Reciprocating machine & other devices

Abstract

The disclosure relates to reciprocating fluid working devices including internal combustion engines, compressors and pumps. A number of arrangements for pistons and cylinders of unconventional configuration are described, mostly intended for use in IC engines operating without cooling. Included are toroidal combustion or working chambers, some with fluid flow through the core of the toroid, a single piston reciprocating between a pair of working chambers, tensile valve actuation, tensile links between piston and crankshaft, energy absorbing piston-crank links, crankshafts supported on gas bearings, cylinders rotating in housings, injectors having components which reciprocate or rotate during fuel delivery. In some embodiments pistons mare rotate while reciprocating. High temperature exhaust emissions systems are described, including those containing filamentary material, as are procedures for reducing emissions during cold start by means of valves at reaction volume exit. Also disclosed are improved vehicles, aircraft, marine craft, transmissions and exhaust emission systems suited to the engines of the invention.

1 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a piston reciprocatable in said cylinder assembly, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly and said piston together forming at least one fluid working chamber of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and said working chamber, in operation said device functioning as an internal combustion engine wherein said working chamber is a combustion chamber and said egress fluid is hot exhaust gas, said engine having charge gas supply system, a fuel delivery apparatus and an exhaust emission control system, said engine having no purposely designed means for transferring heat from said cylinder and being capable of operation for an indefinite period. 
     
     
         2 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a piston reciprocatable in said cylinder assembly, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly and said piston together forming at least one fluid working chamber of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and said working chamber, in operation said device functioning as an internal combustion engine wherein said working chamber is a combustion chamber and said egress fluid is hot exhaust gas, said engine having charge gas supply system, a fuel delivery apparatus and an exhaust emission control system, said engine in operation being substantially at maximum temperature under substantially all conditions of load and speed, after warm-up of said engine. 
     
     
         3 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a piston reciprocatable in said cylinder assembly, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly and said piston together forming at least one fluid working chamber of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and said working chamber, in operation said device functioning as an internal combustion engine wherein said working chamber is a combustion chamber and said egress fluid is hot exhaust gas, said engine having charge gas supply system, a fuel delivery apparatus and an exhaust emission control system, said fuel delivery system including a cyclically moving device that carries fuel into said chamber just prior to combustion. 
     
     
         4 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a piston reciprocatable in said cylinder assembly, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly and said piston together forming at least one fluid working chamber of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and said working chamber, in operation said device functioning as an internal combustion engine wherein said working chamber is a combustion chamber and said egress fluid is hot exhaust gas, said engine having charge gas supply system, a fuel delivery apparatus and an exhaust emission control system, including an enclosed volume on the side of said head opposite to said chamber and thermal insulation means between said volume and said head. 
     
     
         5 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a piston reciprocatable in said cylinder assembly, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid a second structure partly defining a first volume for egress fluid and a third structure partly defining a second volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly and said piston together forming at least one fluid working chamber of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and said working chamber, in operation said device functioning as an internal combustion engine wherein said working chamber is a combustion chamber and said egress fluid is hot exhaust gas, said engine having charge gas supply system, a fuel delivery apparatus and an exhaust emission control system, in operation exhaust gases in said first egress volume and said second egress volume being at different pressures. 
     
     
         6 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a piston reciprocatable in said cylinder assembly, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly and said piston together forming at least one fluid working chamber of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and said working chamber, in operation said device functioning as an internal combustion engine wherein said working chamber is a combustion chamber and said egress fluid is hot exhaust gas, said engine having charge gas supply system, a fuel delivery apparatus and an exhaust emission control system, in operation said piston substantially directly actuating said fuel delivery apparatus. 
     
     
         7 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a piston reciprocatable in said cylinder assembly, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly and said piston together forming at least one fluid working chamber of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and said working chamber, in operation said device functioning as an internal combustion engine wherein said working chamber is a combustion chamber and said egress fluid is hot exhaust gas, said engine having charge gas supply system, a fuel delivery apparatus and an exhaust emission control system, said cylinder assembly having formed within it at least one passage for fuel delivered by said apparatus. 
     
     
         8 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a piston reciprocatable in said cylinder assembly, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly and said piston together forming at least one fluid working chamber of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and said working chamber, in operation said device functioning as an internal combustion engine wherein said working chamber is a combustion chamber and said egress fluid is hot exhaust gas, said engine having charge gas supply system, a fuel delivery apparatus and an exhaust emission control system, said fuel delivery apparatus including a passage for delivery of fuel communicating with an aperture to said chamber, in operation said aperture remaining open at all times during said cycle. 
     
     
         9 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a piston reciprocatable in said cylinder assembly, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly and said piston together forming at least one fluid working chamber of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and said working chamber, in operation said device functioning as an internal combustion engine wherein said working chamber is a combustion chamber and said egress fluid is hot exhaust gas, said engine having charge gas supply system, a fuel delivery apparatus and an exhaust emission control system and means interposed between said cylinder assembly and said piston so as in operation to cause one of said cylinder assembly and said piston to rotate and reciprocate relative to the other. 
     
     
         10 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a piston reciprocatable in said cylinder assembly, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly and said piston together forming at least one fluid working chamber of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and said working chamber, in operation said device functioning as an internal combustion engine wherein said working chamber is a combustion chamber and said egress fluid is hot exhaust gas, said engine having charge gas supply system, a fuel delivery apparatus and an exhaust emission control system, said entry fluid comprising charge air, said engine in operation combining fuel and air at substantially stoichiometric mixture ratio at substantially all conditions of load and speed, other than during cold start. 
     
     
         11 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a piston reciprocatable in said cylinder assembly, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly and said piston together forming at least one fluid working chamber of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and said working chamber, in operation said device functioning as an internal combustion engine wherein said working chamber is a combustion chamber and said egress fluid is hot exhaust gas, said engine having charge gas supply system, a fuel delivery apparatus and an exhaust emission control system, wherein said control system includes in operation mixing said exhaust gas with water. 
     
     
         12 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly containing a reciprocatable piston and with it forming at least one fluid working chamber of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port which is only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and at least one of said working chambers, wherein said piston at least partly comprises at least one of said structures and at least partly defines one of said volumes, and wherein said other structure partly surrounds said cylinder such that said second volume is substantially located between said other structure and said cylinder assembly. 
     
     
         13 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly containing a piston and with it forming at least one pair of fluid working chambers of capacity varying during said cycle and of which at least one is of toroidal form, at least one port which is only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and at least one of said working chambers, said piston including a projection penetrating at least one of said heads, in operation one of said cylinder assembly and said piston comprising the only essential moving part of said device, excepting any moving parts in any fluid delivery system. 
     
     
         14 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly containing a reciprocatable piston and with it forming at least one fluid working chamber of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port which is only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and at least one of said working chambers, at least one of said ports having a closure means having a shape substantially that of at least a segment of a ring. 
     
     
         15 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly containing a reciprocatable piston and with it forming at least one fluid working chambers of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port which is only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and at least one of said working chambers, including an apparatus for in operation delivering multiple different fluids to said chamber at different times during said cycle. 
     
     
         16 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle, a crankshaft, and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly containing a reciprocatable piston and with it defining at least one pair of toroidal fluid working chambers of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port which is only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and at least one of said working chambers, said piston being linked to said crankshaft by a connector assembly including at least one bearing, in operation said connector assembly being principally loaded in tension. 
     
     
         17 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle, a crankshaft, and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly containing a reciprocatable piston and with it forming at least one pair of fluid working chambers of capacity varying during said cycle and of which at least one is of toroidal form, at least one port which is only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and at least one of said working chambers, said cylinder assembly including at least one integral component of bowl-like form. 
     
     
         18 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle, a crankshaft, and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder containing a reciprocatable piston defining at least one fluid working chamber of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port which is only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and at least one of said working chambers, said piston being linked to said crankshaft by a connector assembly including at least one bearing, said connector assembly having an anchorage point on said crankshaft, in operation the dimension between said anchorage point and said piston designedly varying during said cycle. 
     
     
         19 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder containing a piston and with it forming at least one fluid working chamber of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port which is only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and at least one of said working chambers, at least one of said cylinder assembly and said piston including a multiplicity of components held in assembled and abutted condition by at least one fastener principally loaded in tension. 
     
     
         20 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including a casing, at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a piston reciprocatable in said cylinder assembly, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly and said piston together forming at least one fluid working chamber of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and said working chamber, wherein said casing is differentiated from and substantially encloses said cylinder assembly. 
     
     
         21 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head with at least one internal circumferential depression, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly containing a piston having at least one external circumferential projection, said external circumferential projection reciprocating in said circumferential depression and both having working surfaces defining at least one pair of toroidal fluid working chambers of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port which is only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and at least one of said working chambers, said depression and projection having complementary surfaces of endless approximately wave-like configuration, such that in operation the relative reciprocating motion between said piston and said cylinder assembly will also cause relative rotational motion between said piston and said cylinder assembly. 
     
     
         22 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least one cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a piston reciprocatable in said cylinder assembly, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said cylinder assembly and said piston together forming at least one fluid working chamber of capacity varying during said cycle, at least one port only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and said working chamber, wherein at least one of said cylinder assembly and said piston is substantially composed of ceramic material. 
     
     
         23 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle and including at least two cylinder assemblies, each assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a piston reciprocatable in each of said cylinder assemblies, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said each cylinder assembly and said each piston forming at least one pair fluid working chambers of capacity varying during said cycle and of which at least one is of toroidal form, at least one port only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and said working chamber, said piston having a projecting portion which pierces said end during portion of said operating cycle, at least one of said cylinder assembly groups and said piston groups comprising a multiplicity of components held in assembled condition by at least one fastener loaded in tension. 
     
     
         24 . A device for processing fluids having an operating cycle, a crankshaft, and including at least two cylinder assemblies, each cylinder assembly having at least one partly closed end functioning as a cylinder head, a first structure partly defining a volume for entry fluid and a second structure partly defining a volume for egress fluid, said each cylinder containing a reciprocatable piston and with it forming at least one pair of fluid working chambers of capacity varying during said cycle and of which at least one is of toroidal form, at least one port which is only open during portion of said cycle positioned between each of said volumes and at least one of said working chambers, the pistons of each of said assemblies being structurally linked and substantially co-axial so that in operation they move synchronously. 
     
     
         25 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  20  and  22  through  24 , wherein said cylinder assembly has at least one circumferential depression, said piston has at least one circumferential projection, in operation said projection reciprocating in said depression to form a pair of fluid working chambers at least one which is of toroidal form. 
     
     
         26 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  18  and  20  through  25 , including at least one fastener, wherein at least one of said cylinder assembly and said piston includes a multiplicity of components held in assembled condition by said fastener principally loaded under tension. 
     
     
         27 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  18  and  20  through  25 , including at least two plates, wherein at least one of said cylinder assembly and said piston are positioned between said plates. 
     
     
         28 . The device of any of  claims 19 ,  23 ,  26  and  27 , wherein said fastener is of tubular form. 
     
     
         29 . The device of any of  claims 19 ,  23 ,  26  and  27 , wherein said fastener has internal passages for transfer of fluid. 
     
     
         30 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  13  through  29 , wherein said piston at least partly comprises at least one of said structures and at least partly defines one of said volumes. 
     
     
         31 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  13  through  29 , wherein at least one of said structures partly surrounds said cylinder such that said second volume is substantially located between said structure and said cylinder. 
     
     
         32 . The device of any of  claims 21  and  25 , said depression and projection having complementary surfaces of endless approximately wave-like configuration, such that in operation the relative reciprocating motion between piston and cylinder will also cause relative rotational motion between piston and cylinder. 
     
     
         33 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  25 , wherein at least one working chamber is for working fluid for transfer for further working in at least one other working chamber in said device. 
     
     
         34 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  21  and  23  through  33 , wherein at least one of said cylinder assembly and said piston is substantially of ceramic material. 
     
     
         35 . The device of any of  claims 22  and  34 , including at least one electrical circuit at least partly within said ceramic material. 
     
     
         36 . The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein said cylinder assembly includes at least one pair of substantially identical components arranged in mirror image about one another. 
     
     
         37 . The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein said piston includes at least one pair of substantially identical components arranged in mirror image about one another. 
     
     
         38 . The device of any of  claims 36  and  37 , wherein at least one of said ports is positioned between said pair of components. 
     
     
         39 . The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said ports is located substantially at the midpoint of said cylinder assembly. 
     
     
         40 . The device of any of the preceding claims, including cylinder assembly surfaces and piston surfaces at least partly defining said working chambers, at least one of said surfaces having at least one relatively small manufactured depression, said depression wholly fillable by fluids worked by said device. 
     
     
         41 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  15  and  19  through  40 , including a crankshaft, said piston being linked to said crankshaft by a connector assembly including at least one bearing, said connector assembly including a connecting rod. 
     
     
         42 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  15  and  19  through  40 , including a crankshaft, said piston being linked to said crankshaft by a connector assembly including at least one bearing, in operation said connector assembly being principally loaded in tension. 
     
     
         43 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  15  and  19  through  40 , including a crankshaft, said piston being linked to said crankshaft by a connector assembly including at least one bearing, said connector assembly having an anchorage point on said crankshaft, in operation the dimension between said anchorage point and said piston designedly varying during said cycle. 
     
     
         44 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  15  and  19  through  40 , including a crankshaft, said piston being linked to said crankshaft by a connector assembly including at least one bearing, said connector assembly including a scotch yoke. 
     
     
         45 . The device of any of the preceding claims, including a crankshaft, said piston at least indirectly mechanically linked to said crankshaft by a connector assembly including at least one bearing, said connector assembly including an element which absorbs energy and gives up energy during different portions of said cycle. 
     
     
         46 . The device of any of  claims 41  through  45 , wherein at least one bearing includes at least one circular shell and a non-circular shell, the shells being designedly and cyclically laterally movable relative to each other. 
     
     
         47 . The device of  claim 46 , wherein said bearing includes an element which absorbs energy and gives up energy during different portions of said cycle. 
     
     
         48 . The device of any of  claims 41  through  45 , wherein said crankshaft includes within it passages for transfer of fluid for any bearing. 
     
     
         49 . The device of any of  claims 41  through  48 , wherein in operation said bearing includes water in liquid or vapor form. 
     
     
         50 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  8 ,  10  through  15 ,  19 ,  20 , and  22  through  40 , means interposed between said cylinder assembly and said piston so as in operation to cause one of said cylinder assembly and said piston to rotate and reciprocate relative to the other. 
     
     
         51 . The device of  claim 50 , wherein said means comprise at least one pair of fluid working chambers having complementary surfaces of endless approximately wave-like configuration, such that in operation the relative reciprocating motion between piston and cylinder will also cause relative rotational motion between piston and cylinder. 
     
     
         52 . The device of  claim 50 , wherein said means comprise a guide and an endless track, said guide movable in said endless track, said track having a multiple wave-form configuration. 
     
     
         53 . The device of  claim 52 , wherein said guide is disengageable from said track. 
     
     
         54 . The device of  claim 52 , wherein said guide is of designedly and selectively variable dimension. 
     
     
         55 . The device of  claim 50 , including a rotatable shaft and an at least indirect load transfer mechanism between said shaft and said rotatable and reciprocatable piston or cylinder assembly, for purpose of converting combined reciprocating and rotational motion into only rotational motion, wherein said mechanism comprises a hollow shaft with interior splines slidable on a shaft with external splines. 
     
     
         56 . The device of  claim 50 , including a rotatable shaft and an at least indirect load transfer mechanism between said shaft and said rotatable and reciprocatable piston or cylinder assembly, for purpose of converting combined reciprocating and rotational motion into only rotational motion, wherein said mechanism comprises gears reciprocating and rotating relative to each other, with the relative length of the gears such that drive is always engaged irrespective of position of relative reciprocation. 
     
     
         57 . The device of  claim 50 , including a rotatable shaft and an at least indirect load transfer mechanism between said shaft and said rotatable and reciprocatable piston or cylinder assembly, for purpose of converting combined reciprocating and rotational motion into only rotational motion, wherein said mechanism includes a bellows device. 
     
     
         58 . The device of  claim 50 , including a rotatable shaft and an at least indirect load transfer mechanism between said shaft and said rotatable and reciprocatable piston or cylinder assembly, for purpose of converting combined reciprocating and rotational motion into only rotational motion, wherein said mechanism includes at least one hinged element. 
     
     
         59 . The device of  claim 50 , including a rotatable shaft and an at least indirect load transfer mechanism between said shaft and said rotatable and reciprocatable piston or cylinder assembly, for purpose of converting combined reciprocating and rotational motion into only rotational motion, wherein said mechanism includes at least one pair of substantially parallel flanges separated by at least one roller, the flanges in operation moving laterally relatively to one another. 
     
     
         60 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  19  and  21  to  59 , including a casing, wherein said casing is differentiated from and substantially encloses at least said cylinder assembly. 
     
     
         61 . The device of  claim 60 , wherein said casing has a configuration to substantially restrict heat transfer from said cylinder assembly. 
     
     
         62 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein said configuration includes a space which substantially comprises a near vacuum. 
     
     
         63 . The device of any of  claims 61  and  62 , wherein said configuration includes material having thermal and/or acoustic insulating effect. 
     
     
         64 . The device of  claim 63 , wherein said casing includes an ourt skin and mounted within said skin a structure for substantially supporting. 
     
     
         65 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  15 ,  19  through  40 , and  49  though  59 , including a casing, wherein said casing is differentiated from and substantially encloses said cylinder assembly, and means to mount said cylinder assembly in said casing to enable said cylinder assembly to rotate while said piston is reciprocating within said cylinder assembly. 
     
     
         66 . The device of  claim 64 , wherein said casing has a configuration to substantially restrict heat transfer from said cylinder assembly. 
     
     
         67 . The device of  claim 66 , wherein said configuration includes a space which substantially comprises a near vacuum. 
     
     
         68 . The device of any of  claims 66  and  67 , wherein said configuration includes thermal insulating material mounted within a casing. 
     
     
         69 . The device of  claim 68 , wherein said casing includes and ourt skin and mounted within said skin a structure for at least partly supporting said device. 
     
     
         70 . The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein fluid is transferred via a permeable material. 
     
     
         71 . The device of  claim 70 , wherein said material has wick-like characteristics. 
     
     
         72 . The device of any of the preceding claims, said cylinder assembly including at least one integral component having the approximate form of a bowl with a central hole. 
     
     
         73 . The device of any of the preceding claims, including a passage, wherein said passage includes an elastomeric tube having a waist, in operation the diameter of said waist being controlledly variable. 
     
     
         74 . The device of any of  claims 12  to  73 , in operation said device functioning as an internal combustion engine wherein at least one said working chamber is a combustion chamber and said egress fluid includes hot exhaust gas, said engine having charge gas supply system, a fuel delivery apparatus and an exhaust emission control system, said engine having no purposely designed means for transferring heat from said cylinder and being capable of operation for an indefinite period. 
     
     
         75 . The device of  claim 74 , wherein said engine has no purposely designed means for transferring heat from said cylinder and is capable of operation for an indefinite period. 
     
     
         76 . The device of  claim 74 , wherein said engine in operation is substantially at maximum temperature under substantially all conditions of load and speed. 
     
     
         77 . The device of  claim 74 , wherein said fuel delivery system includes a cyclically moving device that carries fuel into said chamber just prior to combustion. 
     
     
         78 . The device of  claim 74 , including an enclosed volume on the side of said head opposite to said chamber and thermal insulation means between said volume and said head. 
     
     
         79 . The device of  claim 74 , including a third structure defining a second volume for egress fluid, in operation exhaust gases in said first egress volume and said second egress volume being at different pressures. 
     
     
         80 . The device of  claim 74 , in operation said piston substantially directly actuating said fuel delivery apparatus. 
     
     
         81 . The device of  claim 74 , said cylinder assembly having formed within it at least one passage for fuel delivered by said apparatus. 
     
     
         82 . The device of  claim 74 , said fuel delivery apparatus including a passage for delivery of fuel communicating with an aperture to said chamber, in operation said aperture remaining open at all times during said cycle. 
     
     
         83 . The device of  claim 74 , said engine in operation combining fuel and air at substantially stoichiometric mixture ratio at substantially all conditions of load and speed, other than during warm-up. 
     
     
         84 . The device of  claim 74 , wherein said control system includes in operation mixing said exhaust gas with water. 
     
     
         85 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  84 , wherein said entry fluid includes air. 
     
     
         86 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  84 , wherein said entry fluid includes hydrogen peroxide. 
     
     
         87 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  86 , wherein said apparatus includes a component having a portion communicating with said combustion chamber, wherein said component rotates at least partly during fuel delivery. 
     
     
         88 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  87 , wherein said apparatus includes a component having a portion communicating with said combustion chamber, wherein said portion cyclically intrudes into and retracts from said combustion chamber at least partly during fuel delivery. 
     
     
         89 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  88 , wherein said apparatus includes a fuel ignition means. 
     
     
         90 . The device of any of  claim 89 , wherein said part of said part of said fuel delivery apparatus and part of said ignition means are effectively combined in one module, which is removable and optionally interchangeable with another module. 
     
     
         91 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  90 , wherein said apparatus delivers fuel into a pre-combustion zone. 
     
     
         92 . The device of  claim 91 , wherein said zone is defined by part of said apparatus. 
     
     
         93 . The device of any of  claims 91  and  92 , wherein said part of said fuel delivery apparatus and part of said apparatus defining said pre-combustion zone are effectively combined in one module, which is removable and optionally interchangeable with another module. 
     
     
         94 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  93 , including a second apparatus for delivery of a second fluid, in a addition to said fuel delivery apparatus. 
     
     
         95 . The device of  claim 92 , wherein said second fluid includes water in liquid or gaseous form. 
     
     
         96 . The device of any of  claims 94  and  95 , wherein said part of said fuel delivery apparatus and part of said second apparatus and are combined in one module, which is removable and optionally interchangeable with another module. 
     
     
         97 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  96 , including a reciprocating compressor, wherein said entry fluid is charge gas and in operation is during selected operating modes compressed by said compressor, said compressor being at least indirectly driven by said piston. 
     
     
         98 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  96 , including a reciprocating compressor, wherein said exhaust gas and in operation is during selected operating modes compressed by said compressor, said compressor being at least indirectly driven by said piston. 
     
     
         99 . The device of any of  claims 97  and  99 , including an expandable and contractable gas reservoir, wherein during selected operating modes said gas is stored in said reservoir. 
     
     
         100 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  99  including a controllably variable-opening valve, wherein in operation during warm-up of said engine exhaust gas flow is wholly or partly restricted by means of said valve. 
     
     
         101 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  100 , including an exhaust gas reservoir, wherein in operation at least during warm-up of said engine exhaust gas flow is wholly or partly directed to said exhaust gas reservoir. 
     
     
         102 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  101 , wherein said fuel delivery apparatus includes at least one fluid delivery device having an electrical circuit to provide spark to assist the commencement of combustion. 
     
     
         103 . The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said ports is openable and closable by means of a poppet valve whose working chamber face is of curvilinear form, including inner and outer arcs of very approximately common center, in operation fluid flowing at least past inner and outer arcs. 
     
     
         104 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  103 , wherein said second structure is an exhaust gas manifold, and is attached directly to said engine. 
     
     
         105 . The device of  claim 104 , wherein said manifold is comprised of at least two components held in assembled condition by means of fasteners. 
     
     
         106 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  104 , wherein said second structure is an exhaust gas reactor having substantially curvilinear form, and is attached directly to said engine. 
     
     
         107 . The device of  claim 106 , wherein said reactor is comprised of at least two components held in assembled condition by means of fasteners. 
     
     
         108 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  107 , wherein said apparatus includes a an installable and removable cartridge, in operation exhaust gas flowing through said cartridge. 
     
     
         109 . The device of  claim 108 , wherein said cartridge contains filamentary material. 
     
     
         110 . The device of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said volumes contains filamentary material. 
     
     
         111 . The device of  claim 110 , wherein said filamentary material includes at least some substance having catalytic effect to hasten chemical reaction in said fluid. 
     
     
         112 . The device of  claim 110 , wherein said filamentary material is at least partly of wool-like configuration. 
     
     
         113 . The device of  claim 110 , wherein said filamentary material includes one or more wires. 
     
     
         114 . The device of  claim 110 , wherein said filamentary material includes one or more holed sheets. 
     
     
         115 . The device of any of  claims 110  through  114 , wherein said material is substantially ceramic. 
     
     
         116 . The device of any of  claims 110  through  114 , wherein said material is substantially non-corrosive metal alloy. 
     
     
         117 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  73  through  116 , wherein said device is part of a compound engine including said internal combustion engine and a turbine engine, in operation said hot exhaust gas being used to at least partly power said turbine engine. 
     
     
         118 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  73  through  117 , wherein said device is part of a compound engine including said internal combustion engine and a steam engine, in operation the heat energy of said exhaust gas being used to at least partly power said steam engine. 
     
     
         119 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  73  through  117 , wherein said device is part of a compound engine including said internal combustion engine and a Stirling engine, in operation the heat energy of said exhaust gas being used to at least partly power said Stirling engine. 
     
     
         120 . The device of any of  claims 117  through  119 , including a thermally insulated passage, wherein said internal combustion engine and said turbine engine are located relatively remotely from one another and are linked by said passage, in operating hot exhaust gas passing from said internal combustion engine to turbine engine through said passage. 
     
     
         121 . The device of any of the preceding claims, said device including an electrical generator, wherein at least a portion of said generator is at least indirectly mechanically linked to said piston. 
     
     
         122 . The device of  claim 121 , wherein said generator additionally functions as a starter motor. 
     
     
         123 . The device of any of  claims 74  through  103 , including a casing, wherein said casing is differentiated from and substantially encloses said cylinder assembly. 
     
     
         124 . The device of  claim 123 , wherein said casing has a configuration to substantially restrict heat transfer from said cylinder assembly. 
     
     
         125 . The device of  claim 124 , wherein said configuration includes a space which substantially comprises a near vacuum. 
     
     
         126 . The device of any of  claims 124  and  125 , wherein said configuration includes thermal insulating material mounted within a casing. 
     
     
         127 . The device of  claim 126 , wherein said casing is substantially of metal. 
     
     
         128 . The device of any of  claims 74  through  103 , including a casing, wherein said casing is differentiated from and substantially encloses said cylinder assembly, and means to mount said cylinder assembly in said casing to enable said cylinder assembly to rotate while said piston is reciprocating within said cylinder assembly. 
     
     
         129 . The device of  claim 128 , wherein said casing has a configuration to substantially restrict heat transfer from said cylinder assembly. 
     
     
         130 . The device of  claim 129 , wherein said configuration includes a space which substantially comprises a near vacuum. 
     
     
         131 . The device of any of  claims 129  and  130 , wherein said configuration includes thermal insulating material mounted within a casing. 
     
     
         132 . The device of  claim 131  wherein said casing is substantially of metal. 
     
     
         133 . The device of any of  claims 20 ,  60  through  71  and  123  through  132 , said device including an electrical generator, wherein at least a portion of said generator is at least indirectly mechanically linked to said piston, said generator being substantially located within said casing. 
     
     
         134 . The device of  claim 133 , wherein said generator additionally functions as a starter motor. 
     
     
         135 . The device of any of  claims 20 ,  60  through  71  and  123  through  132 , including an electrical motor, wherein at least a portion of said motor is at least indirectly mechanically linked to said piston, said generator being substantially located within said casing. 
     
     
         136 . The device of any of the preceding claims, including an electrical generator, wherein at least a portion of said generator is at least indirectly mechanically linked to said piston. 
     
     
         137 . The device of any of the preceding claims, including an electrical motor, wherein at least a portion of said motor is at least indirectly mechanically linked to said piston. 
     
     
         138 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  103 , including a turbine engine, in operation said hot exhaust gas being at least partly used to power said turbine engine. 
     
     
         139 . The device of any of  claims 20 ,  60  through  71  and  123  through  132 , including a turbine engine, wherein said turbine engine is mounted within said casing. 
     
     
         140 . The device of any of  claims 20 ,  60  through  71  and  123  through  132 , including a steam engine, wherein said stern engine is mounted within said casing. 
     
     
         141 . The device of any of  claims 20 ,  60  through  71  and  123  through  132 , including a Stirling engine, wherein said Stirling engine is mounted within said casing. 
     
     
         142 . The device of any of  claims 20 ,  60  through  71 ,  123  through  132 , and  139  through  141 , wherein said device is part of a system including but not limited to a vehicle, said system being provided with a depression or recess of approximately the same dimensions as the exterior dimensions of said casing, said casing and device being installed in said recess or depression prior to operation of said system. 
     
     
         143 . The device of any of  claim 142 , including at least one aperture in said casing for transfer of fluids worked by said device, wherein said depression or recess communicates with at least one passage in said system for transfer of fluid processed by said device, said passage aligning with and having common function with said aperture. 
     
     
         144 . The device of any of  claim 143 , wherein said device includes at least one electrical circuit, said casing being provided with at least one first electrical connector, said depression or recess being provided with at least one second electrical connector which aligns and make connection with said first connector when said device is installed in said depression prior to operation of said system. 
     
     
         145 . The device of any of  claims 12  to  71 , wherein said device is a fluid pump. 
     
     
         146 . The device of any of  claims 12  to  71 , wherein said device is a gas compressor. 
     
     
         147 . An aircraft which is a helicopter having at least one prime IC engine for propulsion and a structure supporting a fuselage and at least one airfoil, said aircraft propelled by at least two blades attached to a rotatable shaft, said shaft being rotatably mounted on a hollow approximately vertically aligned rotor post at least indirectly fixedly to said structure, said shaft in operation at least indirectly driven by said first prime engine, said aircraft having a second IC engine which is a turbine, in operation said blades imparting a rotational moment to said fuselage and said turbine so mounted towards the rear of said craft to as to impart an opposite and approximately equal rotational moment to said fuselage, so to facilitate travel in a strait line. 
     
     
         148 . The aircraft of  claim 147 , including a passage for gas, wherein said prime engine is a reciprocating engine and functions as the first stage of a compound reciprocating/turbine IC engine, said second engine being the turbine stage of said compound engine, in operation said passage transferring hot high pressure gas from said reciprocating engine stage to said turbine stage. 
     
     
         149 . The aircraft of  claim 147 , wherein said prime engine is the engine of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through to  116 . 
     
     
         150 . The aircraft of  claim 148 , wherein said compound engine is the engine of any of  claims 117  to  145 . 
     
     
         151 . An aircraft which is a helicopter having at least one prime IC engine for propulsion and a structure supporting a fuselage and at least one airfoil, said aircraft propelled by at least two blades attached to a rotatable shaft, said shaft being rotatably mounted on a hollow approximately vertically aligned rotor post at least indirectly fixedly to said structure, said shaft in operation at least indirectly driven by said engine, the interior of said post containing an explosive device and above it a folded parachute partly attached to the interior of said post, such that if and when in flight said prime engine becomes at least partly inoperative, said device is triggered to propel said parachute upwards out of said post in such a manner that said parachute opens and slows the descent of said aircraft. 
     
     
         152 . The aircraft of  claim 5 , wherein said prime engine is the engine of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  145 . 
     
     
         153 . An aircraft having at least one prime IC engine for propulsion and a structure supporting a fuselage and at least one airfoil, said aircraft propelled by least two blades attached to at least one rotatable shaft mounted at least indirectly on said structure, in operation said shaft being directly or indirectly driven by said engine, wherein said engine is the engine of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  145 . 
     
     
         154 . The aircraft of  claim 153 , wherein said aircraft is a helicopter. 
     
     
         155 . The aircraft of  claim 153 , wherein said aircraft is a fixed wing aircraft. 
     
     
         156 . The aircraft of  claim 153 , wherein said aircraft is a lighter-than-air aircraft. 
     
     
         157 . An aircraft of any kind having at least one prime IC engine for propulsion and a structure supporting a fuselage and at least one airfoil, said aircraft propelled by least two blades attached to at least one rotatable shaft mounted at least indirectly on said structure, wherein said shaft is in operation powered by a hybrid propulsion system substantially contained within said aircraft, said system including at least said prime engine, an electrical generator, and an electrical motor at least indirectly driving said shaft, in operation said prime engine driving said generator, which at least indirectly powers said motor. 
     
     
         158 . The aircraft of  claim 157 , wherein said prime engine is the engine of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  145 . 
     
     
         159 . The aircraft of any of  claims 157  and  158 , wherein said system further includes at least one electrical controller for purpose of regulating electrical current between various components of said hybrid propulsion system. 
     
     
         160 . The aircraft of any of  claims 157  and  158 , wherein said system further includes at least one photovoltaic array mounted on the exterior of said aircraft. 
     
     
         161 . The aircraft of any of  claims 157  and  158 , wherein said system further includes at least one energy storage device. 
     
     
         162 . The aircraft of  claim 161 , wherein said energy storage device includes one or more electrical batteries. 
     
     
         163 . The aircraft of  claim 161 , wherein said energy storage device includes one or more electrical capacitors. 
     
     
         164 . The aircraft of  claim 161 , wherein said energy storage device includes one or more flywheels. 
     
     
         165 . The aircraft of any of  claims 157  through  164 , wherein a stator portion of said electric motor is at least indirectly fixedly mounted to said structure and a rotor portion of said electric motor is at least indirectly attached to said rotatable shaft. 
     
     
         166 . The aircraft of any of  claim 147  through  157 , wherein said prime engine is a compound reciprocating/turbine IC engine comprising a reciprocating engine first stage and a turbine engine second stage, in operation hot and high pressure exhaust gas from said reciprocating engine being used to at least partly power said turbine, said turbine at least partly propelling said aircraft. 
     
     
         167 . The aircraft of  claim 166 , wherein said compound engine is the engine of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  145 . 
     
     
         168 . The aircraft of any of any of  claims 166  and  161 , wherein in operation gas from said turbine stage is discharged in a direction substantially opposite to direction of normal travel, so as to provide propulsive thrust. 
     
     
         169 . The aircraft of  claim 168 , wherein the direction of said discharge is controllably variable. 
     
     
         170 . The aircraft of any of  claims 166  through  169 , wherein said reciprocating stage is mounted within said fuselage. 
     
     
         171 . The aircraft of any of  claims 166  through  169 , wherein in operation said blades are at least indirectly driven by said reciprocating engine stage. 
     
     
         172 . The aircraft of any of  claims 166  through  171 , including a second rotatable shaft, wherein said second shaft at least indirectly links said reciprocating stage with said turbine stage. 
     
     
         173 . The aircraft of  claim 172 , wherein in operation said rotatable shaft and said second shaft rotate at the same speed. 
     
     
         174 . The aircraft of  claim 173 , wherein said rotatable shaft and said second shaft are the same. 
     
     
         175 . The aircraft of any of  claims 157  through  170 , including any electric motor, wherein said electric motor is mounted fore of said turbine stage, said electric motor and said turbine having shafts with substantially parallel axes of rotation. 
     
     
         176 . The aircraft of  claim 175 , including an electric motor shaft and a turbine stage shaft, wherein said shafts have substantially parallel axes of rotation. 
     
     
         177 . The aircraft of  claim 175 , including an electric motor shaft and a turbine stage shaft, wherein said shafts are at least indirectly mechanically linked. 
     
     
         178 . The aircraft of any of  claims 166  through  170  and  175  through  177 , including an enclosure attached to said structure, wherein in operation said blades are at least indirectly driven by said electric motor, said blades with said motor and said turbine stage together at least partly mounted substantially centrally within said enclosure, such that air passes at least partly between said enclosure and at least one of said electric motor and said turbine stage, said air being accelerated by said blades. 
     
     
         179 . The aircraft of  claim 178 , including a thermally insulated passage, in operation hot high pressure exhaust gas from said reciprocating stage passing to said turbine stage through said passage. 
     
     
         180 . The aircraft of  claim 178 , including a hollow airfoil and a thermally insulated passage, wherein said enclosure is attached to said structure by said airfoil, in operation hot high pressure exhaust gas from said reciprocating stage passing to said turbine stage through said passage, said passage at least partly located in said airfoil. 
     
     
         181 . The aircraft of any of  claims 179  and  180 , including at least one exhaust gas treatment system located in said passage. 
     
     
         182 . The aircraft of  claim 177 , wherein said treatment system includes at least one device for removing carbon dioxide from said gas. 
     
     
         183 . The aircraft of any of  claims 178  through  182 , wherein said reciprocating stage is located in said fuselage. 
     
     
         184 . The aircraft of any of  claims 166  through  174 , including an enclosure attached to said structure, wherein in operation said blades are at least indirectly driven by said reciprocating stage, said blades with said reciprocating stage and said turbine stage together at least partly mounted substantially centrally within said enclosure, such that air at least partly passes between said enclosure and at least one of said reciprocating stage and said turbine stage, said air being accelerated by said propulsion device. 
     
     
         185 . The aircraft of  claim 184 , including a passage for air mounted in said structure, in operation air passing through said passage to said reciprocating stage. 
     
     
         186 . The aircraft of  claim 184 , including a hollow airfoil and a passage for air, wherein said enclosure is attached to said structure by said airfoil, in operation air passing to said reciprocating stage through said passage, said passage at least partly located in said airfoil. 
     
     
         187 . The aircraft of any of  claims 147  through  186 , including a fixed wing or airfoil aligned in any direction, said airfoil including at least one extendable and retractable portion having at least upper and lower surfaces. 
     
     
         188 . The aircraft of  claim 187 , including at least one hydraulically powered piston movable in a cylinder, wherein movement of said portion is at least partly actuated by said piston. 
     
     
         189 . The aircraft of  claim 187 , wherein the motion of at least part of said portion relative to said airfoil is telescopic. 
     
     
         190 . The aircraft of  claim 187 , wherein the motion of said portion relative to said airfoil is rotational. 
     
     
         191 . The aircraft of  claim 187 , wherein in operation said portion has surfaces which fold and unfold in a bellows-like manner. 
     
     
         192 . The aircraft of  claim 187 , wherein said surfaces are of a material capable of folding and unfolding in a bellows-like manner. 
     
     
         193 . The aircraft of any of  claims 147  through  192 , said aircraft having a combustion engine for any purpose, said engine in operation emitting exhaust gas, said aircraft having a treatment system for said gas. 
     
     
         194 . The aircraft of  claim 193 , wherein said treatment system includes at least one device for removing particulate matter from said gas. 
     
     
         195 . The aircraft of  claim 193 , wherein said treatment system includes at least one device for removing nitric oxides from said gas. 
     
     
         196 . The aircraft of  claim 193 , wherein said treatment system includes at least one device for removing carbon dioxide from said gas. 
     
     
         197 . An aircraft of any kind having a combustion engine for any purpose, said engine in operation emitting exhaust gas, said craft having a treatment system for said gas, wherein said treatment system includes at least one device for removing carbon dioxide from said gas. 
     
     
         198 . An aircraft of any kind having a combustion engine for any purpose, said engine in operation emitting exhaust gas, said craft having a treatment system for said gas, wherein said treatment system includes at least one device wherein water is mixed with said gas. 
     
     
         199 . The aircraft of  claims 147  through  198 , wherein in operation said aircraft carries passengers. 
     
     
         200 . The aircraft of  claims 1  through  198 , wherein in operation said aircraft carries cargo. 
     
     
         201 . The aircraft of  claims 1  through  198 , wherein in operation said aircraft carries advertisements. 
     
     
         202 . The aircraft of  claims 1  through  198 , wherein in operation said aircraft is a military aircraft. 
     
     
         203 . A marine craft having a structure supporting a hull and at least partly powered by an engine, said craft having at least one through-the-water propulsion device, said engine at least indirectly driving said propulsion device by means including a rotatable shaft, wherein said engine is the combustion engine of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  145 . 
     
     
         204 . A marine craft which is a hydrofoil craft having a hull and at least partly powered by an engine, said craft having at least one through-the-water propulsion device, said hull in operation supported by a structure comprising at least one hydrofoil post to lift at least part of said hull out of the water, with the foot of said post being attached to at least one substantially submerged element, and at least one substantially submerged hydrofoil mounted on said element, said propulsion device being mounted to at least one of said element and hydrofoil, said engine at least indirectly driving said propulsion device by means including a rotatable shaft, wherein said engine is the combustion engine of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  145 . 
     
     
         205 . A marine craft which is a hydrofoil craft having a hull and at least partly powered by an engine, said craft having at least one through-the-water propulsion device, said hull in operation supported by a structure comprising at least one hydrofoil post to lift at least part of said hull out of the water, with the foot of said post being attached to at least one substantially submerged element, and at least one substantially submerged hydrofoil mounted on said element, said propulsion device being mounted to at least one of said element and hydrofoil, said engine at least indirectly driving said propulsion device by any means including a rotatable shaft, said craft having a second engine at least indirectly driving a second propulsion device by means including a second rotatable shaft, wherein said second engine with said second propulsion device is only able to drive said craft when said hull is in the water. 
     
     
         206 . A marine craft which is a hydrofoil craft having a hull and at least partly powered by an engine, said craft having at least one through-the-water propulsion device, said hull in operation supported by a structure comprising at least one hydrofoil post to lift at least part of said hull out of the water, with the foot of said post being attached to at least one substantially submerged element, and at least one substantially submerged hydrofoil mounted on said element, said propulsion device being mounted to at least one of said element and hydrofoil, said engine at least indirectly driving said propulsion device by means including a rotatable shaft, wherein said engine and said element are together pivotally mounted on said post 
     
     
         207 . A marine craft which is a hydrofoil craft having a hull and at least partly powered by an engine, said craft having at least one through-the-water propulsion device, said hull in operation supported by a structure comprising at least one hydrofoil post to lift at least part of said hull out of the water, with the foot of said post being attached to at least one substantially submerged element, and at least one substantially submerged hydrofoil mounted on said element, said propulsion device being mounted to at least one of said element and hydrofoil, said engine at least indirectly driving said propulsion device by means including a rotatable shaft, wherein said post is telescopically mounted about said hull to be selectively extendable from and retractable towards said hull. 
     
     
         208 . A marine craft which is a hydrofoil craft having a hull and at least partly powered by an engine, said craft having at least one through-the-water propulsion device, said hull in operation supported by a structure comprising at least one hydrofoil post to lift at least part of said hull out of the water, with the foot of said post being attached to at least one substantially submerged element, and at least one substantially submerged hydrofoil mounted on said element, said propulsion device being mounted to at least one of said element and hydrofoil, said engine at least indirectly driving said propulsion device by means including a rotatable shaft, wherein said post is pivotally mounted about said hull to be selectively extendable from and retractable towards said hull. 
     
     
         209 . The marine craft of  claim 208 , wherein said element is pivotally mounted about the lower portion of said post, such that whatever the several positions of the post, the corresponding positions of the element are substantially parallel to one another. 
     
     
         210 . A marine craft which is a hydrofoil craft having a hull and at least partly powered by an engine, said craft having at least one through-the-water propulsion device, said hull in operation supported by a structure comprising at least one hydrofoil post to lift at least part of said hull out of the water, with the foot of said post being attached to at least one substantially submerged element, and at least one substantially submerged hydrofoil mounted on said element, said propulsion device being mounted to at least one of said element and hydrofoil, at least portion of said post being retractable towards and extendable from said hull, said post containing a device that under certain circumstances causes a signal to be transmitted which triggers the retraction of said post. 
     
     
         211 . A large marine craft such as an oil tanker which is a hydrofoil craft having a hull and at least partly powered by an engine, said craft having at least one through-the-water propulsion device, said hull in operation supported by a multiplicity of structures, each structure comprising at least one hydrofoil post to lift at least part of said hull out of the water, with the foot of said post being attached to at least one substantially submerged element, and at least one substantially submerged hydrofoil mounted on said element, said propulsion device being mounted to at least one of said element and said hydrofoil of at least one said structure, said engine at least indirectly driving said propulsion device by any method, wherein said post is mounted about said hull in a manner that allows at least portion of said post to be selectively extendable from and retractable towards said hull, wherein when said craft is anchored its waterline in plan view has a form broadly approximating that of an ellipse or an American football. 
     
     
         212 . The marine craft of any of  claims 204  through  211 , wherein said hull is provided with one or more recesses such that when said post with element and hydrofoil are in a fully retracted position they are positioned substantially within the cross-section profile of said hull at its largest part. 
     
     
         213 . A marine craft which is a hydrofoil craft having a hull and at least partly powered by an engine, said craft having at least one through-the-water propulsion device, said hull in operation supported by a structure comprising at least one hydrofoil post to lift at least part of said hull out of the water, with the foot of said post being attached to at least one substantially submerged element, and at least one substantially submerged hydrofoil mounted on said element, said propulsion device being mounted to at least one of said element and hydrofoil, said engine at least indirectly driving said propulsion device by any method, wherein said post is mounted about said hull in a manner that allows at least portion of said post to be selectively extendable from and retractable towards said hull and said hull is provided with at least one recesses such that when said post with element and hydrofoil are in a fully retracted position a substantial portion of said element is nested in said recess and said structure is positioned substantially within the cross-sectional profile of said hull at its largest part. 
     
     
         214 . The marine craft of any of  claims 207  through  213 , including at least two removable hatches, one of said hatches mounted in an upper portion of said element and another of said hatches provided in the underside of said hull, such that when said post with said element is in a most retracted position said hatches are substantially aligned, and when said hatches are removed human access is obtained to the interior of said element from within said hull. 
     
     
         215 . A marine craft which is a hydrofoil craft having a hull and at least partly powered by an engine, said craft having at least one through-the-water propulsion device, said hull in operation supported by a structure comprising at least one hydrofoil post to lift at least part of said hull out of the water, with the foot of said post being attached to at least one substantially submerged element, and at least one substantially submerged hydrofoil mounted on said element, said propulsion device being mounted to at least one of said element and hydrofoil, said engine at least indirectly driving said propulsion device by means including a rotatable shaft, wherein said post is mounted about said hull to be selectively extendable from and retractable towards said hull, including at least two removable hatches, one of said hatches mounted in an upper portion of said element and another of said hatches provided in the underside of said hull, such that when said post with said element is in a most retracted position said hatches are substantially aligned, and when said hatches are removed human access is obtained to the interior of said element from within said hull. 
     
     
         216 . The marine craft of any of  claims 205  through  215 , wherein said engine is the combustion engine of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  145 . 
     
     
         217 . The marine craft of  claims 204  through  216 , wherein said post is substantially inclined to the vertical. 
     
     
         218 . The marine craft of  claims 204  through  217 , wherein said post contains at least said rotatable shaft. 
     
     
         219 . The marine craft of  claims 204  through  217 , wherein said post contains at least a passage for air for any internal combustion engine for any purpose. 
     
     
         220 . The marine craft of  claims 204  through  217 , wherein said post contains at least a passage for exhaust gas from any internal combustion engine for any purpose. 
     
     
         221 . The marine craft of  claims 204  through  217 , wherein said post contains at least circuits to provide electrical power to any electric motor. 
     
     
         222 . The marine craft of any of  claims 204  through  221  wherein said engine and said propulsion device are both pivotally mounted about a single substantially vertically inclined axis. 
     
     
         223 . The marine craft of any of  claims 204  through  222 , wherein said element is so formed as to in operation function as a hydrofoil. 
     
     
         224 . The marine craft of any of  claims 204  through  223 , wherein said element and the foot of said post are substantially integral. 
     
     
         225 . The marine craft of any of  claims 204  through  223 , wherein said element is pivotally mounted on the foot of said post. 
     
     
         226 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  225  including an electric motor and an electrical generator and an arrangement for storing energy, wherein said craft is at least partly powered by an electric drive system, said system comprising at least said generator and said motor, said craft having at least one through-the-water propulsion device such as an impeller or propeller, in at least some modes of operation said motor at least partly using said stored energy to at least indirectly drive said propulsion device by means including a rotatable shaft and said internal combustion engine powering said generator to provide electrical energy for said motor. 
     
     
         227 . A marine craft having a structure supporting a hull and at least partly powered by a hybrid propulsion system, said system including an electrical motor and an electrical generator and a combustion engine, said craft having at least one through-the-water propulsion device, in operation said motor at least indirectly driving said propulsion device by any means including a rotatable shaft, said combustion engine powering said generator to provide electrical energy for said motor, wherein said combustion engine is the device of any of  claims 1  through  144 . 
     
     
         228 . The marine craft of any of  claims 226  and  227 , wherein said system further includes at least one electrical controller for purpose of regulating electrical current between various components of said hybrid propulsion system. 
     
     
         229 . The marine craft of any of  claims 226  through  227 , wherein said system further includes at least one photovoltaic array mounted on the exterior of said craft. 
     
     
         230 . The marine craft of any of  claims 226  through  227 , wherein said system further includes at least one wind-powered electrical generator mounted on the exterior of said craft. 
     
     
         231 . The marine craft of  claim 227 , wherein said system further includes at least one arrangement for storing energy. 
     
     
         232 . The marine craft of  claim 231 , wherein said energy storage arrangement includes one or more electrical batteries. 
     
     
         233 . The marine craft of  claim 231 , wherein said energy storage arrangement includes one or more electrical capacitors. 
     
     
         234 . The marine craft of  claim 231 , wherein said energy storage arrangement includes one or more flywheels. 
     
     
         235 . The marine craft of any of  claims 226  through  234 , wherein a stator portion of said electric motor is at least indirectly fixedly mounted to said structure and a rotor portion of said electric motor is incorporated with said rotatable shaft. 
     
     
         236 . The marine craft of any of  claim 202  through  225  and  227  through  235 , wherein said engine is a compound reciprocating/turbine IC engine comprising a reciprocating engine first stage and a turbine engine second stage, in operation hot and high pressure exhaust gas from said reciprocating engine being used to at least partly power said turbine. 
     
     
         237 . The marine craft of  claim 236 , wherein said turbine stage at least partly propels said craft. 
     
     
         238 . The marine craft of any of  claims 236  and  237 , wherein said compound engine is the engine of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  74  through  145 . 
     
     
         239 . The marine craft of any of any of  claims 236  through  238 , wherein in operation gas from said turbine stage is discharged in a direction substantially opposite to direction of normal travel, so as to provide propulsive thrust. 
     
     
         240 . The marine craft of  claim 239 , wherein the direction of said discharge is controllably variable. 
     
     
         241 . The marine craft of any of  claims 236  through  240 , wherein said reciprocating stage is mounted within said hull. 
     
     
         242 . The marine craft of any of  claims 236  through  241 , wherein in operation said propulsion device is at least indirectly driven by said reciprocating engine stage. 
     
     
         243 . The marine craft of any of  claims 236  through  242 , including a second rotatable shaft, wherein said second shaft at least indirectly links said reciprocating stage with said turbine stage. 
     
     
         244 . The marine craft of  claim 243 , wherein in operation said rotatable shaft and said second shaft rotate at the same speed. 
     
     
         245 . The marine craft of  claim 244 , wherein said rotatable shaft and said second shaft are the same. 
     
     
         246 . The marine craft of any of  claims 226  through  241  including any electric motor, wherein said electric motor is mounted fore of said turbine stage, said electric motor and said turbine having shafts with substantially parallel axes of rotation. 
     
     
         247 . The marine craft of  claim 246 , including an electric motor shaft and a turbine stage shaft, wherein said shafts have substantially parallel axes of rotation. 
     
     
         248 . The marine craft of  claim 246 , including an electric motor shaft and a turbine stage shaft, wherein said shafts are at least indirectly mechanically linked. 
     
     
         249 . The marine craft of any of  claims 246  through  248 , including an enclosure attached to said structure, wherein in operation said propulsion device is at least indirectly driven by said electric motor, said propulsion device with said motor and said turbine stage together at least partly mounted substantially centrally within said enclosure, such that water at least partly passes between said enclosure and at least one of said electric motor and said turbine stage, said water being accelerated by said propulsion device. 
     
     
         250 . The marine craft of  claim 249 , including a thermally insulated passage, wherein said reciprocating stage is mounted in said hull, in operation hot high pressure exhaust gas from said reciprocating stage passing to said turbine stage through said passage. 
     
     
         251 . The marine craft of  claim 249 , including a hollow hydrofoil and a thermally insulated passage, wherein said enclosure is attached to said structure by said hydrofoil, in operation hot high pressure exhaust gas from said reciprocating stage passing to said turbine stage through said passage, said passage at least partly located in said airfoil. 
     
     
         252 . The marine craft of any of  claims 250  and  251 , including at least one exhaust gas treatment system located in said passage. 
     
     
         253 . The marine craft of  claim 252 , wherein said treatment system includes at least one device for removing carbon dioxide from said gas. 
     
     
         254 . The marine craft of any of  claims 249  through  253 , wherein said reciprocating stage is located in said hull. 
     
     
         255 . The marine craft of any of  claims 236  through  245 , including an enclosure attached to said structure, wherein in operation said propulsion device is at least indirectly driven by said reciprocating stage, said propulsion device with said reciprocating stage and said turbine stage together at least partly mounted substantially centrally within said enclosure, such that water at least partly passes between said enclosure and at least one of said reciprocating stage and said turbine stage, said water being accelerated by said propulsion device. 
     
     
         256 . The marine craft of  claim 255 , including a passage for air mounted in said structure, in operation air passing through said passage to said reciprocating stage. 
     
     
         257 . The marine craft of  claim 255 , including a hollow hydrofoil and a passage for air, wherein said enclosure is attached to said structure by said hydrofoil, in operation air passing to said reciprocating stage through said passage, said passage at least partly located in said airfoil. 
     
     
         258 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  257 , including a fixed hydrofoil aligned in any direction, said hydrofoil including at least one extendable and retractable portion having at least upper and lower surfaces. 
     
     
         259 . The marine craft of  claim 258 , including at least one hydraulically powered piston movable in a cylinder, wherein movement of said portion is at least partly actuated by said piston. 
     
     
         260 . The marine craft of  claim 258 , wherein the motion of at least part of said portion relative to said hydrofoil is telescopic. 
     
     
         261 . The marine craft of  claim 258 , wherein the motion of said portion relative to said hydrofoil is rotational. 
     
     
         262 . The marine craft of  claim 258 , wherein in operation said portion has surfaces which fold and unfold in a bellows-like manner. 
     
     
         263 . The marine craft of  claim 258 , wherein said surfaces are of a material capable of folding and unfolding in a bellows-like manner. 
     
     
         264 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  263 , said craft having a combustion engine for any purpose, said engine in operation emitting exhaust gas, said aircraft having a treatment system for said gas. 
     
     
         265 . The marine craft of  claim 264 , wherein said treatment system includes at least one device for removing particulate matter from said gas. 
     
     
         266 . The marine craft of  claim 264 , wherein said treatment system includes at least one device for removing nitric oxides from said gas. 
     
     
         267 . The marine craft of  claim 264 , wherein said treatment system includes at least one device for removing carbon dioxide from said gas. 
     
     
         268 . The marine craft of any of  claims 204  through  226  and  228  through  267 , wherein the foot of said post functions as said element. 
     
     
         269 . An marine craft of any kind having a combustion engine for any purpose, said engine in operation emitting exhaust gas, said craft having a treatment system for said gas, wherein said treatment system includes at least one device for removing carbon dioxide from said gas. 
     
     
         270 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  268 , wherein said propulsion device is a propeller. 
     
     
         271 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  269  wherein said propulsion device is an Archimedes screw. 
     
     
         272 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  269 , wherein said propulsion device includes an impeller, and said device is also known as a water-jet. 
     
     
         273 . The marine craft of  claims 203  through  272 , wherein said engine includes a turbine engine. 
     
     
         274 . The marine craft of  claims 203  through  272 , including a fluid discharge passage and aperture, wherein said engine includes a turbine engine, in operation gases from said turbine being discharged through said aperture. 
     
     
         275 . The marine craft of  claim 274 , wherein said discharge aperture is mounted below the waterline. 
     
     
         276 . The marine craft of  claims 203  through  275 , including a fluid discharge passage and aperture and an aperture closure means, wherein said means are selectively employed to close said aperture during certain modes of operation of said craft. 
     
     
         277 . The marine craft of  claim 276 , wherein said means include a hinged flap. 
     
     
         278 . The marine craft of  claim 277 , wherein said means include a pivotally mounted flap. 
     
     
         279 . The marine craft of any of  claims 277  and  279 , wherein said flap is at least partly moved between open and closed positions by an actuator. 
     
     
         280 . The marine craft of  claim 279 , wherein said actuator is electrically powered. 
     
     
         281 . The marine craft of any of  claims 274  through  280 , wherein said discharge passage communicates with a means for the removal of excess fluid. 
     
     
         282 . The marine craft of  claim 281 , wherein said fluid is water, and said passage includes any kind of substantial depression below the lowest level of said passage. 
     
     
         283 . The marine craft of any of  claims 281  and  282 , wherein said means include a pump. 
     
     
         284 . The marine craft of any of  claims 204  through  226 ,  228  through  268  and  270  through  283 , wherein said hydrofoil contains a ballast tank. 
     
     
         285 . The marine craft of any of  claims 204  through  226 ,  228  through  268  and  270  through  283 , wherein said hydrofoil contains a fuel tank. 
     
     
         286 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  285 , including a supply of gas, wherein in operation said gas forms a thin film between water and any surface of said craft. 
     
     
         287 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  285 , including a supply of hot exhaust gas, wherein in operation said gas from within said craft heats a portion of exterior skin of said craft that is in contact with water. 
     
     
         288 . The marine craft of any of  claims 204  through  226 ,  228  through  268  and  270  through  287 , wherein said hydrofoil has an approximately disc-shaped base, said base being rotatably mounted about the exterior of any portion of said craft to controllably vary the pitch of said hydrofoil, in operation variation of said pitch serving to control movement of said craft. 
     
     
         289 . The marine craft of any of  claims 204  through  225 ,  227  through  267  and  269  through  288 , wherein said hydrofoil includes a hingedly mounted flap, said flap capable of being controlledly and variably angled, in operation variation of angle of said flap serving to control movement of said craft. 
     
     
         290 . The marine craft of any of  claims 204  through  226 ,  228  through  268  and  270  through  289 , wherein said hydrofoil includes a pivotally mounted flap, said flap capable of being controlledly and variably angled, in operation variation of angle of said flap serving to control movement of said craft. 
     
     
         291 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  290 , wherein said craft is a oil carrier. 
     
     
         292 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  290 , wherein said craft is a gas carrier. 
     
     
         293 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  290 , wherein said craft is a bulk carrier. 
     
     
         294 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  290 , wherein said craft is a container ship. 
     
     
         295 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  290 , wherein said craft is a passenger ship. 
     
     
         296 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  290 , wherein said craft is a ferry for transportation of passengers. 
     
     
         297 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  290 , wherein said craft is a navel vessel. 
     
     
         298 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  297 , wherein said hull in plan view has a shape approximating that of a tear drop. 
     
     
         299 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  297 , wherein said hull in plan view has a shape approximating that of the football used in the sport of American football. 
     
     
         300 . The marine craft of  claim 264 , including water, wherein said treatment system includes mixing said water with said gas. 
     
     
         301 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  300 , wherein a major portion of said craft is manufactured of corrosion resistant alloy such as of the stainless steel family of alloys. 
     
     
         302 . A continuously variable ratio transmission comprising at least two power transmission rollers each mounted on a rotating shaft and linked by an endless band, a first of said rollers having at one time a constant diameter along that length approximately corresponding to the width of said belt, said diameter being controlledly variable at different times to change the rotational speed of one shaft relative to another, at least said first roller including a series of segment members for contact with said band, each of said segments being slidably mounted on at least one effectively cone-shaped element having inclined surfaces keyed to said rotating shaft, said cone being slidable on said shaft in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of said shaft, in operation said belt being maintained in tension by any means to form a drive between said rollers, and said segments sliding back and forth on said inclined surfaces to vary said diameter. 
     
     
         303 . The transmission of  claim 302 , including an idler roller, wherein in operation said idler roller is placed between at least one of said power transmission rollers to reverse direction of travel of said band. 
     
     
         304 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  and  303 , wherein in operation the contact area between a roller and said band is controlledly variable, independently of variation of diameter of the roller. 
     
     
         305 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  304 , wherein said means are controlledly variable such that said tension can be reduced to the degree that said first roller does not dive another roller. 
     
     
         306 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  305 , including another roller of similar construction to said first roller, in operation when the diameter of said first roller increases, the diameter of said other roller decreases. 
     
     
         307 . The transmission of any of  claim 306 , wherein an element of said first roller is linked to an element of said third roller by a rocker pivotally mounted about its approximate midpoint. 
     
     
         308 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  307 , wherein said belt comprises a multiplicity of bands in operation traveling in approximately synchronous motion. 
     
     
         309 . The transmission of  claim 308 , wherein at least one pair of said bands are linked structurally. 
     
     
         310 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  309 , wherein the average diameter of any subset of rollers is controlledly variable. 
     
     
         311 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  310 , including an input shaft, a lay shaft, an output shaft and a second transmission similar to said transmission, all together comprising a compound transmission, wherein said transmission links said input shaft to said lay shaft and said second transmission links said second transmission to said output shaft. 
     
     
         312 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  311 , wherein said cone-shaped element is composed of multiple substantially equal portions of number corresponding to number of said segment members, one of said segment members being slidably mounted on one of said cone portions in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of said shaft, said cone portion being keyed to said shaft and slidably mounted on it. 
     
     
         313 . The transmission of  claim 312 , wherein the position of each element portion on said shaft is determined by a series of independently operable actuators. 
     
     
         314 . The transmission of  claim 313 , wherein the number of said independent actuators corresponds to the number of element portions. 
     
     
         315 . The continuously variable transmission of any of  claims 313  and  314 , wherein said actuators are electrically operated. 
     
     
         316 . The continuously variable transmission of any of  claims 313  and  314 , wherein said actuators are fixedly mounted relative to the rotation of said shaft. 
     
     
         317 . The continuously variable transmission of any of  claims 313  and  314 , wherein said actuators are mounted on a non-rotating ring-like structure, said structure being capable of movement in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of said shaft. 
     
     
         318 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  317 , wherein said segment members are linked to one another by components having variable lengths. 
     
     
         319 . The transmission of  claim 318 , wherein said components include energy absorbing devices. 
     
     
         320 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  319 , wherein said segment members are substantially of approximately “I” shaped cross-section. 
     
     
         321 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  319 , wherein said segment members are substantially of approximately “T” shaped cross-section. 
     
     
         322 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  319 , wherein said segment members are substantially of approximately “L” shaped cross-section. 
     
     
         323 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  319 , wherein in operation said segment members overlap and bear on one another. 
     
     
         324 . The transmission of  claim 323 , wherein the overlapping portions of said segment members are separated by one or more rollers. 
     
     
         325 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  324 , wherein said segment members are designedly flexible. 
     
     
         326 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  325 , wherein said segment members comprise friction material mounted on a structure, in operation said friction material mostly being in contact with said belt. 
     
     
         327 . The transmission of any of  claims 301  through  325 , having at least one rotatable output shaft, wherein said transmission is so configured as to also function as a clutch and to enable said shaft to be selectably engaged and disengaged. 
     
     
         328 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  327 , having at least one rotatable output shaft, wherein said transmission is so configured as to permit the selectable reversal of rotation of said output shaft. 
     
     
         329 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  328 , having at least two rotatable output shafts, wherein said transmission is so configured as to also function as a differential linking said output shafts, permitting said shafts to simultaneously rotate at different speeds. 
     
     
         330 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  329 , having at least two rotatable output shafts, wherein said transmission is so configured as to also function to variously distribute quantity of power between said output shafts. 
     
     
         331 . A marine craft having the transmission of any of  claims 302  through  330 . 
     
     
         332 . An aircraft having the transmission of any of  claims 302  through  330 . 
     
     
         333 . A vehicle having the transmission of any of  claims 302  through  330 . 
     
     
         334 . The vehicle of  claim 333 , wherein said vehicle is a wheeled vehicle. 
     
     
         335 . The vehicle of  claim 333 , wherein said vehicle is a tracked vehicle. 
     
     
         336 . The vehicle of  claim 334 , wherein said vehicle is a railed vehicle. 
     
     
         337 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  146 , a control to vary fluid flow, a fluid supply reservoir, a line of passage from said reservoir for supplying fluid to said working volume, wherein said control is located at any convenient location in said line of passage. 
     
     
         338 . The device of any of  claims 1  through  147 , at least one measuring or sensing device, a computer, a computer program loaded into said computer, wherein said program processes data from said device such that said computer is caused to send a signal to cause at least one parameter of operation of said device to be varied. 
     
     
         339 . The aircraft any of  claims 147  through  202 , said aircraft having at least one seat for a pilot, at least one control for purpose of varying speed and/or height and/or direction, at least one red port light, one green starboard light, and one white stern light. 
     
     
         340 . The aircraft of any of  claims 147  through  202 , at least one measuring or sensing device, a computer, a computer program loaded into said computer, wherein said program processes data from said device such that said computer is caused to send a signal to cause at least one parameter of operation of said aircraft to be varied. 
     
     
         341 . The marine craft any of  claims 203  through  301 , said marine craft having at least one control for purpose of varying speed and/or direction, at least one red port light, one green starboard light, and one white stern light. 
     
     
         342 . The marine craft of any of  claims 203  through  301 , at least one measuring or sensing device, a computer, a computer program loaded into said computer, wherein said program processes data from said device such that said computer is caused to send a signal to cause at least one parameter of operation of said marine craft to be varied. 
     
     
         343 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  336 , wherein said transmission is contained in a casing, said casing containing fluid for any purpose, including for lubrication and/or cooling. 
     
     
         344 . The transmission of any of  claims 302  through  336 , at least one measuring or sensing device, a computer, a computer program loaded into said computer, wherein said program processes data from said device such that said computer is caused to send a signal to cause at least one parameter of operation of said transmission to be varied. 
     
     
         345 . A vehicle of any kind incorporating the engine of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  60  through  144 , said vehicle having at least one control for varying speed and/or direction, and at least one rear-mounted brake light. 
     
     
         346 . The vehicle of  claim 345 , at least one measuring or sensing device, a computer, a computer program loaded into said computer, wherein said program processes data from said device such that said computer is caused to send a signal to cause at least one parameter of operation of said aircraft to be varied. 
     
     
         347 . A powered craft for use on land or air or water, including a vehicle or marine craft or aircraft, ans photovoltaic array, said array being controllably and variably movable such that in a first position said array is substantially flush with a portion of said craft's surface in close proximity, and in a second position said is raised above said surface and is movable through a range of orientations toward the sun or other light source. 
     
     
         348 . An assembly including the engine of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  60  through  144 , wherein an electric motor and/or generator is located substantially within an interior volume of said piston. 
     
     
         349 . An assembly including the engine of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  60  through  144 , wherein a gas turbine is located substantially within an interior volume of said piston. 
     
     
         350 . An assembly including the engine of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  60  through  144 , wherein a compressor is located substantially within an interior volume of said piston. 
     
     
         351 . An assembly including the engine of any of  claims 1  through  11  and  60  through  144 , wherein a fluid pump is located substantially within an interior volume of said piston. 
     
     
         352 . A diffuser for attaching to any piece of equipment having a combustion engine for purpose of diluting and optionally cooling the exhaust gas from said engine with ambient air before said exhaust gas entirely leaves said piece of equipment, said diffuser comprising a first at least partial enclosure into which exhaust gas enters from a lower level, the upper portion of said first volume communicating with one or more second volumes, at least said second volume having a multiplicity of apertures about its lower portion for admitting ambient air, said second volume having a multiplicity of apertures about its upper level for the egress of a mixture of exhaust gas and ambient air. 
     
     
         353 . A reciprocating internal combustion engine having at least a cylinder head with passages for fluid flow and an enclosure for at least one portion of said engine, wherein fluid is variably passed through said enclosure, for purpose of at nearly all times having the temperature of said engine close to its maximum design limit.