US4014170A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermal engine
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-01-08
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Granted: 1977-03-29
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Expires: 1996-01-08
Abstract
Abstract A thermal motor is disclosed for converting heat energy to hydramechanical energy. A plurality of heat-responsive elements are mounted on a rotor to periodically expose the elements to heating and cooling. Thermally responsive elements generate a mechanical movement in response to the heating and cooling. The mechanical movement actuates a hydraulic cylinder which, in turn, operates a hydraulic motor. The output of the hydraulic motor is used to perform useful work and also to rotate the rotor. In one preferred form, the heat-responsive elements are in the form of bimetallic strips which mechanically deflect.
Inventors
- 👤 Roger L. Kitterman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 13:13
CPC Classifications
F; F03; F03G; F03G7/00; F03G7/06; F03G7/061; F03G7/0613; F03G7/063; F03G7/0633; F03G7/064; F03G7/0641
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A thermal motor for converting heat energy to mechanical energy comprising: a. a rotor defining a plurality of cylinder chambers each having a reciprocable piston therein; b. heat-responsive means which mechanically move in response to a temperature change operatively connected to said pistons; c. a hydraulic circuit including a hydraulic motor having an output shaft, said circuit interconnecting said cylinder chambers with said motor whereby reciprocation of said piston actuates said motor; and d. means for rotating said rotor a predetermined rotational speed to selectively expose said heat-responsive means to a heat source.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
A thermal motor for converting heat energy to mechanical energy comprising: a. a rotor defining a plurality of cylinder chambers each having a reciprocable piston therein; b. heat-responsive means which mechanically move in response to a temperature change operatively connected to said pistons; c. a hydraulic circuit including a hydraulic motor having an output shaft, said circuit interconnecting said cylinder chambers with said motor whereby reciprocation of said piston actuates said motor; and d. means for rotating said rotor a predetermined rotational speed to selectively expose said heat-responsive means to a heat source.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The thermal motor of claim 1 wherein said hydraulic motor output shaft is operatively connected to drive said rotor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The thermal motor of claim 1 wherein said heat-responsive means comprise bi-metallic elements.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The thermal motor of claim 1 wherein said thermal motor is mounted on platform means for diurnal tracking.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The thermal motor of claim 3 wherein said bi-metallic elements are peripherally mounted about said rotor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The thermal motor of claim 5 wherein said motor is mounted on a tracking means to orient the bi-metallic strips with respect to the heat source.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The thermal motor of claim 6 further including means for cooling the heat responsive elements at a predetermined point in the rotational position of the rotor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The thermal motor of claim 1 further including means for receiving and storing energy produced by said motor.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-03-28 | 1980-09-27 | 1981-03-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-03-28 | 1984-09-27 | 1985-03-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-03-28 | 1988-09-27 | 1989-03-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |