Abstract: In the design of load bearing members for use in work machines, it is oftentimes beneficial to minimize the weight of such structures which, in turn, may allow for increased payloads and decreased cycle times of the work machine. A load bearing arrangement for use with a work machine of the type having a platform is provided. The load bearing arrangement comprises a plurality of pieces connectable to form a member structured and arranged for pivotable attachment to the platform. A weldment connects at least two of the pieces where at least one weldment is simulated for effects of heat on at least one of the pieces subject to the weldment.

Abstract: An internal thermal exchanger engine which, in one embodiment, includes a cylinder having side walls and an enclosed lower end, with a piston mounted for reciprocal movement within the cylinder, and with a heat exchanger reciprocally mounted within the cylinder between the piston and the lower end of the cylinder. A gas phase fluid is enclosed between the piston and the lower end of the cylinder. The heat exchanger, which has perforated end portions, contains a foraminous heat conductive material distributed throughout the entire volume of the heat exchanger, thus allowing the gas phase fluid to pass freely through the heat exchanger as the heat exchanger moves between the piston and the lower end of the cylinder. A solenoid mounted on the piston operates an exchanger rod secured to the heat exchanger so as to cause the heat exchanger to move reciprocally within the cylinder. A combustion chamber is provided at the lower end of the cylinder to provide a source of heat.

Abstract: An internal thermal exchanger engine which, in one embodiment, includes an enclosed cylindrical chamber having hot and cold end portions and containing an open ended heat exchanger provided with heat conductive materials such as fine copper wire strands which function in heat exchange relationship with a gas contained within the chamber. In an alternative embodiment, the enclosed chamber is in the form of a semi-cylinder, with the heat exchanger being of a wedge shape construction and being freely rotatable between a hot side of the semi-cylinder and a cold side across the arc of the semi-cylinder.

Abstract: A heating system which includes a combination of a sliding vane compressor, a positive pressure combustor and a sliding vane expander is disclosed. The components of the present system have been found to operate together to permit full use of the B.T.U. value of fuel. In an alternative embodiment, the heating system uses heat extracted from the ambient air as the heat source. The system may also be operated as an air conditioning system, rejecting heat from the system to the ambient air.

Abstract: A heating system which includes a combination of a sliding vane compressor, a positive pressure combustor and a sliding vane expander is disclosed. The components of the present system have been found to operate together to permit full use of the B.T.U. value of fuel.