Abstract: An engine body supports a cylinder having a piston reciprocally mounted therein. A connecting rod is pivotally connected between the piston and a lever which is pivotally supported by the engine body. The lever rotatably supports a drive roller which is disposed in contact with a cam surface on a member drivingly connected to an output shaft. The connecting rod may be connected to the lever by a connecting pin which is mounted for movement within slots formed in the lever. A crank is pivotally connected to the connecting pin to adjust the position of the connecting pin within the slots to control reciprocal movement of the piston. In a modification, the levers connected to adjacent pistons are connected to one another for movement together and are pivoted about a common pivot axis. In another embodiment, a novel cam profile provides unequal piston strokes to operate the engine in an overexpanded operating cycle.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including one or more pistons, each of which is mounted to reciprocate in a respective cylinder and is pivotally connected to a connecting rod which is connected to a respective crank on a crankshaft, characterized in that the connecting rod is pivotally connected to one end of an elongate link member which is pivotally connected to the associated crank at a position intermediate its ends and whose other end constitutes a rod which is restrained by a mounting such that it may pivot about a pivotal axis parallel to the axis of the crankshaft and may move in a direction parallel to its length.

Abstract: A fluid actuator for use in a fluid injector assembly including a piston arranged for reciprocation in a chamber, the piston including a connected plunger operating in an injection chamber. A control valve member is actuated to apply fluid to the chamber on opposite sides of the piston to reciprocate the piston and plunger. A fluid throttling arrangement is provided to decelerate the piston towards the ends of its stroke. The fluid actuator may also be associated with an engine valve assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable stroke reciprocating mechanism which includes a reciprocating member mounted for reciprocating movement, a rotating member mounted for rotation about a main axis (XX), a connecting rod operatively connected to the reciprocating member and a crank assembly including a crank arm having a longitudinal axis (Y) which is inclined with respect to the main axis (XX). At least a portion of the crank arm can revolve about the main axis, the connecting rod being operatively connected to the crank arm and its position adjustable along the length thereof in either direction along a longitudinal axis (Y). There is also provided various bearing mounting assemblies for use with the adjustable stroke reciprocating mechanism and carrier and shaft assemblies allowing controlled movement along the longitudinal axis (Y) of the crank arm.

Abstract: A piston for internal combustion engines with an inner piston eccentrically disposed inside the outer piston. The outer piston is attached to a journal at the top of the connecting rod by a wrist pin in the usual manner. The inner piston is attached by a wrist pin to a carrier slidably disposed within the slot of a forked lateral projection extending from the top of the connecting rod. Outer piston movement and inner piston movement relative to the outer piston, produces variable compression and applies torque to the crankshaft while at TDC (top-dead-center).

Abstract: A fluid actuator for use in a fluid injector assembly including a piston arranged for reciprocation in a chamber, the piston including a connected plunger operating in an injection chamber. A control valve member is actuated to apply fluid to the chamber on opposite sides of the piston to reciprocate the piston and plunger. A fluid throttling arrangement is provided to decelerate the piston towards the ends of its stroke. The fluid actuator may also be associated with an engine valve assembly. A fluid actuated engine piston assembly is also described.

Abstract: An improved piston-cylinder internal combustion engine alters the volume of the combustion chamber without relying on movement of the piston to change the volume of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A variable stroke engine has a piston slidably mounted in a cylinder for reciprocal linear movement therein. The engine includes first and second parallel crankshafts having first and second crank pins, respectively. A connecting assembly connects the piston to the first and second crankshafts. The connecting assembly includes an oscillating member pivotally connected to the piston at a first connection. The assembly further includes first and second connecting rods rotatably connected to the first and second crank pins, respectively. The first and second connecting rods are further rotatably connected to the oscillating member at respective second and third connections. The second and third connections are offset from the first connection and offset from each other such that the first and second connecting rods are arranged in a crossing relationship. Synchronizing gears establish co-rotation of the first and second crankshafts and synchronize an angular phase relationship between the crankshafts.

Abstract: A compression ratio changing arrangement in an internal combustion engine. In order to change the compression ratio by utilizing, to the maximum, an eccentric amount between inner and outer peripheral surfaces of an eccentric ring interposed between a crank pin and a large end of a connecting rod in a compression ratio changing device, the eccentric ring is selectively connected to the crank pin or the large end of the connecting rod by a connecting pin with the thinnest portion or thickest portion of the connecting ring being turned toward the center of rotation of a crankshaft. The selective connection is performed when the piston is at botton dead center. When the eccentric ring has been connected to the crank pin, the stroke of the piston is increased or decreased by an amount corresponding to two times the eccentric amount of the eccentric ring without changing the position of the bottom dead center of the piston, as compared to the stroke with when the eccentric ring has been connected to the large end.

Abstract: A variable displacement engine includes a rotatable crankshaft having a journal, a cam having an eccentric opening that receives the crankshaft journal, a piston rod assembly having one end journalled on the eccentric cam, and the cam also having an arcuately extending cavity that has gear teeth formed in its outer wall that are at a constant radius distance from the radial center of the eccentric opening, and a gear wheel disposed within the cavity and engaging the gear teeth for selectively adjusting the angular position of the cam relative to the crankshaft journal.

Abstract: Use of a low friction "Knife-edge" pivot bearing for a rocker arm drive for an Internal Combustion Engine; Controlling chamber pressure or TDC volume through 1) adjusting TDC volume as a function of engine operational conditions or 2) an energy store and return device including selection of TDC volume as a function of variable inlet valve timing and 3) increased nominal operating point piston speed.

Abstract: Controlled variation of piston .displacement and adjustment of compression ratio are achieved by an adjustment mechanism located between the vehicle crank shaft and the piston which changes the effective length of the piston rod. The piston rod is divided into upper and lower portions and the adjustment mechanism connected to both portions at the point of division. The adjustment mechanism allows controlled lateral displacement of the two parts of the piston rod from each other at the point of division while still transmitting energy of motion from the piston to the crank shaft.

Abstract: A variable stroke mechanism provides a means for varying the stroke and leverage of a linkage between reciprocating power source and crankshaft. The mechanism includes a lever connected at one end to the reciprocating power source and at the other end to the crankshaft with a variable fulcrum point between the two ends. The lever forms a longitudinally extending slot for containing a fulcrum member, the other surfaces of which, while generally cylindrical, secures a series of parallel and equiangularly displaced cylindrical roller bearings. The top of the slot formed within the lever is a flat bearing surface and the opposing bottom surface contains a series of semicircular channels forming a gear train sized and located to successively engage the roller bearings on the fulcrum member and said bearings serving as gear teeth such that rotation of the fulcrum member changes the position of the fulcrum point relative to the lever.

Abstract: A compression ratio control system consists of a two-part piston forming a hydraulic chamber between the two slidable parts; their relative position, which determines the piston height, is controlled outside of the engine by regulating the pressure of engine oil going to the crankshaft and channeled to the hydraulic chamber through the crank mechanism. Piston height adjustment is accomplished incrementally by balancing the oil pressure against the momentary cylinder pressure transmitted to the hydraulic chamber, for a short interval at a predetermined angular crankshaft position, using a timing device located at the crankshaft end of a piston rod. The timing device consists of a set of small valves operated by inertial forces; with respect to the oil flow, these valves are arranged in series and on different timing given by their angular orientation, so as to open the oil passage during their opening overlap once per cycle.

Abstract: An automotive-type engine has each of the piston connecting rods connected to the engine crankshaft by means of a swing link that is pivoted at one end to the arm of a normally stationary crank; however, the crank can be rotated to change the clearance volume between the piston and the cylinder head or the stroke of the engine for best engine operation at each operating condition. A piston/plunger hydraulically interconnects the crank arm to a control means for permitting rotation of the crank arm by means of a number of cam-controlled pushrods operating on one-way check valves controlling flow of fluid from opposite ends of the chamber containing the piston/plunger.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio apparatus is provided for use in an internal combustion engine. The apparatus has an eccentric sleeve rotatably arranged in one of pivot portions at opposite ends of a connecting rod so as to make a bearing hole of the connecting rod and a pin, which extends through the bearing hole, eccentric relative to each other. The apparatus also has an eccentric sleeve lock device capable of fixing rotation of the eccentric sleeve at a desired position. The lock device includes a pin member engageable with one of engagement portions formed in the eccentric sleeve and a piston-type fluid pressure drive system. The drive system is adapted to produce a pressure difference between fluid pressure chambers formed at opposite sides of a piston portion, which is connected to the pin member, in a state that the fluid pressure chambers are applied with a prescribed fluid pressure, whereby the piston portion is moved to drive the pin member.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a mechanically simply constructed mechanism located internally of a piston engine for adjustably changing the stroke of a piston over a predetermined range in response to a variety of operating control parameters. The adjustable stroke changing mechanism provides an optimum compression ratio at each change in piston stroke and over the entire range of piston stroke provided which may be varied from one piston engine to another of different performance characteristics without requiring a major change in design of the stroke changing mechanism. The stroke changing mechanism includes a swing plate pivotally fixed to the engine block at one end and placed intermediate the piston connection rod and respective crankshaft pin at its other end, each of which are affixed to and translate within the swing plate as the piston is driven to reciprocate within a piston cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for transforming a reciprocating motion and a rotating motion from one to the other, and more particularly to a crankless engine in which in place of a crank shaft there is used a rocking member having a rockable fulcrum and adapted to perform rocking motions without rotating on its own axis, like a spherical bearing or a cross-type universal bearing. The above motional transformation is effected in high mechanical efficiency by pivotal connection between the said rocking member and a rotary shaft. The compression ratio can be changed, and the engine is durable.

Abstract: A connecting rod for an internal-combustion, steam or the like, engine, having hydraulic means for converting the reciprocating motion of engine piston to the rotating motion of crankshaft. While producing the same torque on crankshaft, the hydraulic connecting rod enables the crankshaft throw to be shorter and, therefore, enables a decrease of the centrifugal force and inertia load produced by crankshaft rotating motion. Futhermore, the present invention enables a significant decrease of piston-ring friction and significantly reduces total engine friction. The present invention also yields significant decreases of centrifugal, inertia and friction loads resulting in a significant increase of total engine efficiency and power output.

Abstract: A driving or working engine, in particular an internal combustion engine, having at least one cylinder and a piston which moves axially in the latter and is connected to the crankshaft by an upper section of the connecting rod and a lower section of the connecting rod connected to the said upper section by a hinge. The two sections of the connecting rod are supported on an adjustable axle integral with the engine housing by a common hinged pivoting lever. In order to increase output and permit adaptation to different fuels, the end of the upper section of the connecting rod (5, 30) facing the piston (2) has an axial prolengation (27) which passes through the common hinge (9, 33) of the two sections of the connecting rod (5, 10 and 30, 35), and the end (14", 36, 36') of the pivoting lever (14, 39) facing the two said sections of the connecting rod (5, 10 and 30, 35) engages in an articulated manner with the prologation (27).

Abstract: A cylinder bore for an internal-combustion or the like engine, having additional valve ports and an additional combustion chamber machined inside the cylinder wall, is disclosed. Said cylinder bore enables excellent volumetric efficiency and a two-step combustion process which comprises burning of two air-fuel mixtures having different compression ratios and different air-fuel ratios. Increased air provided for the combustion process and better distribution of combustion pressure will result with much more power delivered by engine and less emissions released into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Novel internal-combustion engines of the swing beam type incorporate an improved construction utilizing a Rapson slide motion and also are derived from two or three degree of freedom mechanisms for controlling the displacement of the piston as a function of crankshaft displacement and of the displacement of a control shaft. The control shaft either operates at an average speed which is preferably a prescribed ratio of crank speed, thereby yielding an improved thermodynamic cycle (such as the Atkinson cycle in the case of a four-stroke engine) and cycle timing, or functions as a lever for obtaining variable stroke operation. The mechanism can also incorporate a continuously rotating control shaft together with a second control shaft functioning as a lever, thereby yielding an improved thermodynamic cyle and cycle timing together with variable stroke operation. The control shaft, functioning as a lever, can be replaced by a similar actuating device.

Abstract: A means to control piston movement in relationship to crank arm rotation in an internal combustion engine is provided. There is provided a system to permit the crank arm of an engine to rotate a number of degrees past what would be the normal TDC (TOP DEAD CENTER). There is also provided a means to lift the piston to its highest point when the crank arm has reached its predetermined number of degrees past normal TDC. A mechanical linkage has been provided to replace the usual connecting rod. A short link is assembled to the crank arm bearing by means of a journal. The crank arm length is coupled to a longer link through a coupling pin. The longer link is attached to the piston by a standard piston pin.

Abstract: A compression ratio changing device for an internal combustion engine using an eccentric bearing interposed between a piston-pin and a connecting rod. A lock hole is formed in the eccentric bearing and a lock-pin hole is formed in the connecting rod. A lock-pin is slidably inserted in the lock-pin hole and can move into or out of the lock hole. When the lock-pin engages lock hole, the rotation of the eccentric bearing is locked. When the lock-pin moves apart from the lock hole, the rotation of the eccentric bearing becomes free. To obtain a smooth entry of the lock-pin into the lock hole, a guide groove is formed in the outer portion of the eccentric bearing. A portion of the surface of the lock hole forms a colliding surface for colliding with the lock-pin. A deformation absorbing groove is formed at the outer portion of the colliding surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an engine including a cylinder defining a combustion chamber which receives a combustible mixture for the combustion thereof, a piston slidably mounted therein for reciprocation between a first limit position whereat the chamber defines its minimum and maximum volume, a pair of rotatably mounted parallel crankshafts arranged equidistantly relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, each having a crank-arm rotatable about its respective crankshaft axis, and means coupling the crankshafts together for synchronizing rotation thereof with the crank-arm of one crankshaft having an angular advance over the crank-arm of the other crankshaft.

Abstract: The invention is an improved piston engine, either two stroke or four stroke. In one, two stroke, one cylinder embodiment, the improvement comprises two springs connecting between the piston and the base of the piston. These springs are relatively relaxed when the crank is at top dead center. Then during the power/intake stroke, some of the fuel's energy is delivered to the crankshaft and some is used to compress the springs. The stored energy in the springs is delivered to the crankshaft during the exhaust/compression stroke while the springs return to their relatively relaxed condition. As a result, energy is delivered to the crankshaft during both strokes of the cycle, and the engine runs smooth.In one, four stroke, two cylinder embodiment, each cylinder has springs as described above, the cranks of each cylinder are aligned, and the cam sets one cylinder in the power stroke while the other is in the intake stroke.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising an engine block, a piston, a crankshaft, a lever, a piston connecting rod, and a crankshaft connecting rod. The engine block defines a cylinder chamber, and the piston is supported for reciprocating movement therein. The crankshaft is rotatably supported by the engine block and includes an eccentric portion. The lever includes first and second ends and an intermediate portion located therebetween, and the first end of the lever is pivotally connected to the engine block. The piston connecting rod includes a first end pivotally connected to the intermediate portion of the lever and a second end pivotally connected to the piston. The crankshaft connecting rod includes a first end pivotally connected to the second end of the lever and a second end pivotally connected to the eccentric portion of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A reciprocating piston engine has at least one cylinder and a piston moveable back and forth therein. The piston is connected with a crank shaft through an articulated linkage which includes a first connecting rod pivotally connected to the piston, a second connecting rod pivotally connected to the crank shaft and a swinging lever, which swinging lever, at one of its ends, is pivotally supported for movement about a swing axis generally parallel to the crank shaft axis and which swinging lever, at its other end, is pivotally connected to both of the connecting rods.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which the displacement in the cylinders is automatically varied to match the power output of the engine to power requirements. One or more kinetic controllers external to the cylinders connect engine piston cross-shafts to the engine crankshaft. Each kinetic controller is capable of changing its length through the use of damped elastic components. At high RPM the engine intake and power strokes are lengthened relative to that at low RPM as controller length increases. Also at high RPM, the engine compression stroke is lengthened as controller length decreases. Thus, at higher engine RPM, greater fuel charge, higher compression, and greter power are obtained than at lower engine RPM.

Abstract: Means for controlling the compression pressure in an internal combustion engine having one or more cylinders and subject to widely varying power output requirements. Received between each crank pin (C) and connecting rod (D) is an eccentric sleeve (F) selectively capable of rotation about the crank pin and/or inside the rod and for latching with the rod (D) to vary the effective length of the connecting rod and thereby the clearance volume of the engine. The eccentric normally rotates inside the connecting rod during the exhaust and intake strokes but a latching pawl (F) carried by the eccentric is movable radially outwardly to latch the rod and eccentric together during the compression and power strokes. A control valve (J) responds to intake manifold pressure to time the supply of hydraulic fluid to move the latch-pawl outwardly, varying the effective rod length to maintain a substantially optimum firing chamber pressure at all intake manifold pressures.

Abstract: A connecting rod, especially useful as a piston rod, is bifurcated into two relatively moving components which permit the rod to elongate and contract under the influence of pressure which is selectively directed into one of two variable volume parts while being exhausted from the other. The fluid which is directed into and exhausted out of the variable volume chambers is controlled as a function of the angular displacement of the connecting rod relative to a driving shaft.

Abstract: A variable length stroke piston is provided in an internal combustion engine having an engine block means including a toroidal shaped cylinder, a piston positioned in the cylinder for arcuate reciprocation therein, a piston rod means pivotally positioning the piston for movement about the center axis of the toroid defining the cylinder, a regulatory shaft positioned parallel to a crankshaft and with a connector link extending therefrom, articulated link means pivotally interconnecting the piston rod to the engine connecting rod and operatively connecting to the regulatory shaft, and means operatively connect the regulatory shaft to the accelerator controlling the engine to rotate the regulatory shaft through a controlled arc with changes in the setting of the accelerator and reduce the length of piston stroke with reduced fuel supply to the engine to maintain substantially uniform compression in the cylinder at all times.

Abstract: A two-cycle, two-cylinder opposed piston internal combustion engine having means for continuously adjusting the stroke of the engine and the blocking and unblocking of intake, transfer and exhaust ports with respect to each other as the engine is operating. Corresponding pistons of each cylinder are connected to respective ends of pivotally mounted rocker arms so that pistons in one cylinder move oppositely with respect to pistons in the other cylinder, the piston side surfaces alternately blocking and unblocking transfer and exhaust ports. In a particular embodiment, the rocker arms are each fitted with a flat spring positioned so as to be in contact with the end of the associated piston rod and deflecting to allow the pistons to move apart at an increased speed in advance of the crankshaft. The springs are secured and limited so as to provide increasing spring moment as the springs are deflected.

Abstract: A family of balanceable, variable displacement reciprocating piston engine arrangements is disclosed. The arrangements include multiple parallel cylinders having pistons movable therein in balanceable fashion through a fixed geometry rocker mechanism driving oscillating links which are adjustable to provide control of the piston displacement and compression ratio. Both in-line and side-by-side cylinder arrangements are possible. Even firing intervals are preferably provided.

Abstract: An improved internal combustion engine and method of operation are disclosed. A method and a means are described for conserving mechanical energy in the engine cylinder during the combustion portion of the engine cycle by automatically adjusting the engine cylinder volume.

Abstract: A two-cycle, two-cylinder opposed piston internal combustion engine having means for continuously adjusting the stroke of the engine and the blocking and unblocking of intake, transfer and exhaust ports with respect to each other as the engine is operating. Corresponding pistons of each cylinder are connected to respective ends of pivotally mounted rocker arms so that pistons in one cylinder move oppositely with respect to pistons in the other cylinder, the piston side surfaces alternately blocking and unblocking transfer and exhaust ports. Two connecting rods are provided, one of which is attached at one end to each of the rocker arms at a pivot point distal from the rocker arm pivotal mount and at the other end to a rotatably mounted eccentric, one end of which is formed into a shaft containing a power drive gear operatively connected to a drive shaft, the eccentric being rotated due to an up and down motion of the connecting rod.

Abstract: A reciprocating piston-type internal combustion engine is equipped with a variable length connecting rod which is operable in response to engine oil pump pressures to cause a low throttle fuel charge to be compressed in the engine cylinder to substantially the same pressure as an open throttle fuel charge. An adjustable pressure regulator valve is provided to insure a substantially constant oil pressure at the connecting rod at all times during operation of the engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an articulated connecting rod linkage which is automatically adjusted by an improved fluid-pressure-responsive control, so that different density fuel-air charges inducted into the engine cylinder will be compressed to substantially the same extent each time the cylinder is fired, regardless of throttle setting, engine speeds, or loads.

Abstract: This invention relates to new and useful improvements in the mechanism comprising the crankshaft of internal or external combustion engines and also for use in other externally heated closed vapor cycle systems. In the engine system presented an eccentric is placed between the connecting rod and crankpin and is made to rotate with each revolution of the crankshaft by use of eccentric gearing. Rotation of the eccentric augments the simple harmonic motion induced by rotation of the crankpin thus changing the reciprocating motion of the piston in a manner which improves the efficiency of the mechanical conversion process.

Abstract: A piston type energy conversion machine in which the thrust of one or more reciprocating pistons is transmitted to a nutating tubular member having longitudinally spaced journal surfaces of revolution about a nutating axis adjustably inclined with respect to a primary engine axis. The journal surfaces on the nutating member are engaged by a crank member rotatable on the primary engine axis and carrying adjustably eccentric bearings to engage the journal surfaces of the nutating member. Angular adjustment of the axis of nutation effects a variable piston stroke distance as a result of a connection of the pistons to the nutating members at points spaced radially from the nutating axis. Compression ratio is adjusted independently by shifting the point of piston connection with the nutating member along the nutating axis.

Abstract: This device pertains to an automatically adjustable length connecting rod, as applied to each cylinder of an internal combustion engine designed to operate at variable speed and torque outputs.The purpose of the adjustable length connecting rod is to substantially maintain the level of compression of the fuel mixture over a wide range of speed and torque requirements by means of varying the compression ratio.Automatic adjustment and locking of the length of the connecting rod is accomplished by means of a hydraulic cylinder within the connecting rod. Pressure is applied during a suitable portion of the intake stroke to lengthen the connecting rod. Compression stroke pressure buildup overcomes a relief valve during a suitable portion of the compression stroke to adjust the length of the connecting rod. The connecting rod length is hydraulically locked except during the two short periods of adjustment per cycle.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a crankshaft offset to one side of the axis of the engine cylinder and an articulated connecting rod linkage operable to vary the stroke of the engine piston in accordance with engine operating conditions, so that different density fuel-air charges inducted into the cylinder will be compressed to substantially the same extent each time the cylinder is fired, regardless of throttle setting, engine speeds, or loads.

Abstract: A connecting rod whose length varies according to given pressure changes in the cylinder of an associated internal combustion engine. The connecting rod lengthens in response to subatmospheric pressures acting on the piston during the fuel intake stroke, and shortens in response to superatmospheric pressures of a given magnitude acting on the piston.

Abstract: A compression spring coupling is provided between the engine piston and the crankshaft in a four cycle, reciprocating, internal combustion engine. This spring, when extended to the full extent permitted, is held compressed by a force equal to the piston force required to compress the fuel mixture for proper combustion under no load or very light load. Under no load on the engine the spring acts as a stiff coupling between the engine piston and the crankshaft. At heavier loads the spring is resiliently compressed in proportion to the load. The engine displacement is substantially smaller at no load and light loads than under heavy loads.

Abstract: An engine is disclosed having at least one piston in operative connection with a crankshaft. A bearing member which defines an elongated, curved bearing surface, is pivotally attached at one end to an eccentrically-mounted member on the crankshaft. The bearing surface of the bearing member is positioned to be intermittently in power-transmitting, sliding relationship with a connection to the piston such as a piston rod. The bearing member is adapted to be rotatable about said pivotal attachment, for transverse displacement by the piston rod relative to the crankshaft, to absorb any shock generated against the piston and the crankshaft, such as by "engine knock." The bearing member is also adapted to return to its pre-displacement position after absorbing the shock.