Where the mythological Chiron is a centaur, half man and half horse, the CHIRON free piston unit combines the functions of engine and pump.
In the Greek mythology, most centaurs where wild and savage, known for their lustfulness and drunkenness. The exception is the wise Chiron. He was renowned for his skills in hunting, medicine, music, and the art of prophecy.
He was the only immortal centaur, tutor to a number of Greek heroes, including Achilles and Aesculapius. Chiron gave up his immortality when a misdirected poisoned arrow of Heracles accidentally wounded him. He chose to trade his life for the release of Prometheus, rather than to live on in pain forever.