CA2689931A1 - Water vapor distillation apparatus, method and system - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus (104). The evaporator condenser apparatus (104) includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser (104) and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid.
Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger (102) fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger (102) includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower (106) fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser (104). The regenerative blower (106) compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser (104) where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid.

Description

WA'I'E1Z VA:1?OIZD[S`[ [I:sI.:A'~-.'I'I0:ti AP1;''A1ZA`I'tTS, ~'~:~;"[
E$+~}.[) r:;~~~:1~ ~"s~-"s'I ;~'1.~'~
CROSS'liEFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The presetià appIication is a Nonrlarovisionai App:[iLaÃ:iw.i which claims priority from U.S. t'rovisit~tiaI Patent Application 6011,933,5215, filed _T~~~le. '', 2t307.
`I'1=;C1~-fNI CA:t:. 171CI.<f3 The present znvention relates t~) water distzllation aiid t-nore.
particularly, tk) a water vapor distillation apparatus, r.1~.:~etbcul, aiitl system.
BACKGI.~Otr`ND 1:~~ORIMAT:lON
A clepe~idable sotirc~.` o#'ciean water ~.~1utIes vast sq;p7li~.~nts ofhurnanity. For ix<~s-tiple, t1le Canadian International .l)evelopnaent A.geney reports that. a1~out 1.2 billion people lack access to safe drinki~~L,. water. I'utilislied reports attribute millionsand iiiillio~~s of deaths per Nfec. mostlNf ct7.ild~~en, to water related diseases. M~aiiy water laurit:icatiun teclaiiiques are well k~~own, including carbon filters: chlorination, pasteurization, and reverse ostilosis. Ma~~~~ of these Ã:eLi-triÃqcies are significantly affected by varia.tr~~ns, in the water quality a~ld donot address a wide variety o:l`Lonimon contaminants, such as bacteria, vinises, orQaii.Ãcs, arseiiie, lead, mercury, anci posticizles tlx<it may be found in water,atf.~pl.ies in the developing world and elsewhere. Some of tilese systenis require access to a supply of consuniables, s~~ch. as ~'tlters or c.hemicals. Moreo,~,er; some of these techniques are or:fly, weIl 4aitecl. to centralized, large-scale water systems that re~.~tiire botli a si~luficant infrastructure ant.-i highly trained. operators. The ability to faro~.-1~ice reliable clean water withotit regard. to the water source, on a smaller, decer.rtra(izeci sca(e, without the r-ieeci for c:onsurnabl~~ ~i-ici constant maintenance.is Ver;r d.c..sirttl-le, particularly in the develÃ-~pÃn,_T ,~varld.
The use ot`vapor compressioii tiistillat-ioiz to purify water is well ki7c~~~~li and may 22 5 address many o:l`these concerns. the poor ~`inc~icaal ~~soltrces, limited tec:..l-ui.ica:l assets, and low ptlp ulation density that tltles not make it :{-~arsible to btiilcl ceii tr<rlir~.~firy l~~-ge-scale Nvater systen~~..~ in mlich o#:-t17.e developing world, also l:irnits the availability of adequate, aftbrilahl.ea and reliable power to operate vapor c;ompression. distillation systems, as well as hindezing theabilai; to proper1y maintain such syaÃetzis. In sLiLb circ~~rnsÃances. an imlarc~~~ed vapor compression associated ~ompaiients that increases efficienc~~~ and.
prociuctÃon La3pabil:itz, whale ilec,reasrng tl-ze necessary taower blidget i:or syst~~~i o}~eraiion al-ld the amottiit of systez~i maintenance required may provide a soltitioti.

SUMMARY
l~~ accord~tice with t~tie aspect of the present iti~~~tition, a fltiid vapor distillation apparatus is rli4c:lo4etI. The apparatats incltides a soL3rc-e f7tlid i_lYf.-~att, and an evaporator e~~~~~~i-iser apparatus. '-['he evaporator cotidenser apparatus i~icludey a sLibytalitially cylindrical housing ~~id a plurality of ttibe-s in t:lie, housing. The sotirc-e f`luid inplit is fluidly coii.tiected to the ~vapoiutor c:ondez~~~~~ ~i-icf the ~vaporator c:oncienser trans.l'.i~rmR Rourc:e.11u:id into steam and traiisfc~~~i-ns cotxipressÃ. d steani into proc.lL3et fl.L3ic.l. Also incl~ded in. the fltiid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluitlly connected to the soL3s-ce fltiid input a~ad ~product fltiid output. The heat exchanger includes a.xi otiter ttil~e aiid at [east one inner tube. Also inc1.udedin the fluid vapor ti:is#-il.hatio7:-g appanatus is a r-e.*enerative blower tlt3:ici:ly connected to :ilie evaporator condense:r. 'I'lle re4~enerative blower ~onapr~~~es, steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed stcaFi-i is transformed i.tiÃo prodiict fliiid.
Sc~~~~~ embodiz~~onts of this aspect of tbe present inventioii include one or more of the followi.ag: wI-zere tl-ze fieat exclaaager .is disposed about tlae housing, of the evaporator coiiccleiiser, wlaere the heat exchanger tiirt[ier includes whereiii the outer tube is a soLirce f1ui.tl flow path a:ti.tf the at least one ii-inCr tL3be is a f.~rozltict f7tiizl flow path; where flxo. hetit exchanger further includes at least tliree, inner tubes; where tbe at le-ast tliree, inner ttibes are twined to form asubstantia(1~+ helical s1~ape; where the heat ~:'x~:l~~~n9er fi~irtl~~ ~- includes two ends, and. at eacl~ ~ti~.-1 a connector is attaclied, whereby tlie connectors for~~~ a connection to the evaporator c~ondenser; w1~~re, the evaporator condenser ttibes ftirfher include lsacking inside the tubes; W1~ere tl:~e packin;~., Ãs a roci, wl:~ere tt~~ evaporator condenser further ineltidc:s a steam eliest fltaidly connected to the plurality of'Ãt-bes, and where the reQeirerative blower l`iirÃher comprisitr~ ~i-i impeller assembly driven l~~ a magnetic drive 2 5 ct?up1ing..
l.ri accorclaF~~e with asiotlici- aspect of'tl:te pr~.`sent in-ve7:-gtron, a wciter vapor distillation syst~rn is disclosed. Ttie water vapor disti.llatioz~ system i:tic:ltrdes a source fluid i:tiput, andan evaporator ~oncienser appa.ratus. The evaporator ccgndenser a~paratUS
iracluci~~~ ~
substantially c:.yl.indrical ho si.tigand a plurality o1'tiibes in the 17ousing. `f'be you.rce fltiid inptit is flt~id11= connected to tbe evaporator condenser a~id tbe evapora tor condenser transforms source fILiid ÃnÃo steai-ii ai-id Ãra:nstorf.ns cor-npresseci 5teaÃ-ii ir-ito proillict flltiil.
}`11so iticltided iti the fltiid vapor distillation apparatiis is a heat exchanger fhiid.ly connected toflxe.sotircoilttitl inptit a:ti.tl ,ipr()clLIc:t f1L3:idoattpatt. The heat exchanger inc 1udes an otiter tube and at least: one inner tube. }`1lso iticlr.ided in the t'ltiid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connec:ted. to the ovapo:rator contlenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, a~id tbe compressed steam tlows to the evaporative condenser wbore. compressed stearn is transforr.1~.:~ed into prc4clL3ct t7tiicl, The water vapor distillation system also ii-icliiii~s a Stirling ena.ane electrically connected to tl~e, water vapor distillation apparatus. The Stirling ~~igi~ie.
at least partially powers the water vapor distillation apparatcIS.
Sonic embodiments of this aspect ot`the present invention i~icl(Ãde wliere.
tlle Stirli~ig en;-xine includes at least one rocking drive mechanism where the rocking drive mechanism iiaeltides: a roc kint,. bea~ii having a rocker pivot, at least one cvliÃideÃ-and at least Olie piston.
Tli~.~ pistori is liozisecl witliiii a respective cylinder. Tli~.~ piston is capable c?:{'sL3b;tantially l:ifiearly~ reciprocating within the respective cylinder. Also, t1le drive mechanism includes at least one coLiplinr assembly havint` a proximal end and. a distal end., rl:Ile proximal end is connected to Ã17e piston at7c1 the distal end is connecteti. to the rock.i~~~
beam ljy aii ~i-id pivot.
The linear motion of tbe piston is converted to rotary motion of the rockititw beam. Also, a crankcase l:ionsÃri~7 tl:~e rockÃm~x becrÃ-ii ar-id housing a.f-:Ãrsà laortior-i of the coupling assemb:Iv is includeti. A Lraiiksl7at't co pled to the rock.i~~g bearii by way of a connecting rod is also includod.. The rotary motion. ot'the rocking beam i.s transferred to the c:rankshal='=it. The macbine also iticltides a working space housing t:lie, at least one cylin~:-ler, the at least one pistotY and a second portion of the coupling assembly. A seal is included for sealing the workspace from the crank:case.
Additionally, some embo~.-limerit:s of'this aspect of t.lie, present invention inclu~~ an1=
one or more oCthe #ollowli~;~.,~: where the ~ea1 isa rolling diapI:iragna, also, w(~~ero tl:ie coupling assembLy ft-rther iÃic Iudes a piston r~.~tl and a link rod; wIiere:
the pistoii rod aÃld liilk rod are coiipled toget[ier bv a coLiplir~~~ ~~~~~ans; wbere t[ie heat exL[ianger ay tiisl~c~~ed about 215 the hoLisitiQ of the eval3w-ator condenser, w_[lere t[ie heat exclaanger 1' rt.her Lornprising w.lier~.~in the otites- ttitae is a sc?t3rce fluid flow pathancl the at least c?tic iiisici- tubeis a pi-otl~ict tluid tlow Pathi where tlle heat exchanger far=ther comprising at least three intier tubes;
where the evaporator concienser i`air-ther incl.uciesa steam. chest fluidly c;~nriec;ted to the pIu.ra:[itz of tltbesi aiid where tl~~~ ~~~~~i-ieraÃive'lalower fiirt[ier includes ati i1-11pe[ler assembly dritieii bl= a z~~~gnetic drive c-oii:lsling.
`I'I-zese aspects of the invention ai-e aiot rz-te<i:tit to be exclusive ancl oÃ:lier -i:ea3:wres., aspects, and advantages ol`the present i~iveiitic~~i will be readily apparent.
to those of ordinary s;kill in the art when read in. conjatnc:tion with tlxo. ai.~~~i-itlecl claiin; and.
acc~ompanying) dr~-vvings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWlNCYS
'I'lies~ and. other features and ad~~anta;~es t~f ilhe present invention will be bette~r tincierstootl by reading the following ~.lutai(e~.1 description, taken together with the drawings wherein:
F'IC. I is an isotiietric view of the water vapor distillat:ion apparatus;
FICf. 1A i.s azi exp(ocieii view o#'the exeanp(ary. embociirnent of t(-ic diRc(owiire:
:>"IG, I B is a cross-section view of the exemp~any imbs}dimen t;
FIG. tC is a c:rc4ss-seceion view of the exemplary eÃ~~botii:i-nent;
FIG. iD is anassembly view of the exemplary ein(aodinient;
FIG. I E is a cletiii.1 view c?:{'the exemplary ~inbc3dir~~ent o#'tl:teftan$e;
Ft:G, 1F is an assemblv view of aii alternate embocli:ment;
I-i lU, IG is an assembly view ot an attetnate, embodiment;
FIG. I H is an assembly view of an alternate emborl.imenÃi F'IC. 2 is an assenibly view of the exemplary embodiment ol:-the Ãube-iii-tube heat excl~~~~i-er assemblv;.
F I:C, 2A is an exploded view one embodiment o1'the t.uberi.n-Ã be la~at e :~claanger;
FICi. 2B is an isometric view of the exemplary e~nbod:imesYt of the tatbe-in-tttbe heat excba~ig,.,er t:i otii t[i~ ~~~ck;
FIG. 2C is aii isometric view of the exemp(arlv en-~bodiment of the tube-fii-t~~~~ heat exchanger t'raiii the fiont.
FlG, ?D is across=~ection view of'on~ embodinient of t~ie, tube-ia-tube beat excbaiitwer.
1"1C3. ~E.is an exploded view of an altemat~~ ~iribocii.Ã-~~ent of a tube-in-tu~~~ heat c:.xchuger:
FICJ. 2F is a cLit away view of Ã~~~~ embodiment ot'Ãhe tLibe-ii7wÃui heat ea.ch~i-iger 215 illustrat-in4.~ the helical arrangenienà of the i.~~tier tubes FIG. 2G is an exploded view t3:{'an alternate embodii-nerrt of a tube-M-tube heat FtG. 2H is an iscgm~.~tiic of the exemplary embodiment of the tti~.~se-in-tathe heat exchanger;
FlG, ?I is an isometric view ol:-tbe exemplary embodiment of tlie tube¾in-tube heat exi:ba#1,er:
F[C. 2J is an exploded view of an alternate, embodiment of the Ãube=in-tube }leat:
't`xGhaIYaer ctxl'i$iguratto:1v, F, tG. 2K. is an assembly view of an alternate enibotliinent of'the tLabe-i-n-ttibe heat exchanger ioil~:'F.glirat.ion, FIG. 21 L is an assembly vie.'~v of an alternate embodiment of the tube-iri-tube beat C YL:~1~3~7ger CC7I7.t.Eg-L3'lc1t1C?'Il;
FIG. 2M is a detail view of an alternat~ embodinient of t~ie. tulie-iii-tube, beat exc:hana,er con#.=~ ;i~ration FIG, 2N is a detazl view of aii alternate embodiment of the tube-in-tube heat exchanger iC)Ãlfi<?ur'sltio1.:{:
FIG. 20 is a scliei3iatic; of a.xi alternate em(aodU-t~ent of the tube-in-tube 1~eat exchanger ct3n:{-icc.
F t(i. 2P is an assemblv view of wi alternate embodiment of the heat exc 17.anger;
FIG, 2Q is an exploded view of an alterna:te enibodimenà of t~~ie, heat exeharig-or;
FIG, ?R is a yect.ioti view of an alter~iate ei-iibodimei-zt. of the heat e.a.cl~~~iger, F'IG. :.~ is an exploded. view of t~ie, connectors tbr the fitting assembly that. attaches to the Ã:Liberi.ri-tcibe l-ieat exLha3.n~xer;
FIC. 3A is a crosswseciiozi view o1'f.it-tim, asyembiv l"(Yr the Ãuberhi-t l~elieai exL[iamer;
FIG. ")'B is a cros5 section. view ol'tit[i.t~g asSembl.>> fZ)r the tube-in-ttÃbo heat exchanger;
F'IC. 3C is aii isotiietric view oi`tl~~ exemplary embodiment for t~ie, i=irst cotitiector, FIG, 3D is a cross-section vie.Av- of the etiem~.-~lan, embodiniunt for the fii-st c:onnector;.
F1C. E is a cross-section view of t1ie eis.emplary, embo~.~inient for tl~o, first connector:
FIG, 3F is across=~ection view of'th~ exeiiiplaty embodiment for the tirst Connector;
FIG. 3G is an isonietri~. view of the exery-iplarv emboci:imeiit for the secoi-ici cornector;
FIG. 3H isa crÃ~~ssasectioii view afii%tt'n<x assembLy for the tul.~e.-iÃi-tt:-be heat exch~in<_xer;
FIG, 31 is a cross-section view of the exei-iip:[ary embodi~~~~ent for the second connector;

22 5 FIG, 3.1 is a crossw~eciiot7 view o1'tl~~ ~~enapkiry~ emlod.inaenÃ: t.'or the second cunnector;
FIG. 4 is an i,on$etr-i,c view c?:{'the exetnpiary erntat3ti:ir~~ent o#'the asaembly ;
FIG, 4A. i.;; a cross-section view of the ~.'xemplary emboilirsient of the evapunator."'Condewwr aysembly;
FIG, 4B is an isometric cross-section view of tlhe exemplary embod:iment of the FIG, 4C is aii isotiietric view of an altemate, embodi~ient of the evaporator:
candenser s3~se111bly+';
FIG, 5 is an assembly view of the exemplary embodinietit of f1i~ ~ump;

F, tG. 5A. is an ;plozlccl view of the exemplary eml:ioclim:ent of tlxk;
somp;
FlG, 6 is an isometric detail view of the flaii; ~~ for the strmp as~embly;
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of t.(xc evape~ratcgr;'condenser;
F_ICi. 7A is ~ii top view of the exemplary embodimei-it of tl~~
evaporator/condenser assembll=, FI:C=r, 7B shows the rate of'ciistillate output #:c~~~ ~~~ evapomtoras a i':unctaon of pressure for several liquid boiling modeS;
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the exemplary embc4climent of t(xe tL~~~~ for the evai~oratoÃ-"cc~~~~enser;
PCf9 9 is aii exploded view of'the tL3b~.~ a~id rod configuration for the ~~~ apo:rat orr ~ondeti, er ;
FIG. 9A is an isometric view oi`-tlie exemplary embodiment of the rod for the evalamutor/concclenser, FIG. 10 is an isoznotric view of t:l~~ exemplar~~ embodiment of the stinip tiibe slieet;
FIG. t O:'a is an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of tlae tipper tllbe s1:ieeÃ:;
FIG. i 1.Ãa a detail view of the top cap for the ~vapora.Ãozr'Londenyez;

FIG. 12 is an isometric viow of the exemplary imbozl:iment of the steanY
cheSt;
FIG. 12A is an isometric. view of't[ie exeniplarv embodiment of the steam ch.
est;
FIC. i2B is a cross-section view of the exempIarv, embodiment of the 4teani c:l:fest;.
FI:C:}, 12C is an exploded view of the exemplary embo~.~im~tit: of tlie, steam cbest;
FIG, 12D is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment:
171C3. 12E i~ a cross-section view o#'the exemPlar~ ez~~t~.Ãz~~ei~t c~i'~tl:ie wtear~-~ ~:l~est~
FIG, i'2F is a c~rass-section view, of the e.xempl~~iy em~odimei-ià of the steaÃn chest;
FIG. I? .ia an as~enalaly view of atia1ternate embodiment o1'tlae 22 5 evaporatot/con~enaer;
FIG. 13A is a ci-oss-sectit3~i view of tb~.~ alternat~.~ ~s-tibodii-tictit of the e~~ ~porat:or/condenser, FIG. 13 R is an assemb1.y view of atl alternate ~.'rzibodirz~~i-it of the evaporator/condenser il:[usÃrating the arran;.~emenà ot`the t bes;
FIG, t 3C is a cross-section view of tbe altertiate, eznbodiznent of the evaporator/condenser illustratÃng tl:~~ arrangenient of tl-ie tltbes;
F.IG. l;'ID is an isometric view of the alternate ~tabodi~~~ent of the evaporator/c:oritl~~~ser w:ithoot the sLirzip isYstallet1;

F, I:G. 13 E is an exploded viow of the alternate embodiment of the c valsorator""c~on den s c r;
FIG. 14 is an isor.1~.:~etric view of the mist eliminator stssembly;
FIG. 14A.aa an isotzietric view of t[ic outaide of the cap tbr the mist eiimina#orz FIG. 14B i~ ~ti isometric view of the iiisi~:~le of the cap for the mist elimillator;
FI:C'r. I 4C is a croRs Rect:ic~i-i view of the mist e(:iiviilzator aswemblv;
FIG, 141) is a cross-sectiort view of the mist eliminator assembly:
FIG. 15 is as~~~nibly view of the exemplary embodiment of a regenerative blower;
FIG. 15A is bottom view of t;[ic exemplary embodiment of the Ã-e~~.~~ierative blowez-1 0 asseFriblo%;
FIG. i _5 B is a top view ol't:l~~ exemplary enibodiment of the ~egenerati~~e blower assembly;
FIG. l 5C' is ati exploded view of the exemplary embod.i~~~~ent o1't[ie regenerative blower;
FIG. 15D is a detailed view of the oLiter surface of the liial?er section of the hotisill=.S
for Ã17e exemplary embodi~~~~i-it of the regenerative blower;

FIG. t5F: is a detailed vieas=- of the in:nor surface of the tipi.~er,ection of the hotising tor the exemplary embodiment ol'the r~~~tierat:ive blower;.
FIC. liF is a detailed view of tbe. inner surfstce of tbe. lower section of tbe. hc4Lasing for tlio exez~iplar~~ embodit~~ent of the regenerative blo~~~er;
FI('}, t 5('} is a detailed view of the oiiter surface of the lower section of the housill,.~
for the exemplary ernbociirzient oCthe regenerative blower;
FIG, 15l"I is a cross-section view, of the exemplary em~odimei-ià of the regenerative blower;
22 5 FIG. 151 is a crossrc~ecti~~~-i view of the exem13lar;~ embodimei-zt.
o1't[ie regenerative blower:
F:[G. 15:1 is a cross-section view c,l`the exemplary enabociinient ot'Ãhe regenerative blUwe1';
FIG. I5K is a 5c1~erriat.ic of the ~~emlalc~.rz embod.i~~~~ent o1't[ie regenerative blower as~e-mbly;
FIG. 15I__ is a cross-SeLt.ion view of the exemplary embodÃmer-it of il:~~
regenerative blower;
IRG. 16 is a detailed viow of the :impeller assembly for the ox;erziplary emt3odim~l-it of t:lie, reacnerative blower, F, IG. 16A is a cross-section view of the impeller a;~~~~nbly:
FIG, 17 is an asse-iiibly view of't[ie alternate embodiment of a regenerative blower;
FIG. 17A is an assembly view of the altematu embodiment of a re,;_xenerative la+lower, FIG. 17B is a cross-section view of the alternate embodiment ot'the regenerative blower ~~~~rnl%=;
FI:C=r, I ; C.iS a cross-section view of'the alternate emboci.iz~~~i-it of tl:le regerieratÃve blower assembly;
FIG. 171;3 is a cross-secticg~i view of the alternate eÃ~~bocliment of t(xu regenerwtve blower a:~~emb:[vF:
l;'I.Cf, i iE is aii exploded view of'tI:~e alternate ~.~tntat3ditnent c3f'tl:te regener-atiV~.~
blower, FIG. i 7.l` is aii asseiii~.~ll= view of tlie, impeller liotrsiiig;
FIG. 17G.ia an exploded view of the impeller housing;
FIG. l iH is a cross-section view of the alternate embodiment for the illipeflor l-ious.if.tg assembly;
FIG. I71: is acrossrcsection view of the alternate embodimeni :l`or the impeller IIOUSi:tl~.r assembly;
FIG. 173 is a bottom view of the lower section of the inipeller hotisi~ig;
FIC. 17K is a detail view of the ii~~ier sttrface of the lower section of the impeller [itJllSifiw;
FIG, t 7L is a top view of tbe upper section of t:lie, impeller housiii,.y assembly;
1"1C1 ( %N1 :is a top view o#'tl~~ iipper~ ~ectior-i oCthe housÃziw for the inapeller awsembl;r uÃtliaut the cover insÃa.lle:d;
FIG. 17N is a deta.ileccl view ot'Ãhe inner surt`aLe ot'Ãhe upper section ot'Ãhe housing 22 5 for Ã:17e impeller a;~~emb:[y,-l":fC;a-. 18 is a detailed view of tb~.~ impellerass~rnbly for the alternate itribodin$ent of the rege nerat i~~ e b1 ower;
FIG. IS A is a cross-section view cgf th~.~ impeller asse~nbly.
FIG. 19.1s an as~emblv view o1't[ie leve:[ 'Wnaor aa~ernblv;
FIG, 19A is an exploded view ol`the exemplary embodiment of the level sensor assemb:lv, FIG. 19B is cross-secÃic~~i view of'the settling tank within the level s~tisor housin,.~;.
FIG. 19C is cross-sectiosY view of'tlxo. blowdown sensor and prodtic t level sensor resen,oirs within t:l~e, level sensor ~ousin;~:

F, IG. 19D is an assomb1y ~~iow of an alternate einbodisnent of the 1eve1 sensor assembly;
FIG. 19E is an exploded view of an altemaie embc4ciir~ierYt of the level sensor assemb:[ v-i FIG. 19F is a cross-section view of an altemate eznbodi ~~~ent of tbe level sensor asservibl;r;
FIG, 19G is a schernatic s}fthe operation offlic level sensor assembly;
FIG. 19H is an a1terrYate embodiment of the level sensor assembly;
FIG. 20 is a.xi isometric view of level seilsor assembly;
t=='I.Cf, 20A is cro;s-sectiori view of the level s~.~n,or- a4semb1y, FIG. 21 is an isometric view of the frozit side of the bearing feed-water ~~imp;
FIC:i. 21 A is an isometric view ofti~e back side, of the bearing feed-water ptrmp;
FIG. 22 is a schematic of Ãhe flo~.~~ path of tt7e so rce water for the exen-1pIary embodiment of the water vapor d.istillation apparatus;
FIG. 22:'a is a: 5chenaat:ie. of the source water entering the heat exLhanger FIG. 22B is a sc1~~ernat-ic of t[ie soiirLe water passi~-ig Ãb.rol~gh the heat exL_[ianger;
FIG-. 22C is a schematic of the ,otirc:e water exitii-ig the heat exclran~.re:r;
FIG. 212D is a schematic of the sotir~e water isa.ssing through the regenerative blower;
FIG, 22E is a ~cbematic of ttio sour~e, water exiÃi~ig the regenerative blower and entering 171C3. 23 is a sc:hemat:icof'thel~low paths of the biowriow~i water for the exemplary c.nibodime:iit of the water vapor distillati~.~Ãi ap~.=aaratus;
FIG. 2?A is a schematic of the blowtic~~~~ii water e:a.ita~-ig evaporator:"'condenser 22 5 assembly at7d entering the level set7sor bous.in~.';i FIG. 23B is a schematic of the b1owcic?w7:-g water filling the settling tank-within the level selisor housing),' FIG, 213C is a schematic of the blowdown water t~illing the blowt1own level sensor reservoir ~.~~it:hii7 the level sensor hoiisai-ig;
FIG, 23D is a sc~~ematic. of tbe blowdown water exiting the level sensor hotising and el:ite.t'lm'_ the 5tt'~3:.Ef.1~~:.
F.IG. 213E is a schematic of the blowdown water exiting the strainer and eiitering the hoat exchanger;
FIG.?3Fis a sc~~ematic. of tbe bIoo~~~~~~ ti water passin(y through the heat exchanger;

1 #~

FIG. 23G is a schematic of the blowt1owsx water exiting the heat exchar;go:r:
FIG. 24 is a schematic of the ~low paths of the prodii,et water for the exemplary embodiment the water vapor distillation apparatu4;
FIG. 24A.aa a schematic of the product water exiting the ~~~aporator/coniienser assembly and entering the levol sensor housing);
FI:C=r, :24B.iS a RcI:~~rnati.c oi'the prodiict~ water ~~-iteri~it'f the p.rodaFct level serlSor resenroir withiii the level se~~sor hs}usmg;
FIG. 24C is a schematic of the prcdtic:t water exiting the ~.-~rocit3et level 4on,or reservoir aÃ-td eiiter-iÃ-tt) the liea.t excltaniwer.
FI:Cf224D i, a scI:ict~-iatic of'the product water passing th.rough the I:icat exchasi;pcr-, FIG. 24E' is a scbeznatie of tlle prodtrct water exiting, the tieat exchange:r;
FIG. 24F is a sci~ensatic oi'tiie product water entering the beariiig-feed water reservoir within Ã:i7e 1eve1 sensor housin;.-FIG. 214G is a schematic of the product water exititig th e level s~~~sor bousing and enÃ:ering, the bearing feed-water piiÃ-iip, FIG. 24H is a yc~~emat.Ãc of the product water exifing Ã:17~ bearing feed-water p mp i111ci t,-`r3ter13_Ig the re~,~e1Y4`:rat1ve blowS;'.l;
FIG. ?41 is a schematic of t:~ie. prodtic-t water exiting the re;.~eiien tive blower and.
enterin;~x the level sensor c~~L3siiig;
FIC:}.2_5 is a schematic of the vent patbs for the exemplary enibodimelit t[le water vapor distillation ai~
i~aratiis;.
1"IC1 25A is a schematic of the vey-it Patl:i allowing air to exÃt the blowci-i-i sensor reti4i"4'o11' i111d enter the evaporative/condenser;
FIG. 25B is a scl~~~~-natic o1't[ie veitt path a:[lowitrQ air to ea.it the product sensor 215 reservoir ar7d enter the evaporaiive/e~~~~~~enser;
FIG. 25C is a schematic of'tI:~e votit isath. aIlowir:-g;..= air to exit the e~~~por,it:or'coiideii~er ,issenibly;
FIG. 216 is a ~chematic. s.af the Iow-pr~.~ssLare steam entering the tathes s.af the evaporator/condenser assembly from the stimp;
FIG.?6A is a sc~~ematic of tbe low-pressure steam passing through the ttib~~
of the evaporator/condenser a.sseazib1y FIG. 21613 is a schematic of't~~e wet-low6pressii:re, steam exiting the tLibes of t:~~e.
evaporator/c:oritieriSer a~sembly a-iid enterin.~.r the steam c~i-ost.;

F, I.~ 26C is a schematic of the wet-low-preSsatre steam f7owino throuah the steam chest of the eva}aorator. condenser assembly;
FIG. 26D is a sc1~ematic. of the creation of blowdown water as the low-pressure aÃear:zi passing through the steam claest F'lCx 26E is a scbeznat~c of the dry-low-pressure steam exiti~ig the st~~rn chost an~:~1 enteri.rw the re.t~,,eiierati.ve blower~
l"'IG. 26F is a schematic s}f the dry-low-pressure steani passing through the re<xencrative la+lower, FIG. 26G is asc;heniatic of the high-pressure steam exÃtiÃi;A the regenerative 1?lower;
f;'I.Cf, 2611 i, a schet~iatic of'tl:te h igh-pre,sure steani. enteritig the steam #L3b~.~4 FIG. 26i is asc~~rnatic of'flie h ig hrpressLire steam exiting) the stearn tubeantl entering the evaporator,'condenser cliatiiber;
FIG. 26J.i5 a sL_[lema:tic ol`tlre creation of'proillicà water from the h.igh-presau.re steam coiicleiisiii,.y witliiii t[i~ evafaorator. coz~~enser chamber;
FIG. :?"r is a chart illusti-atÃri~7 il:~e relaÃiorist-iip between tl~e ditierenÃ.i'al pressti~~e across the regenerative blower and the anaount of enerp~y reqlii.rerl to produce otre liter of prodtÃa;
1~:[Cx. ?8 is a chart illustrating the relationship betwe~ti tbe prodtictic~~i rate of'product and, the number of heat transfer tube4 within the evipoi-~ttor,c:or.it~e.r.isur~~~sembly.
FICf. 29 is a chart illustratin(y the production rate of farodiict water of the ~v,t~sorator""c~01~id.~t~iser ~~~enibly as a function of the amount of heat transter surfa~e, area with fli~ ~vaporatov'condenRer chan:iber;
FIG, 30 is a chart illtasÃrating the efficic:Ãicy of lieat transfer startacc..s for a varying amo iit of_[leat transfer tubes within the evaporator."'Cotid~~~~er chamber as related tc) the 215 change i.ti pressLire across t[ie regenerative blower, FIG. :31 is a chart illustrating the prclcluction nite and the an$ount of'energ-N~
~otiairniecl by fli~ ~~~~poritor,=cc,zideiiser is~enibly at different pressure dif:fe:rentialsacross the regenerative blower;
FIG. ?2 is a crossraectic~iia:l aiid top view of a rotor atirl stator in aLcorc,la~lce witla a partic-tilar enibodiiiieiit showing the support structure, for the inptit, the vanes and chambers betweei-i the vanes, ar-id the rotating di-ive sI-zaft;
FIG. 32A is a side top view of a rotor and. stator corresponding to the embodiment shown in FICY. 32, showing the support stnic:ttÃres for the inpiÃt anci output., the vanes, the ccc-entric configuration witbin the housing tiiiit, and the drive sbatt;

1' 1^IG. '12I?::is a top vieas=- of a rotor and stator co.rt-k;,i.-~on(l:ing to the embodirz~~i-it shown.
in FIG4. 32 a~id 32A, showing support structures for input and otitlatit, t[le valles, tl~e eccentric c:onfigLaration witbin t(xu housing tiiiit, and t(xu drive shaft;
FIG. 32C is a croasraeciiona:[ view of a rotor and stator corresponding to the enibodimeiit showii in FIGS. 33232A: and. 32B showing vanes, drive shaft, and bearings, l;'I:C=r. 322I) is a crosw,-~ectÃc~~ial view of a (iq-L-ic1 ri~iff ptiiiip according to one eanbodianent showinx a c:apacitz~~~ ~ensor.
FIG. 32E is a e.ros4-sectionaI view of a liqttid ring pur.l:ila according to one eiii(aodi~iieiit showina the eccentric rotor., rotor vanes. drive shaft wiÃb 1~earings, the rotating bousir~g unit for the liquid ring putnp, the still bousing, ~anti the cyclone effect and resulting in:ist and water droplet eliminatiori 1'r~~in the st~ana;
FIG. 32F is a schematic diagram of An alternate embodiment for tlle liquid riny, ptimp;
F:[G. 32G is a top view of ati alternate embodiment ~or a rotor sliowing multiple vaiies atid cl-zai-iil~ers bet:weeti the vanes, a:ttd intake anil exit liolea in eacti hidividual chamber;
FIG. 321-1. is fLirther detail of a liquid ring i.-~timp showing the stationary intake port and the rotating, drive shaft, rotor and housing unit:
FIC. 321 is a view of a seal which may- be present betweeii the stationary and rotor ~ectiorts of a llqtild ring pump separating tite intake orifice from t[ie exit orifice, FIG. 33 is side view of a backpressure regulator itiaccordance witli one erziboci irzierit;
FIG, 33A is a diagonal view, of the backpressurc.. regulator shown in FIG. 33;
FIG. 3:' ) B is a side view of aii alÃert7at~ embodiment o1't[ie backl3ressLir~ regulator 215 liavin~ a ~~ertica"[ly positioned po.rt;
FIG. .33C is a diagonal view of tb~.~ backpressure r-e;pxFl.att3r sb:c~~vn in F1G , :}:311;
FIG. 33D is a diag gc,nal view of an alternate embodiment of the b-'aelcpr~~sure r~gulats.ar;
FIG. 3?)`-: is a closerLip view of secta~~i-i C of F t:G. 33 D, depicting a iioÃc17 in the port of t:lie, backpressure regulator, FIG. 33F is a cutaway side view of or-ie embodiment of tlae backpressure ~~eguIator;
F.IG. 33G is a close tip view of section >" of FIG. 333F, depicting a small opening in an or1f1.ct` of the b1f..kp1'eSSlÃlt; re( 'tltlltf]:r;
FIG. 34 is a schematic of a ~~~ck-pressure regulator implemented wlt[ii~~ a alsparatus;

FI.G. '15 is a schematic of <ir; alternate embodiment for a. w<iter vapor distiliation apparatus:
1"'IG. 35A is a detailed schematic of'an alternate er.1ibod_imer:ft for the level 4~~sor housi.n.o ilfusÃratim, an exÃei-t-ial cc~tmecti~~4.~ valve beÃweeti sotirce a~id blowif~~~~~~i fluid [ine5i FIG. 36 is a view of t~tie face of the piimp side of a t'luid. distr-ibtitit~ti manifold;
f;'1:C=r, 36A is a view o#'aseconc1 face of'the f~iirz-if) side of a flati.d distribution manift)U.
FIG. 36B is a vi.ew- of one face of the evapcgrator:'conel.en,er side of a f1tti~.1 dl.sti'l~:blltit7n m3l11~:ft3ld:
f;'I.Cf3:}6CY is a view of a 4econti :{-lace of the evaptlratorr c~~iitiesiser ;i.de of a:{-1tiid di st ri but i c,n naani fol d;
FIC:i. 37 is a top view of'a cottpler of aii alteriia:t~ embodinsent of'a fitticig assembly;
FIG. 37A.is a side view of ati alternate etziboditzieiit: of a fit.t.ing assembly in F1Ci. 37;
FIG. 38 is a cross-secxioiial view of alternate embodiment of tlle evapora3.tor/condenser having .Ãridividua1 bea-trng :layers al-zd ribs;
FIG. 38A is a detail of a cross-section of an altei-t-iat~ ernbodi~~~~enÃ:
o1Ã:17e showing how the ribs effectively f.~ariiti.oi-i the stea:tnievaporatio:ti.
f'rom the liqui~.-~:'con~.-~ensation layers;
FlG. 39 is a sc(xumatic diagram of an alternate er~~bociiment for t(xu heat exchan;Fer;
FICi. 39A is sc-k~emat:ic diagram of an alteriiati~~~ embociiment for the tioat exchanger;
FIG. 40 is a schematic overview of the analternat~ embodiment of fl~e water vapor ciisti.l(atiotz.i1.)t).iratus ifzc( dÃnw a M~SS- fe, measurement o#'ti~~
svstem usini.., a colri''': wensor,-FIG. 41 is show-s c-i view of'a flip-filter with the intake stream aiid blowd~.~wli stream flowing t.hrc~~igh fi [Ãer units, each fi [Ãer unit rotatir~~g aroi~iid a pivot joint about a center axis;
22 5 FIG. 41 A shows flipf:alt:er ho si.ng:

FIG. 41 B is detail view of th~.~ #lip-fittes- in FIC;a-. 41, FIG. 4 1C N analternative enaboclinaent of a multiw1111it flip filter;
FI.G. 4.1 D is a sc:hernatic oi=`ai-i alternate c:tnbodiment of a f'lip-filte:r;
FIG. 41 E is a sel~emaiic of the flow paÃb o1'~~i-ie embodiment of the flip-filter;
FICi. 41 Fis a schematic illustrating ~~~~anual switcli for c-hanging water tlow ttirow~~:b ii-idiviilltaI units of a flip-filter in FIC. 41E;
F1G. 42 is a depiction of a monitoring system ibr d:istribtited Utilit:ies;
F, I.G. 43 is a dep:iction. of a zi:istribLatiOl-I ;ystem fOr Util.itiCSi 1^IG. 44 is a conceptual fl.ow ciia;rra~n of a possible ern~.~sociinxent of a syste in incorpor.,iti~.ig.iii,,iiternate embodiment o1`f[ie water vapor distillation apparatii.s:
FIG. 44A is a schematic block dia;.xrani of a power soL3rce for ~~se with t.he4ystern sbowti in FICi. 44;
F:[GS. :? 1 A=51E depict tlic principle of operation of a Stirling cycle ~~~achilie;
FI:C=r, 5'.) wl:iowR a view of a rocki.n.- beary-i drive i.ii accordance with otze ernbodirnexit:
FIG. 53 shows a view of a rocking bÃ. at-n drive in accordan ce witb on. c embodiment;
FIG. 54 shows a view of an engine in ae.cortl~nce witli one urnla+o~.1irrient;.
I~lGS. 55A-55D depicts var-ioi:is views of a rocking beatii drive in accordance wiÃb osic en$bodin$ent;
FIG. 56 shows a bea:rinLy st:v:Ie :rod coziiiector in acco:rdarice with orie embodiment;
FIGS. 57A-57B show a t~extare in accortiatice with oiie embodiment;
FIG. 58 shows a four cylinder doLible rocka~~~~ ~~eam drive arTangenaent inaccordance wit:~~ one embodiment:
FIG. 59 sl:ic~~~~s a: cross ;~ectioi-i of a crankshaft in accorci~~ice witli c~~~~ enibodiznent FIG. 51(3A sbows a view of an etwine in accordz-itic:.e with one etzil7oditzieiiti FIG. 51 OB shows a crankshaft cc?Liplii-ig in accordance with o:ti.o embociim.ont;
FIG. 5 1OC s[iows a view of a sleeve rotor in accorda~~~e, witb one ealbodi~~~ent::
FIC. 5 1OD show-4 a view of a crankshaft in accordance with one ers~botiiment.;
FI:C:}.5 I t3.1v. is a cross section of t[ie sleeve rotor and spline sbatt in accordance with one embodi~~~ent;
171C3. 51 O:C is a cross section of the erar-iksbaft anri''': the Rpli.tic sl-izift i.ii accordance witl:I
otic e:iii~.~Ã~~ d iiiietit:
FIG. 51[3C1 are various views a sleeve rotor, cr~iiksbaft aiid splitle shaft in 215 accord.,ane~e wiÃ:17 c~~~~ embodiment;
I":fC;a-. S 11. shows the t3p~.~natio7:-g of'pis#-t3n; of'ar~ engine in accordance with one enil7ociinieiiti FIG. 5.12A ~how-s ai-i unwrapped schernat:ic view of a wcgrl:i~-ig space ai-ic~ cylinders irl accord.,ane~e wiÃ:17 c~~~~ embodiment;
FIG. 51 21~3 shows a scheznatic view of a cylinder, heater head, and regenerator in accordance witl-z one er-zibodir-z-tetit, F.IG. 51 ~C shows a view of a c0inder head in accordance witb one embodi~~~~11t;
F, IG. 5 I >A shoas=-s a view of a rolling diaphragr#i, along with ,atpporting top seal piston atid bottotii seal piston, in accordance wit:~~ one embodiment:

1 ?
1^I.G. 5 1 >B shows a-ii. explodeci view of a :rockingbetsmzlriven en;ri:tl.o inaccortlaric:e wit[i t~~~~ embodi:tnent::
FIG. 513C sbows a view of a cylinder, heater head, i-egunerator, and rc4lli~g diaphragm, inaeLordanLe with one embodiment, ~'? F:[GS. :? t 3D-:? t 31w show various views of a rolling diaphn, gni ~.~tiring operation, in ac:corci~i-ic~e with or-ie embodimel-it FIG. 513F shows an tinwrappÃ. d sc~~~i-natic view of a worlti.ing space and.
cylinders zn accordance with e~~~e embodiment, FIG. 513G shows a view of ax~ exteriia.l c:onibustion e~igiiie in ac;coz~~~~iee witli c~~ie;
FI.Cf S. 514A-514U:. show views of various embc?ti:irriesit; of a rol1ir~ g diaphragni.;
FIG. 5 15A sbow~ a view of a metal bellows atidaeconnpat~yi:tig pistori rod and pistons in accordance witli one em~odiiiseiiÃ;
FIGS. 51513r515D show views ot.'meta:[ bellows iliaphra;.~lus, in accordance with ~~i-ie embodiment, FI:G`i. 515:[ 51.:>Cs show a: view of i-iietcs.l bellows i.nacLurilan~e w:itl:t varÃotis embodi melttsi FIG. 515I-1: Shoav-sa schematic of a rollisxa diaphragm identit`ti+,ing va:riotÃs loazl I'~giorts;
1'=IC. 5151: sbows a schematic of t(xu rolliiig diaphragm itlentit`ying the convolution regiorl;
FIG. 516 shows a view of a piston aiid lsistoii seal in accordatice, witb one erziboci irnerit"
FIG. 517 s1i~.~wS a view of a ~.=aiSt~~i rod and piston rod seal in accordance witll Ã~~i-ic:
embod.i meitt ;
22 5 FIG. 518A sboo~~~ a view o:~ a pistoii seal backa~-ig ri.ng in accordance wit[i one em.l~odinierita F:1G. 5 1 SB shows a pressure diagram for a baelCing ring in accordance witli w.ie ~.'mbodixZ~ ent;
FIGS. 51Wand 5 lSD show a piatoii aea1.in accordance wiÃb one emboccli~~~enÃ, FIGS. 5 1 8:l~. and 51 S1~' show a pistoii rod seal in accordan~e witb one embodiment, FIG. 519A st-ic~~~~s a view of a.13ist~~i-i seal l.iaikiii4.~ ring in aeiorday-ice with oy-ie embodiment;
1^I.G. 519B shows a. pres,tire diagram for a pi;to~~ ~ea.1 backing ring i:n.
ac:cordasxc e.
wit[i c~~~~ ~~~bodi:t~~ent::

1{D

F, I.G. 520A shoas=-s a view of a piston rozi Sial. backing ring in accordance with one enibodiz~~ont;
FIG. 520B sbows a pi-usstire tii.ai-~.~
~n fc4r a iaiston rod seal bac:king, ring in accordance witla otic etzibociitzietiÃ;
FIG. 52 I. sbc~~~~s views of a piston guide ring in accordatice wiÃb one enibodi~~~ont:
FI:C=r, 522 shows ~~i unwrapped schematic illustration of a wozkÃzi:; space azld cv,11nderS in accordance wifli one Ã. inbodiinint;.

~IG. 523A shows a view of an el1gt:11-G` in aC'.C:o2'fla1#C:c with o1#e f'=t11b(3d1t11ent, FIG. 52313 5howS a view of an engine inac_c;oÃ-danc;e with oÃ-~~ embodimenÃ;
FI:Cf5524 shows a view of ~~ crankshaft ir~ accc?rckince with. c?T~~
on1bodinlent;
FIGS. 1' 5Ar;' 5C show varioLis configuraÃioz~s, of ptimp drives iii accordance wittl variotts embodiments, FIGS. 526:'4 sbow varioi~s views of ~i-i oi:[ vumv in aLcorda~ice witla oiie embodiment;
FIG. 526B shows a view oi'an engine in accorda:rtce with c~~~~ enibodimeni, FIG. 526C sho~.~~s another view of the etigi.ti~ depicted in FLG. 52613;
FICJS. 527A asY~ 527B show views of an on~.rino hx accortlanco with orle embodiment;
FIC. 527C shows a view of a ccgatpIing:loirft in ae.cord.ance witli one umbodiment;
FIC:}. 527D sbc~~~~~ a view of a crankshaft and splitie sbatt of an engine iti accordance wit[i c~~~~ ~~~bodi:ti~ent::
17]C3. 528A sbc~~~~~ ~i-i i1laFstrativo -view o#'a aenerator connected to c~~~~ embodiment of the apparatus;
FIG. 528B shows a schematic repr~~~iitata~~~-i of an auxili~~~,'f power rrnii 1=of 22 5 providing electrical power ai-id laeat to a water vapor disii:[laÃioll apparat s; ~l-ld FIG. 528C shows a sch~rnatic view of asy,t~~~~ according to one en$botlin$ont.
DETAILED MCRIPTI.O`v OF THE PREFERR~~ FMBOC)IMENTS
I3efinitiona. Aa ~~~ed in this description at7d the acLornpanying ciaima, the tollowa~-ig terms sball bave the meanings indicated, trtiless the context oth. eRvise requires.
terÃ-ii :;.flurel." is Lise(i I-zereÃii to include any type of flltiil Hic1udir:~g water. 'I'hLis, although the ~~~~~tplar~~ embodiment atid various other embodiments are, described herein wi.th. referenc:o to water, the scope of the apparatirsa ,ySter~i and mothods incltides ~~-iv- t~~po ~ .~

of f1uid. Also, hereina the terrzi "licluitl" may, be Lisod to ind:ic:ato tlxe. exenYplary embodiment, whore tlio tlttid is a liqtiid.
The term "evaporator condenser" is ~~sed bereir:f to refer to an apparatus t(xat is a combination evaporator ~~-id condenser. Thus, a structure is referred to as al7 evaporator condenser wbere t[ie struet~ire itself serves as botb. "i'l~~ evaporator condenser structure is rei:erreci tc) herei.y-i as ~~~ evaporatoz;concienser, evalorator condenser or evaporator and condenser. Fu:r-t.berz in sf~i-ni znstances, where either the evaporator or the condenser is being referred to intlivid.tia1ly, it should be. understood that the t~~mi is not limiting an~.1 refers to the evaporator coxiclexiseÃ- sÃz-uc:tlire.
The #ertn"t3nc1e~~i water" is t3seti herein to refes- ttl any water wherei.nit is desired to nia.1;e c:leane:r prior to consuming tlle water.
"I'he term "cleaiier water" is used liereiii to refer to water that is cleaner as product water tha.t7 as sotirce water.
The temi "sotir~e water" refers to any water that otiters the apparatus.
'I'he t:erir-i 4<Proillicà water" refeia to the c:leai-zer water that exits tl-ze a1~~antt.us.

'I'17e term kzl~urifvinQ' as Lised laereii7, atirl in a~iv a1~~~~~~ed c:[ainis, refers to red ci~ig the c:oracentrati~~~i of one or rsicgre contanYinants or otherwise altering the concentration of C1tio or mole, coi3t13i71rtant5.
The tem-i "s~.~ee.ified levels" as Lased herein refer4 to some desired level of cc~~iceritratioii, as established by a tiser for a particular application.
t:)~ie, itistance, of a specified. level may be limiting acontami~~ant level in a tltiid to carry out an industrial or comrzierc:ial ProcesR. ,"-t.ii example is c1imi.natang conÃami.nant levels in solvents or reactants to a level acceptable to enable an industrially sigiiiticant yield in a cheÃiiical reactioll (c:.;_=.w polyrner.iraÃion). Atiother itisia~~~e of a specified level rnay be a certain contaminant level ill 215 a flLiiccl as set fort[i bv a Qc~~~ernmental or inier 4.~overnmenÃa l a~~ericy for safetv or health reasons. Exalllples might iTtclt:kde the concentration of Oite or more ~t3ilt~iT3~Il3t7t3t4 I1 W~a[er to be iised for drinking or partictrlar healfli or medical apl}:Iieation.s, the concentration levels being set forth. by organizations sticlx as the Worlcl Health t3:rgar;ization.
or the U.S.
Environ~~~~enÃ:al Protection A~~~i-icy.
"I'he term "system as rised herein z~~av refer to any combination ofolemetit:s, ir-icludiii=., but i-io# liaz-iiÃ:ed to, a: waier vapor distillation apparailis (whicii naay be referred to as a water system or a. water vapor distillatioii system,) and. a water vapor distillat:~~~i apparatus to`tether with a. power sourc:e: sLic:h as a Stirling ~i-igi~-ie.

Herein is diticlo,ed an a~parat(as for distilling unclean water known as source water into cleaner water kjiown as lsrod~ict water. 7I7he apparatus cleanses the source water bv e~~a~.-~orstting the water to separate the particulate ftom the sot.ircu water. Tlle term "purifying" as 1t5ed hereizi, a~id in atrv a1~~~~~~ed c:[ainis, refers to sub5Ãantially reduc.ang t[le concentration of t~tie or more coiitaminatit:s to loss than or eqttal to specified levels or otherwise satbst~i-it-ially altering the concentration of oi-ie or more contarriffzants to withi.r:l .~
Sl]ecified. ÃitT#gL.
The source water may- first pass tbrot.igl:f a ccgatr:fter flow t'Labe-iii-tatbe boat exchanger to iilcrease the temperature of the water. l:Ã-tc;rea.sing. the tenaperauff e of the sotirc:e water redtices the amcnint of thert.na1 ener;pc~ requiredto ~.~vapc3rate the wat~.~r within the ~v,ipor,i.torr~otidef.i~-,er. 'f tte source ti.~~at:er may receive t:liermal energy from tl~e ot[ier ~luid streaiiis present in tlie heat exehang-or. rl~~pi~,all~.~, these ot1ier streams have a higher temperature than t[ie yoiirc:.e water motivating tlae.rr~ial energy to flow from the_[lig:[ier tempera t~~re, streazns to the lower tomperature sotir~e water.
Receiving ttte beatei1sout-ee waÃ:et- is the evaporator area of the evapores.tor./cotidetiser assembly. "I'h.is aysei-iiblv evaporates the soLirce water to separate the containi.nants ti=orn the water. Thermal energ y` may be sLippli~~~l t~sia~~t a heating element ~~-icl high-pressure steam.
Typically; tlie heating olemetit: will be tised during iiiitial start=up, Ãbtis tinder normal operating ~on~.litions the thert1~.:~al erfergA, will be prcgvi~.1etl by tl}e high-prusstire stearn. The soiirce water fills tbe iiiiier tLibes of t:l~~ evalsorator area of the evaporator/Condenser. W1ie-ii the hiah-pressure st~ani condenses on the otiter stirfaces of these tubes thermal energy is coi-icitic ted to thesource water. This t(~~ermal ciierwy causes some of thesource wate.r to evaporate iÃ-it~.~ low-pressure steam. After the source water transforms ii-iÃÃ~~ a lawapressurc:.
steam, the sieatri may exit the otitlet: of the t:ii~~s aiiccl pass through a separator. The 22 5 separator removes at~z remaining water droplets within the st:eatzi ensuring that the:[o~.~~_ pres4ur-e steam is dry before entering the compressor.
1:1}0:11 e<iti~iLy ttie evaporator area of tl~~ evaporator/condenser the low-pressure ste'am enters acompres;;or. The c:ompresss.ar creates lYiglx-presstii`e steanx by cs.ami.-~ressing, the Iowrpressure steam. As Ãhe st:~am is compressed the t:eml3eratu.re of the stearii increases.
Witb the steam at an elevated temperatur~ and pressure t:lie. steazn exits the compressor.
I'Iz~ h ig h-press tire sieaiii enters the coiiel.eiiser area of the evapora.iorr`Loaden5er. As the steam fills the internal cavity, the steazn condenses oii the ttibes contaiDed within the cavity. The hi;sh-pressatre steam transfers thorrzial energy to the sotirc:e water withisY the tubes. 7I7his heat transfer causes the steam to condense upon t:lie, otiter surf~ce, of t:lie, tubes l~?
creating prodtic t water. The prodoc:t water is collectecl in the baso of the contlenser area of the eti=aporator;'condenser. prodii,ct water 1~aves t[i~ evaporator area of the enters the level suiisor hc4Lasing.
The level setisor housing conta.iris 1eve1 setisors for determining the amotiiit of prodtict ~ti~:-l bIoo~~~~~~ti water within tbe apparatus. 'I'hese, sensors allow an operator to aciitist tl:ie arnount of producà water be:a~~g proci Ceci or the amc~~~tià of Mcom:ingsource water depending on the w-ater levels within t.lie apparatus.
The water vapor distillation apparatus as described herein witli respect to various eiii(aodi~iieiits may fi-irtlier be i:i:~ed in conjunction witli a SÃirliÃi~A
~:x~gix~e to fc~z-~-~i a ~~~~.tei-vapor distillation ;~ystem. The power needed by the witer wipor-tii;tillitic?n ~apl:samtu; may be provided by a Stirliii4~ engine electrically contiected to tt-ie water vapor distillation apparatus.
Referring to FICi. 1, one embodiment ot`the water vapor distillation apparatus 100 is shown, For t.lie, purposes of this description, the embo~.~lim~tit: sliown in FIG. twill be reterreci to as tl:~~ exef.u13lary ef.nboclinaenÃ. Otl~er eÃnbodiÃ~~enÃ:s are conÃ:ena13laÃ:ed soirie of which will be d.Ãsetissecl laerein. 'I'l~~~ apparatus 100 ~~~iay include a heat exchanger 102, evaporatonfcc~ndon;er assembly 1.04. regenerative blowor 106a levei son;or assembly 108, a bearing feed-water ptitiip 110, and a frame 1.1.2. See also FIGS. IA-E tbr additional views antl, c:ro4, sections of the water vapor tlistillatior:f a:pparaws 100.
E>ti.eforring to FIGS. 1 l=~-H, t:hose 1igures illustrate alternate embodiments of the water vapor distillation apparatiis 100. 1,1U iF depicts an ai~-paratus 120 k~avin~
an alternate conffi..~~~-ration. of tl:~~ evaporatorr'ct~xir~enser assernbly 122. Si.Ã-nÃlarly, 17M. 1(-; ci.iscloses an apparaÃus having another cantÃ;_=urat.ion of the evaporatar,'condenser assembly 132.
Sitziilariz, F:1C1. 111i11usÃraÃes atioÃher embodimei-it of the apparatus not it7clliding the 1eve1 215 sensor assemb:[y .1.08 z-itiil bearing t:eed-wat.er la~imp 110 t.'rom:[tIC_iS. lwl:E
REAT EXC":I=IANCxER
Rel_e:rri:no ziow to FIGS. 2-21A, in the e<ena~lary embodiment ol'the water vapor distillation ~~paratLaS, the hCtit exchasxs;er rziay be ti COL3nter flow tube-in-Mb~.~ heat exchar3ger as;~~rnbli 200. It.itliis emiod.imeni, laeaà ea.cbatrger ~~~~mt-~ly- 20Ã~
~~~iay iiiLluc,leanoiiÃer tube 202, a pltirality of in~~or Ãtibes 204and a pair of connectors 206 ilftisÃrated in FIG. 'A.
AIternat:e eÃ-nbodiÃ-~~enÃ:s o.f'tl-ze heat excl-zai-zger asseÃ-iibly 200 f.naz ~iot ixzLIude cor:lrieLtors 206.
St:ill. referrii-ig to RGS. 2-2A., tho heat exchanger asse~nbly 200 may contai:ti several indel~~tident fltiid paths. In the ex.emplary emi:so~.-limetit:; tbe otiter tLibe 202 contains s~~irce water illlci four inner t11~,,.~eS 204. Three of thosL 1113_Ier t13bes 204 mclv contain 1]r(xdtlC:t water created bv the apl~aratus, The fourth inner tiil~e ma~~ contai~i blowdc~~~~~i water.
Still referring to FIGS, 2-21A, the heat exchanger a;seÃrib1y 200 increases t(xu temperature of the incoming sotirce water arzd rediic:.es the Ãeml3erat; re of the outgoing 5 prodtict water. As t[ie sotirce water contacts t.lie, o-tlter surt~~ce, of t.lie, inner ttlbes 204:
thermal enew~r iR ~.c~ii~.iz~;teci #:rc~iy~ the (~~i~(~ze.r te~~~l~e~~~it-L-re l~lt~~~~cic~t~r:~ ~izic~. ,l~z~c~c~.ii~:t y~~~ater to the lower t~i-nperataire ss}tirce water thr~uggh t.lie wall ol'thÃ. inner ttibes 204. Increasing the temperature of the scgtirc:e water improves the efficiency, of the water vapor distillation apparaÃtis 100 because sot[ree water lia-,--ing, a hidwer tenaperaÃure requires less energy to 10 ~.~vapc3rate the x.vater. itl:oreover, reducing the #er~iperature tll'the product X.vat~~~ prepares the water for use by the conslimer.
Still ref'erring to FlUS. ??A, in tlie exemplary embodiment tile heat exchanger 200 is a tube-in-tube heat exchanger having an oiiÃer tiibe 202 17ava~~~ several 1'tinctiorzs. 1=irsÃ, the otiter tube 202 protects and c.ontaitis t:lie, itiner ttlbes 204, The oii:ter tii.l~~ 202 protects 15 the i.rii-zer tubes 204 ii=c~~i-i corrosion by a:ctiag as a barrier ( tweeii 11ae :if.~~~er tubes 204 aild the surrounding environr~~ent. In addition, the outer tii~e 202 also improves Ã17e efficiency of tho heat exclYanaer 200 by prer~~i-iting the exchange of therÃ:~ia1 ener~~~> to the surrounding en~~iroii~~ent. ~I'l~e otlter ttibe 202 insulates the inner tiibes 204 red.u.cing ativ heat transfer Ão or from t.he4uri-ounding environment. 5imilarly, the cgtitur ttibe 202 may resist heat transfer 20 from tile itiner tilbes 204 t~ocusi~lg the heat transfer towart.-ls t[ie sotirce water atid improving the etl~'iciencv of the heat excl~~~iger 200.
Still refe.r.rina toFI(;S. 2 2.A, the oizter tiibe 202 may be manufactured #'rom az~y material, but low thcxnlal conductivity is desirable. The low thermal conductivity is import~i-iÃ; because the oLiter tLi13e 20:2 ii-iaulates the inner tubes 204 l`r~om the stirroLinding ''~ environ~~~~enÃ, The low thermal conductivity ot`the oiiÃer tiibe improves the efficiet7cy of the heat exchanger,1~ecat34e a low thertria1 conductive r~-iateria1 r-ed~ices tb~.~rrnal. energy losses os-g?a#rl~:s to t~ie surrounding Cflv:1'I'C?IiIIICnt. lfl i$+::1d1t1~:m1,, low tllCrf.31`rll conductive #11i$teri`rll lowers the atnou:tlt of thermal energy that may be t:ransterretl from the inner ttibes 204 to the c4Later t be 201 'I"lais .resistc~.tice to 17eat transfer allows i-iiore Ãhernaa:[
~iiergz to be Ãranyterred to the source water rather tltan escapititw frozn the apparatus t:lirott;.ylt tlio otlter ttibe 202. Thus ai-i outer tLibe 202 manuEacÃured fic~i-ii a material having a low tlaerrzia3:l conductivity allows ~~~~re, thermal oriemv to be transf~rred to the source water rather tbari lost or gaitied to the ,atrrountlin.~.r env:ironn-aent.

2Ã
St:ill. referrii-ig to RGS. ? 2A., in. the exemplary ersii.iodimesYt the outer tube 202 is manufactured from a clear silicone. In ~dditioii to 1~aving. a low themial ct~ti~.-1ticÃivity, silicone material is also corrosicg~i resistatYt.. This is an important characteristic to prevent corrosion of the i7eai exchanger 200. The so rce water withii-i the outer tube 202 may contain chemicals and;'or otber ht1v reactive materials. Tk~~~e, materials ~~~av catise otiter t bÃzi:; 202 rnarie from other materials to bre:akciowi-i reci~icii-i9 the serv.ice li#:ir of tl:~e heat excha~igÃ. r 200. In alternate embodiments, the oL3ter tL3be 202 niay be inantitactaÃred ti-oni other materials, satchas lalststic or rt.ibber haviiig high temperatures resistance. Also, i~~ onu eiii(aodi~iieiit the otiter ttibe 202 is made from coiivoltited tubÃxig to extba.nce mixing, which iTiereasis heat transfer etfici~~~cy.
Referring now to FIGS. ~'E3-t;, another desirable C1~~racÃer.istic is for the otrter ttrbi~ig 202 to be sufficiecitly elastic to support iiista:ilaÃioii of'the heat exchanger 200 witliici the water vapor distillation apparat-Lis 100. In some applicatic~~~~ space for the distillation apparatus may be liiiiite-d by other environmental or situational constraints.
For example, in the e.a.enip:I~~~~ enibodinient the I-zeaÃ: ea.clia3nger 200 is w.rapl?ed aroLty-id the evaporator/condenser. In otlaer embodiments, the heat exchanger ~~~ay also be integrated into the insul<itet1 covor of'the water vapor distillation apparattis tom:inimir_.e heat lo,-,,t c)r gained from the onvironnient. la tbe exemplary embodiment tbe beat exchanger 200 is cc~nfi~iii-ed in a coil as showii in FIGS. 28-C. Toac:hiuve this configuration tlle ii~~ier wbe4 204 are slid into the otiter ttibe, 202 atid then woii:tid arotiiici a mandrel. An elastic outer tube 202 assists wit:li positioning the ends of the heat exchanger 200 at particiilar locations wiÃbin tl:~~ ~j-~Paratus-. Ttzus,1iavÃnw ai-i elas-ti.c Otiter t be 202 rnay facilitate M the installation of'ttle lieat c..xehaÃ~ger 200 within the water vapor distill'.a.tion a~.=aparatuS
100.
Still re1errang to FlGS. 213rC. the elasticity of the outer Ãuba~-ig 202 ~~~iateria:l ~~~iav also 22 5 be atfec:.t:ed'lay the wall thick_tiesy. Tubing:having a thick wall tlaickiiess has less flexibility.
The tI:iicl~~~- wall #-hicl;:nes4, l:ttl~~~~~~~er. ~~iay i~~iprove the tt~~rtria1 character-istic, of'tl:te wbir~~-, because th e thicker wa11 tias greater resistance heat transi`=er. i_n atltlition, the wall th:iekne~s, Ot thC tLabing rsiaist be 4tifficient to w:ithstai-icl th~.~ isxt~.'mal pressti:r~.~s generated by the source water within the tubfiw. Tubim, having ati increased waIl th.ick-neys, hc~~~~~~~er. _has decreased elasticitv and increases the size, of tlie beat exchanger as~emblv.
Thicker walled tubing reqiiires a larger bei-zd ra3d.ias aflectÃng tlae installation the 1:~eat e.a.cl-ian_.~er 200.
Conversely, ttibiii,.y 1~avi~ig, too little wall Ãliicktiess tends to kitik dtiriii,y This distortion of die tubin`t :tnav restnct til.0 tl.OW O~ SOUCC as=ator throogh the otiter ttibo 202 caiisin;.Y a reduction in tbe ofif'ic-icnel= of the heat exchanger 200.

2, The diameter of th-o cTLiter tLtbi 202 ~nay be any ciiaineter ca~.-~able of containing a plurality, of inner tubes 204. "I'he larger the diameter, however, lowers the flexibility of the tt.ibin;->. Anv redtic:tioii in flexibility may adverselv~ affect the installation of the heat exclaanger .anÃo the water vapor di5tillatic~ii apparatus 100, In the exemplaz~,,f emboilimet7t:
the diameter of the otiter ttibe 202 is otio i~ich. This dia~~ie-ter allows the ttibe6in-ttibe heat exch,an-er 200 to be xvrapl~ed aroiii-ici the ~~~aporator:'c:oncienwer 104 upon l7ti-ial installati01-1 and contains foL3r irtrier tLabis 204 for transporting prs}dLact atid blowdown water. in stltem, atu embodiments the 1~eat exchanger may have as few as tw-o iii_tYer ttibes 204.
SÃmila.dy, in otlieÃ- enabodinieÃ-tts the 1-tea.t excba.x~ger tt-tay liave niore t1-taii four inner tubes 204.
Now referring to FlGS. 2A and 2:(_], the .inrier tubes 204 may provide separate tlow pat1is for tlie source, productw and blowdown water. In the exemplary enibodimeiit, t1ieSe.
tttbes Lonta.in product at7c1 blowdo~~~~i water. However, in other embodiments, the it7lier tubes may contain additional flttid streams. The inner tubes 204 separate tbe clean and. sate product water frona the contaminated anil unhea3:ltl:ry sotirce a:tid blowe:lo~~~~i water. I.ri the exemplary embodimei-it, there are three i~rner t bes 204 for prodiict: water and ~~i-ie it7tier ttibe 204 for blowzlown_ The source. water travels withisY the outer ttibe 202 of'the l~eat exchanger 200. In various other embodiments, the number of inner ttib~s may vary, i.e., greater ntimber of'irYner wbe4 may be. iiie.ILaded or a lesser natr~~ber of inner t~ibei may be includ.ed.
Still ref'orring to FIGS. 211. and ?D, t:lie, inner ttlbes 204 conduct thermal ener:,.'~=.
tl-n-ou-b tl:~e t-L-t~e walls. Thermal ener~,~~r flows from the high temperature l~rt~~.iz~:t and bloudowii water wiÃliÃii the iniier tubes 204 thrau<_xh tlie ttil.~e walls to the low teÃ~~pera.ture source water. 'l'hua, the i.iiiier t-Libea 204 are preferably made from a material liaving a high 215 thermal cotid ctivity, a~id addaiiona[ly,pre1=ezably t:rotzi a material Ãt7aà is corrosion resistanÃ:.
In the e~~rnphary embodi.s-n~.~nt; the inn~.~r tzibes 204 are manufactured f:ror~-1 cc?pp ~.~r, The intter tubes 204 may be naanufacttrretl ~~rom otber mater:ial~ such as brass or titanium with prefe,r~.'nce that thes~.~ s.atlxer mtiterials have the properties of high.
thernxal concitictivitv I and corrosioti resistance. For appliLationa w_[lere the source and blowdown water may be highly concentrated, such as sea water, the innor tubes 204 z~i-ay be man~~~actured ~-~'oz~i btit riot lr.ria:ited to copper--i-iicke:l, tita.n.ium or Ã:lierir-iaIly conductive lalastrcs.
In addition to the tubing material, tlhe diameter and thickness of the tiibi~ig may also affec:t the rate of thermal esYe:r;ry transfor. Inner ttil.~isY~,~ 204 having a greater wall thickness may have less tbermal efficiency because increasing the wall thickness of the tiibi~ig mat also ii-ic.tease the resistance to heat trasYsfer. h-i the exemplary ombodiment, the ii-iner ttibos 204 have .25 inch otitsi~:-~e diameter. Alt~~~~gh a tbinner wall t[iiekness increases the m, te of heat transfer, the wstl( thickness mtist be sLaffic:iuiit to be. shaped or fornicti. withotit distorting. `f'Ilin.ner waIteil tub.ang is more likely to k.ank, pi~iet7 or collapse illtring forrziatiw.i.
In ad~:-~itioti, the wall thickness of the inner ttibe-s 204 ttitist be sufficient to wit[istand the Ãtit~eri-ial pressure created by t(-ze water paRs.Ãng thro-L-gh the tatbes.
Still referring to FIGS. 2A and 21), addition4ti nieths}ds f.or improvin> the rate of liettt t.ratYsfi'r of the iniier tt.~bes 204 may incl~ide unequal inner ttibu diameters and exteiitieti 5tiÃt:aces oxt the inner tubes to enhance 1-tea.t Ãra.x~sfeÃ- (fÃi1s, piiis, ribs ... ). In addition, the ozit~.~t tzit3e 202 anav hav~.~ a textzireci intenor surfac~.~ cau;ill;p #-urbirlencein tlle flow c?:{'tl~~
source water to enhaiice heat transi`er. 'f tie rate of heat transfer is increased because the texture, surface produces a turt_~taleiit flow withiii tlie ttr~.~e 202.
rl:Iie turbulence increases the aniount of water that contacts the outer surfaces of the inner t; bes 204 where the heat transfer occurs. in contrast, witbotit a texture surface the water may flow in a more laminar m~~imer. 'I`lais Ia:ininar l-low will allow otily a tr.ria:iteil anioutit of water to cotitaLt tl-ze outer surfaces of Ã:17e iiiiier tLibes 204. The renaain.i~~g water iiot in contact with the inner tLibea 204 reco:iveS less thermal ~ner~~~ ~ecatise the cow~~evive therr~ial ti a:sYsfer bets~~oon the water near the i~~~~er tubes atid the romainina water is not as effici~lit as t[le heat transf'er near the oute-r surface of't(xu inner tubes 204. Scgniu examples of textured 4tri-face4 may include tZtit are not limited. to dimpies; fins, btitiips or grooves. In another embociiment may shrink to t"it outer tube to increase shell side tlow velocity and therefore enhance heat traiisfer.
Pe#:erriii- ziow to FIGS. 2E, typically, the i.flr-ier ctibeS 204 are IoRitiozieci parallel to otic another. In some e~~~~odÃments,1i~.~wektcxw the iniier Ãt.-be:s 204 are braided or twii-ie:d toQether to form a heIix or a substantially beliLal shape as illustrated in RGS. '?I=-C;. `f'Ile 22 5 .[ieIax shape ir7creases the anaount of surface area. t.'tir Ileat t.rat7st.'er, ~eca se the leng)th ot`the inner ttiI~es 204 is 1osi;pcr than inner tubes 204 of tb~.~ I~~~-a1le1 arr-ar~gen$cnt. The iricrea,ed surface area provides niore area for heat transfer, thus increasing the efficiency oI't[le heat exchanger 200, l~~ addition, the helical shape :tnay cat~se a tL3rbti1~.'nt t'low' of ss.atirc:e water wit[iiii the outer tubing 202 inaprovang the heat transfer efficiency as previously described.
In t:~~~ exemplary enibodiment, t[i~ ~ie-at exchanger 200 has tour inner tubes 204 arranged in a helical shape iIIustrated on FIGS. 2I4r1.
The total length ot'Ãhe tubes-ni¾tube. heat exc~~~~iger 200 is govemed by the desired ef~~icienzy of'tlxo. apparatus. A heat exchanger 200 having a losxger 1eri~,~th yiekiS better effici~ticy. :[n the exemplary embodiment, the heat. ~xcha~iger 200 is approximately 50 toet long. This vield; app:roximately 90% etfic ienc:v.. Alternatively, a length of 25 feet yields an effici~ticy oi`approximately 84%.
Refurriiig now to FIGS. 2, 21J, anel. 2K the heat exchanger a~ser.1ibly 200 may also include a connector 206 at e.ather et7c1 of the heat exchanger 200. In the ex-enilala.ry ettibodimeiit, the heat ~xchatitwer 200 has two connectors located at eitl~~~~
~~id of the assembly. These connectors 206 along with the o-L-ter tL-be 202 define aii i~~i-ier cav:a(r i:or containing the source water, In ac.lditi~~ii, the connectors attach to t.lie erids of t.lie inriÃ. r tLibis 204 and provide separate fluid paths for the pro~.lt.tct and blowdown water to enter andror exit the lieat exc_hanaer 200. The connectors Mallow t;[ic t~eaà exchanger assenibly tc) be ~~~ec1:~anic,,cillo- cc?tiii~.~cteti ttl tb~.~ ev~i.por<ttoi,~cc?Tid~.~ti,es-,triti othes-,t~~~~~iratt~sconipo7:-gent;. 1.7:-g some embodiments an extension 207 may be iticlirded witli.iii the heat exchatiger 200 to provide at~ addstlotial port to remove, or supply water to the heat exchanger 200.
Referring tio = to FlCiS. ?I,-C), these figures i:[luatrat~ ~i-i a:[teriiat~
~rnbodr~~~e~nà of the heat exchanger 200 having t[iree itiner tii.bes 204 passing tl~~~~ug.11 cotiz~ectors 208. 'I'he coii.riectors 208 are sealed and attached to tl-ze inner ttibes 204 and the oLiter Ã:tibe 202 at either et7r1 ol'the heat exL_[iarige.r 200 to contain Ã17e sotirce water inside Ã17e outer tttbe 202.
A:ti. o-ring may, be installed wiilxin the connectors 208 to seal the in.terflace betwieri the connector 208 and. t[ie inner tubes 204. 'f his t~~~ seal may allow t:lie, inner tLibes 204 to move freely aiiti indep~ndent1y' of the e.oii_tYUe.tor 208, Ft.irthermoru, the inner tube4 204 may, be arranged in a helical shape as sbowti 1.11 FIG. ?N.
Rei`orri~ig to FIGS. 211-R, these figures illustrate aii alternate embodi~~~ent tbr t[ie heat excl:~rxrw.er 210. ln tlus embodim~i-it, the heat excl:ian~.,~er 210.1s a p(ate heat excl~ian~.,,er liakting Ãiietal plates 212 and plastic plates 214. The metal plates 212 may 6c.. manufacture from any tzieÃallic M~aÃeriala. ~~ich assta.inless steel. t=)t[ier enibodinaents may i~iclLide bLit are 22 5 riot limited Ãc) plates manutac:.Ãured l`r~om t.itanru.ni or nietal alloy. 'I'he plastic plaÃes 214 are rnatie ii-t3rn a~iv t~j)e ofphastic capable tli'~~er#'brrnin;p. 1:~~ ~~iie embodiment, tI~ic phate heat exchanger 210 is naade from aItemately metal and plastic plates. In other enibociinieiits metal plates 212 may, b~.~ fs.allow-et1 bv tt.a.--o or more plastic plates 214 as illu;;trated in FI.G.
:`?R. "['he 13late_[leaà exc17an"er 210 ~~~iav begin and.:'or end wit[i a plate 216 manufacture from the same or ditl'er~tit material as t[ie provioi~s plate. in alternate embo~.-limetits, plate 216 f.naz be r-nanui:cs.ct:~~~ed trof.n a. r-neÃall.ic or p:IastiL mater.ial.
'I'he metal plates 212 eor-isÃst of two metal plates stacked oiito one anotber creating channels f."or tluid. flow as sbown in l"`.IG.
~P'.

Reft rring, now to FICi. _>, the exenxplar~~ embodiment of the courite:r flow ttibe-i-n-tube heat exchanger 200 may includea l~'~tting) asse-iiibly 300. "I'he ~'~tting) asse-iiib1y stipport:s ira~E~al(ation of the heat etic:haiiger 200 witliin the water vapor distillation apparatus 100. Ii~
addition. the t`~ÃÃ:i~~iz assembly 300 allows the[leat exchanger 200 to I~~
easiNe disconnected 5 trozn the apparatus for znaintenance. The assenibly may consist of a first connector.302 (Also i~entÃfaed as connector 206 of'I:'1C=r. 2) ~i-ici a second co~~i-iecÃor 310 shown on FIG. :3.
See also, FIGS. 3A-B for cross-section viÃ. w-s of'the fittin g assemlrity-300.
Still referring to FIG. 3, in the exemplary embodimeiit of the fitting assembly 300 is i3iaÃi-L~fac;tured fi:om bras5. OÃber materials may (ae tised to manufacture the t:'tting assembly 10 300 including, but are ric?t liri-iitecl to stainless steel-, phas#-ic, copIser, copper siie.kei os-t:.itaniÃtt~~, For installation purposes,1~aving the fitting assembly mantr:l`aetured from sizgiilar material as tlie, tubinL,. that attaches to tlie assenit_~1y is preferred.
Similar iiiateriais allow for the as~~~~~ibly to be installed watlai.ii the water vapor distillation apparatus iisir~~g a soIder.ing or welding technique. The fitting assembly 300 is pretorably z~~anuf'actured from materials 15 t.hai are corrosioti r-esistai-it and heat resistai-it;2:?0"I'3. In addition, the naateraaIs pre&rably allows t:or a fluid tiQlaà connection w_1ien the as~~~~~ibly is i.tistalled. l-c)r applications where the sourc:~ ~~-icl bloas=down avato:r may, be highly concentratezla satc:h as sea water, the fitting assembly 300 may t~e, manufactured from btit not limited to copper-nickel or titanitim.
Still referring to FtG. 3. the first connector 302 incltttl~~s a fir4t end 304and a suconel.
20 end 306. The first ond.304 attacbes to t[ie lie-at exchaivler 200 as shown in FiG:5. 2-2"A.
The connector ~~~av be attached to the heat ex.cliaii,.yer 200 by clamping the oriter ttibe, 202 'L-sizIw a hose clarzii~ agai.nst the oatter surface oCthe first end 304 of the cor:~~~ecÃor 302. Tt-ie inner ttat.~es 204 of the heat exchanger 200 i~ay als~.~ connect to the connector 302 at the first ~~id 304. These tubes may be soldered to ti7e:[leat exchanger side of the coliiiecÃor 302.
215 Other metlaotis o1'aÃÃaclatzieiit may include, but are iioà limited to welding, press :t:iÃtrng>
r~~echanical clamping or iti,es-t mo1.disi;p. See al.sc? FIGS. :}A-313 for c~~~ss-sectit3~i views of fitting assembly -300.
Now reterrisYg to FICY. :3C_ in this ~.'rzil;iodirz~~~i-it the first. ~i-icl 304 of the con:nectc4r 302 may have five ports. `f'hree ports may be in fluid con.nec,Ãion wiÃb c~~~e aiioÃber as si7c~~~i-i c~ii FiGS. :sD-E.. This configuration may combine rzitiltiple streams of Iarodii,ct water into c~~ie, sÃ:reana. Multiple streams o.f'Iaroci~iei water increases the amou.rià of 1:~eaÃ: Ãra3nsier frc~rn ilae prt~dtict water to the source water, because there is more Isrodtlct water withili the be-at exchanger to provide thermal energy tf.g the S'C)l3Y'C=C ~'~`i1tC.''r. The i`$liiltllin.~,f ports are separate 2{"D

and. provi(ie fItÃid. pathwaysfo:r blowdo~~~na~-ici sOUC,C wator i11Ust.ratet1 in FIGS. ;iE-F-Aitertiate embodiments mav not [iave any ports in tltii~:-~ cotiz~ectit-~ll with ~~le, another.
Still referring to FIG. 3 W, connector 302 has a ;~~~on~.1 end. 306 for r#iati~ig with the aecot7d connector 310. 'I'hi5 5ecw.id eriii 306 may laave three ports providing flow patla;-, for prc~dtict, sotirc~~ and. b1owdow~i water. prodticx flow path may iticIude an extensioll 308.
The extension 308 wiipports assembling connectors 302 and 31.0 together (~eCa Se tt~e extension 308 allows for the o-ring groove within the body s}f the second connector 310 rat(xur than on the mati.mi sttrfacu 31Ø Having the o-ring goe~~~e within the botty of the 5ecaild connector 310 allows t1ae flow paths tlirc~~igh the connector assem(aly to (ae positi~~iied near ~~iie anoth~~- wi#-hotrt h<rvi.7:-gg overhapping seaIingar-eas.
Now referring to FIGS. 3Gw:E-1, the secoild connector 310 it-iclirdes a first ezitl 312 and a secociti eii c~ 3~~, ~I'l~e first end 312 ~~1ateS ~~itli the first ~,oi~iie~,tt~r 302 as stit~~~Tn oii Ff~.i. 3.
"1'his erii~ may a:[so.inc~~~~~ an extension 316 as shown in FtCJ. 3G. `I"[le exieiisi~~~~ 316 allows for the o=ri~ig groove to be located withiii the body of'the first connector 302 rather tha~t within the sur.f-ace of ei-id 306 of the fÃrst cof.mee-tor 302, In addition, this cotitiector may have a leak paÃ17 318 ~~i-i the first et7c~ 312. This t3atb is located arou.tid the port for the product avator to prevent soti:rce or blowciown water f-rorzi Onteritig the f.-~rodUCt ,tream.
B1~~~dowii atid. sour~e, water ~~~av contain contaminants that affect t[ie quality and safetv of the product water, The leak path allows the blowdown and4ource water to leave the fitting rather than enterititw the prodtlct strearn tbrt~ug~~ a drain 320 illiistm, te~.~ on FiGS. :In addition to the drain 320, tbe exempiar~~ embodiment may iticttide t:liree indep.,orident fluid paths witl:nn the cc~~~tiector 310 illustrated c~~i PICfS. 3I:-:i, The first c~.~Ãinec:tar 302 may be c-issem6led to the second c~.~Ãinec:tar 310 uSÃii<_x a M~rnaon clamp tc) aI:[o~.~~ fo.r serviceability of the apparatu5. This tvpe o1'LIamt3 provides aii 22 5 evei7 clatripa~-ig f'iire~ ~~~~ case of disaysembly-/z~~~~~embly of the Lorzr~~ectaw.i. Other niethods tlt'a,seanbiisi;p the connectors ttlgither incl.ufle> btit ~are sioi lii-iiited using a C=-cI<~rrip or-t'asteners (i,e. bolts and nuts). In addition, the circumference of the coii:tiectors 302 and 310 may be tapered, as shown on FIGS. 3E-F tgntl 'I 1-1, to receive the clars~p during installation ot`the fitting assembly 300. In other embodiments, the fitting aaser~iblv 300 may be permanently joined by weldi~i(y or soldering the contiectors toget:her.

2`7 F.VAPORAT~R CONDENSTR
Now referring to F1CxS. 4-413; tlie ex~rnplaiA= embodiment of't[ie evaporator c.:cgiitieiiser (also herein i-efurred. to as,,tn "evtiporator!ccgii(ieiiser") assembly 400 may consist of z-iti evaporator/condenser ebamber 402 having a top ~~-id bottom. The ci7amber 402 may inclttde a shell 410, aai tipper tube shee-t ~~~ and. a lower ttibe sheet.
4:12. Attached. to tbe lower rL-be sheet 412 is a siimp assembly 404 for I:ioldirzgnic:oming sotirce water. SÃmilar1v, attached to tlie t.ipper ttÃbe slicet 414 is an upper flange 406. ~f'lus flange cf~~~liects the steam chest 408 to the evapcgrsttor:`i::oncl.~~ser chamber 402. Within the evaporator/condenser chamber 402 area plurality of rods 416 where each rod is suz-z~~~~~~aded bya tube 4.1.8 as illustr-atedi.7:-g FiC:r. -l-A~~id4B. The tribes 418 ~are in fluid connection witb the suni:~~ 404ancl iipper flange 406. See alsc, V1G. 4C ilhistriting an alternate enibociinielit ol'Ãl~~

evapor ator /condenser assembly 420, Now reterrit7". io:[ IC=i. :?, t[ie auriip a5semb:[v 500 (also iclel7tit~erl as 404 oil FIG. 4) may includeaai upper liotisi~ig -502, a lower housing,504, a draiii fitting 506, drain pipe 508, and heatÃti~7 element 510. See also FIC. 5A f'or ai-z exploded view of the ~~~~~-ip assefub1y 500 atirl FlC. 6 for detailed view ol'the upper 1iousitrQ 502. 'f he sump assembly 500 coniains antllxeats sotÃrc e. water, as as=el.l as collects partictilate carrietl by the sourc:e. water. When. the sotirce water changes state from a f'ltiid to a vapor particulate is lef't:belii~id and. is collected in t(xu 4uiUp assembly 500.
Still reforri~ig to FiGS. 5-5A, the strmp assembly 500 may be made from material that is corrosion atid high6temlaeraw:re, resistant. A corrosion resistant material is preferred because the sump is exposed to high t~~l-Weratures, inrsistatre, ai-ic1 corrosive source water. I:n the e.xemplaiy em~odimei-ià the sump is manufactured from stainless stee.l, lÃ~ ~~l alternate emborli~~~~i-it Ãt7~ ~~imla ~~~iav be manufactured ti=orii lw:AD:f;:UE, or other hi-b-temperatu.re 22 5 plastic in Lor-ijiirzLtiot7 with ati alternate the heat.ing element 510.
l=='i~~- applications wher~.~ the sozirce water rnay be highly conc~.~ntrated, swch as sea water, the su:iiip assenibly *500 traay be manufactured frona but tiot :linait:ed to tit:an:i~im, copperrIlickel, n.aval brcg~~ze, or h.igh-t.~.'mperature pltistic.
Still referring to F1C"sS. 5-5A, t[ie yoiirc:.e water ~~~ay'be heated usitrg a 1~~ati.ng ele~~~ent,51.0 of the s~~~ip, assezribly 500, rF1ie lie-at elez~~ont 510 increases t[ie temperature of tl:ie sralti-ee waÃ:er during Hi:itra3:l start up of the water vapor distil:latio.rl apparatus 100. `I'Izr~
elez~~ent provides additional themial energy causing the sotlr~e water to c.hatige from a fliiid to a vapor. In the exenxplary enYl.~soclinYont, the heat element s1.0 may be a 120 Volt:'120t?
Watt resistive el~~~~ent electric heater.

St:ill. rei=errii-ig to RGS. 5-5A., the sti:tnp assembly 500 may ii-ic:ltÃtie.
a bottorzi lxcgatsing 504 havin(y an an(yled. lc~i-ver surface in order to assist with the collection of particulate.
bottcgr#i housing, 504 may have any angle satticient to collect the particulate in oiie area of the housing. In the ea.emp[~ry embodiment the bottom housing 504 i7as a 17 degree ang[eiiw lower surface. In other embo~:-limetit:s, the bottom housing) 504 znay 1iave a flat bottom.
Still referring to l:'fCfS. S-SA, fli~ exemplary embodiment rz-iay include a cira:ii-i assembly c~~iisistiiig of a draiti fitting 506 and a drain pipe 508. The drain assembly provide4 access to inside of the evaporator area of the evaporator/condenser to remove pat'ticu[ate btiildup witl-tout ltaviilg tc) disassenable t1~~ apparf'Iti:is.
'l"1ie drain assenablyt may be located ~~car the tac3ttor~-i of'the stin$i) #-o reduce scaling (biiilclL3p c?:{'isartictilat~.~s) ~~ii the t:libes :insitle the e~~~poratoricondenser. Scal:i~ig is preveiit:ed byallowing periodic renaova1 of tlie, scale in the sump assenit_~ly 500. ~aviiiLy. less particulate in the sump assembly 500 reduces the likelihood that particulate will flow into the tubes of the e-valaorator::'cotideti~er.
in t[ie exemplary embodiment t[i~ drain assetlibly is positioned to receive, iaartic-ti1ate, from the angled-loic%er surface of the bottor-z-i housing 504. '-['be iii-ai.n asseÃ-iibly may be nacs;e:le of ativ material Ãhat may be attached to the boÃtorzi housing 504 and is Lorrosioti anti "heat resistant. In the exemp1ary embozl:iment, the draintittin.;r 506 is af1ariget1,anitary titting manufactured trozn stainless steel.
Still referring to FIGS. 5-5A, attstcbud to the drain fitting 506 may be a drain pipe.
508. The drain pipe 508 provides a filtii~.~ pat.l~ way for iaartiou1ate, to travel from tl~o drain t~it:ting) 506 otit of the evii)orato.r.!coiidenser issembly 400, 'f he draiii pipe 55,08 may be inanuCactclfeci froz~~ ~~iy material, w.Ãth pref'erezice that the material is corrosion azid heat resistaiit and is ca~. ~ablc.. Ã~~fbe.ing attached to the tlraÃii titti~lg 506. In the c:xempIarSr embod.i~~~~i-it, the drain pipe 508 is mar7 factl~~~ed from stainless steel.
"1'he diameter ot`the 22 5 draiii pipe 508 a5laret`erably siit.'~lici~i-it to allow 1=or z~~rnoval o1'l3articulate fi-om the stimp ass~rnbly 500. A larger diameter pip~.~ is desirable 1~ec~ause thes-c is a less likelihood tlt'the drain pipe 508 bec~~in:in~.?; c1o4~oed wit:li partictrlat:e while draining t~~~ su:nip assembly -500.
Now reterrisYg to FIG. 7, the ~.'xempla~~~ embodiment of the evtsi.~orator/con.tiesYser chamber 700 ta:[soi~entified as 402 of FICJ. 4 3may iticl~~~e a shell 702 (a1sc) iile.tit.ilieil as 410 of FiG;5. 4A-B, a lower t'lange 704 (also i~.~~titifie~.~ as 502 of FiCx.
5 an~:~ 600 of FIG. 6), a :lower-tube sbeei 7061,a.lso identified as 412 of FICsS. 4A-133, a plurality of t.ie rods 708,, a plurality of tubes 710 (also i~.-lentitied as 418 of F1GS. 4A-1_3), ati upper flange 712 faIso i(ienti.fiod. as 406 of FICi. 4) and. ai-i tÃpper-ttÃl.~se slx `t 7~~ (also ici~~i-ititieci as 414 of RGS.
4A=B). See aIso FIG. 7A for aii assemb11= view evaporator/condenser chamber 700.

St:ill. rel:errii-ig to MCI. 77, the shell 702 defines an internal cavity as=here themial energy is transferred from tbe high-pressure steam to the source water. 'f his heat transfer stippcgr-ts the phase c1~~~~e of the se~tti-c~,~ water from a fILaitl to a vapor. In addition, the heat transfer also causes the incoming steam to cotidense into procclLiLt water.
The si7el1 702 may l~e. ma:nutactured from any material t[iat has sufficient corrosion resistant atid str~~igt:li ch,aracter.isties. In the exemplary embodiment, the shell 702 is .~~~an u.llactur~ed from f~bergo,1ass. It is preferable that the sliell 1ias an inner diar.aieter sLafficietit to contaiii the tlesiretl nt.~~~beroftt.~~~~s710. Within the intemal cavity of the shell is a plurality of tubes 710 t~aving. surface area for transferring thermal ener-gy from the high-11re5sure steam ~.~nterim4= th~.~ chamber to source water witliiii the ttibes 7M
Still rel'erri~ig to F ICs. 7, the evaporat:or: contlense:r ehatra17e:r 7Ã111 tlefities an inner cavity for tlie condensation of'hisih-pressure stea:F3-i. Witliin this cavity is a plurality of ttr~.~es 7.10 that transfer thermal etiergy from 11rg:[i-pres siire steatzi to sotirce water within the tul~es, as t[ie steam coiideiisin(y upt~ti outer surfaces of the Ãtibes. The heat transfer through the tube walls calises the source water to Laidergo a pl~iise change througla a:
process called thin film evaporation as described hi U.S. Pa.Ãent kp13licaiioti PLi13. No. t?S 2005:'01 83832 Al pLiblishe(i on AUL,1. 25, 2005 entitled "Afothc~~~ ~i-icl Apparattts for Phase Change Enl~ancement.;" the coiitents of whichare berobv incorporated by reference hereiii.
Still referring to FIG. 7, in t.l-ic tatbes 710 of the a Taylor bubble may be develolaed which has an outer surface iticltiding a th in film in contact witli an inner surface of t:lie, tubes 710. rF[ie Taylor bt6ble is [ieated as it rises withiii t[ie ttibe so that flaFi.d.Ãn the tliffi.i.ilm t~~ansftions into vapor within the bubble.
Now reterritig to FIG. 7B, typically an evaporator may Ã~~pc:rate in cÃtller of tw~.~
modes: pool ioili~~Q mode or thii-i fr:[m mode. hi thin t:r:[m boil.ing, a t[iiii t=`iltn o1'tlLiid is 215 created oti the antier wall of the tLibes t:ac.ilitating heat transfer l`r~om the tube wa:[l tc) t[ie f-ree surface o#'the fluid. Tli~.~ efficiency of'phase change typically i~iereasis for thin:{-il.m. mode as conapared to pool boiling mode. 1~IG. 713 silows flie difference in tile rate of tlist:illate prcgtltictio:ti. as a fiunctis.an of cor;demser presSUrC. 1`cgr pcgs.al.
boiling and. thinfilm boilirig tintler sirnilar cc~~id.itioits for a representative evaporator. `f'he bot-totzi cLitve 70 corresl3otids to pool boili~ig wbile t:l~e, middle curve 7-5 correspotids to t[iiii film boiling.11.s will be noted frotii tl:lese Ãwo ctirves, thin Mal bo:ilr.nt.~ i-iioc~e oifiery 5.i~..';n.il`acanÃly lait.~taer ~fficrency than pool boilitv, niode. Tliiii 1-ilni boili~ig is more diffictllt to maintain than pool boilitig, ho~~~ever.
Thin film evaporation is typically aclxi~~~~ed tisirag apparatus that includes very small c~~enin;.~s. "I'llis apparatus may easily Clt-~;.~. Particiilarl~.: ~~Thel~.
t:ll~ soii:r~e.e fluid. cc~nt~.iiis contaminan.ts. Additionally, in. thin tilrsi mode t1to water level is typically helcl jtÃst marg,inally above the tops of the tLibes in a vertical Ãube-type etia}aor-itor. For reasotis s~icli as tliis, the apparatus may also be 4ensitt-ve to nicgvement arY~.1 positioning of't(xu apparatus-1Zeterri.tig back to FICs. 7, in tl~~~ exemt3lary embodinaent the Ãltbe5 7101~~~~~ ~~l oliier diameter of .75 i~ich~~ and. may t~e, manufactured from copper. In alternate emboditne tit:s, the tubeR 7 10 maybe mar-iaFt-acti~~~ed from otl:~er materials incluci.ing but not limited to nickel copper or other composite materials. In various other iÃ~~bodimÃ. iit.s, the diameter of the tL~bes may different, i.e., may be smaller or larger. For possible applications where the source water may (ae seawater, tlie tLibe5 710 inay l~~ ~iia.iiut:actLired.
t:roin copper-iiickel oz-#itanit~rn ma#er-ial. Tl:tesi rnatenals have liigli corrosion resistant pr~pen-ics to ~ixaintain the hea:t transfer characteristics of the tubes when exposed to highly cozieetitratetl sou:rce water, sucli as, salt water. rl:lie diameter oi'tlie ttr~.~es 710 F3~aya.l~o vary depeiidi~~~ ~~i many ~~ariables. 'I't7e diameter o1't[ie iLibes 710 rnav ije :[amiteti 'lay tt7e iii.tier diameter ot`the shell 702 and the desired amount ol:-heat transfer effici~~icy. Another constraint may be serviceability. A smaller cliaÃ-iieter .is ~i-ic~~~e difficLilt to r~i-iiove scale i`rc~~i-i because tl:~e rediiced tiiz-it-iieÃer restricts access to the i.tiner surfaces of the t~ibe wa1Is. "l'he letiQth ot'Ãhe tubes 710 m.<iy be dotermi.nod. by the lesYglx of the inner cavity tiefinezl bv' the shell. 702 ~i-itl the thickness of'rlie ttibe sheets 706 and.'7:14. In the exemplary embodiment the Ãtibes 710 exteiiti beycgntl the crY~.1s of the tube sheets into the (ower tIa~~ge 704and_ tipper flange 71.2.
R~~orring now to FIG. 8, in tlio exemplary embodiment t.lie, tubes 800 (also i~.~~titified as 710 of t;IG. 7A-B) have ~~ead 802 near eacb end, rF1ie be-a~:~ 802 }~~evelit:s the tii.bes 800 from slidi.n-, throti~;h the aoertt-res in the lower ctibe sheet 706 ar-ic1 the upper tube sbeet 714.
Rc:.ferrii-ig iiÃ~~w ÃÃ~~ FIG. 9, Ãi~~~~oved efficiency of a phase change operatioll may be achieved bv providing packi.ti.a within t[ie evat3m-ator.'condenser tubes 904.
`f'he introduetion 22 5 of slicla packi~~~~ ~~~iay allow tt7~ evaporator to iake ott sotzie ot'Ãhe claaracÃeristies of tlai.ii 1-:i1tzi rriode, cltic to the interaction between the tltiid, the p~acI:ingand the ttibe 904. Ttle packing may be atty- material shaped such that tlle iiia.terial pre#:erezitial:ly fills ttie voIlime of a Ãiibe 904:ttear the tt~be's losYgittidinal axis verstis th.c voltime near the tube's interis.ar wall. Stich pact;:i~~g naaterial serves to cc~~icet7t-raie the vapor i-iec~.r the waI:[s of the Ãube for e1=1-:icieliÃ:1~~eat excha~ige. For example, in tbe exempl~~~ embodiment tbe packing mav c~omprise, a rod. 902.
Eacb rod 902 riaay t~e of anv cross-sectional shape Ã~iclutiar-ig a cylindrical or reetangula:r sliape. The cross-sectional area of each packing rod 902 z~~ay be any area that will f~it witbin the cross-section of the ttit.~se. Tlxo. c:ross-:~ecttoita1 area cgf each rod 902 rz~ay vary al.orig til.0 rod`s lenõ~ft A given rod 902 ma~~ extend the lez~; ~tl~. of a given evaporator ttibe 904 or any subset th.oreof It is prekrable that the rod material tae hydrophobic a:ti-d cai.~able of rep<<iteci thernial cycling. :[n the exemplary, eembodiment the rods 902 are manufactured ~~~~l glass fiber tilleel. tZYTON'tz or ;Flass fiber filled polvlaropylene.
Still ret:e.r.ring to FIt3. 9, eaeb rod 902 may be positioned anywhere wiÃi7.an the t~~~~
904 including preferentially in t[ie upper portion of tlte tube. :[n otio specific embotli~~~entz each .rod.is approximately half'the 1~~-igth of'tl~e associated tube ai-ici is posi.tioneci approxiniate-ly zn the top half of the taibe. The top curve 80 in FIC. 7B
shows t.lie iiicrease in boiliiig efficiency fc4r tliin film boiliiig for a representative evaporator where the evaporator ti.ibes include vac:k.Ãx~c, material in approximately the top half of t1ae tube5. 'With sLiell packing, the phase change of~-.ici~~~cy is also, advantageously, r~~~~ich less sensitive to changes in the tILiid level above the tubes, the orientation ol't`he ttib~s with respect to ttie vertical, ttie feed presstare for tlie tii.bes ~~id other operatiiig ~.~araFneÃers for the evapora:tor. In the exei-iipIarv erzibotiiriieiit t[ie rods 9021~~~~~e approxir~i-iatelz the sai-iie length as t[ie tltbes 904.
Referring now to FIG. 9A, in the ~~~rnp:I~~~ embodi~~~ont, the rods 902 may have a plu.ra:latz of frieni1~ers 906 extending out from tl-ze cei-zt~~~ ai-id alc~~ig tl:ie longitudinal axis of the rod 902. `l"_[i~~e metzibe.~~s 906 maintain the rod 902 within the center of the t; be 904 to produce the nxcgst k;fficiesxt flow pathtor the ,otirce water. Any nLar#-aber of inerzibers ma>> be ii.setl, however, it is proterential that there is a stifificient ntitiiber to maintain tbe rod 902 in the center of the tL3be. 904, l:r:f alternate umbotliments, the rods 902 may not have r.1~.:~embers 906. in alternate eznbodiments the rod 902 may be. lielti in place wit.hiti the t-L~~e 904 by wrapping the rod 902 ina wire or cross drilling holes wit:liii.) the rod. 902 to stipport inst:al:(ation of ~~:ii~s to l~c~sitit~.~~. the rod 902 s~itl~.Ãr.~ the tube 904.
Referrii-ig back ÃÃ~~ FIG. 7, the ttibes 710 (Also itlei-iÃifietl as 800 of FIG. 8 ~~i-itl 904 of FIG. 9) are secLired in place by Ãt7e pair ot'tube ybeets 706 and 714.
'I't7ese sheets are 215 seLiired to each ciid of the slaell 702 using the tie rods 708. The tLibe sheets 706 ar7d 714 have ~a pliil-ality of apertures diat provide a pathway for the source water to enter and exit the tubes 710. When the tubes 710are installed within the chamber 700, tl~e aperttrr~s within the tube sheets 706and 714 receive the ends of'tlxe taihes 74Ø The lower tube sheet 706 (a:[so.i~entified as 1002 on [tICi. 10) is attached to the bottom ot.'the shell 702. See.[tIt=;. 10 for a detail view of the lower tube sbeet. The tippe-r tube sheet 714 (also i~.-1~liÃif'ied as 1004 c~~i FIG. iflAl .is attached to tl:ie top oi'the shell 702. See i'IC. 10 A for a detail view o.f'tl-ze upper tLibe sheet:. Both tube shee-t~ have similar dimeiisions except that the upper tLibe sheet 714 has an additional aperture locat:ezl in the center of the shee.t. This <~pertLire provit1~~s an.
c~~eairi;.Y for tbe high-pressure steam to enter the eti=aporator;'condenser charriber 700.

~2 St:ill. referrii-ig to MCI. 7, in the exenxplar~~ embodiments the tÃpper-ttil.~seslxeet 714 and.
the lower-tube sheet 706 mav 1,~e, manufactured from RADl<:LL. 'l'his material has low creep, (xydrolytic stability, therma( stability anti. low thermal e.ontluctivity. F`Larthem-iore, tltbe sheets manufactured from RA:DEi. R,' mav be f~~~~ryieil bv machining or injection molding. In alteniate embodiznents, t:lie, tube sheets may be manufactured from other Mirterials i.ncl~idiii- b C are 110t (arT-1ited to (_;l0.
Still rÃ. torring to _~IG. ?, thÃ. size of the plurality ofapÃ. rttÃ:r~s within the taibe sheets 7[1( and 714 for receiving the tube4 710 is ;Fov~~med by the ot.itside diar#icter of the ttila+es 710. These apertive5 inu5t 13e suffie:Ãent to receive the end of t1ie tLibe5 71.0 aÃid also iiae1tide a seal. Typically, an o-r-ing groove is provid-ed within the tube sheets to receive an o-i'ilig.
This orcring provides a water-tight ~ea:l betweeii ttte inner tzibes 710and the tube stteets 706 and 714. In addition, this type of seal simplifies constrii.ctioii, facilitates the use of diysim.ilc~.r materials witlaiii the evaporaÃor.'condenyer, at7d aI:Io~.~~s t[ie tttbes 710 to move during repeated. thermal cycles. This seal prevents t.lie, larodtic-t water fr~~~~ entering) iiito the suf.nla '00 of FIG. 5 or soiirLe wa.ier emeri.ag the 6a3.m1~er 700. t.n a1ternat~ ~i-iibodÃi-iier-its, the t:iibes 710 maybe ii-isÃalletl within Ã17e aperÃtires oftlae tltbe sheets'?tlfi ~i-id 71.41 by the tising the metlxcgtls of, btÃt not lirslited tosoldoring, as=eltliri~.r, press fitiing, boridirig Ã?.e, silicone, Rrl^V, epoxy ...}, brazi~ig or swagi~ig depending on the Ãube sbeet material.
Now referriiig to FIG. 10, in the exemplary embodiment the o-ring grooves are located at varioii.s deptbs in the tube sbeets 1.002 and 1004. T[ie different depths of the o¾
riiigrooves allows tlio tubes 71 () to be positiotiecl more closely togetberz because the o-r-ing grooves from acljac~i-it tcibes do i-iot c~~erlap oneanother. Overlapping o-ring, grooves do tzot provide a sttfficic..nt seal, thus each o-ri~ig ~,?-rt~ove nitist be independent of tlle other Ã~~-rii-ig 15rooves within Ã:17e tube ybeet. As a resLilt ofvar;~i~ Ãt~e Ic~catic~~~ of tl~.e c~wr.ir~~ ~~z~c)c~~~es at 22 5 differet7t deptbs =it[iiii the tLibe sheet, adjacent orra~-ig gi-ooves dc~ i-ioà oti~erI~~ ~~i-ie another allc3wisi;p the tubes tc? ~e positioned closer together. Tlitis having, the i-tibes 710 located c~loser to ~~~e another allows nior~ tubes to be positioned within the evaporator::'condenser c:harziher 700.
Referr.i~~~ ~ac:l,i. to FIG. 7, the Ãube sheets 706 at7d 714 are also secLireil to t[ie lower tla~ige 704 ~~id t:l~e, upper tlange 712 using tlio Ãie, rods 708. 'I`he lower flange 704 (also identified as 502 of FIG. Sai-zd 600 of FI:G 6) cof.~~~ects the s~imrp 500 of FIG. 5 to tl-ze evaporator:'condenser chamber 700 of ~IG 7. In addition, the lower flange 704 provides a f7aid c~~~~-iec t.ion for the sotÃt-ce water within the sti:tnp to the inlet of tatbes 71.0 positioned o:ti.
the lower tube shee-t 706. rF1ie lower tlaii;.~e 704 ~~~a~;= have aii~;=
height ~~itl~ preference that the height is sLif~:iciont to alloas=- i`cgr an evesx distribution Ot the SOUrU watk;r entk;ring the tubes 710. '-I'1=picalll= a flange having a height of one to two inches provides ~~~~ an oven distribution of4ource water into the tt.~~~~s 7M In alterrYate embodiments t(xu hei.;Fht of the flarzge may be lar`~er to i~ierease the capacity of the sutzi.p to collect particulate.
Still referrin,.~ to FIG. 7, the upper flange 712 (also i~.~~titifi~d as .1100 of FIG, l I) ~~~~~s~~i.~~s a, fl~.~ir''': c:c~ziiiec:~tioti between the o-L-tlet oCthe tabeR'110anci the steam chest 408 of FIG. 4. Inad.dition, the upper flange 712 collects the soaircÃ. water reinoved from t.lie low-pressatre steam as the stear.1~.:~ passes throL3gb the steam chest 408. This water is t(xuil traÃ-tsfei'red out of t1~~ apparf'Itus Ãhrou dw tlhe blowdown part U 02 located wit.liiii the side of the tipper ffiange 1100 ofFTÃ:i. .11.
Still rel'erri~ig to FIG, 7, the lower fl~~lge 704 aiid lipper tlange 712 may be manufactured out of any materia.l haviiit.~ stti`i`icient structural strength and. corrosioci and temperature resisiaiit l3raperfies. Irz oiie ernbodir~~enÃ:, the flanges may be naanufficÃured trotii R11.UEL :~'. in t[ie exempl~ty embodiment the flati~~s may be z~~anuf'acxured from nickel-plated al~~tn:inam. Ir-i otl~er er-zibodirz~enÃs the lower flange ~~~ay be manufitcture from ma.Ãerial including but trot limited to stainless steel, tiÃ:~i-iilim and Lol3per--niLk-e:[.
Rei`e:rrin~.r to FIG. 7-7A, located :ti.oar tho cTLiter izlge of the loaver f~~~~~~~e 704 and the upper ~~an;.Ye 712 is a plurality of apertures to receive the tie rods 708. -17hese rods ~re, axiallv laositionetl cgii a bolt circle concentric to and alcgiig the otitsitle perimeter of the shell 702. The leii(ytb of t[ie tie rods 708 is gt~~~erned. by tlio l~tigtli of the shell 702 and. the thickness of tbe lower-tube sbeet 706, lower flan(ye 704, upper flange 712 and tip~~e-r¾ttibe.
slicet 714. The tie rods 708 rnay 1~a-ve threacieci ends for attrxch.Ãn:; a threaded fawter.~er o~-ito each c..nd. of the rod. sc..cttriiig tlie components of the ektaporator/
c:Ã~~ntlenser to<_xether, In addition, the tie rods 708 may be manufactured 1=rom arzy mate.rial Ã:17at is of 5 tficaerzt.
22 5 strength:for the pu.rpo5e, sLiL_[l aa, staiii[ess steel. Tie rods 708 rnay be ~~~anufiactureil frorn other i'nateI'1als including, 1711t T3o#- fiITt#.t~.`t~ to bI'oIlze, titt7t31E#m-, fiberglass ct3i'np(34ite materials, anci. carbon steel. In ttte exef.ripla:ry embodiment, the tie rods 708 naay have flats machined near each eii.tl to provic1e a flat ;;urflace for receiving a device to li.old the rods in place during installation.
E>ti.~~orri~ig now to FiGS. 1-1- i2Cz connected to the tipper t'~ange. I 100 (also identified as 712 of FIG, 7) ma.y be a steai-ii Ll-iest 1200 (also identified as 408 in FIG, 4). 1:1-1 the exemplary embodimeiit, tlio steazrI chest 1200 may iticltide a base 1202, a steam separator assersll.~sl>> 1204, a cap 1206 and a stoarzi ttibo 1208. The b<~~e.1.202 defiries a:ti internal cavttv for receiti=in;.Y tbe low-pressure stemn created within the t-Libes 710 of tbe evapon, tor area of the evaporator/condenser chambe:r'700. The base.1202 rziay have asxv ltoight sLir.h that thore is stifficioiit space toallow water droplets contaitied. within t:lie, vapor to be separated. 'I'he height of the4team chest allows the water droplets carried by- the stearrs and forcitZ(y Cjec:ted from outlets of the tLibes 710 t_~~~rn the rapid release of steam bubbles to decelerate ~~ld t'zi:ll back towards t[ie upper tlaii,.ye 71.2 (also identified as .1.1.00 oii F'IG. I
i).
Still referring to l:'ICfS 1.2-I2C, with:ii-i the base 1202 mav be .i steam seI~~i-ator assei-nbly 1204. This aSsinib1y conSi-sts s}f a basket and mesh (not showii in :>"IG;S. 12-1 1Q.
The basket contains a quantity of wire r~iesl:f, l:r:f the exurrsp(an, embodiment, the steaÃn separator assembly 1204 removes water droplets froni the incoming low-pressi-tre steam by ~~ianipulating the steari-i thrc3rtgh ~a 1~~~~er of wire a-riesh. As tb~.~
steam passes #-hrortgh the me.sh the water droplets start to collect w.i the surfaces ot'Ãhe mesh. 'I":1iese droplets inay colitai:n coritaFninanÃs or partieula:te. As the dro~.~lets, i~icrease hisizew the water falls oiito the bottom o1't[ie basket. A l3lural.ity of apertltr~~ ~~~iav lje [ocated in Ãt7~ ~boiÃom ot'Ãhe basket Ãc) allow water to collec-t witliiii the upper flange 71.2. In ~dditioii, these apertures provide a fluid paÃ:ti way for IowrpressLire steam to ei-iter it-ie st:eani sepcrrator Ã,~~~emblNf 1204. In ae:lilrÃ:aon, the wire meab provides a barrier 1rom the splashing blowdoo~~~i water located within the ltpc"4r $l'ciY1gC.'` 7.1.2 of the e'1`<tpf.gr'tltf].r/4=i)Y]deYlsel.
St:ill referrin;.Y to FIGS. I2-12(: ; in alternate embodiments the stoatii separator assembly 1204 may- contain a series of plates fcgr collecting t~~e water droplets from tlle 1cgw-presstire, water vapor as the vapor passes through or around each Islate .
Thep[ates maiiipulate the steam to cause water droplets to collect oiito the plates. The water is collected in the aRsembl~k 1~e~.a-L-se the l~latew are ~ir:~~.~r.~~;eci c~~e~iti.r:~;~,~ Rl~arl~ 1~e.~~.~.~ i.i~. the .t1c~ti~-patli of the steam. These beiids reduce the veIocity of and change the direeÃiaii ot'the: Steam.
"['1~e water drolalet may contiiiiic along Ãt7eir initial trajectory dtie to mc~~~~~ent:ul-11. .t.he 22 5 droplets may thei7 inipa:cà Ãt7e walls or plates of Ãhe assembly where the dropleÃs are collectecl. Wher~ enough tiroplet41~~~~~~ collected on tb~.~ walls or plates of'tI~e a4sen-Ibio-, the water droplets may fall doNvii towards the upper flange 406 of the evaporator/condenser.

St:ill. reterri~-ig to FtGS. 1: -l 2C, the base 1202 may also 1i.av~.~
anot~servtit:ic~n window.
i210. 'I'has w.indow allows people ol3erat.ing t[ie apparatus to visually observe the internals of t:lie, stean-i cbest to determine il:- the apparatiis is ~~~~ictit~tiiii4.y prolaerly, in other er-zibociir-z-teiits, tl-ze st:eana c.,heyÃ: 1200 uia3:v r-ioi Ã~ic1u(1e an ok~~ervaÃ.ion window 1210. 'I"lais alternate embodi~~~ent is illustrated in FIG. 12D. .ln still other embodiments, tbe size and shape ot'the window may, vary. In so:tne k;mbodiments, the steam cll.Ost mav inelatcle mult:iple witidows.

In the exenxpiary emt.~sodiment.a the steam separator assembly mav bo manufactured from stainless steel. Other materials may be used, however, with pretorence that those material~ ~~ave corrosion and high temperature Other type-s of materials maz .anciude, bLià are iioi lirnited Ãc) hADEi. #,,>, ÃiÃaniurn, copper-iiickei, plated aIu.i-iiit7 m, 5 fiber coz~iposites, ~~~d high t~~~iperature pIastics.
Still ret~~rring to FICfS. :t ~' l2(', attached to the base 1202.1s the cap 1206. The cfxl) and base define the interna1 cavity for separating the water t:toni the low-~~~~~sure steam. ln siddition, the cap 1206 may ~~ave two t.-~ons, ~,an otitlet port 1211 and inlet port 1.212 shown ail ~IGS. I?B, 12E aiid 12F. The oLit1et port provides a t~~~~d path wayfi~r the dÃy[ow-1 C~ pre;sure st~~s-ii to exit the stearn clie4t :1200. In the exirripl.ary inibtlci:inie sit, tb~.~ otit1~.~t port 1211, is located tiear the top surface of tlle cap 1206 because tt-ie Iocating ttie port away from the outlets of'the ttabes 710 of the ev-,i~.~or,,itor~,`cocicieciser proiiiotes dryer steam. inaIt~maÃe er:zibotiir:zieiits, hc~~~~ever, the olitlet port 1211 may _[lave a different locaÃic~~l within the cap 1.206. Similarly, the inlet port 1212 provides ~ flttid path o~~av for high-pressure steam to 15 etiÃ:er the 1aigtirpreasure steam Ã:tibe 1208 w.iihin the steai-ii Ll-iest 1200. [n it-ie exenita1ar;~~
embodi~~~~i-it, the ii-ilet t3orà 1212 is located nec~.r the Ãap 5 rface of the cap 1206. In alternate embodiments, tlxo. inlet port 1212may, have a different location. within the ct~p,1206. In the e:~emplarv enibodimeiit, t~~o cap 1206 is manufactured from plated a1umintrm, Other ty-pes of r.1~.:~ateriwi1s may incltidu, bLit are not limitud to stainless steel, pla,tics, titanium and copper-20 iiieket. The size of t[iese ports z~~ay affe-ct t~~o presstir~ drop across tbe coz~ipressor.
Still ref'orring to FIGS. 12¾ 1 ~"~~~C_. , connected to the iiileà port 1212 within tbe st~~in cl:iest 1200 Ãw a steam Ã~ibe 1.208. This tii(~e provides a fliiici path wa;r.for the high-preRsure steam to pass through the steam cliest and ciitc:r ttie condenser area of ttie evaporator/condenser claai-iiber. The it7tier diameter of the steam tLibe i~~~
~~~iav be a~iv size, ''~ such thaà the tube does i.iot adversely affect the flow of highrpressLire steam from the r-e.*.er:-gerative blower tc? the chamber. In the e~~rnphary enibodis-ii ~.~nt the steani tube 1208 may be z~~anufactured tioni stainless stee:I. Otller materia:Is may ~e used to n1ara0t:lctUrC the steam ttibe 1208, _ but these tnaterials must have sufficient corrosion resistc~.tià and [lrQ:[i Ãern}~erature resistz-itià properties. SLiL_[l materials rna.y inLl de, biià are t7ot 30 limited to plated aluminum, plastics, titaniuman~.-~ copper-nickel. For applications where t:~ie, soLirLe water ~~~iiv be highly conLenÃ:ratee:i, stich as sea waÃei, the st:eani chest 1200 naay be man~~~actured t'~'om btit riot limited to tit~iiitrm, nickeI, broaze, nickel-copper and copper-nickel.

Reft rring, now to FICaS. l:Z-l;iC, a~-i alternate k;mbodiment of the ~v,~lsorator""c~01~id.~t~iser assenibly 1300 is shown. In this embodimetit:;
tlie 1.300 includes a ~~imp 1302, an evat.-~orator;`e.oritlu~~ser chamber 1304, a mist elinur7aÃor assembly 1306, a plurality o:i`iie riils'1308, a lower t~ange 1310 and aii upper flange 1312. See FICx. 13D t'or a ~.~etail view of the eti=aporator,'condenser assembly withoiit t(-ie sizrzii? 1302.
Now referring to FIC. 13E, t.lie evaporator/condenser chamber n-~av- znclude a shell 1314. a plurality of wbos 1316, a lower flange 1.310 and an L3pper flange 1312. The evaporatoÃ-"ce~~~~enser chamber 1304 dei,ix~~~ an inner c_avitv fni- the condensation of high-1 0 pressure st~~s-ii. Ttitais 1:316 transfer thermal energy frc?tn tb~.~
hi;ph-pres,ur-e ,te~am to sorii-c~.~
water within t1le tubes wtieti the steani condenses upon the oiiter surface of ttie tubes ~13-16.
In this embodiment the tu~ess 1316 may 1~ave ari oii:ter diaiiseter of .75 inehes arld manufactured from coplaer. :[.ii alternate embodiments, the tubea 1316 may be manut:actured troz~i other materials including btit not limited to nickel copper or other composite, matertals.
'-['l~e diameter of tlae t-LFbes 1316 f.naz also vai.)> de}se-adi.afy on.
inany vanable;,. See prev i0LIS
discussion in the exemp[~r-y embodiment concern:ang tI-ie dianleter of the ttabes. 'I'ltie length of the tubes 131.6 may ~e determined by thelength of the irirter cavitv defil3ez1 by the S13oll.
1.314 and. the thickriess of the lower flange 131.0 ~~id upper flange 1312.
5til1 referring to FIG. DE, the ttibus 1316 are supported within the iniier cavity defined by the shell 1314 by the lower flange 1310anci upper t7.an(ye 1.312, as s~owil on FiGS. 13.B, i3C an~.~ I:3E. Each flange bas a plurality of apertLires located axially around tl:ie c:er-iter ot'the flange. These apertures may contain tl~~ enrls, oCthe, tubes 1316. Ir:~
additioii, the lower tlan<_xe 1310 and tipper flange 1312 alSÃ~~ Sectare the shell 1314 in place a~id provide 13atb >ay5 to the sump 1302 z-itiil the mist eIimirzato.r as~embly 1.306. As the 215 sotirce water f-iI:[s the sliml3 1302, aor~~~ water beg.ins to fi:[l Ã:17e tubes 1316:[ocated in Ã:17e inner cavity of the shell 1314. As thermal er~~~gZy is transferred tt) the sor~~-c~.~ water in tb ~~
tubes 1316, tl~e water beggins to evaporate. 'I'lle source water vapor travels throLi l~
?; the tubes 1316 and ii-itcg the inist eliminator asses-nbly 1306. The vapor enters the nlist clis-n:inatcgr throug h the apertures located in the upper flang e 1312.
Still referring to FIG. 1:3E, the shell ~1314 is secured to the lower flange 1310and.
Lipper flan4.~e 1312 Lisiii4,~ a plura3:lit; of tie rc~~~s 1308. 'I'hese tie rods are posit:ic~~~~~i outside axially arotind the perimeter of the shell 13:14. In addit:~~t.i; the tie rods 1308 also secure the mist elimisYator.1.306 to the upper flange 131.2 and the stimp 1302 to the lower flange 1310.
The len;~tl~. c~f't[~.e tie rods is gove~~~~ed. by the leti~wtli of the shell 1314 and t[~.e thickness o~.

~.~
the loas=er flange 1310, tippe:r flan(le 1312, sti-inp 4,302 ai-itl inist eliminator 1306. The tie rods 1308 may have Ãh:readed. ~ti~.-ls for at:tachina a threaded fastener onto each end of ttie rod sec:tiri~ig the ccgnipcg~ients of the evaporator./ c:oncler:f4er tcggiether.
In addition, the tie 1-o~.ls 1308 may be naanufacÃ.ured from atrv material Ãhat is of sLifticieziÃ
sÃrength, such as, sta.inless steel. 'i'~e rods 1308 may be zn.-anufacxured from other znaterials incIudintw, but iiot: limited to broi-ize, tÃtanium, f.iberw(asR composite ai-iaterials, and carbozl meel.
Still rÃ. ferrzng to _~I& 1:.~E, in the exempIary' ernbod.iment the shell 1314 is manutactL3rerl tror.1~.:~ fiberglass. Other materials may be usetl with preference that those i3iaÃerials are c:orÃ-osiai1 resistant,1iave low tlierina[ c;oÃ-~ductÃvity, and. sufficient sti-ticti.iral ,trength to d-~ ithsEand the int~inal pr~.`sstires developed drrring the operation of the evaporatorr~ondenser assembly 1300. See discussion for the exenaplary enabodinaent relatiiig to the size of the intier diameter of Ãhe. shell.
Still referring to FIG. BE, the sLitzii? 1302 is cw.mected to Ã17e lower flange 1310 aiid k in f1iiid connection wit[i the tubes 1316 of the ovaporatov'coa~.-1ease-r asse-iiibly chamber 1304. 41-ie su.riap 1302 collects tl-ie incornÃwz soltr-ce water frorz-i tt-ie beat exchanger. The soLirce water enters Ã17e sump 1302 through aii ii-ilet port locate within Ã17e side wall of Ã:17e samp. In other orzibo(l:iments the isYlet port rziav bo loc <itet1 at a tlit~eresYt location (i.e. on tlxo.
bot:totii). In this embodimetit: the sump 1302 is made from a composite material, (}1~.~
pla4tic:. ln other embodiments t(xu 4urnp 1302 r.1~.:~ay be manatfacturetl.
from any, other material 1iavin~ sufficient corrosion and l~i~?1~=ter~~:laeratii:res ~~~sista~~t lar~iperties. ~:~tl~er ~~~ate~~ials include but are not liznited to aliimin~~in RADE1~~.~` and stainless steel.
The s~~~~ip 1302 may also i~icl-L-cie a, heating elemey-it to pro-vic1e ther~~ial energy to tl:ie source water. This tl~erfvial energy assists the source water in changing from a fltIId to a V%ipor, Refezr.ing now to FIGS. 14-I4C, attached tc) the Lipper flange 1312 is t[ie mist 215 elitz-ii~iator assembly 1400 (also identified as'1306 of FIC-;. 13). 1-11rs assembly may consist of a cap 1402, steani. pipe 1404, and i-iiist separator 1406 illustr-ated on FIG. 1 4, The cap 1402 contains the low-pressi-ire steam that is created from the evaporator side of the ~.~vaporator/ccgricleris~.'r. The cap 1402 :may htsze three ports 1408, 1410.
and. 141?` as shown FIGS. 14A1rC_-. See c,lisLiissioii for the steam chest of ttie exemplary embodiment relatinQ to the k~~ig:llt of ttie voltiiiie for removing the water droplets, ir~ ad~.-litioti, the cap 1.402 defines acavity that contains the ai-iÃst separator 1406 shown on FIGS. 14,, 14C and 14D.
Still referring to FIGS. 14- 14C", the first port 1408 may be located. in ttie ~onter of the top surfac e of the cap 1 4l~~ ~i-itl is for receiving thef:rst end of the steam pipk; :1.404.
This port allows tlic 1ilg}i6lsressii:re. steazn created by the compressor to re-enter the evaporator/c:oricleriSer through first end. of tlxo. Stetim. pipe 1404. The Steam. pipe 1404 pro~~ides a t"ltii~.-l l~~.t.li way for high-pressure ~.1~.-press~.~re stear~~. to enter the eval~~iraÃt~r. eoz~~lez~ser tl~~~ou; ~:1~.
the r.1~.:~ist eliminator assemblv 1400 without mixing with the low-pressLire steam entering the mist elini.inaÃor assembly 1400. In this embodi~~~~enÃ; the steam pipe 1404 is manut'actured trozn stainless steel. In other embodiments tlio steam pipe may be manu1=actured 1;-~:om materials i.ncludintu, but ziot limited to platerl alatrvu.num, PADEI, R', copper-iiieke l and titanium. The lengyth of t.lie stcain pipe 1404 im3st be sufficient tk) 4illow-for connecting with the c:ompresscgr and passing through the uiitire mi4t eliminator assembly 1400. The second e~ad of the steam pipe is received wit;[iiii a poÃ-t located at tlhe center of the i:tpper flange 1312. The inner dizurieter of th~.~ steam pipe:1404 tnay atf~.~ct the pressure drop across the compressor. Anotlier et~ect: m.i the system is that the steam pipe 1404 redtrces flie effective volume within the mist eliminator to remove water drqplets from the low-pressure steaiii.
Still referring to FiGS. 14-14C', Ãhe steam pipe 1404 also may have a plurality of exterior grooves tor rec-eivin(y the znist separator 1.406. mist separator 1406 is circular plate hav:ing an aperture. ':I'li.is alaerture allowa tlae low-pressiire st.earz-i to pass tlzrc~~ig1i tl-ze plaÃe. In c~~~~ embodiment a 131LiraliÃy of mist separators are i.tistalled wit[lill the groc~~~~s of the steani pipe 1404. Tlxose plates woold be or:i~i-ited stic li that the aperture is l.octitet1 1~0' trozn the preceding plate. i~~ ad~.-litioti, the plate nearest to the outlet port. 1410 would be orientatetl, such that the apertLire was 1SO' fror.1~.:~ the port. tn alternate et1~.:~botl:iments the plates mav inclttd~ g-rooves oii the top suri==ace. of tbe plates to c-ollect water droplets. These t~r~oves ~~~av be tapered to allow the collected water to flow off the p1ate, and fall down towards the base o.i'tl:ie mist elirninat~r assembly 1400. The rnist separator 1.406 may be secti:red ÃÃ~~ the steam pipe 1404 usitig a pair of snap ritigs and a wave washc:.r, Still referring to F KsS. 14-14C, the 5ecw.id port 1410 may be located also ill the top 215 surface of the cap 1402 and allows the ~rv lowrcp.ress re stec~.tii to exit the mist eliminator <15semblv 1400. See p1"o4'1ot#S d1sc11s41C?ll :{-oI' the exL'T3-1131"<3I'y L'T3ibt)CliT3ie13t cC)Ttccl'I1i114? the S#.1~.`
and location of the outlet pc,rt.

St:ill. referri~-ig to FtGS. 14-l 4C;, the third port 14.1.2 n, Yay be located within the side wall ol'Ãhe cap 1402. 'I'his port a:[lows water removed ti=oi-ii the low-13ressiire steam to exit the apparatus. The location of the port is preferabi1= at a heiglit where t.lie, blowdown water f.naz exit the m.ist eliminator a5;~embly 1400 wÃihotit aii excessive bltildup of blowe:lo~~~~i water withiii t1~~ ~~~embly. In addit:i~t.i; t}ie height of t:lie, port preferably is iiot: too low, btit rather preferably is sLif~:ic:iont to mai:ti.t.ain a level o1`blowtlown water covering the otit.lcts of the tLibes. in the exezn,lslary eznbodiznent, a ttil~e, may be cotinected to port 1412 and the blowciown water may pass through a Iovel ~~~i-iSo.r housing 108anzl heat exchanger 102 before exiting the apl~arattis 100.
Still referring to l~ IGS, 'l =1'-1 4C, the mist u(irsiiiiator assembly 1400 may be manufactured firom aiiv material hav.ang s tl-`icient. corrosion and high teml3erat re resistant properties. In this embodiment, the mist eliminator assembly is manufactured frotii stainless steel. The aR~~ivibly may be mai-i-L-l-acti~~~ed from otl:~er matenals, i.nc1uci.Ãng but.not lit-nitecl. to RAD.E:L,.k,, stainless steel, t:itanium; ancl. copper-nickel.
COMPRESSOR
'r:1-te water vapor distillation apparatus 100 i3aay iilcl-Lide a e:ot-tipressoz- 1.06. In the ~.~xeanplary eantac3dia~~ient the compressor is a rq;p~~~erative blower.
Otlici= types of coml}ressc,rs may be inapleznented, but for purposes ol'thisapl}lication a regenerative blower is de-picted and is described with reterence to the exemplary enit_~odir~~ent.
The pur~~se, of`-the r~~e~nerativelalower is to Loi-iipress the low-presaiire ateatzi exiting the evaporator area ot.' the evaporator/condenser to c-reate, hig.11-presstire steam. :[ncreasing the pr~~~~~re. of tile steam raises the temperature of tl-ze atear-n. 'I'his increase in Ã:enal3ercs.ture is desirable bec<i:tise >1~~i-i the high-pressure ste<~in coiicl.eiise;~ ~~i-i the t:iibes of the condenser area of the evaporatonfconclon;er the thornial energy is transfo:rrod to the in.corning soti:rce water. This heat transfer is important l~ecatise the t[ier~~ial enorgy transferred frotii t.lie, high-pressure stear.1~.:~ supplies low-pressure stear.1~.:~ to the regenerstt:ive blower.
'I'l~e chan(ye in pressure between the l~~~-presstire steam and. t[ie high-pressure steam is govertied by the desired. otitptit of prodtict water. "I'he output of the prodtict water is related to tl:~e .1~~ow rate of the h:igh -prews, tire steam . If the flow rate oCsteam for the Liigl:i-preSsure ste:arn from tlie compressor to tlie coiide:iiscx area of the evapara.tor.'c~.~ndenser is greater than t[ie ability ot.'tl~e coiideiiser tc) rec:.ei~~e Ã17e steam tlieii the steam mav~~ecome 22 5 superheated. C;onveraely; iI`the evaporator side of Ã17~ evapor~-i:tof:"Cc~t.idet7serprorliic:.es more steani. than the c~~~~ipre4st3r is capable of'ctlmpr-es4in. then tb~.~
condenser side of'tl:te e~~~porat:or/conden~er may not l~e operat.ing at 1=Lill capacity because o1'the limited flow-rate of h:igh-pressti:re steasn from the com:pres4or.
Refiezr.ing now to FIt~3S. 15-15G, t17e exemplary embodiment may i~iclLide a regenerative blower assembly :1500 for compressing the low-pressure steam from the evaporator area of tl:~~ evaporatorr`Loadea~er. `I~1~e regenerative blower asser-nb1y 1500 inc.lttdes a~i uplsor hotisi~ig 1.502 artd. a lower housing 1504 definin~ an internal cavity as illustrated in FICa. 1SC. See FIGS. l5D-C`~ for detail. views of the upper housing 1502 and lower hotising. 1504. Located in the internal cavit:y ~.-le~'tiied bl= t[ie ulsper housin;.Y 1502 and.

lower lrotÃsirrg 1504 is an ir~poller- aS,erribly.1.506. The housings may I be manatfacttr:rod.
from a ti=ariett% of plastics inclirding btrt not litnited to RY'i Otti(l~
LTEM ,, or 1'olysirll:one.
A(ternsttiveIy, the housings may be. r~~anufae.turecl f-rc4m materials including bLrt not 1imite~.1 to titanium, cola~errnick.el, a~id alurninuni-nickel bronze. In t[ie exer-iiplary ernbodir~~~enÃ: the ~'? upper hoirsiri(.y 1502and f[ie lower housing 1504are, manufactured from altrmirium. In alte.r-rzate rrmbodiments, other naat~llaiw may be used with pre#:errrnce that those materials have the propertz~s of'lriglr-tÃ. rnperatt.tre resistance, corrosion resistance, do not absorb water and have sufficient 4trrrcttrr+wrl strength. The housings preferably is of st.rtficient size to accortimodate the Ãmpeller assembly arid the associated internal paSsag ewayFS.
10 Ftrrtl:tem$ore, the I:rt?usiri;ps pr-eferably provid~.~ adequate clearance betweeri the stationary housing and t1le rotati~ig impeller to avoid sliding contact and prevent leakage frona oecurri nL,. between the two stages of tlie bI ower. Ir~ adciiti ori to the clearances, the upper housing 1502 at7d the lower 1504 may be mirror images of o.rie anoflaer.
Rel:effing now to l;IGS.lSU-F, the upper hotrsirig 1,502 and lower botlsi~ig 1:~04 may 15 1~ztve ai-z Hrlet port 1510 and atr outlet poi1 1512, "I`Ize 1ow-presau.re steai-ii fior-ir the evaporator/condenser enters Ã:17e laloo~~er assembly 1500 through Ã17e iii:[et port 1510. In the exemplary embodiment, the inlet port is shaped to create a spiral flow arc?Lrnd theannular t'low channel in the upper housing, 1-502 and lower housing 1504. After compressing tbe (ow-pr+essatre stearn, the }rig}rer-press trre. steam is tlisc(xar-ged fi-e~in t(xu oLrtlet port 1512-20 Between the u.ilet ports 1,510 and the otrtlet:ports 1512 ottlio upper bousl#.ig .1502 and lower housing 1;04 the clearances ar-e. reduced to prevent the znixing of t:lie, high-pressure steam exit.Ãr.r- the blower aswemb1v and the iow-z~
~~esR-L-re steam entering the assembl~r. The exemplary enibodimerit may inelt:rde a stripper plate 1516. At this pIate the ~peil flow chat7tiela provided in the upper 17ousing I5021 arid lower housing 1504 allow oirly the laigla_ 25 pr'esau.re steai-ii that is w.ithin the impeller blades Ã:c) pass Ãtrroug :h. Ão ari area near the inlet port 15:1.4, called the inlet r-egiori.
[0011 Still refe:r.riii4~ to l~IGS.I;D-l.-; ttie c,,iffyovez ol'Ãbe tiigtirpr'easure st~~int:liro-LrgtiÃlie stripper pltit~.~ 11-516 into the inlet regicgr~r may irreversibly rziix with the incoming low-pr'es5u.re steai-ii enieritiQ the b[o~.~~er aaser-iiblv I500 1iom t[ie inlet port 1510. I'be mixing of 30 the steam may catrse an increase in the teznlserature ol`t11e incoming lcrw-pr~~strre steatil.
"I"tre li.igli-pressu.re steai-ii carryo~~er may also block tl-ze aneonai.ag flow of low-presau.re aÃ:eaÃ-ii because of'tbe exparision of the high-pressure steam in the inlot region. The r.-1ecompress iorl dtic t_15 14 in the tÃppen cotisir-ig 1502 and lower housing l~Ã~4 ~`xtrr~~c:t., the c t~rnpr-~;sse~1 st~~a:tn 4Ã
entrapped in. the irsi~.-~eller blades and ejects the steam isYto the inlet region blocking the incozning low61sressii:re stean)_ Still referring to FIGS,15D-F, the d_istanc:~~ bom-een the inlet ports 1510 and otitlet ports 1512 is controlled by the size o:t`tlae stripper plate 1516. in Ã:17e exemplary enibod~r~~.eiit t[~.e stril~~lse~~~alat~ area is o}~ti~~~i:~ed. for reducing the amount t~t~-l~igl~-l~ressur~
steam carryover ii-ito the in(et regaon and maximi:r,:ii-ig the wor kilig, flow channels w.ithi.n the tipper housing 1502 and lower lioaÃsing 1504.
Refurriiig now to FIGS. I SH-K, in the uxumpIary- embodiment the shaft 1514 is 5tippc~i-ted by lire5sui'izecl water fed bearin;As .1.51.6 that are pressed into the inipeller assen-ibio- 1506 and are supported by the 4ha#:t :1:?14. :fn this ornbod-irnent, the taearin;ps may be manufactured ~~rom graphiÃe. I~i a:IterriaÃ~ embodiments, tl~e beari~~~~~
may be manutactured from materials i~iclii.tiicig 6ii:t iioà liiiiited to Teflt~~i composites and broive alloys.
Still referrin,.~ to FIGS. I:?.H¾K, the water sup-lsl~ed to the pressurized water 1`Od.
bearings 1516 :is preferably clea~i waÃ:ei as the water naav enter the conipression cba3.ni1~er of the blower assembly 1500. i1 t17e water enters the Loi-iipressiot7 claal-riber, the water will lik.olymix with th.opure st<a-ni. C`;.)m:iminatet1 water mixing with the P1.1r0. StCa:M Will result m cont~ininated. high-pressure steam. In the exemplary enibodimeiit product water is supplied to the bearing's, :H:ydrodynamic lubrication is desired for tbe bigb-spoe~:~ blower bearings 1.516 of the exemplary enibodinient. In ~~drodynamic open, t:ion, the rotating bearing rides on a tiltii of lubricaiit, and cioes i-iot coiitact tt-ie stationary shaft. T(-ziR mode of labrication offers the lowest coefficients ol;'tricti~.~Ãi and wear is essentially iiÃ~~~~-existe:iit since there is iia physical contact of conalaonenis.
22 5 t=)13erat.ing in the other lubrication reQimes like M.ix~d Falni I_:ubricataotl z-iliil 13t?t3Ddary Uitaricatic?n resL3lts in higher power loss and higher wear rates #h~an hydrc3c~~~~iamic operation. Iil the exemplary ~inbodi~~~ent tlie blower may operate t~aving:[~idrodyz~~in- ic l0brication., filrzi lubricatiosx o:r acombination. of hoth. The running clea.rar;ce. between the rotating beari~~~ ~iid Ã:17e stationary shaft; rotating speed of the beari.ng, and. lubricati.tig:flu.id.
presstire and tlow may affect the bearing lubrication mode.
Reterri.ru, to FIGS. 15HwK, ina hydrociyna3:mic bearing) the 1ÃmitÃti~7 load t:a3:ctor i-nay be. al=~ected by the tlieniial dissipation capabilit:ies. Wben compared. to an un-lubricated (or a bouriciary+-laibric:ated) bearing, a. hyd:rc~dwiaariie bearing has an additional r~~echaniss-n for dissipating heat. The h1=dro~.~ynamic beari~ig's most off'ocÃi~~e way to reject beat is to allow the lubiicatin;r fluid to carry away, therrsial esYor;ry. In the exenxplar~~
embodiment tlxo.
t~earing-teed. water removes therr~ial energy trom ttie be-aritigs 1516, In this embodiment, the VO(L3me Of water flow-i.ng tli_l-cgttgh the beari~~gare preferably sLaffic:ient to r.1iaint.air:f the bearing'S iemperatltre ~.~ith.ii7 operational l.amits. I~-i addition, d.aanaetr.aeal clearances may be varied to ct~tiÃrol bearin,.~ feed-water tlow ratez lioweti=er, these clea:ranc~~s preferably are iiot:
(~~~~~ enough to create a loss ol'hvcirodytzrxm.ic preRsure.
Still rÃ. torrzng to FIGS. :1 5H-K., t.lie amount oi;'1~earing-feed. water supplied to t.lie beariiigs 1516 is preferably sL3ffic:ient to maintain hydrodynamic lubrication. Any excess of 1~earing-f~~d water Ãixay adversely a.fil'ect the blower assem(aly 1500. :For example, excess water t~-iay quench the high-pr~.`ss tire ste<~rn unnecessarily r~.~tiucing tho thermal otfici~~~cy of the a1~paratus. Aziotlier adverse afTect of excess bearing-feed water may be power loss due to shearing of the fluid water when the excess bearing-feed water i~ ~~ected outward from the.im13el:[er assembly at7d forced betweeti the i7c~~~ing wall aiid ttie passing inipe:[ler blades.
Referring to FIG. 15L; in the exemplary embodiment, a return path 1526 for tile bearing-feed water is lar-ovi(led witl-zi.ri the blower to prevent excess bearing-feed water t:roul enÃ:ering) the impeller b ckeÃy.

Referring back to F1GS. 151=1-K, in the exemplary embodiment the bearing feed-water punip znainÃains a pressure of two to five psi on the input: to the ,lsressiirized water fed bearings 1516. The bearing-feed-water flow rate tllc.ly be maintained by having a constant t~earing-feed=water pr~~stire. in tlio exeznplarF eznbodiznent, ttie pr~~~~~re, of tbe beariti ':=feed water ~~~av be controlled to ensure the flow rate of bearin4.~~~~~d water to bearings 151.6.
Still referring toFI(_;S. 151-1-lC, i.ii the exemplary emboci:imetzt the.Ãmpel:(er assembly may be driveÃi by the motor uSiti;d a ma~,?iietic drive coupling rather than a mechanical seal.
1'be lack of mechanical seal restilts in t7o l'racÃic~~ial losses associated with moving parts 215 contactinQ one-another. t.n this etzibodirzieiit t[ie magnetic drive coupling ~~~aNf i~iclLide aii inner rotor ma;pnet 1.518, a containment shell 1520- an tluter rnagnet 1-522, and c11-ive rriotor 1508.
St:ill. rei:erring to FIGS. 1:5H-K, the inner nY~gnet rotor 1518 i-nay~ be emhetlclet1 wit[iiii a etip. In the exemplary enabodinient the magnets are axially positioned. In ot[ier eznbodiz~~ents ttie magnets may be posiÃiotied. radially. This ciip may be manufactured from plastic or i-iietall:ie. niaterÃals. In some emborlÃmer-its the clila ma.ieria:l m~iv be but is I-zot liiii:ited to RYTONrx:; tjLTEM4'-zi> or polysulfbne. Similarly, the magnets may be ManUfactur~~dfrom materials incltiding l.~satt not limited to Ferri.to, alatmisYum-nickel-cobalt.a ~amariuzn cobalt and rioodvmiiim iron boron. I.a t:l~~ exemplary embodiment tile cup is attachezl to the irzipe1.1or assemtaly, 1500. In the exemplary embotiiinem the ctip is press fit onto tbe shaft 1.514. Other metbo~.-1s of attacbino the cup mav include but are not limited. to keyJ~.~at ar1d sA.tVerews.
Still ret:erring to FIt3S. 15HrK., t[ic magneÃic coupIIng shell 15:20 .aa positic~~~ed.

bet-ween itiner rotor magnet.1:~:18 and tbe outer rotor magnet 1522. The ma,.õnetic. coupli~ig Rhe11 1520 i.s the pressure vessel or the containment she1l for the blower assembly 1500.
This shell seals t.lie stcain that is being conipressed. within t.lie blower a~~eml~ily 1500 preL'ei~?t1iig the stG8t11 fI'Cgni escaping IiiCC7 the Sl.irt'c4Llt3ii:it3g environment.
Still ret:errin~~. to FIGS. 15H-K, Eddy cuz-reiit losses may cwcuz- bec_ause the shell 1520 is located betdveen the itill~.~r rotor ~~~~~gn~.~t 1518 and the orrter rotor ~ixagnet 1522. I:{'t1le shell 1,520 is e:lectricallv cotidtrctive then the .rotating nia~.;netic field may cause electrical curreiits to flow Ãl-irourli the shell we may cause a loss of power.
Conversely, a sliell 15520 manufactured [`rom a highly eleLtrical:[vrcresistive tz-iaterial is preferred to reduce the ai-iioiii-zt.
of Eddy curreiit loss, in the ~~~~ilplary~ embodiz~~ent titaiiium may ~~e, used for ~~~anufacturing the r-na3gneÃ:ac cotip:lir-ig shell 1520. 'I'his r-z:~itÃ:er-icil 13rovi(le5 a combir-iatÃoii o.f'highrelectrical resistivity z-itid corrosion resisia~ice. Corrosic~ii resistance is preferred bec:.atise o:1`tlae likelihood of cosYtact between the bearir;g-i`ood. water and. the slxe 111520, I3-iother enibodimeiits t:lie, shell 1-520 may be manut~actured. t`rotii plastic materials having 'Cl higher electrical resistivity and corrosion resista~ice properties. In these alternate embodiments the s1ie-11 1,520 may be manu~actu:red.1=rom material itieltiding but riot limited to R'tTONV-,., t'LTEW, poly~suli`one, and t'E1=*::K..
Still referring to FI(_;S. 151-1-lC., the otiter roÃor magnet 1.522 may be connected to a drivemotar 1508. This motor rotates the outer rotor magnet 1522 ec-it-sing the ii-iÃier rotor magnet tc) rotate allowing the impeller assembly 1506 to compress the:[o~.~~-.laressure steam 215 wit[iiii the cavity det`ii-ied by the upper housing) 1502 aiid Ãhe :[o~.~~er 17ousing) 1504. In the exernphary embodiment the ciri've nit3tc?r may be an electric motor. I.7:-g alternate erntat3ditlICrAs the drive may be but is not limiteci to internal conibustion or Stirling ~~igille.

St:ill. reterri~-ig to FIGS. 1:5H-K, the blower assea:nbly.1.500 rziay be cs.antis;urec1 as a two single-stage blower or a two-stage blower. In the operaÃic~ii of a two single-stage blower the iticom:i~ig low-pressure steam ~-~~oni the evaporator side o1:-tl~~
evaporator/condenser is siip131ieci to bot.li tl-ze ar-ilet:13oris oi'Ãhe two separate stages of the blower siniulÃ:aneousIy. ':I'lle tirst st~~e mav be at the bottom bet:weeii the lower housing 1504~1.1d. the inipeller assemblv 1.,506 and the ~eco:ii-d stage m.ay be at the top between the aipper lYcgaiSing 4.502 anci the inipoller ~~~enibly 1--SW As tlio impeller assembly 11,506 rotates, the incoming low-pressure steam t'ronx the inlet port 15.1.0 of botlx stages is conYpi`e~sezl s:imtiltar;ootislv and the high-pressure st~am exits from tlie outlet port 15.1.2 of the upl~or hotisi~ig 1,502 and the otitlet: port 1512 of't(xu lower hc4Lasing 1.504.
Still ret:erring to FIt3S. 15I-IrK., in cwArast the two-stage lalower has two distinct compression cycles. Dtiriii;.y t:lie. first compression cycle the l~~~-presstire st~am f'rom. t[le evaporator oCtl~~ evaporatorfc:oncienser is S PPl.ieci tO tile il-Ilet 1.514 of the lower housÃzi:;.
The compressÃ. dsteam from the first stage exits tliroaigh the oL3tlÃ. t port 1516 in the lower hoL3si~~gand is sLapp(ie~.1 to t(xu inlet ~.-~or-t 1510 of the tippur bousing 1502. This steam c_otiipressecl in the first stage is compressed again during. the second stage. After the secaild ct3rnpression cycle the ste<~rn may exit the blower ass~s-tibly :1500 thrt1tigh the outlet port 1512 of tlle iipper hoLisi~ig 1502 at an increased pressure.
For a given blower desigii, both tlie, two single-stage blower and the Ãwo¾staõ;e, blower cont'=`iguzaiions laave a unique pressure flow cLirves. 'I'hese Liirves iiicclicate that the two single-stage blower pro~.-1uces a higher flow rate of steam compared to the t-wo-stage blower that proilltces hi~7her pressure ÃIi.f-teret7t:ial. I3asetl oit the syst:etn operating differential pressure the flow rate at7r1 tlae et'tiLiet7c~y of the blower is rlepet7r1at7t c~ii Ã17e tlo =
characteristics of the blower. Depentli.n;r on. the d:ifferentia1 pressure across the blower assealbIl= 1,500, one c~01.1fiiguation z~~ay be pretorred over tlie other. In tbe exemplary er.1~.:ibodir.1~.:~ent, t(xu blower assembly 1500 has a two Sing(e-4t~~ge blower contiguratior:f, Now referring to F:ICxS, 16-16A. within t:lie, intenia1 cavity define~.~ by the upper housing 1,502 and lower housing 1504 is the impeller assenibIl= 1.600 (also itlentifed as 1.506 of FIG. lS), The i.iiipeller assembly 1.600 includeR a pluraiAy of':irylpel(er blades Oil c..ac:li side ot'the iiiit.=aelle:r 1602 anda spiiidle 1604. In the exernpIarSr ei-tib~.~tlii-ticiit the impeller 1.602 may be manufactured from RacleHk` and the imlael:ler s-pintile 1604 may be 215 manufactured t:rotzi alLitz-iiiiiii-ii. hi alternate embodiments these parts may be manufactured frc?rn materials including btrt not lir1-1ited to tit~anitlm, PPS, UI.:TF:NE'k. Otl:ter ~~iaterNals may be iised to naanufacture these parts with prefereziee that tllese materials have 17.i4.~h_.
temI.~eratu:r~.~ resistai-it properties asYd do not absorb water. In atldit.iona impeller spindle 1604 may have passages ttir the return of the bearing-feed water back to the stimp.
'I"1~~~~e passages provent t:lie, bearing-feed water trc~~~~ entering t[ie impeller buclbet:s.
Stil lre-I:erring to FIGS. 16-1 6A. the blades are designed oii eacb side of the impeller 1.602 perip}iery to prodtice a series of helical flows as tbe impeller is rotating. This flow causes the steam to repeatedly pass thrclLigh the blacies for additional ener~,~+ as the steam tlows throiigh the open annular cl~anno1. The nuznl~er oI:-blades and the bucket voliime z~~ay bo tlesi&~ed to optinxir_.e the desired flow rate and t1Yo. pres,tire diffir`rential_ The lYunYl.~ser of blades and bticket voltiiiie is inverse-ly proportional to each otl~er, t:lius increasing tlio mar.l~.:iber of blades creates hi;Fl}er presst3re. differential bL3t lower flow rate. The labyrinth grooti~es, on the oiiter l3eriplaeri of Ãhe .impellez~ 1602 prevents sieatri leakage across the 5 stages of the blower assembly 1:~00 Ãbereby increasiii(.y t:lie, blower off'ic-icnel=.
Re.l-'err:ii-ig back to FIGS lSH-K, the sI-ia#:t 1514 is attached to the upper hoatsÃzr:; 1.502 atid lower housing 1504 and is stationary. in the exemplary embodiment the shal`t. 1514 mav be m~nufactttretl i`i-oni titaniL3m, l:r:f otlier embotlinierits the shaft 1514 may be i3iaÃ-t-Lifac;tured t=~-om materials including btit not [imited to aluÃiiixitit-ti oxide, silic:on ilitri~e or 10 #ita-mit~rn, and stainless steel havisi;p c,txatisi;ps for increasimg, wear resistance and corrosion resistanceproperties. [:ii acitl:ition the shaft 1514 may have passages chann eli.tio the bear:ing..
i`eeti water to the bearings 1516.
Still referring to FIGS. 15I-trK, t[ie blower assembly 1500 in a two-stage blower c~onfiigiiration z~~ay create a downward axial thriist force. 'I'his force is generated becaiise th e 15 seLoi-zd sta~7e at tl-ze top of the ii-iipeller as;~~i-iibly 1506 is at a haomer pressu.re eonapared to the 1i.rst sta~~e that is at the bott:orii o1't[ie itnpe[ler asserzilalv .1506. In azi alternate embodiment, this thnist force rziav bo bal<ir;cec1 by an eyaial ~i-ic1 opposite ~na&M. etic torc:e created by offsetting the innor rotor z~~~gnot 1518and the outer rotor z~~~gnot 1522. 'I'his c-onti~ill-atic4n prevents excessive wear of the tbrust face of the lower pressurized water fucl.
20 t~ear i tt g 15W
Referring now to FiGS. 17-i7E, analternate regenerative blower embodiment 1700 i.sshown. This embodÃmey-it mav ÃziclaFcie azi impe(ler bousang rxRsemblv 1702, a moiititÃzrw plate 1704, and a inauiiti~ig tlc-iiigc: 1706. See FIGS. 1713a1) for cross-section views of reQeirerative blower ~~~embly'1700. See also Fl:G. 17E for arz exploded view ot`the 215 reQeirerative blower ~~~embly 1700.
Referring tiow to FIGS. 17-1 7E, the mt3unting plate 1704 c~~~~~~ects the anc?t3nting tlan4~e 1706 to the impeller housing assembly 1702. The naounting platealso provides ports that provide fluid pathways into the lower hoosing 1708 of the irsii.-~eller lxcgatsing tissernbly 1702 as shown oii FlG. 17E. In addition, the i-iioLintitrQ plate larovitle5 passages for the 30 t~earing-teed. water to exit the blower asseziiblv 1700.
Now reterr.iiq, to:FIC_i`i. 17F-.I, tlae :inipe11er hous.Ã~ig assembly 1702 r-z~ztv ar-icliiile a lower hoiisiii,.y 1708, an impeller assembly 1?10z and. ~ti upper bousing 1712. Also see FICa S. l ; I-I:-I fcgr cro,s-,s&ction viows of the impelle:r hou;in~t <issersll.~sl>> 1702, 4{D

Referring now to FICaS. 1717-I, the lower housing 1708 and Lrpper WLasill;r define ~ti interior cavitv cotitaini~ig the impeller assembly 1710. This cavitv provides a vo1time for the impeller to compress the incoming low-press Lare steam, Stearn may enter the irzipeller bous.11-Ig assembly t.hrough inlet port:s located wiÃhin the Io >er bousltig 1708 aiid the upper liousing 1712. After t.lie, low-pressure steam is compressed by tbe impeller asservibl;r 1710, t(-ze h:igh-PrCSS rest~fun may eXit thl-O 1111 O Clet POrts lOca.teci in tlle 1OWer hoL3sing 1'708 and the L3pper hot3sing 1'712. See FIGS. 1 t:l-K. for ~detail view of t.lie lower hoL3siiig 1708. liY aclrlition the lower housing 1708antl the tip~.-~er housing 1712 may be i3ianuf'ac;tured from (a-Lit ilot limited to al~imiÃitim, titanium, PPS, and ULTEN4,:1),.
Still. referring to PUS. .17F-l.> the ~ipper l:ttlusing:1712 tnay include an access cover 1714attacbed to tlle top surface of the housing. See FIG. 1 r:I__ showi:nga top view ol't[le upper housinõ 1712 with the access cover 1714 insta:lled. This cover allows i`or a.ccess to the ports located within the ul3per :Ilou5ing cover. See FIG. 17:M providing a top view o1't[ie upper hoiisiii;.y 1712 withotit the access cover 1714 installed, This view illustrates tlie, inIot and oLiÃlet ports located witl-iin ilae Lipl~er housing 1712.
Referring now to FIG. 17N. the lower housing 1.708 and the lilaper laousil7"

may, incl.ut1ea tl :.o-inpression datc:t. 1.716 ai-itl a strip plate 1718 osY
the inner SUrfaCC Ot thC
housings. 'I`hese features perl:~~~in similar functions as those ~.-lesc-r-i~~ed in the exemplary er.1~.:ibotlir.l~.:~erit of the blower assembly 1-5500.
E>ti.ei`erring now to FiCiS. 18- 1 8A., tlio i~~iier cavity defitied by the lower housing 1708 and upper housing 1712 contains t[ie impeller a ssembly 1.800 (also i~:~l~ritifi~d as 1710 of 1:'1G. 17.3. This assembly az-iav i.nclude aspilzdle 1.802 ai-ici impeller 1~avin;~., blacies.1804 as sli~.~wii ori FIGS. 1 8- l 8A. As the lowapresstare steam eÃiters the ii~~ier cavity of the impeller .Iiouying 1.702. the impeller assembly 1800 conapresses t17e steam as t17e assembly is roÃ:aied.

22 5 Still referring to Ft:GS. 18- l SA1, the drive i-iiotor provides the rotational energy to r-t?tat~.~ tli,ei.nipoller ~S04 ,iTidbl<tties. Loc,,citedb~.~tw~.~eritli,ei7:-gr.icr stiri~acetll'tl~~ spitidli allcI
theshai`t naay be bearingS -1716. Tbese bearingssupport ttie shaft and allow ttie impeller 1804 to rotat~.~ freely. The b~.~ari~-igs 1.716 mav b~.~ located near the ent1s of the spindle 1802-!n alternate embodanaenÃs of the apparatuy, :Io~.~~-.laressure steam ~~~~~ ~~e compressed tising a liquid ri~ig ptiiiip as described in U.S. Patent.,kpp1icatif~ri l'tlb. No. US
2005/0016828 Al laLiblisheti ort Jay-iuary 27, 2005 ei-itiÃleil "Pressurized Vapor Cycle Lit{tiid Distillation," the contents of'whic~ ~re, hereby incorporated by re-lerence hereiii.
LEVEL SENSOR ASSEMBLY

4.`7 Referring now to FICi. 19, the exemplary embodiment of th.k; water vapor distillation appan, ttis 1.00 may also include a level setisor asse-iiibly 1900 (also identified as 108 in FIG.
1), This assemblv mestst3ros the ar.1ic4Lant of prcultic:t and/or bIowdowr:f water produced by the apparatus 100.
Referring now to FIGS. 19-19Aõ the exemplary enibodimeiit ot Ãhe level sensor awsernbl;r 1900 mav i~ic1-L-cie a, settling tank. 1902 and level sensor houRilza, 1904. The settling tatik 1902 collects particolate carrzec.i within the blowdown water prior tk) the water entering into the blowtiowii level sensor tank 1912. The tank removes par-ticL3late from tlle blowdown water by reducing the veloc:ity of the water as it t:lows tltrougIi the tank. `F1te ,ettli.si<p tank 1902 defines an isit~.~rnal volzini:~.~. The voh3rn~ ~~~~~~~
be divided ~~carly in half bo-using a fin 190~ extending, from tlle side wall opposite tlle draizi port 1908 to c~lose proximity of the drai~i p~i-t 1908. This fiii 1905 may extend from the bottoill to tlie, top of tl~~e voI me. 1v31owdown ciiters Ãhro g :Ii the it7let port 1906 c~.liil mtist flow around the 1-:ari 1905 betbre the water z~~ay exit through the level sensing port 1910. As the bloo~~~~~~ti etiÃ:eia ii-ito the body of the vessel the velocitv c~eci-eases due to the increase in a3.~~e'a. Any part:.Ãeles .Ãn the blowdoovi7 rnay 1a11 otit of slispetisic~ii diic to t17e reductioti i.ti velocity. The settling ta:tik 1902 may I be manufactured c?Lit <~ny mater.ial having corrosion antllxeat rk-sista:ti.t properties. In the exemplary enibodi~~~ont the housing is manut~actured t`rotii 1> ADE1~~.~~. In alternate embodiments the settling tank 1902 may be mstnatfactured. from cgt(xer t1istterials 2~0 includ.ittg t3tit note limited to t:itaniuzn; copper-nickel and.
staiiiless steel.
Still ref'orring to FIGS. I 961 9Az the settling tank 1902 may have three porÃs an inlet 1.906, a, drain 1:908 azid a level SeiiRor port 1910. The i.tilet port.1.906 may be located within the top surt'et:cc. of the settling tank 1902 c-is shown Ã~~i-i FIGS. I9~~B
and may be ad,ja.cc..nt to the separating fin 1905 a~id opposite the drain port 1908. This port a:Ilows blowdo~.~~n water 215 to enter the tank. The drain port 1908 may be locaÃeil in t[ie bot-tom of the seÃÃliii4~ tank 1.902 as showri on FIGS. 1.9.A-B. The drain port 1908 provides access to the ro4~rv-ois- ttl t'aci:litate removal of l}articula:tetzoni the tank. ln the exemplary embodiment, the bc,ttona of the t.ank may, be sloped towards the drain as illustrated in F1Ci. 1 9B. The l.evel ~~i-isor port 1910 may lje locat:ecl within the top surface ot'Ãhe tank as il:ltisÃrated in FIG. 19A1 at7c1 also 30 ad~~~eaà to t:lie, separating fin 1905 btià oii the opposite side as the iiileà port 1906. rFliis port provides a t'Iu.ici l3atho.~~ay to tlae b:lowdown level 5etisor reservoi.r 1912, A t:ourth port is izot sliown in FIG, 19A. This port allows blow~:-1~~~~~i water to exit the level s~~~sor asseiiibly 1900 and ~i-iter the heat eAchanger. This port may, be located within one oi`the side walls of the upper liaIf of the settling tank. 1.902 and away from tbe iiilet port 1906.

=~8 St:ill. referrii-ig to RGS. 19-l 9A, in the oxerziplary embodirz~erit a strainer may be installed withiii the flow path after tlie, blowdown water exits t:lie, blowdown love1 seiisor resenroir 1912 vY~.1 settlin;F taiik 1902, The strainer may col(ect large laartie.u(ate while allowing blowdown water ioflo~.~~ to otlier apparatus components, '['he strainer may be manufactured frozn material ~aving) corrosion resistant properties. In t:l~~
exemplany embodÃz~~~i-it the RtraÃzier is Mar.Miac:tured from staan leRs qee l. In arldit-ion_ the filter e1emezic may, be rÃ. ~novable tk) support cleaning ofthÃ. clet~ent. The waiiier-renis}ves ~articralate fror.1~.:~ the blcgwtlown water to limit the amottÃlt of parti.culate that enters the heat excbaiigur.
Excess partictilate in the blf~~~~~do~~~~a water may ca-Lise the i.nner tLibe5 of t;lic 1~eaà exchanger to c1og with scale and ;edii-tietit red-ucing the i1-1-ici~.~ncy oftb~.~
l:teat eYchant~er. In addition, particulate t~~ay protltice blockage preventing the flow of l:ilowdoNa~l water tilrou4.~h theheat exchanger.
Stil l referring to FIGS. 19-1 9:'4. the sett:la~-ig tank 1.902 is in 1lLiid connection wit[i the level sonsor hotising 1904. This housing may 1~~ve, three intorior resen~,oirs including biit not l.i.riaiteil to a blowilowii level sensor reservoir .191 . a ptoÃIiicÃ
level sei-zsor re5ervo.Ãt 1914; and a beari.tig feedw~.~~atez-reservoir 1916. `l"be blowrloovi7 level sensor reservoir .1.912 is independent of the other reservoirs to prevent contaanination from.
mixin.~,~ the proclLic:t water witli tlie blowdown water. 'I'he level seiisor housing 1904 may ~~e, manufactured otit any materistl having corrosion vY~.1 beat resistant properties. In the exemplary embodiment the hoiisin(y is manufactu:red. from RADElt:~'. in other embodiments the housi~ig mav l~e, manufactured from other materials inclu~.-ling) but not limited to titanium, copper-nickel and stainlessstee(. In otlier embodinaents the hous.Ãng may beshapec1 dif~erezitly with preference thaà the ball float may have a range of inavemc..nt of 45 degrees and dtari~ig this movement there is a co.tistz-itit cl~~ange.in volurne of t[ie flltid level.
22 5 Still refez'z-an~ to Ft:GS. 19 l9A1, withiit the level sensor housing 1904 there is a blowdc~~vn level sensor reservoir 1.912. This reservc?ir- i4 in #lziid connection with the settling tank 1902 throuoh measuring port 1910 located witliiii the top surface of the tank 1902. The reservoir provides a location where the rate of blowdown water ~~nerated by theapparatt~s mav be meastired usim, a level sensor 1918. As the blowdc~~~~ii water t~l"ls the set:tli~~4.~ iank, some of that water tlows through the measuring port 1910 itito the l;ilowdowti level sensor reservoir 1.912. In cs,dilit::ioti, a vei-zt l?orÃ: 1923 r-na3:y be IocateÃI
within the top of the re;~ervoir.
This port allows air to escape the reservoir allowing blowdown water to fill the eavity. The voltÃ~ne of the resemoir tntist be sufficient to maisxtain a. level of wator.
1-fotrsings having too stiiall voltim~ may qttickly fill atid d:rain adversely affecting the fiitiction of the level ,ensor,. In c ont:rast. reservoirs harino a large roIatnle. tziav li.ave sIowo:r level sensor response times due to the sniali tluid. level licight: changes tor a ;.Yiven increase or decrease in vo1ttme. A (arger vcglume may'also dampen otit the any flticttlatioiis in t.l-ic water 1eveI
prodiic:.ed by the operation of t[le apparatus.
Still referring to FIGS. I 9-1911., the product level sensor reservoir 1914 may be located next to the blowri''':owii level ~ensor reservoir 1.912. The prociuct level reservoir 191.4 has an intet port 1920 and an oaitlet port 1921 ProdL3et water enters the reservoir throttgli the inlet port 1920 and exits the reservoir through the cgattlet port 1.922.
The oL3ilut port 1922 i3aay be loc:at~d below the [ow eild ineasurement point of t1ae level 5ei15or to i.mpÃ-ove flow of water unt of'tI:~e reservoir. Sirn:ilar1y, tho i.n1~.~t port 1920 a~~~ay be located below the 1od~~ ~iitl ineasurement poiiit: of the 1evel sensor to in:in.inaize disr~iptioti caused bv the i~~~onai:110 water.
In t~~~ exemplary embodiment t~ie, irilet port 1920 and outlet port 1922 are located on the side of ÃI7e level sensor hotisiii;.s 1904 as shown in:[tIC=i. 19A. This resen~oir provides a sI~~ce, for measuring the rate of prodtiet: bei~ig generated by the apparatus.
i'aaddition, a veiit port 1923 may be located within the top of tlae reservoir. 'I'his port allows air Ã:o escape the reservoir allowing product water to fill the cavity.

1914 is iri t7aid Sti.ll reforring _, to I IGS. 19- I 9Aa the prociLict 1~ve1 Sot~sor reservoir connection wit:li the bearing feed-water resenvoir 1916. Ati external port 1.924 provides a fltiici pathway fcgr the pi-o(ILac:t water to flow bet~~~~eeii the t.-~rociL3et level sensor reservoir 1914 and the 1~~arin), feed-water re~ervoir 191.6 shown on FICi. I 9C;. Ilrodtict water enters the t~eari~ig ~~~~-water reservoir 1.916 throiigh the extemal port 1924. in addit:ionz the bearing feeri''':,-water reservoir 1.916 has asupp1y pott 1926 and a returti port 1928 shown Oil I:'ICf.
I9C. The supply port 1926 ~.=ar~.~vidc:s a tltiid pathway to 1tibricaÃe the 6c..arings witllil-I thc:.
~~~~enerative blower ~~~embly. Similarly, a reÃtirii port: 1928 provides a flLiati paÃI7~.~ay:t r 22 5 the t3i-odtict water to return t:rom[ubricating the beari~-igs o1'tlae regenerat:.i~~e blower <rssernbtv. The supply and return ports rnav be located on tho side of the level. 4onsc?r housing ~~~~~ ~~ showii in FIG. 19C:".

St:ill. reI=erri~-ig to FIGS. 19-l 9A, to monitor the tia:nount oI'product water within the bear.in~..'; t`eed-waier reservoir 1.916 an optical Ieve:[ ;~~i-iaor may be installed. In the exemt3lary.
eznbodiz~~ent, the optical level sensor may be located at approximately ?r'3 [ieight ill tbe beari.ag t~edrwaÃ:er reservoir~ 1916. 'I'tris sensor senses wI~~~i water .is presetià w:itlain the reservoir in~.-~icati.tv, that t:~ie-re is sufficient water to ltibricate the bearitigs. The seiisor z~~ay bo installed by threading the sensor into the Iovel ~~~i-iSo:r hou;i:ng 1904.
The Set~sormay include, an o6ri~ig to provide a wator=t:ight seal. in other embo~:-~imetit:s the seiisor may be, but is not litziited. to conductance serisor, t1oat switches, capacitance sensors, or ~i-i ultrasonic sensor.
Refurriiig now to FIGS. 19D-F, aii a1tertYate level sensor hc4Lasing 1930 having tw-o re5~rvoirs .as sbmw7. Withii7 the level sensor boLisii-ig 1930 t[icre is a b1owrloovi7 level sensor reservoir .1.932. This resenoir is similar to a~id perf'c~rnis t.lie, same functionas the previously described blowdown ~~~~ervoir 191.2 w:itEnn the (~-vel sensor I:~ousÃn:;.1904. 1n contrast, the product level sensor reservoir 1934 ~iow contains prodtict water to fi~ed the bearings of the i-egeiierative blower. The bearing feed-water reservoi_t-1916 of level ser:f4or liousi.116,1904 is eIiminatecl fic~iii t[ii~ conl,igmation. InStead, pi'ocltict water is withdrflwn fi-oni. the product level sirisor reservoir to supply water:{-t3r the regenerative blower.
Still relerrzng .,Ão RtsS. 19D-l,-, the product level sensor reservoir 1934 may :have an inlet port 1935, aii oiitlet port -1f)3faw a returii port -1938 aiitl a supply port 1940, '['he iiilet port 1935 allows proti~ict water to ~i-iter the reservoir. Similarlv, the oLiÃletlaort 1936 provides a tluid pathway for prodticx water to leave the liousill,.Y.
I'~irthermore, t[le supply port 1940 allows prodiict water to leave the reservoir to lubricate the bearar-igs o.f'tl-ze reQeiierative blower. After 13assitiQ through the bearings o1'tlic regenerative blower, product water intiv, re-o:ti.ter the pro(ltict 1eve1. sO-11.SOr hC?LIsing thrOLaL,141 the return port 1938. These ports may be 1ocated any wliere, in t:lie, liotisi~ig, btià locating the stilaply, lport 1940 and the retLam port 1938 near the bottoni of the boLising may limit any adverse effect on the function of t:lie, 1ove1 seiisor.
I>ti.el`orri~ig now to FiCS. 19Cx¾H., a sensor 1942 may be positioiied oti t[ie outside o1=-tl:ie level sensor housing 1304 tc) receive ilzpaFt firom tl:ie level sensor assembly 1918. '[_>pozi reec:iviiig iÃiput from tlle level selisor assembly, 1918 tlie sensor 1942 may sigÃiaI that tl-te water leve:[ in the tank is within a particular range or at. a particular level, in Ã17e ea.emplary ''~ emborli~~~~i-it the sensor may be a cotifiritious analogue sensor. '1his type ot'~~i-isor provides continuous 1'eetil~ack. as to the positi~~ii of the level sensor asserribly 1918. WheTi the magneÃs, within the level sensors change ttieirposit:ion, a change in Volt"lge OCcLirs ttiat is Measur~.~tl and tiset1 to determine the location of the sesxsor. Other etzihotl:iments may include, bLit ai-e tiot: limited to a hall setisor or reed switch. :[tIC=i. 191{
il:[tisÃrate;~ ~~i-ie possib:[e alternat~ embodiment t'or a level seasor assenibly i~icliidi~ig a set of tloat: magnets 1944 and position r-na3:grieÃ:s 1946. 'I'he positioi-z z~~~gnrets 1946 are aÃÃaclaeil to the side of the level sensor hotisititw 1904.

Now reterrin~,~ to FlrS. 20-20A, witlxin the blowclown level sk;n,or reservoir and tbe pro~:-1ticà level sonsor reservoir 1.914 are level sensors 2000 (also identit-~edas .1918 of F, I.C`~S. 19A and 19E-.). Tho,e son;ors rziav inelatcie a base 2002, ari arni 2004, and. a float baIl 2006, 10021 Refurriiig still to FIG& 20-220A, the exemplary embodiment of the level sensors 2000 may inciude a base 2002 supporting the artzi 2004 and t[ie tl.oat bail 2006. 'I"he assembly also includes vvr~o magpaets (not showii). 'I'lae base is connected to the arin atad float iaa.(1 assembly and the assembly pixots o~-i asmall diameteramal (zitat shown). In addition the base 2002 holds two raaag.,~net.S. These mag;nÃ. tS are located 180 degrees from one anotber vYd are locatetl on face of't(xu base 2002antl paraIlel to the piva 1ia ati-diticgia, t1aeÃ-e magnets.may 13e posiÃiox~ed coaxially to t[ic pivot poiiat witlaiÃa the base 2002. :111 the ~.~xetnplary etntat3dit~~ient tI:~eniagnets may be cylinder ra~~~gn~.~is I:~avingan axial ta3agI]et#7a:t#o11 direction.
Referring still to FIGS. 20_20Aw the level sensors 2000 measure the rotation of tlie, arm,and ball assembly witla respect to the pivot. Ii-i the e:a.emp:[~r~,,f embÃadiia~~in, tl~~e max.imttm angle of displacement is 45 degrees. in this eiiibodimeiat t[ie level ~onsors are, installed to }a~eveiat tlae float ba.ll 2006 .f-rÃam being positÃoiied directly (aeloiv the pivot. In other embodin~enÃs the maxitziLitzi angle of d.ia}alaceiaietit iaaav be as large as 80 degrees. The Set~sor may monitor the:tna&mets through tlxo. wall of the hcatisiiag. This contigtÃi-<ition allows the seiasors taot to be exposed. to corrosive blowdown water atad to seal the level sensor boLising, The base may, be manufactured ti-cgniany material having corrosion resistaiat heat resistant and taon-ma;.~netic. properties. In the exeniplary enibodimeiat t[ie base 2002 is manufactured from C i t3 ialastic.. ha alternate embodiments the base. 2002 may be inanuCactcI:Veci fi-om other materials ÃziclaFCi:i~-ig but zitat limited to :R_ADl t. ',A,', ti.tanaim, coPper-iiiekel and fiberglass laminate.
Still referring to l: t:GS. 20r20A1, attached Ã:c) t[ie base 2002 is ati artzi 2004. The arni 215 2004 cÃatiiaecta the base 2002 with the float ba11 2006. In the exeiaiplary elaalaodin~ent the <arna 20041s traanuf<actt3r~.~ti of Cf 1Ãi plastic traateria1. Otb~.~rn$~i:ter-ial4 m,,tvbetisecito manufacture tlie arin 2004 witla preference that those materials 1~ave sufficient hi4.~h temperature resistaiat properties. Other materials may inelatcle, bL3t ar~.~
Ia0t linYitCd tO
staitiless steel, lalastic, RADE:t__;R.), titana~~rn, and cop}aer-iaickel.
"['be length o1't[ie arra.ia ;.yoverne~.-l bv tbe size ol:-tlae level sensor reservoirs. In addition, the exemplary embodiment h,a5 a plarality ot'cs.}aertures located alont.~ and perpendicular to the arm's longitudinal axis.
These, aiaerti~~~s rediice tbe weig:lit of'tlae armand allow t:lie, arzn to be more setasitive, to level ci~~~~ges.

~2 St:ill. reterrii-ig to RGS. 20-20A, affixed to the other en(i of the arm. 2004 is afloat ball 2006. T1ie float ba1l 2006 provides surface area for tlio flow of water to contact. The forces applied to the float ball 2006 by the water c~~~se the level s~~~sor assembly 2000 to pi~~oà aboiit the small dianieÃ:er shaft. ':I'h.is change in t3oaiti~~i-i of the arm will indicate the amount of water in the apparatus. The t'loat ball may be manufactii:red. from a~iv material havÃn:; corrowiotz ~i-ici therma1resiRtaiit Propert-ies. fn addition, the material pret~embl;r baw a low rate. of w-ater absorpt:ion. In the exemplary embodiment the float ball is a~~nufactured fror.1~.:~ hollow stainless ste-el. Fc4r applic:sttions where the sc4Larce water is highly c:onc:entratetl, 5tic:b as sea waÃer, the float (aall 2006 Ãixav be manuh, cti-tred fii-oÃii any-:[liOiIy corrosion resistant material isich3ding taL3t siot limited to plastic, titanim~~i and cc?pp ~.~r-nicI:el..
kirthemaore, the float ball 2006 is preferably of the proper size to be positioned w:ithi:ii the level seiisor hoii.siiiLy 1904, strcii that the t~oaà is capable of freelv inoving,. In addition, the size of the:tlc~at ba11 2006 is governed by the size oftlae level sensor r~~ervoi.rs.
Referring now to t; IG4. 2 1 -211 A, contiected to t:lie, supply port 1926 of tile bearing feed-water reser~~o.i~~ 1916 rna.v be a bearing feeil--wa.ier piiÃ-iip 2100 (also identified as ~110 c~ii FIGS. l w 1 A}. `!`be ia~imp 2100 enables the prodlict water Ã:c) flow from the ~earitiQ feed-water roservoir 19l#~3 to the reaesYerat1ve blower. I:ti the exemplary imbozl:tmesYt, the tl.ow rate is 60 mlitnin wit:li a pr~~sure, ranging from 2 psi to 2-1'4 psi. A~iv ty-pe of puz~ip mav 1,~~
~~sed witli preference that the piti-np c:aiY st.ipply a st3ffic:ient qLawtntity of water to maintain the proper lubricating flow to the bearin(ys wit[iin the regenerative blower, in additionz the puttip 2100 preferably is beat resistant to witlistand the high temperature of the surrounding environment ~i-iii of the I:rig:i-temperature product water passing through the 1-itimp. In the c:.xemp1~~ry eÃiitiodimeiit the bearing feed.=water pun1p 110 is a GOTEC
liiiear positive dist3lacemei-zt ptimp, model nunaber f;1'1-50-V:[('. ln alternate embodirnetits, other pu.t-iip 215 t.vpes sucla as a c,~tAriftigal ptimp may be Li;~ed witla preference that the piit-iip is capab:[e ot.' CONTRl7LS
"I'he apparati~~ may also include a control maiiitold. ~avinga plurality of coiitrol valves for the different water flow paths. f~>pi.~.a1I~>, this i~anifc~lcl r#~za~~ include a~:c~ntrc~l valve WiÃh.an the ifflet pipitrQ for the source water Ãc) Lontrols the amou.tit of water that ~i-iters the apparatus. At excessive pressu:res the control valve cotild fail to open or ~~ic~ open may fa.il to close thtiw a re-iilator rnav be ÃziclaFcieci in i.nlet pipintf to ~~etailaie the preRstire of the sotÃ:r-ce watÃ. r-.
Similarly, the mani.tol~.l mayalscg inclutl~~ ~~ control valve within the outlet piping carÃyiÃit) blowdowÃi water out ol`the apparatus. This valve ~iia.v allow the operator to coiitrol the anic3unt cli'biowfiowri water 1eaving, the ~~~~p~aratus.
'I'lle control naanil`oId mayalso include a control valve wit[iiii ttie oirÃ:Iet piping for the product water. This valve may allow the operator to coiitrol the an~outit of product water leaving t17e apparat-Lis. _!n tl~~ exeml3lar;~~ embodament, there is oiie control val.vefor eacb section of outlet piping. Similarly, the apparatus i~icliid~~ a vent valve to release `.fa~eolis cor-npouncis.f-rom tl-z~ evaporator:conile.~~~er. ver-it valve rnainta.Ãns operating conccliÃiotis of the apparatus by vetiÃ:i~~g off small amou.tits of steam.
R.e:[easing steam pr~~~~i-its tho apparatus from. overheating. Similarly, releasing steam also prevents the buildtip of contlsoun~.-ls in t.l~e, cc~~ideiiser space that mav prevent the apparatiis from l'`unctioning.
Typically, tlio control valves may be same tvpe. in the exemplarv embodiment, t:l~e, controls are solenoid t~~~~e, valves Series 4BKR manufactured from SPARTAN
S~. IE:hTlF1C, Boardman, Ohio 44513), model n timt~er 9k4 B KR -5 5 72) :34-002. fnalternate c.nibodime:nts, the controls may be 1~~tit are iiÃ~~t limited to proportiona1'. valves. The Control valves are el.ectron.ical[v ol)erated uaim, an electrical input of zero tc) t~~~e vo:[Ã-..
Moreover, the apparatus may include a backpress Lire regulator as described in UT.S.
Patent ,,AI)pl.ic~ttioii.P'tibl.ie~ttiosi No. US 200-5/0 194048 A.1 pzibiisheti on September 8, 200-i entitled"1:-3,ickpre~,qure _[Z_e<,ul,itor," the cm.itents o#:-which are lierebv incorporated bv refi'renc:~~ herein.
'I'he water vapor distillation apparatus rnav include a voltage regulator.
'I'vpically.
the apparatus may receive singlejshase power provided f'rom a traditional wall otitlet.. In Ott-ier counÃrie5, however, tt-ie voltage z~~,-ry ditfer. 'I o accoLitit for t.li.is eliffer-ey-ice in voltage, a voltage regulator may be iticlu~.-1e~.-l in the apparatus to ensure, the proper t~;~~ae of ~~c~lta:.~~~ i~
,aippli.e-d to the electrical c:orz~ponentS of ilxo. apparatus.

;4 In adtlition. a battery may tae incltidecl withisY the system to provicie electrical ener~,~y to the apparatus, Wl~~~~ ~~ectrical energy, is stipp1ied from a battery t[ie ap paratus will preferably include an e(ectric:al inverter to change incoming e1ec:t.rie.ity from direc.:t c.Lirreiit to alternating current. in other ernbodi~~~~enÃ:s, the apt3arat s may ~ecei~~e eIectrica:l etiergz t:rorn a Stirling and iiiternal combustion en,.~ine. 7I'hese embodiments may also recluire ati electrical i.nverter. In otl:~er emboci:irnentR, tl:~e apparatus rnay i.nclude a boos't loop to iticr-ease the amount of voltage supplied to the apparattis to power t.lie electrical cotxiponents.
METHOD OF DISTILLING WATER
Also disclosed herein is a method of watei' vapor distÃllatiail inc:ludiniw the steps of straining the St?tll"f;e water, heating the Sol1rf;e water t#.51ng<3 heat eYcht7t3geI', tt'aI34ft)ITt`1#.Ilg the source Water into :lc,w-pressurest~ana, reniovi:tio water from the sotirce vapor tc, create dry low-pressure stvaFn, conspressing the diy low-pressure steam itito high-pressure steam, and condensing the high-pressure steam itiÃc) product w"at:er.
ReI:erring now to FIGS. 22'2A, sotirce water is ~ontaminat~d water that is t.rans-I:orniee:l into a: vapor anil later condenses ar-ito clean and pure water called, product water. FI:C, 22 illustrates the sotirce water fluid pat[is witlaiii the apparatlty disclosed previotisly. The sotirce water enters the apparatus through aiY :inlet tube connected to the heat exchanger as illustrated in FlG, 21A. Typically, a p~~~vp may be iiistalle~.-~ to catise t:lie.
sotirce water to flow throtig(x the inIet tttbe into the heat exchanger.
Within the inlet tt.~be there ma1= be a straitier 2202 installecl betA.veea where the sotirc~e water eiiters the tiibe aiid the connecti~~i with tlio heat exchanger, see F1G, 21A. In other embodiments, a regtilator 2204 ina;r be posÃti.o~~~d witlun tl:~e :ii-ilet tiibe to regiilate the flow of'the so-L-rc:e water i.lito thc: apparattis. Similarlyr, in one e.m6odimeÃit, c-i vaIve 2206 may be positioned withiii thc:
iii:lei Ãube to isolate the apparatus frotzi the water ycxirce.
22 5 IZefiezr.ing st-il:l to Ft:G& 22 '2A1, in olaera:Ã:ioti, soltree water passes through a strainer 2202 to I'oi'nC?v~ larg~.` I:s<ll'#"1C'f1I<lt~.`s. Tl:1L'S~.` l"<3rg~.`
I:s<ll'#"1C'f1I<lt~.~4 IYt<1y adversely a~fect the operation of the apparatus, by c~Iogging the fiflet and blowdowzi va1~~~s, or ttie iiizier tzi~~~ of the heat exchanger. In addition, partictilate may, be d~positecl onto the tL3b~.'s oI'the evaporator/condenser reducing the el-ficieticy o1't[ie apparatus. hi tt7e exemplary embodimerit the strainer 2202 is located before t[ie control valves. In other embodiments tl:w strainer may be positioned before the inlet pu.riap (tioÃ: shown}, In the exemp:lary embodiment the strainer 2202 has ~ 50 m:ic-r~~i user-cleaner unit. ]n alternate eiiibodimeiits the apparatLis tziay :ii-ot ii-ic:ltÃtl'':e. a sti-<i.iner 2202. After the sotirce water passes through the strainer 2202, t~~o water oriters the heat excbanõ~er 22ÃI8.

;-;
Referring, now to FICi. 22B, z3pOIY entering the heat exchanger 2208, the source water may fill the ozzter tzz.l~e of the heat. exchanger 2208. in t[ie exemplary embodiment, t:lle, [in, t exS:ha.m?'e:r is a C'.C)l3nC~.'.L'-floL~~ tt#be-111-tube heat e:SC:II'rlll<'E'.r. The sotirce water enters the heat exchazi;,;er ,-tà ~ipproximaÃeIv~i.iabiezit t:emperaizire. Conversely, tile producà andb:lo~.~~down water enter the heat exchan~er having tez~~peraÃz~r~ gz ~aÃer t[iaz~ ambient.
'I`kze sozzrc~e water ezicers tl-ze heat exctzarz4~er .~z c~z~ze ez~ci a.z~.~. the l~z~c~~lazc~t az~ci (~lc~y~~~cit~~~>r~ water ez~te.r the 1~ea~t exchangÃ. r- 4zt the opposite end. As the soz3r~e water flows throzÃgh the licat exchanger the hi.;->l:f thermal ener9y ~af`thz;~ i~r~c4~lzzc~t ar.~t~ blowdown water is c:~c4n~lzzcx~~~.l outwardly ~-oz~ the inner tzil~~s of the lieat exchanger to tlic 5oz:zrc;e water. Tltis increase in the temperature of the sc?t3rz'..c x-vater enables the water to znt3r~.~ efficiently change irzto steanz in the evaporatorr.
~ondenser .
Referring now to FIGS. 22C-D, oziee the sotirce water passes Ãl-irozzrli the cozzziter-t7.ow tlzbe-in-tzibe 17eai exchanger, the water exits the heat exchanger and enters Ã17e regenerative blower motor coolizi;.y lools. Dtzrizi,.y open, t:ionz the regenerative blower motor 2210 creates thermal energy. 'I`I-zis thermal erzer~gy az-izisi l~e rer-noveil froÃ-zi blower f.z-zo#or 2210 for Ã:17e blower to uperaie properly. As the sozirce water passes through Ã17e blower niotzgr cooling loop the thezmal energ, ,y created b>> the blower motor is transferred to the sotirce water. The heat transfer allows t:lie, blower motor to znaintain a lower operating temperature and raises the temperature of the source water. The higher temperattzre of the sotirce water increases t:lie, efficiezicy of t[ie apparatus, becaz.zse. less eztezgy is reqtiired to prod zz,ce t:lie, phase cl~ange, of t:lie, so zzrce water to a vapor. 'I'he sour~e water leaves tbe re~.,~er:zezat:ive blower motor coolin~ loo~~
ez~zterstl~eeL~.~~~c~:z~~izor;~~szzciez~ser through the szi~-z~l~
2212, illustrated in FIG, '?~~?.E
Re:fezz.ing now to FIt~3S. '3-23A, also presetià in the apparatus is_Ilighly concentra:Ãed 22 5 sozzrce water, called blowdmw7 water. '~I'h.is water.removes particulate liom the apparatus to prevent sca1i7-zg on the tubes of'tl:te ivapt?nator:~'~~~~idesisir-. This fluid may corztain arzs Wrz-vc,latile cc,nt~ininants that were present in the soLzrce water. These contam:imant~ Inay inelatcle bzit tsre not litnited. to be scale frotzi fcgatl.an.ts, I~eavymetals or organic compounds.
Specitically, these t`ozzlants rnay inLlude bzià ziot lim.ited to c:.alciziz-zi eziz=boizaie, magnesium carbonate In addition, blowdowzi water transfers t:hermal energy to th. e sotirce water when p,a5sin4.~ through the hea.i exclzanger. FIG. 23 shows tl:ze b:lowdown water fluid 1?atl:zs w.iihin the aplsarat~~s disclosed previoz.zsly. The tilowdowzi water is c-oIlected iti the steam chest 2302 as shown in FIG. 2:3A.. As the l.z.gW-PrOSSz3r0. Water Vapor PaSS
throzzah the steam chest 2302, water d.roplets are separated trom t[ie water vapor. "I'hose droplets acc-zztiizz1ate, in tlxo bottoni of the steam chest 2302 ant1 are added to the existing blos~~down. water. As the 1eve1 of bl~~~down water iticre-a ses, the water ex its the steam c h est 2302 t:li ro U(Y:1~
Tt}rc4Lagh this port, t(xe blowdown water leaves the stearn chest 2302 and-enters the level a~~~sorIiou5itw 2304, iltltst-raied in FI(_,. 23:'4.
Referring now to FIGS. ~')B=(', the blowdt~~~~i water etiter-, the level sensor housing 2304 azid t7illR thesetÃIing tank 2306. As the blowdc~xvn water pasRes, through the settl.Ãr.IC, t~~ik 2306 particulate witbin the water settles tk) the bottoÃ~i of the tank aild ihL3s separating the water ti-orsi the parricatlate. Separating t(xu particulate from t~~e water prevents the particulate from entering the heat exchanger. 'I'he Ileat exchanger ~iiav be adversely affected by the pi-e,ence tlt'~~articulate M the water. Rarticuhate may collect in the inner tubes of the heat . .,. . e~.~.h~f~ger c~:1~s~:~~._ tile heat e~.c~~a~~~~er to have a:
lower ei~#:s~:zency Partic~itaÃe may reduce ~~ow of blowdown fliroiigh the ii-iiier txi6es reduc-iiig tl~e, amount of therma l energy capable of be.ing transferred to the soLirce water. hi some inyÃ:~i-iees, the col1ecti~~i-i ot.' particulate may pro~.-1~~~~ a bloekage, witliin the inner tubes preventing the tlow of blowdowil water ti-zrc~~ig1i tlae heat exchanger. Aa blowdown water t"ills the settling taii:1,:. 2306, the water may also fill the blowdown level sciisor reservoir 2308; illustrated in F1C.
23t;.

Refe:rrin.~.r now to FIGS, 2>I3-G, opon. exiting the level sensor housing 2304a the bl~~~~own water may pass thrc~ugb a strainer 231.0 before entering t:lie. 1in, t exchanger 231.2 shown oii FIG, '? 3E. The strainer 2310 removes partic;Lilat~~s within the blowciown water that remain after flowing through ttio settling tank 2306 ofÃhe level setisor hotising 2304.
Removing particulates from tbe blowdown water re~.-1tices particulate btiild-tip in the heat exchan4.~~~~ ~i-ici valves within t(-z~ syst~rn. The blow down water enters the heat excI~ian4.~er 2312 fi11i Ã~~i-tc: of the iÃiner tti.beS as shÃ~~wii in FIG. 23E. The water fillS thc.heat exclianger 2:.~1 2 as showti.in FIG. ''3F. As t[ie b1owdoo~~~i water passes tlaroLigh the heat exclaanger, 22 5 thermal energy is coiicclLiLted fi-om Ã:t7e higher Ãei-ii}~erat-~~~e blowdown water to Ãt7e lower t~rnp~.~ratur-e sc~~irce water through the tzibe containing the blowdown water. The bIc?wdowii water exits tlie heat excharioer :iliiistraÃetl oti lAG. 23G. After leaving the lleat exchanger, blowclown fluid nx~~~ pass throtigh a nxixit~g casY 2314 to prez>esxt steam beirig release(i from the aplaaraÃus a persoi-i or adjacetià object. Steam may be periodicallv veiited. from the condenser space to maintain the apparatus energ~~= balance.
Similarly, gaseous vapors te.a., volat:ile c~rgart:ie. compounel.s, airli-iitist be purged frorz-i the coiiel.eiiser si~~ce, to maintain proper operation of tbe apparatus. Bot:li the steam and gaseous vapors ~te, roleaset1 into the mixing c:~i-i 2314 having low-timperattÃro blowdown water.
BV mixitig the steazn into the blowdown water the steam condenses allowing for steam to tie, released safely. hY other ernbotii:tnentsa there ~nay be a valve positioried in tlxo.
tubing con:sx tino the [ieat: exchang~~ 231.2 ant.-1 mixing ca~i 2314 to isolate t:l~e, mixing can ~-~~om the apparatus or sictiust the flow rate of the blowdown water exiting t(xu ai~paratus-1Zeterri.n4.~ tio _ to FICsS. 24r24A, product water is t~~~~ryieii wheri_[lig:[i-laressure st:eatzi condenses when contacting the outer surface of the tubes witbin the evaporator,"c~ond.eriser.
FICi. 24 Rltows, flie product water flati.d paths with:iit the apparatus discIowed previotisly. The prodtÃct w-ater is created in the evaporator/condenser 2402 as shs}wii in FIG.
24A. As t.lie hi.g.l:f-press Lare steam condenses against the outer sL3rfac:e oftl}e tubes of't(xu e~~aporatoÃ-:'coiideiiseÃ- .ff)rÃii.iiliw water droplets. These drcyplets a.ccutnulate in the bottoln of the evaporatc3r!cclnfienser 2402 creatirig product wat~.~r. As the level of'protiuct water increases, the Wate:r exits the evaporator: eonclense:r 2402 through a port and enters the level sensor liousing 2404w illustrated in FIG. 24A.
Referring tio _ to FIGS. ?413w~24E, t:17e laroti~ict water ~~~iav enter the level set7sor housing 2404 through a port connected to t[ie product level seasor reservoir 2406 shown on FIG. 24B. 'I`I-zis reservoir collects ii-icoai-iÃii~' proel.LiLt water and r-z-te<isLires the aÃ-~ioiii-zt of water created by Ã:17e apparat-Lis. 'I'he water exits the product level sensor resertioi.r 2406 ~~~d entors the he<it exchanger 2408 illUst:rated in FIG. 24C. While passing throtÃ~.sh the heat exchanger 2408, the high-temperature product water traristers tlter~ial energy to the low-temperature source water throL3gb the inner tubes of the beat exchanger 2408, FIci. 24D
illustrates tl~o prod ii ct water passi~i(y throutwb the heat exchanger 2408.
After passing through the heat excbanger 2408, the product water exits tbe apparatus as illustrated in FIG.
241:.. In the exemp1anr embodi.~~~~i-it the apparatus mav ÃziclaFcie a proci C
t-Ciivert valve 2410 and prodtact valve 2412. The product vc-iIve 2412 allows the operator to acljust the flow, rate of prodticà water [~av i.ng Ã17e apparaÃus. Ty~p.aeally, the once t[ie zeyervoir is 50 percent faIl, 22 5 t.hei7 the prodiicÃ: valve 2412 is cycled such that Ã:17e amou.tiÃ
ot'waier entering the reservoi.r is equal to the amorrsit leaving the reservoir. I3uringinitial start-up of the s`-steni the:{-irst several minutes of production the product water produced is rejected as waste by openiii4~
the prs.aduc:t-t1iz~ert valve 2410. i~~-ice it has been d~.~termi:t~edthat the prodtict is of sufficient quality Ã17e prod uct-divert valve 2410 closes and the product valve .2412 begills operation.
R~~orri~ig now to FiGS. 24F-24H, as product water fills the pro~.~lticÃ1eveI
sonsor reservoir 2406, water naay also enter tl-ze bearing feed-water reservoir 2410.
`T'l~e bearill4.~
feed-water reservoir 2410 collects iticomititw prodtict: water t'or Itibricating the bearings within the regenerative blower 2412. Prodtic t water exits the bearing feed-water t~i-ik 2410 and may enter a ptiiiip 241.4 as sliown in F:[G. 24C. The ptitiip 2414 moves the product water to the :rogenerativo blower. After leaving tho pLirzip 24:1.4, the prot1tict water enters the reaeneratiti=e blower 2412 il:lustrated on FICi. 24H:, Refurriiig now to FIGS. 24H-214l> tilac~n entering the blower 2412, the prod.tie.t water provides lubricat.ion between the beari~~~~~ ~~-id the shaft of the blower.
After exiting the regenerative blower 2412z the prt~~~ict water z~~ay re-enter the level sensor liousing 2404 throua,h the bearÃzrw feerl,-water reservoir 2410. see F1:C=r. 241.
Now referring to F1CS. 25-25C, to support the t'1ow s}f t~e water throL3glioait the apparatus vent paths may be provided. These paths stipport the flow of the water throu9h tl~~ app~rf'Itus by reniovÃxtg air or 5tea~ii ftotii t;[ic apparaÃtis. The vent paths are s1-towii in FIG. 25. FIG. 25A illustrates a vent path frc?an tb~.~ bl.owdodvn level sensor reservoir 2502 to the steam chest 2504 o#:-ttie evaporator/condenser 2t'i08. This patll allows air wittiin tlle reservoir to exit allowhiL,. more, C_~1owdown water to eiiter the reservoir, Similarly,. i"1G. 21513 ill stratey a vet7t path [-'rom the l3rod c,Ã [evel seiisor reservoir 2506 tc) the e~~aporator:`corideriser 2508. This patb allows air within tbe reservoir to exit allowilitw product water to er-iter it-ie reservoir. Fina3:l1y, FIG. 25C sI-z~~~~~s a vei-zt path t:roi-ii tl:~e coiiccleiiser area of the evaporaÃor.'condenyer 2508 to allow air within Ã:17e apparatLis to exit the apparatus to the surrO Landir;g atinosphere thro tÃ;rh a nxix it~g casx 2510. YnadditiosY, tlxi;
verit pat:li assists witli maintaining t:lie, appan, ttis' eqiiilibrium by venting small quantities of stear.1~.:~ from the apparatus.
R~~orring, now to FIG. 26; in operation, sotirc~e water ciiters the stlnip 2602 of tbe ~v,t~sorator,,"c~~t.id.~t.iser'?608 in the manner describe~.~ in F:1CxS. 22-22E. When sour~e, water init.iallt~ ~i-iterR the sump 2602, acicÃt-iona1 tl:~ermal ciierw~~ may i~etrr~.~~.si~erreci tt~ tl:le water uSin<_x a he:atiÃ~g clc..meiit. Typicallyw thc: heatiiig ele:iiie.iit ~~~ay bc: usetl dt:triiig initial tip ot`the water ~~apor distillation apparatus. C)tl~~~Avise the heater will trot typically be iiyed.
215 As the ~rnoutit ot.'souree water in the surzip.increases, Ã:17e water flows oLit o1't[ie au.riii~ ~~-id into tI:ie #L3b~.`s 2604 of'tl:te evapc?Tator:~'~~~~ide7:-gsir- through ports withi~ia p1ate 2606 positit3n ~.~ti bettveen tl~~ ~~imp 2602 and tl~~ evi:1}or~,itorr"c.ofitlef.iser 2608, illustrated in FIG. 26. During initial start:-tip of the apparatus, the evaporator ~ection. of'tlxe evtips.arator/corideri.;;er 2608 is flooded wiÃ:l7 you.rc~ water titiÃal Ãhere.ia su#t:icierzi amoutià of water ill the b:[o~.~~down level sensor reservoir. After iiiit.ial start-up the tLibes 2604 remain tLil:l of soii:ree water.
Reterri.ng tiow to FIGS. 26A-26l_-:, or-ice in the t.ii( s 2604, ilae source water is beated l'rozn condtictioii of'therr~ial energy through tbe tiil~e walls from the high-pressure steam present on the OL3tsizle of the ttÃbe, 2#~>04. i;ICi. 26A illti;trateS the wet loas=-pr~~~sure steani tlowing, through the t-Libes 2604 of t:l~~ evtlzorator,,"c~~t.id.~t.iser 2608.
The wet low-pressure, stoam travels t1Yrot~gh tlxo. tatbes 2604 of the evaporator/condenser 2608 and enters the stearzi chest 2610 illustrated in FIG, 26B. As steam flows throtqyh tlio interior of the steani cbest 2610, the water droplet within the steam are separated from the steam, Theseel:i-cgpluts collect at the base of the steam chest 2610 c~.tii~ are added to the blowdc~~~i-i water a1read~~
present in the base, see FIGS. 26C_D. Blowdown water flows otit of the apparatus in rn,anner described in 1"IC3S. 23r 23(_i. The dry low-pressure steary-i ex:its, flieMeam chest 2610 and enters the regenerative blower 2612 as showii oii FIGS. 26E-F.
Now referring to FIGS. 26F-H, orYce in the regenerative blower 2612, the dry low-pressure steam is compressed creatÃxig dry high-pressure steam, After the dry st~ani i's compressed, the high-pressure st~~~~i exits the regenerative blower 2612 and oti#er-s the steam tube 2614 of flie steani chest 2610. See RC=iS. 26G-F-i il:lustrating the stea~~~ exit:in~.?;
the blower 2612 ~~id ociteriiig t-lie, steam tube 2614 of'the steam cliest 2610, Now reterrit7". io:FIC=,S. 261-1--:I, Ãt7e steam tube 2614 is i.tifluad connection witla the inner cavity of the evaporator/condenser 2608, The steam ttibe, 2614 provides an isolated paÃ:liwaz f~br the st:eani to ei-zter tl-ze condenser side of the evaporaÃor?'concienser 2608 from the blower 2612, The 17.ig17rcpresstire steam is isolated to mariitain t17e laressiire o1't[ie steai-ii ant1 to ensti:rk; that t1Yo. stetsa~ has no contaminants. The dry hi(lh-pressLire stear#-a exits the steam ttibe, 2614 of t.lie, steani cbest 2610 and. enters tbe inner cavity of the ei~~tporator/ccgritieriser 260& See FIG. '26I showing the iniier cavity of tlle ~vt~sorator.`c~~t.id.~t.iser 2608 contaiiii~ig high-pressure steam, As tlie bigb-presstire steam contacts the otiter surfaces tii.bes 2604 of't[ie e~~aporator:`cc~~~~enser 2608, the steam transfers tl~~errna1 ciierwy to the tubes 2604. This energy i.s cotidatcteci t(-zro-L-gh tl:~e tube walls to the sÃ-~ttrce water located within the Ãt-be:s 2604. Wlie:n the e.tiergy is transferred from tlle steam to the tube walls, t[ie steatzi cotidenses ti=c~~~~~ a vapor to a flltid.
"M.is flLiid is krimvn as 22 5 proc~~ict water. As water dropleÃs t:orni on the outside of the t:ii~e wa:[ls, Ãt7ese druplets tlow clc?wr:-g to the base of the evaporator/condenser 2608. Sc~.~ FIG. 26J
showitig the:{-~~n-natior:-g of prodiict water within the inner cavity of the evaporator/condenser 2608. When ttte af.r~ount of product water witbin the cavity is sufficient, p:rodatct water:tnay flow cgatt ofth~~
evaporator/condenser as i:[lustrated.in FIGS, 24-24I.
R~~orri~ig now to FiC. 27, tliere are several factors tbat may affect tbe pertormaz~ce, of flie apparatus described. (3i-ze o.f'these .f-actors is pressure clai-ierei-zie across tl:te regenerative blower. FIG. 27 is a chart illustrating t.lie, relationsbip between t1~~ ~~~~ount energy reqLiired to ~.~rozltice one liter of prot1tict water and the change in. pres,tire across the reacnerative blower, ideallv, one wotil~.-l warit to operate the blower, sticb that, the most protltict water is p:rodatc:e. Lising the least arzicnint clec:t.ric:it.y.
From this graph, e~porating the blower with a pressure, differential between 1.5 psi and 2 psi prodtic~~ a liter of product water usim-> the least ame~titYt of energy. Operating the blower at pressures above or below this ratige increases the c~.t-iioiii-zt. of etiergz t:17a# .as iweiieii to 13rodtice otie liter of water.
5 Now referring to FICi. 28, another facxor that z~~ay atTe-ct tlle performance of tl~e apparatus i.s the i-itimber o#'1~~at tr~i-isfer tubes i.nsta(l~d witlun tl:~e inner cavity of the eval,orator,'c.ondet~ser assembly. F.IC. 218 illustrates the re-lat:ionship bet-vN--cin the nt3mber of heat transfer ttibes and the rate of prodticticgii of protlt.ict water for a given change in pre5sure across Ãber~~enera.tive blower. 1^roi3atlii5 cliart, it iscleterr.i-tiiiecl t1iaà t~lvi~i~).a 10 t,~~~eater tirri-til~er of heat transfer #L3b~.`s increases the production of product water. ln this graph, the ow.itzguration l}roduciii4~ ttie largest amou:tit of prodtrct water per bo-Lir is tt-ie assembly having ',,5 tubes. The configuration producing the least amoiiiit of water is the assemlr[v havi.ii-, only 43 tLibes ftir pressures below 2 lasi.
Referring now to FIG. 1-9, this figure illustrates the amotint of product water created 15 by d.ifferem bea-t Ã:ransfer tltlie configurations. In tl-zis 4.~raph, tl-ze configuration having 142) heat transfer tubes generated t[ie highest amount of larodtict ~.~ ater. In contrast, the c:orifigurationhavin9 a shorter tube length and only 48 ttibos produced the least arziO L3nt cgf protltict water.
Now reterrim;F to FIG. 30, despite having a lower ~iti-n1/+er of ttibes than other 20 configurations, t[ie 48 heat transfer tube configuration prodtic~~ ~~~ore, water per surface area. FIG. '30 illustrates the relationship between tbe amount of pr~ducx created. an~.-l t:lle. size of the heat transfer sur.t-lace area. This c I:iart shows that the 48 heat trans.fer tube contigti:ratiÃ~~i-i having a tribe Ie.~~igtli of 15 i~ichc..s is the most efficie:iit desi~,?ii. The least efficietit configuzation is the 1{)2 heat trc~.tififer tube design. 'I'hus.
_[laving a Iargenutzibe.r of 215 t bes ~.~~ith.ii7 t[ie evaporator/condenser maNf prodtice more water, but a design:[laving a lower nuantaer- of i-tibes may provide the rnc34t efiricient rise of resozirce4.
Refe:rri:no ziow to Flts. 3 l, this figure illustrates the difference of tlle perfornaance two 48 heat transfer ttibe (icsigr;;. In this chart the tliffer~~-ice in the desis;ns is the tube Iengths. xM, various pressure changes across the .reQeirerative blower, this graph contrasts 30 the amount of energy used atid rate of production of water for the two configurations. -.1"'he eontig-Liration having the 20 i.rich long tii( s produces sliglatly f.uore product wI-zile c~~~~suming sliglitly less ~~~erg1= at eqtial press~~~~e, ditTerences across the regenerative blower.
METHODS OF CO\ Tfi.O[1 6 ~Ã

The pre,Sti:ro cliffei esxc eacross the. compreSsor tii:rectly (leterm:ines the amount of prodii,ct water that the apparatus z~~ay generate. '-I'o ensure a ,lsart:icul~~~ aniount of'prod.uet water output fror.1~.:~ the apparatus, one can adj tist the pressure differuiie.e across the compressor. hiLreasing the speed of the compressor wil:[ typicaily reaiilà in an increase in prossure differential across the two sides ol`the evaporator:`conden ser.
Increasin,.~ tbe preRsure differential :increaRes, rate at wh.ich Rotirc:e water is evaporatec1 iiito cl~~i-i procitic:t water.
One of the litliiting factors in c:ontrolling the water vapor distillation apparatus 100 is tl~~ an~ount of b[owdown watei' t[iat is required. tf) operate tlae maehine.
Without suffic:ient blowdown wat~.~r, pparticulate separated f:i-on$ #he;ource water will rer~iain in the apparatus.
This bliilclrtrl} ot'parÃieulaÃe will adversely a:lTeet the operation and eftzcieticy of t1~e apparatus.
`I'o ensure Ãhat particulate is rernovec,l liom the apparatus, there mLisà be a. sufflcietiÃ
amount of blow~:~~~~~~i water present to carry the particul ate out of the apparatiis. 'I'o e:ieÃ:eraii.ne how mtich blowdown water ia requireil Ãc) operate the apparatus in a particular envirÃ~ti~~~~enÃ, c~~~e must :l,i.now the quality o:l`tlae water etiÃ:ering the apparatus (source water).
If the sotÃrc e water has a bigh concenti-<ition of p<irticul<ite then more blowdown w<iter will 1,~~ tieeded. to absorb atitl remove t:lie, }aartic-ti 1ate, from tbe alsparatus. Conversely, il`the ,ourc:e water has a low ccg~icuiitraticgii of particulate theii less blowciown water will be reqtiired.
"I'o control and. observe the amount ol`prodtict. a~id blow~.-1~~~~~i water ;.~enerat~~ bv t:lie, apparatus a couple of different coi-itrol methocis rna;r be imp(ery-ietiteci.
These scl:~erziew may inelt:idc: btat are not limited. to measuring the level of product and blÃ~~wdawn water within reservoirs loc:.aÃed.in t[ie apparatus, measuring the flow rate ot`t:he 13rodticà at7c1 blowdowti 22 5 water createti by Ã:17e apparat-Lis, measuring the qiia:[itz of Ãhe .incoming source water aiid trica4urim= the output quality c3t'the product water.
rI^.he level sensor assenibly of the exemplary enil7oclinieiit may measLire botli the 1evel oI'tsnci the flow rate of water. The water level rnay be rz~casLare(i by the mov'em~.'nt of the 1eve1 sensor assembly. As Ã:17e water fills Ã17e reservoir, the water proti~ic~s a cl~~ange.i1.1 Iaositit~ti of the level setisor asse-iiib1y.
Otie ana3.y deterna.Me the flow rate oi'water bv kr-iowiii4.~ the cha:~ige i.ri posit:ioti of the level ~ensor assembly, the area ot'the reservoir and tbe tim~ associated with the c}~~~ige. in water 1evo1. Usin.~.r a t'lo<it s~i-iSor to determine flow isatlk,>antageou;bocaatSe tlxe:re. is sxcg pressure drop resulting from the use of a float s~tisor. 'I`he flow rate may itidicate t[ie WO 2008/154435 /~ PCT/US2008/066198 Ct2 pk;rform.ar;ce of the apparattis ~~-icl whether that per:formance is c~.Y3sitit~mt with normal operation of the apparatus. '-I'his informatioii allows the operator to determi~~e, whother tbe apparatus is fune.tionally Proporly, For example, if the operator the flow rate is below i-ioriTiaI operati.ng cc~~idit-ions, thei7 t[ie uperaior may c:.I~eek t[ie strainer ~.~~ith.ii7 the inlet piping for impurities or tbe tiibes of't[ie evaporator:`cc~~ideiiser for scaling. Similarly, the operator may Se the.ilow rate to anake a4juRtrzientw to the apparatus. These adjust~~~entR
may, include changing t.lie amount of blowdown and pr-odÃ.icà water created.
Altbough a tlow rate rs~ay indicate purfcgrmane.e of theapparatus, this mesÃsurer.1:ienà is iiot reqtii~~ed.
'r1-~e water ~~tality of eit;[ier t1ie inlet sotirce water or the outlet product water may be rised to control the oi~eratiori of the x-vater vapor distillatit3ti apparatus. Tlii4 control m:~.~tbc?ti deterfnines the operaÃic,zi oi'Ãl~e naach:i~~~ based ori tt-ie qiiaIity of the water. In one embodiment the conductivity oi`-tlie product water is moiiitored. Wheii the eoiidttctiviÃy exceeds a. specified limit Ãhai-i the ;~~i-iaor sends a signal to 5biiÃ
dc~~~~ii ti7e apparat-Lis. in some embodiments t:lie, sensors may be. btit are, not limited to a coiiductivity setisor. in ati alternate embodiment, f.naz include mon.iioring, the conductivity of the blow(lown water.
Wbeii the cot7c~uctivity o1't[ie blowc.lo~~~~i water exceeds a specified litziit Ãhei7 the ~~ns-or sends a signal to increase the ilmt)tlllà of Sf)1ÃrE e waIc1 eIlfc'T'II7:~,?' the apparatus. Tli#'. increase in sotirce water will reduce t:l~e, conductivity of the bloo~~~own water. In another er.1:ibodir.1~.:~ent, t(xu c:onclL3ctivity of the source water msÃy, be nicgiiitoruel.. Whuii the conductivity exceeds a specifiied [itiiià Ãbaii the seiisor ~onds a signal to adiust the flow rate oI`the sotirce water. The l~igber the sotirce water conductivity, z~~ay result in bitwber flow rates for tlie sotirce and bIowciowi-i water.

In alternate [:il'f,~.~odl,il'f,etltti3 the apparatus may tt fclllde a c~.311Ãl'C]l scheme where the apparatus has a st:eadyrcstate mode. During this mode, t[ie apparatus .~~ediices the ~~inounÃ: of 22 5 power consumed. tn oÃber ernbodinienÃ:s, the heat.ing elements rnay rernain operating during this 1I1ode toInaliltt7.lI3 a part#.cl#har t~.`IYtpL'rat11re or teInp~.`ra[uT'e i'aT3g~.` of tb~.` source water in thesump. Mai.tiÃaaning) the temperature of the source water in the siiml~
reduces the anioutit of time for the machine to start ~~nerati11S; M0r~.~ PrOdUCt Wtit~.'r. In addition, during this mode tl~~ ~~~~enerati~~eblower is tiot: tr~~iciionin;.~ and t[ie inlet aiid outlet valves are closed.
Examples of tests that may be perfiar~~~ed on a sotirce water sample to analyze the qtiaIrtv of the sotirce wa.ier include, but arenot. Ir.ria.iteil to, bacterial testing, miy-iercil testÃng>
and cheznical testi~ig. Bacterial tests indicate t.l~e, az~~~unt of bacteria that may be, present with.in the sample. The nYcgst coin:mon. type of bacÃorial test is total c:oliforin.

NIineral tistinay resLilts may indicate the a-niOL3nt of mineral. :impLirities in the water.
Large amotrtits of minerals and other impii:riti~s may }aose, a healt.li hazard and ai=fect t:lie.
appearance and Ltsufuliiess of Ch~,~ water.
Atiot:her iy-pe o:i`waier ÃesÃing that may be acconiplislaecl. is chei-ii.ical testing, k4ar~~~~
man-made chemicals may contaminate a water supply and pose liealth bazards to potential conRumer~s, oCthe water. Un1ess.~ specif.ic ciiem:ica( or type of chemical is R-L-s~~ected to be in the water, this type of test may tiot be routinely porfor~.~ted. as the tÃ. -stitig is expensive for tins~.-~ec.ifie~.1 chemical contaminants. However, if a particular chemical is suspected to be.
lire5exit in t1ae source water., a test ~iia.v be perfo~r~iiecl. Examples of some spec;Ãfiic water c~~iality tests are described below.
pH - measures the relative acidity of the water. A p1-1 level of 7.0 is ew.isideretl neutral, Pure water 1;ias a pH of 7Ø Water with a.pH level less than 7.0 is considered to be acidic. The lower t[ie pl-i:, t[ie more acidic t[ie water. Water with a pH
greater t.i7at7 7.0 a5 considered. to be basic or aIkaline. eater tlio pH, t:lie. eater its alkalinity. In the US, the pH of natural water is usually bet:weeti 6.5 and 8.5. Fresh water soLirces witb a pIA
below 5 or cil7ove 9.5 ~~~iav not be able to sustain plant or aninaa:l species. pH may be determined tising asYv known rsiethod in th~.~ art for tostir;g.
The pH is proterably nioasu:red. immediately at the sotir~e water test site as C~~anges in temperatureaffec.t.1aH value. Preferably, the water sample is taken at the soL3rc-e at a Iocationaway f'ioni the "bank", if usin,.~ a lakez str~am, r-iver, puddle, etc, and below t[le water sur~ace.
Nitratc? - Nit-ro-ezi is aii elem~i-it requiÃreci bv a111ivin;~.,~ plants ai-ici animals to build proteim In acitaatic ecosystems, iiitroge.ti is present in Ã~iany farms. It may combii-tc: uitli oxygen to form a conaiaoutid ca[l~d nit-z-aie. Nit-rai~~ may c:.oi-iie from fertilizers, sewage, ~i-id 215 itirliistria:[ waste. They may La ~~ eutrophication of lakes or potids.
Eutrophication occuza When nutrient; (~~ich as 11itr-at~.`4 anti phosphates) are added to a bocly of dvater. These nutrients i~~~I"Illv eomefrotn rLitloff from fiarnflailtlsailtl lawns, sewa e, detergents, animal wastes, and leaking septi.c systems. The pr~~~~~-ice of'nitrate :tnay be determined atsing any known metbod in t[ie art 1 r testing Turpidity - Tmbidit:y refers to how clear or how c-lc~~~dy the water is. Clear water h,a5 a low iu~~t-iiclatz level ai-id cloudy or fnuddy wa.ier ha.s a hi~7h tu~~t-ii(iatz level. 1iigh levels, of'tLirbi~:-lit~~ may be caused by stisi~end.~d particles in the water stic-h as soil, se~.-limeiits, sewa9c, ant1 plankton. Soil a:.a ~~ enter the water b~+ ~;rc~~;i.~.g~~ or rt~~~ot~~ ~i-~.gnx nearby lands.
Sediments may be stirred ti}a by too mttch actavity, in the water, tbr ex.ample;1~y fish or hum.ar;;. Sewage is a re,tilt of'waste discharge and high levels of plankton may tae due to excessive nutrients in the water.
Where tl-ic turbidity ot'tl-ic water is high, there will be manv sL3spende~.1 particles in it. 'I"he5e solid particles will block 5 rilight aiicl.pr~~~enà aquatic plants from geÃciii4~ the stinlight t[iey rioed for pbott~synt.hosis. "i'lie. plants will produce less oxytweti thereby decreasing the 1==;3f) levels. T(-ze plants will ciie more easÃly and be decomposed by bacteria 111 the water, which will reduce the DO levels even further. Turbidity anay be deterr.ained using al~?v, known 711ethCgd in the art for testing E: .oliforin -Where colifnr~~i bacter-ia are present in the water supply it is aii iTidicatic3ti that the water stipply may be contatni.7:-gateci with sewage os-other ~~ec~~~~iposi.7:-gg waste. 1saU'j.lly co:liform bacteria are t'c,liiid in oreater abu.ndance w.i Ãbesur#:ace film of the water or in tlie sedimecits oci the bottom.
Fecal coli:t rm, found in the lower ai-itestiiies of hti~~~~i-ia and ot[ier wa:rmrcb:Iooded animals, is one type c~t~~c-olitorr~i bacteria. The preseii~e~e of tecal coliform i~~. a water s~.~la~al~=
is a t,~0ocl indication that sewat,~e has polluted tl:te wcs.t:er. `I'estiti~7 trtay be dot7e for t:ecal co[ifotm specifically or for Ãotal colifotna bacteria which iticludes all Lol.il=or~~~ bacteria strains asYd :may indicate fec:a.l contamination. The presenco of colifor.tn nx<iy tae tl'':etemiiixe-tl'':
iisin;~ any known niethod in the art for testing).

In operation the water machine may perfc4rr31 conductivity testing of Cl'l~.'.
sc4'Llrt.e Wc.lt+'c,'=r and./or the pro~.-ltict water to deternnine t.lie, quality of tbe water enteri~lg and exiting tlio system. This testing may beac-compli~~ed using conductivity sensors installed within the inlet and otitlet i l~pang of the s~rSter.~:~. Water having a l~Ã~;1~
~:c~r~cicI~..t-i~~it~y i~~~~li~..~te:~ that the water has <xreater amoti.tit of imptirities. ~.~'~.~Ãiversely, water having a lower amouiit of conduLÃivaiy ind.icaÃes that water _Ilas a lower level of itzipuriÃie5. This Ãvpe o1'tesÃing is 215 ;~eneric a~id provides on:ly a ~..;eneral andicaÃac~~i ot`t:he laurity;quality of the wat:er'beitrQ
analyzed.
Other types oi`testi:tio may be accomplished t'or analyz:in~.?; sl}eeific levels ot'Ãl~~
following water ii-np~irities: chat-acteristics inclt~de t10t a:r~ ~-10t lirslitecl to pN., htsrtlr~ess, chlorides, coIor, t rbidity> sulfaÃe, chlori.tic, nitr.itesnitrates, and coliforms. Typically to analyze tbe water enterititw or exiting the machi~ie, the operator ~~~av first obtain a sample of tl:ie wcs.ter. After cibta3.:ifiang the desired saanpIe the water i-iiav then be testetl using a water testin,.y kit avaitable, from Hach Conipany, Loveland; Colon, do 805:39-03389.
Otl~ermet:liods of testino the ottri.t.v ot'water :triav- include ~~~-iclii-ig the water to laboratory for analysi;.
SYSTEMS FOR D1STILLUN~'~ WATEK.

Also disclosed hereii-i is where the apparatus for distilling wator cl~scril:ieci proviotÃsi.v may be implemented into a distribution system as described. in U.S. Patent Application Iltib.
No. US 2007r`0 11 ~530 A 1 publisbed. on May 17, 2007 entit(etl `.Systenis ~tlY~.1 iNl.etliods fc4r Distributed l:tilifies,9, t[ie contents o1=`wlaich are hereby incorporated ijy 5 Ftirtlieriiiore, a monitorin(y and/or commuiiiccitioiis system may also be iticIuded witbin tl~o distribut.ionsyRtem as described ii-i'[_;.S. Patent Applicat-ion Pub. No. US
2007/01 l 2530 Al published on May- 17, 2007 ciititled "Systems ancl.'-Vtetltocl.s for DistrÃbaitecl. Utilities," the c.:cgiituiits of which are hereby incorporated by reference bereir:f, 1L'I'~IZNA`I"E EMBOWMENTS
10 Al#hotrgh the exemplary emtat3ctimerit of'tlte 4tii1.'water vapor tli;tillatic3ti apparatus has beerl described, alternate embodiments c,l`still, iticluciing alternate ~inbodi:tnents of partic-ular elements of the still (i.e., heat exc1~anger, evaporator eorideriser; compressorw etc3 are conterzi.plated. "['biis, in some alierriat~ embodiments, olle of I-iiore o1'the el~~~~~i-its are replaced. withalterriate, en-ibodi~~~ont elements described herein. In sozne embodiments, t:lle, 15 etiÃir-e stÃl1:ia relalcrce(l by an altertiate enabodinaent, for exafri13le, the system as described in one embodinaerià utilizes the e:a.emp:l~~~ embodiment as the still while in otl7er embodimenÃy, the s>>stem. otili~~~~ anal.terr3ate eml:iodirsiesxt..
Re1=erritig to FIGS. :32-32C, alternate embodiments of tl~o water vapor distillatioll apparatats having a lifltiiti. ring ~.-~ttni~.-~ 3200 tliscle~se~.1. The ring pump r.1iay inclattie a ti.iIlv 20 rotatable housing that provides ~~~axi~~ium reduction in ffictional loss yet maintains simplicity of'design and cost-effectiveness o1=production is showii in l;^IGS.
'32 through :.~2t;:`.
As c~i-i be weezi in FIG. 3?, stator 3202 .iS stationary relative to rotor 3204, and compris~'S au intake 3206 and exit 3208, Steam is d:~~awii in at pressure 1"~';. arid passes iiito rotor c1~amber 3210. Rotor 3204 is off-set from a cetitral axis Z pc~ii ~.~~hic [l the rotating boLisa~-ig c~.tiil the 22 5 liquid ri.rig pu-tiip are centered. As rotor 3204 tLim5 aboLià celitral abaft 3212 with rotor bearings :32:i.4ry the effective vt3ttit-rie of'c1:~ambe s- 3210 decreases.
St~.~am is tI:ierel~~~
~onapres~ed to pressure P, as it is carr:iedalong a rotational patb itito exit 3208, to be roLited to an evaporats.ar./contlenser 104 of F1Ci. .1. Preferably, a rotatable hoosing (not shown) rotates w.ith Ã17e liq id ring in t[ie 1iclLiid r.ing 13umla; to .~~ediice eriergz [oss dlte to tricÃ:ion.
30 Rel`orri~ig to 1,1G;5. 321A-Bz the stator 3202 has sii:lsport structtires 321.6 in t:lie. itiptit ai-id olitpltt regions. `T'1-ie individual vay-ies 3218 oi'rotor 3204 cay-i be 5eer-i below the ~~ipport structures 3216 in the top view o1'stator 3202 showii in FIGS. 32A-B, ~s well as the cc~ncentri.c placom~i-it of rotor 3204 about the central axi.s. This l.~articolar erzibozl:iment of a litlLiici ring pti-inp is both axially fet1 ancl axially portetI anzl may have a reriical,horizonta1, or otl~er orientation durin(Y open, t:ion. FIG. 31C s[iows yet another view of this embodiment.
The liquid ring ptin-iI) 3200 is d~,'sigrYUCI to operate within a fairly iiarrow rarYge of inlaLià atirl otitptit presau.re. ~~ich t.haà generally, the apparatus operates in tI7e.range of Ii-om 5 to 15 psi4#. Apparatus pross~~~~e, may be regulated using choc,k valves to release sÃ~ani from ch,amber 3210 o#'F1(_iS. 32-3:2C. Iiy-iproved apparatus per.IbrMar.lc:e.is preI~erably achi~~~ed by placing exit 3208 of t.lie exhaust port at a specific angle of rotatioii abotÃt the rotor txis, wborein the spec:ific an(g1e c.:cgrrespoiitls to the pressL3s-e. rise desired fc4r still operation. One eiii(aodi~iieiit of a specific part opening angle to regulate apparatus pressure is shown iÃi:FI(:i.
}?A. U:xit 32t#8is placed at apprt3xitnat~.~ty 90 tlogs-c~.`s t3fr-t?tatit3ll about the 1-oior access, allowi~io steani from chamber 3210 to vezit. Placing exit 3208 at a high aii4~1e of:roÃation about the stator axis would raise the apparatus presstire and lower ~.~timp throughput, while plac:.it7Q exit 3208 at a:[o~.~~e.r angle of rotation abo-uà the stator axis would result in lower apparatus Iaressure. and increased. ptitiip throughput. Choosing the p1~~enient of exit 3208 to optÃmize aI3laaraÃus pressu.re rnay y:ielil hriIaroveci I3ufriIa effic~iency.
FtirÃI~er, the pIae~enieriÃ: of exit 3208 to maitiÃ:ain apparaÃus pressltre ~~~~~ ~iiin.imize apparatus ComplexiÃy by elirzii~-iating c:heck. valves at the exhaust ports to chamber 3210, thereby provizling a simpler, ~~~~~~e. cost-etfe-ct:ive compressor.
Referrir:fg now to FIG. 12Ir3, during operatior:f, it r.1~.:~ay be desirable to measure the depth of t[ie Iiqtiid ri~~ig in tbe conipressor, to optimize performance. I:n the embo~.~imetit:s herein ~.-lisc-losed;liti~iid 1-ititw piimp hotisi~ig 3232 rotates with the liqtii~.-l rititw in the punip, ai-ici the temPeratiire oftl:~e 1-1L-ici Ãw t~~~~:ic~~x(l~r a.rc~iir:~ci l :t0 ~.ew.rees C. Methods of rz~:e.~si~~~i.jj;~:
ring tlepÃli incltttle ~nv one of the usual meÃ1i~.~tls, stich a.s using taltna-saund, nadar, floats, fluid conductivity, and optical sensors. Because of the complexities oI`t.he rotat:.ing hoLisilig, 22 5 iise of a capacitive sensor is a preferred emborlimeni :I r this i-iieasiiremet7t, wherein as the cIeI:sth of'theflu:ic3: in the capacitor chan.es, the c,aIsaciiance c?:{'tl~e capacitor also changes.
Stil l referriii4~ to IAG. 321I), a discw~ha}~ed capacitor sensor plate 3234 is moiinted to the bsattoin of rotating hsatisin g 3232, eqtiicltstant frs.ani the bottom SL3rface 3232A of rotating .[iou5ing 3232, atirl the bottom surface 3204A of rotor 3204. The capacitor is thtis de1-:a~~edby [iotisi~ig 3232, rotor 3204, and capacitor setisor 3234. Leads 3240 ct~linect:
the capacitor, from capacitor seiisor 3234, through a passageway 3236A M rotating housing shait 3236, to the secondary 3242 of a core Ãransformer, preferably of ferrite (not s~~~~
ti). In one orzibodirz~~i-it, tlx< -w.cond.ary3242 isrotatin9 at ilxo. same speed as the capacitor plate, ant1 is in indtic-ti~e communication with the lsrimary of t:lie. territe core, trartsforiner. The lsrimary ~~`7 winciino 3238 is stationarv, ~i-ici sionais to ~i-ict fronx the 1eve 1.-moasurin~.r capacitor are comznunicated through the transfoniier, in this way ortablin~ ~eptli inforination to be tratYsmit.ted fi-cgr~i a rotating position to a stationary position.
Capacitance is measi3re. by' determining t[ie I_:C .~~~~~~~~~i-ice of the capacitor (C) with the .ind cÃanLe (I_:) of the transformer secondary. :[n an exemplar~~ embodiment, aii LC oscillator circtilt is constructed azid the oscillation C~~~quency Ãw ~ed as ameaswre o#'the capacitance.
Referring to R& 32E, this figure illustrates an alternate dcsigti of the purn p 3200 to preveiit contaminated f7tiid tiropIets from beiiig entrained and. c:arried.
a1on;F wit~i vapor to evaporatoÃ-"ce~~~~enser 104 oi, FIG. I. In suel-~ an embodiment, the [iqLiid riii~~. ~~~iiip 3200 is within the head space tlf'the 104, ~~id mist is ~.~li.g-ninated as tt3tatilig housing 3232 rotates, w1ierein tlle rotatiw.i c:reates a cycloiie effect, flinging m.ist and water droplets off bv centrifugal force to collide witli the still hoiisii~~ ~~id ruti c~owii to the water in Ã:t7~ sump. Tt7ez~~ may also be fins 3244 extending t'iom t[ie otitaide of roÃaÃi.rig boLisa~ig 3232 to enbance, circulation and rotation of vapor in the annular space bet:weeti rotatin, g housing 3232 ai-zd fixed housing 3228. A aÃ:eaaz-i exit 3242 is farovicfe(i for passage of ste'ani to ~~~aporat:or/cc~~~~~enser 104.
Referring now to FYGS. 32F-G, ~~-i alternative embodirz~erit fo:r a litfLiict ring pti:tnp 3200 may iticitide a ring pt~~ip 3252 witli an outer rotatable hotising, 3254 that encloses a Sin;FIe two-channel stator/body 3256, antf a rotor 3258, wbereir:f the seal surface betweuii the rotatable housing 3254 atid stationary statori f3od.l= 3256 is a cyIinder. Two-channel staton,bc~dy 3256 is kept stationary in reference to a chaznber 3260 of ptimfa 3252 as well as to rotor 3258 ~i-ici rotatable housin;~.,~ 3254, ~i-ici comprises aii intake 3262 ~i-ici aii exit 3264.
Steam is drawii in at pressure P;. and passes tl~~~ot-gIi ar~ intake orifice 3266, When the inÃake orifice 3266 li1-le5 up watla an i.nÃake_[iol~ 3268 in rotor 3258 as the roÃor spins around 215 siat:.iotiaz~,,f sÃaÃor 3256, t[ie aÃeatzi passes Ãb.roligh int:ake_[iole 3268 into a rotor chamber 3270.
Rotor 3258 is offset ti-og~~ a central axis Z so that, as rotor 32-58 ti.Fr-~is, the effective vo1rri-tic of'rotor chamber 3270 decreaaes. In this way, steam is compressed to pressure.Ps as it is carriedals.}ng a rotational path to an exit hole 3272 in rotor 3258. As rotor 3258 ttirns, exit [iole'2lines up with an exit orit~ce 3274 ot`staÃ:ac~~~~r~,,f e.a.iÃ::.~264, and t[ie atear~ii at presstire I?2 passes tbrc~ugb exit oritice 3274 into exit 3264 to be routed to the evaporatorrcondenser. In aucb ar-i embodimer-it, rotatable lioiisar-ig 3254 rotates with water 3276 presetit i.ri chanat3er 3260 therebv redtici~ig frictional energy losses diie to windage. There may also bea small hole 3278 present in tlxo. housing 3254 to pemlit water 3276 to leave and,or ~~i-ite:r chamber 3260, tber~~y controlling the flttid level in tbe ptini}a. In addit:~~t.i:
rotor 32,58 has multiple ~~8 vanes 3280 that are readily apparent wh~~-i rotor 3258 is vier~~~eci fror~iabove, as in FIG. 326.
Individtial rotor chaznl~er 3270. and iti~.-liti=idtiaI intake liole 3268 and exit liole 3272 for eacli rotor c1~amber 3270, are also estsilv suon in this view-, Referring to FICi. 3211, :`itiother alternati~~~ emboiiimet7t of a Iiq id ring piitz-113, wherein the interface bet:weeii rotatable hotising 32,54 and stator 32,56 is conical rath er tban cy1ii-icir:ica(. :[n. this embodiment, a rotor drive shaft 3282 bas ~~~ end 3286 SitUaterl upon a 1~earitig 3284 ih4tt 4tllows rotatable rotor housing 3254 tk) rotate with rotor 3258. Intake 3262 and exit 3264, with corresponding intake orifice 3266 wYd exit orifice 3274, are kept stationary with respect to rotor 3258and rotor 1-tou5Ãxig 3254.
Re:{-~rrirq,; now to FIGS. 32F, 1=:-1 and I. other:{-urtb~.~r ~s-tibodis-ii ~.~nts may> iTicIude cithes-a. conical or a<ial seal 3282 present betiveen stationary ~eetions 3264antl 3262 anci rot:or 3258, In the cociical ~~~~~odimerit se~~i most clearly in F1G, 321, seal 3282 thereby separa:tes intake oraf-ice 3266 from exit orifice 3274 of rotor 3258 to p.~~evelià leaks.
`f'be liqilid ra~ig pumps s~owii in FiCS. 32E-1 and 7are, bothaxialll= fed and radially ported, in contrast witb the embodimef.ii of a I:iqti.i(l ri.ag piiÃ-iip, discussed wrtli reterence to FI:CJS. 32w32(' (v.ici~
supra), ~.~~hieb is axially fed and axially port:ed.
11i alternate k;mbodiments, the \.vator vapor tlistillatio:tl apparatus m.ay include a 1~~ck-pressure regulator. Backpressure regulators may assist with ma:intaining the saf'~ ~~ld optir.1~.:~stl operation of processes e.oiitit.icted atr:fcier pressure. t_iY
operaticgii the water wilaor.
distillation apparatus may i~icliide a liac.k-presstire regulator to purify brackish or sea water into drinking water, excess appan, t~~s pressure t:roni start-up volatile components, or c-reated.
from compressorR runni.ng of'#';-,g)ec:ificat-ion, rna;r c:onwtÃt"L-t~ a danger to operators :ifsuct~
pressure is tiot relieved in a safe manner. As well, valatÃle cain,~~~ieiits presciit in feed streams at startrtip may presciit Loniami~~~i-its t[iat interfere witb proper apezation of the 22 5 apparatus. Bacl~.press re regu1ator~ may serve tc) relieve exce5s, pressure, and to reÃurn c~.ti oper-atitit~ apparatus to a clo4ired operating pressure.
rI^.~e water vapor distillation apparatus enabociinaerits tlescribetl previously generally operate above atmospheric pressatre, tvi.~i.call.v arou:nd 1. ti psig. 'Such an. ~~~parat~~s aclvatiÃageoLislv provides hagher steam dens.itz aà Ã:17e laiglaer pressLire, thereby al1owing more steazii to be, pumped tl~~~~u'aba positive displacement ptinila than at lower pressure. 7I'l~e resu:Iiing higher ilaroughout l?rov.icies overall ir-nproved syaÃ:en~
effieiency. Further, ttle li.ig1ier throughput and hi;.yher svstem pressure reduces the power iieeded. for compressor, and elim.inates the neeti fo:r two additional patnips--one for pLirzipii-ig cosxdesY~ecl produc:t a razl another for ptitiiping blowdown strea.m. Overall coiistrx.iction is simplitied; as many-shapes withstand inter~-ial pres,atre better th~~-i external pressLire.
Irziportantly, oi.-~erat:irag at stÃpe:r-at:mospheric presstire reduces the impact of minor leaks oti the overall effici~~icy a~~~
perfort1~.:~a~icu.''von-oc~nderissibIe gases such as air inhibit the condensation t.-~roc,ess, and.
woLilc,i be ~~~~agni:i:ieci at sub-atmospheric pressure, where mii-ior leaks would serve to ~~ick in air, soniething) which will tiot ooctir ill a system operating at stiper-atmosp~ie-ric pressi~re..
Re.i-'errii-ig i-iow to :FIG& 33 ai-ici 33A, these figures depict views, rsCa bacla:pressiire regoulator that may, be incorporated into the water vapor di-st.iltat:ion apparatus 1.00 wh~~l operating the apparatus above atmcgspberic: prusstire.. The backpressure re;Fatlator 3300 has a vessel 3302 eontaÃniniw aÃi orÃfiice 3304. ~~ie side of the orifice is connected tc) a pressurized ct3ticizii# ofan apparatus fe.g., the tlutle#- of a compressor iri a vapor compression disti.l.latii~~l apparatus) whicli may be exposed to ttie fluctuating elevated p:ressure. 7I'he ot[ler side of the orifice terFninates in a port 330Ã=. 'I'iie port 3306 is covered by a movable stop 3308, in the sbai~e of a b ll. The stop 3308 is retained to aii arna 3310 by mec~.tis of a reta.iner 3:.~1 2 at a fixed distance, from a pivot pin 33:14. 'f he arzn 3310 is attached by a h inge, ti=i==:a the pivot pin 3314 to a poÃtiÃ: w:itli a fixed re1atioti to the orifice port 3306. `T'be arr-z-i 3310 includes a cou.tiÃer naasy 3316 a~~~~i-ideti from the arm that is movab:[e along an axis 3318 siieb Ãhat the ciista~-ice between the cotÃnter rsiass 3316 ai-itt the pivot pin 3314 may be varied. In. the enibodimeiit showii in F1G 33, t[ie axial direction of tbe orifice 3304 is perpendicular to the direc:tion, of the gravitational vector 3320. The backpressure regulator may also iiie.ILar~e a [iotisi~ig, wliicit prevetit:s t'oreig~i matter from enterititw the regu1ator arid i.11Ãerfer.u.m with ttio ftincÃion of the intertial compf~tieiits.
Still refe.r.rim-, toFI(_;S. 33 ~i-ici 33:"-t. i~~ operation thearm 331.0 ma.int:ai.iis a, hor:izoi-ita( pasiti~~i witli respect ÃÃ~~ the directioii of gravity 3320 when tlie pressure in tlie pressurized coiidLiit is below a. given set point; this arm position, in this etzibotiitzieiit, is known as Ã:t7e 22 5 closed position, at7d corresponds to the stop 3308 covet.ing t[ie port :.~306. When the pressure in the c~~iititiit exceeds the set point, atorce acts on the stop 3308, which r~.`suit4 in a tor(i~~~
acting around t[ie pivot piz~ 3314. The torque acts to romt e t[ie ariia 3310 around the pivot pin 3314 in a cot~i-ite:r-cloci.wise direction., causing the arm to move ~wayftom i.t.s closed.
position and ext3osit7". the port 3306, whiLla allows flLiad5 to escape from the orifice 3304.
Wben the pressii:re in the cotidttit is relieved below t[ie set iaoitiÃ, the forc-e oi`gas is tio 1or-iger~ ~~ifficietiÃ: to keep the arÃ-n 33.10 awa.y fioni its closed position, tl-zlts, the arm 3310 returns to the closed positioti, atid the stop 3308 covers the port 3306.

Still. rei=errii-ig to RG,rs. _> 3' and 33.A, thearm 3310 acts as a 1.evor in creating adjustabIe, momeiits and senes to mtiltipIl= t[ie torce, applied by tbe counter mass 331.6 through the stop 3308 to the port 3306. ~Chis fo.rce mtÃltipiication redUCeS
the woig'ht needed to close tlhe orifice, 3304 as op}aosed. to a desi;.Yn where tbe stop 3308 al~~~e, acts vertically oil top of the orifice 3304, as in a pi-usstire cooker. Thus a(arge port size, to promote ext.-~etlite(i ~~enti.n.o tioi-ii a press rized coiicl.Liit, ~~~~~ be covered b; a re.[atively l.iahÃwei-ht:; large 5ireil stop, the cotinter mass acting to adjust the d.o-sired. set point:; less design offort may be expezided i.n choosing specific pott sizes ai-ici stop properties. The addition of an axis 331.8 for ad jtÃ-stitig the position ot't.hÃ. counter t-nGtss 3316, in the present embodiment, allows for c.harYges in the mLaltiplier ratio. As the cot.tiitur mass 3316 is rsioved to a position closer to tlae pivot pin 3314, t[ic inultÃp[ieÃ- ratio is reduced, eÃ-ea.ting. a lower c;losiÃ-tg forc:e. (f tlae counter n$a4s 33:16 is rnoved-:{-arther fi-oni. the pivot pisi 3314, the mtiltiplier rati.ois increased,1ietice increasing the closing force. 717herefore; ttie positioii ol'tlie counter mass 3316 effectively acts to acl;just tlie set point of the backpressure re;`ulator.
:'idjust.~~~enà ot`the backpresstire regulator set poitià tz-iav be iisetri1, wbeli the t~~ck-pressure regulator is iitilize~.-l inalaparatus at higher altitudes.
Wheii the atmospheric pressure is Iower-, tl:~~ apparatus otaeraÃim, taressltr-e is conarz~~~~surately lo~~~er. As a result, the temperatu.re ot'tl~e distil:latiÃ~ii,-tpt)ar,,iiLi;-, is- lowered, which m~~~
adversely affect appanaius perforrz~~i-ic:e. As well, stÃch acijustniesxt allows one to identify set poiri.ts for the bac:l:presstire regulator tbat are desired by the end tiser. The use of a counter mass to apply the closing force may also lower cost ot't~~~ backpressure regulator ancl. retiLac:e conllac~nent fatigue. In a partiou1ar ettibodimeiit, tl~~ aqjustab[e, counter mass is ~.~esigne~:~ to allow a r~tige of set points witb a lowest set point substantially loss than or equal to 10 psi~ and a hig:llest set po:ii-it satbstalrtia(1y greater than or eqiia1 to l 7 psÃ-, Thus varÃouR
embodiments allow for procisc:. ap,~arattis pressure re.gtalatioii, tinlil,:e devices which act simply as safety relief ves.
valves.
22 5 Re:1`ezr.ing now to FIGS. 33:13-C, these figures i11iis Ãrate analternaie embod.iment of the back pressure r-e;pxFl.atc3r 3300 having an orifice 3326 configured swch that the port 3328 is orietitetl vertically with respect to tile direction of gravity 3320. Thus ottier embodiments mayaccommc4date a~-iv- orifice ori~.'ntation. while inaintaining the L3~C of an adjustable Lt?:[.tlter T17~:as5.
"I'he backpressure regulator may be configured to allow a stiiall leakage rate below tl:ie set i3oiy-it in order to purge the build tip ot'volcs.t::i1e gases that act to Hisula3:te beat exchan~~ and suppress 1}oilin,y in a svstem; the regulator is designed, however, to allow-pressure to build i:n the p:ressLir:izetl'': condtÃit tiespito this small leaka~~s~&. li~ one ers~lMs~~cli~xe:t~.t release of Volatile compt~lieiits from a pressurized condiiit, below tbe set point of the backp:ressLire re;rulator, may also be achieved through a specifically-designed leak ve:ii.t wliile thearm of t:lie, baekpressure regulator is in the closed position.
'I'he l~~k. veiit is c.cgnffi-,Ureti to allow a cortain leakage rate tror.1:i the port or the orifice while t(xu pressure in the cot7cluit is below the set l3oint. S ei7 leak vent may be designed lay a variety ot`mealla known to those skilled in the art. Noii=limit:ing examples ~~ic:lud~ spec-it~~c positioning of tbe stop azid port to allow a, small opening while thearm is.Ãn the closeci position, designing the port such that a small ~~~eniiig, not coverable by the stop, is always Ã.
xps}sed. ~~ecitying a partic.L3lar rigid, rion-ccgmt.-~liaÃlt seal configuration between the stop and. port when t(xu s~mi is in the closed posiÃioxi-, aiid cailfiigtiriiliw the orifice lea.diiliw to the port to 1iave a siiia[l i~~~ening, tc.) allow leakage of fluids.
Referring now FIGS. 313D-G, these figures illustrate alternate enibodiments of the back pressure regulator 3300a.llowing the leakage of volatiles below the set point. !n oile alternate embodamenÃ, the port 3332bas ~iioieb 3334 as shown in Fl:CJ. 33D
c~.tiil the close-iip of re(yioii (:' ot FIG. '33D depicted in FIG, 33E. rFlitls, when a stop is in contact wit[i tbe port 3332, and the arm oi't.he t3acl,:presau.~~e regulator is i.ri the closed position, a leak veiit: is present at the posiiioii of the notch 3334 that allows a leakage of 1'lLiiti.
In anotlaeralÃernate embodiment of the l.~sackpre;StÃro regulator 3300, orifice 33361Ya; a small openirig 3338, as d.e-picted. in F1U 33F and blow up of region ~ of FIG. '33F d.e-picted in t, iU :3:.~6. The.
opuiiing 3338 is ccgnfiglired stic:h that a leak vent is created when the stop covers tlle port 3336 since fltii~.~s may leak througb tbe opeiiin(y 3338.
Various features of a backpressure regulator may be altered. or modified.. For example, stops to be used with bac:lcl~resR~-re regulators r~:~~g;r l~~iL~e ~~.t~.;r wl:i~gl~e, size, or mass consistent with desired operating conditions, stich stops Ãieed iiat be ball-shapetl as Showii in s-c~~~~~ embod.iments, disLiissed 1~erei.ii. As well, stops ot.'d.i1'l`erenÃ
weight btit siriiilar sizes 215 may be Ãilized watla t17eieÃainer to a:[Ãer theseà poai-it of the reg :[aior. Similar.[v, counter T3ia55~.~4 of cll~ferellt S1.Z.es, shapes and IZt<1ssesInay be 13t111'1.'ed witl71 varit)'fls L'T3ibt)CliT3ie l1ts with preference Ãbat Ãl~ev are acc~~inmodated by the axi~ and arm contzgrinition~ (compare 3316 in FYGS. 33 and. :33A witb 3330 in FI~`sS. 33B and 33C): stic:h cousYt~.~r masses may be at-tacbed and orietiteti re:[ative to the arm by a~iv of a variety o:l`iechniques apparent to t[io;~e skilled in tbe art.. 'f }ie pivot pin placement tieed not be positioned as sl~~~~~ti in FiCS. 3:3-33C'.bLit ir-iay be posÃtior-ied wherever aciva:ritageous to provide tlae ineLhanical atlvafria4.~e reqinred to achi~ve, a particular pressure set point.

Referring back. to 1; ICi. _> 3', other omtaodirz~~i-its of the l.~sac~pre,Su.ro r~~~,~ttlator 3300 may optionally titilize the drain orit~ice, feature described earlier.
11.:lso, embodimetits of't[ie 'y, bacI:pressLire regulator 3300 may not utilizo tlxo. cotinter tnass, forc o a4jtÃstnxon.t fCaMrO, relying on the specific properties of a stop to p~~ovide, the set point for the back}aresstire, 1'e(il.l IatUr.
Other embodi~~~~i-its of the water vapor di5Ã:illatiorz apparatu5 may t7oÃ:
Litili~~ a vessel, but: rely ~~i orifices that are intrinsically part oI'the s1=ste.m. Iz~ stich instances, the backpressure re4izlator arm rna;r be di.Ã~ectly attached toa portioti of tl:~e system Sizch tt-iat tt-ie arni, stop, and coaintÃ. r ixiass are appropriately oriiÃited ft)r the operation of the regulator.
Now referring to F1Ci. 34, t(xu vessel 3302 incltid~s a drain orifice 3322.
Since the baekpre:~sure regulator 3300 may operate withina bounded re~~.ion 3402 of a [arge system 3400, the drain orifice 3322 acts as a pathway to release fluids that ~~~c p.
tirg ~.~ti I=rc?t-ri tb ~~
pressurized coiiduit 3404 thr~~igli orifice 3304 into ttie bouncled:region 3402. 'I"be drain ori#ice 3322 may connect the bouiided region 3402 to another area of'tile larger system, or to tI7e external environment 3406. In aildiÃion, tlre'Ialtild-Li13 of gases .iti the boti~ided region 3402 ~~av result iii condensation of such gases. Also, gases purged t:lirott;.yh t:lie, orifice 3304 may be enirai.~~ed wiÃ:li draplets of.flu:icl that i-na3:y aLcc~~im:late in the bounded region 3402.
Tbiis the drai.ii orifice 3322 may also be iised to purge au-~z biii:ld lila of condensdlales that ac cU:tnU1atO in the boatndecl i e;riosY 3402; the conzlensables rziav also ~e released frorsi the 1~~~~ided region using a separate orifice 3408.
Referring now to FIG. 35, in altertYate embodiments t(xu apparatus may maintaina constant lilowdc~~~~~i water flow to prevent scalin~ and other ac~~~~niuIat~on in the apparatus as follows. Water level 3502 in bn, d chamber 3,504 is aqjusted thrc~ugb a teedback coiitrol loop 'L-SÃzrw level ~ensor :L l., valve Vl, anci source patrnp 3506, to ma:ii-itai~~ proper water .l1c~ti~-throtag1i the l.~lawdoui-i stream 350I3, The thrc.c-w~~~~ ~ottrc:e pump fill valve 3510 is set t~.~
pLitzii? water i.tiÃo aiii-iip 3512, which causes water Ieve:[ 3502 in head chamber 3504 to rise.
215 As fluid:[evel 350:2 r.iaes in laeacl chariiber 3504, tliiid overflows past a ilw-nrc:[ike barrier 3514 into blowdown control C;I7ai'nbeT"351.6 ct?13taiTtlitL; l3lo\=S'doT4'Ft level sensor L.1. As required, blowdowzi val~~e V I is cotitroll ed to allow wate:r flow-lzotn l:ilowdoNvu control chamber 3516 throus;h lxeat exchanger 3518a to extract heat and. ccgs.al.
b1owt1owsY s-t:r~.~am 3508; ~~-id flow out valve V 1; ÃhroLm[i vo:[ati:[e mixer 3520 a:[lowitrQ
cooling of I7ot gawy arzd steazii 3522 from the evaporator sectit~ti 3524.. and tl~~~i completing the blowdowil stream, otit to waste 3526. Still referring to FIG. 335: t}le apparatus may also maintain properprt~dtict flow as follows. FrodUCt level 3528 bL3:ilt1S tlp in condenser chamber 3530, asxd enters isYt.c~ procltic t coiitrol c1iamber 3,532, where pro~.-ltict letiel ~onsor L'21 is boi-ised..
Usi~ig a feedback cont:rol loop with lovel sensor 1.2 and valve V-1, product strea:tn 3534 is controlled to flow frorzl prodii,ct cont.rol chamber 3.532 through heat exchanger 3,51.8, to extract heat atid c-ool prod.ue.t stream 3534, then tli_t-cgatgh valve V21 aiiti cgii out to complete the product strearn as prodtic:.Ã water o Ã:1et 3536.
The system may prei`eratity be configured to maintain proper liqtiid ring pump 3~38 water level by the use o#'a #liiid recovery svstern to i~epleriish.1-1uid loss. There a:~~~ ~~~~~~i-a1 ways that flLaid from the ri~ig ptti-np may, be depleted d~~iig system operation, including leak~age into lower reservoir 3540, expLalsion t.hrc4Lagh exhattst f.-~ort 3542, and evaporation.
The leakao.c a~ad. expulsion losses inay be large depending on operational parameters, such as the speed of rotation and liquid risi;p ptrs-tip 3538 throughput. The;eleak-age and expulsion losses coultà retluire total rel}:lacenient of the flliitl in the pumpseveral times per lioiir. 'I`~~
evaporation loss is typically 5ma.ll.
Referring to FItri. 35, the fltiid level in the ring pump 3538 ~~~iav be maintained by adding additional sotir~e water, prc~dtict water, or pref==en, bly by re-circulating liqttid water Iost f'iom the licfLtie:l ring t3uf.ufa for .imp.roved system ef:fic.iertcy.
In orte eirtbodiirteat the t'[a:itl level in the ring purrip 3538 is primarily rnair7iai.ned by rercirc :laiion ot thefluiti.
accti:tnL31atod in lower resorvoi:r 3540. Fltiic1 May WC Lar#i Li late. in lower reservoir 3540 from leakage from the licluid. ring ptimp 3538and from flttid ex.pel:le.d. in exhaust 3542, captured in rsii;t eliminator 3544 and ~~impecl to lower reservoir 3540. Alternatively, fltiid expel(etl in exbatist 3542 and captured in mist elitiiiiiator 3,544 may be reÃurtied via tlio Iitluid. ring) ptimp exbaust port. Fluid accumulated in lower resenoir z~~ay be re-circulated by c~~~o of several puzn l~:i~~~; rz~.e~:l~ar.~is.~~.~s. C)zie e.x.e.~~~t~lar~r ai~.e~~.l~. i.~ to tise a sil~l:lc~~~ pump.
Still rc:t`erriiig to 1=''IC, 35, a. mitiimum deptli of water is preferably maintained in the lower r~~ervoi.r 1=or the siphon punip to perform properly. hi one embodi~~~~enÃ: liquid ring 22 5 pLitzii) control ebamber 3546, ~.~~hieb houses liquid ring pLiriii) level sensor D may be used to control the liqtiicl ring pt~rnp level and cc?titrt3l tb~.~ level of water M
theIc?wer res~.~rvoir 3540.
Liquid ring ~~imp control chamber 3546 is tILiidly cotrnect:ed to liquid rizi`..~ ptimp 3538 anci.
lower reservoir 3540. I_,iquitl ring pump 3538 is connected to the tf3:ree-wa,y source fill valve 3510; wlaich is set to ot3~ii when the Iiq id ring putzip 3538 req irea more water aiid it is also c~~~~~ected to the liquid ring 1~~~nip drai~i valve V3, wliich olaeiis w1~on it is required to cfrain water i-rom I:iqtiitl ri.ng piiÃ-iip 3538 into blowtlown stream :.~508.
St:ill referrin,.~ to FIG. 35: if r~-circulated water front lower resenoir 3540 is riot primarily tisetf to ma.intain t11Cf1Uid letel in t1Yo. liquid ring ptimp 3538, then oither colcl soiiree water or product water cotlld to be tised. in the event source water were tised., t:lle.

introduction of colci water (which cotilt1 l~e. apf.~rox:imately ~s dogroes C
coldk;r than systenx tomperature) to tlio liquid ring ptim}a 3538 wotiid decrease system efticiency or alteniatively the L3su of a pre-heater for such c.cgld source water would increase t(xu energiv~ bLidget of the avstem. Alternatively, the 1t5e of product water, wlaii~ iioi ad~~eraely affecting system tempen, t~irez c-otiid decrease, farodii,ctit~ti level and, thtis, also lead to system ineffic-icz~ey. At Rta.rtclp, Ãlle init:ial flaFi.d level for the liquid ring p-L-mp is pre.fer-,.iblystipp(:ied.fi-c)rzi soiii ce water.
Now referring to F1Ci. 35:3, in cg~ie embodiment the stas-t-L3p time may be reduced by.
using alt external eailxiectiii~~. valve 3550 between sotit-ce 3548 and b[owdown 3508fluid.
lines, located acIjacent #-c3beat exchanger 3518, on the cold side. To tfetera-ni.r:-ge the level of fluid in evaporator head 3504 during the iniÃial.fill, connectit~8 valve 3550 would be open, blowdown valve B V ~~~otild ~e, closed, and fluid would be puiiif.~eti iiiÃo tile svsteiis through aoLirLe lriie 3548. ('onneLting blowdowt7 3508 aiid soLirce 3548"[ii-ies resLilis in eqLi.al fluid height iii the b1owdowii level sensor housiri~ 3516 atid evaporator head.
3504, thereby }~erm.ittÃti~7 a deÃ:erair.~iat:ian of flu.ici level in evaporator bea(l 3504 anil enabling the evaporator t:c) be filled to the miiiini m required level at starÃup, tJsi~-ig t[ie mi.iiim m level recltiired shortens initial warn-a-Lap ti:tne a.ti.ti ~reve~3f~ spill-over fi-onY the evaporator head.
3504 throutwb the liqtiid ring puznp, 3,538 to the ct~ti~.-1~tiser 3552 w1'~on the liquid ring ptitiip 3538 starts illustrated on FIG. 35, Still reforri~ig to FIC. :s;?A; die concentration of solids in blowdown sÃr~ana 3508 may be znonitored a~~d coiitrolled to fareti=eiit precipitation of materials from solution aiid tl-iats c1o;~4.~i.~~z4.~ t~f'tf~e s~k:~t~er~a. Also cit~.~-Ãziw start- ~-1~, ~:irc~.~lat~i~~~;~ pump 3554 .~~~a~r ~;Ãr~::tilate water tlirÃ~~ttgh heat exchanger 3518 t~.~ pre-heat thc..1icat excl~~nger to the proper teÃ~~pera.iure for iiortz-ial operation. A conductivity sensor (not shc~~~~ii) may be tiseccl to determine total 215 cclisso:[~~ed solid ("[':DS) content by measuri.n4.~ the electrical eonductivitv of the tliiirl. t:n a ~artieL3.lar ~.~tnl;at3ditrient, the s~.~n4or- is an inductive sensor, wheretTy no electrically conductive material is in contact with the f1iiid at:r~ana. If the TDS ewitent in blowdown stream 3508 rises above a p:r~.'sc:rib~.~d level, fbr example, during, distillation of sea water, the flati.d ss.atirc:e feed rate is izierea;~ed. _1ncreay.ing t[ie fluid sourcefeed rate will i.nc:.rease the rate of blowdown streazn 3508, becatise ~.-listille~.-1waÃer production cha~iges only slig}itly as a function of flLiid feed rate, a:ticf ai-i Hicreased blowdown st~~eai-ii rate resLilts i~~ reduced concentration of TDS, thereby maintaining overall ef~:~icioncy and productivity of the Alternate embodiments may also includea fluid c:oi-itrol. s>>stem. Lisir3g level sensors and variable tlow valves in a f'ee~~ack configuration. Optimal operation of the still recluire-s total fluid flow in to closely t1~.:~atc.h total tltiiti flow c4Lat.
'Maintaining fluid levels in the still at near constant levels accomplisi7es this requi.r~~~~enÃ. In a particular emboc,li~~~~i-it, the ~~ns-ors are capacitive level s~~~sors, a parÃiciilarly robtist s~tisor for meas-urin,.~ t'liiid levels.
Capacitive level sensors 1i~~~~ 110 MOViM, parts ai-ici are insensitive to fouling, and manutacture. is Simpl~ antl inexpensive. Opening of a variable flow valve is controlled by.
the level of fluid. measatred la+N,, the capacitive level sensor, whereby the fltiid level is a(lju4tecl at t1ae level 5ei1Sor location. A r-Bing tluicl level c;anses the valve tc) opeii inore, iiaerea.Siii~~.
flow ozit c?:{'tl$e s~.~nsor- volzini:~.~. Conversely, a tail.ing.{1uid level causes the valve to close t~io:re, decreasing flow out oi`-ttie sensor volume.
Flow rate Ãl-irotagli the varial.~:Ie, flow c~iitrol valves and -rom the input ~.~ttmp may be determined uy.i~~~ an.inwsiÃu calibration Ãeeb.iiiqiic. "['be level sensors a~id associated level sensor ti=oltir~~e may be tised. to deterniiiie the fill or ez~ipty rate of t:lie, sensor voliime. By appropriately configuring the control ,,cilves, the flow rate ca.Iairnation o.f'eacli valve aild also of the soLirce piiriip may be deierm.Ãned.

Ili osx~ embodiment, a valve block (not Shoavti) may, be utilizod. to con;olid<ite all.
control valves for the system into a single part, which may be iiitegraÃed witb the tltiid f~ow manifold. A c:ontrol;y4tern cornlari4ing a sensor fc4r tota1 dissolvetl solids and blowdown stream may also be u.ic-orporate~.-l, as well as a float valve or otber device for controllin:.~~ tbe heightilevel of tluid. in tbe bead..
Referring back to FIG. 35, there is acici.itionally a sÃeara.l-low lii-ie 3554i=:rom head 3504 to coiii~. ~ressar 3538, a stc..aÃn otatlet 3542 for di-v~e:rting stc..aÃn to evaporator/condenser, a hot product li.tic 3534 f-rom evaporator/condenser leaditiQ through exchanger 3518, w_[lic17 215 also allows for collection o:l`ttoà piirified condensed larodtict 3528, and a liiie (not sttowrz) t:or clivertitig hot product to conips-e,sor 3538 to allow acIjusttriesit tli'wates-le-vel to keep i#-conat:ant. There may also be a: drain line (iioà shown), for when tl~~ system is shut tlowti.
Referring now to FIGS. 3(3-316C, alternate embodiments may also incl.tit1e a t'lilid.
distribution manifold 3600. FIG 36 shows ww t:a:ce of the piiriip side ol`orze particular enibodiz~~ent of a tluid distribtitit~ti z~~anifol~:-l 3600. Input, in the form of raw sotirc-e feed, flows t.hrouglt port 3602, anil bloic%down strewrt tolitpltt 3.f1ows through pott 3604.
Additional otitptit in t:lie, form of prodtict flows through poi~t 3606, while port;chanil~er 3608 provi.des the vent for volatiles (oattpatt) and. port 3610 provic1es the tlraiiY (output) for liqtÃid.
rin:.~' lsump. ~FiG. 3611 sbows tbe other face of the punip si~.-le oi`~~~
~~~~ie, }aartic-ti1ar 7{D

embodiment offlati.d ciisrribtÃt.ion manifold 3600.Port/clxamber 3608, otÃtptÃt of voiatiios, is ap:pare-tit, as is the ~.-~rain 3610 tor a liqtiid ring puznp. tn tbis view of tbis particiilar embodiment, a c+C?11deIl*eI'stei3m nllit eliminator chamber 3612 is visible, as is a nlist collector a~id drain area 3614.
Referring specif`ically to f; Itf. 3613, this titwi.ire. illustrates one face of the ev.iporator;coi-iti~i-iser s:itie of'the Ral-zie partictllar emboci.Ãmey-it of fluiri''': ci.istfib tion mazi.if-'olci 3600. Raa~~~ sm3rce feed port 3602, as well as bis}wdo.wn passage ports 3604 and prs}dLact passage ports 3606 are readiIy, vvisible in this view. I~~ adti.iticgii, evaporator steam passage port 36.1.6 aiid coxtclexiseÃ- steam passage poÃ-Ã 3618 i3aay be seeii.
Re:{~rring specifically to FIG. 36B, this fi;pl.lr-eiliustrat~.`s the other fac~.~ of tb~.~
~v,ipor,i.torr~otidetiser,,;:ide of the same partictrlar embodiment c,f t~.uid distributim.i manifold 3600, Again blowdowii passage port 3604 is visible; as is liquid ring pump drain port 3606, a second condenser steam mist cI.imi.nator 3612, evaporator ste~~~~i mist elim.it7ator 3620, ~~~d mist col~ector an~:-~ drailtarea 36.14. A1so, a suznp level control chamber can be, seen it) this view, ciloii=., witli a proillict level control claÃ,laker 3622 ai-iti a iiqtiid rar-ig t3unit3 supply feed 3624.
Still reforring to FIGS. 36-36C, a f1L3:id tlistrit.~sattion manii`oiti''=.
3600 is capable of elizninating most plumbing in a t'ltiid purification svsteni, ~dvantagoously incorporatin;.g varioti, finYctionaIity in oiie ttnit, irie.(t3ding flow regulation, mi4t removal, and presst.tre regulation, therebv simpfit~ri~ig manu~actu:l`e, and sitwiiific-antlv reducing overall componelit:
parts. The c~re, plates and manifolds may ~~e, made, of, for example, plastic, metal, or ceramic plates, or any other non-c:orroRi.ve material capable oCwitlistanding, bÃgh tel~~pera.ture and pre.ssurc... Metliads Ã~~fmanuf'aeÃt:tre: for the c-orc..
pIatesand manifolds i~iciti.de bra:r..i~~~ ~iid oti~er-i-iio Iding.
22 5 Refiezr.ing now to FIGS. 37-37:'i, Ã:t7ese figlrres illustrate a fitting asseriibly that allows fluid interfacing throughout the so-steln in a pal-tictlial-imbtlci:irrielit. For exal-tipli, there may t#e a floating fluid interfr'ace bettveen ti~~ exchanger 3*518 (sboNvu oti 1`IG. 35) and the in.tai.ere.x1Yaust ports 3220 and. 3208 (shown on FIG. 32), FTC's. 3 )7A
illustrates a coii.liector 3702 t[iaà ~~~iay k~e welded to the laeaà ea.cbatiQer ports (t7ot sho~.~~il), wlaereii7 the connector 3702 connects to the fluid interface 3704 whic-h is in Ãtirn in coliimuiiieatit~~i witli tlae f1Llid distribution nianifoId. FIC. 37A sl-z~~~~~s a sectional view across Iir-ie ArA (see FICi.
17}. The connector 3702 bas the ability to f'loat to compelisate for s}itfts in registration, possibly caused b>> temperature Or nlarat.attlCttlrilY~,~ VariatiOlIS. Sealing is accomplished by the o-ritig 3706. As can be see1i in t.~ie, tiiew depicted in FICi. :.~7, the o-rilig sea13706, tipon ~.~
rotation of line A-A 90 de~,rreo a~.~sout a central axis_ the cosYnevor 3702 anc1 the f'ItÃtd, intorfiace 3704 lock together to make a i='liiid interface c~onnecxion.
Refurriiig now to FIGS. 38-38A, t(iuse figL3res illustrate aiiotbor embodiment of the evalaorator:concclenser 3800. As seen in FIC3. T8; evapora#orr'coniierzser 3800 is a flat e~~aporator:`condenser atid contains multiple parallel c~ore layers 3802 and 3804; typically m,acie of copper-nickel alloy o.r other 1ieat-transi~~~~able material, w:itiz rib sections 3806 creating c1ianiiels 3810 and 3812 for directiiig steam and. condensed fltiid tYow. Stiani intake 381.4 and prcultic:t exi.t. 3816 manifolds (as well as dirty intake and volatile exit i3iaÃiifo~lcls., not sliown) Ãiia.y connect viaa fltiÃd iÃiterfa.ce to a liq-Liid riiliw pump:'ec mpres5or.
'Bo1ts 3818 4ecuI'~.` core ivaistlratorrcos3des3ser 3800 to brackets of exters3al l:ttltl~:rn,~ of the 1iqtr:id ri:ti4~ pirrnp.:compreasor. In Operation, ev~ryalterna:ting horizontal (as s17:owii in FIGS.
38 0:iid 38A) row 3802 ~iid 3804 comprises evaporator chaniie15 3810 and eoadenser char~~i-iels 3812, aiieb Ãhat the two 1' ~icti~~i-ia never overlap ~~~-i atrv given layer. Ft:G. 38A, a detail of FIG. 38, shows ~~~ore clearly liow t:l~e, conibined.
evaporator/condenser manifolds works. As .Ãndicated, rows 3802 do not int~ract w.iih rows 3804, tl-ze;~ are closed off to each oÃber, tlrereby separating thefu.nc:.Ãaw.is of evaporation and condensation in the horizontal c:cgre layers.
Rel:erritig now to FIG. 39, this figure illustrates alternat~ embodiment of t~le, 1~eat exchanger Lisecl in the water vapor distillation apparatus, wherein sL3ch heat uxcbangers capitalize c~~~ available systemic a~id heat sotirces. In one part:ictiiar embo~:~imetit:; heat from at least one of a plurality of'sotir~~s passes through a mtilti=line heat exchanger 3902 stic-h as depicted i.ii F 1:C1. 39, wherein a series o#'two,-channe( I:wat exc1iaii-erR
RaFcl:~ as 3904, 3906, 3908, c-iiid 3910 are p}t:ti-ti~.~ed to produce a multi-}itic etTect. NÃ~~te.
that in the particular nittltia I.ine_Ileaà exchanger embodiment showiz in FIG. 39, Ãi7e flow ot.'cold iiitak~
3912 passes 22 5 throLigh al1beat excl~~~-iger Linits 3904, 3906.. 3908; ~i-id 3910; orze heat aourLe, for example hot pi-od~ict 3914, flows through heat exchanger rrsiits 3904 and 3908; and another heat source, for example hot bIowtlowti stream 3916, tlows thr~~ug,11 heat exchange Litl:its 3906 and. 3910. In this way., i-ntiltii.-~le heat se~~irc~.'s rziay be ti4ed to exchange wiilx the cold isYtak;e flow 3912.
Now referring to FIG. 39A, this figure illustrates an alternate eznbodiment of the heat exchanger. In it-iis embodiment, the beat exchanger rna:y be a sar-igle arulti-channel beat exchanger 3918. In this partictilar embo~.-limetit:; cold intake 3912, and hn, t soii:rce~ ~uc1i as bot product 3914 a:iiti hot bl.owdoas=n streasn 3916, i`cgr exarziple, flow through exchanger ~
~
3918 ;imtÃlt~~-ieotislya btit in opposite zlirec:t:ion;, therob>> enablin~~
heat eAch~~n9eas=itlY c~?lt1 intake 3912 from botli heat sources 3914 and.391.6 within a single heat exchanger 3912.
Refurriiig now to FIG. 40, one alternate embodiment may, include measuring the evaporator at7c1 conciei-iser l3ressLires to assess overall syst:em laerf'~~~~rnanc:.e and;'or provide data to a control system. To avoid the tise, of experisive seiisors t[iat wotild be reqttired to withstand the elevated ternperaiur~s, oCevaporator:condenser 4002, preRsuresenwors l'`l. anci Pe; are ms}t.tnted oii fluid lines between the cold side of heat exchanger 4004 and.
c.cgrrespoiitli~~g control va(ve4 Vi:. antl V. Toavoiti measui-inga pressill-c less t(xatY the ac:tt.ial fire5sure of the system, wltÃch wotild occ;i:ir whenfluid is flowing. for pressure sensors located at this position, the control valve x-vc?u.lc3: be closed momentarily tcl stop flow. During the "zio-flow" period, pressure will be constant from the control valve back tc, the evaporator or eoiideiiser, eiiablitig accurate measurement of the system pressure, No adverse effects oii still ~erfor~~~~i-iee wi:[l occtir l`r~om these ybort "tio--[`low" periods.
Referring now to f^IGS. 41-41 B, this figure illustrates another embodiment of tlio pr~~ey-it ci.iselosiire ir-icludiii=., a filieri.ri=., mechanisrzi witli.Ãll intake to increase the piiraÃ:v of the fi~ial product fluid. A mtilti un.Ãt .flilarfilter 4.1.00,baving a pivot joitià 4102 joining at least two filter t~i-iits 4104 and. 4.1.06, is situated within a filtOr hOUsin.~.s 4108 Whi.cll zlirCCt; f1L3:id throutwb filter units 4104 and 4106and. facilitates rotation of filter units 41.04 and 4106 about central pivot joint 4102. As showii, blowdown stream 4109 passes tli_t-cgttgh tlip-filter tiiiit 4104; while inta.ke, fluid strear~~ 4110 sitnultancously flows frozn intake, through f`lip=i`ilter tinit 41.06 en route to purification. After some interval a flip-filter switch (not showri}, rotates f1ip-11lter 4100 around its cei-itra1 a.x.is, sbc~xvr.i by the dotted li.tic, at fl.Ãp-filter pivot joiÃit 4102, sticli that filter t:-iiit 4106, iiÃ~~w fouled wit1i eontaiiiiiiatc:s filtered from tlirty itiÃake t`iuid, is backwas_[led by b1owdowti 5treatzi 4109, z-itiil filter unit 4104becomes t[ie 215 filter unit >.hicla :f:ilters itiÃake t`iuid sÃi-eam 4110. hi sucla an embodimet7t, orcring gaskets 4:112 and 4114 may be utilized as seals between filter rrsii#s 4104 and 4:1.46 ~~id the fluid ~~ow routes ol'b1owwtlown streaiii 4109 anci. intake tltiid stream 4110.respect:ively.
Referring now to FI~`sS. 4 1 C-C), the ~nulti-ttnit fli.p filter may b~.~ a tzltilti-sectetl c.ircular filter 4112. Multi unit flip-filter 4.1_12,baving a pivot point 4114 abotit which mttlt:iple flila-filter unit~ sticb as 41.16 and 4118 pivot, may also be sittiated witbin filter housing 4120 that directs i7uÃd flow tlarough ii-idivicl.Lics.l filter Lty-iits 4116 a:rid 4118 ar:ld l'acilitates rotation ol'filter 4112 about pivot point 4114. As showii, bIoo~~~own str~ani 4109 passing tlxrcgttgh onef1ip-fil.ter ttnit 4116, while intake flttid ,trearzi 4110 simultaracausly flows trozn intake Ãhroug}t flip=i`ilter iiiiit 4118 eii roiite to puri~:ication. As in FICi. 41, a flipe flltersas=itch. (not shown), rotates flip-filt:er 4.1 12 arotinzi its c~i-itral axis, slxcgwn by ilYo. clotted li~ie.z at flip-filter pivot poiiit 4114z such that filter tinit 4118, now fouled with contaminates filtered ti-cgni rlirty, intake fltiici, is bac:kNvas(xuti by blowdown streani 4109, atYd filter L3nit 4116 beconaes the filter i~iiit wh.ich t:r:[Ãers i.titake fluid 5treatzi 4110.
A series of ~ea:[s, as indicated by 4122 atid 41.24, are, utilized betweeti individual filter units 41.1.6 and 4118, to partition b1owdown strearn 4109 .i1owilig, throu.d :i c~~~~~ filter ~ectÃon, f'ror-ia :ii-ita~e 1-In-ic1 stream 4110 flowing throLa~~ ~~iother filter secti~~ii.
Now referring to FIGS. 41 E-4 l.F, other er.1~.:~bodir.1~.:~ents may incltide a r.1~.:~anua1 valve 4122 to change t;[ic direc:tic~~~ of water flow. Such a valve alloi~s use ot`., foz-exampfe.
blowclc?w7:-g ;ii-eaa-ri 4109 to continuously clean one unit o#'each tlip-i-i1.t~.~r, and witI:i a siTtgli operation e#:i`ectivelv awitcl~~s w17.ic1i anit is beino filtered anci. which Ãttiit is being bac:l,i:-washeti, t1iereby back-washing filtertaniÃs 4104 or 4106 without the need. to actually tlip filter 41.00 itself :[.ii otie particular embodiment wlaeii valve 41:22 is in position A, f-i IÃ:er iinit 4104 is filtering intake tluid. 4140, atid filter tlnit 41.06 is beiii,.Y back-washe~:~ with blow(lown stream 4109. ~Jpof.i switching valve 41.00 to position 1;3, .f-:a1t:er Litiat 4104 is now beim, backwashed bv blowdoovi7 st-rea~~~~ 4108, anc.l filter Lit7.it 4106 is tio~.~~ tilteritiQ inpLiÃ
fluid 4110, S 1 ].RL.'~~ ~; CYCLE E NG IN ~'~~v.
The varic~~~s er.1~.:~bodir.1~.:~ents of the water vapor tii.stil(ation~~pparatus described above may, in some embodiz~~ent, may be powered by a Stirling cvole macbine (also may be referred toas a Stirling engiae). In the exemplary emboditlient, the Stirlititw cycle machi~ie, is, a Star1ifzg, engÃr.~e described in penrli.n-, U'.S. Patent;kpplication-Serial No.1110s,854 liakting Attorney DockeÃN~.~. 170 filed on April 18, 2008, whic:li is hereÃii incorporated by reterence .in its etiÃireÃy. However, in other erribodi~~~~enÃs, the Stirling cycle machine ~~~iav be 215 a~iv o:l`tlae Stirling cycle maL_[liiies described in the following references, all ol'wl7.ich are incorptlrated by r-eferesic~.~ in tI:ieis- entirely: LJ.S. Ratesit Nos. 6,:381 ,9-584 6,247.3 1.0;
6536,207; 6,705,081, 7,11 I,460; and 6,694,73 1.
Stirling cycle machisxes, including, engines asYd :r~.'frigeratcgrsa hav~.~ a long tecl~~i-iologacal heritage, descr.ik~ed in detail in ieVaIker, Stir:[iita 1:s.nud.ties, (?a.ford University Press Ã.l98t3lz incorporated herein by retorence. The principle underlying t:lie, Stirli~ig cyc1e, engine is tl:~e MeLhaii-Mal realization o.f'ti-ze Stirling Ãherinociylla3mic cycle: rsovolumetrÃc beating of'~ gas wit.liin acvlinder, isothermal expatision of the gas (during which work is performed by driving a piston), ?sovoluari-etric cooling, ~~-ict isothermal coinpi-k;ssion.
Additional background regarding aspects of'Stirlin;~ ~c~yc-le machines and improvements theretcg is diSCLa~SUl in H<~~~6lfk;aves, The Phillips Stirling Engine (F:l~evier, Amsterdam, 1991), which is herein incorporated bv reference.
10031 The princ:iple of ot.-~eration of a Stirling cycle machine is readily described with reference to FtGS. 5 1A-51E; whereii-i identical num~ra1s are used Ãk) identify the same or similar parts. Many me-chanical layouts of Stirling cycle machines are k.nowii in tbe art, and the partÃcular StÃrli.n4~ evcie machitic des.ignated ~,;enerally by numeral 5110 i.s shown merelv for illustrative pL3rposes. in FIC& 51 A to 5 1D: piston 51.:112 and a dispIacer 5114 inove in phased reciprocating motion within the cylinders 51 -1.6 wbich, in some embodiments of the Stirli.~~~ evcle mac:hine, may (ae a sintAle cyliiidez-, (a-Lit in oÃbez-embodiments, ~iiav iiaeitide t~~~eater th,,triasittgli cylir.icler-. Awoi-k.itigt1tiitl e~~iit,,ciir.iedwi.tbit~ cyliti(~er, ~~ l6is constrained by seals, from escaping around piston 5112 and displacer 5114. J-he working #~7t-id is chosen i`or its thermodynamic properties, as discussed in the desc-r-iptioii be1ow, and is typica11y heliLitzi at a pres-su.re ot'wveral au-noslal~eres, however, ~iiy gas, including ~i-iv inert gas, may be used, including, btit not liniited to, lil=drt);.Yeii, argon, noon, nitrogen, air and any Ã-nixÃures il:~~~~eot. "I"1:~e posit.ioti of the displacer 511~:4 gos~ems ic%hetl-zer the workarlg fluid is in e~~~i-itacÃ: witla tl~e"hot interface 5118 or the cold interface 5120, corresponcl.ing>
respec:tivk;ly, to the isYt:erfacesat whic:h heat is saippli.od to and extracted t'ronx the working t'ltii~:-l. The supply and extraction of beat is discussed in further ~:-letail below. The vo1~~~~e of working fluid ge~~~erried. by t(xu position of the t.-~istcgii 5112 is referred to as t(xu compression space 5122.
Dtiring the first p[iase of the Stirling cvcle, t[ie starting cotidit:ion of whicb is depicted i.ii F 1.C1. 5 IA, the piston 5112 compresses the fluid in the conapi es5Ãon space 5122.
The compression ~.~cctus a.t a substantially constant temperature because heat is exÃracted from the t'1 id to the amb.ieni environment. The cw.idition ot the Stir:[ar~~g cycle machine 5110 22 5 a:t~er compressaw.i is depicted in FIG. 51B. I3ltring the seeolid phase of the evele, t[ie displacer _5 114 anclves in the directior:-g of'tI:~e c.c3lc3: inted-ace 5120, with the x.vc?rk.ing fluid disl}:laced fr~~in the reggion of tlle coltl interface 5-120 to tlie region of the hot inter#:ace 5118.
This phase may be rei'`er:red. to as the tran4fe:r pha4e. At the ~.'nd. of'the trasYsfer phase, the fluid is at a higher presau.re ait7ce Ãt7e working flltitl has 1~~~i-i_[leated at constant volume. `I"[ie increased pr~~stire is depicted symbolically in F-[Cx. 5 lC by t[ie rea~:-ling) of the pressure g,aug~ 5124.
During the third phase (the expansion stroke) of t:lie, Stirli~ig Cyc1e macbuie, the voltÃ~-ne of the compression space 5122 increases as heat is d:r<~~~~i-i in frorzi oattsitle the Stirl i~ig ~yc1e machine 5110, theret_Sy converting hea, t to work. In practice, heat is provided to ilxo. fltiici by means of a heater head (not shown) wh:ich is zl:isctis~ed in. greater detail in the description below. At tbe eiid of the ex.pansioii phase, the compression space 5122 is ftAll of cold fluid, as depicted in FIC, 51 D. During the fourth phase of the Stirling cycle machine 5110, t`liiid is transferred froi-ii the region of the hot inÃertac:.e 5118 to the re"ion of the colcl.
interi==ace, 5120 by znot:ion of t:l~e, displacer .5 114 in tlie opposing seiise. At t:lie, end of this Recotzd tr~i-isfer phase, the f`ltiici fills the comprewsion space 5122 ~i-ici cold i.nterface 5120, as depicted in FIG. 5 1A, and i-s ready for a repetition of the compression phase. The Stirling c.vcle is depicted in a P-V (pi-es4irru-vcglume) diagram as showil in F1G. 5 1.E
AdclÃtionally. oÃi passing froin the region of t;[ic hot intert`aee 5118 to the Ã-e`~.ion of the cold i7:-gterface ..~120. In 4orrie en$bodi~~ent4, tlic i:1uid~~iay pass thr-t?t3gha reg~.~n ~.~rator-(shc,wn as 5408 in FIG.:?4). A regene:ratc,r is a matrix oi'material 17.av iii4~ a large ratio of surface area to volume whicii serves toabsor6 heat from tlie fluid when it enters from the region ot`tl~ellot interface 55118 a~id Ão:[leat the tlLiid wlaenit passes ~`r~om the region of the c-ol~:-l interface -512W
Stirling cvcle 1~1'act-lines 1~ztve r-iot ~7~~~era14v beer-i Lised in practical applications dLie to several ~auntim, challetwes to their development. These i~ivol~~e pnaLt.ieal conyideraiioiis such as etticienc>> and lifetime. Ac:cordin~,~l>>, there is a neeti for rziore Stit-li~~~ cvcle machines witli mininial side loads on pistons, increased el=~ieiency and lif'etime.
The principle of operation of a Stirling cycle machine or Stirling engine is ffirther discussed in detail in U.S. Patent No. 6; 381;93_58z isstied May 7, 2002; to ~.`.arnen et ci,1.., wlliclt is herein incorporated by rei`~~ence in its ontiret:y.
Ror.h.ing Beam Drive Rc:.ferrii-ig iiÃ~~w ÃÃ~~ F1GS. 5~~?.-54, embodiments of a Stirling cycle machine, aec:Ã~~rtlii-ig to c~~~~ embodi~~~~i-it, are shown in cross-section. `I"[le engine embodiment is desag)-naied 215 4.~~~~erallz b; t7 meral 5300. Wlaile the Stirli~~g cycle naach.ine will be desLribecl genera11y with refor~.~nc,e to the 4tir-lisi;p engine 5300 ~rnbodirnents shodvn in i;'I.CfS. 52-54, it is to be understood that many types of machi:nesa:nd engines, :ineluding birà not l:imit:ed to refrigerators and compressors may similarly b~.'nef:it fr~~~n various embcgtliment< an($
imprc~~~~~~~~i-iÃs which are described berein; including but i-ioà [amited Ão., ea.tez=na1 combtistioii en:.~yines and internal combustion ong.ines.
FIG. 52 depicts a crossrcsectior-i of an ei-iiboiliriaetit of a rocking beaul drive mechanism 5,200 (the tenri "rocking beaÃn drive" is tised syiionymotisly with tbe teriii ~.
..re~~:~k:tn~; _.e~.sn t.rive ~~ec:~si~i~;rsi~) fo:r ~~-I ongane, such as a Stirling On~,~isYe. having lisY<<lr t`
reciprocating pistons 5202 aÃid 5204 liouse~.-l withiÃi c.vlinders 5206 aÃid 5208, respectively.

The c>>linders incitide li-near i~eaii.nas 5220. Rockii-ig lv.etir#i drive 5200 converts l.in.oar motiotis of pistotis 5202artd,5204 into t.lie, rotarv motit~ti of a crankshaft ~214, Rockitig beam drive 5200 bas a i-oc.ki.m;F beam 5216, rocker pivot 5218, a first coupling assuinb(y 5210, aiit.l a seLC~iid coupling assembly 5212. Pistons 5202 aiit.l 5204 are coupled to rock.at~~
beam drive, 5200: respectivelv, via ir#rst coupli~ig assembly 52:10 ~~~~
second coiipling assernbl;r 5212. Tl:~e rocking beam drive.is co-L-pled to crankshaft 5214 via a connecting rod 5222.
In some embodiments, the rocking bearn and a first pcgrtioii of the c:onpIing assen-ib1y, i3aay be located in a crankcase, wbÃle the cylinders, pistons aÃ-td a second portion of t1ae cc3upling ass~rnl;aly is located in a workspace.
ln FIG. 54 a crankcase-5400 most o#:-tt-ie rocking beani drive 5200 is positioned below the cylinder housing,55402. Crankcase 55400 is a space to permit operation of rockiiig beatzi drive 5200_havin;.~ a crankshaft 5214, rocking beam 5:216, li.ticar bearings 5220,, a connecting rod -5222, and coiipling assemblies 5210and ~212. Crankcase 5400 intersects c0indera 5206 ai-id 5208 transverse to tl:~e p:lane of tl:~~ axes of i3istor-is 5202 ai-id 5204.
1'isÃotis 5202 and 5204 reciprocate in .~~~speLta~~~ cv:lii-iders 5206 and.
5208,, as also shown in FIG 52. Cylinders 5206 ant15208 oxtend above crankshaft hoosan.;r 5400.
Crankshaft 5214 is motlnted in crankcase 5400 below c~;=li~~ders 5206 and :~~?'0~.
cylinders 51. sl-iows otYU ~~nibcgdiment of rcgckiiig beani tirive 5200, CoL3p(ing asset1ibIies 52 :10 aiid 5212 extend from pistons 5202 and 5204, respectively, to connect pistons 5202 and 5204to rocl;:in,.~ 1~~am5216. (:oupiingassembly 5212 f'or piston,5204, in some erziboclirzients, may cc~inpri~e a piston roci 5224 and a I.ink rod 5226, (;oupli.ng assembly 5210 for pistoti 5202, in soiiie c~~~~odiimnts, ~~~av c:~.~Ãiiprise a pist~.~Ãi rod 5228 atid a link rod 5230. Piston 5204 openates in t[ie cyliiider 5208 ~~ertica11;~ and is coii.tiected bv the coupling 22 5 assembly 52 i 2Ãc) t[ie end laiti ot. 5232 of the rocking beam 5216. The cylinder 5208 provides gtiidance for the longitudinal rriotion of piston 5204, The pist~~ii rod 5224 c?:{'il~e ct~~ipli7:-gg assenibly 5212 attached to the lower portion oi`p:istc,n *5204 is drivetta<ial:ly by its li:til;: rod 5226 in a su stantia 1v linear reciprocating i.~tst..~. a~n~,., tbeaxis of the cylinder 5208. The dista:l ciid of pisiot7 rod 5224 c~.tiii Ãi7e proximate ~~id of li~ik rod 5226, in soi-iie ei-iiboiiimet7ts.
may be jointly hi~iged. via a coupling meatis 5234. 'l'he coupling means 5234, zimy be atzv coupling mear-is known in tl-ze art, inLIudÃn~7 but i-zot lii-nÃted to, a flexible .jo:ini, roller bearing elez~~ont, hinge, journal bearing Joint (shown as 5600 in FIG. 56~, and fle~.~r~ (sl~.t-~~~ ii as 5700 in FYGS. 57A ant1 571=3). The distal end of the link 1-od 5226 :tnay be c:ooplet1 to one end ,isivot: 5232 ol:-rocking boam 5216, which is positioned vertically and perpendicularly tÃsYder the proxim.ate enzl of the lir;k. rod 5226. A stationary linear bearing5220 a:nay be positioned along cotipling assembly 524.2 to turther ensure substantially linear longitudinal motion ot'the pi4ton rod 5224 and tbtis on;uri.ns~ substantially Iinear longimtfinaI motion of the piston 5204. ir~~ ~~~~ exei-iiplary ernbodinienÃ; link rod 5:226 doesnot pass through [ii-iec~.r be-aring 1-5220. This ensures, aznong otber things, that pistoii rod 5224 retains ~substantially linear and lorwAturlitia1 motion.
In the exemplars;, e~~bodi~~ent, the link rods ni~~~ be ~~ade from altinii~~uni, and the piston rods and connecting rod are. niael.e tror.1~ D2 Tool Steel.
Alternatively, the link rc4cls, pistail rods, connecting rods, aiid rock.i~ig beat-~i may, l~~ ~iia.de from 4340 steel. Ottier ~~iatenals rria`- be tisecl for tb~.~ components of the i-ockitig bean$ drive, includisi;p, tTtit iiot l:imit:ed to, titanium, aItimit~~im; steel or cast iron. In some embodiments, tl~e flat::igtre streiigth of the material being tased is above the actual load experi~~iced by the eoniponents during Operation.
Still referring to FIGS. 52~5-4, piston.5202 operates vertically in the cylin~:-ler,5206 and is coy-ir-ieite(i by the coupling aaseuibly 5210 to the end pivoÃ:'~~~6 oi'the rocking beani 5216. The cylinder 5206 serves, aniongst otber functions, Ãc) provide giiida~ice for longitudinal m.ot:ic~n of i.~i.ston 5202. Tlxo piston rod 5228 of the coui.~l.intr assembly 5210 is attached to t[ie lower portion of lsistoii 5202 and is driven axially by its link. rod 5230 in a sabstantia(1y linear reciprocating pat(x along the axis of the cylinder 5206, The distal eiitl of the piston rod 5228 and tbe proximate onti of the lin:lb. rod 5230, in some eml:so~.-lim~tit.s, is joitit:ly hinged vi~ a cotiplititw mearis 5238. The c-otipling means 5~38, in various erziboclirzientw may ÃzIClaFCie, b C are 110t 1imitec1 to, a, flex.izre (wl:iown_ as 5700 i.n F1(_iS. 57A
and. 57B; roller bearing eIc..n1e:nt, hinge, journal bearing (Showi~ as 5600 in FIG. 56), or coupling mea~~s as knoovi7 in the art. The distal ~i-itl ot`the lil7k rod 5230, in some 22 5 embod.i~~~~i-its, ~~~~~~ ~~e cc~~ipled to c~~~~ ~~id pivot 5236 ot.'rocking beai-ii 5216, which is positioned vertically and p~.~Tp~.~ndiculady under the proxii-nate end of link i-od 5230. A
stationary linear beari:ng 5220 may be positioned a:Ioii4~ cotrl}:li~ig assembly 5210 to fLirther ~.~nsatre linear longitudinal mcgtion of the piston rod 5228 and tbtis Onsatritig linear IongiÃ.udinal motion of Ã17e piston 5:202. In z-iti exemplary embod.iment.
I.ink rod 5230 does tiot pass through finear bearing 5220 to ensure t[iat piston rod 5228 retains ~substantially li.rie<i:r ai-zd :lom7Ãtuci:inal motion.
The c-oii:lsling assemblies 5210and.5212 change tbe alterriat:ing longitudinal motioil of respective pistons 5202 and. 5204 to ~sci.llatorc> inotion of the roc:king beam 5216. The delivered oscillatory, znot:ion is cl~anged. to tbe rotational motion ol`the c-ranksbatt:~~~4 by the c osYneving roc1 5222, wherein one end. of tlxo. connecting rozl 5222 is rotatabl.v cotipled to a connecting pivot 5240 positioned ben.veen ~~~ ea~:-l pivot 5232 and a rocker pivot 521.8 in the rockir:fg ~~~im 521.6, anti. a~iother enti- of the ccgiinecting rc4cl 5222 is rcgtatably, cociplecl to crankpin 5246. The rocker pivot 5218 may be positioned s1ib5Ã:~i-itialiy at the tziiclpoiiit:
bet-ween the ~~id pivots 5232 and.:~~~~6 and osc.illaÃorill= support the rocki~ig beam 5216 as a fiflCrUM, Chcl-, wiiiclÃzlw tl:~e fesPCc:tive p:astozi rods 5224anci 5228 to make R-L-fficiezic 1Ãziear ms}ti~~ii. In the exemplary, et~~boc.limÃ. iit.; the cratiksltaft 5214 is located above the rockmg beam 5216. batt in otlier enibculiniciits, t(xu crankshaft 5214 may be positioned below the rocking beam 521.6 (as shown in F(GS. 55B atid 55D) or in sotiie emboclÃments, the cnanlk4ha#:t 5214 is positioned to the side of the rocking beam ~216, sticli that it s#-il.l I:ias a parallel axis to the rc,ck:ing, beam 5216..
Still referring to FlUS. 52¾54, the rockiiig bcaFi-i oscillates about the rocker pivot 5218. the erzd pivots 5232 at7d 5236 follow anarc paÃi7. Sit7ce Ã:i7e disia:[
ends of the lil7k rods 5226 atid 5230 are cotiz~ected to the rocking beam 5216 at pivots 5232 and 5236, t[ie distal ~~ids of the I.ink i-otis 5226 and 5230 also folloic% tli.is arc path, resulting in ar:t angular deviation 5242 at7t1 5244 f-rom t[ie longituli.nal axis of motion of Ãhei.r respective p.ÃsÃc~ns, 5202 ~i-icl 5204, Tlxo. conplino means 5234 ~i-icl 5238 at-o c:onfigtireel sLich that <~nyangU1ar deviation 5244 and 5242 frotii t:lie, link rods 5226 and.:~230 eis.perieticed by the piston rods 5224 and 5228 is minimized. Essentially, t(xu angular deviation 5244 and 5242 is absorbed by tl~e, cotilali~ig meaiis 5234 and 5238 so that t:lie, piston rods 5224 ~~id 5228 maintaill scibsÃatit:ially linear longitudinal motion to reduc-e side loads on the laistons,5204 and 5202.
A stationary linear bear-i.11a,. 5220 .~~~av rx(wc) be plrxceci Hisi.de the cy1ii-icier 5208 or 5206. or al~.~Ã~g cot.ip]'itig assemblies 5212 or 5210, to tttrtlier absorti aiiv angular deviaÃian 5244 or 5242 Ãhus:keepit7". the p.isÃon pcisla rod 5224 or 5228 ~i-id the pisÃotl 5204 or 5202 ill 1i.licar 215 motion along the :[otigit-uditi al axis of the pisÃot~ 5204 or 5202.

10041 Tller~.`tbI'e-, iT3 view of reciprocating T3iC)t1C?ll of '(?1stC?t34 '202 ~aIld 5204. it is necessary to kee,1) the motion of pistons 5202ailcl 5204 as close to linear ~s possible because the de,viation 5242 and 5244 from l011S;itUdinal axis of reciprocating -inotis.an of pistons 5202aixd 5204 cacisesnoise, reillicÃioti o1'eft:rca~iic?%, irzLrease of friction to tl~e wall ot.'cylirzder, increase of side-load, atid low durability of the parts. The align:~~~ent of tbe cylinders -5206 ai-id 5208 aiic;l the arra:m~xement of crÃ,cnkyba:.f-Ã:52.i.4, p.iston rods 5224 and 5228, litik rods 5226 and.:~230, and connecting rod 5222, hence: may iiitl~~~ice oii, amoii;.yst otlier thinls:
tl~~ efficiesxc>> and/or tho voltime of ths& zlevic:e. For the purpose of in.c:reasing ths& linearity, of the pistoi-i inotion as ~nentionet1, the p:isto:ti.s (shown as 5202 and 5204 in T`1CaS. 52-54) are preferably as close to the side oi`the respective cylinders 5206 and 5208 as possiiile.
In another embodiment reducing angular deviation of link rods, link rods 5226antl 5230 substantially linearly reciprocate al~~~-ig longitudinal ams oi`naotion of respective 5 pistotis 5204 and '5202 to ~~~~~~se. the ~tigu1ar deviation and tlius to decrease the side load applied to each pi.ston 5204 atzd 5202. Thean-a(ar deviation defines the ciev.iation. ol'the litik rod. 5226 or 5230 f.rom t.lie longitudinal ams oi`the pistoii 5204 or 5202. Nu~.~teraI~
5244 aii(i 5242 designate t(xu angular deviation of the link rods 5226 an~.15?`30, as shown in FIG. 52. `i'berefore, the pcmition of c_oupliÃ-tt) a.Ssetn(aly 5212 influences the angular 10 di4p1.acer~~ent of the l.ink- rod-5226, basect on the length of the distasic~.~ betwe~ii the end pivot 5232 aiid ttte rocker pivot 5218 oi`ttte rocking beam 5216. Thus, the position of the cottpl'i~ig assemblies may be such t1iat tl~e, angular displacement oi'tlie link rod 5226 is reduced. For t[ie liii:k rod 5230, t[ie len;.ab of the coupling assembly 5210 also may be det~rtnitied. and placed to red~ice the angiilar displacement of the link. rod 5230, based on t:lie, 15 length oi'the distance betic%~en the etid pivot 5236 atid tl-ze rocker pivot 5218 of tl-ze rocking beam 5216. '1`laeretore, the letiQth ol'the liiik rods 5226 aiicl. 5230, the lengt[l of coupling assemblies 5212 anti52I0, asxd the length of the roc:ki:ng beam 5216 are si&mificant parameters that greatly influence and/or detemiine the angiilar deviation of'the link rods 5226 and 5230 as shown in FICi. 52.
20 'I'lie exeniplarF enibodinient has a straitwbt rocking t~eani 5216 having t.l~~ ~tid poi11ts 5232 a~id 5236, t[ie rocker pivot 5218, and tbe connecting pivot 5240 aIoll,.Y
t.lle, same axis.
l-tc~~~~ever, i.n otliez~ embodiments, the rocki.r:~;~.,~ beam 521.6 may be beiit, such that pÃwtoils may be placed at angles to each other, as Showii in FIGS. 55C and 55D.
Refiezr.ing now to FIt~3S. 52-54 at7d FIGS. 57A-57B, in some embodiments of the 215 coupling a;~~embly, the coupling a;~~emb:[aes 5212 aiid 5210, naav include a flexible link rod that is axualio stiff btit flexible in the rockisi;p b~.~ar~i -5216 phane o#'i-nt3tion be#-weeti l.ink- rocIS
5226 atid 5230r, and piswf~~ 5204 and 5202, respectively. In ttii~
~tnbodi:tnent, at least ozie portio:ii., the 11ex~ire (slxcgwn as 5700 in i" iC'-;. 57Aand 57B), of lii-ik rcgcis 5226 and 5230 is elastic. 'z.he flexture 5700 acts as a coupling means between the pist:c~ii rod and t[ie liii:k roccl.
30 The ~~~xtire 5700 may absorb the crank-induced side loads of t:lie, pistons ~~iore eff'ec.tively;
t1aua alloiviag its respective piston to f.naintain I:inear Iom~xitudinal f.novenaent ir-is:i(le the piston's cylinder. This flexii:re, 5700 allows small rotations in the plane of'the rocking 1~~ani 5216 between t1Yo lisYk rods 5226 a.sxd 5230 and. pistons 5204 or 5202, respectively.
Although depicted in this enibodinient as tlat, which increases t[ie elasticity oi`the litik rods 5226 and 5230, the flextzre. 5700, in some embodiments, is .ti.ot flat.. The flexLire 5700 also may be cozistri.zcted. near to the lower portiozi of t[ie pistons or near to t[ie distal end of the link rods 5226 and 5230. The flexzz.z-c 5700. in one embodiment> ma'~~ be.
mad.e. of 1"3132 Tcgol Steel Hardened to 58-62 RC. hi some eznbociinients, there may be niczre than one flexlire (ziot shown) on the lizik rod 5226 or 5230 to increase tlze elasticity oft:lie, link rods.
In alternate erzabociirzaeiiÃ. the a.xes of the p.isÃons iz~ eaeb cylizider hOzzsiTz4.~ MCIIV
extend in different directiozis, as depicted in FlCS. 55C azid 55D. In the exemplary embodiment, the axes oft.he pi4tons in each cylinder coL3sizig are stibstantia(1y paz-a11el and preferably sut3stazztia.lly vertiea[, as depicted in t" tUS. 522 _ 54, and FI(:iS. 55A,1nd 55B.
FIGS. 55A-5513irzclutle various embtlclirnesit; of the z-ockizig taearn$ drive rn ~.~cI:zarzi.st-rz gl:ike nzznabers as those slZowzi and described witll respect to l-IGS. 2-4.
:lt will be including understood by those skilled in tlzat art tlzat clzanrinr Ãhe. relative positiozi oftl~e conneetizig pivot 5240 aloz7". the roct;ing bec~.t-z~ 5216 will chaz-ige the stroke czfthe pistons.
Accord.ingly; a chazitwe in tlze, par ameter s of tlze relati~~e position of tlze connecting pivot .5240 in the rocking t~eazz-z 5216 and tl:ze lengtla of the piston rods 5224 and 5228, lÃzik rods 5230 ~iid 5226; rockizi~.'; beam 5216, azid the posiÃiozi of rocker pivoÃ:52.i.8 will change the an1,401ar deviation of the link i-ods 5226 anc15230, the phasing of the pistoris 5204 and 5202, azid the size of the device 5300 in a variety, of manner. Therefore, in variotls e7111_1odt711ents, a avide range ofplstt511 lJbc~se angles and variable sizes of the Gligliie I31ay be chosen based ozi the znodifzcatiozt of one or ziiore of tkzese, parameters. In practice; tlze [ir.zk rods 5224 and 5228 of t:l~~ exeziiplary eziibodiziiezit have substantially lateral z~~oveziiezit withizz from -0.5 degree tc) 4-0.5 degree f:z-orzi the 1oziwirz-ci:iz-ial axis ofÃhe pistons 5204 az-ici 5202. In various other embodiments, depeziding on the len<_xth of the liz~k-rod, the angle may ti azv. any~.~~here f-iom approaLhin;.~ 0 degrees to .7.~ ~Ie~~z=ees. 1-i~~a~~
e~~ez~; in ~at[~.ez=
22 5 embodimezzts, Ãl~e aziQle i-ziav be higher including azzywlaez-e from approaching 0 to the appr-c?ximat~.~ly 20 c~~~rees. As the l.ink- to(i lesi;pthirzcr-eases, box.vever, the cr-arzl;case;c~~~era11 engine heiomt increase~ as well as the weight of the eziLizle.
One f~attzre of'tlxe exem:plar~~ embodiment is that each piston has its link rod extending szibsiant.ially to Ãt7e attacbecl taistoz7 rod so that it is fzzrmed ay a coupling assembly. In oz~~ emboz:-limezit:; tlze coupling asseznbly 52.12 for the pistozi 5204 includes a piston zczci 5224, a litzk rod 5226, and a coufplizzg rnea3.zis 5234 as sI-zowzi in FIG. 52. N-lore st~eci~zcalty, ozio proximal ezid of pistozi rod 5224 is at:taclied to the lower portion of pistozi 5204 and the distal end. piston rod 5224 is ce~~inected to tlxo. proximate ent1 of the linl:; rc)(l 5226 b~ the ct~z.zpliz~~ z~~eazis 5234, rfl~.e distal oz~d. of the liz~.l~.
~:t~d5226 ex.tezi~ls vertic~~ll~,r to the end pivot 5232 of the rocki:n~.r bearn 5216. As descr:i~eci above, th.k;
c:oatplin~,~ means 5234 may be, l;iiit is riot liznited toz a joint, hinge, cotiplitig, or flextir~ or other means kn~~~ti in the art, l:r:f this ers~bociirsient., the ratio of the piston rod 5224 and the link rod 55226 may deierm.it7e the anglilar de-,-,iaÃion of the 1rii:k rod 5226 as naenÃioned Z113ove, In one embodiment of the ~~~achitio: an eii,.yiiie, stic-h as a Stirlitig engine, empl~~~s more than oiie rockilia, bear.n drive on a eray-iksbaft. Re#:erri.n.- iiow to 1'ICf. 58. an tinwrappÃ. d "fotir cy1i~ider" rockiiig beam drive mechanism 5800 is shown. ln this embodiment, the rocking bearsi drive mechanism has fcgatr pistons 5802, 5804, 5806, antl 5808 coapled to two roc_k.iÃi~A beam drives 5810 a.ncl 5812, in tlae e:~eniplary~ eml3odimenÃ.
rockitig l;aean$ drive m:~.~chanist~~-i 5800 is rised M a Stirli.7:-gg otigiti~.~ compri;isi;p at learst fotir pistons 5802, 5804, 58ÃI6, aiid 5808, positioned in a tluadrilateral arrangezgient cotrl}:leci to a pair of rockiiig ~.~eatis drives 58-10 anti.5812, wliereiii each rookicig beam drive is connected to crankshaft 5814. However, in other embod.i~~~~i-its, the Stirl.ing czLl~
engine i.licltides anywhere ~-~:om 1-4 pistons, atid in still otl~~~~ embodiments, the Stirlititw cycle eagine Ã~ic1u(1e5 naore than 4 pÃsÃons. Ir-i soir-ie ef.nliociin~ents, rocking ~ea~~i dr-ives 5810 anc15812 are substant:.iallv similar to the roc:.k.inQ beatzi drives described above wiÃh respect to FIGS.
52..54 (shown as 5210 antl5212 in FIGS, 52 54). Although in this inrtbozl:imesYt, the pistorts ~re, shown otiÃside the cylinders, in practice, the pistons wotild be iiis~~e cyliti~.-lers.
Still referring to FtG. 58, in4ome embo~.1iments. the rocking bear.1i drive race.lianism;
5800 has asingle crankshaft~814 1~aving: a pair of long ItLiditia[ly spaced, radiallv atid oppositely directed crank pitis 5816and ~818 adapted for being journalled in a housing), and a pair of rockÃziw bearzi drives 5810 ~i-ici 581.2. Each roc:k.Ãziw t~earzi 5820 alici 5822 is piktotaliy connc..cte.d ÃÃ~~ roc.ke.r pivots 5824 and 5826, respectÃvely; ~nd ÃÃ~~ crankpinS 5816 and.
5818; reapecÃively. I.ii the exemplary embodiment, rocking beams 5820 and 5822 are 22 5 coupled to a roL:Ii.ing beam shaft 5828.
I.ri some imbtlci:irriesit,, ~i-nt3tc?t,'ginerator t~~~ay be connected to the enirik4ba#:t in a working relationship. 'I":1ie motor may be located, in otie embodiment.
I7eÃweeii ttte rocking beam drives. In another embodiment, the rziots.ar m.ay be positio:~~ed.
OL3tboar(i. The ternx mC7tc?I~gCT.iCr"rlÃÃ7r`' is tilsed ÃÃ7 meail eiÃber a motor or a gCner"rltc?1`.
FIG. 59 shows one eiii~~~imeiit of crankshaft 5814. Positioned on the crankshaft is a niotor/generator 5900, ;~~ich as a Perm anent Magnetic l "PM'j ;~ eneraÃ.or.
Moiorr`4~ erzeraÃ:or 5900 may be positioned betweeti, or itil~~ard ol'Ãhe rocking beam drives (not showli, shown in FIG. 58 as 584.0 and 5812 ), or nx<~~~ ~~ positioned outside, or outboard of, rocking 1~easn drivos5810,inzl 5812at ~i-iondof ci <i:tiksh,ift 5814, <i.sdopic:tetl bynL3r#-aer,,il 51000in FIC-).
~'? 1 t3A.

Wh-G`.ll I11C)tor:/`xE'.nel'a.tUr 5900 is po4lt1Cgne~.1 bf`t%.-~,'.eÃl t.lX-G`
rocking beam drives (not abowti, shc~~~~ii in FIG. 58 as 5810 aiid 5812), the length of motor4,~enerator 5900 is limit:ed to the distance between tbe rocki~ig ~~~am drives. The diameter squared. of motor/gonerator 5900 Ãw lirniteci by the dist~~ice betweezi tl:~e c:~unkSlial~~ 5814 atzd the rocki.ng bearn sI:~a#:t 5828. Because the capacity. of motor/generator 5900 is propot-tiottal to its diameter sqttared and length, these dimension limitations rustilt in a Iimited--e.t~pac:ity "pancake"
inotor,'geÃ-tera.tor 5900 having reIativelysliort Iexigth, a.xtcl a relatively l~~ge diameter 5~~tarec1.
Tli~.~ tise of a "pancake" rnt3tor;'ginerator 5900 t~~~ay redtic~.~ the tlvir-aIl dimension of the enLine, liowever, the dimension limitatim.is imposed by the i:tiboard cont:igu:ratim.i resLilt in a tnotor.-~gonoCator having isiiiited capaerty.
PlaLitiQ motorigenerator -.5900 beto~~~~ii t17e rocking beam drives exposes motorr generator -5900 to beat generated bv the mechanical friction of the roekiiig beam drives. '['lie i.riboard location of naotor.'=~~~~erator5900 r-z:~zikes it more difficult to cool Motor:'`~.;enenator 5900, thereby .Ãncreasing) the ef~ecta of laeat prodticed by motorrgenerator 5900 as well as heat absorbed by motorigonorator 5900 froni the rocking biar~i d:rivis. This may lead to overheating, atid u.ltiniateIl= failure of rnotor/g~~~orator 5900.
Referring to both FIGS. 58 and 59, the inboard positioning of motor,=generatcgr =r900 may also [oad to an unequi[ateral configuration of pistons 5802, 58tt4z s806, aiid 5808, siiice pistons 5802, 5804z ,5806, aiid 5808a:re, coupled to rockititw 1~~am drives ~810 and 58:12:
respec tive1y, and ar-iv Ãncrease Ãn distance wc~iild also result in wi increase in diRt~~ice betAx.,een pisÃÃ~~nsta802, 5804, and pistt.~Ã~~ 5806 and 58W An unequilateral arrangement of pistons may lead to it7efl-:ici~~icaes in b rner and laeaier_Ilead therniodzr~~arnic operation, 215 whicla, in Ã.tirti, may lead toa decrease in overall engine efficiency.
A1ddiiionaIly:~~-i unequilateral ar-ranger~~ont tll'pistons rriao- lead ttl larger l:tea#ir head and ~~~s-libtlstio7:-g chaniber tl:i mensim.is.

The exemplary ~.~rzibod:ixz~~~i-it of the motor/gerierator arrtins;emomt is shown in FICY.
51 OA. As shown in FIG. 5 illA, the motor/generator 51000.ia posiÃac~~~ed oliiboaril fi=orn rockin,.~ boatii drives 51010and 51012 (shown as 581.0 and 58:12 in l"IG4. -58) and at ~~~ end of Lraiikshaft 51006. 'I'he oiitboare:iposiÃion allows for a f.~iotor:45enera3:tor 51000 with a larger length atid d.iameter sqtiare~.-l than the "pancake"' motor/gonerator described above (shown as 5900 in FIG. 59). As previously stated, the capacity of motoi-:~gonorator 51000 is proportional to its lenõ~tl~ and. ~.-liaznoter squared, aiid since otit_board motor,gonerator 51000 may have a largwr length asYd diameter sqtiared, the outboard motor/generator confiallration shown in FIG, 5 if3A mav allow for t:l~e, t~se. of a hia:[ler capacity motCgrilgG.llGraCC)r I:ll C'.oÃ1j1.1ÃlC'.t1+C?ll with eIl<xllle.
By placing mot:or;'~~enerator 5I000 olitboard of drivea '.55,101(~ ~~~d -51.012 as si7owil ill the embodi~~~~tià in FIG. 5 i OA, moÃor: y~enerator 5 1000 is iioà exposed to heat generated bv the rziec:l~~i-iica1 #'rictior-i oCdri~~~s 51010 azid 51012. A1so, the otitl~~arci pos.Ãt-ion of Ms}tor`~o;vnerator 1000 makes it easier to cos}1 the rnotorrgiÃierator;
thereby 4illow-iiig for i-nore.
mechanical en;-xine c.vc:Ies per a given ~rnowYt of time, which in tLam allows for higher overf'111 ena-i~~e perfor.111"I llce.
Also, as rrioiorr generattlr 151000 is positioned outside ~~id iiot positioned be#-weeti drives 51010and 51012, roeking beam drives 51010 aiid 5-1012 ~~~ay be l}:Iaced closer t~~~ether thereby aIIowiiig tlie, pistons whicli are coupled to drives 51010 alid 51012 to be placed inan equilateral arrangement. In some embodiments, depet7dil7g Oi7 t[ie btirlier type iised, mirÃicularly in the case of a si~igle, burner embodiment, equilateral arran,.~ement of pistoi-zs allows for hi~71~er efficiencies Ã~i bLirtier anil beater i~~'ad t.hermodvriam:ie. oi~erat-ion, which in tiirn allows higher overall engi.n~ ~er1'or~~~~i-ice. [Equilatera:[
arrangement of p.Ãstc~~~s also advantageously allows for srzialler hetiter head ant1 co-inbtÃstiosY
chamber dirz~eriSions.
Referriti~ again to F[CxS. ~~ and 59, crankshaft ~814 may have concentric eiids 5902 and. 5904, which in one embod_ir.1~.:~ent are crank jcgatrnwils, and in various other umbodiments, ma1= be, liiit are not limited to,1~earings. Each concentric end 5902; 5904 has a crankpirt 5816, 5818 respectively, that may be otfiset from a oranksbatt center axis. At least one coatnterwei4.~t~~t~ 906 ~~~a~rl~e ~~la~;ec~. at eiÃlier ei:~ci of crankshaft 5~3.1.4 (sl~c~x~~r.~ as :~l 0a6 i1~.
FIG, 5 10A), to counterbalance any iiistabilityr tlie crankshaft 5814 may experience. This crankshaft cotifiguraÃion in combination watla the roc:.k.ing beatzi drive described above 22 5 allows Ãt7e pistons (aboovi7 as 5802, 5804, 5806, a~id 5808 in FIG. 58) to do work with ot7e rotation tli'the cranksha:{-"t 5814. This characteristic wi1.1 be further explained below. iri other embodiments, a tlvwheel (not s17.own) may be placed w.i crankshaft 5814 (shownas 51006 in FIG. 51i3.A) to (iccre~se fluctuations of angular velocity for a tzic4re consta:nt sp~.~e(i.
Still referring to i: IC"sS. 58 aiid 59, in some embodi~~~enÃ5, a cooler (t7oà si7c~~~l-1) ~~~iav be also be positiorted. aIon(y tbe cran:kshaft 58 14 (s[iown as :~1006 in FIG, 5 1 t311) and. rocking bear-z-i drives 5810 ai-id 5812 (shown as 51010 a~id 51012 .i~~ FIG. 510A) to cool the cranikshaft:~81.~ ~~id rocki~ig 1~~am drives 5810 and 58:12, In some embodiments, the cooler mav be USetl to cool the workin~t gas in a ~~~al~cl ~cli.~ir~-~ber of a c>>lin~~~`r ~:sYd :t~~~~+ also be configured to cool tlxo. rocking l.~sea:tn drive. Variotis embodiments of the cooler are disc:atssetl in detail below.
FIG-S, 5 i OA-5 i OC depict sor.1~.:~e er.1~.:iboditlients of vario L3s part4 of t(xu mae.b ine, As sbowti in this ernbodi~~~~enÃ., cz~~i-ikslaait: 51006 is LoLil3led to motor:,ger7enaior 5I000 via a motor~'generator coupling assembly. Since motorr generator '51.000 is mounted to crankcase 51008, pressuzizat.ion of crankcase w.Ãth a char.~e fluid may result in crazikcase de#:orfnat.i011õ
wlni;h in tLartt niay lead. to misali.L.ments between motor/generator 51000 and cranl<.shaft.
51006 and ~~~~se c:rank41~aft 51.0[1( to deflect. Because rocking bear#i drives 51010 and 51012 are coupled to crankshaft 5.1.006. deflec_tÃc~~i of crankshaft 51006 Ãi7a.y lead tc) failure of'rock::ing t~~~s-ii cirives 51.010 and 5101.2. Thus, in osic en$bodin$en#-of tb~.~ n, $achine, a inot:or:'~.?;enerator coupl:in~.; assembly is used to coLiple the motor/generator 51000 to cranksl~aft,51006, The moÃor,rL,.enerator cottpliiig asseiiibly accommodates differences in ali-riment bet~.~~~~~i moior'.aenerator 51000 and crankshaft 51006 ~.~~hiL[l may contribute tc) tailureot rockin~ 1~~ana drives 5101:0and 51012 tltirin(y operation.
Still referrar-ig to F1CsS. 514A-514G, iri c~~~~ emboiliriaetit; tlae motor/generator coupling assembly is a 5p[ii-ie asserzilaiv Ãhat includes spline sbaft 51004, sleeve rotor 51002 ofm.otc)l-/-L"k;ner,itor 510o0, ,inzl cra.sYksh,ift 5l006. Spline shai`t.
51004 couples one end. of c-ranksbatt 51006 to sl~ove rotor 51002. Sleeve rotor '51.002 is attached to tnoto.l!tw~~~erator 51000 by mechanical mean4, sLac:h as press fitting, we(dtng, t}is-eatiirig, or the like. In orYu eznbodiznent, splitie shaft 51004 inc1udes a pl~italit:y of splities t~ti both ends of t[ie sbatt. :ln otber embodiments, spline shaft 51.004 includes aiiiiddle splineless portit~ti 51014, wliieh has a ci.iametersmal(er tliazi the O ter diameter or i.titze.r ci.ianaeter o#'Splilled portioris 51016 and 51018. In still other einbadiinc..nts, ~~ie eÃid p~.~rtioii of tl-lc:
spliiie sliatt 51016 has Spli~les that exÃ:~~-id t.'tir a longer dista~ice along the shaft than ~~econd et7c1 porti~~i-i 51018 that also 22 5 iticludes splai-iey t[iereoii.
I.ri some irribtlclirriesit;, slie-ve rotor 51002 inclutie, ati opening 51020 that eYt~.~nd, along a, longitudinal axis of sleeve rotor *51002. 'fl.ie ope:iiiziLY51020:is capa;l)leofreceivi:tio ;pli:ne shaft 51004. Yii soa:ne embcgcii-m~.'nts, cgi.~enisxg 51020 incltides a plUrali.ty of isxner s-lali.ties 51022 capable of engaging the splines on c~iie e~-id of spline ybait 51004. The oliier diameter '51.028 oi`inner splines 51022 may be larger than t[ie oiiter diameter 51.030 of't[ie spl:ines oti spline slaaft 5.1004. such that the fit betweei-z .Ã~iner s,plines 51022 ai-zd the splines oti splitie shaft 5 1004 is loose (as sbown in. FIG. 5 lOE). A loose fit bet.weeti itiner splines 51022 and the splines on. spline shaft 5I004 con.tribL3tCs tO maintain spline engagersiesxt between spline sha1=t ,5100~ antl rotor sl~eve 51.002 d.uring, de~~ection of spline shaft 5:11004:

whiclx may- be cat~~ecl by crankcase Pressurir_.ation. I:ti. other k;mbodiments, longer splinet1 portit~ti 51016 of splitio shaft 51004 may ~tigage inrier splities 51022 of rotor 51002.
Still referring to FIGS, 5 1ttA-5 l.tiG, in sor.1~.:~e er.1~.:iborliments, c:rank4l~aft 51006 has an opening 51024 w.i c~.ti ~~-id t[iereot: which is calacilale of receiving one end ot'sl3iiiie shaft 51004. O}~~iii~ig 5 1024 preferably i~icltldes a plurality of inner splines 51026 that engage t:lle, Rpli.lieR otz wplÃzie shaft 51004. The oizter cii.arneter 51032 of :inr.~er spli.r:ies 5 1026 may be larger than the outer diaaneter 5.1034 of the splines oii spline shaft 5.1004., sucli that the tit between inner splines 51026 and the splines on spliiie shaft 51004 is (oe~~~~
(as shown in 1^ 1G. 5 lO.l'`). As pre-,~iously discussed, a loose fit bemleen iiixier sp[ines 55,.1026 a~ad the splines osi 4piin~.~ sh,,ait 51004 contribrrtis t~ rnai7:-gtait~ spline engagement between spline sbaft 151004 and erankabatt 51006 during deflection of spline shaft 51004, whicli may be caused by crankcase pressurization, The loose fit beween the inner sp1ineS 510~~ ~~id 51022 oci the cr~iik5baft 51006 c~iid Ã:17e sleeve rotor 51002 aiiccl the sla1i.ties on the sl3liiie shaft 5,1004 nlay contribute to maintai~~ deflection of splitio shaft 51004. This z~~ay allow misalignments beÃ:weeti cranksha.ft 51006 aiiil s1~eve rotor 51002. In some embodiments, sI-zoiter sp1Ãtieci portion 51018 of aplit7e sl~af-t 51004 may engage opening 51.024 o1'Lraiiksl~af-t 51006 thus pr~~~entin.~.r these potential misa1ig In some embodiments, olsening 51.020 ot s1~eve rotor 5:1002 includes a plurality of inner splines t(xat uxtend. the length of c~venin9 51tl2l~. This a~~~-arigur~sent e.e~iitril~L3t~~s to spli:ne s[iaft 51004 being properly inserted itito opening 51020 during asse-iiibly. This contributes to proper alignment betweeii tbe splines oii spli~io, sl~aft 51004 alid the i~~~~er spI:ii-ies on sleeve rotor 51002 being mailita:ineci.
Referring iiÃ~~w ÃÃ~~ FIG. 54, one e.~~~~~odimei-ià of the c:ÃigiÃie is shÃ~~wti. Here the pistons 5202 aiid 5204 of engine 5300 opera.Ãe between a hot cbamber 5404 aiiil a coIcl cl~~arli1~er 215 5406 of cylinder5 5206 ~iid 5208 respectively. Between the two chambers there may be a F'e eIlel't7:tt3r 5408. The Te4?p1el'<3tt3r 5408 T3it7.0% have '4'a1']al;?le density, v<3I'lab~e area, and, in a~~~~~ enibodiments, is made o#:-wire. 'I'he vaiy:ing density and area ol'tlie regeneratc,r naay be ti~justetl suc1Y that the working gtis has sLabstantiallv unitc4rni flow across the r~~gesYet-ator 5408. Various embodi~~~~i-its of the regenerator 5408 c~.~~e diseLissed i~l deta.i1 below, c~.lid in t .S. Patents No, 6,591,609, issued :1uI1= 17, 1-t.~f3 3, to Karraen et Gr,?., and No, 6.862,883, issLiee:l March 8, 2005, to A'44Ãfwn ef cd. , wlaicb ai-e liereii-i .Ãnc,orporaÃ:ed by reference in their entireties. Men the working gas passes through the hot c1~~triber 5404z a heater head 54:10 ~nay heat the gas causing the gas to ~~~~i-ici and ptÃsh pistoi-iS 5202 anc15204 towarciS the cold chamber 5406, where the gas compresses. As the gas compresses in t[ie c-old cl~~triber 5406, pistons 5202 and. 5204 mav be gtiitled back to the li-ot c:hambk;:r to undergo the Stirling cycleaga:in. 'I'he heater 1~~~~ 5410 may bea}~in head (as shown in FICS. 552A
through 553B), a fin head (as shown in FIC5. 556A il:frotig(x 556C), a folded tin head (as shown in FIGS. 5-",6A Ãhro gh. 556t;), heater t:ii~~s as slaowii in I'IÃ=;. 54 (also slaowii as 2904 in:[tICi.
529), or a~iv otber beater head embodiment known, includ.ing,btit not limited to, those described below_ Var.10 S emljoci:iments o#'beate:r heac1 5410 are discussed in detail below_ and zn [r.S, l'atents tio. E0 ) 81,95 8, issued TNlay ?, 2002, to Krr.inf=rr el al.:No. ~ ~43z21 5z is4uudA~.-~rÃl 8, 2003, tol:,can;~}t~~c Kcitiac:rz ~.~t tr.l; and No. 7,308,787, issued Deceirt(aer I. 8, 2007.
to.1.affixqu~.~ c3/ f:rl.., w1aieb are ber~.~in incorporatecl bs refor~.~nce M t1ieir entiretie4.
ln some embodi:iiietits, a coole:r ~41:Z may be pc,sitimieci alc,ngside eylitide:rs 5206 and 5208 to ftarther cool t1io gas passicig through to tl~e, cold c harnber 55406. Various er:zibotiir:zieiits of cooler 5412are disLiissed in detail i.ti the proceeding sections, and in U.S.
Patent No. 7,325.399. issued Feb. 5, ?008, to Str=iar.1ing et ci,1., which is herei~~ IncorporaÃed by t~efereitee in its entirety.

in sc~~~~~~ emboilimet7ts, at least one pistoii seal 5414 may be positioned wi pistons 5202 a~-icl 5204 to seal the lxot soction 5404 off frorn the c:olc1 section 5406. .Additionally, at least otio piston (Ytlide ring 5416 mav be positioned oti pistoiis 5202 and.
5204 to help guide the t.-~istcgiis' motion in their reslaec.tii~~ cylinders. Various embodiments ol=`laiston seal 5414 and guide riii(.y 5416~~~e, described in detail t3elow: and. in U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.
i0:`175z:>432, filed Rine 19, 24302z published 1~obruary 6, 1-t.~f3 3 l.iiow a1~~~~done~.~)z w1iieh is herei.ii incc~ipor.~~ed by referei-ice jr-lA:~ etitÃz~~~ty.
In some em6odimc:Ã-its, at least aiie piston rod sec-il 5418 may be placed against piston rods 5224 ~iid 5228 to pr~~~~i-it ~.~~orkai-ig gas from escapai-ig riito the cnankcase 5400, or 215 alte.rnativelz inÃo airlock space 5420. "['he laisÃwi rod seal 54~8 may l~e aii ela~tor:zier seal, or a 4pri.7:-g~=-l.~adetl seal. Various ~.~tntat3dit-nents of the piston rod seal 5418 are discussed i1.1 de tai lbe:l c, w.
In soine embotliments, th~.~ aifloc:l~ space may be elirninatetla tor example, in the rol l.i~-Ig diap_[iragi-ii andr or bellc~~~ ~embodrmetiÃs described in more detail 'beIow. hiÃ17c~~e cases, tlie pistort rod seals 5224 and 5228 seal the working space frotii t.lie, crankcase.
[0051 Ir-i sc~~i-ie ef.nlioci:in~ents, at least one ro11Ãti~7 diap1aragn-L`bellows 5422 may be located along piston rods 5224 and 5228 to prevent airlock gas from escapi~ig into t:l~e, crankcase 5400. Varioti; orzibodirz~~i-its of :rolli~~g diapbragrn 5422 are zl.isCLas:~ed in. more detail below.

AlthotÃ~.rh F1Ca. 54 shows a cross section ol`engine 5300 depictin~,~ c~~xl~~
two pistons and one rockiti~ beam drive, it is to be understood that the principles of operation desc-r-i~~ed l:fereiii t1.:fsty, app(v to a fcgatr e.ylir:fcler, dotible roc:king la+ear.1~.:~ tlri~ e engine, as el.esignatecl ~~eneral Iy ijNf numeral 5800 in F tG. 58.

Piston Operation R~~erring now to FiCS, 58 and _5 i 1; FIG, I 1s[iows t:lie, operation of pistons .5802, 5804. 5806, and 5808 dttrir:fg cg~ie revo(L3tior:f of crankshaft 5814. With a ',a revolLation of cr~iik5baft 5814, piston 5802 is at the top of its czli~ider, otberwise ~._nown as top dead center, pistoti 5806 is in ui~~~~ard. midstroke, pistoii 5804 is at the bottom of'its cylinder, otherwise k.tiowzi as bottom deari''': c~i-iter, and piwton 5808 is i.n dc~xvnward rn:icistrok-.e. W.Ãth a revolution of cr~~iksl~aft 5814, pzston 5802 is in downward midstroke: pistoti 5806 is at top dead cuiiter, pistoii 5804 is in upward m:idstroke, antl pistoii 5808 is at bottorsi dead center, Wit1~ 3-/.{ Ã-evoluÃion of crankshaft 5814, pistail 5802 is at (aotÃoni dead center, Piston 5806 is 1Ti dC1wI3x-vaTd 133.id4tl'oke, pistoti 5804 14 ~at top clead center, and p1stoI3 :?808 is in upward tnidstroke. Finally, with a: ftill revolution of crankabatt t;814,, piston 5802 is in upward nsidstroke,. pistoii 5806 is at bottom dead center, piston 5804 is in dt~~~~iward midstroke, ~i-id l3ist~~~~ 5808 is aà top dead c~~i-iter. D rit7Q eaeb revo:[tition, there is a 90 d.e-g~~e-e pbase difterence ben.veen pistt~tis 5802 ~~~~ 5806,. a 180 degree p[iase difference beÃ:~~~~~~i pistons 5802 and 5804, and a 270 degree pI-zase dÃ.fference between pistoi-is 5802 a~id 5808. FIG. 5 i 2A illustrates the relationship of the pistons being approximately 90 cie( grees out of ~ha5e with the preceding asxd succeeding piston.
Additionally, FICY. 5 1.1.
sl~ows t.l~~ exemplar~~ embodiment niachi~~e means of transterring work. -I'husz work is transferred from piston 5802 to piston 5806 to piston 5804 to piston 5808 so t(xat with a fitll revoiutic~~~ of crankshaft 5814., all pistons have exerted wor~. by movin(y from t[ie top to the bottom of their respecti~~e. cylinders.
Pe#:ern.n-, ziow to FIG. S 1 l, together witl:~ Fl(_iS. S 1.2.A-5l 2C, i(lustrate the 90 degree phase diffirei-ic:e beÃwec:ii thc.. pistons in the exemplaiy em~odin1c:iit.
Referring i-low to FIC-;S. 512A, a1t[iough the czli~iders are shown in a linear laatla, t[iis is 1 r ill strataw.i 22 5 purposes only. In the exemialary enabodinient: of a l`otir cyii~ider St:.irli.n4j cyc1e rr~ac:[lille, Ãl7e flow patli of'the working ;p~s contained within the cvli~id~~- working space follows a figure ei4~ht pattern. '['bus, ttie working spaces of :,vlinciers 512Ã1:0, 51202, 51204; 'and 51206 are con:ti.ected in a figore eight patter-n, fo:r example, from cylinder 51200 to cylinder 51202 to cv[a~-ider 51204 to cy1i.tiiler 51208, the flLiad flow pattern follows a figure eighÃ, Still reterring to FICi. ~'?1211., aii unwrappe~.~ view of cylinders 51200z s1202.51.204, aiid 51206, taken along the lÃ~~e Br1;3 (shown M FIC"s, 512C,) is ailustrated, 'I`I-ze 90 degree phase diffierence ben.veen pistons as described above allows f'or the worki~.ig gas in the wan-n section 512.1.2 of c ylinzler 51.204 to be delivereci to the colc1 section 51.222 of cylinder 51206, As piston 5802 and 5808 are 90 degrees otlt of phase, t:l~e. wor~.i~lg gas ill tbe warm section 512.1.4 of c ylin(ler 51206 is delivered to tlxo. co1.d section 5124.6 of cylinder 51200..
As pistc~~t'5802 and piston 5806 are also 9t.~ d.ogrees otit of phase, the worki~ig gas in t:l~e.
warni section 51.208 of c.:vlinder 51.200 is delivered to the cold section 151218 of'Cylinder 5120:2, A~-id as piston5804 at7c1 piston 5806 are also 90 c,learees o t ot'plaase, so the 5 working gas in t[ie warzn section 51210 ol`cylinder 51.202 is delivered. to tlie cold section 51220 oCcy1ii-icier 51204. Oi-ice tl:~e working ;faR of a warr.y-i Rectic~~-i oCa fin-A cy1ii-icier ent~ers-thÃ. cold section s}f a second cylinder, the a~~-orl<.it~~ gas begiiis t~) conipress, aiid the piStc~~i within the seccgiiti cylinder, in its clowii stroke, thereafter forces the compressed working gas baek tlirougla a regenerator 5.1.224 and[icater bead 5.1.226 (5bown i.a l^
I(.i. 5 1213), anti:13ac;:[:.
10 iTito the Warrn sectit3li tl:{'the first cyliricler. Once inside the wartri section of the #.-irst cvlitider, ttte gas expands and drives the pistc~~l within that cylinder downward, thus causing the worlb.ing ga.5 witliiii the cold section oi'tliat fis-t eylitider to be driveii tilrout`h tile preceding regenerator and heater Iaead, ane;l.inÃo the c:.yl.inder. 'I't7ia cyclic tr~~~~~-nigraÃion.
characteristic of working gas bevvveen cl{l'nders 51.200, 51202, 51204z and 51206 is possible 15 1~ee~~~~e pisiofls 5802, 5804, 5806, and5808 are coy-ir-ieLteci, via cl.riti~es, 5810 and 5812, to -.I
common crankshaft 5814 (s17c~~~i-i in FIG. 5 11), ili sLiLh a way that Ã:17e c:.ycliLa:l i-iic~~~emet7t of each piston is approximately 90 degrees in. aci~~i-ic:e of'tlxo. movernesYt of the proceedin.~.r pistort, as depicted in FIG. 51211..
RO1lCi;~~~ ~iaphritgm, Metat BeItows, Airlock, and Pressure Regulator 20 In some embo~.~im~tit:s of t[ie Stirlina cycle macbine, lubricating fltii~.~ is ii.~ed. 'I'o pretieiit tlie lubricating fltiid trom escaping tbe crankease: a seal is lised_ Pe#:e.rri.n-, ziow to FIGS. :q t3="tr :q 15, some embodi.ments ot'the SÃir1ifza, cvcle machi.lic ineltidc: a fltaid lubricated rocki~ig bc..~~rn drive t1iat utilizes a roIliÃig diaphra,_=ril 51300 positioned along the t3ist~~~~ roti. 51302 to pr~~~enà [ubricating fluid f:rotzi escaping the 22 5 crat7keaae, trot shown, but the cornt3c~~~enÃy that c~.re housec,l.i1-1 the crankcase are repreaetiÃ:eti.
as 5:1.304, and entering areas o#'the ~.~tigiTic that may be dar~~aged by the lubricating.{1ni(l. I.t is beneficial to contain tlle lubricating tILiici. for if lubrica:ting tltiitl enters, the work:ingsl}ace, ii-ot sh.owna btit the corz~ponents that are hc~~~sed in the workisxg si.~tic~.~ are represented as 51306, .it would contaminate the working flLiati, come.i1-1to contact witt7 t[ie regenerator 30 51308, and may clog the re,.~enerator 51.308. The, rolli~ig diaphragm 51300 may be znade of ai-i elastonier rilaterÃa1, 5uc1i as rltiiber or ru1~( r rear-iforced with wo~~ey-i t:a3brÃc or non-wos~en fabric to provide rigidity. The rolling) diapbragm 51300 mav alternatively be znade of other ~naterialS_ ,tich as ftvorosilicone or nitrile with woven fabric or sYori-wo~k,.'esx fat3r-ic. The rolling diaphra;.Yr~~ 51300 z~~ay also be made of carbon nanotubes or chopped fabric, whicb is rioi~-wove:ti. fabric with fibers of po1yk;stk;r or kF:.Vt=fARC,`, for e~ample, diSpor,etl :in a:ti.
clastomer. In t:lie, some embodiments, the rolling diaphragm 51300 is supported by the top seal pi4toii 51328and t(xu bottoni seal pistcg~i 51310. 1iiotber embodiments, the rolling diaphragm 51300 as slaowii in FIt3. 13A is supported via tiot:ches in the top seal pisÃoll 51328.
ln some embodiments, a pressure dÃ.l~~lerent-ial is placedacroSR the i olling cli.aiAlragm 51300 sucli that the pressL3rea1~ovÃ. the seal 51300 is diff'orent l`rs}m the presstire in the c.rankca,e 51304. l`l-iis pi-e~~iti-c differential inflates seal 51300 and aIlows seal 51300 to at:t as a dyiia.mie seal as the pressure differential ensures that rolling dia:pbragm maintains its forn$ thrc?ug:liout operation. FIGS. 5 lJA, and l":fG& 5 1 :3C 51 s~T-t illustrate I:ic?w the pre,sur ~~
ditTerentia:l effects the rolling diaphragm. 'I`he pressure differential caiises tlie rolling diaphrat`~n 551300 to cpiit'orm to ttie shape of the C_~ottoiii seal pistoii 51310 as it iisoves with the pistoii rod 5130:2, and prcvefits separatic~ii ot: the seal 51300 from a surl'ace of the piston 51310 durin(y operation. Stic-h separation may cause, seal failu:re, rF.he press~ire, tlifferent:iial causes the roll:ing diaphragan 51300 to nia3::iniain constant contact wiÃ:li tl-ze bottona seal pistor:i 51310 as it moves wiÃb the pisÃoii rod 51302, "l`l7.Ãa occLirs because oiie side of the seal 51300 will always have presstire exerted on it thereby inflating the soal 51300 to c:onti`arni to the surface of the bottom sea1 pisÃt~ti 51310. In sotiie enibodimelits, t[le top seal pist~~) 51328 'i-ol.l~ over' the comers of the rolling diaphragm 51300 that are hi contact with t(xu bottom seal piston 51310, so as to turt.l~er maitztain the seal 51300 in coiitact with tlio bottom seal piston 51310. In the ex~tnplaiA, embodiment, the presstire differential is in the ~~~~-ige of 1.0 to 15 l'S1. The smaller pressure in the pressure ci.ifferential.iS Pret-'eiubly in crankcase 51304, sÃ-~ that the rolliÃ~g diaphragm 51300 may be inflated iiito the crankcase 51304. However, in otl7er embodi~~~enÃs, the presstire differential may have a greater or 215 smaller ratiQe ot'value.
The pressure differential may be create(i by various n-io#-hods incluti:ing, bzit not li:iii:ited to, the we of ttie following: a pressurized lubrication ayst~in, ~pneunaat::ic piimp, sensors, an electric ptimp, by oscillating the:rock:ing beam to create a pressUrC riISC in the, crankcase 51.304.bv creaÃim, an electrostatic charge on the rol:[ai-ig iliapbraw-11 51300, or oÃber similar iiietliods. in some embodiments, the presstire ditt==erential is created by preasuriziii=., tt-ie crankca~~ 51304 to a pressu.re tl-zat is belc)w the uiean presstire ot'tl~e working space 51,306. :[n some embodimeiits the crankcase 51304 is pressurized to a pressure in the range of 10 to 15 PSI. below the mean presstire of the workin.~.r space 51306a however, in va:rioti; othor embodim:ents, the pressure d:ifterentia1 m.ay be smaller or greatar.
Fiirt:lie-r detail regarding the rolli~ig diaphragrti is included below.
Refurriiig now to FIGS. i l 3C, 513C, and 5131-1:> howuver, anotber embodiment of the Stirling machine is aboo.Nei7, wherei.ii airlock space 51312 is [ocat:ed between wozk.ang si~~ce, 51306 ~~id c~~ankc~se, 1-51304. Airlock space ~~~~2 maintains a constant voIuzne atid preRsur~ ~~ec~~~~ry to create the pressure the function of foll:i~~g diaphrag~.~t 5.1300 as described above. ln one embs}di~.~tctitz airlock 51,312 is not absolLately sealed off from working space 51306, so the pi-e~~iti-c of airlock 51312 is eqlia1 to the mean pressure of working. spaee,51306. Thus, insoine embodiments, the lac:k. of aÃ-t effiective seal between the working space and the crankcase contributes ttl th:~.~ need:{-or anairlock space.
Thus, tt-ie aarloc k space, in some embodiments, may be elimitiatetl by a more efficient and etTective Seal.
D ritiQ uperaiion, t[ie working space 51.306 meaii preasuz~e m~~y vary so as Ã:c) cause airlock 51.312 mean presstire to vary as well. One reason tbe pressure may ten~.~ to vary is that during operation the working space ma.y get hotter, which in turn ~~lay increase tlae presyu.re in the working space, and. coiisequentlv in the airlock as well sii-iee the airlock and workina space are in flL3:id communication. l~-i stich a c:ase., the presstire differential l.~setweon airlock51.312 and. craril;:ca.~e,51,304 will also vary, thereby causin(Y
unnecessary stresses in rol(iiig ~.liaphi-~gms 51300 that may lead to seal failttre. Therefore, soniu embodiments of the machinez the zneati pressure withinairlocl;. 51312 is regulated so as to znaintai~~ a constant desired presstire differential betweeii airlocl<. 5131.2 and crankc~se. 51304, ancl ensuring that rolli.ng ci.iaphrag-r.ns 51300 stay itiflai~d azid maintains their form. 1:n some c.nibodime:iits, a presstire transducer is used to manitor and i~~~~ge tlie pressure difTirei-iÃial beÃ-weeti the airloc~ ~i-id the crz-itikLase, and reg :[aie the pressure accordingly so as Ã:c) 215 maai-itaiii a cot7statiÃ13ressiire d.iffereniial between t[ie ai.rlock arzd the c:.ra~ikcase. VarioLis embodiments of the presstire regulator that may be used ate tie;cribeci in f:zirtlici= detail below, and in U.S. Patent No. 7,31 10,945, issued Dec. 2-5, 210{t7. to Gurslt:t el 61I., whicb is li.cr~.'in incorporated by reference in its entirety.
A constant l3ressLire d.iffereniial between the airlock 51312 ~i-id L.raii:kcase 51304 may be achieved by addiii,.y or removing ~~orl~.i~ig tltiid from airloek 51312 via a pump or a rele<i.~e valve. Alternatively, a constant pres5~~~~e difterent.i,al betweer-i airlock 51312 aild c-ranikcase 51304 may be achieved by adding or removing worki~ig fi~~id from crankcase 51304 via a pt~~~p or a. release valve.. The pumpanzl release valvk; may be controlled bv the presstire regulator. Workitig t'iuid. may be, added to airlock 51312 (or crankcase 51304) from ~~8 a separate soti:rce, suclx as a working f'Itiid container, or may be.
transf~~ed over i=:rc~~n crankcase :~~304. Should. workin;.Y fliiid be transf'erred frotii c~ankease, 51304 to a:irlock.
51312, it may be desirable to filter t(xu workin;F fIt3icl befcgre passing it into airlock 51312 so as to 1~~~evet7t a~iv lubr.acant firom passing firc~~~~ cratikcase 5.1.304 into airlock 5l~:3I2, ~iid ultimately into wor~.in~ space 51306,. as this may restilt in ~~igitio failure.
In some embodiments oi'fli~ inacbine, crankcase 51304 may be charged w:itl~I a flizid havinx diff'orettt tberni4il properties tliati the working fluid.. For exatxiplÃ. , wbere the workitig gas is (xu(ittm or hytlrcggeii, the c:raiikc:ase may be charged wit(x argon.
ThLas, the c.:i-ankcase is lire5surizecl, lxt 5on~~ enibodinient5. [ie[iuna is ti5ed, but in ot1-tet- ett-iboditt-tenÃs, aÃ-ty Ãxtert gas, as described herein, rria`- be tisici:. Thus, the cran.kcase is a wet pressurized craT~kcas~~ in the exemplary embodiment. t_n ot:l~~~ embodiiiietita where a lubr:icat::ing t~.Liid is tiot iised, the crankcase is iioà wet.
Ii-i the e:a.emp[~~~ embodi~~~enÃs, rol:[ai-ig iliapbrag.111s, ,i:.~00 do iiot a1:[o~.~~ gas of 1iqLiid to pass through t[iem, whichallt~~~~s working space51,306 to remain dr~~ and crankcase 51304 to be wet sun-ipee:i wrtli a lubricating iILtre:i. Allowing a: wet sunip crankcase 5.1.304 increases the efticiet7cy z-itid life of the ~~-igii-ie as there is less 1riLtiot7 iti rocking bez-it-ii drives 51316. In some er~~bodimesYt.s, the. L3se. of roller bearings or ball bearings in di ivos 51316 ~~~ayalso be eliminated witb the use ol`lubricating t~~haid and rolling.
diaphra;.Yms 51300. This may fd.#I'theI` reduce engine noise and increase engine life, and efficiency.
FIGS. -5 14A-5 14E show cross secxioiis of various embodaments oi t:lie, rolling diaphragm (showii as 51400, 51410z s11.412,. 51.422 and 5:1424) configured to be mounted betweei-i top seal p.istc~~~ ~i-ici bottom seal P:iston (shown as 5.1.328 a i -i c i 5131.0 i.11 i::'1C=rS. S (:3A
and. 5I 3H), and ~.~etwee.~~i a top mÃ~~ttntÃn<x surface and a bottom mouiitiÃig surface (Showii as 51320 z-itiil 51318 in FIG. 513A}. In ac~~~~~~ emboilimet7ta, the top mounting s rface may be 215 the surta:ce of ~~-i airlock or ~.~~orki~-ig space, and the bottom mounting surface rnay be the surface of ~~ cran:kc~ase.
FIG. 514Asttows one embodiment ol'the rollin4~ diaphra~'~~n 51400, where the rollii-ig diaphragIn 5.1.400 incit~des a flat iiYtier en($ 5.1.402 that ma.y be positioned b~.~tw~.~en a, top sea1 piston and a bottom seal piston, so as to t:c~~~~~~ ~~ea:[ bett~~~en Ãhe tap seal piston and.
the bottom seal pistoii. rolling diap[ira;.y51400also iticludes a. flat otlter end 51404 tl:iat f.uay be positioned between a top nioUT-Ituigs siirtace anil a. bottom naoufri-ing surEace, so as to form a seal between the top motintiii,.~ surface and tlio bottom mounting) surface. FIG.
5141'3 shows another embodiment of the rc1llit~g diaphragm, wherein rolling diaphragm.
5141.0 mav include a pl~ralitv ol`bends ,51.408 leading up to t'lat i~~~~~~~
end 51406 to provide, for additional st~~port and seali~g contact l.~setwek;n the top seal piston anci the l.~sottorn Seal.
piston. FiG. 5 1 4C shows another embodiziient ol`~~e rolling diaphragzn;
wherein rollin;
diaphragm 51412 inclt.ttl~~s a plurwility of berYds 51416 leading tila to flat oL3ter end 51414 to provide t'tir adccliÃ:i~~i-ial sLil3laorà and aeali.ng contact between the top moutit-ing surface and t[ie ~'? bot:totii z~~~uriting surface.
F1:C=r, 514I3 sbowS ~i-iother emboci.Ãmer-it of tlie rollifig, diaphragm where rol(:ing diaphragm 5.1422 ittclatd~s a bead along an inner Ã. iid 51420 thereofi so as to form an `o-ri.ng' type seal between a top seal piston and a bottom seal laiston, and a bead ale~~~g an cgattur eiad 5141.8 thereof, so as to fnrm aii 'o-rÃxtg' t)>T)e seal beÃweeii a bottom Ãi7oi-uatiii~~. si-irfac:e and a top rriounti7:-gg ,ur:{-ace. 1;'I:Cf5:?.l 4E sliow4 another ~rnbotlirnent of'tI:~e rolling diaphragm, wtiereiii rolling diapl~~~~~in 51424 i:tic:ltrdes a plurality of betids 51428 leadi:tio lip to beaded inner eiid 51426 to provide, for additional support ~~id sealing contact beÃweeii the top seal pisÃc~~i and the bottom seal paytot7. Rolli.ng dialahragin 51424 may also i.tic:[tide a pluralitl= of bends 51430 1n, di~ig tip to be-ade~.-l otit~~ ea~:-l 51432 to provide for additional support ai-zd ~ea:lar-ig contact between the top seal pistor-i and the botÃ:om seal pision.
Altlroutjh FIGS. 514A tb.roLigh 5 1 4E depict various embodiments of the rollir~~g diaphragmõ it is to be tÃsxderstood that rolling diaphragms may be 1i.old in placo bv asYv other mecbanical meaiis known in the art.
Referrir:fg now to FIG. 5 1 5A, a cross section shows one embotiir.1~.:~eiit of the ro(ling dialshrag~~~ embo~:~ir~~ent:. A metal bellows 51500 is positioned aloila piston ro~:~ 51502 to seal off a c-rankcase (shown as ,51,304 in FIG. 513G) from a working space or airlock (shown as 51.306 and 5131.2 in l:'ICf. 51 3)C0 Metal bellows 51500 may be at-trxcbeci toa top seal ~. ~iSÃÃ~~i-i 51504ancl. a sÃationary mot.-i-iÃitig surface 51506.
AlÃe.rnative:ly, metal bellows 51500 rz-iav be at-tacl~ed to ~ ~boitom seal piat:oii (t7oà shown), and a top stationary m~~~rnfi.ng 215 sur1=ace. i~-i one embodiment the bottom siaÃic~~~~t-y mounting surl`aL~
rnay be a craiik.case surface or an illllel' airlock t3rwL?l'ltiI35r space S[3i'faCe, and the top 4tat#.oit<ll''G' I-not#13t1I3g surface may be an inner crankcase surface, or an outer airlock or wo:rki:tio space surface.
Metal bellc4ws Sl500 nxay be atlachedhy welciins;, l;irazins, c4r any, mechaixic.a1 means known in tlae FIGS. 5 1 5B-51 5Ci depict a perspective cross sectional view of var-iotis embodiments of the niet.al bellows, wherein the naetal bellows .is a welel.ed nieÃa.l bellows 51508. lr-i some embodiments of the znetal bellows, t:l~e, metal bellc~~~~ is preferably a znicr~-weld.~d metal bollow;, ta~ sor~le. embodiments, tlxo. wk;lded anotal bellows 51508 includes a. plurality of diaphragms 51510, wliieh are we:lded. to eacb otber at eitber ati itiner eiid 51,512 or ati otiter 1 #~ÃJ

end. 51514, as shown in FIGS. 515C and 515D. li-i sorzie embozliments, diaphra(ims 54.510 may be cre-s~ont shaped 51516, flaÃ,51.518, rippled 51.520, or a~iv other shape known ill t:lle.
c.ll't.
:`iclditi~~i-ialiv, the metal bellows may alte.~~iiat.ivelz be t~~~~ryieil mecl~~iiicaily by mea~~~
stich as die tbrzning,hydro~orming, explosi~~~ ~~ droforniint=,hydramoldin(y, or any otller meaits l:t.iowit M tl:~e art.
The metal bellows i-nay be ixiade of ~~iv' tyi-ie of metal, includin g bLat liot liinitÃ. d to, steel. stainless ste-el, stainless steel 374, AM-350 stainless steel. Ia~onel, fl:-astellc~~~, ffii~,'nes, titaniuna, c~~'aily otliei' hN,.11-strength., carrosion-resistairt material.
:fn one emboctimerit, the metal belltlws iisecl ar ~~ those available #:ron-I
Senior Aerospace Metal Bellows L)ivisim.i, Sharoti, NlA, or American 130A,. lnc., Cu:~~~rn:in~.?. GA.
Rolti~~~~~g Diaphragm and/or Bellows Eitibot~~~~~ents Varac~~~~ embodiments of the rolling diapb.ragm and,,'or bellows, which tl~~iciron to seal, are described above. Further embod.i~~~enÃs will be apparent to those of skill in the art based oii the descrÃpÃ:aof.i above and the additional description below relating to the parameters of the rol:li~-ig diapb.raQ.111 andr'or bellows.
Ili ;ome embodiments, the. pressLire atop the rolling diaphragm or bollow;, in the airlock space or a:irlockarea (botli ternis ~~~e, used interchangeablv), is t:l~e, mean-working-gas prusstire fc4r the machine, whie.h, in4ome embodiments i~ an en;FinU, while the pressLare below tlio rolling diap[ira;.y and:0r beIlc~~~Ts: iti the crankcase area, pressure, in flies~ embodiments, the rolling diaphragman~.-l:'or bellows is reqiiire~:-l to operate with aR McIc.h as 3000:pwi across it (and i.n some erziboclirnentw, up to l500psi or h.igher). :[.n.
this case, the rolliti,T diaphragm and~'or bellows seal fariiiS the worki~~~
gas (hc:litam;
_[~idrc~~en, or otherwise) containment barrier ttir the macl7ine (etiQiiie in the ~~emlal.z-irz ''~ embod.i~~~~i-it). Also, in tl7ea~ emboilimet7ta, the need for a 1~~avy,pressurewraÃeil, structural vessel to contain the bottc?a~~~ ~iiti of the irigiric is eliminated, since it is nclw reqtiir-ed to simply contain lubricating tILiici. toil is usecl. as a lubricating tltr:id in ttie exef.ripla:ry-~.~mbodirz~erit) :inil air at ambient pressure, lik~.~ a, conventional intern.al c~~~-nbtistiosx (`.IC'>) eliQille.
"I'l~e capability to use a rolling diaphragm and./or bellows seal with stic-h an extreme pressure across it ile}~~~ids oi-i the rnÃenactÃon of several parar-neÃ:era.
Referring i-zow to:FiC_i.
51514, an illustration of the actual load oti the rollin,.~ diapbr~~-in or bellows znateriaI is ,hown. AS Showna the loazl is a. fLinction of the p:ro~Sffe. differential ~~-icl the anriu1ar gap area for tlie, installe~.-l ro lling, dialshratwra or be llows seal.

1#~l Region I represents the portions of the rolling tliaphrag:tn asYd/or bellows that are in contact witli the walls formed by tbe pistonand cylinder. 'I'he load is essentially a. Ãelisile.
lcgatl in the axial direction, tlLae to the pressure differential across the rolling diaphragm andror bellows. 'I"his tensile load dtie to the presstire across the rolling dialahragin and.:'or bellows can be expressed as:
L; :--: Pzj " AY.

Where Lt Tensile Load and Pa ['j.'esS-Lire Dit=:fereiitia1 A,, Annular Area ,rntl ?-i `^k * 1~~'- dy) W17ere D = +C_;ylitider Bore ~~id d Pist:c~ii Diameter The tensile conalaoneni ot: stress in the bellows material c~ii be ap13roxx.Ãmated as:
`i, L.{ (p * (D-~ d) t.,) Which reduces Ão:
St =1'a /4 "' (:U-d:);" tb Later, we wil:[ show the relationship of rad.i s of cc~~ivo:[ution; lz,,, to t;ylriider bore ~~~ an~,-l Piston Diameter (d) to be defined as:
R,:::: (I3_d)i4 So, thi~ formula for St ~~edLices to its ftiia.[ f~nn:
$... R1 * R, % 4 Where tE: --' thickness t?:f'bellows material Still referring -c3 I`I{3. S1 51-I, Region 2 represents the cvnvoluti n. As the ro[l.ing diaphragtis anci.r`or bellows nsatorial ttlriis the coriiGr, in the cnnvolution, the lioop stress imposed oii the rolling diaphragm and;'or bellows material ~~~av~~e ca1c :[aied. For the section of the bellows forming the convoltitioii, the hoop component of stress can be closely adppt'C? xl tl'tadT:ed as:

Sii.:_: P:~ IZ / ti, Tt~eanntÃlar ~*aiP that the rollizig diaphr<~~rn arnti/or-bellaws rolls within is generally reterred to as the convolution area. The rolli:tig diap1~~agan and.ror bellows 1'atigme life is L, ,onerall>> linYitet1 by the ce~~nbix~ed stress from both the tensile (anti hoop) load, dtÃo to pressure. dil:ferenÃia1, as well as the fatigue dtie to the bending as the &bric rolls tliroligh the ccg~ivoltition. The radius that the fabric takes cgii during this 'rolling' is ciefirie~.1 ~~ore, as the raciili5 of convoluti on. RL.
R.. ~D - ~.~)/-~-t The bexiri''':i.ntf stress, Sb, in the roll.Ãng c1iaphra.-rzi and,'or bellows maiei-ia1 as Ãt rolls through the raditis of convolution, Rc, is a t%incti~~ii of that radius, as well as the thickness of the r.1~.:~aterials in benciing, For afibor-reinforcetl material, the stress in the fibers themselves (duriiliw t1~e prescribed detlectioÃi in t;[ic exemplary embodiments) is reduceda5 t1ae fiibei-1 0 cRamet~.~r dec~ease4. The ltl~~~~er resultant stress f:or the san$c level ofl~~iitiiiig a11ows for an increased fatigue life l:imiÃ. As thet:iber diameter i~ ~~irther retlticeci, tlexibil:ity to decrease the radius of convolt-tioci Re is acIii~~~ed, wliile keeping ttie ~.~endiiit`
stress in the fiber triider its ~~idiirc~.tice limit. :kt the same time, as IZL decreases, the Ã:~i-isile load on Ã:1;7e fabric is rodu,ce~.-~ since there is less tinsupported area in the annulus between the piston and cylinder.
'['be smaller the fiber dÃanieÃer, the saialler the rnÃn.Ãmurn Rc ; the sr-z:tit:ller the annular arei3:, whicla results in a higher allowable press re differential.
For i~~~-iclii-i9 around a prescribed rad:iLas, ilxo. bending nxonYk;nt is approximatet11>:
?4 = E * I / R
Where:
M = 1;3eiidiii(y M~~~~~tiÃ
E Elastic Modulus I Morzlent oC tnertia R = Kadit-s of Be~id C':[a5sical 1~~~iditiQ stress; ~j, is calculated as:
22 5 $y ___- M * Y!`' I

Where:
Y - DisÃance above tieutra:l axis oi'-l~endino Substittitix~g yield;;_ t.E * l. r' R) * Y / 1 :5f, = E " '1` / R
r"-tsstimir-ig bending is abotit a: central neutral axis:
Y ra M:1\ = Ãi) S;,---~E * th/(2 ' R) In soine embotliments, i-olling t1iaplx~ ~~~-n a~-icl:`or bellows designs for high cycle life are based on ;~ec~~~~etry where t:li~ 1~eii~liii;.~ stress imposed is kept about oil~ order of magnitude less than the press t3re-based loading (bocgi~ and axial stresses).
Based on the equatioii: Sb - E * tb / (2 * R), it is clear that minimizing tb in direct proportioii to RL
sbotlld not increase the berid.ing stress. "I'l~e mini~~~~~in thickness for tbe exemplary, embodÃz~~ents, oCthe roll.Ãng diai-fl-Iragfia ~i-id:or bellows rnateri.a( or membrane Ãs directly related to the minirntÃm fiber diameter that i-s used in the reinforcement of the el4tstonier.
The smaller the fibers L3setl, t(xu 4maIler rest31tarYt. Re fcgr a ;FivurY
stress 1eveI.
Axtother lÃmititi~~. compaileilt of load on the Ã-olli~ig diaphragni and:'or bellows is the boois stress in the convoIutit3~~ (which is theoretically the sarrie ir~
~~i~agnitude as the axial Ioatl while supported by the piston or eyli:rider). 'I`~e governing equation for that load is as fotlows:
Sh P d ` R c ; tb Thtis, if Rc is decreased in direct proportion to tb, then tbere is no increase of stress oi-z the meirtbrane in tl-zis .~~e~,-Ãon. fi:o~~~~~~er, ai'tli.is ratio is ieduceel. in a fnanner th'at c~eer-eases Re to a greater ratio t[ian tb tlrei7 paranieÃers riiiisà be balaticed. Thus, decreasi~-ig tb wiÃ:17 respect to Rc retlLiires tlxo. roll.in.~.r diaphragm and:Or belloas=s to carry a 1~~avi.or stress due to prossurez but: makes tor a red~ce-d stress level dtie to bending. The pressure-based load is essentia1ly' constaiit, so this mstv be. t'stvorable---sinc;e the bontfing load is cyclic, thei-efcgre it is t:lie. 1~~~idiii;.y load compt~tieiit t[iat tiItimately limits fat:igtie [ii~e.
For 1~~~idiii(.Y stress red~ictioti, tl) ideallv shoiild be at a m:iiiiiiititii, and Rc ideally sboizld be at a maximarn_ E Ãcieally is also at a miiiimtim. For hoop stress reduc:t:ion, Rc ideally is sniallw and Ãl.~ ideally is large.
Thus, tlae critical parameters for the rol1ing diaphragm and; or be11ows metzilaraiie 215 material are:
E, Elastic.M.odulus of the r~~em1~~-ano rriaterial;
tb, membrane thickness (and/or fiber diameter );
Sut, Ultimate tensile strength cgf the rolling t1iaphragm. and/or l.~sellowsi and.
S1cf: I'lre limiting fatigue strength of the rolling diaplara4.~rzi and1Vr beI:Io~.~~s.
"I'hus, frozn E, tl) and Siit.z the zninirnumacceptable Re may be ca1culated.
Next, LisÃti~7 Rc; Sle~'; and tb, tl:~e maxir-z-iiiÃ-~i Pd may be ccs.lculates. R:c naay be acI_justed to st-iit`t it-ie bias of load. (stress) components between the st~ady, state pressiire stress and the cyclic.
bondir;g stress. ThLis, tho idea1 rolling diaphra~,~mand/or l.~sellows nx<iteria.l is oxtremely thin, extremely strong in tension, and very limber in tlexioii.

ThL3S, ilx some CnxbOtlia:n.OntS, ilYo. roll.in.~.r diaphragm ar;clr,or bel.loas=s material (sometinies referred to as a "a~embr~ne,'), is made from carbon tiber iianotubes. However, additional sr~iall fiber materials may also be used, inclattlilig, btit ~iot limited to na~iotatbe fibers thaÃ:1~~ave been braided, ~iatiot; be untwisted zz-i~~ii fbers, or a~iv other conventional materials, includin,.~ but not limited to KEVLAR, 4.Ylass: poll=ester:
svnilietic. fibers and. anv otlier material or #.iber 1~~-vi~-ig a, des.Ãrable d:iaaiieter and:`or other desired ,i~aranaeters- as described in detail above.
Piston Seals and Piston Rod Seals Rel:erÃ-itig xtow to i^ lG. 51:.~Q. an ct-tiboditiieiit of thet-tiacltine is >bown wherein a.xt ~.~ttgit~c 1-4326, such as a Stirling cycle ongine, inc,ludesat le~ast one pi4to7:-g rod seal 51314, a pist:on ~ea:l 51324, and a piston ~.;liide riii4~ 5-1322, (shown as 51.616 in FIC=i. 516). Various embodiments of the piston sea# 51324 and the piston guide ritiõ;. '551322 are f'trrtlier disc-ussed below, at7d in U.S. PaÃ:~i-it ApialicaÃic~ii Puk)licaÃion",\'o. i._i-S
2003/0024387 Al to Langenfeld et a1., Febrtiary 6, 2003 (now abandoned), which, as mentioned before, is incorporated by Y&:ererice.
FIG. 516 shows a partial cross seciion of the piston 51600, driven a1oll~ the central axis 51602 of cylinder, or the c:ylisYder 51604. The piston seal (;howsx as 51324 in FIG.
513Cx) ma1= include a seal rin(y 51606, whieli provides a seal ag,.,ainst the contact surface 51608 of the cylinder 51604. The contact surface 51608 is typically a (xartluned metal (preferably -58_61R(::} wit.l~ a surface finish of 12 RNi1S or stiioother. The contact surface 5 1608 may 1,~e, metal whicli has been case hardetied, such as 8160 1~ardened steel, which may be easily case harci~~~edanci rl-la;r be around ai-ici/or ho~~ed to achieve a desiredfin.iSh. The pistoti seal m~y alsÃ~~ inelt:tde: a backing rii-ig 51610; which is sprt.-ng to provide a Ãl-irtist force a~~a.il-Ist: t [ie aea1 ring 5l6F~6 Ãl~er~lay providing sl~~icietià ~,c~~~Ãaet pressure Ãc) e~zs~iresea1i~7~~
215 aroi~iid Ã:t7~ ent.ire oiitward surface of the seal rim, 51606. 1'_he seal r in" 5.1606 and the backing ring 5:1610 may together be r-efes-reti ttl as a piston seal composite ring. In st3rne enibociinients, ilie at least c,zie pistoti ~ea:l naav sea1 o#:~a warf.ri portion ol'cylititler -51604 fi-om. a col($ i.~orti.on of c:ylisYder 51604, lZe:fezr.ing now to FIG. 51 7, sotzie etzibodii-iietiÃ:s ai-icliiile a piston rod seal (shown as 5 1314 in F1Ci. ;>t 3(}} iiiotiiite~:-l in tlic pistoti rod cyiliiider wall 51700, whic}.i: in some er-zibociir-z-teiits, naav ir-ieliiil~ ~~ea.l rku, 51706, wI-zicli provides a seal wza::ifist tl-ze contact surface 5:1708 of the piston rod 51604 (sliowii as 51302 in FICt. 51:.~(i).
The ct~tim, ot stir~ace 51708 in st~~ne einbodi~nents is a hardened ~netal (preferably 58-62 RC) with.
a sur:f'ace fiiiish of l "~RMS or smoother. 7I'he ct~tim, ot surface '51.708 may ~~ be metal which has been case harciened, SL3ch as 58260 hardened st:eel., which m-ay be easily case harci~~~~~~danzl ma>>
be gr~~~~~ and:`or honed to achieve a d.esired. ~tiish. The pistoii so-al mayalso include a backiiig ring 51.710, which is s~.-~ntr:fg to provide a radial or hoop fc4rc:e against the seal ring 51706 thereby providi.ng slifficiet7t contact i7oop stress to ~i-isu.re sealing around the et7tire inward suri=ace, of seal riii;.y 51706. The seal ring 51706 and the backing ring 5171.0 mav towether be reCei-reri'': to as a piSton roci seal composite ri~-ig.
ln SoniÃ. er.a~bodimÃ. iit.S, the seal rit~~ and t.lie backitig ring may be ps}sitiotlÃ. d oil a piston rod, with the backing exerting an outNvard. pressatre orY the seal ring, and the seal ring i3aayt come iiito c:oÃ-tta.ct wiÃb a piston rod cylinder wall 51702. 'I'lies~
embodiments require a lar-gir- piston rod cy1i.nder length than the previtlus irribodir~~ent, This i,1~ecaus~.~ the contact surface ozi the p:iat:oii rod cylizider wa1l,5-17~2 will be lw.i~.;er tliaii in t1le previoL~~
~~~~~odi~~~ent, where the contact surface 51708 lies on the piston rod itself In yet another etziboditzieiit, piston rod seals naav be any:fianctional ~ea1 known in Ã:17e art including, bLit I.iot limited to, an o-r~ng; a 4õr~ial~ite, clearance seal, 4.õraiahite piston in aglass cylinder, or any air pot, or a spr.im~x energized lip aeal. In soÃ-iie enibodi~~~euta, anything having a close clearance mav be used, iii other embodimet7ta, anvth.im, having itiÃ:erference, for ~~amlale., a seal, is tised.. In tlxo. exenxplary embotlimenta a spring energi~ed lip 5ea1. is tised. Any spring energized lip seal znay be iised, including, those made by BAL SEAL
Engineering, hic.:
Foothill Ranch, CA . In4ome embo~.1iments, the seal Lased is a BAL. SEAL Part Number ~X558604.
"I'l~e material of t:lie, seal rings,51.60+~ and. 51706 is chosen by cotisiderititw a balance betweei-i the coeffic:ient of fi ictior-i o#'the seal rii:~;~.,~s 5.1.606 ~i-ici 5.1.706 against tt~e cozicact st:-Ãfiace.S 51608 and 51708, respectively, and the wear Ã~~i-i tlie seal rii-igs 51606 and. 51706 it etiQeiirlers. hi applications in which l3ist~~i-i lubrication.ia I.iot possible, sLiL_[l as at the high 22 5 olae.raÃi~-ig temperatures of aSÃirling cycle engi.ne, the Lise of engineering plaat.ic rings is used. Tli~.~ ~rnbodim~.~nts c?:{'tl~e corriptlsition iTiel~~~le a nylon ~ixatr-i.x loaded with a lubricating anci. wear-resistant material. F:xamplea of sliell lubricating niaterials include PI i: ts."Si.licone, PTFE, graphite, etc. F:Eamples of wear-resistant materials inclt~de glass fibers arlcl c;arbosx fibers. 1;:xaniples o1's c17 engineering plastics are manu:l-'a.ctureil bv I_:Nl' En;.gineerang l'lastics. Inc. of Extoii, PA. Bac:1;.in,.~ rings 51610 atid 51710 is preferably metal.
I Iz~ fit beiweer-i the seal rings 51606 and 5.1706 ai-id the seal r:inggrooves 51:612 and 51712, r~specxively : is preferably~ a clearance fit (about 0.002''), while the fit of'the 13ackitig rings 5164.0 and 51710 is prokrabl.y a looser fit, of the ordk;r of abottt 0.005" in st~~ne eznbodiz~~onts. 'I`~~ seal rin;~s 51606 and 51706 provide a pressure seal agait~.st tlio contact 1 #~~

surfaces 51608 a:ii-d 51708, respectivoly, and also one of the surtaces 51614anzl 51714 of the seal ring grooves ~~~~~ and.5.1.'7'.12, respectively, depending on tlie direction of the pressttre tfifferenc:e across the riiigs 51606 arYd 51706 aiitl the direction oft.he piston 51600 or t[ie pistot7 rod 51.704 tratie:[.
F:[GS :? t 8<=~ and 5 1 SB sliow that if Ãl~~ backing ri~ig 51820 is essetit:ially circularly RvirimeÃrieal, biit for t(-z~ ~ap 51.800, Ãt wi.l( aRsUIlle, pOT-1 COMPresSUM-1, ~i-i c~val sbape, as show-n by- t.lie dashed backing ring 51802. The rÃ. srait ixiay be an tÃ.~~evell radial or hoop force (depicted by- arrows 51804) exerte~.l oii the sea1 riiig (not shown, showrY a4 51606anci 51706 in:FIC:iS. 51.6 a~ad 517). and tlii:is aii ~~ieveii pie~s-Lire of t1~~ ~ea1 rings against tlle c_ontac:t ,ur-t-ace; (not shown, shown as .51608 and 5:1708 iri i"I(,a-& 516 and 517) res~~ectiv ~~ly, caLlsing trzier~~i wear of the seal ri:tios and in some cases, failure of the seals.
A sol-tatioii to the problem of utieven radial or 1ioop force, exerted by the piston ~ea1 backi.no rim~~ 51820, iii acLord~iiLe with ati erzibotiiriietiÃ:,, .is a backa~-ig ri.n4.~ 51822_having a cross-section ~~~lying witb circunifereatial displacement from the ~ap518tt0z as showil in FIGS. S l8C and 518I). A tapering of ti~e widÃ:ti of the t3ackÃti~7 rar-ig 51.822 is shown frona the position det7oteti by iiiii-iieral 51806 to the posiÃ.ioti deitoÃeil by r7 menal 51808. Also slaiiwil in T`1GS. 518C and 5 1 8D is a lai.~ joint 51810 providing fOr Circ:atn1ter0.II.t:ial c:lOSUrO. of the seal ring'51.606. As some seals will wear significantly over tbeir lifetime, the backing ri~ig 51822 shoti(d provide an even pressL3re. (depicted by numeral 51904 in FYG, 5 1.913) of a ran,.~e of movement. tapered backing rin~ 51822 sliowti in t; (GS. 5 1 8C
an~:~ ;? t8D may provide tbis advantage.
1"lC_iS- 5I 9A and S l 9i;3 Ãiluqrate anotl:~~~~ soliitic~~i to the problem of at~~evey-i raciÃal or liaop farce ~.~f tlie pist~.~Ãi scal riiig against the piston cylinder: in accordancc: with sÃ~~me embodi~~~~i-its. As shown iii RG 5I9A, backi~-ig ring 51910 is fas_Ilioned in azi oval shalae, so 22 5 thaà iila~~i-i compressiw.i witlai.ii the ev:la~~~er, the ring assiii-iies the cirCular s_Iiape yboovi7 by dashed backing ring 51.902. A cosista7:-gi contact presszire taetNveen the sea1 r-ingand the oy linder ow.itact surface may thus be provided by aii even radial force 51904 of backing ring) 51902, as shown in MC`~. 5.19B, A soiLitioii to the laroblei-ii of tiiteven radial or hoop force exerted by the pistc~ii rod seal bac[;.in(y ring, in accordatice witb some embodimetits, is a backing ring 51824 }~, ving a erossrsectio.~~ vary:ing with c.ircuf.nierentÃa1 d.ispIa.cerz~ent tioni _.~ap 51812, as shown in FIGS.
51~E and ;? 1 8F. A tapering of t:l~e, width of backing rititw 5 1824 is showti f~om the position dk;notizl by- natrne:ra1 518.1.4 to the position. zleraotet1 by numeral 51816.
Also shown in FIrS.
5 1 SEand 5 i 8F is a lap :joitit. 5181.8 providing for circumferential closure of seal ring 51706.

As Sc~~~~ ~eal, will wetir,i;rniticanti>> over their l.ifetimea backing rino 51824 should provide an even pressure (depicted by numeral 52004 in FIG. 520B) of a ran;.Ye of movement. 'f lie.
tapered backiiig ring 51.824 4bown in FIGS. 51 ~E an~.1 518F r#iay provide t(xisadvantag),e.
FIGS. 520A arzd 52013 illlt5traie another solLitioii to the problerii of r~~~even radial or lioop f'orce, of t:lie, piston rod ~ea1 ring against the piston rod contact surface, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. S'20A, bacla.Ãnw ri~-ig (shown by dashed back:ilig riiig 52000) i-s fashioned as an oval sliapez so that tÃpoii expansion wit.lun thÃ. cyliiidÃ. r, t.lie ring assL3mes the circular shape shc~~~~~~ by bac:kiiig ring 52002. A constant e.ont'ac:t pressure betweeii the seal ring. 51706 and the cy[inder contact si-irl:ac:~ ~iia.v t1au5 be provided bv an ~.~ven radial tbriist forc~.~ 52004 tll'backitig rir~~ 52002, as showii in FIG. 52013.
Re:l`err:in~.?; a4~aiii to FIC=i. 516, at least oz~~ ouide r:ing, t'i1.616 naay also be provided, iii accordance wit1i soiii o ciii~.~odiments, for ~.~earinr any side load on pistoii In, 1600 as it moves ~ip arzd dmw7 the cylinder 51604. (=iuide ri.tig 51616 is a1sc) preferably fabricated t.'rona at7 engineering plastic material loaded with a liibricati~ig material. A
perspective view of guide, riii`., 51616 .is stiown inFiC_i. 52 1. :Nxz os~er:lalal?ing joitiÃ:52100 is shoivn and ir-iay be diagonal to the centra:l c~.a.is of g ide ring 51616.
Litbrlt:ating T'litiEcl Ptimp and i_.ubricating Fitiid Passageways Rel:erritig now to FIG. 522. a reprosentative illustration of t~~~~ embodiment of t:l~e, engine 52200 fc4r the rsiae.hine is shown having a rocking bearn tirive 52202 antl Iatbric.:atir:fg tlttiti 52204. In some embo~.~im~tits, the lubricating fluid. is oil. r1 l~~
~~~bricati~ig tltiid is riseti to 1tibricate etitwi~~~ parts in t[ie crankcase 52206, such as h~drod~~tiaiiiic. pressure fed lubricated l~earÃn-s. Lubricafing the moving, parts of the ~~-igii-ie 52200 Rer~~es, to further reduce friction between e:iigi~ie partsand 1'tartlier i~icreaSe ei-igii-te:
efficiency and engine life, hisonae etziboditzieiits, liilarica.Ãing fl id naay be placed at the 13ottorii o1'tlae engine, also 22 5 :kiiowii as arz oil sr~t'rila; ~i-id distri'laltied throughout the c~zankcase. The lubricating flltitl may be di4tribrrteci to the di:{-terent parts of the engine '2200 by way of'a ttibricatiTig fluid prrrnp, wherein the lubricating fluid ~~imp may collect lubr:icat::in~.; fluid.firotn the sirmp v:iaa filtered inlet. In the exenipiary ers~bodirsiesxt.a thC lllbricatilxs; flL3:i(i is Oil and thLas, the lubricatirig fluid laLitrila is bereai-i referred to a.~ ~i-i oi:[ 13r~t'ri13. However, t[ie ie.rin " oil laLitrip" is tised only to describe the exeniplary ez~ibodinient and other embodiments where oil is usedas a 11ibracaÃir~g fluid, a~id the Ã:erf.n slaall i-io# be Lonst~~~~ed to 1i.riaii the Iubrie'atin=.~.f-la:id or the ~~~bricatittg lluid puznls.

Referring now to FICaS. 523A <~nd 5231`3, one orzibodirzient of the engine is slYcg~~~~., wherein lubricating, t~.tlid is dist:ributed to different parts of t:l~~
~titwi~~~ 52200 t[iat are located in flxo crankcase 52206 by a mechanical oil f.-~timf.~ 522W The oil f.-~timf.~
52208 may iric:ltÃtle a drive gear 52210 atid an idle, ;~car :~2212. In sotiie enibodimeiits, the mechaiiical oil ptrmp 52208 r.1~.:~stv be driven by a pt.irsif.-~ di-ive as4er.1~.:ib1y'. The pump drive assembly may include a drive shaft 52214 coupled to a rlrive gec~.r 52210, w1~ere.11-1 the drive slaafà 52214 incliiif~s all intermediate gear 52216 t:l~oreon. T lie, inter~~~ediate gear 5221:6 is preferably driven by a cranks ha#:t gear 52220, wI-wreÃzs the cranksbaft ;.~ear 52220 is coupled to the prirziary craiikshaft 52218 of the ~~igitie 52200, as 5~~~~~~ii in FIG, 524. In this contigurat:ion: the c.rankshaft,52218 indirectly tfrive4 the mechanical oil pump 52208 via the crankshaft gear 52220, wltich dr-ives the intermediate gear 52216 oii t;[ic drive shaf't ,52214, which., in turn, cis-ive4 the cIn~~e geas-:?2210 of'tI:~e oi1 ptin$p -52208.
"I'lle crankshaft gear 52220 may be positioiietl bettveen tile crankpins 52222 aiid 52224 oi'crank.shaft,52218 in some embodiments. as shmvii in FIG. 24, fiiot1ier etziboditzieiits, t[ie cr~iik5baft 4,~ear 52220 may be placed at ~ii end of the crc~.liksha1=Ã 52218;
as showIi in FIGS. 525A 525{.,.
For ease of rna.nufi3:ciuring, the crafskshaft 52218 may be conapoaeci c~f a plurality of pieces. !n these embodiments, the crankshaft gear 52220 may be to be .itiserted bet~.~eeli the c:rasYkshaft pieces datrii-ig a;semblv of the craAshat't..
The d:rive, shaft 52214, in s~~~~~ orsibod.i~~~ents, may be positioned perpendicularly to the crankshaft 52218, as shown in FtG5. 5'23A and :~25A. However, in some embodiments, tlie drive shaft 52214 may be positioned parallel to tbe crankshaft 52218, as shown i11 FIGS.
~'?~ 5B ~~id 525(::.
In some ery-iboci:iry-ietitR, tl:ie c:~~~i-ikshrxfà 4,erxr 52234 anci tl:ie intermediate gear 52232 may be sprockets, wherein ttie crankshaft gear 52234 and the iiitc:rmc:diate gear 52232 are coupled by a chain 522:26, as shown in FIGS. 525(_' z-itiil 526C;. In sticl7 z-iti embodiments, the 215 cha.i~~ 52226 is i~~ed to drive a Lhair7 drive pu-tiip {shown as 52600 in:[tIC_iS. 526A through _526Q.
Iti some embodiments, the oear ratio betweezi the crarskshaft t'i2218 and the drive shaft 52214 r~.'rziaisxs c;osxstant thrOL3ghout operation. In such an.
eml.~ss.adinxe:nta it is imf.~orttint to t~ave ar7 appropriate gez-ir ratio bet~~~~~i-i the Lraii:I,i.shal`t and the drive shaft, s cf7 that t[ie ;.~ear ratio balances the p~~~vp speed. and t:lie, speed of the ~~igi~ie..
This achieves a qsecified flow of liibr-ic<itit recfLtired bv a particular en=.~i~~~ RPM (revolutions per nai.aute) ~~enatÃng 1 #~t~

In Soine embotiimentSa lLabricating fluid is distr.ibL3tCt1 to clifferent par-ts of <~~ ~~i-igine bv ati electric ~urnp. The electric. ptimp eliminates tl~o need for a pump drive assembly, wbich is ot~~erwise required by- a mechanical oil 1ai3mp.
1Zeterri.n4.~ back to FICsS. 5213A arid 5213B. the oil la~imla 52208 may ii-icliiil~ ~i-i in-#
52228 to collect lubr-icating tluid from the ~unip and an outlet:~2230 to deliver lubricating fltiÃci tc) the varÃotiR parts oi'tl:~~ ~~-ig:ii-ie. f.n wor-iae emboclirzientw, the rotatÃoii oi'the ciri-ve gear 52212 and t.lie idle gear 52210 ~atise the lubricating fluid f.rom t.lie s~~i-np to be drawii into the oil piti-np throL3gb the in1et. 52228 and forced otit of the puml~
tbroLigl:f the otitlet 52230, The inlet 52228 prefei'ably iilcl-Lides a filter tc~ remove 1~artic_ulate5 that may, be i':ound in the lubricating I-Ilild pl'1L?l' ttl its being dl"t7.dvIl ]I3to the oil pt#lllp.
l.it some L'T3ibt)diT3ie l1ts, the inlet 52228 may be con:tiected to the au:iiip via a Ãube, pipe, or hose. Iti some embodiments, the inlet 52228 ~~~av be in direct fluid c~~imttiiicati~~i wit1i the Sunip.
Ii-i some embodiments, the oil putzip out.let. 52230 is cor~~i-iecÃed to a.
series of passa;.~ewat%s in t:l~e, various engine parts, throiigh which the lubricating fltiid is delivered to the varioiis exigine parts. 'I`he outlet 52230 i-iiaNf be integrated w:itti the passageways so as to be in direct commutiicatioti witla Ã17e pasy~~ewavs, or mav be con.nec,Ãed Ãc) the paysa;.~ewayy via a hose or tLibe, or a p1Urali.ty Of'hosos or tatbes. The scrie, of ~~~~sa~,~eas=avs are. preferably an interconnected nen-vorl~. ot passagewaysz so that tbe otitlet 52230 z~~ay be c~onnocted to a single passageway inlet all(l still be able to deliver lubricating fltti~.1 to t(xe engine's Iul:sricated parts. ,, FIGS 527A-527D show one embodiments, whereiii the oil puz~ip otitlet: (showti as 52230 in FIG. S'2:3B) i.s cotir:~ecteci to a passageway 52700 in the rocker Sliail- 52702 oi`the rocking beam drive 52704, The rocker shaft passageway 52700delivers lubricating fluid to the rocker pivoÃ: ~~earit7gs 5:2706, ~~-id is con.necÃeil Ã:c) c~.tiil delivers lubricating fluid to the 215 roLkim-, beam passageways (tiot: si7owri). Tl7e rocking beam passagewavs deliver llibricata~-ig fluid to the connecting wrist pin bearings 52708, the 1i.7:-gk rod 1~e~arir~gs 52710, ~~id the lirilk rotl passageways 52712. 'f tie :Iitik roci. pas&i~,;eways 52712 deliver lubricating fluid to the piston rod c:c4Lapli~-ig bearing 52714. The ccgi-inecting rod i.-~tss ~~~way, (not shoavn) s.af the con.nect-ing rod 5:2720 delivers hiiriLating fluid to a li.rst crank pin 52722 a~id the c~~i-ikslaafÃ
passageway 52724 of the cranksbatt52726. 'I'he crankshaft passageway 52724 delivers 11ibraLaÃir~g fluid to the crankshaft jouma.l bearings 52728, tl:~~ ~ecc~~id crank piii beari.ag 52730, and tlio spline shaft passageway 52732. The spline shaft passa4#~~~ay 52732 delivers l0bricatingfluitl to the split~e shaft spline joints 52734and 52736, The oil i.-~timi.~ outlet (not s}iownz sbowti in FIG . ;?? 3B as 52230) in some embodimetit:s is connected.
to tbe znain tee.d.

1Ã(J
52740. I:~i some eml.iodimesxt.,, ~i-i oil patrsip otit.lct rz~ay also be cosYnevet1 to ant1 provit1e lubricating fluid. to the coiilsling joint litioar bearings 52738. In some embodiments, ati oil pur.l:ila cgtttlet may be connected to the Iinear bearings 52738 via a tatt~~~
or hose, or plurality of tubes or hoses. AlternaÃitie:[y, the Iink rod passageways 52712 naay deliver itiijricaÃ:i~-ig t'ltii~.-l to t[ie litiear bearin:,.~s 52738.
Th s, the mai.ii feed 52740 rie(:i-vers lui~lIcating fliiid to the joi~~~~~iai l~earing:~ suz.l'aces, 52728. From the jotÃrtial bearzng surfaces 52728, thÃ. lubricating tluid. is deIiveÃ~ed tk) the c.ratYkshaft main passage. The crankshaft main passage delivers lubricating fluid. to botli the spline shaft passageway 52732 aiid the e:onÃ-tecting. rod bearing on the c;t'ank pi~~ 52724.
.I.:Ubricating t]lui.ti is delivered back ttl tb~.~ st~~~~~~~ preferabty by flowing otit c?:{'tl~e aforementioned bearings and iiit:o the sump. In the sunap, the lubricating ilLiid will be collected by the oil purnp aiid redistributed t1irottghout the erighie.
DISTRIBUTION
As described above, var-iotis embodiments of'th~ system> metbods and apparatus ma.v advantageously provide a low-Lost, easilv maintained, highly e.f-tIcient, portab:1e, ar:ld failsafe system Ã:17at c~i-i provide are1.Ãable yoiirce ol'cl.rinking water for iise in all environments i-og<irdles; of initial water quality. The system is intesxded to prodUce a continuous stroatii of potable water, tbr drinking or medical applications, tor ex.ample; on a personal or limitutl community scale using a ~.-~ortab1e power source and moderate power budget. As an example, in some embod.i~~~ent, tl~o water vapor distillationapparatus may l~e, utilized to prt~duce at least approximately 10 ;.yall~~~~ of water per hour ~~~ a power budget of approximately 500 watts. Pus may beachi.~~~ed tt~l._O w41 kl Vffy efficient heat trans#:~~~
process and a iit:t~~~ber of stal.~~system desigÃi optimizations.
'I'l7e various embod.i~~~~i-its of the water vapor diytillationapparatus may be powered 22 5 bz a'laat.tery; elect-z=iLity so rce or b; a ;~erieraÃor; ay deycribed_[iere.in. "1`lae battery maz be a siarici: alc3ti~.~ battery or cc3ulfi be connected tc? a motor transport ~~~~p~aratus, such as a scooter, any other motor vehicle, wli:icti some cases may ~e a hybrid motor vehicle or a battery powereci veli.icle.
In ot7~ embodiment, the szstetzi may l~e used in Ã:17e developing world or in a remote village or remote livi~ig quarters. The system is especially advantageous iti communities VVÃth ariz oiie or i-iiore of the following, t:or emanaple (btit i-zot bv 1r.m:itcs.tion): unsafe water of any kin~.-l at a~iv timo; little to rio water technical ~xpertise for installation, iitireliable access to replacer~~ent stÃpplies. limited access to mainterianco ant1 tiifficLilt operating environ.inent.

lÃl The ,VstCr~l acts to PUrify any inptÃt SotÃrc e asYd transfcgrnY the inptÃt sotÃt'ce to high-qtiality otitptit, i.e., cleaiier w,-tter. In some applications the water vapor distillat:ioll apparatus may be in a c:or~~nit.tiiity that cioe4 not have any mtiiiicipal infrastrt3ctatre to provide aoiirLe waÃer. '['hus, in these 5iÃuatic~~~s a~~ ernbodi~~~~ent ofÃhe water vapor distillation apparatus may be capable of accepting s~~irc~e water having ~~arying qualities of purity.
The RySt~iviiS aho easy to instal( atzd operate. The water vapor distillation ~~i,paratus is dÃ. ~igo>ped to be an autonomous syStetn. This apparatus txiay operate independently withot3t having to be monitcgre~.1 by operatcgr& This is important because, in many of t(xu locations wl-tere t1~e watei' vapor distillation apparattis may be iiistalled.
aiid or Litilized, mechanics rnay be rare i~~- unretiab1~.~.
'I'lle system:has mininaal maintenance requiremetit. Iti the exemp:Iary enibodiments, the system does not require, a~iy conszima~.~les and,or disposa.~.~:ies, t1ius, the system itself~~~ay be iitili:r.ed for a period of titzie aby~in repIaci.n.~ any elements or parts. 'I'hay is import~in because in m~~iv applications the water vapor distillatic~~~ apparatus z~~ay be located. in a cc~i-iimtiti.iiy that Iack.5 people having t:echnical expertise to maintain r-z~ec~~an:ical devices such as the water vapor distillation apparatus. `!"_he system is also .Ãne:~~enaive, ~~~aking it aii option for any c:ommunity.
In addit:i~t.i: tbe water vapor distiIlatioti apparatus may be used in any communitv where clean cirinking water is not readily or suffie.iently, available. For exaniple.
comznunities that bave both a. utility to provide electricity to opem te t:~~e. water vapor distillation device and municipal water to ~upp1y the apparatus.
Thus, the water -vapor ciistillation appatutus may be tiRed M cor~imunities, that may liaktc.. a utility grid for sta~.=aply electricity titit iia clean driiiki~~g water. Caiiversely, the commtiii.iÃy may have mtiii.icipa:l water thai .ia i-ioà safe ~~~d no iitility grid to aiipply 215 eleLtricity. In these app:lacataotis, t[ie water vapor distillation apparatlts may be powered l.1S1T3.~~Y., d"L'.vlf;i-',sI#'1Cl11d111?, b13 not l#.133.1ted to a St1I'l#.11g i-',i1t,r,121i:`, ~aIl I13ti.-`IT3al c(3inbE#st1oI3 engine, aLez~~r,itor, b,,itter:iesor ,~olar p,itie1s. Sources of water niay i:tic1trde but are not li:iiiited to locai str~.~ar~~s', rivers, lak;es, ps.an(is, or wells, as well as, the oc~.~an.
In comrziLinitiey tlaat.1~~ave t7o infirasÃructure the chal~enge is to locate a water source and be able. to supply power to operate t[ie water vapor distillation appan, ttis. As previotisly cliscti;~~ed, the water vapoi- distillation appares.t,c~s maNf be power using several types of devices.

In this typo of sittiation o~-ie likely placo to install a wator vapor distillation apparatus may be in tl~~ conir~itinity c-linic or health c-enters. 'I'hese places typically [iave some foriii of power soLircu aii(l are. accessible to the most r~ieml/+er; of the comt1iunity.
Again, as described I~ere.i1-1, sotirees ot'eIecÃ-ziciÃ-v inay include a Stirli~-ig en4.~ine. 'I-his type of ongine is well stiited for aIalalication in the water ~~ac[iiiie becatise tlie ~~igitio provides asufficient amoui-it of electi.-ica1 power tc) operate the machine withotit significa.iitlv attecting the size of'the machine.
The water vapor distillation apparatus may, sLippIy approximately between 50 and ?50 people per day with water. In the exemplaÃ-y embodimeiat, t[ic output is 30 liters l,el.
hour. This production r-ato is suitable for a st-nall village os- ctlmr~-lunit`-'s neo& The energ-s, needs .inelncie ap1}roximately 90ÃI Watts. "I'hus, the energy:reqirirements are nai.ninial to power the water vapor distillation apparatus. Ttiis low power requirement is suitable to a ama11./remote village or commtiziiÃy. Also, in soi-~~~ embodimet7ts, a standard olitleà is suitable as t[ie electrical so ii:rce. 'I'he weig}it of the water vapor distillationaIaparatus is approxii-nate1y 90 Kg, i.ri the exeinIa1arz eirtiioci:iir-iey-it, anil the size (H x D x W) ---- 160 cm x 50 cm :a. 50 etzi.
Knowledge of'operating temperatatresa TDS, and fluid flows provicles ilYforniat:ion to allow prodtic-tioii of potable water under a wide ~~~igo of ambient temperatures, pressures, and. dissolved solid ccgiituiit of the sow-e.e water. One particular embodiment may titilize a coiitrol metliod whereby stlc[i zneasu:roments (T, P. TDSz flow rates, etc) are used i~l cc~i~j~~iction wilha siniple algorithz~~ and look-tiIa table allowing an OI~erator or coniputer coi-itroller tc) set operatÃr.1parameters for OptiM :11.1 per-Corrnance under exiRti~~- 'arvibionÃ
conditiÃ~~ns.
In sor~~~ embodimet7ts, the apparatus ~~~ay'be incorporated as part of a syatem:for 215 distribuÃim, water. Within this svs-tem ma; ai-icliiil~ a monitor.ing svsiem. 'I'his nioniÃoring system may include, but is not limited to having arg input sensor tor tneasuring one or more characteristics, oi'-ttie ifiput to ttie generation device and an output sensor for measuring consumption or other c-haracter.istiC e~f OLatpL3t ti-s.arsl the generation tlevice. The mon:its.ari~-ig system ~~~aNf have a controller :~or cor7catena.Ãing meas red ii-zput at7d consumption of output on t:lie, basis ol:-the inptit and output sensors.
W1-zere tl:~e generation ci~~dce oI'a particular LitÃlitv o.f'a lieiwor-k :is a water vapor-d.ist:illation a:ISparatus, the inptit sensor may be a flow rato monitor.
Moreover, t:lie, output sensor may, be a. water quality sensor incltÃtiir;g one or moro of torpidity, conductivity, and temperature sensors.

lÃ:>
Themon.it=orirag sy,tom m.ay also have. a telemetry anodtile tor coan:mtanicatir;g measured ir.apiat and cautput: parameters to a a'eancate site, either directly or via an intermediary tlevice such as ~satel(itu. and, moreover, the system a~iay include a remote actuator for var-~Yfing ol3erat.ing laaraa-iieter5 of the generator based onremotelz received instructions. ':I'l7e monitoring systom anay also have a self-locating device: suchas a GPS
receiver, having an output iracii.cative o.l'tl:ae location ol'the ra:aoni.tori.ai;., w;rstem. In that case, c:la~~ucteristics o#'tlae measured inptÃt and ourput may, depend t.apon the location of t.l;=e monitoring system.
The monitoring systeni described above r.1~.:aay be included within a distributed network. of utilities proviclÃxig 5ourc;es. ol, purified water. The distributed network.ha5 devices foa generating water using input seI35C?rs :{-oI' measuring ]ilpllts to F'espectav~.` enel't7:tt3rs, output sensor for a~~easuring cotisiimpÃic,zi ol'outprat l=zoan respective generators, and a:
telemetry Ãranstisitter for transmittiiig inpia:t and otrtpia:t parameters of a specified generator.
Fi~iallz, the distributed network may have a remote processor for receiving izipiià aaid output parameters f'rozn a plurality of taÃiliÃy gonerators.
Re.f-err:if.ag a:aow to FIG. 422, tl:ais fi=.~ure depicts monitoring generation device 4202.
Cieneratiot7 device 42102 may be a water vapor distillation apparatus as diselca~ed"he.a-eiai.
Generation device 4202 rz~ay typically be characterized by a ,et of paaaanetea-s that describe its current operaÃiaig status and conditions, Such }aaraznoters may iaiawlude, withotÃÃ limitation, its tumperattare, its inpaat or otatptat fltati, etc., and nzay 17e sLabject to monitoring bv meaais of sensors, as described in deÃail below.
Still ref'orring to FIG. 42, soua'~e water enters the generation a:-1evi~~
4202 at inlet 4204 aiaci leaves the g~i-ieratic~~i device at otailet 4206. The aMOaa,alt Ol'Source wate:v 4208 entering generationdek ice 4202 and the amÃ~~ttalt of purified water 4210 leaving generation device 4202 may be monitored through the 1t5e of one oa'more o:l`a vaa'iety o:l`sensor.y 215 commonly tased to cleÃertz-iiiie flow rate, slacla as ~~ns-cars for deierm.inang them temperature and pressrra-c or a rc3tclmet~.~r, located at inlet sensor anc3drrl~ 42:12 ant.l;`oa- at orrtlct sonso. r-modtrle 4214, eitliea` ot-i a: per evetit or ctrmLilaÃi~~e basis.
Additionally, the ,l~roper firnctioning of the _gea3er.ation device 4202 may+- be (icteranine(i by. measua-ia3g, the tLarpiil:ity>, a;;s.aMWCtiVitYa and:" or temperature at the outlet sensor mcadtile 4214 and:`Or the anlet:
5ensor module 4212.

Other parameters, such as sl=sÃezn usage tillie or power consumption, either per etieait or clanalalaÃively, aata3:y also be ciete.a-rnirieci. A sea-zsor f.naz be Loa:il3led to an a1arna or slaat o-i:t switch that may be Ãaiggea`ed. wheai the sensor a.-letecxs avaltae oiatside a pa:e-pa~ogrania~ed a==ang4:.

1Ã4 When the l.ocation of the sy-stem is kr;oavra, either thrOL3L,111 zl:irect ini.-~ta of the sySten. x Iocation or by t[ie iise of a GPS locatioii detector, additioiial water quality tests may be i-tÃn based cgii location, irYc(L3d_ing checks fcgr k_tYCgwn local water c:ontaininates, L3tiIizing a variety of deÃector.y, such as anfibody c_[lip detectors or cell-based detectors. '-['l~~ water quality sensors may detect an amount of contaminates in water. 'I'he sensors may be programmed to sound ar-i alarm if the water quality value r.iSes above a pre-programmed water q ' aliÃt~ 'ValUe.
The water qaÃality- z>altie is the measuredams}tint of contaminates in the wate.r. Altemativelyz a shatt off4wi.te.h may tLam off t(xu generation tievice if the water cluality, valtic rises abotit a lire-programmed water quality value.
Ftirtlies-, scal~.~ btiilti-tiis in the generation device 4202, if a7:-gy, may be deteri-nir~ed b`-a. varietv of niethotls, incIuding mm.iitori:no tl~~ heat transfer properties of the system or measurinL,. the t~ow impedance. A variety of ot1ier ~onsors may be, used to iisotiitor a variety of other system parameters.
St:ill referrin,.~ to FIG. 42: tbe sensors described above may be used to monitor and: or record tl:~e various paranaet.ers ciescr:ibe(i above onboard the g~~~erat-ion device 4202, or iD 111 alteriiat.i~~~ embodimei-it the generation device 4202 ~~~aNf be eqLiil~~ed witla a comill nicatioil Systetn 4214, stich as a c ellular communication ,ySteni. The.
comniatnictition systorzi 4214 c-otild be an internal svstem tised solely for coznmu:nication bet~~~~ti tbe generation device 4202 and the monitoring station 421.6. Alternatively, the coin:~~imication systein 4214 c:c4Lalti be a collular commuiiicatic~~~ system that includes a cel1ti1ar telephone for general communication throiigl~ a ce-llular satellite system 4218. T l~e, communication system 421.4 rT-la;r also erziplo;r wireless technolo~,~vsuc:h as the Bliictooth ol~~i-i specification. The communication system 4214 ~~~ay adtlitiotially incltttle a GPS (Global Positi~.~Ãiiiig System) I ocator.
22 5 Still re1=erraniz to F l:G. 42. the cotzii-iii~iii~atic~iisystetzi 4214 enables a varieÃ-v of improvements ttl the generation devic~.~ 4202ry by enabling cc?tnmunicatitln with a nio7:-gitor.ittg station 4216. For exaniple, tl~e monitc,zin~.?; statit~~~ 4216 may ~~ionitc,r the location of the generation device 4202 to esYsLare. that tise in an intent1ed locatio:ii. by an int~~-iclet1 tiser.
Additionally, the monitot.ing station 4216 may monitor t[ie ai-iioLint of water and.:'or electricity prodticed, which may allow the calculation of usage charges. Ad~.-litionally, the (letermitiatioi-z of tl:le anlourit of water ancl/or electricity produced during a: certaii-i period or the ciimtilaÃive, hotirs of'usage during a certain period, allows for tbe calculation of'a preventative maintenance schedule. If it is dk;ternlisYo-d that a maintenance call. is recltiired, either bv tbe calculation of usa; ~~ or by the otitptit of any of t:lie, sensors tised to determine, Ã>
water qLleil.ltya the monitoring stitlf]n. 4216 may ar:r's3nge for ct.
ma1r3Ye1:#ciTlf,,$.`= S':ISIt. In tll(` case that a G:E'S (Cilobal Positioning System) locator is i~i use; monitoring station 4216 may tleterinine the precise location of the generation device 4202 to better fae.ilitatea maintenance visiÃ. 'l'he moniÃoring station 4216 may also deierm.ine >.hicla water quality or otber tests are znosà appropriate tor the present location of tbe generation device 4202. The commun.ication system 4214 rnay -tlso be tiReci': to tiirr:t the generation device 4202 otz or o.l-f;

to p5.e-boaL the device p5.{o5, to use, or to deactivate the system S.1-:0.
t.lic evpeF.Rt the system is relocated witlioLit advance warning, sL3ch as an the eveilt of theft.
Now referriiliw to:FI(:i. 43, the tise of t[ic monitoring and eommunicatic ~
system de4cs-ib~.~dabove facilitates the iise of a Vanety> of't3tilitv distribtiti~~ii so-st~rn;. An organization 43, strch as a. Goverii:iiietit agency. rionrgovernmenta:l aoericy (.NGO), or privately funded relief org-an izatioii, a eoÃporatioii, or a conit_~ination of these, could provide distributed ÃiliÃies, sLiL_[l as sa1=e dri.tiki.tig water or e:[ecÃricity> to a geographical or political area, such as aÃi entire country. 'I'he organization 43 may then esm, blish local distribuÃors 44A, 44R, ai-id 44( _'. I'liese local clistribLitors coLi1d pretenab1z be a monitoring station 42.16 tSee i: IG. 42) previo s1; c~~scribed. In c~~~e possible arrati.~ement, organ.iraÃic~~~ 43 coLi1d provizie sorzie ntÃinbor of `teneration devices 4202 (See 17I6. 42) to the local ziistr:ibLator 44, etc. hianot:her possible ar rangeznerit, the organizaÃioz~ 43 cotild sell, loan, or make other financial arram-wments for the distribution of the geiieraticg~i devices 4202 (See FIG. 421), Ttic local distribtÃÃor 44, etc.. cotil~:~ tlieii eitlier ;.Yive t[iese generation cievices to operators 45, etc., or provide the generation devices 4202 (See F~IG. 42) to the operators Ãhotig}.) some type of'tii-iai-icial arraziwez~~ent, S c.h as a, sale or ry-iicror loaii_ Still rc:t`e:rriiig to FIG, 43; thc.. operator 45 cÃ~~ttld thc:Ãi provide distribti.tc:ti utilitieS ÃÃ~~ a village cent:er, sclaoo1, hospital, or oÃber group at or iwar the poi.tiÃ
ot'water acc:.ess. :1n ot7e 22 5 exemplary embodiment, wbeii the generation device 4202 (See FItri. 42) is provided to the operator 4..~ by tnean; of a ~incr-c1-lclan, the operator 45 coir1d char;pe the ~.~Tid tiser, on a ~~er..
Litl:it bases, sucb as per watt hour in ttie case of electricity or per liter in the case of purified water. E ither the local. distril;iL3tor 44 or the ors; mization 43 rziay mori.itor atsage and other parameters iisir~~g one of the communication sysÃemy described above. 1'he disÃrilalttor 44 or the organization 43 could t[ieii rec-otip sozne of tbe cost of'tlie gerieraÃion device ~~ ~~~e FICi. 42) or ei:tecÃ: repavmetit of the m.iciowloar-i by charging the c~~~enato~~ 4312 t:or sor-z-te portion of'tlio per-unit c-harges; suchas 50%. The communication systems described additionally may be useel to deactivate the generation z~evic:e. 4202 (Soe FIG. 42) if the ;.~enera t:ion device is relocated otitsi~:-l~ of a pre-set area or if payments are not made in a 1Ã~
timely ma.sYner. This type of a tlistribtitiosx svstenx rz~ay allow the ziistr:ibLatiOn oi`~~~eded litilitio-s across a si;.Ynifi~ant area quickly; while then allowing tor at least t:~ie, partial recoupment of fttncis, whic:h, for example, coti(ci t(xcii be used to cieveIot.-~ a similar syster.1~.:~ in another area.
Now referring to FICi. 44, this tigtire illustrates a conceptual flow dia,.õr~m of one possible way to i.ncoipo rate ai-i alterrzate embodÃz~~~i-it of tl:~e water vapor distillati01.1 apparatus into a systÃ. m. In an etxiboditxietit ot'thi-s type, tIL3id t1ows throttgli the system fror.1~.:~ aii intake 4404 into an uxcbanger 4406 wherein excbanger 4406 receives heat from at least aile of a pIi-trality of sources including a condenser 4402, a head 4408, aÃid exba.ust (xtot shown) fi-oni. a power source ,~ich as ~an Mtetn~ai ol- ixtes-7:-ga1 combustion engine. FIziici continues t~owiziLy past heat excbanger 4406 into a ~~im~ 4410 and into a.
core 4412 in thermal cocitact with coiideiiser 4402. fn t~~e, core 4412, the t]ttid is partially vapori.zed, Frotzi core 4412, the vapor path proceeds ai-ito_[leaci 4408 in commutlacaÃac~~l with a compressor 4414, and ftotii there itito condenser 4402. After the vapor }~~s condensed., tluid.
proceeds .f-ram condenser 4402 tl-zrc~~ig1i heat exchanger 4406, anil finally into an e:.Y.hauaÃ:
reQioii 4416 ~i-id t[ieii otit as tit7al distilled prodiict.

Rei`e:rrin~.r to Fffi)-& 44 and 44A, a power source. 4418 may' be atSizi to poav-er the overall svstem. Power sotirc~ 4418 ~~~ay, be cot1p1ed to a~~iotor (not showii) that is tised to di-ive compressor 4414, Pstrticulstrly when cot1.:fpre4sor 4414 is a stea.~~
pur.1~.:~p, satc.has a liquid. ring) ptimp or a ~egonerative blower. The power source, 4418 may also be tised to pro~~i~~ ~1ectrical energ~~= to the other ~~emetits of't[ie apparattis shown in FIG. 44. Power soiirce 4418 rnay be, for exanaple, an electrical outlet, a st~i-iciar(i i.titerzial COMt)cIStit~11 (1t_') generator or an external com6ti.Stioti generator. In Ã~~i-ie: excÃiipIary eÃiib~.~diÃ~ieiit, ttie power soLirce is a Stirling Lyc:[~ engine. :'4ii IC' generator ~~~d aii exteriial combustion ;.Yetierator 215 advantageously producebotla power azid Ãhernaal etiergz as s_[lowii in:[tIt=;. 44A, where engi.7:-g~ 4420 produces botb mechanical and then-nal ener-~,;y. Ent~iti~~
4420 n, $ay be either an inter:na:I combiistion enoi~~e or an external combustion em, gzne. A gerterato:r 4422, such as a per.tnanent magTet brtishless rziots.ar, is ccgatpIeti to a crankshaft of the e:11.gine 4420 and coiiverts the mechanical energy prodiiced by the engine 4420 to e:[ectrical enerpy, suL_[iaa power 4424. Engine 4420 also pro~.~tices oNhaust gases 4426 and heat 4428. '-I'he Ãbernial ey-iergy produced bv the eti~7Ã~~e 4420 in the forni of exl:iaust gas 4426 and heat 4428 f.nay be advantageously tised to provide heat to the svstem.

Referring to FtG. 44, heat from a power SotÃrc e 441 8may be recaptured bv chatincling the exhaust itito the insulated cavity t[iat surrotlnds the apparatus, whicb may he 1Ã'~
bot~~~oen extemal housing ant1 the individual appa:ratLis components. In c~ne.
einbodi~netat, exhaust may blow across a finned lieat exchanger t[iat heats sotirce t'laiid prior to entering the evaporatcgrrcorYderYser 4401 hi otber embo~.1iment4, the source fluid flows past a wbo-in-tltbe laeat excla~~~~~er as described ~~o-,-,e with reference to the ~~emlalc~.rz embodiment.
Referring now to FIG, 528A, caia~ embodimetat: of tlao system is s~owia.
'I'lae system includes two basic functioaaal components that may be combÃzieci w.Ãttain.a single integral tinit or may, be capable of separate operation and cs}tipled as described herein for t.lie purpose of local waterpuritic:ation. FTG. ~~~ A depicts an of the system in which a power Liilit 528010 is coupled electrically, via cable 528014, to provide elec;tricaf power to a wateÃ-1 0 vapor distillation apparatus 5215012, with exlaaust gas ftoni the pc3wes-t3aait ..~~80:i.A coupled to cortveyheat to tlic water tlisti"[laÃion unit 528012 via aal ex1~aust d~ict 528016.
hi the exeaasplarj; eF3:ibodiaaleiiÃ, the power iiaiit 528010 is a Stirliaig cycle erighie. The St:.irli.ti4j cy-cl~ engine maNf~~~ any ot`t:l~~ embodiments described laea=e.i1a. `I`.laernaal cycle engines are, limited, by second law of't[ieniaodvnamics, to a fractional efficiency, i.e., a Carnrat efficiency of H . where '['H aaid"I`[Y are the tempera#1ti-es of the available heat soLirce and atzilaieaiÃ: Ãlaermal background, resl~ectively. During the c:.caraapresy.ioa7 phase of a heat engine cycle, heat nYtl'3'I bt` e:S.hi1LIst#.'.Ci flf.gnY tlle system in <"t r11i111tIe1' not eI1tIr't~ly.
~~eversible, thus there will always be, a surfeit of exhaust heat. M~re.
signil~'~~antly, moreover, aiot all t(xu laeat provided dtiriiig the expansion phase of the beat engine cycle is c:c4Lapled into the woa=~..inQ fluid. Here, too, exlaaust.l7eat. is generated that naay be used advantageously for oÃlaer pii:rposes. "I'lae total heat t:lae-ria~~dytaamically available, (i.e., in gas hotter than tiae arzibient environrzient) in the bunaer exbaclSt is t;rlaiC.all;r oai the order of :t 0%~y of the total inpti.t p~.~wer,1"or a power uaiit deliveriiag aia the order of a kilowatt ol'eIectrical power, as much as 704 W of taera.t. tia<ay be available i.n an exhaust streani t'u,;as at tertiper<aÃtires in the 215 vicinity of ?{)0' C. In accordance with embodiments of Ã:17e present appanaius, szstetzi and ri-ietbotis, the exhaust heat, as well as the electrical power generated by an ~.~ngine-powereti generator, are used in the purification of water for laiaraan consu:napt:iofa, thereby advantageously providitigan integrated systeaas to whic-la onl`= raw water aiid a ftael need be provided.
Moreover, external combustion en~iz~es, sucla as Stirling ~.~;~c1~ ez~~iz~es, ~re capable ot'13i-oviclar-ig hi4.~l~z Ã:i~e~~f.~-aÃ,~l etiic:Ãerae~~~ and low er~aissic~ai of pollutants, when saFeta.~~aett~c~ci;~ are emplozed as e1['ici~i-ià piaraapiaag of ox.Ãtiaiat (typica1ly, air, anti, reterreti to taei-eiaa aiad in aiav appended claims, without limitation, as "air") thrc?~igla. the btÃrsxer tc?
provit1e combustion, and tlae recovery of liot exhaust leaving the heater heatl. In many applications, air is pre-WO 2008/154435 1 Ã IS PCT/US2008/066198 heated, prior to f'oT8lbt1St1ol, nearly to the temI?t'.ratltre of the li.t'."s3te1' head, so as to achieve the stated objectives of therzna1 officieticyr. However, the higli teznlserature oI`preheated air, (lesirablu for stcbieving high thertl.:fstl efficiency, complicates achieving low-emission ;Fostl;
by tnaking it difficult to premix the ttiel and air aiid by requiring large aniounts ot'excess air in ort:-ler to limit the flame temperature. Technology directed toward overcoming these diffic:L-lties in order to achieve efficieiit atzcl 1ow-emiwsi.on operation of therinal eng:ines is described, f.or exainple, in U.S. Pat. No. 6z062,023 ÃK.erwin, ot al. j issued M4ty. ]6, 2000:
and i~cc~~p~~ ~teti herein by reference.
Exterxial combustion e~igi~~~s are, additionally, conducive ti) the use of a wide variety> of':{-t3eIs, including tbo;~~ rnt34t available t3ii('Ier partieL3.lar local circurnstanc ~.~~:;
however the teachings oI'the presetit description are tiot limited tosuch engines. and internal com6ii.sÃioii engines are also wiÃhiii the scope of'Ãl~e etarrent disclosure. Inter~ial eombustaoti etigities, however, impose difficulties tiLie tc) the ÃypiLa"[ly poil teti iiaÃ.ure ot`t.17e exhausted gases, and ex.tertial combustion ~~igi~ie-s are pref'orab1y~
employed.
Still reI'errar-ig to F ICs. 528:'a, an ei-iibodi.riaetit of a.13c~~~~er unit 528010 is sI-zowii scl~~ernatiLally in FIG. 528.13. Power unit 528010 includes an e:a.tert7al combustion ~l-igil-ie 528101 COUplC(l to a generator 5284.02. In a:ti. exenxplary er~~bodinien.t.a the external combustion ~tigitie 528101 is a Stirling cvcie, en(y.iiie. outputs of t:lie, Stirli~ig cvc1e, engine 528101 tiLaring opersttion i.nc1ude both i~echani.ca1 urierg)' and resi.dual heat er:fer~~
Heat prodteced. in the eoznbustion of a fuel in a btimer 528104 is applied as an inIsut to the Stirli~ig c,vcl~ en,.~ine 528101, ~~id part:ially converted to znec.hanical enomy. 7l'he unconverted heat or tt~~n-iaa( erzergy accounts for approxinia.tel;r Ã35 to SS(':t) of'the eziezgy released in the burfier 528104. The ranges given Iiereiii are approximations and the iariges may vary tIeI~~~iditig oti the embodiment otwater vapor distillation apparatus ltyed in the 22 5 syat:em at7d the embodamei-zt o1't[ie St:.iz'li.n.~ en"ine tor other generat:or) Lised in the system.
Tlii4 h~.~at is available to provide heating ttl the local onvirosim:~.~n#-around tb~.~ ptlwer Litl.it 528110 in two forms: asmalle:r tlow of exhaust gas i'rona the burner :~281Ã~4 and ~~~iuch larger t'low. oI`heat r~.~~ecte(i at the cooler 528103 of the Stirling e.tigi:ne. Power Lan:it 528110 may also l~e referred to as at7 auxili~r-~Yf power unit (APU). 'I"1~~~ exhaust gases are relatively liot, Ãypically l0t.~ to :30303 C., an~.~ represent 10 to ?0% of'tlie thermal ~~~~rg~ produced by tt-le Stirling ~~igÃne 52,1810I. `T'he cooler rejects 80 to 9W=-0 of tl-ze therrnal energy a.i 10 to 20' Cabove the aznbient temperatii:re. The heat is rejected to either a I;low of'wclter or, more typic:allya to t1Yo. air via a radiator 528.1.07. Stirling c.vcle ori;ri:no 528101 is preferably ot'a size such t[iat power unit 5280:l0 is transportable.

1 Ãt~

As shown tn FYG. 528B, Stirling engine 528101 is powerec1 directly by a heat soatrce such as burner 528104. 13urner,528104 combusts a ftiel to produce hot exhaust gas~s wliich.
are L3sed to drive the 5tirlin;-, engine 528101. A bttmer e.oiitrol unit 528109 is c:c4Lapled to t(xu btiriier 528104 and a f e1 canister 5:28110. Burner cot7t-ro1 iirzit 528109 delivers a ftiel f-rom the fuel canister 5281.1.0 to t:lie, btlrner 528104. T lie, btirner controller 528109 also delivers a MeaS Veci arziount ofaff to the b-L-rzier 528104 to advantageously er-B :Ve S
bRtantial(y coniplete combustion. The fLael cotxibt3ste-d by btimer 528104 is preferably ac1ean bLaming and commercially available fi.iel such as propane. A clean bttming fitel is a fi3el that ti.ocs not contain large amounts of contaminants, t1ae most important beiii~~. si-tifiir.
Natural gas, ~.~thane, propane, butane, ethanol~ nietha7:-gol. ~anfi liqiiefiicl petroleuan gas ("LPG") ar~.~ all clean bu.rning:luela when the contaminants are Iinaiteci to a few l}ercetit.
(~~~~ example of a commercially available propane fuel is HD-5, aii indusuy gratie defined 6y the Societ`= of AuÃomot:.ive Enaineera and available from Bern;r,c~~~~atic. :[ii aeLordarzLe with a~~ enaboditnent of t[ie system, and as ~~sotisse~:-l in more detail below, the Stirling engine 5281.01 and burner 5281.04 iarovi(l~ substantially coi-iiplete cocvtbList::ioti i.ri order to provide high thermal efficiency as well as low enlissio~ns. `!":he characieristies of high efficienLy~ and low emissions rziay advantageously allow t~Se Of POWer Lanit 52804.0 isYdoors.
Generator 528102 is coupled. to a crankshaft ktiot shown) of Stirling ~rigine 528101.
lt should. be ittYderstood to one ofoi`dinarv skill in the art that the tert1~.:~ gurYUrator encompasses the class of electric. machines such as generators wherein mechanical ~rier:.;y is Conti=ened to electrical enery~y or iliotors wberein electrical energy is converted to ~~~eebazi.ieal enerav. The ~enerator 528102 is preferably a permai-iey-it magnet bruiRhleRs motor, A rechargeable Kattc..ry 528113 provides startiiig power f~.~r tlie power tinià 528010a.S
wel las direct etirretià l::DC_power to a D(' 13c~~~~er otitptit 5281 l~2.
[.11 a ftirtlae.r embodanaenÃ, 215 APU 528010 also advatiÃ:ageoLislv provides alternati.tig ctirret7t ( AC_,") power to ~i-i AC
power output 5241 14. An inverter 1528.116 is coupled tt.) tb ~~ battery 528:113 in order to convert the DC' ~ower prc,tluced by battery 5281.13 to AC power. In the enabodinaerit aboNaii in FIG. 52M, the battery 528113, inverter 528.1 1i a~-icl AC power OMP-W5284.14 are disposed within ati enclosure 5281.20.
tvitilizat:~on of t:l~~ exbatist gas g~ne-rated in the operation of power unit 52801tt is now described with ret:~~~ence to the schematic e:lepÃctioi-z of an embodÃmerit of the syster-z-I
sliown in FIG. 528C.13timer exhaust is directed t~~~~~u'a1la heat ct~~idtlit 528016 into oncIoStÃre. 528504 of the water vapor distillation a~paratL3S Lailit designated generally bv titlmeral 52801.2. Heat condtiit 528016 is preferably a hose t[iat may be, plastic. or corrugated 12(f inetal stir:rot~i-icieci bv insul<ition, however all meatis oi`conveyix~g exhaatSt hetit froni poas=er tinit 528010 to water purification unit 528012are, wit[iiii the scope of't[i~
system. The exhaust gas, ciesignate~.l by arrow 528502, blows across a heat exchanger 528506 (in the exei-iipI~~rv ei-iibodiriietit:, a hose-in-hose heat exchanger is tisecl., in other embodi~~~~i-its, a fii~ined [ieat: exchanger is used): tber~by heating the source water stream 518508 as it travels to the water vapor dÃwtillation (wh.ict-i iw also re#'err~ed to I:~ereÃn as a.'`st-il1"} evaporator 52851W The hot gas 528512 that fills the vol~~~~~ surrounded by insulated enclost3re. 528504 essentially r~~nioves all thermal loss from the still syst~~ni since the gas tet1~.:~peratui-u within t1ie insulated cm>ity is hotter t1iaii surface 528514 oi't1ie still itself.
'r1i-Lis, there is ;ut?st~arlt#.ally s3olizat flow fI'oni. the 4til1. to the anibreTit~
onvrrL?am.~.~nt; and losses os3 the order of 75 W for a still of 10 gallon~~hour capacity are thereby:recc,vered_ A
iiiicroswitel~ ~285~18 senses the coiiiiection of liose 5528016 couplitig hot exhaust to purification triiit 528012 so that apenaiion of the tiii.ià may accotitiÃ: for the influx of hot gas.
In accordance witli alternate embodiments adding heat to exhaust stream 528502 is within tlae scope o.f'tl-ze svsteÃ-ii, whether through addition ot~a post-burner (not sl:iown) or iising electrical powerfor ohm.Ãc hea:ting.

DL3ring initial startt~p of the systorzi, power u-nit 528010 is activated, provitliti~.r both electrical power aiid hot exhaust. Warm-tip of t:lie, still 528012 is significantly accelerated since t(xe heat exc;haiYg),er 5218506 is initially' below the dew point of the moisture content of the exhaust, sitice tl~~ exbatist contains water as a primary coiiibtistit~ti product. The heat of vaporization of tbis water coiitent is available to beat s~~irc-e water as the water condenses on the fii-is ot'the heat exchanger. The ~~eat ot'vapori-r..ati.on Rupp1enaent~ heating of tLie heat exchanger by convection of hot gas withiii tl-tc: still'. cavity. For e.xanlplc:, in the fin heat exct7an~~~~ embodimet7t, l7eaiitiQ of the 1=ii-ia kn- convection continues ~~~~~i after the fins reach 22 5 the dew point of the ex1~auat.

I.it accordance with Ctthel' L'T3ibt)C11T3iellts of the sy5tL'T3i, pt)LL' -C'I' unit ':?28010 and 4t1ll.
528012 may be further integrated by st:zeanain.g water from tlle still through the power an:it for cooli~-ig purposes. The L3Se Of se~~irC~.~ water for cs.ac4lisx~
pr~sesit.~ prcgbie~~s dti~.~ to the untreated ~iatLire ot.' the water. Wbereas using the prodLiLt water req irea an added complexity oi`t~~ system to allow for coolin(y oi`t~e power uiiit: before tbe still has warmed.
Lip to.f uIl o}~eraÃ:ar-ig coi-zdiÃiotis.
Pef~rTia~ again to F.IG. 44, other embo~:-limetit:~ may iticltide t:l~e. t~se, of additives in ,ol.idfo:rtn_ wherein suchadditivOS COUld be ~~~bedt1et1 in a tim.o-:release matrix insertet1 into the flow-through channel of intake 4404. In oiie particular embodiment, replacemeiit additive woatl~ need to be in,ertezl periotli.c aI1v by the tÃser. In yet another ersil:iodirsiesYt, a powder form of~~~ ad~:-liti~~e, cotild be added in a batch sl=stez~i wherein t.lie, powder is added, for example in tablet form, to an extema1 reservoir containing water to be piti-ifiecl wherein tl~~ additive is unif~~~~rniv mixed, similar to the batch sNfst~~~~ for adding Iiqiiid additives described aboti=e.
Still ref~rring to I:'ICf. 44, prer treatment of the source water may OCC V
prior to or withiii intake 4404. Pre-treatinint operations may, ittclttde, bLat zs not limited to gr-oss-fi.ltering; treatment with chemical add_itives stic:h as polyphosphates, polyacetates, organic acids, or polyasl~artaÃes; aÃid electrochemical treatmextt such as a.xi oscillating magnetic field oran eliciTical current; ti~gas;isi;p; and UV treati-nent. Acitiitive; ~rmy be added in Iiqtlitl forna to the incoming liquid stream usinga: continuous ~~impi~~g mechanism such as a roller ptanip or pulsatile purnp; includinga standard diaphragni pump or piezoelectric diaphragm, ptimp. A1ltert7aÃivelv, the additives may be added by a sem.ircotiÃinlious meL_[ianism using>
for ex.ample; a syringe, Iauttip, whicli would require a re-load. cycle, or a batch ptrmpi~ig svstef.n, wherein a small vo:ltiz~~e of the additive woliIil be I3uf.nped Hito a ho:I(lir~g vo1lurae or reserv-oir extemal to Ã:17e system that uniformly mixes the additive with the liquid before the liquid flows into tlxc systern. It is also env.isic~nezl that tlxo. user cotilci simply drop a prescribed volume of the additive into, for example, abiicket containing the llqtild to be puritiecl, L.iqLaitl additive may- be loaded as eitber a lifetime quantity (i.e., no consumables for tlio life of t:l~e, machine), or as a disposable amotrtit requiring re-[oad.i~ig after coiis iimp ti on.
Still referring tol/'IC3. 44, similarly post-treatment o#'the prociL-et water may occur prefenibly withiii an external oti.tpti.t region (tiot shown). Post-trc:att nc..nt at. ~erati~.~Ãis may iticlude, btit is iiot limit to taste additives sticI7 as sugar-based additives for yweet~i-iing, 215 acids for tartriess, and i-ii.ii7erals. t=)t[ier additives, i~ic:[udi~~g nutrients, vitamans, stabilized Prc3teins swch as e.reatitiiTie, and fats, and sugars may also be afid~.~fi.
~~ich additives may be added either in liquid or solid fomi, whether as a tinae-release tablet thr~~ig1i whicli tlle output liquid. flc4w;; or a powder acicleci to an external res~.~n~oir such as tbrous;h a batch syatem. Alternatively, the additive may be adcled to the output IiqLiit,l via an internal coating of a separate collectioti reservoir or container, for exazriIsle, by leaching or dissoltitit~ti on cor-itcs:cÃ:. Ir~ such embodimer-its, the ability to detect purified :laqLiid with 'anci w.itl:ioui Ã:I~~
additive, may be, Iareferred. Detection systems in accordance with ti=ariotis ezribodizrients ineIarele pt-l analysis, conductivity a:ii.d hard:ii.k;ss a:ii.a1ysi;, or otlxer stanzlarzl electrical-based assays. Sucli detection s~~ste~~s allow fc~r replacement of additives, as rioeded, by tri;~;.~eri~~tw 1?2 a si&ma1 mec:haixisr~i when the <idditive 1eve iquantit>> is below a pre-set level, or is undetectable.
In another embo~.1iment,1iqttitl characteristics, suc(x as for example water hartlnes,, is mw.iiioreil .an the oLiÃpLià a~id may be Lolipled wrÃ:l7 an and.aeaÃor ~~~ec_Iianis~~~i wlaich signals that it is preferable to add. alapropriat~ additives.
In yet ~i-iother embodÃz~~~~-it, c~zone.is systemieal(y 4wnerateci using, for example, electric current or dischar~e methods, and added to the output prodtÃct for iixiproved taste.
A(ternativeI~>, air r.1~.:~a~> be piar.1~.:~laeti t~~_~-t~~.~.;~~l:f ~. ~-1EP:~ tilterb~.~.bI~Ii~Y;F t}~re~~~9l~ the Di-~atiLac:t water to improve palatability of the water.
SU-nilar1y, it is envisioned that other embodiments rnay include r~~can; for detecting nucleie acids, anti4~ens and b:iowozwan:i~~~~ ~~~chas bacteria. Examples of siich tletecti~~~-I
meatis inel'.ttde nanoscale c1~emistryand biochemisu-y micr~-arra`=s knowii in the field and clirz~~i-itiv commerciallv a-vailable. S ch arra;~~ ~~~iav also'be Lised to moiiitor tlie pres~~ice and:or absence of ntitrient~ and. other additives in the pii:ri~ed prod~ict, as discussed. above.
In anotl:ier~ ~inbod.iinent, t:V Ã.reau-nent may be ti;~ed post-purification, ~~~~~ exaÃ-~ipIe iD
a storage barrel or other Lonta.Ãnez; to aid in maintenance of the 1~u-ritied larodtict.
While the. principles of tho inventiosY have beeti. tlescribezl herein, it is to be understood by those s~.illed in the art that this description is made only by way ot~~exaznple ant.-l not as a limitation as to the scope of t(xc invention. Ot}ier er.1~.:~boclinients are contemplated wit:(xin the scope of tlie, prosent invention in addition to the exemplary embod.i~~ents sl~own ~~~d deseri~ed herein. Nioditications and substitutions by c~~io, of ordinary skill in the art ~~e, considered to be WÃtl:1i.11 thesc:ope of the preseiit ÃziL~~~-itioll.

Claims (20)

1. A fluid vapor distillation apparatus comprising:
a source fluid input;
an evaporator condenser apparatus comprising:
a substantially cylindrical housing; and a plurality of tubes in said housing, whereby said source fluid input is fluidly connected to said evaporator condenser and said evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid;
a heat exchanger fluidly connected to said source fluid input and a product fluid output, said heat exchanger comprising:
an outer tube; and at least one inner tube; and a regenerative blower fluidly connected to said evaporator condenser, whereby said regenerative blower compresses steam, and whereby the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heat exchanger is disposed about said housing of said evaporator condenser.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heat exchanger further comprising wherein said outer tube is a source fluid flow path and said at least one inner tube is a product fluid flow path.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said heat exchanger further comprising at least three inner tubes.

5. apparatus of claim 4 wherein said at least three inner tubes are twined to form a substantially helical shape.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said heat exchanger further comprising two ends, and at each end a connector is attached, whereby said connectors form a connection to the evaporator condenser.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said evaporator condenser tubes further comprising packing inside the tubes.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said packing is a rod.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said evaporator condenser further comprising a steam chest fluidly connected to said plurality of tubes.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said regenerative blower further comprising an impeller assembly driven by a magnetic drive coupling.

11. A water vapor distillation system comprising:
a water vapor distillation apparatus comprising:
a source fluid input;
an evaporator condenser apparatus comprising:
a substantially cylindrical housing; and a plurality of tubes in said housing, whereby said source fluid input is fluidly connected to said evaporator condenser and said evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid;
a heat exchanger fluidly connected to said source fluid input and a product fluid output, said heat exchanger comprising:
an outer tube; and at least one inner tube;
and a regenerative blower fluidly connected to said evaporator condenser, whereby said regenerative blower compresses steam, and whereby the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid;

a Stirling engine electrically connected to said water vapor distillation apparatus, wherein said Stirling engine at least partially powers said water vapor distillation apparatus.

12. The water vapor distillation system of claim 11 wherein said Stirling engine comprising:
at least one rocking drive mechanism comprising:
a rocking beam having a rocker pivot;
at least one cylinder;
at least one piston, the piston housed within a respective cylinder whereby the piston is capable of substantially linearly reciprocating within the respective cylinder; and at least one coupling assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being connected to the piston and the distal end being connected to the rocking beam by an end pivot, whereby linear motion of the piston is converted to rotary motion of the rocking beam;
a crankcase housing the rocking beam and housing a first portion of the coupling assembly;
a crankshaft coupled to the rocking beam by way of a connecting rod, whereby the rotary motion of the rocking beam is transferred to the crankshaft;
a working space housing the at least one cylinder, the at least one piston and a second portion of the coupling assembly; and a seal for sealing the workspace from the crankcase.

13. The water vapor distillation system of claim 12 wherein the seal is a rolling diaphragm.

14. The water vapor distillation system of claim 12 wherein the coupling assembly further comprising:
a piston rod; and a link rod, the piston rod and link rod coupled together by a coupling means.

15. The water vapor distillation system of claim 12 further comprising a lubricating fluid pump in the crankcase.

16. The water vapor distillation system of claim 12 wherein the heat exchanger is disposed about the housing of the evaporator condenser.

17. The water vapor distillation system of claim 12 wherein the heat exchanger further comprising wherein the outer tube is a source fluid flow path and the at least one inner tube is a product fluid flow path.

18. The water vapor distillation system of claim 17 wherein the heat exchanger further comprising at least three inner tubes.

19. The water vapor distillation system of claim 12 wherein the evaporator condenser further comprising a steam chest fluidly connected to the plurality of tubes.

20. The water vapor distillation system of claim 12 wherein the regenerative blower further comprising an impeller assembly driven by a magnetic drive coupling.