Patents by Inventor James R. Senft

James R. Senft has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4339960
    Abstract: A drive mechanism is disclosed for drivingly connecting two reciprocating bodies to a rotating body and is particularly useful for linking a single pin crank of a crank-type Stirling engine to its displacer and power piston. The drive means has at least two slotted yokes, each connected to a different one of the reciprocating bodies such as the pistons of the Stirling engine. The pin of the crank extends through the slots of both slotted yokes. The slots are transverse to each other and preferably are linear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1982
    Assignee: Sunpower, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Senft
  • Patent number: 4330992
    Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for driving the displacer of a crank-type Stirling engine at the same frequency but out of phase with the power piston of the engine. A biasing means is linked to the displacer for applying a biasing force which urges the displacer in one direction of its reciprocation. A flexible band is secured to the displacer for applying a force opposite to the biasing force. The other end of the band is secured to an anchor which is mounted on another part of the apparatus. The band extends slideably across at least one and preferably two bearing surfaces intermediate its secured ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Assignee: Sunpower, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Senft