This
engine is not a "vacuum" engine, it is a "beta"
type stirling engine. Beta means that the power piston and the
displacer are both working in the same cylinder. This arrangement
gives greater power output than the typical two cylinder engine.
The reason for this is that the compression ratio can be higher
due to less "dead" space inside the engine.
The Duplex Vacuum Company of Chicago, Illinois made this type
of engine about 100 years ago. They were widely used in popcorn
wagons and to operate dental drills among other applications due
to their silent operation and reliability.
A unique feature of the Duplex engines is the oscillating shaft
and linkage which produces an interesting motion in operating
the displacer.
The plans set consists of 8 sheets of drawings and 2 sheets of
construction and assembly notes.