Abstract: A cooling/heating apparatus for circulating the cooled or heated transfer medium to a load to thereby cool or heat the load includes a heat transfer medium circulation path and a Stirling heat engine. The Stirling heat engine includes a first and a second cylinder chamber; a first and a second piston for expanding or compressing an operation gas in the first and the second cylinder chamber; and a driving mechanism for driving the first and the second piston. When the driving mechanism is driven in a forward direction, the operation gas is expanded in the first cylinder chamber and its temperature decreases, thus cooling the heat transfer medium, whereas, when the driving mechanism is driven in a backward direction, the operation gas is compressed in the first cylinder chamber and its temperature increases, thus heating the heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing electrical energy from a thermal dynamic cycle. The apparatus can include a heat exchange apparatus portion that allows for a large surface area for thermal energy collection while maintaining an efficiency of the thermal dynamic cycle engine. For example, a Stirling engine can include a large heater head portion that can be contained within the pressure vessel of the thermal dynamic engine yet maintain the selected size of the various pistons of the thermal dynamic cycle engine.

Abstract: A stirling engine includes a flow path that communicates a working space of the stirling engine and outside of the stirling engine. A working gas is supplied from the outside of the stirling engine to the working space via the flow path based on a differential pressure of the working space and the outside of the stirling engine.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for transferring heat by conduction to the internal heat acceptor of an external combustion engine. Fuel and air are introduced and mixed to form an air/fuel mixture. The air/fuel mixture is directed into a catalytic reactor that is positioned substantially adjacent to the heater head. Heat is transferred via conduction from the catalytic reactor to the heater head and the catalytic reaction products are exhausted.

Abstract: The present invention is a High Efficient Integrated Heat Engine, or HEIHE for short. HEIHE is a reciprocal combustion engine integrated with both compound cycle and combined cycle. HEIHE comprises twin compound cylinder structure, with the first cylinder being the primary combustion and/or expansion cylinder; the second cylinder being the secondary combustion and/or expansion cylinder. Power strokes driven by expansions of different working fluids such as air-fuel combustion products, steam and compressed air, are integrated into one engine block. Twin cylinder structure provides compound expansions of three (3) different fluids as to recover the energies that would be lost with the exhaust fluids or during braking. All of these make HEIHE work around six (6) periods with twelve (12) operation strokes. Among six (6) working periods involved, four (4) periods contain four (4) different power strokes but only one of the power strokes consumes the fuel.

Abstract: A dual-function system comprising a heat source and a Stirling engine movably secured to a motorized machine, where the Stirling engine is positionable to operate in a refrigeration mode and in a power generation mode. The Stirling engine is configured to transfer heat from an exhaust pipe of the motorized machine in the refrigeration mode, and to transfer heat from the heat source to generate electrical power in the power generation mode.

Abstract: A power plant with heat transfer, in which power is generated by an arbitrary number of heat engines, described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 18, is disclosed. The heat engines (A) are arranged in series with a cooling medium (22) and a heating medium (30) passing through them in a counter flow principal. After exiting the last heat engine the heated-up cooling medium is used as a combustion air. The heating medium (30) exiting in the opposite direction the last heat engine (A) can be used further on for heating purposes or other heating consumers.

Abstract: A heating arrangement for heating a fluid, the arrangement comprising an elongate housing having a main axis. An inner chamber (21) for a first fluid surrounds the axis. A plurality of axially extending fins (22) project into the inner chamber. An exhaust gas inlet which receives exhaust gas, for example, from a Stirling engine, is provided at one end of the inner chamber. A supplementary burner (20) at the opposite end of the chamber is arranged to fire radially outwardly on to the fins. An outer chamber (30) for a second fluid surrounds the inner chamber.

Abstract: A Stirling engine-equipped cogeneration system is capable of utilizing thermal energy, without waste, and of offering high thermal usage efficiency at every stage of the thermal energy utilization process.

Abstract: An improvement is provided to a pressurized close-cycle machine that has a cold-end pressure vessel and is of the type having a piston undergoing reciprocating linear motion within a cylinder containing a working fluid heated by conduction through a heater head by heat from an external thermal source. The improvement includes a heat exchanger for cooling the working fluid, where the heat exchanger is disposed within the cold-end pressure vessel. The heater head may be directly coupled to the cold-end pressure vessel by welding or other methods. A coolant tube is used to convey coolant through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A device and method for equalizing the pressure between work-space and crankcase in a pressurized engine, such as a Stirling engine. The device consists of a two-way valve connected between the work-space and the crankcase. The valve is connected to the work-space with a passageway including a constriction to provide an mean pressure for monitoring purposes. The valve connects the work-space and crankcase allowing the pressure to equalize when the mean pressure of the work-space exceeds the crankcase pressure by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An external combustion engine having an exhaust flow diverter for directing the flow of an exhaust gas. The external combustion engine has a heater head having a plurality of heater tubes through which a working fluid is heated by conduction. The exhaust flow diverter is a cylinder disposed around the outside of the plurality of heater tubes and includes a plurality of openings through which the flow of exhaust gas may pas. The exhaust flow diverter directs the exhaust gas past the plurality of heater tubes. The external combustion engine may also include a plurality of flow diverter fins coupled to the plurality of heater tubes to direct the flow of the exhaust gas. The heater tubes may be U-shaped or helical coiled shaped.

Abstract: The heart of a heat engine is a reciprocating expansion chamber, which converts heat from a hot fluid into mechanical work. The expansion chamber utilizes a refrigerant in a liquid state as an input, and heats and expands the refrigerant to move pistons and generate work. A high pressure injector injects the liquid refrigerant into the chamber under enough pressure to keep it in a liquid state until it is desirable to have it expand into a gas. A hot fluid is the heat source for the expansion chamber and cold fluid is an output. Another output is the refrigerant, now a hot, low pressure gas. A compressor pressurizes the refrigerant, forming a hot, high pressure gas, and a condenser generates liquid refrigerant and provides it to the pressure injector.

Abstract: A thermodynamic cycle heat engine comprising a regenerator housing with two bi-directional regenerators, compression and expansion chambers connected to different ends of the housing, and a gear train. Each of the bi-directional regenerators comprises a low pressure connection having a first volume and a high pressure connection having a second volume less than the first volume. The bi-directional regenerators, the compression chamber, and the expansion chamber form a closed space for a working fluid. The gear train is disposed within the regenerator housing and comprises a plurality of non-round gears, a center gear group, and two outer gear groups substantially opposed with respect to the center gear group. The gear train oscillatingly rotates rotors in the chambers to create cyclically varying volumes for compression and expansion spaces so that two thermodynamic cycles are completed by the engine for each rotation of the rotors.

Abstract: Through stroke control whereby the stroke of a piston is detected and controlled to be equal to a target stroke, the piston is prevented from colliding with a displacer, and the refrigerating performance of a Stirling refrigerator is enhanced. Different target strokes corresponding to different operation conditions of the Stirling refrigerator are stored in a storage portion in a control box, so that a linear motor can be driven with a target stroke that suits the current operation condition. Thus, the piston is prevented from colliding with a displacer, and the refrigerating performance of a Stirling refrigerator is further enhanced.

Abstract: A recuperative heater for heating the heater heads of an external combustion machine includes a recuperative heat exchanger having an axial pass section partially surrounding the combustion chamber. Combustion products pass from the recuperative heat exchanger to a condensing exhaust gas heat surrounding the axial pass section and comprising a cylindrical exhaust gas passage ringed externally by a water jacket. Water from the water jacket may be circulated to a thermal load. A top cover of the heater opposes the heater heads or hot end of the engine. Inner and outer plenums are formed between the combustion chamber wall and the top cover and inlet air is heated in stages as its enters the outer plenum, passes into the axial pass section, into the inner plenum, then into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A channelized stratified regenerator with integrated heat exchangers are disclosed using micromachining to precisely construct structural geometries, such as fins and axial stratification of material to be used in a Stirling cycle based system. In operation, a working fluid passes through the regenerator when traveling between two heat exchangers. In some implementations, the regenerator and the heat exchangers are formed as a single construction. In other implementations, the regenerator and heat exchangers are formed separately, but are constructed to integrate efficiently with one another.

Abstract: Impingement style heat exchanger through which significant heat transfer improvements can be obtained. The heat exchanger of the present invention operates such that the bulk of heat transfer between the heat source and the working fluid occurs during the portion of the Stirling cycle in which the working fluid impinges upon the pressure vessel surface. Either or both of two heat exchanger configurations may be used. In a first, the impingement heat transfer occurs while the fluid is traveling in the forward direction and towards the expansion space in the vessel. In contrast, and in connection with the second configuration of the heat exchanger of the present invention, the impingement heat transfer occurs while the working fluid is traveling in the backward direction and toward the compression space of the vessel.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling the flow of a gaseous fuel from a fuel supply to a pressurized combustion chamber. A fuel pump is included in the gas train from supply to chamber. The fuel pump increases the pressure of the gas to allow efficient injection into the chamber. The pump is modulated to control the fuel flow. Both alternating current and pulse-width-modulated direct current signals may be used to control the flow. The pump may be a piston pump or a diaphragm pump. Feedback may be provided from sensors that determine operating parameters of the engine and such sensor signals may be used by the controller to maintain a parameter, such as temperature, at a specified value. An acoustic filter can be included in the gas train to significantly reduce gas flow pulsations generated by the pump. This filter improves the uniformity of the combustion process.

Abstract: A channelized stratified regenerator with integrated heat exchangers are disclosed using micromachining to precisely construct structural geometries, such as fins and axial stratification of material to be used in a Stirling cycle based system. In operation, a working fluid passes through the regenerator when traveling between two heat exchangers. In some implementations, the regenerator and the heat exchangers are formed as a single construction. In other implementations, the regenerator and heat exchangers are formed separately, but are constructed to integrate efficiently with one another.

Abstract: The hot-gas engine comprises a cylinder, a working piston which together with a cylinder cover delimits a cylinder space designed to accommodate a working medium, a displacement piston which divides the cylinder space into a first and a second working space, as well as a heating device for heating device for heating up the working medium contained in the first working space, and a cooling device for cooling the heated working medium. The working spaces are connected so as to be communicating by way of a regenerator arranged in the displacement piston. The heating device comprises a heating area on the end wall of the working piston, and a heating arrangement associated with the working piston. The cooling device comprises an injection device for feeding liquefied working medium into the first working space. This design provides improved heat supply to the working medium contained in the cylinder, and further provides direct cooling of said working medium.

Abstract: A Stirling engine assembly comprising a Stirling engine (1) with a hot head (3) and a cold region (4). An annular burner (9) surrounds the head and is arranged to provide heat to the head. A corrugated seal (2) between the Stirling engine and the burner prevents the flow of combustion gases from the head into the surrounding environment. The Stirling engine is supported by a mounting frame (23) at least in part via the seal.

Abstract: A seal between the head of a Stirling engine (1) and surrounding burner assembly (2). The seal comprises an annular trough (11) attached to one component and filled with a viscous liquid (14), and an annular blade attached to the other component inserted into the viscous liquid. This forms a seal to the gas path between the engine and burner.

Abstract: A DCHP unit with a Stirling engine (1), a burner (3) and a supplementary burner (11). Water is heated by exhaust gas from the Stirling engine and from the supplementary burner. If a sensor (18) detects that the water temperature has risen indicating that there is insufficient demand for the heat in the exhaust gas, a fan (15), (20) which normally provides the flow of air to the supplementary burner is operated without firing the burner to generate a flow of cool air to cool the water.

Abstract: A thermal cycle engine having a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy across the heater head from a heated external fluid to the working fluid. The heat exchanger has a set of heat transfer pins each having an axis directed away from the cylindrical wall of the expansion cylinder. The height and density of the heat transfer pins may vary with distance in the direction of the flow path, and the pin structure may be fabricated by stacking perforated rings in contact with a heater head. Ribs are provided interior to the heater head to enhance hoop strength and thermal transfer.

Abstract: A heater head assembly is provided with potential advantages of low assembly and integration requirements. A significant portion of the heater head assembly is formed or machined as a single piece of material to reduce assembly demands. The heater head assembly has a planar surface to reduce complications involved with integration of the heater head assembly with various sources of heat.

Abstract: The heating appliance, and particularly a dchp system, comprising two burners (3, 17). A splitter valve (23) splits a stream of air (24) into two streams, one for each burner. Combustible fuel is mixed with the air. A controller controls the combustible fuel, and the splitter valve position, thereby controlling the portion of air fed to each burner.

Abstract: A fan assembly comprising two fans (4, 10) for supplying combustible gases to two burners (5, 9) respectively. The flow parts from the first and second burners are combined in a common manifold. Temperature censor (6, 11) detect the temperature of the gases passing through each fan, and the speed of a particular fan is increased if the temperature sensor detects reverse flow of combustion gases.

Abstract: The present invention provides heat exchanging elements for use in Stirling engines. According to the present invention, the heat exchanging elements are made from muliple platelets that are stacked and joined together. The use of platelets to make heat exchanging elements permits Stirling engines to run more effiecient because the heat transfer and combustion processes are improved. In one embodiment, multi-stage combustion can be introduced with platlets, along with the flexibility to use different types of fuels. In another embodiment, a single component constructed from platelets can provide the heat transfer rquirements betweeen the combustion gas/working gas, working gas in the regenerator and the working gas/coolant fluid of a Stirling engine. In another embodiment, the platelet heat exchanging element can recieve solar energy to heat the Stirling engine's working gas. Also, this invention provides a heat exchanging method that allows for multiple fluids to flow in opposing or same direction.

Abstract: A piston assembly for use in a motor comprises a cylinder having a bore, an electrically conductive piston reciprocally disposed within the cylinder bore, a gas cavity formed within the piston, and one or more gas bearings associated with the piston, each of the one or more gas bearings including an aperture formed within the piston and an electrically conductive tubular member extending through the aperture, the tubular member having a lumen in communication between the gas cavity and the cylinder bore. The piston assembly may be used in connection with a motor used in a cryocooler that is driven by oscillating magnetic energy fields.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a thermal dynamic cycle engine, such as a Stirling engine. The system includes a controller able to execute a program to alter certain aspects of the system to provide for a maximum power transfer and substantially stall free start up of the thermal dynamic cycle engine. Generally the controller is able to alter the current load to achieve a selected stroke length, pattern or temperature of a heater head of the engine. The system allows for generally stall free start-up and continuous control for maximum power (with maximum power factor) transfer from the thermal cycle engine or the associated alternator.

Abstract: The Stirling cycle engine includes: a casing having a cylindrical shape; a cylinder for sidably inserting a displacer and a piston into a part adjacent to one end and another part adjacent to an other end thereof respectively,_the cylinder being coaxially placed inside the casing; a driving mechanism provided around an outer peripheral surface of the cylinder so as to force the piston to reciprocate inside the cylinder; a mount for fixing the driving mechanism to the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder, the mount being integrally formed with the cylinder; a flat spring having a center portion thereof connected to the piston; and a plurality of connecting arms, one ends thereof being integrally formed with the mount and the other ends thereof being connected to a peripheral portion of the flat spring.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a thermal dynamic cycle engine, such as a Stirling engine. The system includes a controller able to execute a program to alter certain aspects of the system to provide for a maximum power transfer and substantially stall free start up of the thermal dynamic cycle engine. Generally the controller is able to alter the current load to achieve a selected stroke length, pattern or temperature of a heater head of the engine. The system allows for generally stall free start-up and continuous control for maximum power (with maximum power factor) transfer from the thermal cycle engine or the associated alternator.

Abstract: The free piston cooler transient temperature control system of the present invention eliminates collisions during the transient cool-down period in a free piston cooler upon start-up. The transient temperature control system incorporates a free piston cooler, having a cold head and a warm end, a cold head temperature sensor, a relational interface, and a temperature controller. The cold head temperature sensor senses the temperature of the cold head and generates a temperature signal. The relational interface is in communication with the temperature signal and contains a predetermined relationship between the cold head temperature and a maximum piston stroke during the transient cool-down temperature range. The relational interface generates a transient range maximum allowable stroke signal from the temperature signal and the predetermined relationship.

Abstract: A thermal cycle engine having a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy across the heater head from a heated external fluid to the working fluid. The heat exchanger has a set of heat transfer pins each having an axis directed away from the cylindrical wall of the expansion cylinder. The height and density of the heat transfer pins may vary with distance in the direction of the flow path, and the pin structure may be fabricated by stacking perforated rings in contact with a heater head. Ribs are provided interior to the heater head to enhance hoop strength and thermal transfer.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for a multicylinder Stirling engine provided to enable modulation of the displacement of the engine. The hydraulic actuator incorporates a rotary vane configuration which provides relative rotational adjustment between components of a swashplate assembly. The relative rotation provides adjustments to the angle formed by the swashplate relative to its angle of rotation, and thus varies the stroke of each piston connecting rod, which thereby modulates the swept volume of the respective piston within its cylinder bore.

Abstract: A Stirling engine includes a heat exchanger having helical and axial fins forming an orthogonal grillage on either side of a pressure resisting wall, and an outer reinforcing sleeve about the helical fins. The sleeve improves the pressure resisting ability of a thin separating wall between a pressurized fluid and an outside working environment, resulting in a high-pressure and temperature heat exchanger with high heat transfer efficiency. In addition, the sleeve and helical fins together define fluid passages for the flow of heating fluid. The heat exchanger according to the invention has the ability to resist high pressures at high temperatures without excessive distortion, has improved heat transfer capability, better reliability, and lower production cost than prior art heat exchangers.

Abstract: A method for controlling the fuel-air ratio of a burner having a blower responsive to a blower drive signal for injecting air into the burner. The method is based at least on the concentration of a gas in an exhaust gas product of a combustion chamber of the burner and includes measuring the gas concentration in the exhaust gas product, deriving a gas concentration signal from the measured gas concentration, determining the fuel-air ratio from the gas concentration signal and the sign of the derivative of the gas concentration signal with respect to the blower drive signal, and controlling the fuel-air ratio by adjusting the air flow rate into the burner. The burner may be, for example, in a Stirling cycle engine.

Abstract: A magnet ring assembly for use with a piston assembly includes a cylindrical magnet holder having an inner surface, an annular ledge formed around the inner surface of the cylindrical magnet holder, and a swaged axial edge opposite the annular ledge, and a plurality of arcuate magnet sectors having a radially uniform magnetic polarity, the plurality of magnets being bonded around the inner surface of the cylindrical magnet holder, each of the plurality of magnets having opposing axial edges, one of the axial edges being disposed on the annular ledge, and the other of the axial edges being captured by the swaged axial edge of the cylindrical magnet holder. The magnet ring assembly can be used in connection with a crycooler.

Abstract: A thermal cycle engine having a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy across the heater head from a heated external fluid to the working fluid. The heat exchanger has a set of heat transfer pins each having an axis directed away from the cylindrical wall of the expansion cylinder. The height and density of the heat transfer pins may vary with distance in the direction of the flow path, and the pin structure may be fabricated by stacking perforated rings in contact with a heater head. Ribs are provided interior to the heater head to enhance hoop strength and thermal transfer.

Abstract: A magnet ring assembly for a piston/magnet assembly that can be used in a Stirling cycle cryocooler comprises a cylindrical magnet holder and a plurality of magnet sectors disposed on the inner surface of the magnet holder. The magnet sectors are captured in the rotational direction by bonding the magnet sectors to the inner surface of the magnet holder. The magnet sectors are also captured in the radial direction by providing them with a uniform radial magnetic field, such that they mutually repel each other against the inner surface of the magnet holder. Also, the edges of the magnet sectors are shaped, such any one magnet sector is prevented from being displaced radially inward by the edges of adjacent magnet sector. The magnet sectors are captured in the axial direction by forming an annular ledge on the inner surface of the magnet holder on which one axial edge of each magnet sector rests, and swaging the axial edge of the magnet holder around the other axial edge of each magnet sector.

Abstract: An external combustion engine (1) comprising pressure vessel means defining a tubular working chamber (3) having spaced apart first and second ends and including first wall means (11), adjacent the first end of the chamber, heated by heating means (10, 11) and second wall means (6), adjacent the second end of the chamber, cooled by cooling means. The engine further has a porous piston or regenerator (7) provided with heat exchanging means (9) and movable within the tubular working chamber (3) between the first and second ends of the chamber so that the working fluid passes through the heat exchanging means. The regenerator (7) has valving means.

Abstract: To generate electric power efficiently with a thermoelectromagnetic generator using the heat regenerator of a Stirling engine. When a high-temperature operating gas and a low-temperature operating gas alternately pass through a heat regenerator of a Stirling engine, the temperature of the heat regenerator increases and decreases periodically. A thermoelectromagnetic generator G integrally associated with the heat regenerator has a yoke making up a closed magnetic circuit passing through the heat regenerator, a permanent magnet for supplying magnetic fluxes to the magnetic circuit, and an induction coil responsive to changes in the magnetic fluxes of the magnetic circuit. The heat regenerator which is made of a ferromagnetic material has a Curie temperature which is present in a range of varying temperatures of the heat regenerator.

Abstract: An auxiliary power system for providing electrical power and heat to an indoor area includes an external combustion engine, such as a Stirling cycle engine, for generating mechanical energy and thermal energy. The external combustion engine burns a fuel with substantially complete combustion such that exhaust emissions from the external combustion engine are below a predetermined exhaust level. A generator is coupled to the external combustion engine and converts the mechanical energy produced by the external combustion engine to electrical power. A first power output is used to provide the electrical power produced by the generator. The external combustion engine and generator are disposed within a housing such that the external combustion engine, generator and housing combination is a portable size. The thermal energy generated by the external combustion engine may be used to heat the atmosphere surrounding the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides heat exchanging elements for use in Stirling engines. According to the present invention, the heat exchanging elements are made from muliple platelets that are stacked and joined together. The use of platelets to make heat exchanging elements permits Stirling engines to run more effiecient because the heat transfer and combustion processes are improved. In one embodiment, multi-stage combustion can be introduced with platlets, along with the flexibility to use different types of fuels. In another embodiment, a single component constructed from platelets can provide the heat transfer requirements between the combustion gas/working gas, working gas in the regenerator and the working gas/coolant fluid of a Stirling engine. In another embodiment, the platelet heat exchanging element can recieve solar energy to heat the Stirling engine's working gas. Also, this invention provides a heat exchanging method that allows for multiple fluids to flow in opposing or same direction.

Abstract: A method for transmitting mechanical energy between a transfer piston of a Stirling machine and a moveable member of a generator or of an electric motor. A subject of this invention is also a device for implementing this method. The replacing of the driving piston by a completely static pneumatic resonator makes it possible not only to considerably simplify the device, since this method makes it possible to dispense with the driving piston, but also to facilitate the servocontrol as will be explained subsequently. This signifies that not only does the invention make it possible to substantially simplify the device and to reduce the production costs thereof, but also that the reliability of the device is thereby increased. However, for such a device to have an economical benefit, not only must it be possible to produce it at a competitive price, but it must also be capable of operating for many years without requiring any servicing or adjustment.

Abstract: A cycle engine converting thermal energy to electricity includes a cylinder housing having a piston having two oppositely disposed heads and mounted for reciprocating inside the cylinder. The cylinder is disposed between a hot zone to supply hot gas to one piston head and a cold zone to receive discharged hot gas from another piston head, and to transform the discharged hot gas into a liquid. The hot zone supplies hot gas into the first piston head, while the second head discharges hot gas to the cold zone. This action creates a pressure differential between the two piston heads that causes the piston heads to move in one direction. Thereafter, the hot zone supplies hot gas to the second piston head, while the first piston head discharges hot gas to the cold zone, thereby creating pressure differential between the heads causing the piston to move in another direction. The piston is provided with a permanent magnet coupled to electric coil.

Abstract: A multifuel internal combustion Stirling engine is described, wherein a compressor piston and a displacer piston reciprocate, within a common cylinder, to enclose a variable air volume, and a variable burned gas volume. Motion of these two pistons, creates a power producing cycle, of compression, combustion, expansion, and scavenge, wherein the burned gases do not contact those cylinder portions over which the compressor piston moves. In this way low engine wear can be obtained when using fuels such as coal, which produces abrasive particulates in the burned gases. A multifuel internal combustion engine of this invention can be readily adapted to operate on a wide variety of fuels, such as, natural gas, diesel fuel, residual petroleum fuel, and coal. Widespread use of these engines would introduce economic competition between these now separately competing fuels. This is a clear route to national energy independence, since coal reserves greatly exceed petroleum reserves, nationally and internationally.

Abstract: A thermal cycle engine having a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy across the heater head from a heated external fluid to the working fluid. The heat exchanger has a set of heat transfer pins each having an axis directed away from the cylindrical wall of the expansion cylinder, or, alternatively, a set of fins substantially aligned with the axis of the expansion cylinder. The height and density of the heat transfer pins may vary with distance in the direction of the flow path, and the pin structure may be fabricated by stacking perforated rings in contact with a heater head. A ring burner supplements the main combustor for supplying additional fuel to cause additional combustion of the exhaust gas. A regenerator for the thermal cycle engine has a random network of fibers formed to fill a specified volume and a material for cross-linking the fibers at points of close contact between fibers of the network.

Abstract: A heat engine is constructed from sheet metal and the like. The heat engine has an outer container and inner container which contains a displacer and a power piston. A plurality of positioning members are provided to dimensionally stabilize the inner and outer containers. By providing positioning members that extend between the inner and the outer containers, a sandwiched construction is obtained which allows the inner and outer containers to reinforce each other thus permitting the use of thin walled containers and improving the thermal efficiency of the heat engine and decreasing the weight of the heat engine.