Abstract: An engine includes an engine block with at least one cylinder bank including cylinder bores formed therein. A piston is reciprocatingly disposed in each of the cylinder bores. A crankshaft is rotatably mounted to the engine block. Connecting rods are rotatably attached to the crankshaft and are coupled to the piston. A cylinder head with intake valves and exhaust valves in fluid communication with the cylinder bores is mounted to each cylinder bank. At least one permanent magnet is disposed in a skirt of each piston. At least one electromagnet is positioned adjacent to the permanent magnet(s). A control system selectively provides an electrical current to the electromagnets to produce a desired magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field of the electromagnets cooperates with a magnetic field of the permanent magnets to affect a motion of the piston in respect of the engine block.

Abstract: An engine includes an engine block with at least one cylinder bank including cylinder bores formed therein. A piston is reciprocatingly disposed in each of the cylinder bores. A crankshaft is rotatably mounted to the engine block. Connecting rods are rotatably attached to the crankshaft and are coupled to the piston. A cylinder head with intake valves and exhaust valves in fluid communication with the cylinder bores is mounted to each cylinder bank. At least one permanent magnet is disposed in a skirt of each piston. At least one electromagnet is positioned adjacent to the permanent magnet(s). A control system selectively provides an electrical current to the electromagnets to produce a desired magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field of the electromagnets cooperates with a magnetic field of the permanent magnets to affect a motion of the piston in respect of the engine block.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a crankshaft with at least one throw being formed as a complete disc over at least a portion of its thickness. Permanent magnets are attached to the disc of the at least one throw in an annular array. Electromagnets are attached to the engine block, a brace coupled to the engine block, and/or an oil pan mounted to the engine block. The brace may include one or more circular structures surrounding the discs of the throws, and may support the electromagnets. The electromagnets are positioned opposite the permanent magnets. A control system selectively provides electrical current to the electromagnets to affect the motion of the crankshaft, and may further selectively activate and deactivate at least one of the cylinders by stopping fuel flow, spark, and/or intake valve actuation.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a crankshaft with at least one throw being formed as a complete disc over at least a portion of its thickness. Permanent magnets are attached to the disc of the at least one throw in an annular array. Electromagnets are attached to the engine block, a brace coupled to the engine block, and/or an oil pan mounted to the engine block. The brace may include one or more circular structures surrounding the discs of the throws, and may support the electromagnets. The electromagnets are positioned opposite the permanent magnets. A control system selectively provides electrical current to the electromagnets to affect the motion of the crankshaft, and may further selectively activate and deactivate at least one of the cylinders by stopping fuel flow, spark, and/or intake valve actuation.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a brace and/or an engine block mounting system coupled to the engine block and arranged to reinforce and minimize deformation of the engine block. The reinforcement and reduced deformation of the engine block allows a lubrication system to provide reduced oil pressure to minimized clearances between mating internal engine components in relative motion. Meanwhile, permanent magnets are disposed in the piston, the connecting rods, and/or the crankshaft. Electromagnets are disposed in the engine block, the cylinder head, the brace, and/or the oil pan. A control system selectively provides an electrical current to the electromagnets to produce a desired magnetic field and affect the motion of the crankshaft. In at least one embodiment, the brace has a circular structure that surrounds part of the crankshaft and supports the plurality of electromagnets. In other embodiments, the brace is coupled to the main caps that support the crankshaft.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a brace and/or an engine block mounting system coupled to the engine block and arranged to reinforce and minimize deformation of the engine block. The reinforcement and reduced deformation of the engine block allows a lubrication system to provide reduced oil pressure to minimized clearances between mating internal engine components in relative motion. Meanwhile, permanent magnets are disposed in the piston, the connecting rods, and/or the crankshaft. Electromagnets are disposed in the engine block, the cylinder head, the brace, and/or the oil pan. A control system selectively provides an electrical current to the electromagnets to produce a desired magnetic field and affect the motion of the crankshaft. In at least one embodiment, the brace has a circular structure that surrounds part of the crankshaft and supports the plurality of electromagnets. In other embodiments, the brace is coupled to the main caps that support the crankshaft.