Abstract: A reciprocating internal combustion engine. The present invention improves the spark ignition facility used by the engine inventions described in patent publications WO2005/052335 and WO2007/080366 by providing a device to ensure reliable spark ignition by protecting the spark plug from malfunction by sooting.

Abstract: A high thermal efficiency lean-burn spark-ignition two or four stroke engine operable unthrottled suitable for vehicles using gasoline. It uses an indirect combustion chamber and a transfer orifice aligned to produce a jet of air moving in helical swirl motion around the chamber during the compression stroke. Fuel is injected into the chamber aimed into the air jet to assist rapid vaporization. The position and orientation of the fuel injector ensures that fuel arrives near the spark plug even under idling conditions and the helical swirl flow ensures the stratification of the ignitable mixture formed near the plug.