The crankshaft of an engine or compressor is arranged to define an Oldham type sliding connection which permits the stroke of a piston or pistons to be selectively varied. When the axis of the control disc (12, 18) is displaced along a arcuate path the TDC position and compression ratio of the device can be varied. Combining four sliding connections in a four square configuration permits inherent vibration cancellation. Valve train timing can be varied using a belt tensioning technique and can be combined with the stroke control provided by the sliding connection arrangement or arrangements.
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