Abstract: This invention provides heat engines based on the structure of internal combustion engines and employs a gaseous working fluid without combustion. The heat engine comprises at least a piston and cylinder assembly and each cylinder has at least an associated heating chamber with a heat exchanger unit being disposed therewithin. The chamber may have at least a chamber valve to establish or block the flow of the gaseous working fluid between the heating chamber and cylinder space. The engine is adapted to operate on cycles that enable heat transfer from a heat source to the working fluid while being enclosed within the heating chamber and provides substantially increased heat transfer duration before the power stroke. Therefore the engine may produce sufficiently high power output with reasonably high thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A configuration of heat engine, a stirling engine, is presented that utilizes an even number of axially opposed, axially aligned cylinders and that can be made using almost unlimited variations in the number of cylinder pairings, size, length, operating temperatures and pressures, materials, heating and cooling sources, etc. The axially opposed configuration of the cylinder pairs maximizes engine efficiency by minimizing dead space, maximizing thermal isolation of the hot and cold sides, maximizing regenerator efficiency, maximizing the free flow of the working fluid and allowing the engine speed (rpm) and power output to be rapidly and precisely altered and controlled. When driven, the engine acts as a heat pump, with all of the aforementioned improvements and advantages over previous kinematic heat pumps and wherein the piston timing can be varied for precise temperature control and to provide a method of defrosting that requires no additional parts or heat source.

Abstract: A 4-cycle Stirling engine is for carrying out thermal power processes or heat power and cold and heat pumping processes with two double piston units which move with a phase offset to each other.

Abstract: A thermal engine is described, which has two pairs of chambers, comprising a first and a second heat transmission chamber and a first and second working chamber which are connected alternately via a first and second cooling device and a first and second heat exchanger, so that a shared total interior is formed, in which a working medium is situated. Linearly movable first and second heat transmission pistons and first and second working pistons are mounted inside the chambers. The particular relative aligned arrangement of the chambers and the special development of the piston heads of the heat transmission pistons lead to an increased efficiency of the thermal engine being able to be achieved.

Abstract: A high-temperature side power piston (37) and a low-temperature side power piston (39), respectively demarcating a high-temperature space (45) and a low-temperature space (47), brings about volumetric changes of working gases in each of the high-temperature space (45) and the low-temperature space (47). At the same time, the power pistons are configured to transmit motive energy on receipt of pressure changes of working gases. A displacer (203) movably housed in a displacer cylinder (201) transfers the working gases between the high-temperature space (45) and the low-temperature space (47) without causing a pressure difference.

Abstract: Heat engine with at least two cylinder-piston units, each containing an expansion fluid, which stands under a prestressing pressure and which changes its volume in the case of a change of temperature and thus moves the piston, elements for the individually controllable supply of heat to the expansion fluid of each cylinder-piston unit, and a control means controlling the heat supply elements to allow each expansion fluid to alternately heat up and cool down and thus move the pistons, wherein a common prestressing fluid acts on the pistons of all cylinder-piston units in order to exert a common prestressing pressure on the expansion fluids, the control means is fitted with a pressure gauge for the prestressing pressure, and the control means controls the heating and cooling phases of the heat supply elements in dependence on the measured prestressing pressure in order to hold the prestressing pressure within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Miniaturised device, which can operate as an engine or a cooler according to a Stirling thermodynamic cycle, comprising an expansion chamber and a compression chamber, which are interconnected by means of a regenerator enabling the working fluid to flow through from the expansion chamber to the compression chamber, and vice versa, under the effect of the movement of a displacing mechanism, a fraction of the compression chamber being mobile and operating as a piston in order to modify the volume of the said compression chamber, characterized in that it also comprises a complementary chamber which is connected to the compression chamber by means of a complementary connection channel, the said complementary chamber being at an intermediate temperature between the temperature of the compression chamber and the temperature of the expansion chamber, the complementary chamber being separated from the expansion chamber by means of the displacing mechanism.

Abstract: Linear roller bearing assemblies can include a hub, a collar around the hub and roller bearing sub-assemblies disposed in a radial pattern around the hub. The roller bearing sub-assemblies can guide linear movement of the hub relative to the collar along a selected direction. Each roller bearing sub-assembly can include a roller and straps wrapped partially around the roller. Each strap is connected to at least one of the hub and the collar. And at least one of the straps can be connected to the roller while at least one of the straps can be circumferentially free of the roller. The hub and collar are moveable relative to each other along the selected direction for a distance that is approximately half of a circumference of the roller. Methods of forming linear roller bearing assemblies are also disclosed, as are multi-cylinder Stirling engines and a thermal energy recovery system.

Abstract: A power plant with heat transfer, in which power is generated by an arbitrary number of heat engines, described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 18. is disclosed. The heat engines (A) are arranged in series with a cooling medium (22) and a heating medium (30) passing through them in a counter flow principal. After exiting the last heat engine the heated-up cooling medium is used as a combustion air. The heating medium (30) exiting in the opposite direction the last heat engine (A) can be used further on for heating purposes or other heating consumers.

Abstract: A high temperature side cylinder of a Stirling engine is composed of a sleeve and a cylinder block. A high temperature side piston makes a reciprocating motion in the sleeve. The sleeve is connected to a heater that heats a working fluid of the Stirling engine so that heat of the heater is transmitted. A cylinder block is disposed outside of the sleeve. A predetermined interval is formed between the sleeve and the cylinder block, and an air layer is formed in the predetermined interval.

Abstract: A piston assembly for a double-acting engine such as a double-acting Stirling engine. A pair of sealing rings located on opposite sides of a land ring are positioned between a base section and a dome section of a piston head. These sealing rings are alternatively urged into sealing engagement with the cylinder bore as the piston reciprocates. The ring assembly further features selected rings with radial gaps used with annular non-split rings. An expander ring is further provided to radially bias the sealing rings with radial gaps. The piston assembly further features assembly features and component configurations providing excellent piston gas sealing and durability performance.

Abstract: A working gas control system for a double acting type Stirling engine having two or more piston assemblies reciprocating within bores. Each of the piston assemblies separate isolated cycle volumes of a working gas which undergoes cyclical pressure variations. The pressure equalization system includes forming isolated first and second volumes with the first volume maintained at a low pressure through the use of a check valve. The second volume is maintained at a pressure intermediate of the minimum and maximum pressures of the cycle volumes. By providing controlled leakage paths between the volumes, the mass or volume of working gas in each of the cycle volumes can be maintained in a balanced condition despite minor leakages outside the engine of the working gas and leakage past the piston assemblies separating the cycle volumes.

Abstract: A control valve for a double acting type Stirling engine of the type having two or more piston assemblies reciprocating in bores with each of the piston assemblies separating isolated volumes of a working gas. The control valve provides the functions of a check valve which allows an internally defined volume within the engine to be held at a low pressure near the minimum pressure of the cycle volumes. The valve may further be actuated to unload the engine to provide low starting torque and to unload the engine in case of an engine or load malfunction. The control valve further provides a controlled leakage path for working fluid flowing between the cycle volumes and the minimum pressure volume which acts as part of a pressure balancing system for the Stirling engine which maintains the volume or mass of a working fluid in a balanced condition between the cycle volumes.

Abstract: An externally heated engine is provided which has at least two pistons. The first piston has a first side (working side) and a second side opposite the first side. The first side of the first piston and the first cylinder define a first working chamber containing working fluid. The second side of the first piston and the first cylinder define a first opposite chamber containing an opposing fluid. A heater heats the working fluid in the first cylinder. Preferably, the cylinder is heated by a heat source so that the working fluid has a temperature of no more than 500° Fahrenheit with a temperature difference between the heat source and the working fluid of less than 5° Fahrenheit. The second piston reciprocates within a second cylinder, and has a first side (working side) and a second side opposite the first side. The first side and the cylinder define a working chamber containing working fluid. The second side of the piston and the cylinder define a second opposite chamber containing an opposing fluid.

Abstract: A stirling engine is disclosed. The engine includes at least two fluid chambers; a displacer, which may be rotary; and a movable seal. At least one displacer may be included in each of the at least two fluid chambers. The movable seal separates the at least two fluid chambers. In a further aspect, a stirling engine may include any one of at least one heat source, at least one heat sink, at least one converter, or any combination of any two or more of the preceding.

Abstract: A 4-cycle Stirling engine is for carrying out thermal power processes or heat power and cold and heat pumping processes with two double piston units which move with a phase offset to each other.

Abstract: An axial mechanism for converting between linear reciprocating motion and rotary motion comprises a z-crank shaft, a wobble member rotationally mounted to the angled crank pin of the z-crank shaft, and one or more pistons with a connecting rod between each piston and a pivot joint to the wobble member. In one embodiment the connecting rods have sufficient inherent flexibility to accommodate sideways motion in a 360° orbit at the wobble member end of the connecting rod. In another embodiment there is a lubrication communication passage from within the wobble member to each of said pivot joints. In another embodiment each such pivot joint is fitted to the wobble member an integral unit. In another embodiment the z-crank shaft is supported for rotation by bearings all positioned to one side of the z-crank shaft, spaced along the output drive end of the z-crank shaft.

Abstract: A Stirling engine includes a piston seat, a displacer arranged in the piston seat, a piston seat, and a push rod. Meanwhile, a piston tube is arranged on the piston seat and an airtight piston is arranged in the piston tube. Moreover, one end of the push rod is connected to the displacer, while another end passes through the airtight piston and extends out of the piston seat. Additionally, a power mechanism includes the aforementioned Stirling engine, a crankshaft, an axle seat pivoted with the crankshaft, and two pairs of first and second swing arms that are respectively connected from the crankshaft to the top ends of the push rod and the airtight piston and are arranged symmetrically to each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, and a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product. Other embodiments of the invention are directed toward heat management, and other process enhancements for making the system especially efficient.

Abstract: Multiple free-piston Stirling (FPS) machines are arranged in a group and connected for preventing or minimizing vibration. A first set of identical beta FPS machines are rigidly connected together, arranged in a mechanically co-directional orientation and configured to reciprocate in thermodynamically synchronous reciprocation with each other. The first set has axes of reciprocation intersecting a first point, which may be a point at infinity. The axes of the first FPS machines make the same angle with a central axis of motion and are equi-angularly spaced around the central axis. A second set of beta FPS machines are rigidly connected together and rigidly connected to the first set of machines. The second set of machines are arranged in a mechanically co-directional orientation that is the same as the mechanical orientation of the first set of beta FPS machines.

Abstract: The reciprocatable power piston of a free-piston Stirling machine is drivingly linked to a reciprocatable component body of an associated apparatus by at least one spring with no rigid connection linking the piston to the component body. The spring drive linkage allows the power piston and the reciprocatable component body of the associated apparatus to reciprocate at different amplitudes of oscillation. Therefore, the Stirling machine and the associated apparatus can be optimized at different amplitudes of piston and the component body oscillation thereby improving the optimization of two very different dynamic systems that are drivingly connected together.

Abstract: A cooling/heating apparatus for circulating the cooled or heated transfer medium to a load to thereby cool or heat the load includes a heat transfer medium circulation path and a Stirling heat engine. The Stirling heat engine includes a first and a second cylinder chamber; a first and a second piston for expanding or compressing an operation gas in the first and the second cylinder chamber; and a driving mechanism for driving the first and the second piston. When the driving mechanism is driven in a forward direction, the operation gas is expanded in the first cylinder chamber and its temperature decreases, thus cooling the heat transfer medium, whereas, when the driving mechanism is driven in a backward direction, the operation gas is compressed in the first cylinder chamber and its temperature increases, thus heating the heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy. Operating on a thermodynamic cycle of isentropic compression, isothermal expansion, isentropic expansion and finally constant pressure cooling and contraction, an external heat engine utilizes a heat exchanger carrying heat from an external energy source to the working parts of the engine. Apparatus and methods are disclosed for engine piston timing, such that during isothermal expansion, each unit angular rotation of a drive shaft results in the capture of a constant, unit amount of working fluid expansion energy. Thus, the amount of energy captured during each unit angular rotation of apparatus drive shaft is a constant. Timing the working fluid expansion and fluid flow assures that the working fluid undergoes isothermal expansion, regardless of the quantum of heat energy applied. The modulation of heat input to the heat exchanger results in an automatic modulation of engine speed.

Abstract: A Stirling engine A has a pressure container 1 filled with a working gas, a cylinder 2 secured inside the pressure container 1, a power piston 3 provided inside the cylinder 2, and a displacer 4a provided inside the cylinder 2 on the same axis as the power piston 3. The displacer 4 has a displacer piston 41a that slides inside the cylinder 2, and a rod 42a which is connected and fixed to the displacer piston 41a and placed through a slide hole 31 formed at the center of the power piston 3. The rod 42a is formed in the shape of a hollow pipe.

Abstract: A rotary Wankel-Stirling machine operating upon a compressible working fluid, having a rotary expander having a hot side housing with a heat input interface, a hot side rotor having rotor passages adapted to allow passage of the working fluid between the rotor hub and rotor face, heated chambers formed between the rotor face and the hot side housing, a rotary compressor having a cold side housing with a heat rejection interface, a cold side rotor having rotor passages adapted to allow passage of the working fluid between the rotor hub and rotor face, cooled chambers formed between the rotor face and the cold side housing, a shaft, adapted to rotatably couple the rotor hub of the hot side rotor and the rotor hub of the cold side rotor, the shaft having shaft passages adapted to allow passage of the working fluid between the heated chambers and the cooled chambers, and the working fluid sealed in the machine, wherein the machine operates under the Carnot cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reaction apparatus for organic and/or other substance(s) employing supercritical fluid(s) and/or subcritical fluid(s) permitting injection of organic substance(s) and/or other reactant substance(s) in homogeneous state(s) to reactor(s) without occurrence of clogging at location(s) of such injection, and also permitting actuation to occur in industrial fashion and at high energy efficiency. Reactor(s) (12) of this reaction apparatus comprise cylinder(s) (12a) and piston(s) (12b) provided at such cylinder(s) (12a).

Abstract: A synchronized, dual crankshaft engine (10) uses a phase-shifting device (42) to alter the angular position of one crankshaft (12) relative to the other crankshaft (14) for dynamically varying the engine's developed compression ratio. Each crankshaft (12, 14) drives a respective connecting rod (16, 18) which, in turn, reciprocates a piston (24, 26) in a cylinder (28, 30). The center lines (C, D) of each cylinder (28, 30) are skewed relative to each other so that the pistons (24, 26) converge toward a common combustion chamber formed under a common cylinder head (34). Movable exhaust valves (36) are located above the piston (24) whose phase shifted orientation is retarded or lagging dead center conditions, whereas movable intake valves (38) are located above the piston (26) that is leading or advanced in its phase displacement relative to dead center conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is a High Efficient Integrated Heat Engine, or HEIHE for short. HEIHE is a reciprocal combustion engine integrated with both compound cycle and combined cycle. HEIHE comprises twin compound cylinder structure, with the first cylinder being the primary combustion and/or expansion cylinder; the second cylinder being the secondary combustion and/or expansion cylinder. Power strokes driven by expansions of different working fluids such as air-fuel combustion products, steam and compressed air, are integrated into one engine block. Twin cylinder structure provides compound expansions of three (3) different fluids as to recover the energies that would be lost with the exhaust fluids or during braking. All of these make HEIHE work around six (6) periods with twelve (12) operation strokes. Among six (6) working periods involved, four (4) periods contain four (4) different power strokes but only one of the power strokes consumes the fuel.

Abstract: A multistage Stirling engine 1 mounted on an automobile provided with an internal combustion engine has two cylinders 4 and 5. Displacer pistons 6 and 7 and power pistons 8 and 9 are slidably fitted in the two cylinders 4 and 5, respectively. The exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine and serving as a heating fluid flows sequentially through the cylinders 4 and 5 to heat helium gas serving as a working fluid of the Stirling engine. The cylinders 4 and 5 are disposed parallel to each other. Heaters 16 and 17, regenerative heat exchangers 18 and 19, and coolers 20 and 21 are installed between the cylinders 4 and 5. The multistage Stirling engine is flat and compact.

Abstract: A Stirling thermodynamic cycle rotary thermal machine includes an eccentric shaft rotatably supported in a stator housing, a plurality of double piston carriers each carrying a plurality of pairs of oppositely arranged pistons, and a rotor having a number of cylinders each accommodating one of the pistons. Hot and cold corridors, separated from one another by a thermally separating wall, are defined around the rotor. Some of the cylinders in the rotor are associated with the hot corridor and the remaining ones with the cold corridor in a heat-exchange relationship therewith. Conduits with regenerators interposed in them connect the hot and cold corridor pistons with one another such that the respective hot corridor cylinder is ahead of the associated cold corridor cylinder by 90° as considered in the direction of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A Stirling engine-equipped cogeneration system is capable of utilizing thermal energy, without waste, and of offering high thermal usage efficiency at every stage of the thermal energy utilization process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy which can use a wide range of fuels and perform with a high efficiency. Operating on a little utilized thermodynamic cycle of isentropic compression, isothermal expansion, isentropic expansion and finally constant pressure cooling and contraction. The external heat engine utilizes a heat exchanger carrying heat from the external energy source to the working parts of the engine. Pistons and cylinders are activated by appropriate means to adiabatically compress the working fluid, for example ambient air, to transfer the entire mass of the air through the heat exchanger to accomplish isothermal expansion followed by adiabatic expansion and, finally, exhaust the air to ambient to allow for constant pressure cooling and contraction. Valve pistons in conjunction with the cylinders form valves that allow for the exchange of working fluid with ambient.

Abstract: A working gas pressure equalization system for a multiple-cylinder, double-acting hot gas engine such as a Stirling engine of the type having a plurality of pistons reciprocatable within the cylinders defining a plurality of generally isolated cycle volumes of a working gas separated by the pistons. The equalization system incorporates passages through the piston connecting rods which connect between a space between piston rings and an equalization volume defined between a pair of sliding rod seals. This volume is defined by portions from each of the cylinders and is connected with individual cycle volumes by a valve, such as a one-way check valve. When a pressure is experienced in one of the cycle volumes different from the minimum pressure maintained and the equalization volume, minute gas leakage across the piston rings enables pressure among the volumes to be equalized.

Abstract: An external combustion engine comprises a compressor assembly, a heater assembly, an expander assembly, a cooler assembly, and auxiliary systems. The preferred embodiment of this invention uses fossil fuel as the main source of energy, and water substance for the working liquid. The compressor assembly takes in the working fluid Heating chambers in the heater assembly that is sandwiched between the compressor assembly and the expander assembly heats up the working fluid. The expander assembly generates the rotational force. In the preferred embodiment, the working fluid taken into the compressor assembly is generally water vapor. Alternative embodiments include an engine that uses sunlight as the energy source, and an engine with a pump assembly that takes in water instead of water vapor.

Abstract: A balanced rotary cycling machine suitable for use as an internal combustion engine, compressed gas or steam engine, compressor or pump is disclosed herein. The rotor assembly consists of four articulating pistons where the opposite pistons are inter-linked with each other by pivoted rods comprising a parallelogram mechanism and therefore eliminating a need for pivots between pistons. The rotor assembly rotates inside or outside of a circular or non-circular stator depending on the configuration chosen. A variety of mechanisms for shape deformation of four piston assembly during its rotating cycle is also disclosed herein, as well as detailed descriptions of preferred embodiments, including a four cycle internal combustion engine with circular stator, marine engine with polymer parts and a four cycle automobile rotary engine with conventional oil pan. In addition, a method of operation of external rotary combustion engine, employing a high-pressure compressor and an external combustion chamber, is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved, free-piston, Stirling machine having at least three pistons series connected in an alpha Stirling configuration. Each cylinder is stepped so that it has a relatively larger diameter interior wall and a coaxial, relatively smaller diameter interior wall. Each piston is also stepped so that it has a first component piston having an end face facing in one axial direction and matingly reciprocatable in the smaller diameter cylinder wall and a second component piston having an end face facing in the same axial direction and matingly reciprocatable in the larger diameter, cylinder wall. One of the piston end faces bounds the compression space and the other end face bounds the expansion space. Preferably, each stepped piston has peripheral, cylinder walls that are axially adjacent and joined at a shoulder forming the end face of the larger diameter component piston.

Abstract: The invention concerns a reciprocating linear movement power unit. The powering element consists of a Stirling heat engine and the generator consists of a piston (1) and displacers (2,3) of the heat engine acting as rotors and fixed electromagnetic elements (6) acting as stator. The Stirling engine comprises in a single working chamber (9) at least a piston (1) and two displacers (2,3) such that the assembly is equivalent to two engines working in opposition. The power stroke of one corresponds to the resisting stroke of the other. Preferably, the generator is of the asynchronous type, but it can consist of synchronous assemblies, with variable reluctance or with permanent magnets.

Abstract: Present implementations provide an approach that allows for a double-acting, multi-cylinder, thermodynamically resonant, alpha configuration free-piston Stirling system. The system includes overstroke preventers that control extent of piston travel to prevent undesirable consequences of piston travel beyond predetermined limits. The overstroke preventers involve controlled work extraction out of the system or controlled work input into the system. Implementations can also include duplex linear alternators, and/or frequency tuning systems, and/or vibration balancing configurations.

Abstract: An externally heated engine is provided which has at least two pistons. The first piston has a first side (working side) and a second side opposite the first side. The first side of the first piston and the first cylinder define a first working chamber containing working fluid. The second side of the first piston and the first cylinder define a first opposite chamber containing an opposing fluid. A heater heats the working fluid in the first cylinder. Preferably, the cylinder is heated by a heat source so that the working fluid has a temperature of no more than 500° Fahrenheit with a temperature difference between the heat source and the working fluid of less than 5° Fahrenheit. The second piston reciprocates within a second cylinder, and has a first side (working side) and a second side opposite the first side. The first side and the cylinder define a working chamber containing working fluid. The second side of the piston and the cylinder define a second opposite chamber containing an opposing fluid.

Abstract: A coaxial Beta type Stirling cycle device, having a power piston and a displacer coaxially positioned in series within an enclosing cylinder. The power piston and power piston shaft have an opening wherein the displacer shaft passes through. A compression chamber is formed between the pistons. An expansion chamber is formed between the displacement piston and one end of the cylinder. There is a gas path provided, so that a working gas within the cylinder can pass back and forth between the expansion chamber and the compression chamber as the pistons reciprocate. The power piston and the displacer each has its own linkage to a common cam body, which has a cam groove for the power piston and a cam groove for the displacer. The cam body is a face cam having multiple cam grooves, or a barrel cam having multiple cam grooves. The cam grooves may be shaped to provide infinitely settable stroke, dwell, and phase angle.

Abstract: A solar power conversion system using a plurality of engines to convert solar energy to electrical energy. The plurality of engines are supported adjacent to a housing having a single thermal cavity. The cavity is provided with solar energy from a solar collector. Each of the engines can be turned off or regulated to maintain an optimum operating temperature for a common heater head in communication with each of the engines. Therefore, the power conversion system can be regulated for variations in insolation to maintain an optimum temperature in the heater head. Therefore, increased life cycle energy efficiency of the power conversion system can be obtained.

Abstract: A utility vehicle or other utility device includes a hydraulic circuit that enhances operative capabilities of utility mechanisms with multiple hydraulic functionality. In some embodiments, multiple functionality can include powering of one or more hydraulic motor(s) and/or one or more hydraulic cylinder(s).

Abstract: A two-cycle hot-gas engine comprising an expansion piston in a heatable cylinder member and a compression piston in a coolable cylinder member. The expansion piston and the compression piston are disposed along a common axis.

Abstract: A Stirling engine comprises a first porous body having a large hole diameter, a second porous body having a small hole diameter and a ring for fixing the first porous body and the second porous body in a pressurization chamber inside a gas outlet closer to the pressurization chamber.

Abstract: Stirling engine which may be used as a heat pump, which consists of a hot half and a cold half. Both halves are connected by two lines which constitute a counterflow heat exahnger or in which a counterflow heat exchanger is mounted. Moreover, a mutual shaft, to which in the hot half a large and a small piston are mounted and to which in the cold half a large and a small piston are mounted, connects both parts. For every up or down going movement of the shaft, a complete Stirling cycle is performed. If desired, the shaft may be replaced by a hydraulic interconnection.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for generating kinetic energy, thermal energy is applied to a cylinder body of a first pneumatic cylinder to result in an expansion stroke of the first pneumatic cylinder and in rotation of a flywheel assembly that is coupled to the first pneumatic cylinder. A second pneumatic cylinder is coupled to the flywheel assembly such that the expansion stroke of the first pneumatic cylinder results in a compression stroke of the second pneumatic cylinder. The first and second pneumatic cylinders are fluidly intercommunicated when the first pneumatic cylinder reaches the end of the expansion stroke, thereby reducing the temperature of working gas in the first pneumatic cylinder and increasing the temperature of working gas in the second pneumatic cylinder to result in an expansion stroke of the second pneumatic cylinder, continued rotation of the flywheel assembly, and in a compression stroke of the first pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A Stirling engine (10, 50, 72) comprising at least one working piston (52) and at least one displacement piston (4), wherein for a power control by the transmission of the linear movement of a drive part (2) into the linear movement of a driven part (8), a lever (5) articulately connected to the drive part and the driven part (2, 8) is provided, which lever has an associated displaceable pivot point (7), the bearing point of the lever (5) traveling on the pivot point (7) according to a curve during movement transmission.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mechanism operating according to the principle which states that each point in a circle, running in the circle, describes a rectilinear hypocycloid. Said mechanism which is perfectly dynamically balanced reduces frictions to a minimum, and advantageously replaces conventional crank-rods, whereof the vibrations and frictions of the pistons pressing on the cylinders constitute major drawbacks. It can be used to produce rotary motors, capable of using any heat source, or any fuel, including hydrogen. It can also be used to produce refrigerating machines or heat pumps, using air as refrigerant, or machines for extracting water from air, using solar energy. Finally, it can be used for producing compressors, compressed air engines, hydraulic pups or engines, as well as vacuum cleaners, fans and nautical propellers.

Abstract: A Stirling engine includes a grooved cam drive mechanism with followers having a pair of longitudinally displaced bearings. One roller bearing is adapted to ride along an upper surface of the cam groove, while the other roller bearing is adapted to ride along a lower surface of the cam groove. Each follower includes an outer shaft on which a first bearing is mounted, and an inner shaft extending through the outer shaft on which a second bearing is mounted. A preferably annular space is provided between the inner and outer shafts when the follower is in an unloaded state. Then, when the follower is engaged within the grooved cam, the inner shaft is cantilevered relative to outer shaft within the annular space and results in pre-loading the first bearing against one inner surface of the groove cam and the second bearing against an opposite inner surface of the grooved cam.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for use in the transmission of power from a plurality of linear reciprocating power generating elements to a rotating output element. The drive mechanism includes a drive cam member having a cam follower guiding contour extending along the cam member; a drive cam follower operatively connected to each power generating element. Each follower is adapted to engage the cam follower guiding contour throughout each reciprocation cycle of the power generating elements, the drive cam follower guiding contour following a generally sinusoidal profile on the surface of the drive cam member, the profile including a series of lobes forming peaks and troughs with intermediate regions therebetween, the peak to peak amplitude of the substantially sinusoidal profile of the cam follower guiding contour on the surface of the drive cam substantially corresponding to the stroke amplitude of the stroke of the reciprocating power generating elements.