Engine powered using natural sources of heat - has rod alternately expanded and contracted to drive piston via rack and pinion

摘要

A metal rod is fixed at one end to a bracket attached to the base of the machine. At its other end the rod carries a toothed rack which meshes with a pinion wheel. Expansion and contraction of the rod produces oscillation of the pinion. A crank attached to the pinion transmits this as useful output. A cylinder surrounding the rod rotates on rollers. Part of its circumference transmits heat to the rod and part insulates it. Thus as the cylinder rotates the rod is alternately heated and cooled and this produces alternate expansion and contraction of the rod.