent by weight of water, and 0.5 percent by weight of ammonia.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The engine of claim 13, wherein said engine's heat source comprises waste heat from an internal combustion engine.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3584457A
Cited
US3834166A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-03-02 | 1979-09-01 | 1980-03-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-02 | 1983-09-01 | 1984-03-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-02 | 1987-09-01 | 1988-03-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |