The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a linear-to-rotary apparatus that includes a linear actuator having an actuator housing including a piston chamber, a piston shaft disposed in the piston chamber, and a rotor apparatus. The rotor apparatus includes a rotary joint defining a rotational axis, a rotor arm extending radially from the rotary joint and configured to at least partially pivot about the rotary joint, and a torque linkage pivotably connected to the rotor arm. The torque linkage is also attached to an end of the piston shaft of the piston at a pivot connection joint, where the pivot connection joint defines a pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the translation axis of the piston shaft.

A generator (100) and/or machine (110) generating mechanical energy and functioning on the principle of exploitation of an energy allowing the existence of centrifugal forces (Fc) on masses (120) being displaced in rotation, into an effective elliptic trajectory (150), about a respective shaft (128) freely rotatably mounted on a plate (122) itself freely rotatably mounted on a main shaft (202) freely rotatably mounted on a fixed chassis (140). The centrifugal forces generated by the masses (120) transmit a rotational oscillating movement of the plate (122) transferred by a mechanical energy transmission mechanism into a continuous rotation movement to an output torque mechanism freely mounted on the main shaft (202).

Linear drive (100), in particular for converting a rotational movement into a linear movement for actuating a valve including a shut-off slide, having a crank mechanism, the linear drive (100) comprising a first crankshaft (6) associated with a piston rod (10) via a first connecting rod (8), a second crankshaft (7) associated with the piston rod (10) via a second connecting rod (9), and a planetary gear for rotationally driving the first crankshaft (6) and the second crankshaft (7).

A Stirling cycle machine. The machine includes at least one rocking drive mechanism which includes: a rocking beam having a rocker pivot, at least one cylinder and at least one piston. The piston is housed within a respective cylinder and is capable of substantially linearly reciprocating within the respective cylinder. Also, the drive mechanism includes at least one coupling assembly having a proximal end and a distal end. The linear motion of the piston is converted to rotary motion of the rocking beam. Also, a crankcase housing the rocking beam and housing a first portion of the coupling assembly is included. The machine also includes a working space housing the at least one cylinder, the at least one piston and a second portion of the coupling assembly. An airlock is included between the workspace and the crankcase and a seal is included for sealing the workspace from the airlock and crankcase. A burner and burner control system is also included for heating the machine and controlling ignition and combustion in the burner.

A Stirling cycle machine. The machine includes at least one rocking drive mechanism which includes: a rocking beam having a rocker pivot, at least one cylinder and at least one piston. The piston is housed within a respective cylinder and is capable of substantially linearly reciprocating within the respective cylinder. Also, the drive mechanism includes at least one coupling assembly having a proximal end and a distal end. The linear motion of the piston is converted to rotary motion of the rocking beam. Also, a crankcase housing the rocking beam and housing a first portion of the coupling assembly is included. The machine also includes a working space housing the at least one cylinder, the at least one piston and a second portion of the coupling assembly. An airlock is included between the workspace and the crankcase and a seal is included for sealing the workspace from the airlock and crankcase. A burner and burner control system is also included for heating the machine and controlling ignition and combustion in the burner.

Linear drive, in particular for converting a rotational movement into a linear movement for actuating a valve including a shut-off slide, having a crank mechanism, the linear drive comprising a first crankshaft associated with a piston rod via a first connecting rod, a second crankshaft associated with the piston rod via a second connecting rod, and a planetary gear for rotationally driving the first crankshaft and the second crankshaft.

Various embodiments are described herein for methods and devices that relate to a drive mechanism, and a power mechanism that can be used 5 individually or together in an engine to obtain increased efficiency are provided according to the teachings herein. The embodiments described herein generally employ at least one of drive mechanisms that provide for non-sinusoidal motion and embedded piston arrangements.

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a linear-to-rotary apparatus that includes a linear actuator having an actuator housing including a piston chamber, a piston shaft disposed in the piston chamber, and a rotor apparatus. The rotor apparatus includes a rotary joint defining a rotational axis, a rotor arm extending radially from the rotary joint and configured to at least partially pivot about the rotary joint, and a torque linkage pivotably connected to the rotor arm. The torque linkage is also attached to an end of the piston shaft of the piston at a pivot connection joint, where the pivot connection joint defines a pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the translation axis of the piston shaft.

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a linear-to-rotary apparatus that includes a linear actuator having an actuator housing including a piston chamber, a piston shaft disposed in the piston chamber, and a rotor apparatus. The rotor apparatus includes a rotary joint defining a rotational axis, a rotor arm extending radially from the rotary joint and configured to at least partially pivot about the rotary joint, and a torque linkage pivotably connected to the rotor arm. The torque linkage is also attached to an end of the piston shaft of the piston at a pivot connection joint, where the pivot connection joint defines a pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the translation axis of the piston shaft.

There is presented various embodiments disclosed in this application, including an improved crankshaft system using a load connecting member which provides a greater maximum torque angle than a conventional system, thereby improving efficiency and power.