An improved transmission from linear power to rotary power in a Stirling heat engine having at least one cylinder with power and displacement pistons linearly operable therein. The power and displacement piston shafts are each interconnected to a common drive shaft through an actuating arm. The power and displacement shaft connections to the actuating arms are through universal joints and their drive shaft connections are rotary connections. The rotary connections of the actuating arms to the drive shaft are eccentrics or cams angularly displaced from the longitudinal center line of the drive shaft and rotatably positioned relative to each other so as to provide the proper operational phase angle of the pistons. A timing shaft running through at least a portion of the drive shaft is translatable a discrete distance to change the relative rotational positions of the eccentrics or cams through 180. degree. of rotation displacement piston eccentric rotates 90. degree.
A planting implement for a terrarium having a narrow access to the planting area. The implement has an elongated body member. The upper portion of the body member is rigid and forms the handle of the device. The lower portion is flexible and positioned normally co-axial with the upper portion. A normally closed jaw type plant holder is attached to the free end of the lower flexible portion. A first actuator is provided for manipulating the plant holder to any desired location of the planting area. A second actuator is provided for selectively opening the jaws of the plant holder. Both of the actuators are positioned external of the narrow terrarium access and are near the handle of the rigid portion. There are additionally included slide-on attachments for planting area preparation and beautification.