Abstract: An axial machine having a wedge that drives a plurality of pistons and a retainer plate for maintaining the slipper shoes in contact with the wedge. A center positioning mechanism for the retainer plate in which the slipper shoes placed on the wedge have a portion extending through a respective hole in the retainer plate, with each of the slipper shoes engaging a point on the side of its respective hole to restrain the retainer plate from movement parallel to the planar angular surface of the wedge. Also described is an oil separation system for removing oil from the gas to be compressed such that the removed oil drains into the oil sump. An oil lubrication system has a cavity around the drive shaft to receive oil from the sump, and disburse the oil through a passageway to discharge ports in the wedge to disburse oil on the planar angular surface of the wedge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for introducing a catalyst into a fuel mixture. The method includes placing water in a container; passing air through the water to ionize at least a portion of the air molecules wherein at least a major portion of the air ions have a negative charge; and introducing the ionized air into a fuel mixture. In this manner, the efficiency of the combustion of the fuel mixture is increased. The apparatus includes a container for holding water, a manifold mechanism for passing air through the water in the container in a number of streams of small bubbles and means for removing substantially all mist from the ionized air before the ionized air is removed from the container. Means are provided for removing the ionized air from the container after the air has passed through the water and for then introducing the ionized air into a fuel mixture.