Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing the amplitude of mechanical vibrations of a mechanical apparatus including a linear, freely reciprocating, prime mover coupled to and driving a reciprocating mass of a driven machine in reciprocation at a driving frequency. The coupled prime mover and driven machine have a spring applying a force upon the reciprocating mass to form a resonant main system having a main system resonant frequency of reciprocation. A driving frequency range over which the driven machine operates at an acceptable efficiency of operation is determined and stored.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for compressing gas refrigerant using two different compressors operated alternatively in a series or parallel mode for obtaining two different compression ratios and thereby provide efficient operation for both a relatively lower suction pressure and a relatively higher suction pressure. This system avoids an unbalanced mass flow rate when the compressors are operated in series by unloading a downstream one of the compressors. When operated in the series mode, refrigerant is bypassed back to a suction inlet of the downstream compressor during a portion of a compression stroke of the downstream compressor for equalizing the mass flow rate through the two compressors.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating oxygen directly from air, operating at substantially atmospheric pressure and recuperating energy used for cooling incoming air. An ambient air input leads from the atmosphere to a vessel for confining gases. A cryocooler has a cooled surface in the vessel for directly condensing oxygen from the air at substantially atmospheric pressure. The cryocooler cools the cold surface to a temperature greater than the boiling point temperature of nitrogen and not greater than the boiling point temperature of oxygen for condensing oxygen. A liquid/gas separator separates the liquid oxygen from residual gases which both flow out through separate outputs. Air is propelled through the system at substantially atmospheric pressure by an air impeller. A heat exchanger recovers cooling energy and dehumidifies incoming air by transferring heat from the incoming air to outgoing gases.

Abstract: A heat transfer member having an external heat transfer member including an insertion hole having an adaptor ring inserted thereinto, and at least one of a base blocking protrusion and a grove blocking protrusion formed on a predetermined portion of the surface of the base confronting the inserted adaptor ring inside the insertion groove, for increasing the coupling strength of the external radiating member and the adaptor ring and the transition member.

Abstract: A spring standoff for a reciprocating device, the standoff having a generally cylindrical body and having a window in a circumferential surface of the body, and a flange at each end of the body, one flange to be coupled to a planar spring of the reciprocating device, and the other flange to be coupled to a sealing container of the reciprocating device. The body generally concentrically houses at least a portion of a reciprocating rod coupled to the planar spring of the reciprocating device.

Abstract: A spring standoff for a reciprocating device, the standoff having a generally cylindrical body and having a window in a circumferential surface of the body, and a flange at each end of the body, one flange to be coupled to a planar spring of the reciprocating device, and the other flange to be coupled to a sealing container of the reciprocating device. The body generally concentrically houses at least a portion of a reciprocating rod coupled to the planar spring of the reciprocating device.

Abstract: A securing device for a spring is provided, the device having a generally hollow spring support having a spring mount having a projection on an inner side of the spring support and configured to support the spring, the device further having a generally annular coupling ring configured to connect to the spring support to secure the spring to the spring support.

Abstract: A heat transfer member having an external heat transfer member including an insertion hole having an adaptor ring inserted thereinto, and at least one of a base blocking protrusion and a grove blocking protrusion formed on a predetermined portion of the surface of the base confronting the inserted adaptor ring inside the insertion groove, for increasing the coupling strength of the external radiating member and the adaptor ring and the transition member.

Abstract: A reciprocating magnetic body support structure for a linear motor or a linear alternator is claimed. The body comprises a cylindrical, metallic support sleeve having a plurality of longitudinal slots evenly spaced around the circumference of the sleeve. An equal number of magnet segments is mounted to the sleeve extending over at least a portion of the associated slot and attaching to the wall of the sleeve on both sides of the associated slot. The longitudinal slots preferably extend completely through the sleeve from near one longitudinal end of the sleeve to near an opposite longitudinal end of the sleeve. The sleeve is preferably stainless steel or titanium, but should, regardless of metal, have a high resistivity, i.e., above 50 micro ohms per centimeter.