초록 ▼

The present invention relates generally to fluid displacement apparatuses and methods. The inventive apparatus comprises: a housing having an interior space; a crankpin positionable in the interior space; and a plurality of articulated displacement members positionable in the interior space such tha

The present invention relates generally to fluid displacement apparatuses and methods. The inventive apparatus comprises: a housing having an interior space; a crankpin positionable in the interior space; and a plurality of articulated displacement members positionable in the interior space such that the articulated displacement members extend from the crankpin and define in the interior space a plurality of displacement zones. The inventive apparatus can be embodied as a pump, a compressor, a fluid flow meter, a stirling-type engine, a relay system, an actuator, and many other devices.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An engine comprising:a housing having an interior space;a revolving structure positionable in said interior space for a circuitous, revolving movement; anda plurality of articulated displacement members positionable in said interior space and defining in said interior spa

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An engine comprising:a housing having an interior space;a revolving structure positionable in said interior space for a circuitous, revolving movement; anda plurality of articulated displacement members positionable in said interior space and defining in said interior space a plurality of displacement zones, each said displacement zone having a flow opening through which said fluid alternately both enters and exits said displacement zone in a bi-directional flow cycle,wherein each of said articulated displacement members has a proximal end portion pivotably mountable on said revolving structure and a distal end portion pivotably securable in said housing at a substantially fixed position,wherein each of said displacement zones has a maximum volume and a minimum volume and said articulated displacement members are operable for cycling said displacement zones to and from said maximum and minimum volumes, andwherein each of said displacement zones is a closed fluid system, and each of said displacement zones is hydraulically isolated from each other displacement zone.