Patent ID: 7490540

Claim:
A reciprocating piston compressor ( 100 ), comprising a swivel disk ( 107 ) having an annular shape, that is rotated by a drive shaft ( 104 ) and is positioned at an adjustable angle with respect to said drive shaft ( 104 ), said swivel disk ( 107 ) connected in an articulated manner to sliding sleeve ( 108 ) that is selectively moved axially along said drive shaft ( 104 ) as well as to at least one rounded supporting element ( 109 ) so disposed that it is spaced apart from and connected to said drive shaft ( 104 ) by way of a L-shaped rod-like force transmission element ( 114 ) having a free end connected to said supporting element ( 109 ) and having a limb ( 126 ) extending approximately parallel to said drive shaft ( 104 ) and supported axially against a bearing plate ( 127 ), and rotates therewith, a piston ( 106 ) comprises a joint arrangement ( 110 ) with which said swivel disk ( 107 ) is in sliding engagement, said swivel disk ( 107 ) having a slot ( 115 ) disposed proximate its circumferential edge, said slot ( 115 ) having a radial axis and a longer axis perpendicular to said radial axis with a portion of said supporting element ( 109 ) disposed within said slot ( 115 ), whereby the articulated connection ( 116 ) between drive shaft ( 104 ) and swivel disk ( 107 ) serves substantially only to transmit torque, and said supporting element ( 109 ) serves substantially only to provide axial support to said piston ( 106 ) and hence to absorb the force exerted by the gas.