Rotary Patents (Class 123/190.1)
  • Patent number: 11506154
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a flow passage configured to receive exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, and defining a bore extending along a bore axis and fluidly coupled to said flow passage. The valve assembly also includes a valve body for controlling the flow of exhaust gas through the bore, and a shaft coupled to the valve body. The valve body is moveable between a closed position and an open position when the shaft rotates about the axis. The vale assembly additionally includes a first biasing member coupled to the shaft and configured to bias the shaft along the shaft axis in a first direction, and a second biasing member coupled to the shaft and configured to bias the valve body in the first direction along the shaft axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Johannes Anton Preiss, Brenda Lee Horn
  • Patent number: 10767521
    Abstract: A variable port engine assembly and method of use utilizing a rotating camshaft having different sized ports that are dynamically aligned with intake, combustion, and exhaust ports and timed to open and close with appropriate engine cycles to change gas flow volumes through the combustion chamber to modify fuel efficiency and power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: Larry Kenneth Hills
  • Patent number: 10018108
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for injecting air from a compressed air source into an intake port of a Miller Cycle engine. In one example, a method may comprise positioning an intake valve, coupled to a cylinder of a four-cycle internal combustion engine, in an open position during a portion of an intake stroke through a portion of a compression stroke of a piston reciprocating within said cylinder. The method may additionally comprise supplying air to said intake valve from a first source, and injecting air against said intake valve from a second source while said intake valve is open during said compression stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Donald Wicks
  • Patent number: 9909674
    Abstract: A pulse-width-regulating valve is for the regulation of a fluid flow or a fluid pressure. The pulse-width-regulating valve comprises a cut-off valve connected in series with an inflow valve, at least one of the cut-off valve and the inflow valve being provided with an axially displaceable or rotatable valve element which has an opening position or a closing position at a distance from a starting position of the valve element. A method of operating a pulse-width-regulating valve comprises: regulating a valve gear device by a valve synchronizer, in accordance with at least two displacement curves; and by one or more valve actuators, displacing or rotating corresponding valve elements arranged in the pulse-width-regulating valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Viking Heat Engines AS
    Inventor: Harald Nes Risla
  • Patent number: 9453456
    Abstract: A solenoid valve for a pre-chamber of an internal combustion engine is provided. The solenoid valve may include a valve body defining an inlet port fluidly coupled with a fuel line, an outlet port fluidly coupled with the pre-chamber, and a passage fluidly coupling the inlet port with the outlet port. A valve stem may be slidably disposed in the passage between a first position and a second position. The valve stem may be configured to engage the outlet port in the first position to thereby prevent fluid communication therethrough. A biasing member may be disposed in the passage and configured to actuate the valve stem to the first position. A solenoid may be coupled with the valve body and configured to actuate the valve stem to the second position to thereby allow fluid communication therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventors: Kent R. Hanson, Curtis C. Vars
  • Publication number: 20150136061
    Abstract: The invention relates to an engine control valve including a body defining an inner duct and comprising a flap (10) mounted such that it can pivot by means of a shaft (12) of the flap (10), said flap (10) including a first portion (11). The flap can pivot between an open position allowing the passage of gas into the duct and a closed position in which the flap (10) comes into contact with a seal (1) that is solidly connected to the body of the flap. The outer contour of the seal (1) surrounds the outer contour of the flap (10), said seal (1) comprising an opening (6) and a solid portion (3). The above-mentioned first portion (11) seals the opening (6) in the seal (1) when the flap (10) is in a closed position. The flap (10) comprises a boss (18), separate from the first portion (11), which is positioned such as to remain in contact with the solid portion (3) of the seal (1) when the flap (10) pivots between an open position and a closed position or vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Gregory Hodebourg
  • Publication number: 20150128891
    Abstract: An engine control valve includes a flap pivotally mounted on an axis separating the said flap into a first part and a second part that are joined together at an interface plane defining a planar shoulder, the flap being capable of occupying a closed position in order to interrupt the passage of the gases, and for which purpose the first part interacts with a first portion of a joint and the second part interacts with a second portion of this joint, the joint being integral with the internal structure of the valve. A valve is characterized mainly by the first part of the flap has an overhang that arises on the shoulder and extends parallel to the second part of the flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Valeo Systemes de Controle Moteur
    Inventor: Grégory Hodebourg
  • Patent number: 8839757
    Abstract: A rotary valve internal combustion engine has a piston connected to a crankshaft and reciprocatable in a cylinder, a combustion chamber being defined in part by the piston, and a rotary valve rotatable in a valve housing fixed relative to the cylinder, the rotary valve having a valve body containing a volume defining, in part, the combustion chamber and further having a port giving, during rotation of the valve, fluid communication successively to and from the combustion chamber via inlet and exhaust ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: RCV Engines Limited
    Inventor: Keith Lawes
  • Patent number: 8720423
    Abstract: An article of manufacture includes a first rotor having a first flow-through area that is more than 50% of a total first rotor flow area and a first ridged arc member, and a second rotor having a second flow-through area that is more than 50% of a total second rotor flow area and a second ridged arc member. The article further includes an upstream stator and a downstream stator, each stator having a co-extensive stator flow-through area and a co-extensive structural area. The article includes an actuator having an engagement gear between the ridged arc members, where a turn of the engagement gear moves the ridged arc members in opposing directions. The first rotor and second rotor are phased to be at a maximum closed at a first position of the engagement gear and a maximum open at a second position of the engagement gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: J. Victor Perr, Atul Shinde, Parashuram Kapase, Onkarappa Bolanahalli, Ambarish Bv
  • Publication number: 20140007835
    Abstract: A throttle valve assembly includes a valve housing having a main channel and an auxiliary channel. A main throttle valve is pivotally mounted in the main channel, and an auxiliary throttle valve pivotally is mounted in the auxiliary channel. A common rotating actuator controls the opening angle of both the main throttle valve and the auxiliary throttle valve through an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism includes a crank mechanism connected between an auxiliary pivoting shaft and a gear train driven by the rotating actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: DELPHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS LUXEMBOURG SA
    Inventors: Gerald Bykans, Hugues Simion
  • Patent number: 8616171
    Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention provide a rotary valve system for piston engines. The valve system for piston engines comprises an intake rotary valve, an exhaust rotary valve arranged in conjunction with the intake rotary valve, a crankshaft gear and a plurality of spindle gears. The plurality of spindle gears are connected to at least one of the intake rotary valve and the exhaust rotary valve to transfer a rotary force from the crankshaft gear to at-least one of the intake rotary valves and exhaust rotary valves such that intake rotary valve and the exhaust rotary valve are set in motion. The valve system provides for changing the volume and timing for entering the fuel and the air into the engine and exiting smoke from the engine. The rotary valve system decreases shake of the engine and performs the required performance of the engine within specified range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Afshin Kiani
  • Patent number: 8601992
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to valves comprising a member such as a plate or poppet, that is moveable relative to a stationary seat. The state of the member may be maintained against opposing forces with relatively little expenditure of energy. According to one embodiment, a poppet displaced from seating in the valve seat, may be held in position against opposing forces tending to close the valve, until a desired flow of gas through the valve has taken place. The poppet may then be released as desired, such that those opposing forces serve to passively close the valve. The valve may be secured in position utilizing mechanical, magnetic, electromagnetic, pneumatic, electrostatic, or hydraulic approaches. Valve embodiments may be particularly suited to controlling gas flows for compression and/or expansion in an energy storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Gordon Rado, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130276764
    Abstract: A valve device controls the air intake for a compressor of a vehicle. The valve device includes a valve housing having a first compressed air inlet for connecting to an ambient air infeed, a second compressed air inlet for connecting to a charge air infeed, through which pre-compressed air can be fed, and a compressed air outlet for connecting to the compressor. The valve device includes a first switched state in which the compressed air outlet is fluidically connected to the first compressed air inlet, and a second switched state in which the compressed air outlet is fluidically connected to the second compressed air inlet. The valve device includes a switching device capable of switching the valve device between the first switched and the second switched state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Huba NÉMETH, Laslo MENYHART
  • Patent number: 8534255
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve unit for at least one of influencing and controlling a gas flow in an internal combustion engine comprising at least one valve member for modifying a cross-section of a gas flow-carrying channel through which a fluid flows and a drive train for rotatingly driving the at least one valve member. The drive train comprises an input shaft, which is drivingly coupled to a drive device in the mounted state, and at least one valve member shaft which is non-rotationally connected to the valve member. It is especially advantageous if the drive train comprises at least one phase adjuster for drivingly coupling the input shaft and the valve member shaft, a rotational position of the shafts in relation to each other being adjustable by the phase adjuster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Elsasser, Uwe Grass, Bernd Mahr, Marco Warth
  • Patent number: 8499727
    Abstract: The disclosed invention includes a heat engine where combustion, expansion, and compression are independent, continuous, parallel cycles. Compression and expansion ratios are continuously controllable variables. The disclosed engine includes a crankcase situated between two axially-aligned, opposed cylinder blocks. Each opposed cylinder block contains four zero-clearance cylinders. An oscillating piston head separates each cylinder into external expansion and internal compression chambers. A single connecting rod rigidly connects the piston heads of opposed cylinder pairs, and articulates with a central, linear-throw, planetary crank mechanism. A single, rotary disk valve mates with each external expander face of the paired, opposed cylinder blocks and regulate all expansion and exhaust functions. Controllable intake and outlet valves, integrated within each internal compressor face of the paired, opposed cylinder blocks and regulates intake, compression, and regenerative engine braking functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Stuart B. Pett, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130118435
    Abstract: A discharge valve assembly for a two-stroke internal combustion engine is disclosed, having a cylindrical shutter revolvingly mounted into a housing. A canal is left between the external surface of the shutter and the internal surface of the housing to avoid contact between surfaces and ensure valve seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: E2F Di Esposti Federici Ettore
    Inventor: Ettore Esposti Federici
  • Publication number: 20120285411
    Abstract: A valve device for an internal combustion engine includes a multi-part housing. A drive unit generates a rotational moment. The drive unit is arranged in a motor chamber. A transmission unit is arranged in a transmission chamber. An eccentric is configured to be driven by the transmission unit. A valve rod is configured to be displaceable in translation. The valve rod extends into a valve rod displacement chamber. A coupling element converts a displacement of the eccentric into a translational displacement of the valve rod. A valve seat is arranged between an inlet and an outlet. A valve closing body is attached to the valve rod. The valve closing body is configured to be lowered onto the valve seat and lifted off the valve seat. A cover is disposed between the eccentric and the coupling element. The cover is configured to separate the transmission chamber from the valve rod displacement chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: PIERBURG GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Nowak, Andreas Koester, Andres Toennesmann, Heinrich Dismon
  • Publication number: 20120145121
    Abstract: A spark ignition direct injection fuel cylinder for an engine includes a rotatable valve at a curved wall of an intake duct. The rotatable valve provides a variable step in to adjust the degree of tumble airflow while reducing flow restriction to improve engine performance across operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. McCarthy, Jianwen James Yi
  • Patent number: 8118007
    Abstract: An L-shaped rotary valve has a pair of side plates and a valve plate. The rotary valve is rotatably supported in a housing at a shaft 5. The valve plate moves along downstream ends of side wall portions of an air duct. A gap is formed between a downstream end of an air-intake passage and the valve plate, when the rotary valve is moved to its valve closed position. The side plates of the rotary valve cover the gap in a lateral direction in parallel to an axial direction of the shaft, so that leakage of air flow in the lateral direction of the gap is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Ryo Sano
  • Patent number: 8100102
    Abstract: A cylinder head for an internal combustion engine is provided. The cylinder head includes a valve chamber shaped to accommodate at least two rotary valves therein. The cylinder head also includes at least two first passages extending between the valve chamber and an underside of the cylinder head. The cylinder head further includes a flow passage for providing fluid communication between the valve chamber and the exterior of the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventor: Martin W. Dirker
  • Publication number: 20110308491
    Abstract: A rotary valve internal combustion engine has a piston connected to a crankshaft and reciprocatable in a cylinder, a combustion chamber being defined in part by the piston, and a rotary valve rotatable in a valve housing fixed relative to the cylinder, the rotary valve having a valve body containing a volume defining, in part, the combustion chamber and further having a port giving, during rotation of the valve, fluid communication successively to and from the combustion chamber via inlet and exhaust ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Keith Lawes
  • Publication number: 20110265754
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve unit for at least one of influencing and controlling a gas flow in an internal combustion engine comprising at least one valve member for modifying a cross-section of a gas flow-carrying channel through which a fluid flows and a drive train for rotatingly driving the at least one valve member. The drive train comprises an input shaft, which is drivingly coupled to a drive device in the mounted state, and at least one valve member shaft which is non-rotationally connected to the valve member. It is especially advantageous if the drive train comprises at least one phase adjuster for drivingly coupling the input shaft and the valve member shaft, a rotational position of the shafts in relation to each other being adjustable by the phase adjuster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Elsässer, Uwe Grass, Bernd Mahr, Marco Warth
  • Publication number: 20110209678
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an improvement to a four-stroke engine having a single cylinder block arrangement including an engine block, timing gears, crankshaft and gear, timing belt/chain, intake port, exhaust port, and cylinder head arrangement includes a ported rotating shaft, the ported rotating shaft having a first port, the ported rotating shaft synchronized with the crankshaft, such that the first port periodically aligns with the intake port to allow for intake during the four-stroke cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Russell S. Myers
  • Patent number: 7997243
    Abstract: An improved ball type valve rotator is provided that includes a main body segment having a bottom wall with an upper surface, and a body cap that overlies the main body segment. A ball cages assembly is housed between the main body segment and the body cap. The ball cages assembly includes multiple ramps with lower surfaces that are spaced from the bottom wall upper surface of the main body segment. This allows the multiple ramps to deflect toward the bottom wall upper surface of the main body segment. The multiple ramps can deflect independently of each other, so that different distances can be defined between the different ramps and the bottom wall upper surface of the main body segment. In so doing, the ball cage assembly can accommodate non-uniform applications of force into the valve rotator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Bronislaw B. Florek
  • Patent number: 7926461
    Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow to or from a cylinder of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system includes a drive shaft having a rotary valve mounted thereon. The system also includes a cylinder head a cylinder head accommodating the rotary valve and at least part of the drive shaft therein, the rotary valve being arranged to selectively open or close a flow opening in the cylinder head. The system also includes a source of rotation and a mechanical drive train rotatably coupling the source of rotation to the drive shaft. The mechanical drive train has a non-circular element rotatably coupled to the source of rotation and a non-circular element rotatably coupled to the drive shaft. The non-circular elements are rotatably coupled to cause a speed variation in one of the non-circular elements upon a constant rotation of the other non-circular elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventor: Martin W. Dirker
  • Publication number: 20110061625
    Abstract: A valve assembly for use in an air management assembly having an engine, an exhaust side, and an intake side, where the valve assembly provides a housing, a plurality of openings in the housing, a valve in the housing, and an actuator operably connected to the valve. The housing is in fluid communication with the exhaust side and the intake side. The plurality of openings in the housing form at least one inlet and at least one outlet in the housing. The valve moves with respect to the plurality of openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Volker Joergl, Timm Kiener, Olaf Weber, Bruce Thorpe
  • Publication number: 20100319652
    Abstract: A rotor housing assembly is adapted such that a barrel valve is arranged to regulate the flow of fuel/air mixture both from outside the housing assembly into an internal lubrication flow path and from the internal lubrication flow path into an internal chamber. The barrel valve includes a substantially cylindrical valve member diagonally traversed by a separation plate, dividing the interior of the valve member into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. Fuel/air mixture entering the housing assembly from outside passes through the inlet chamber and fuel/air mixture entering the internal chamber passes through the outlet chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: ROTARY ENGINE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: William L. Cooper, J. Scott Webber
  • Publication number: 20100300417
    Abstract: A combustion chamber is provided within an internal combustion engine, the combustion chamber including a cylinder head having an internal bore with an open end and a closed end, and a piston which reciprocates within the internal bore between a TDC position near the closed end and a BDC position, with a compression end facing the closed end. Poppet valves on the closed end and ports on the internal bore can control the flow of gasses into, and from, the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber is stratified when the compression end is positioned within a stratified distance of the closed end. When stratified, the combustion chamber is comprised of a central combustion region, a perimeter squish region, and a transfer passage between the regions. A direct fuel injector injects fuel into the central combustion region, mixing fuel with inducted gasses prior to combustion. The combustion chamber can be thermally insulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: David J. Schouweiler, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100263618
    Abstract: A valve module for a combustion engine breathing system, and products and systems using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Robert D. Keefover, Murray F. Busato
  • Publication number: 20100251987
    Abstract: An L-shaped rotary valve has a pair of side plates and a valve plate. The rotary valve is rotatably supported in a housing at a shaft 5. The valve plate moves along downstream ends of side wall portions of an air duct. A gap is formed between a downstream end of an air-intake passage and the valve plate, when the rotary valve is moved to its valve closed position. The side plates of the rotary valve cover the gap in a lateral direction in parallel to an axial direction of the shaft, so that leakage of air flow in the lateral direction of the gap is suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryo Sano
  • Patent number: 7802550
    Abstract: A cylinder head arrangement is provided. The arrangement may include a cylinder head having at least one valve chamber defined therein. The arrangement may also include at least one rotary valve, accommodated in the valve chamber, the rotary valve having a curved portion, two side portions and at least one flow passage intersecting the curved portion and at least one of the side portions, and thereby defining flow openings in the curved portion and two side portions. In addition, the arrangement may also include at least one deflector arranged adjacent at least one side portion of the rotary valve in which a flow opening is defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Martin W. Dirker
  • Publication number: 20100192893
    Abstract: A bearing device includes a plurality of pairs of bearing parts for supporting shafts to each of which a plurality valves are attached and connecting parts for connecting the bearing parts. Each connecting part is elastically deformable and includes a bent portion in a bent shape to absorb the force that will act in at least one of an axial direction and a radial direction of the shafts when the shafts are rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinji Iwata, Naotaka Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 7765803
    Abstract: We present a high-efficiency crankless reciprocating steam engine that loses only a small amount of energy when the rectilinear motion of its piston is changed into the rotary motion of its driveshaft. The present invention continuously rotates a valve in one direction while alternately introducing steam into two piston housing chambers to generate the rotary force of the driveshaft. Therefore, engine efficiency is greatly increased because the inertial force losses in the valve are much smaller compared to the case when the valve rotation stops or changes direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Inje University Industy-Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Dae-Hee Lee, Yeong-Saeng Kim
  • Publication number: 20100170466
    Abstract: An opposed piston engine includes a valve mechanism for regulating fluid flow through an opening formed in a cylinder of the engine. The mechanism includes a valve operatively coupled to the cylinder so as to be rotatable to a first position to seal the opening and to a second position to unseal the opening, and at least one cam surface operatively coupled to the cylinder so as to be movable with respect to the cylinder to engage the valve so as to produce rotation of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: James C. Warren, Dennis K. Scheer
  • Patent number: 7721689
    Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow to or from at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system includes a rotary valve. A cylinder head having a valve chamber accommodates the rotary valve. The rotary valve is arranged to selectively open or close a flow opening in the cylinder head. A drive motor is coupled to the rotary valve to impart rotation thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventor: Martin W. Dirker
  • Patent number: 7594492
    Abstract: Rotary valve system for controlling communication with a port in an internal combustion engine which, in one disclosed embodiment, has a crankshaft, compression and expansion pistons connected to the crankshaft for reciprocating movement within compression and expansion chambers, a combustion chamber in which air from the compression chamber is combined with fuel and burned to produce an increased gas volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Zajac Optimum Output Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: John Zajac
  • Patent number: 7591240
    Abstract: A method for providing a mixture of inlet air and exhaust gas in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. Fluid flow between the cylinder and a cylinder head associated therewith is controlled by at least one rotary valve accommodated in the cylinder head. The method includes rotating the at least one rotary valve to allow a fluid flow between the cylinder and the cylinder head in a first direction and to allow a fluid flow between the cylinder and the cylinder head in a second direction, opposite the first direction, wherein the fluid flow in the first direction and the fluid flow in the second direction are allowed during a single combustion cycle of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventor: Martin W. Dirker
  • Patent number: 7584741
    Abstract: An axial flow rotary valve for an engine, that is rotatable about an axis within the bore of a cylinder head. The valve communicating with a respective cylinder in which a piston reciprocates, and an ignition means associated with the cylinder. The valve is provided with inlet and exhaust peripheral openings that periodically communicate with cylinder through a window in the bore. A combustion chamber is formed in the space between the crown of the piston at top dead centre and the cylinder head and the valve. The ignition means comprising first and second spark plugs, each of said spark plugs having a nose located at one end thereof exposed to the combustion chamber, said noses being disposed on opposite sides of said window within the axial extremities of said window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Bishop Innovation Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Donald Thomas, Anthony Bruce Wallis, Glenn David Horrocks
  • Publication number: 20090217904
    Abstract: We present a high-efficiency crankless reciprocating steam engine that loses only a small amount of energy when the rectilinear motion of its piston is changed into the rotary motion of its driveshaft. The present invention continuously rotates a valve in one direction while alternately introducing steam into two piston housing chambers to generate the rotary force of the driveshaft. Therefore, engine efficiency is greatly increased because the inertial force losses in the valve are much smaller compared to the case when the valve rotation stops or changes direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Dae-Hee Lee, Yeong-Saeng Kim
  • Patent number: 7568464
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling charge motion in the air intake manifold includes a barrel-style valve rotatably mounted in the lower air intake manifold between the linearly arranged set of air inlets and the first and second sets of laterally offset air outlets which branch to the first and second cylinder banks, respectively. The barrel valve includes a plurality of openings and is rotatable between a fully open position wherein the plurality of openings are in alignment with the respective air inlets and outlets in the lower manifold allowing substantially unimpeded airflow therethrough, and fully closed position wherein the plurality of openings are substantially fully out of alignment with the respective air inlets and outlets substantially preventing air flow therethrough while allowing air flow through an air bypass formed adjacent to each air inlet and outlet pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Spegar
  • Publication number: 20090188462
    Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a valve shaft, a body, a bearing housing, a fixing device, and an actuator. The body has a flow path therein, and the flow path has an opening degree that is operated by rotation of the valve shaft. The bearing housing rotatably supports the valve shaft, and the bearing housing has a predetermined attachment portion. The fixing device fixes the bearing housing to the body by fastening the predetermined attachment portion of the bearing housing to an outer surface of the body. The actuator is provided to cover the fixing device from outside, and the actuator is fixed to the body and the bearing housing. The actuator applies a driving force to the valve shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Osumi, Katsuya Torii
  • Publication number: 20090178645
    Abstract: A valve unit for an internal combustion engine includes a duct, a valve and a shaft. The duct includes an inner tube defining a gas passage and an outer tube disposed radially outside of the inner tube. The duct has an annular liquid storage groove between the outer tube and the inner tube. The valve is supported by the shaft in the inner tube to control the gas passage The shaft is held by a bearing portion of the duct. The inner tube has an overflow portion and an overflow-restricting portion at an upper end. The overflow portion regulates a level of liquid stored in the storage groove and allows excess liquid to overflow from the storage groove. The overflow-restricting portion is provided in a predetermined area above the bearing portion and located higher than the overflow portion to restrict the liquid from overflowing from the predetermined area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi TANIMURA, Naoto MIYAUCHI
  • Publication number: 20090084338
    Abstract: An exhaust control device for a vehicle engine wherein an exhaust pipe forms an exhaust passage along with an exhaust port is connected to a cylinder head via the exhaust port. A rotary valve is capable of changing the opening area of the exhaust passage. The rotary valve being disposed in approximately the middle of the exhaust passage. The opening area of the exhaust passage is made controllable by the rotary valve while avoiding an increase in the number of component parts. A rotary valve having a turning axis located at a position offset from the center of the exhaust port is housed in a valve housing provided integrally with a cylinder head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Yukihiro TSUBAKINO, Shinsuke Yasui, Isao Azumagakito
  • Patent number: 7467608
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine of the present invention features separate compression and expansion cycles. The engine includes a separate compressor device which pressurizes air by a ratio greater than 15 to 1, at least one two stroke combustion cylinder and a compressed air conduit for transferring compressed air from the compressor to the at least one combustion cylinder. An air injection valve injects the compressed air into the combustion cylinder during the second half portion of the return stroke of the combustion cylinder. The compressed air is mixed with fuel and combusted for expansion during a power stroke. In this engine compression occurs only to a minor degree in the combustion cylinder. Accordingly, the compression ratio of the present engine may be significantly higher or lower than the volumetric expansion ratio of the combustion cylinder thus resulting in corresponding increases in either power density or thermodynamic efficiency respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: D-J Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Clint Allen Luttgeharm
  • Publication number: 20080236535
    Abstract: Rotary valves for internal combustion engines according to embodiments of the present invention comprise a conical valve portion with a first port of the rotary valve for feeding a fuel to the combustion chamber, respectively for an outlet of an exhaust from the combustion chamber, whereas the first port is located within a superficies surface of the conical valve portion; furthermore a cylindrical valve portion is arrange at a thick end of the conical valve portion, whereas a second port of the rotary valve for the fuel, respectively for the exhaust is located within a superficies surface of the cylindrical valve portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Marc Gilbert Ivan van Driessche, Herman Verboven
  • Publication number: 20080210190
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a rotary valve including a valve body having a curved portion and two side portions, wherein a line extending through the respective centers of the side portions defines an axis of rotation of the rotary valve. The valve body may include a first fluid connection arranged in the body to fluidly connect at least one of the side portions and the curved portion, via a first opening in at least one of the side portions and a second opening in the curved portion. The valve body may also include a second fluid connection arranged in the body to fluidly connect at least one of the side portions and the curved portion, via a third opening in at least one of the side portions and a fourth opening in the curved portion, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Martin W. Dirker
  • Publication number: 20080210192
    Abstract: A cylinder head for an internal combustion engine is provided. The cylinder head includes a valve chamber shaped to accommodate at least two rotary valves therein. The cylinder head also includes at least two first passages extending between the valve chamber and an underside of the cylinder head. The cylinder head further includes a flow passage for providing fluid communication between the valve chamber and the exterior of the cylinder head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Martin W. Dirker
  • Publication number: 20080210191
    Abstract: A cylinder head arrangement is provided. The arrangement may include a cylinder head having at least one valve chamber defined therein. The arrangement may also include at least one rotary valve, accommodated in the valve chamber, the rotary valve having a curved portion, two side portions and at least one flow passage intersecting the curved portion and at least one of the side portions, and thereby defining flow openings in the curved portion and two side portions. In addition, the arrangement may also include at least one deflector arranged adjacent at least one side portion of the rotary valve in which a flow opening is defined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Martin W. Dirker
  • Patent number: 7406938
    Abstract: A cooling mechanism for a rotary valve cylinder engine 1 comprising a rotary valve cylinder 3 rotatably mounted within an outer cylindrical valve element 8, the rotary valve cylinder 3 and the outer cylindrical valve element 8 each being formed with a respective valve port 51, 71, 81, the rotary valve cylinder 3 being rotatable relative to the outer cylindrical valve element 8 to a position in which the ports 51, 71, 81 are aligned, the cooling mechanism comprising fluid passages 11, 28 formed in the rotary valve cylinder 3 and the outer cylindrical valve element 8 through which, in use, cooling oil flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: RCV Engines Limited
    Inventor: Keith Trevor Lawes
  • Publication number: 20080163845
    Abstract: A method for providing a mixture of inlet air and exhaust gas in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. Fluid flow between the cylinder and a cylinder head associated therewith is controlled by at least one rotary valve accommodated in the cylinder head. The method includes rotating the at least one rotary valve to allow a fluid flow between the cylinder and the cylinder head in a first direction and to allow a fluid flow between the cylinder and the cylinder head in a second direction, opposite the first direction, wherein the fluid flow in the first direction and the fluid flow in the second direction are allowed during a single combustion cycle of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Martin W. Dirker