Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of an object, the apparatus having a print bed, a stencil, a heater arranged to heat the stencil, and a squeegee. The stencil comprises one or more apertures and is positionable over the print bed. The squeegee is movable to spread a printing material across the stencil and to thereby force printing material through the stencil aperture(s). One or both of the stencil and the print bed is movable to adjust the spacing between the stencil and the print bed.

Abstract: An electrical power and heat co-generation unit typically comprising a Stirling engine includes an adsorption element within a sealed interior of the unit which is effective to remove from gas circulating within the interior of the machine hydrocarbons or other chemical species originating from within the interior of the machine from a grease, a lubricant, a retaining compound, or a sealant to reduce carburisation and/or oxidisation of internal components. The unit may also comprise within the sealed interior of the machine an atmosphere dosing fluid which is effective to react with hydrocarbons or other chemical species circulating in the interior of machine in addition to a working fluid of the machine, to produce reaction products which can be removed by the sorption element.

Abstract: A machine such as an external combustion engine in an electrical power and heat cogeneration unit comprises multiple cylinders, each driving an independent load or being independently driven, and a balance shaft comprising one or more off-center balancing mass(es) to counteract rocking motion created by the piston motion and thereby assist in dynamically balancing the machine.

Abstract: An electrical power and heat co-generation unit typically comprising a Stirling engine includes an adsorption element within a sealed interior of the unit which is effective to remove from gas circulating within the interior of the machine hydrocarbons or other chemical species originating from within the interior of the machine from a grease, a lubricant, a retaining compound, or a sealant to reduce carburisation and/or oxidisation of internal components. The unit may also comprise within the sealed interior of the machine an atmosphere dosing fluid which is effective to react with hydrocarbons or other chemical species circulating in the interior of machine in addition to a working fluid of the machine, to produce reaction products which can be removed by the sorption element.

Abstract: A machine such as an external combustion engine in an electrical power and heat cogeneration unit comprises multiple cylinders, each driving an independent load or being independently driven, and a balance shaft comprising one or more off-centre balancing mass(es) to counteract rocking motion created by the piston motion and thereby assist in dynamically balancing the machine.

Abstract: A machine includes at least one piston (1) reciprocally movable in a cylinder (2), at least two balancing rotors (3c, 3d) mounted for oscillating rotational movement about an axis or axes (4) transverse to the axis of motion of the piston, one balancing rotor having a centre of mass on one side of and another balancing rotor having a centre of mass on an opposite side of the axis or axes of motion of the rotors, and at least one connecting member or mechanism between the piston and rotors so that the rotors move in opposition to the reciprocal movement of the piston. The machine may be an electrical machine such as an electric motor or generator. An electronic control system may control piston motion or output waveform.

Abstract: An axial mechanism for converting between linear reciprocating motion and rotary motion comprises a z-crank shaft, a wobble member rotationally mounted to the angled crank pin of the z-crank shaft, and one or more pistons with a connecting rod between each piston and a pivot joint to the wobble member. In one embodiment the connecting rods have sufficient inherent flexibility to accommodate sideways motion in a 360° orbit at the wobble member end of the connecting rod. In another embodiment there is a lubrication communication passage from within the wobble member to each of said pivot joints. In another embodiment each such pivot joint is fitted to the wobble member an integral unit. In another embodiment the z-crank shaft is supported for rotation by bearings all positioned to one side of the z-crank shaft, spaced along the output drive end of the z-crank shaft.

Abstract: A recuperative heater for heating the heater heads of an external combustion machine includes a recuperative heat exchanger having an axial pass section partially surrounding the combustion chamber. Combustion products pass from the recuperative heat exchanger to a condensing exhaust gas heat surrounding the axial pass section and comprising a cylindrical exhaust gas passage ringed externally by a water jacket. Water from the water jacket may be circulated to a thermal load. A top cover of the heater opposes the heater heads or hot end of the engine. Inner and outer plenums are formed between the combustion chamber wall and the top cover and inlet air is heated in stages as its enters the outer plenum, passes into the axial pass section, into the inner plenum, then into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for connection of a drive mechanism to an engine. The engine includes pistons, an engine block and an output shaft. The assembly includes a drive mechanism, connecting rods and a pedestal, whereby the assembly is mounted to the engine block and the rods are inserted into the cylinders. The pistons are then secured to the connecting rods. The pedestal includes means to locate the assembly on the engine block. The drive mechanism is preferably a wobble yoke with two beams, two lower yokes and a universal cross component. The pedestal is secured to the block through openings in the yoke.

Abstract: A co-generation system for producing heat, hot water and electricity for a building is provided while generating a minimum of noise and vibration within the building. The system includes an engine and burner with a generation; a storage tank, for storage of primary water, which is adapted to contain therein the engine and generator; apparatus for circulating and heating the primary water, and apparatus for venting exhaust gases to the outside of the building. The hot water may also be secondary water and either or both water may be potable. The engine optimally operates on a Stirling cycle. The building may be a commercial or domestic dwelling which is free standing or part of a larger structure or may be mobile.

Abstract: A burner for an external combustion engine using liquid or gaseous fuel, the burner being arranged for heat exchange between the inlet air to the burner and the exhaust air from the burner. The burner includes an external housing, a shroud within this housing, which shroud forms part of the centrally positioned combustion chamber. The burner includes air inlet apparatus and guide apparatus for guiding the inlet air to the combustion chamber, an igniter and fuel inlet apparatus and gas exhaust apparatus. The external housing, an element of the inlet apparatus, the guide apparatus, and heat exchange elements are formed as inverted shaped dishes or shells about the combustion chamber.