Abstract: A radial, hot-gas engine which derives the necessary phase angle between hot and cold cylinders by locating them ninety degrees apart around the circumference of the crankcase, thereby eliminating complicated piston connecting rod linkages and permitting use of a simple eccentric and roller-follower drive arrangement between pistons and crankshaft. The radial design permits use of the crankcase as a pressure vessel and storage reservoir for the working fluid while keeping crankcase mass low relative to conventional engine designs. The invention also eliminates critical seals by application of an integral pump that scavenges working fluid from the crankcase reservoir and pressurizes the working cylinders when the engine is started, and maintains working pressure while the engine is in operation.

Abstract: A hot gas engine which uses elliptical members in place of gears or connecting rod linkages to couple the reciprocating pistons to the central shaft of the machine, thereby reducing friction and overall size of the machine, reducing weight to power ratios and increasing efficiency. The elliptical members are so designed as to provide two power strokes per revolution of the central shaft, and the piston and cylinder arrangement is such that they spiral around the body of the machine, allowing a very compact engine.

Abstract: A Stirling cycle engine of unique mechanical arrangement which operates on a principle similar to that of a planetary gear, the orbital members being the displacer shaft, piston crankshafts and engine body. The pistons reciprocate when thermal energy flows through the engine, causing the displacer shaft to rotate. If the displacer shaft is retarded or held stationary by an applied electric field, the engine body begins to revolve, transmitting power to a load. The engine body is sealed, with no dynamic seals or shafts exiting the engine body, and the design is such that size can be increased without pressure containment considerations making the engine impractical. Engine mass is used as inertial storage to increase efficiency with fluctuating loads, internal engine speed is constant for high fuel efficiency while dynamic power to the load is infinitely variable and the engine is specifically designed for ease and economy of production.