Abstract: An optical system for generating lines includes a source of a diverging light beam, a first cylindrical lens (104) which receives the light beam, and a second adjacent cylindrical lens (106) which is at an angle with respect to the first. The beam of light passes through the first and second cylindrical lenses (104, 106) to produce a planar beam of light (124) which becomes a line (122) when incident upon a surface (126). The cylindrical lenses (104, 106) are mounted so as to be rotatable both simultaneously and with respect to each other. The angle of the line generated by the lens configuration is a bisector of the obtuse angles formed by the principal axes of the cylindrical lenses (104, 106) except where the lenses are at right angles to one another. The rotation of both lenses simultaneously changes the angle of the line (128) while rotation of one lens with respect to the other adjusts the focus of the line.

Abstract: A light beam generator provides a thin ray or plane of light of high intensity with a non-laser light source. Light emanating from a light source such as a quartz-halogen bulb is applied to a convex reflector or negative lens to demagnify the image of the light producing element. The demagnified image is passed through a refracting means such as convex lens to form a thin ray or plane of light. The reflective or refractive elements can be spherical or cylindrical depending on whether a dot or line of light is desired.

Abstract: The conventional cylindrical lens of a laser alignment device is replaced with a non-planar reflective device for spreading the collimated laser beam into a fan-shaped linear pattern for patient alignment use. In one form, a mirror-coated cylindrical rod is used to generate axial alignment lines, and in another form, a mirror-coated cone is used to generate the coronal alignment lines.

Abstract: A Stirling engine has power transmitting connecting rods which slideably extend through diametral apertures in the pistons. A double-acting Stirling engine having center-actuated pistons eliminates the piston rods protruding through the end wall of the cylinders. The reciprocating piston motion is transmitted outside the cylinder by a piston rod extending transversely through the piston and cylinder wall to a connecting means journaled to receive the crank throw of a single crankshaft. The hot ends of the engine cylinders are all arranged about the central heat source, and the cool ends are all mechanically distant and thermally isolated from the heat source and crankcase, thus simplifying the cooling requirements of the engine.

Abstract: A rotary engine employs one or more flap-type pistons which swing about a fixed pivot. Power is transmitted from the pistons to the output shaft by pins connected to the piston which ride in figure eight grooves in a pair of spaced discs connected to the output shaft. The discs are spring-loaded toward each other to provide side seals along the sides of the pistons. Ports in the discs register with a working chamber in the appropriate sequence for the intake and exhaust strokes. Hence conventional valving is not required.