Elliott J.

Stoddard invented and patented two versions of

the Stoddard engine, the first in 1919 and the second in 1933. The
general engine classification is an external combustion
engine with valves and single-phase gaseous working fluid (i.e. a "hot
air engine"). The internal working fluid was originally air, although in
modern versions, other gases such as helium or hydrogen may be
used.

One potential thermodynamic advantage of using valves is to

minimize the adverse effects of "unswept volume" in the heat
exchangers (sometimes called "dead volume"), which is known to
reduce engine efficiency and power output in the valveless Stirling
engine.

The generalized thermodynamic processes of the 1919 Stoddard

cycle are:

1. Adiabatic compression
2. Isobaric heat-addition
3. Adiabatic expansion
4. Isobaric heat-removal

The engine design in the patent was using a scotch yoke