Abstract: In one aspect, an engine ignition apparatus for a natural gas engine may include a housing including a drive piston, a floating piston, a controllable hydraulic fluid chamber located between the drive piston and the floating piston, and an ignition chamber acted on by the floating piston, the ignition chamber having an outlet formed by a plurality of orifices, the outlet being in direct communication with a combustion chamber of the engine. In another aspect, an engine ignition apparatus for a natural gas engine may include, among other features, a controllable valve connected to a hydraulic fluid chamber, and configured to open and release a hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid chamber, and to close. In still another aspect, a method for controlling an engine ignition apparatus for an engine includes, among other features, controlling a volume of a hydraulic fluid chamber of an ignition apparatus.

Abstract: A reciprocating compressor. A hollow cylinder tube contains a piston assembly having two pistons connected by a piston rod. At each end of the cylinder tube is an outer chamber between an end plate and an outer end of the proximate piston. These two outer chambers and the outer ends of the pistons define a power cylinder at each end of the cylinder tube. In the mid-portion of the cylinder tube, a center divider is situated between the pistons and has an aperture that allows the piston rod to reciprocate through it. The two inner chambers formed thereby and the inner ends of the pistons define two compression cylinders in the mid-portion of the cylinder tube. The two compression chambers share a suction manifold and a discharge manifold, but have independently operating suction and discharge valves.

Abstract: An efficient thermal engine is disclosed. In some embodiments, a remainder of energy remaining after an expansion cycle is used to power a subsequent compression cycle. In other embodiments, novel configurations for a larger expansion volume than compression volume are provided. In addition, work of compression may be reduced in a compression cycle, and recovered in an expansion cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an active vibration isolation system that includes a vibration isolator, a dual fluid pump in fluid communication with the vibration isolator and a hydraulic system, wherein the dual fluid pump is configured to segregate a tuning fluid from a hydraulic fluid and an electric-hydraulic servo valve in fluid communication with the dual fluid pump.

Abstract: An internal combustion hydraulic engine for producing a supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid includes a frame, a pair of pivot pins, two levers, and combustion assemblies and hydraulic assemblies mechanically communicating with each other through the levers. Each of the assemblies includes a pair of opposed pistons engaged to the levers with a variable volume chamber between them, the piston faces being movable boundaries defining the variable volume chamber. In cyclic operation, a compressed fuel-air mixture in a first combustion chamber detonates, driving the combustion pistons apart. The pistons drive connecting rods, pivoting the lever arms, the lever arms, in turn drawing apart the pistons of a first hydraulic assembly, driving together the pistons of a second hydraulic assembly to produce pressurized hydraulic fluid, and driving together the combustion pistons of a second combustion assembly into which a fuel-air mixture has been introduced, compressing the mixture therein.

Abstract: A drive unit and a method for the operation thereof. The drive unit has an internal combustion engine in operative connection with a driven shaft and a reciprocating piston expansion engine in an operative connection with a crankshaft. The driven shaft is mechanically connected to the crankshaft by a clutch in such a way that torque is transmitted from the crankshaft to the driveshaft. The reciprocating piston expansion engine has at least one cylinder, and a fluid is guided from a fluid supply into an interior of the at least one cylinder at least occasionally via an inlet valve and a bypass valve which is arranged in parallel with the inlet valve.

Abstract: A free piston linear alternator including a pair of pistons, each piston axially opposed from the other and generating electric current when linearly translating within the cylinder, a combustion chamber disposed between the pistons, a return mechanism configured to return the pistons to respective first positions from respective second positions after combustion; and an exhaust system fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber and including a power turbine transforming exhaust gas feedstream pressure into a mechanical output.

Abstract: This invention provides a compact, fuel-efficient internal combustion engine that can be used to provide rotating shaft output power to a wide variety of mobile and stationary applications. It is based on a two-stroke free-piston gas generator that implements the homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion principle for essentially constant-volume combustion, and it employs a variable piston stroke to maintain a high level of efficiency across a wide range of loads and speeds. A rotary device, which may be of either an aerodynamic or positive displacement type, converts the energetic gas stream to power at a rotating shaft.

Abstract: This invention provides a compact, fuel-efficient internal combustion engine that can be used to provide rotating shaft output power to a wide variety of mobile and stationary applications. It is based on a two-stroke free-piston gas generator that implements the homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustion principle for essentially constant-volume combustion, and it employs a variable piston stroke to maintain a high level of efficiency across a wide range of loads and speeds. A rotary device, which may be of either an aerodynamic or positive displacement type, converts the energetic gas stream to power at a rotating shaft.

Abstract: The hydraulic engine includes first and second reaction chambers, the first and second reaction chambers each having an enclosure within which is disposed a floating piston. An impulse turbine is in fluid communication with the first and second reaction chambers. A delay valve is in fluid communication with the first and second reaction chambers and the impulse turbine, the delay valve operable to switch between a first position and a second position, the first position providing a flow of pressurized fluid to the first reaction chamber to cause an explosion therein and the second position providing a flow of pressurized fluid to the second reaction chamber to cause an explosion therein. Successive explosions in the first and second reaction chambers provide flows of high pressure fluid to drive the impulse turbine and to switch the delay valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods including an energy conversion system for storage and recovery of energy using compressed gas, a source of recovered thermal energy, and a heat-exchange subsystem in fluid communication with the energy conversion system and the source of recovered thermal energy.

Abstract: A new and improved combustion-powered linear air motor/compressor wherein the new and improved combustion-powered linear air motor/compressor comprises new and improved structure for achieving the scavenging of residual combustion products or exhaust gases from the combustion chamber during the return stroke of the power piston assembly. More particularly, the speed and efficiency of the scavenging of the residual combustion products or exhaust gases is able to be achieved as a result of the power piston assembly causing fresh or ambient air to be rammed or forced into, through, and out of the combustion chamber during its return stroke.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for a power source may include a housing in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid line and a reservoir, and a pressure relief valve having an open position that creates a flow path between the pressurized fluid line and the reservoir, and a closed position. The pressure relief valve may open when an opening force exerted by pressurized fluid entering the housing overcomes a closing force acting on the pressure relief valve, allowing pressurized fluid to flow from the pressurized fluid line to the reservoir. The pressure regulator may also include a governor coupled to the pressure relief valve, wherein the governor is configured to regulate the pressure in the pressurized fluid line by selectively adjusting the closing force exerted on the pressure relief valve based on engine speed.

Abstract: A variable geometry compressor having a housing, a compressor wheel and a plurality of vanes positioned between an exducer of the compressor wheel and a housing volute. The vanes are adjustable through a range of positions, but a vane actuation system is configured to actuate the vanes through three discrete positions from among the range of positions. The actuation system has an actuator that includes an actuator housing containing a diaphragm that divides a housing chamber into two portions. Through the application of a vacuum to either chamber portion, the diaphragm drives a rod to actuate the vanes between two of the discrete vane positions, while a spring returns the vanes to the third position when no vacuum is applied. The actuator is controlled by an open-loop controller.

Abstract: A free piston drive combustion engine is provided wherein the piston are reciprocated by the force of combustion in combination with its compressed exhaust gases. A compressed air fuel mixture is ignited in the combustion chamber exploding driving a piston backward, while expelling a blast of exploding gases into an open area in the side of a turbine wheel, forcing it to rotating in a rotary motion. The compressed exhaust gases is carry within the turbine wheel, then expelling the exhaust gases into the bottom of engine and driving the piston forward. The compressed exhaust gases closes a door onto an opening in the combustion chamber and with the forward movement of the piston this would compressed air fuel mixture, therefore commence the combustion-exhaust cycle thereat. Before any exhaust is expel from the engine, it help to drive piston forward and help to closed door onto combustion chamber opening therefore helping compressing incoming air fuel mixture.

Abstract: An extended rich mode engine configured and operated extremely rich of stoichiometric to produce a substantially continuous hydrogen rich engine exhaust. Oxygen enrichment devices further optimize production of hydrogen rich engine exhaust. Engines include a free piston gas generator with rich homogenous charge compression, a rich internal combustion engine cylinder system with an oxygen generator, and a rich inlet turbo-generator system with exhaust heat recovery. Oxygen enrichment devices to enhance production of hydrogen rich engine exhaust include pressure swing absorption with oxygen selective materials, and oxygen separators such as a solid oxide fuel cell oxygen separator and a ceramic membrane oxygen separator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling an electrical generator comprising a two-stroke free piston internal combustion engine having a first cylinder and a second cylinder aligned on a common axis, a first piston pair comprising a first piston and a second piston located in the first cylinder, a second piston pair comprising a first piston located in the second cylinder and connected to the second piston in the first cylinder by a first connecting rod and a second piston located in the second cylinder and connected to the first piston in the first cylinder by a second connecting rod, with the first and second pistons of each piston pair moving in opposite directions to one another, a fuel supply for providing fuel to at least one of the first cylinder or the second cylinder, and a generator comprising at least one rotor connected to at least one of the first connecting rod or the second connecting rod, and at least one stator winding that cooperates with the at least one rotor to generate e

Abstract: Automated systems for performing integrated analyses. In one embodiment, an integrated analysis system can be used to comprehensively evaluate the effects of changes in hardware configuration or operating conditions on gas turbine power plant performance and economics. The system evaluates these changes by concurrently analyzing a number of different aspects of the power plant while ensuring that the data used in each of the different analyses is consistent. These analyses can include turbine and compressor aerodynamic analysis, cooling and leakage flow analysis, heat transfer analysis, part life analysis, heat balance analysis, cost analysis and overall power plant performance and economic analysis.

Abstract: A wave energy converter system comprises two floats; a first being generally flat and heaving up and down in phase with passing surface waves on a body of water, and the second being elongated and heaving up and down out of phase with the passing waves. Preferably, the first float is annular with a central vertical opening therethrough, and the elongated float, with a weighted bottom end, extends vertically through the central opening of the first float. The two floats thus move out of phase with one another, thus providing a relatively large relative motion between the two floats giving rise to highly efficient energy conversion. Each float serves as a “ground” for the other; thus avoiding the need for anchoring the floats to the floor of the body of water.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising rhodium on a support, the support comprising 52-95% zirconia and 5-48% rare earth oxide, based on the total weight of (a) and (b), the concentration of the rhodium on the support being 0.035-0.35% based on the total weight of the rhodium and the support, and the catalyst containing 1.2-4.0 g per in3 (g per 16.4 cm3) in total of (a) and (b).

Abstract: The internal combustion engine comprises at least one combustion chamber (1, 1′) for burning a fuel in timed explosions accompanied by formation of a combustion gas, at least one expansion chamber (3) which is connected with the combustion chamber and separate from the combustion chamber and which has a piston (4) for converting energy of the combustion gas into mechanical energy or work, and a cam gear unit by which a drive shaft (32) can be driven by the piston and which has a cam disk (31) and associated thrust member (30), wherein the thrust member (30) can be lifted from the cam disk (31) for carrying out irregular engine cycles independent from a continuous rotation of the cam disk (31), including a pausing of the piston (4) of the expansion chamber (3) at its top dead center.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a combustion engine having a combustion chamber (1, 201), which has an ignition device, for the combustion of a fuel with formation of a combustion gas during an explosion stroke, and also having a rigid wall that is displaceable by the expanding combustion gas. The movement of the rigid wall can be transmitted to a drive shaft (9, 267). The combustion chamber (1, 201) has a constant volume, and a pumping chamber (12, 212) separate from the combustion chamber (1, 201) and connected to the combustion chamber (1, 201) is provided for the conversion of the energy of the combustion gas into mechanical energy, which pumping chamber has the displaceable rigid wall. The pumping chamber (12, 212) is preferably formed by a cylinder in which a piston (11, 211) is displaceably housed, which piston forms the displaceable rigid wall.

Abstract: A combustion engine based on the principle of pulsating combustion and a method of operating the engine includes a pressure-resistant housing in which a combustion chamber is provided, an intake mechanism for fuel and combustion air, and an exhaust mechanism connected to the combustion chamber for the exhaust gases produced during combustion. A piston is movably arranged in a cylinder which is connected to the combustion chamber, with spring energy being applied to the piston on the side facing away from the combustion chamber. This effectively transfers the energy of the pressure waves produced during pulsating combustion to a mechanical driving element.

Abstract: A method of operating a free piston engine of the present invention, includes a housing with a combustion cylinder and a second cylinder. A piston includes a piston head reciprocally disposed within the combustion cylinder, a second head reciprocally disposed within the second cylinder, and a plunger rod interconnecting the piston head with the second head. A supply of hydraulic fluid is pulsed from a high pressure hydraulic accumulator into a pressure chamber in the second cylinder adjacent the second head during a beginning portion of a compression stroke to cause the piston head to move toward a top dead center position. The high pressure hydraulic accumulator is decoupled from the pressure chamber after the pulsing step. A low pressure hydraulic accumulator is coupled with the pressure chamber during a remaining portion of the compression stroke. The high pressure hydraulic accumulator is coupled with the pressure chamber when the piston head is traveling toward a BDC position during a return stroke.

Abstract: This invention is an efficient free-piston internal-combustion engine having an expansion ratio greater than the compression ratio and preferably with gas bearings supporting the piston. The use of gas bearings in combination with high-temperature ceramic materials allows the engine to be nearly adiabatic and with exhaust temperatures in excess of 600.degree. C. These high exhaust temperatures in turn allow the engine to operate as a topping cycle for gas turbines, Stirling engines, steam engines, etc. An improved valving system for flexible control of the engine may include the use of a valve actuator in a piston. In one embodiment, a pair of oppositely disposed combustion chamber passageways extending between the combustion chamber and the earth's atmosphere, each have a combustion-chamber valve for controlling the passage of gas through the passageways.

Abstract: An hydraulic switching valve (35) comprises, among other parts, a valve housing (45, 62) with a first connection (33, 36) and a second connection (34, 67) and a valve body (37, 63) which is movable in the valve housing (45). The switching valve (35) is open when the pressure at the first connection (33) is higher than the pressure at the second connection (34) as a result of the fact that the pressure difference caused by the movement of the valve body (37) allows a flow past the valve body (37). The switching valve is closed when the pressure at the first connection (33) is lower than the pressure at the second connection (34) as a result of the fact that the movement of the valve body (37) caused by the pressure difference closes a valve seal (40) which blocks the flow. The switching valve (35) further comprises a lock (39) with switching element (42) for selectively keeping the valve seal (40) closed, and unblocking the valve body (37), respectively.

Abstract: A power unit with a diesel free piston device which is fed with air from a compressor device (96), and whose exhaust gas runs a turbine (150). The device has a cylinder (12) with two pistons (24, 26) which are movable in anti-phase and which between them define a combustion chamber (54). The cylinder end sections (36, 38) comprise buffer end chambers (56, 58). An electronic device (160) controls the pressure of the air in the end chambers (56, 58, 256, 258). A central piston section (48, 50) of each piston together with a related cylinder section (40, 42) forms a piston pump chamber (68, 70) which supplies the device's inlet manifold (80) and a mixing chamber (148) with compressed air, exhaust gases and the compressed air being mixed in the mixing chamber before being passed to the turbine (150). The electronic device (160) also controls the pressure of the air in the compression chambers (68, 70) by means of the compressor device, valves, pressure sensors, etc.

Abstract: An internal combustion hydraulic engine for use in motor vehicles and the like comprises at least one piston having a first piston head and a second piston head; a first or combustion cylinder at least partially surrounding the first piston head for receiving fuel and air; an igniter for inducing combustion of the fuel-air mixture in the first cylinder; and a second or hydraulic cylinder at least partially surrounding the second piston head for receiving fluid such that the action of the combustion of the fuel on the first piston head induces the second piston head to pressurize the fluid in the hydraulic cylinder. Preferably, the pressurized fluid communicates through a high pressure tank with a hydraulic motor to convert fluid pressure into rotational power.

Abstract: An expandable piston rotary engine includes a core having a substantially circular periphery and central axis, and a rotor/flywheel mounted concentrically for rotation relative to the core. The core defines a plurality of cylinders spaced symmetrically about, and open at, the periphery of the core. Each cylinder contains a radially expandable, substantially cylindrical piston formed of a relatively thin web of material, such as sapphire or amorphous steel. The piston web material is coiled about its associated cylinder axis, and defines an internal combustion chamber whose diameter, and volume, vary in response to a relative coiling and uncoiling of the web in its cylinder. The inner surface of the rotor/flywheel defines with the periphery of the core, the cylinders and the outer surfaces of the pistons a closed space for a hydraulic fluid. Intake and exhaust valves and fuel igniters are associated with each of the cylinders.

Abstract: A gas compressor is provided comprising a chamber (9) to contain gas to be compressed, a piston (12) and the chamber (9) and an apparatus to drive the piston into the chamber (9) to compress the gas. The compressor also comprises another apparatus (5) to form a spray of liquid in the chamber (9) to cool the gas on compression therein, so that the gas may be compressed approximately isothermally. Valve (17) are provided to allow compressed gas to be drawn from the chamber. The apparatus to drive the piston (12) comprises another apparatus to deliver driving energy stored in the fluid directly to the piston. In one embodiment, the driving energy is provided by a combustible fuel. The heat of compression is rejected at the lowest temperatures and the hot exhaust gas from the combustion process may be used to preheat the isothermally compressed gas.

Abstract: A hydraulic combustion accumulator includes a cylinder divided into a combustion chamber and a hydraulic fluid chamber by a free reciprocating piston. An injection mechanism is provided for separately injecting a combustion fuel and air into the combustion chamber. The combustion fuel preferably includes at least one of ammonia and hydrogen. An ignition mechanism ignites the combustion gas in the combustion chamber thereby causing the piston to apply a pressurizing force to a hydraulic fluid contained in the hydraulic fluid chamber. A control unit controls the operation of the injection mechanism and ignition mechanism such that, in a preferred embodiment, multiple ignitions are achieved during a single combustion stroke of the piston. The hydraulic combustion accumulator can be utilized in a propulsion system as either a primary propulsion power source or a secondary propulsion power source.

Abstract: A cycle for an external combustion engine having two external variable volume combustion chambers, each with a floating piston. A compressor provides pressurized gas selectively to a first or second end of the combustion chambers. The introduction of the pressurized gas into one end of the combustion chamber forces the floating piston to move to the opposite end. When a predetermined combustion chamber pressure is obtained combustion of previously injected fuel is initiated. At a peak pressure, water is injected in the combustion chamber increasing the pressure further. Valves at either end of the combustion chamber selectively and controllably release the pressure from the combustion chamber depending upon which end the floating piston is located. The pressure released from the combustion chamber is used to drive a plurality of pistons or a turbine, thereby creating useful work such as rotating a shaft.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having at least two external variable volume combustion chambers, each with a floating piston. A compressor provides pressurized gas selectively to a first or second end of the combustion chambers. The introduction of the pressurized gas into one end of the combustion chamber forces the floating piston to move to the opposite end. When a predetermined combustion chamber pressure is obtained combustion of previously injected fuel is initiated. At a peak pressure, water is injected in the combustion chamber increasing the pressure further. Valves at either end of the combustion chamber selectively and controllably release the pressure from the combustion chamber depending upon which end the floating piston is located. The pressure released from the combustion chamber is used to drive a plurality of pistons or a turbine, thereby creating useful work such as rotating a shaft. A rotating shaft is used to drive the compressor for supplying the pressurized air to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An improved internal combustion engine is disclosed having no rotating crank shaft. Each piston rod of the engine is connected to a hydraulic piston and cylinder the output of which drives the rotating output shaft of a hydraulic motor. A take off from the shaft of the hydraulic motor drives an air compressor which feeds compressed air to the combustion chamber through the latter's intake valve. Fuel is mixed with the compressed air before entering the combustion chamber and a conventional spark plug and coil is employed to ignite the fuel/compressed air mixture. The compressed air also is used to actuate the intake and exhaust valves of each cylinder through a solenoid controller. A computer is adapted to send signals to each valve solenoid to control its movement and to each spark plug coil in response to a throttle input and a piston displacement input applied to the computer.

Abstract: A fluid power engine is disclosed. A pair of axially aligned and opposed combustion pistons oscillate in a pair of opposed cylinders. The pistons are connected to each other by a common axial shaft. A fluid power piston is adapted to the shaft and oscillates in a fluid cylinder. Upon oscillating action of the combustion pistons, the fluid power piston oscillates to produce fluid power. By means of a fluid power return assembly, a portion of the fluid power produced is returned to the fluid power piston to urge the combustion pistons in their return directions after their respective firing strokes. The fluid power return assembly includes a spool valve that is actuated by means of physical contact with the combustion pistons.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided wherein paired free pistons are driven within opposed piston chambers of a cylinder to drive a fluid which, in turn, is introduced to the fluid drive chambers of a vane-type rotor assembly. The rotor assembly includes a hub containing an array of vanes which wipe across a rotor housing internal profile. The structuring of the rotor is such that the engine components may be formed in modular fashion and coupled in tandem for a combined serial drive output.

Abstract: The installation comprises a compression unit and a power unit. The compression unit comprises at least one engine operation according to a Diesel cycle and supercharged by a turbine having an expansion turbine supplied with the exhaust gases of the engine and rotary compressor taking air from the atmosphere through a filter. The compressor delivers a primary supercharging flow to the Diesel cylinders via a cooler. The Diesel engine drives two compressors supplied with atmospheric air through the filter. One of the compressors provides a secondary flow to the power unit. The power unit comprises a combustion chamber which is supplied through the exchanger with part at least of the secondary airflow from the compression unit. The combustion chamber feeds a turbine producing on its shaft the whole of the output power. The Diesel type engine may be a conventional crank type engine or a free piston engine.

Abstract: AN external-combustion gas turbine in which the fuel combustion takes place in a free-piston combustor. The gas turbine is the motor component of this type of engine and provides external power by means of its shaft. The gas turbine comprises an air compressor and a combusted gas expander both mounted on that same shaft. The compressed air output is directed to a storage-tank and heat-exchanger combination. The air is then admitted in the valve-less free-piston combustor and further compressed. Fuel is burned therein which further raises the pressure of the combusted gas resulting therefrom. The combusted gas is then directed to the storage tank where it exchanges some of its heat content with the compressed air. The combusted gas is then ducted into the turbine inlet and expands therein, providing energy to drive the compressor and yield shaft power.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a cylinder and a piston axially movable within the cylinder and formed with cylindrical projections extending axially outwardly from the piston and being of a smaller diameter than that of the piston. The piston and its projections are formed with ducts which are connectable with inlet ports formed in the wall of the cylinder for admitting air and/or air/fuel mixture into combustion chambers of the engine and outlet ports for expelling exhaust gases from the combustion chambers, upon the movement of the piston. The ducts are formed one each within one of two longitudinal piston halves. The inlet ports, outlet ports and ducts are assigned to two longitudinal halves of the piston and its projections and arranged in the engine so that the admission of air and/or air/fuel mixture into the combustion chambers and the removal of exhaust gases therefrom via short, low-turbulence paths are controlled only by the position of the piston and its projections within the cylinder.

Abstract: A free-piston motor with hydraulic or pneumatic energy transmission comprising at least one free-piston unit designed for intermittent operation using always the same optimal cycle comprising a compression and an expansion stroke and consisting of a cylinder (88) with at least one free piston (89) which is slidable to-and-fro therein, said piston (89) being connected to a member (90) of general plunger-like shape which is adapted to slide to-and-fro inside at least one stationarily mounted chamber member (95) and which delimits within said chamber member a first or plunger chamber (93) which is in communication with a source of pressurized fluid (103) through an operable valve member (82,83), a second or displacement chamber (96) which is in communication via a nonreturn valve (99) with a reservoir (100) and is connected via a second nonreturn valve (102) to an accumulator (103), and a third or buffer chamber (97) which is in open communication with said accumulator (103).

Abstract: A two-stage energy conversion apparatus operating on a nonpolluting fuel. A single-cylinder reciprocating engine converts combustion energy to mechanical energy. Mechanical energy developed in the reciprocating engine is transmitted or coupled to a turbine by means of a transmission fluid flowing in a closed loop system interconnecting the reciprocating engine and the turbine.

Abstract: An improved free piston power unit includes a pair of power pistons at opposite ends of a common power cylinder, wherein the power pistons are linked for reciprocation in unison in opposite directions. The power pistons carry a respective pair of compressor pistons disposed within compressor cylinders to generate a supply of compressed air or the like upon power piston reciprocation. The power pistons further cooperate with a respective pair of gas-containing bounce cylinders which provide pneumatic reaction forces to return the power pistons through a compresion stroke at the conclusion of a combustion expansion stroke. The bounce cylinders each have a relieved end face to provide an increased minimum bounce cylinder volume thereby limiting the maximum pressure and temperature to which the bounce cylinders are subjected, without requiring increase in the overall envelope size for the power unit.

Abstract: An external combustion rotary engine comprising a motor member, a free-piston combustion member and a storage tank serving also as a heat exchanger and located between the motor and the combustor. The motor rotors rotate inside an enveloping structure eccentrically with respect to a power shaft to form alternatively compression and expansion chambers. Compressed air produced thereby is ducted first to the storage tank and then to the combustor for burning fuel to produce combusted gases which are in turn ducted to the storage tank where heat is exchanged between the hot gases and the cooler compressed air. The combusted gas is then expanded in the expansion chambers. A fraction of the compressed air is further compressed to a higher pressure level so that it may be used in air pad cushions to isolate the various engine rotating parts from the fixed structures surrounding them. The use of such air cushions prevents contacts between moving parts and eliminates friction, heat production therefrom and wear.

Abstract: A power production apparatus comprises a Diesel engine having a plurality of sequentially operating motor cylinders and a plurality of alternating air compressor cylinders. Each motor cylinder has scavenge ports connected to receive scavenging air from that compressor cylinder whose compression stroke occurs while the scavenge ports of the motor cylinder are closed. An intake capacity having a volume equal to about five times the cubic capacity of the motor cylinder is located on the air path. The apparatus may consist of a gas turbine and a multi-tandem free piston gas generator and a gas turbine; the gas generator then has a plurality of Diesel type motor cylinders whose pistons are drivably connected to compression pistons.

Abstract: A motion transducer wherein a variable volume chamber of a trochoidal rotary mechanism is operatively connected by a liquid working fluid to a variable volume chamber of a reciprocating piston mechanism, whereby a rotary motion can be converted to a reciprocating motion and vice versa. An internal combustion engine directly productive of aone of such kinds of motions is drivingly connected to the transducer to obtain the other kind of motion as output. The piston of a reciprocating internal engine can be movable in unison with the piston of the reciprocating system, or alternatively, the rotary shaft of a Wankel-type internal combustion engine can be directly coupled to the rotary shaft of the trochoidal rotary mechanism.

Abstract: An external combustion engine including a rotary motor equipped with non-sliding vanes but conformable to the shapes of the envelopes within which they are contained and forced to operate and a combustion member comprising a sleeve in which a piston is free to reciprocate. The two end closures of the sleeve and the piston ends cooperate to form combustion chambers at both ends of the piston strokes. The motor compresses air for admission in the combustion chambers where fuel is burned and is also used for expanding the combusted gas resulting from the fuel combustion. The gas expansion produces more energy than is required to compress the air. The energy difference constitutes the energy yielded by the engine in the form of shaft power. The air admission, the combusted gas exhaust from the combustion member, the fuel injection and ignition are all timely controlled by the piston motion.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine apparatus and method of operation includes the monitoring of the exhaust gas temperature and air-fuel ratio on a continuing basis. The exhaust gas temperature is compared to a stored value and compression of the input air is varied to cause the exhaust gas temperature to equal the stored value. By minimizing the exhaust gas temperature increased engine efficiency can be realized. The invention may be embodied in a variety of engine configurations, including piston and turbine systems.

Abstract: A slidable vane motor is used in conjunction with an externally located combustion member in which fuel is burned and compresses air for delivery to the combustion member and expands the combusted gas resulting from the fuel combustion in the compressed air. The vane motor and combustion member thus cooperate to form an external combustion engine. The energy extracted from the expansion of the gas is greater than the energy required to compress the air. The energy difference is delivered by a drive shaft external to the engine. The motor vanes slide quasi radially in guiding slots as the motor rotates to cause volumes of air trapped between contiguous vanes to decrease and trapped volumes of gas to increase concurrently. The vanes are thus subjected to pressure differentials which are applied quasi normally onto the vane sliding surfaces. The resulting torque is reacted by the action of high pressure air cushions located between the cooperating surfaces of the vanes and their slots.

Abstract: An external combustion engine including a rotary motor providing the means for compressing air and expanding combusted gases, and an externally located combustion member in which fuel is burned. The combustion member comprises a sleeve and a free piston reciprocating therein, thereby forming combustion chambers between its two ends and the end closures of the sleeve, as it reaches the end of its stroke. The back and forth motion of the piston is independent of the rotation of the motor as these two components are not mechanically connected, having only ducting connections therebetween. The combustion member air admission, combusted gas exhaust, the fuel injection and the ignition are all timely controlled and activated as a result of the free piston motion and location in the sleeve. The fuel/air ratio is continuously monitored so as to prevent high combustion temperatures.

Abstract: A gas compressor is provided comprising a chamber (9) to contain gas to be compressed, a piston (12) and the chamber (9) and an apparatus to drive the piston into the chamber (9) to compress the gas. The compressor also comprises another apparatus (5) to form a spray of liquid in the chamber (9) to cool the gas on compression therein, so that the gas may be compressed approximately isothermally. Valve (17) are provided to allow compressed gas to be drawn from the chamber. The apparatus to drive the piston (12) comprises another apparatus to deliver driving energy stored in the fluid directly to the piston. In one embodiment, the driving energy is provided by a combustible fuel. The heat of compression is rejected at the lowest temperatures and the hot exhaust gas from the combustion process may be used to preheat the isothermally compressed gas.