Abstract: Structure and method are disclosed for providing timed valving in which a nutating plate having an opening defined therethrough moves relative to at least one other nominally static plate having a complementary opening defined therethrough, the nutating plate at one portion of the nutating travel bringing the opening defined therethrough in alignment with the complementary static opening and in another portion of the nutating movement positioning such opening therethrough in a spaced, sealing relationship relative to the complementary static opening. Either the nutating or nominally static plate may be utilized in pairs such that a sandwiched relationship between one type of plate and the other exists.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus is disclosed for a device having variable volume chambers formed by the walls of a case and a piston. The device includes a piston assembly having an outer piston structure with an inner piston structure therein. The inner piston structure is mounted on an eccentric on a crank shaft, the rotation of which causes nutating movement of the inner piston structure and a reciprocal linear movement of the outer piston structure. First sealing elements are mounted on the outer piston structure to provide sealing for the chambers having the outer piston structure forming part of the chambers, and second sealing elements are mounted on the ported faces of the inner piston structure to provide sealing for the chambers having the inner piston structure forming part of the chambers. Each sealing element includes one portion received in grooves in the piston structures and another portion with a plurality of spaced raised sections which engage the case walls.

Abstract: Structure and method for providing timed valving in which a nutating plate having an opening defined therethrough moves relative to at least one other nominally static plate having a complementary opening defined therethrough, the nutating plate at one portion of the nutating travel bringing the opening defined thereto in alignment with the complementary static opening and in another portion of the nutating movement positioning such opening therethrough in a spaced, sealing relationship relative to the complementary static opening. Either the nutating or nominally static plate may be utilized in pairs such that a sandwiched relationship between one type of plate and the other exists. The static and nutating plates may advantageously be biased together. Timing of the opening and closing of the valving structure may be adjusted relative to a nominal rotating shaft such as to provide opening and closing cycles of selected portions of an entire rotation.

Abstract: An improvement for a variable volume device in the form of a rectilinear case having disposed therein a rectilinear outer piston structure and a rectilinear inner piston structure within the outer piston structure, the inner piston being carried for rotation on a crank shaft and in turn inducing a reciprocal movement of the outer piston structure in the case, the improvement comprising rollers positioned between the outer piston structure and the case, and the inner piston structure and outer piston structure to facilatate thrust and force accomodation therebetween, and sealing strip means positioned in sealing relationship between the outer piston structure and rectilinear case, and inner piston structure and outer piston structure, and particularly an embodiment in which the sealing strips means of the inner piston structure bear against the side portion of the outer piston structure sealing ring means and a bearing plate positioned to support the rollers, whereby the rectilinear innerrunning pistons may be

Abstract: A structure and method for utilizing solar energy for heating including a unitary, preferably modular, unit adapted to form an outer surface of a building, and having therein a reservoir suitable for storing fluid heat storage medium. The structure includes an outer glazing, an energy absorbing surface spaced inwardly from the glazing, and a divider forming an absorber channel adjacent the back side of the absorber. Preferably, the storage reservoir is separated from the back side of the absorber by an insulating divider defining the absorber channel. The structure is preferably self-supporting with a stressed storage reservoir and may be incorporated in a structure as a unitary module supporting at least its own weight and often forming a structural, stressed portion of the building.

Abstract: A structure and method for utilizing solar energy for heating including a unitary, preferably modular, unit adapted to form an outer surface of a building, and having therein a reservoir suitable for storing fluid heat storage medium. The structure includes an outer glazing, an energy absorbing surface spaced inwardly from the glazing, and a divider forming an absorber channel adjacent the back side of the absorber. Preferably, the storage reservoir is separated from the back side of the absorber by an insulating divider defining the absorber channel. The structure is preferably self-supporting with a stressed storage reservoir and may be incorporated in a structure as a unitary module supporting at least its own weight and often forming a structural, stressed portion of the building.

Abstract: A method and structure for utilizing solar energy for heating utilizing a wall of masonry or other cementitious material having preferably vertical channels defined through the central portion thereof. An outer surface, preferably spaced from the wall, is provided with a radiant energy absorbing surface, and transparent or translucent panels are positioned adjacent to but spaced from the wall and outer surface. Inlets and outlets to the channels within the wall are defined in the lower inner and outer surfaces of the wall respectively, and outlets and inlets to such channels are defined at the upper inner and outer surfaces of the wall respectively. The inner outlets communicate with an air distribution system and the inner inlets serve as return air ducts. The outer outlets and inlets serve to convect heat from the radiant energy absorbing surface.