Abstract: A cylindrical puzzle mechanism comprising a central shaft member, with at least two wheels mounted on the shaft member, and a plurality of puzzle components disposed along the outer circumference of each wheel. Each of the wheels is independently rotatable about the shaft member. A cylindrical frame is positioned concentrically around the wheels. The frame is rotatable about the wheels and shiftable along the axial direction of the shaft member. The frame comprises at least one driving element at each longitudinal end for shifting a longitudinally aligned row of puzzle components along an axial direction. Two rotatable stoppers for preventing each of the wheels from shifting axially along the shaft, is mounted on the shaft. The stoppers comprise at least one track for receiving a puzzle component thereon. A cap at each end of the shaft member prevents the stoppers from shifting axially along the shaft and for regulating the axial movement of the cylindrical frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a variable-volume rotary machine a principle of which is that the elements, which act as the rotary piston elements, themselves rotate about a secondary axis that passes through the piston element as they orbit about the primary axis of the machine. The operation volume of the present invention is a modified toroidal defined as the volume swept out by the piston elements as they simultaneously orbit the primary axis and rotate about the secondary axes. Described are two preferred embodiments of the present invention, one in which the piston elements rotate about an axis that is perpendicular to the axis of the toroid, and the other in which the piston elements rotate about an axis that is parallel to the axis of the toroid.