Stirling engine control mechanism and method

Patent · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1983

OSTI ID:864484

Dineen, John J ^[1]

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1. Durham, NH

A reciprocating-to-rotating motion conversion and power control device for a Stirling engine includes a hub mounted on an offset portion of the output shaft for rotation relative to the shaft and for sliding motion therealong which causes the hub to tilt relative to the axis of rotation of the shaft. This changes the angle of inclination of the hub relative to the shaft axis and changes the axial stroke of a set of arms connected to the hub and nutating therewith. A hydraulic actuating mechanism is connected to the hub for moving its axial position along the shaft. A balancing wheel is linked to the hub and changes its angle of inclination as the angle of inclination of the hub changes to maintain the mechanism in perfect balance throughout its range of motion.

• DOE Contract Number: DEN3-32
• Assignee: Mechanical Technology Incorporated (Latham, NY)
• Patent Number(s): US 4372116
• OSTI ID: 864484
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

stirling
engine
control
mechanism
method
reciprocating-to-rotating
motion
conversion
power
device
hub
mounted
offset
portion
output
shaft
rotation
relative
sliding
therealong
causes
tilt
axis
changes
angle
inclination
axial
stroke
set
arms
connected
nutating
therewith
hydraulic
actuating
moving
position
balancing
wheel
linked
maintain
perfect
balance
throughout
range
power control
output shaft
control device
stirling engine
axial position
actuating mechanism
control mechanism
shaft axis
sliding motion
offset portion
motion conversion
rotating motion
/60/74/91/92/