Abstract: A fuel injection, ignition, and combustion system for use in a rotary internal combustion engine of the diesel type and method of power extraction is provided. The fuel combustion system includes a rotary engine with a prechamber disposed in a top center position of the engine housing. The prechamber includes means within the prechamber for maintaining a surface in the prechamber at a temperature sufficient to cause ignition of the fuel. In operation, unthrottled air is introduced into the housing and compressed in the top center position of the engine housing. Fuel is introduced into the prechamber via a fuel injector disposed within the prechamber which ignites due to the hot surface and initiates combustion. The engine continues to operate by retaining the surface of the prechamber at a high temperature which initiates subsequent combustion cycles.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 9, 1997
Date of Patent:
October 3, 2000
Assignee:
Patrick Power Products, Inc.
Inventors:
Leonard J. Louthan, Michael J. Griffith