Abstract: Simple linear bearings in which most sliding friction is eliminated. Two or more rollers which roll against each other and roll between parallel surfaces are prevented from moving away from each other by clips or springs connected between axial extensions on the two most distant rollers. The rollers have reduced-diameter "waists" which support a linear actuator in rolling contact.

Abstract: An elongate rotor operated by a crank and rotating within a generally triangular chamber to act as a positive displacement pump or fluid motor. Sliding the rotor axially through a close-fitting hole in a plate which is free to move radially but not axially causes the displacement of the triangular chamber to vary. System fluid pressure may be used to vary the displacement.

Abstract: A compact, rotary gas-operated motor having only three moving components including valving. Pressurized gas entering through a crank causes it to move within a slot in an elongate rotor which rotates end-over-end within a generally triangular chamber. Pressurized gas bypassed to the space between the rotor and a chamber wall also causes rotation. Expansion ratios of 5:1 to 15:1 or more may readily be obtained.

Abstract: Linear motion fluid-actuated valves in which all elements are in rolling contact. Two major rollers are prevented from moving apart by a retainer belt, a separator roller depressing the belt between the two major rollers to prevent them from moving towards each other; two inner, opposite sides of the rectangularly cross sectioned valve-body holding the separator roller in position with respect to the retainer belt, the other two sides being in contact with the ends of the assembly of movable elements. Admission of fluid into an end of the valve body causes the assembly to move and thus expose a port in the valve body. Accumulators, pressure relief valves and fluid flow control valves are among the useful applications.

Abstract: Radial load ball bearings in which the elements are in rolling contact only, the load bearing balls being separated by smaller spacing balls which are held in position by a spring-disk. Spring-disk pressure holds the load bearing balls against both races during broad temperature changes and accommodates manufacturing tolerances in the size of the balls.

Abstract: A combination radial and axial load roller bearing in which the rollers are extended to include V-groove portions and in which a retainer race is affixed radially outwards of the inner race, balls in rolling contact between the V-grooves and the retaining race preventing the rollers from contacting each other and thereby excluding sliding friction.

Abstract: Radial and axial load bearing devices in which loads are transferred from a race through rollers to a second race, the races having projections which fit into recesses in the rollers, thus providing separation between the rollers and also avoiding sliding friction.

Abstract: Radial and axial bearing devices in which loads are transmitted from a race through a series of circularly disposed rotating elements, and thence through a second series of rotating elements to a second race; the second series of rotating elements being generally roller-shaped and including ends which roll on retainer rings, the retainer rings being fastened to the first race.

Abstract: A gas turbine having a rotor serving as both compressor and turbine, and utilizing a plurality of non-rotating arcuate members disposed in spaced relation about the periphery of the rotor. These arcuate members are involved in the directing of the flow of combustion products into proximity of the blading of the turbine, to cause its rotation, and by virtue of their advantageous design, these arcuate members not only help establish a cool air boundary against which the combustion products react and thus minimize heating of the blades, but also form passages for the subsequent exhausting of the combustion products.

Abstract: Linear motion device including bearings and valves in which all elements are in rolling contact only, there being no sliding friction. A pair of major rollers is prevented from moving apart by one or more retaining rings, belts or springs, or; two groups of major rings have a retainer roller inserted through them and in rolling contact with their inner peripheries to prevent them from moving apart. One or two separating rollers are interposed between the major rollers or major rings to prevent them from moving towards each other, the separating rollers being held in position by gravity, retaining rings, or a rigid stationary element. A rod or bar may be inserted between two or more rotating elements so as to move in parallel rolling contact with respect to another bar, stationary base, or housing to provide a linear bearing. One embodiment of the device is operable within a close-fitting housing to serve as a linear fluid actuated valve.

Abstract: Radial load rolling-contact-only bearings wherein rotating rings act as springs and additionally assure continuous separation between all rotating elements, thereby carrying the entire bearing load and permitting radial deflection under load. In other embodiments radial deflection is minimal, most of the bearing load being carried by rollers, the spring-rings serving primarily to maintain separation therebetween. Cumulative-tolerance slippage is avoided or minimal.

Abstract: A mechanism with only two dynamic components, in which rotating crank motion is converted to intermittent rotation of an elongate rotor within a generally triangular chamber and vice versa. When the rotor and chamber are enclosed, the mechanism becomes a positive displacement fluid pump or motor capable of converting rotational torque into fluid pressure and vice versa; a high volume of fluid moving through a small device at comparatively low shaft speed. Further modification of the mechanism permits the rotor to slide axially while rotating, resulting in a variable displacement rotary fluid pump or motor. Adaptations of the invention provide: shaft drives having continuously variable speed ratios; fluid energy transformers wherein flow and pressure may be continuously converted into variably different flow and pressure; and continuously variable, gearless automotive transmissions. Additional capabilities include efficient pneumatic motors, compressors, and external combustion engines.

Abstract: Radial and axial load bearing devices in which loads are transferred from a race through rollers to a second race or other rollers, the rollers and races having projections which fit into recesses in the other, thus providing separation between the rollers and also avoiding sliding friction. In some of these devices the projections and recesses are composed of gear teeth thus enabling them to transfer torque loads, others are capable of speed or directional changes, and yet others provide minimum friction crank and shaft combinations with variable speed ratios.

Abstract: Basic mechanisms avoiding sliding friction and comprised of two races surrounding two series of rotating elements which are alternately interposed between each other in rolling contact; each series additionally being in rolling contact with one of the races. The races and rotating elements may be lineally arranged; or, if circularly disposed, may be oriented either axially or radially with respect to the rotational axis of the mechanism.To obtain useful bearings from these mechanisms a third race is added, loads being transferred from the third race through one of the series of rotating elements to one of the other races; or, all rotating elements and races may share the load. Radial-load and axial-load bearings are described; several means being used to assure that no sliding friction is present.

Abstract: Rotary radial and axial load bearing devices in which loads are transferred from a race through circularly disposed rotating elements to a second race. Secondary rotating elements are interposed between the load bearing rotating elements to prevent their mutual contact and are in turn held in position by retaining rings fastened to the race opposite their location. All elements are in rolling contact only, so friction is minimized. In some of the devices, secondary rotating elements may carry part of the load; others are capable of rolling contact speed changes.

Abstract: A turbine for producing power for any of a variety of uses, such turbine having as a principal distinguishing characteristic, the use of a turbine wheel having an active surface of undulating, washboard configuration, against which hot gases are directed in an angular relationship. This undulating portion of the turbine wheel comprises alternating peaks and valleys disposed around the periphery of the wheel on a regular recurring basis. Closely adjacent the undulating portion of the wheel are a series of stationary, exhaust-collecting members that are spaced apart to permit the directing of hot gases at the active sides of the undulations, such that rotation of the turbine wheel in the desired direction is brought about. Within the spirit of this invention are numerous cool-gas-carrying passages in the turbine wheel, finding their exit on the active surface of the turbine wheel, but in each instance on the side of the undulations essentially parallel to the flow of hot gases.

Abstract: Radial and axial bearing devices in which loads are transmitted from a race through circularly disposed rotating elements which are positioned relative to the race by a second and possibly a third set of rotating elements which in turn are held in position by retainers, which also constitute the other bearing race. All of these elements are in rolling contact with one another, so friction is minimized. Some of the devices are simply bearings, others are capable of rolling contact speed changes, and yet others are capable of rolling contact oscillatory motion and torque transmission through gear teeth.