IP Library › Granted Patent US 7,584,612
Granted Patent B2
US 7,584,612 · App. 11/659,529 · Granted Sep 8, 2009

Linear free piston Stirling machine

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,584,612
App. No.
11/659,529
Filed
Oct 9, 2007
Granted
Sep 8, 2009
Kind
B2
Art Unit
3746
USPC
60/517
Abstract

A linear free piston Stirling machine having an overstroke prevention mechanism for the power piston. A resilient member is fixed to the casing which contacts the power piston 4 when its displacement exceeds a predetermined level.

Claims (3)

1. A linear free piston Stirling machine comprising a displacer and a power piston which are reciprocably mounted within a casing; an alternator electromagnetically coupled, in use, with the power piston; and an overstroke prevention mechanism which is fixed with respect to the casing and which comprises at least one resilient member, wherein the power piston is provided with a first portion which is arranged to contact the resilient member if the displacement of the power piston exceeds the predetermined level in a first direction, characterised in that the power piston is provided with a second portion which is arranged to contact the same resilient member if the displacement of the power piston exceeds the predetermined level in a second direction.

2. A machine according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second portions are provided in a recess within the power piston.

3. A machine according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second portions are on a separate component which projects from the power piston.