Linear roller bearing assembly and sub-assembly and reciprocating machinery incorporating the same

摘要

A roller bearing sub-assembly can include a first mounting portion, a second mounting portion spaced apart from the first mounting portion, a first roller disposed between the first and second mounting portions and straps wrapped partially around different portions of the first roller. The first mounting portion, second mounting portion, first roller and straps are configured such that the first and second mounting portions are moveable relative to each other along a selected direction for a distance that is approximately equal to a circumference of the first roller in opposite directions from a mid-stroke position. Linear roller bearing assemblies and methods of forming linear roller bearing assemblies are also disclosed, as are multi-cylinder Stirling engines and a thermal energy recovery system.

主权项

1. A roller bearing sub-assembly, comprising:
a first mounting portion; a second mounting portion spaced apart from the first mounting portion; a roller having a circumference and an axial length, and disposed between the first and second mounting portions; a plurality of straps disposed along the axial length of the roller, each of the straps having opposite ends, the plurality of straps connecting the first and second mounting portions to the roller; at least three of the plurality of the straps anchored at one opposite end to the roller; and at least one of the plurality of the straps wrapped over the roller without being anchored thereto, and anchored at one opposite end to the first mounting portion and anchored at another opposite end to the second mounting portion; wherein the configuration of the first mounting portion, the second mounting portion, the roller, and the straps permit relative movement of the first and second mounting portions along a linear distance substantially equal to the circumference of the roller.