Abstract: There is disclosed an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine includes a cylinder unit and a piston unit. The cylinder unit is rotatably coupled to a pair of spaced-apart crankshafts, with the cylinder unit moveable along a longitudinal axis. The piston unit is continually disposed within the cylinder unit, with the piston unit rotatively coupled to a second pair of spaced-apart crankshafts. The piston is moveable along the longitudinal axis in a direction opposite the direction of the cylinder during a combustion cycle. Both the cylinder unit and the piston unit are structured to be balanced relative to the respective center-of-gravity of each unit. Each center-of-gravity is located midway between the pair of spaced-apart crankshafts to which each unit is rotatively coupled.

Abstract: A mechanism for Internal Combustion (IC) engines, wherein such mechanism improves the efficiency and power output of IC engines through dividing the conventional connecting rod between the crank shaft and the piston into two parts; a first part and a second part, and connecting these parts together by a pin joint, wherein the second part slides through an oscillating rocker that is connected to an engine block by another pin joint, thus adding a degree of freedom to the conventional connecting rod. The mechanism may be retrofitted in an existing combustion engine without the need for any significant change in the design of the engine. The mechanism may replace the traditional connecting rod that connects the piston with the crank shaft of the engine and comprises essentially a primary connecting rod, a secondary connecting rod, and an oscillating rocker.

Abstract: An engine includes a first piston with surfaces that define a substantially cylindrical chamber inside the first piston and a passage into the substantially cylindrical chamber. One or more second pistons are arranged to reciprocate inside the substantially cylindrical chamber and to define, in cooperation with the substantially cylindrical chamber, a combustion chamber. A fuel injector extends at least partially through the passage in the first piston to inject fuel into the combustion chamber. The first piston is arranged to move in a reciprocating manner relative to the fuel injector.

Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine (30) is disclosed. Fuel efficiency is improved and extended over a wide power band by an inlet air valve (108) which controls the air charge and maintains a constant compression ratio. An integrated positive displacement supercharger (50) provides adequate air charge at all power levels and recovers compressor power from unused supercharged air. An integrated post combustion chamber (48) extends the power stroke by mixing combustion gases with ambient air for farther expansion and power production. Exhaust noise is reduced because the combustion gases are vented from the engine at lower pressure, lower velocity and temperature. The opposed cylinder design provides nearly continuous power by combining supercharger power recovery with extended power strokes.

Abstract: A power transfer assembly (2000) for transferring energy within a combustion engine (1010) externally of the engine. The power transfer assembly includes a crankshaft (2006) adapted to convert reciprocating motion to rotating motion. The power transfer assembly further includes an outdrive (2004, 2020, and/or 2026) adapted to transfer the rotating motion of the crankshaft to an external device requiring power. The outdrive is non-rigidly interfaced with the outdrive such that the crankshaft is permitted to freely rotate relative to the outdrive about at least one axis (2014) and freely move linearly in at least one direction (2027) relative to the outdrive during operation.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a rotary engine and, more particularly, to a rotary engine that, by using cylinder wedge geometry improves output efficiency, and decreases fuel consumption, and at the same time is easy to manufacture, contains fewer parts, uses conventional sealing techniques and has the flexibility to increase or decrease the number of cylinders and rotors to improve the performance of the rotary engine.

Abstract: A moving cylinder assembly includes an end ported moveable cylinder having a chamber for receiving and engaging a piston connected to at least one crank. A stationary housing embraces the cylinder and has at least one port for intermittent communication with the cylinder chamber. One or more ported seals are positioned within the housing and adjacent the cylinder to minimize leakage.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an internal combustion engine having reciprocating piston sleeves is realized comprising an engine block with a pair of cylinders, each cylinder having an intake port, an exhaust port and two linearly opposing pistons connected to two opposing crankshafts. A pair of piston sleeves are reciprocatingly mounted in each cylinder, one piston sleeve around each piston. Each piston sleeve is connected to one of two eccentric shafts that run parallel and adjacent to each crankshaft. The piston sleeves have ported slots in communication with either the intake ports or the exhaust ports of each cylinder. The eccentric shafts are mechanically connected to the crankshafts such that they move in unison.

Abstract: A power transfer assembly (2000) for transferring energy within a combustion engine (1010) externally of the engine. The power transfer assembly includes a crankshaft (2006) adapted to convert reciprocating motion to rotating motion. The power transfer assembly further includes an outdrive (2004, 2020, and/or 2026) adapted to transfer the rotating motion of the crankshaft to an external device requiring power. The outdrive is non-rigidly interfaced with the outdrive such that the crankshaft is permitted to freely rotate relative to the outdrive about at least one axis (2014) and freely move linearly in at least one direction (2027) relative to the outdrive during operation.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1010 or 2000) is provided. The internal combustion engine includes a housing (1013 or 1068) and a piston assembly (6, 1012, and 2038) disposed in the housing. The piston assembly is substantially stationary relative to the housing. A cylinder (1, 1014, and 2040) is movably disposed within the housing. A combustion chamber (20, 1033, and 2064) is disposed between the piston assembly and the cylinder.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having inline opposing pistons stationarily mounted to a frame. A finned cylinder having a divider therein forming two chambers reciprocates upon the two stationary pistons during operation of the engine to provide power to a device requiring translational or rotational power connected externally. Optionally, the pistons can be formed of front and rear components with the front component being replaceable by mounting it to the rear. A case mounted about the exterior can be vented by an impeller to cool the finned cylinder along with lubricating fluid.

Abstract: A moving cylinder assembly includes a cylinder having a chamber for receiving and engaging a piston, and a housing immediately embracing the cylinder and defining a slot through which the piston is positioned to allow for oscillating movement of the piston within the slot. The cylinder engages in reciprocal oscillating movement with the piston. The immediate embracement of the cylinder by the housing minimizes leakage between the cylinder and the housing. The cylinder assembly is suitable for use in an engine, compressor, pump or vacuum pump.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1010 or 2000) is provided. The internal combustion engine includes a housing (1013 or 1068) and a piston assembly (6, 1012, and 2038) disposed in the housing. The piston assembly is substantially stationary relative to the housing. A cylinder (1, 1014, and 2040) is movably disposed within the housing. A combustion chamber (20, 1033, and 2064) is disposed between the piston assembly and the cylinder.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1010) having an adjustable compression ratio is disclosed. The engine includes a housing (1013), a piston assembly (1012) adjustably coupled to the housing, and a cylinder(1014) reciprocatingly disposed within the housing. The cylinder reciprocates relative to the piston assembly during operation of the engine. The engine further includes a compression ratio adjustment mechanism (1300) in communication with the piston assembly. The compression ratio adjustment mechanism is adaptable to adjust the compression ratio of the engine during operation. In another aspect of the present invention, the engine includes an exhaust valve (1052) in fluid communication with the cylinder and a crankshaft (1016) coupled to the cylinder, wherein the crankshaft includes a lobe (1054) for actuating the exhaust valve.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1010) having an adjustable compression ratio is disclosed. The engine includes a housing (1013), a piston assembly (1012) adjustably coupled to the housing, and a cylinder (1014) reciprocatingly disposed within the housing. The cylinder reciprocates relative to the piston assembly during operation of the engine. The engine further includes a compression ratio adjustment mechanism (1300) in communication with the piston assembly. The compression ratio adjustment mechanism is adaptable to adjust the compression ratio of the engine during operation. In another aspect of the present invention, the engine includes an exhaust valve (1052) in fluid communication with the cylinder and a crankshaft (1016) coupled to the cylinder, wherein the crankshaft includes a lobe (1054) for actuating the exhaust valve.

Abstract: An alternator comprises a brush holding assembly holding brushes within a holding portion and being provided with a cover capable of being opened to remove the brush; and a cap which is disposed on an open portion for removal and insertion of the brush, the open portion being formed at a position on the case facing the cover. The removal and insertion of the brush is performed through the open portion with the open portion opened.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided. The engine includes a housing (9) having at least first and second pairs of chambers (20) formed in the housing. Each chamber extends from the exterior of the housing to a predetermined point therein. The first pair of chambers being aligned with the housing along a first axis and the second pair of chambers being aligned within the housing along a second axis extending substantially normal to the first axis. The engine further including a plurality of piston assemblies (6). Each chamber having one of the piston assemblies rigidly fastened thereto. A cylinder (1) is reciprocally mounted on an elongate cylinder pin assembly (2). The cylinder pin assembly extending within the housing and disposed between the cylinders for reciprocating the cylinders along a predetermined stroke length and relative to the fixed piston assemblies in an opposed manner during operation of the engine. The cylinder pin assembly having two axes of rotation.

Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine 7 is provided. The engine 7 has a first piston 12 with a head 16 and a second piston 28 with a head 30 which faces the first piston 12. First and second pistons 12, 28 have valved exhaust lines 20 intersecting with the piston heads 16, 30. A sleeve 32 encircles the first piston 12. The sleeve 32 has a closed end 36 forming a first intake space 40. A second sleeve 44 encircles the second piston 28 and has a closed end 50 forming a second intake space 54. Check valves 56 are provided for allowing flow of air into the intake spaces 40, 54. A cylinder 60 is slidably mounted on the pistons 12, 28 for reciprocal movement thereon. The cylinder 60 is H-shaped having an internal pressure boundary 64 forming separate combustion chambers 70, 72 with the pistons 12, 28. The cylinder 60 has ends 76, 86 sealed with the pistons 12, 28 and the sleeves 32, 44 forming a variable volume induction/compression area in the intake spaces 40, 54.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided. The engine includes a housing (9) having at least first and second pairs of chambers (20) formed in the housing. Each chamber extends from the exterior of the housing to a predetermined point therein. The first pair of chambers being aligned with the housing along a first axis and the second pair of chambers being aligned within the housing along a second axis extending substantially normal to the first axis. The engine further including a plurality of piston assemblies (6). Each chamber having one of the piston assemblies rigidly fastened thereto. A cylinder (1) is reciprocally mounted on an elongate cylinder pin assembly (2). The cylinder pin assembly extending within the housing and disposed between the cylinders for reciprocating the cylinders along a predetermined stroke length and relative to the fixed piston assemblies in an opposed manner during operation of the engine. The cylinder pin assembly having two axes of rotation.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use in a dual compression/dual expansion engine having an internal housing operating within an external housing, the valve assembly having a valve element operating in a valve guide secured to the internal housing with a valve spring provided to ensure proper closure of the valve element, and a valve train subassembly extending coaxially about the valve spring, the valve train subassembly operating slidingly in the external housing of engine in response to a valve actuation means, such that the valve element and the valve train subassembly operate independently when the valve actuation means is not actuating the valve element.

Abstract: An improved valving configuration for dual compression/expansion engines having multiple, relatively small diameter intake transfer valve assemblies disposed about a fuel injection apparatus in the internal housing, a relatively large diameter exhaust transfer valve assembly including a valve, spring apparatus, valve seat and cage for assembly into the internal housing, and a method of assembling the transfer valves to the internal housing including assembling the intake transfer valves to the internal housing through the exhaust transfer valve assembly aperture in the internal housing prior to securing the exhaust transfer valve assembly to the internal housing.

Abstract: Design Improvements are disclosed which enhance the migrating combustion chamber engine's ability to achieve improved performance, obtain higher durability and cost less to manufacture. These include strip seals between the combustion chamber member and orbiting piston which are adapted to respond to the pressure of combustion to increase contact pressure and improve retention of the gases in the combustion chambers as well as improved porting located in at least one power block sidewall and cooperating with the migrating combustion chamber to convey hot combustion gasses from a combustion chamber to a corresponding secondary expansion chamber. The combustion chamber member may be formed of two reciprocable piston portions and a pair of separate alloy steel connecting bars coupling the piston portions together. The connecting bars made of a low thermal conductivity material to remain hot and aid in fuel evaporation. A one piece counterweight hub provides all required counterweights.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having one or more modules each employing fluidly-communicating, oscillating, power cylinder and air cylinder. The power and air cylinders oscillate about separate, individually supporting sets of trunnions positioned non-linearly with respect to each other and permitting the passage of air therethrough. The air cylinder includes a pre-combustion chamber for the purpose of withholding the delivery of a portion of compressed air to the power cylinder until all spent gases have been evacuated from the power cylinder. The air in the pre-combustion chamber enhances the delivery of fuel from a fuel delivery system into the power cylinder. The power cylinder includes multiple barrels which share a common combustion chamber. Each barrel houses a reciprocating piston linked to discrete piston rods mechanically joined about a single crank throw. A separate air crank throw is linked to an air piston in the air cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for a dual compression and dual expansion internal combustion engine (8) that is compact, efficient, and has low combustion noise and emissions. The subject engine (8) includes a low pressure piston assembly (56) reciprocally disposed in an operating chamber (22) defined in a housing (10). A pair of opposed high pressure piston assemblies (58) and (60) are directly mounted on a pair of geared together, counter rotating, crankshafts (52) and (54) and reciprocally disposed in bores (178) and (186) of the low pressure piston assembly (56). The disposition of the second and third piston assemblies (58) and (60) within their respective bores (178) and (186) defines a combustion chamber (254). An intake chamber (144) for compression of inducted air and an exhaust chamber (146) for expansion of exhaust gas are defined in the operating chamber (22) between the low pressure piston assembly (56) and the housing (10).

Abstract: Non-symmetrical port timing techniques in combination with the 90 degree phase difference between the pumping and combustion chamber of the two stroke migrating combustion chamber engine variant are disclosed as a special cycle of operation which allows a high degree of self supercharging and attendant performance advantages. Other embodiments include; protected fuel injection provisions, externally located induction rotor valves/counterweights to achieve better volumetric efficiency and complete dynamic balance and a technique to improve engine mechanism durability.

Abstract: A two stroke internal combustion engine having an intake piston which feeds air to an adjacent power piston. Both the intake piston and the power piston are held in oscillating cylinder assemblies and the piston rods are integral with the pistons so that the piston rod is always in line with the piston. The cylinder assemblies are both supported by trunnions and the air from the intake cylinder assembly is fed through an opening in the center of the two trunnions between the intake cylinder assembly and the power cylinder assembly. Preferably the rod portion of the intake piston and rod assembly is shorter than the rod portion of the power piston and rod assembly.

Abstract: A combination of a fuel manifold and a plurality of like fuel control devices mounted thereto, a manifold for such a combination and methods of making the same are provided, the combination comprising a fuel manifold having a fuel receiving chamber therein and a plurality of like fuel control devices mounted to the manifold and having inlet projections extending into the manifold to receive fuel from the chamber thereof, the manifold having a pair of opposed spaced apart substantially flat front and rear walls and a pair of opposed spaced apart substantially flat side walls interconnecting the front and rear walls together, one of the side walls having a plurality of spaced apart openings therethrough and through which the inlet projections of the control devices respectively extend, the side walls being spaced apart a distance that will permit two of the control devices to have the inlet projections thereof respectively extend through aligned openings in the side walls so that two of the control devices can

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a sleeve valve wherein the sleeve valve is the cylinder sleeve of a respective cylinder whereby a very simple reciprocation and oscillation of the sleeve valve may be effected by means of a rotary valve which controls the intake of a fuel-air mixture into the crankcase of the engine. By suppying the fuel-air mixture into the crankcase of the engine and providing each cylinder with transfer passages extending axially through the cylinder and radially adjacent cooling fins of such cylinders, it is possible to effect an isothermal compressing of a fuel-air mixture within the cylinder followed by that fuel mixture being adiabatically compressed by the movement of the respective piston towards the head. The use of a sleeve valve, particularly in association with rotary intake valves, provides for a very simple valving arrangement with a minimum of parts.

Abstract: A reciprocating opposed piston mechanism having at least one cylinder assembly mounted to oscillate in rotary relation to a block about a central axis, two opposing pistons reciprocally mounted within the cylinder, each of the pistons having an eccentric bearing mounted in its rear portion with an eccentric rotatably mounted in each eccentric bearing, each eccentric fixedly mounted to an eccentric shaft. Each eccentric shaft is mounted to the engine block and rotatable about an eccentric shaft axis equally spaced in opposite directions from the central cylinder oscillation axis. Timing mechanisms in force transmission relation to each of the eccentric shafts is provided to maintain the eccentrics in each cylinder assembly 180.degree. out of rotary phase. An even number of such cylinder assemblies, adjacently 180.degree. out of phase, may be assembled to form the mechanism of this invention. The mechanism is useful as an internal or external combustion engine, compressor or prime mover.

Abstract: Structure and method are disclosed for providing timed valving in which a nutating plate having an opening defined therethrough moves relative to at least one other nominally static plate having a complementary opening defined therethrough, the nutating plate at one portion of the nutating travel bringing the opening defined therethrough in alignment with the complementary static opening and in another portion of the nutating movement positioning such opening therethrough in a spaced, sealing relationship relative to the complementary static opening. Either the nutating or nominally static plate may be utilized in pairs such that a sandwiched relationship between one type of plate and the other exists.

Abstract: Structure and method for providing timed valving in which a nutating plate having an opening defined therethrough moves relative to at least one other nominally static plate having a complementary opening defined therethrough, the nutating plate at one portion of the nutating travel bringing the opening defined thereto in alignment with the complementary static opening and in another portion of the nutating movement positioning such opening therethrough in a spaced, sealing relationship relative to the complementary static opening. Either the nutating or nominally static plate may be utilized in pairs such that a sandwiched relationship between one type of plate and the other exists. The static and nutating plates may advantageously be biased together. Timing of the opening and closing of the valving structure may be adjusted relative to a nominal rotating shaft such as to provide opening and closing cycles of selected portions of an entire rotation.

Abstract: A novel internal combustion cycle and internal combustion engine operating thereon. Expansion of the hot combustion gases is controllably achieved in a primary combustion/expansion chamber and a secondary expansion chamber in a manner to reduce engine exhaust pressures to essentially atmospheric or below. The chambers are defined by two members movable with respect to each other within an engine block volume. Porting and fluid flow control is accomplished through the motion of the moving members. Embodiments include the use of a suction chamber which achieves subatmospheric exhaust pressures and which, in conjunction with a pressure-pumping chamber, achieves a "push-pull" effect on the fluid in the engine. Unique porting of the fuel/air mixture is provided and it includes, if desired, means to vary the fuel/air ratio during the cycle. The engine of this invention exhibits performance characteristics associated with the usual four-stroke cycle engines.

Abstract: A novel internal combustion cycle and internal combustion engine operating thereon. Expansion of the hot combustion gases is controllably achieved in a primary combustion/expansion chamber and a secondary expansion chamber in a manner to reduce engine exhaust pressures to essentially atmospheric or below. The chambers are defined by two members movable with respect to each other within an engine block volume. Porting and fluid flow control is accomplished through the motion of the moving members. Embodiments include the use of a suction chamber which achieves subatmospheric exhaust pressures and which, in conjunction with a pressure-pumping chamber, achieves a "push-pull" effect on the fluid in the engine. Unique porting of the fuel/air mixture is provided and it includes, if desired, means to vary the fuel/air ratio during the cycle. The engine of this invention exhibits performance characteristics associated with the usual four-stroke cycle engines.

Abstract: A two stroke mechanism is described which has rotary moveable piston and cylinder-piston elements. The piston and cylinder-piston elements both rotate within a stationary body forming two variable volume chambers. The first variable volume chamber formed between the piston and cylinder-piston elements may serve as a combustion or compression chamber. The second variable volume chamber formed around the piston and cylinder-piston elements and within the stationary body may serve as a precompression chamber. Methods for balancing, sealing, intake, discharge and cooling such mechanisms are disclosed. The mechanisms are especially useful as internal combustion primer movers, external combustion prime movers, pumps and compressors.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine wherein a piston element with rectilinear sides operates within a movable cylinder-piston element having rectilinear sidewalls, and wherein the combustion chamber has a polyhedral shape. Rotatable crankshafts are mounted in each of the piston and cylinder-piston elements so that said elements follow gyratory paths in opposite directions to effect a variable volume combustion chamber. A cylindrical valve member is rotated in timed sequence to the rotation of the crankshafts so that intake and exhaust ports are sequentially opened and closed during the combustion cycles. One or both of the crankshafts may operate or be joined to a drive shaft or shafts for work output, said crankshafts being interconnected by gear means to coordinate gyratory movement of the piston and cylinder-piston elements.