Abstract: A method of operating a thermodynamic apparatus configured as a heat engine or heat pump, the thermodynamic apparatus comprising, in flow series, a first heat exchanger, an expansion sub-chamber and a second heat exchanger, the method comprising transferring fluid from the first heat exchanger to the second heat exchanger via the expansion sub-chamber by: admitting a fluid flow at an intake pressure from the first heat exchanger into the expansion sub-chamber by increasing the volume of the expansion sub-chamber; fluidically isolating the fluid within the expansion sub-chamber from the first heat exchanger; expanding the fluid within the expansion sub-chamber by further increasing the volume of the expansion sub-chamber to reduce the pressure of the fluid from the intake pressure; fluidically coupling the expansion sub-chamber to the second heat exchanger; and transferring fluid out of the expansion sub-chamber to the second heat exchanger by reducing the volume of the expansion sub-chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first piston member rotatable about a first rotational axis and a rotor with a first chamber and pivotable about a second rotational axis. The first piston member extends across the first chamber. The rotor and first piston member are rotatable around the first rotational axis, and the rotor is pivotable about the second rotational axis to permit a relative pivoting motion between the rotor and the first piston member linked to the rotor rotating about the first rotational axis.

Abstract: A roticulating thermodynamic apparatus (100) having a first fluid flow section (111) and a second fluid flow section (115). The first fluid flow section (111) is configured for the passage of fluid between a first port (114a) and second port (114b) via a first chamber (134a). The second fluid flow section (115) is configured for the passage of fluid between a third port (116a) and a fourth port (116b) via a second chamber (134, 234b). The second port (114b) is in fluid communication with the third port (116a) via a first heat exchanger (302a).

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a shaft (18) rotatable about a first rotational axis (30); an axle (20) defining a second rotational axis (32); a first piston member (22) extending from the axle (20) towards a distal end of the shaft (18); a rotor (16) carried on the axle (20); the rotor (16) comprising a first chamber (34a); a housing (12) having a wall defining a cavity (26); a first magnetic guide feature (52); a second magnetic guide feature (50); whereby: the rotor (16) and axle (20) are rotatable with the shaft (18) around the first rotational axis (30); the rotor (16) is pivotable about the axle (20) to permit relative pivoting motion between the rotor (16) and the first piston member (22) as the rotor rotates about the first rotational axis (30); and at least one of the first magnetic guide feature (52) and second magnetic guide feature (50) comprises an electromagnet to pivot the rotor (16) about the axle (20) relative to the first piston member (22).

Abstract: An apparatus including a first piston member rotatable about a first rotational axis and a rotor with a first chamber and pivotable about a second rotational axis. The first piston member extends across the first chamber. The rotor and first piston member are rotatable around the first rotational axis, and the rotor is pivotable about the second rotational axis to permit a relative pivoting motion between the rotor and the first piston member linked to the rotor rotating about the first rotational axis.