Abstract: Novel internal-combustion engines of the swing beam type incorporate an improved construction utilizing a Rapson slide motion and also are derived from two or three degree of freedom mechanisms for controlling the displacement of the piston as a function of crankshaft displacement and of the displacement of a control shaft. The control shaft either operates at an average speed which is preferably a prescribed ratio of crank speed, thereby yielding an improved thermodynamic cycle (such as the Atkinson cycle in the case of a four-stroke engine) and cycle timing, or functions as a lever for obtaining variable stroke operation. The mechanism can also incorporate a continuously rotating control shaft together with a second control shaft functioning as a lever, thereby yielding an improved thermodynamic cyle and cycle timing together with variable stroke operation. The control shaft, functioning as a lever, can be replaced by a similar actuating device.

Abstract: Noncircular drives, including chain drives with noncircular sprockets, achieve a desired functional relationship and minimize slack variation in the elongate flexible member thereof. Noncircular gears having the desired functional relationship are first designed. Noncircular members having the same pitch curve or operative surface configuration as the pitch curves of the noncircular gears are theoretically located at the desired center-to-center distance of the noncircular rotational members of the drive being designed. The noncircular members are manipulated such that points initially in contact on the gears are not joined by a common tangent. Using a computer, the drive is incremented with the common tangent acting as the driving span of the flexible member. At each increment functional relationship error and overall length of a taut elongate flexible member are calculated. The variation in taut flexible member length is the slack variation.

Abstract: Novel internal combustion engines of the swing beam type incorporate an improved construction utilizing a Rapson-slide motion and also are derived from two degree-of-freedom mechanisms for controlling the displacement of the piston as a function of crankshaft displacement and of the displacement of a control shaft. The control shaft either operates at an average speed which is preferably a prescribed ratio of crank speed, thereby yielding an improved thermodynamic cycle (such as the Atkinson cycle in the case of a four-stroke engine) and cycle timing, or functions as a lever for obtaining variable stroke operation. The mechanism can also incorporate a variable compression ratio feature.

Abstract: A swash plate drive mechanism for an axial piston machine is disclosed comprising a pair of yokes with intersecting longitudinal axes and intersecting cross-axes and a swash plate drivingly connected with the pistons and pivotally connected between the yokes for pivotal movement about their cross-axes whereby the swash plate is caused to oscillate and effect double frequency drive between the piston and yokes and wherein the limits of swash plate oscillation are dependent on the angle between the longitudinal axes of the yokes and are fixed or variable and which in the latter event reach zero on alignment of the longitudinal axes.

Abstract: In an engine valve train, each rocker arm and its associate fulcrum are provided with cooperating inner and outer cylindrical surface contours carrying the reaction forces of rocker arm, the ratio of the radius of the outer surface contour being approximately in the order of 3:1 to 1.7:1 and preferably 2:1, the rocker arm and fulcrum having a cooperating retainer recess and pin, intermediate the ends of the associate bearing surface, to maintain alignment of these elements in substantially rolling contact with each other during pivotable movement of the rocker arm. In the preferred embodiment the radii of curvature of these bearing surfaces are selected in the ratio of 2:1 so as to obtain rolling motion known as cardanic motion, the recess being defined by opposed inclined flat surfaces and, the working surfaces of the pin being of semi-circular profile in substantial two-point contact with the surface defined by the recess.

Abstract: A cyclic phase-change coupling in which opposed ends of two members rotatable on parallel offset axes are connected by an intermediate member through guide means which restrict lateral motion of the intermediate member with respect to both other members to separate arcuate paths, the axial projections of which intersect within the lateral boundaries of the intermediate member. In a preferred form, the arrangement comprises a curved key and groove variation of a standard Oldham shaft coupling that provides a cyclic phase change between the offset shafts rather than the fixed phase rotation of the Oldham construction.

Abstract: A family of balanceable, variable displacement reciprocating piston engine arrangements is disclosed. The arrangements include multiple parallel cylinders having pistons movable therein in balanceable fashion through a fixed geometry rocker mechanism driving oscillating links which are adjustable to provide control of the piston displacement and compression ratio. Both in-line and side-by-side cylinder arrangements are possible. Even firing intervals are preferably provided.