Abstract: A thermal ratchet system includes a ratchet housing, a ratchet mandrel, a first ratchet, and a second ratchet. The first ratchet is disposed at a position generally fixed with respect to the ratchet housing and is urgeable with respect to the ratchet mandrel in an axial direction by a change in environmental temperature in a first direction. The second ratchet is disposed at a position generally fixed with respect to the ratchet housing and is urgeable with respect to the ratchet mandrel in the axial direction by a change in environmental temperature in a second direction opposite to the first direction. At least one of the first ratchet and the second ratchet is engaged with the ratchet mandrel.

Abstract: A reciprocal force outputting mechanism having a body having a slide slot that contains a slide block, thereby providing for the linear, reciprocal movement of the slide block within the slide slot. The slide block has an elongated opening formed centrally and a row of teeth are disposed along each of the two facing sides the said elongated opening, with a stem extending from one end of the said slide block inserted through a guide hole of the body. A fan-shaped gear is secured onto a power output shaft that rotates it. When the fan-shaped gear revolves and its teeth are respectively enmeshed with a row of teeth, the slide block is brought into reciprocal motion, causing the reciprocal movement of the stem which serves as a means of outputting force.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting reciprocating motion to single direction rotational motion that includes a frame, a shaft supported by the frame for rotation relative to the frame, a first one-way clutch mounted on the shaft, a first pinion mounted on the first one-way clutch, a second one-way clutch mounted on the shaft a second pinion mounted on the second one-way clutch, a first bearing mechanism mounted on the shaft between the first pinion and the second pinion, a first rack engaging the first pinion for driving the shaft when the first rack is moved in a primary direction at a rate of speed sufficiently fast to overtake the shaft, a second rack engaging the second pinion for driving the shaft when the second rack is moved in a reciprocal direction at a rate of speed sufficiently fast to overtake the shaft, and an actuator in working relation with the first rack and the second rack.

Abstract: A mechanism of converting a reciprocal movement into a rotary movement comprises a coulisse and a toothed unit cooperating with one another, the coulisse being shaped so that conversion of the reciprocal movement to rotary movement is performed in a sequence successively by the toothed unit and the coulisse. Also, an internal combustion engine with the new mechanism can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reciprocating engine which has an improved reciprocating double ended piston which substantially reduces the size and weight of piston components. The double ended piston comprises a center portion between the two end portions. The center portion having at least one pair of racks located along the longitudinal axis either on the outside surface of a pair of flat surfaces or on opposed inside surfaces along a slot cut into the center portion. At least one crankless drive shaft having a gear or pair of gears mateable with the racks so that the crankless drive shaft (s) are continuously rotated.

Abstract: A rotary-to-linear mechanical motion converter has a housing attachable to a drive engine, an input shaft reciprocable to the housing and coupled directly or through a gear arrangement to a reciprocating output shaft of the drive engine, a first drive train coupling the input shaft for turning a rotor in a given sense of rotation for a first direction of movement of the input shaft, and a second drive train coupling the input shaft for turning the rotor in the same given sense of rotation for an opposite direction of movement of the input shaft, the first and second drive trains alternately driving the rotor, as in an electrical generator, for continuous rotation in a given sense relative to the housing. In an alternate converter, both drive trains drive a rotor for only one direction of movement of the input shaft.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a human-powered vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle has a frame, plural wheels and linear motion generating mechanism, which is operable by a human being, for generating substantially linear, oscillating motion. A motion converting device is provided for converting the oscillating motion into rotary motion. A mechanism for transmitting the rotary motion to the driving wheels is provided.

Abstract: An infinite speed transmission having aligned input and output shafts with the input shaft driving a pair of eccentrics each of which oscillates an arm which in turn drives a gear plate housing in a rectilinear manner. Each gear plate housing slidably carries a gear plate equipped with multiple gear racks which drive a pinion gear mounted on the transmission output shaft. Gear plate and pinion engagement for unidirectional rotation of the pinion gear is controlled by a cam which shifts the gear plates within their respective housing. Speed changes are effected by relocating the eccentric driven arms relative the gear plate housings driven by the arms. Repositioning of the cam results in the output shaft mounted pinion being driven in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A piston engine in which opposedly working pistons are rigidly connected to each other by a hollow carrier through which the engine shaft extends. The carrier has interior wall portions with a series of staggered projections thereon. The shaft has a stack of toothed discs fixedly mounted thereon. The series of staggered projections are arranged to successively engage and push the teeth of the toothed discs to apply rotational torque to the engine shaft as the carrier reciprocates.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the rotary position of any selected one of a plurality of rotatable die bolts to control the position of a die lip and the size of a die opening adjacent the die lip comprising a reciprocable drive member movable in a to-and-fro path of travel and a plurality of bolt actuating members mounted on the drive member for movement therewith and for movement relative thereto between positions removed from the bolts and bolt drive positions in driving relation with any selected one of the bolts.

Abstract: Track belts designed to fit circumferentially around a pneumatic bladder or tire carcass can be sealed against the ingress of soil and rock between the track shoes attached about the outer periphery of the belt by forming individual and permanent flat sites on the outer circular periphery of the belt so the flat undersurface of each track shoe is nested on a flat shoe site and therefore does not have triangular shaped gaps under its leading and trailing edges. A transverse rib of elastomer, raised from the surface belt between each of the adjacent flat sites further seals the belt in the narrow gaps formed between adjacent track shoes thereby preventing the ingress of soil and rock in these gaps when the shoes pass through a footprint formed as the pneumatic supported system is rolled.