Abstract: A multi-cylinder reciprocating piston internal combustion engine, preferably operating on the two-stroke cycle, having a cylinder block 8 incorporating a bank of cylinders 10 each communicating with a crankcase 15. Each cylinder having inlet ports 20,21,22,29,30 located on each of the two opposite sides of the bank of cylinders 10, and a conduit 17 communicating at least one port on one side of the bank with at least one port on the opposite side of the bank. That conduit 17 extends through a crankshaft bearing support portion 14a of the cylinder block 8 located within said crankcase 15 below the level of the cylinders 10. There is preferably one bearing support portion 14a within the crankcase 15 and below the junction between each two adjacent cylinders 10, with a respective conduit 17 extending through said bearing support portion 14a.

Abstract: A method of operating a two stroke cycle crankcase scavenged internal combustion engine, comprising selectively delivering exhaust gas from a location downstream of the engine exhaust port to the engine crankcase to be delivered together with air in the crankcase to the engine combustion chamber. The quantity of exhaust gas delivered to the crankcase during each engine cycle is controlled according with engine operating conditions and the rate of supply of exhaust gas to the crankcase is controlled relative to engine operating conditions such as by an ECU managed valve that responds to engine operating conditions such as load, speed and temperature. The exhaust gas is admitted to the crankcase during a period when the pressure in the crankcase is below that of the available exhaust gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel/gas delivery system for use with operating an internal combustion engine in which quantities of a hydrocarbon fuel and hydrogen are introduced into the combustion chamber of the engine. The combustion chamber is provided with an igniter and the delivery of hydrogen is timed relative to both the delivery of the fuel and the activation of the igniter to establish an ignitable mixture at the igniter at the time of activation of the igniter.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder two-stroke cycle engine according to the invention incorporates a plurality of cylinders (1,2,3) arranged in line with each cylinder having at least two inlet ports one on each of the two opposite longitudinal sides of the in-line cylinders (1,2,3). Air passages (67,77) extend along said opposite sides to supply air from a supercharger (not shown) to the respective inlet ports. An air control valve (68) is operable to selectively control air supply to one or both of said air passages (67,77) whereby optimum combustion conditions are obtained for various engine load/speed conditions. A centrifugal supercharger arrangement is also disclosed, the supercharger being coupled to the engine crankshaft and interposed between the cylinder block and the engine flywheel.

Abstract: A spark ignited four stroke cycle internal combustion engine having variable volume combustion chamber, ignition means to provide an ignition point in said combustion chamber, a valve controlled inlet port communicating the combustion chamber with an air induction passage through which air flows to the engine. The induction passage including a wall shaped to direct at least part of the air flowing along said wall portion when the port is open in a generally helical path about the port axis and when the port is open, the air flowing is directed into the combustion chamber to establish therein a generally helical air flow. A fuel injector nozzle located to deliver fuel into the induction passage on the opposite side of the inlet port axis to said wall portion of the induction passage and on a trajectory through the port when open to form an ignitable fuel cloud at the ignition point.