Abstract: A crankcase ventilation system for an internal combustion engine includes a first valve for controlling air flow into the engine's crankcase, a second valve for controlling air flow out of the crankcase, and a separator for receiving air flowing from the second valve and for removing oil entrained in the air. The first and second valves may be spring-operated valves, such as reed valves.

Abstract: A mechanical drive system permits a single electric motor to drive at least three rotary components necessary to the cold starting of a Stirling engine. These components comprise a rotary preheater, an air atominzng pump for facilitaing proper injection of fuel particle size, and a combustion air blower, all necessary to heat the working gas of a Stirling engine prior to engine cranking. The drive system employs a shaft, offset from the engine driven element but drivingly connected thereto. A clutch is interposed between the offset shaft and the rotary starting components, as well as between the electric motor drive and said components. Thus, drive is alternatively transmitted, first from said motor to the component to permit engine temperature increase, cranking is then established, and then drive is transmitted from the engine driven element to said components.

Abstract: A Stirling engine adapted to automotive propulsion is disclosed using an improved preheater construction in the external heating circuit. The preheater construction is comprised of a concentric toroid placed about the heater tube array, the inner cylindrical wall of the ring serving as a wall to define the heating chamber for the closed working fluid circuit. The concentric ring is totally ceramic with alternating orientation of finned ceramic walls fused together to define a cross-flow matrix. Static seal rings of woven ceramic material encased in folded metal foil are retained along the annular edges of at least the upper and lower faces of the concentric toroid to facilitate cross-flow fluid connections.

Abstract: A Stirling engine adapted for automotive propulsion is disclosed using an improved preheater construction in the external heating circuit.The preheater construction is comprised of discrete cubicle modules arranged annularly about the engine burner with their inner faces in contiguous edge contact to define a close cylindrical space. The modules are totally ceramic with alternating orientation of finned ceramic wall fused together to define a cross-flow matrix. Static seal strips of woven ceramic material encased in a folded metal foil strip are retained against all of the edges of each module to facilitate cross-flow fluid connections.