Abstract: A mechanism for varying the stroke length of an internal combustion engine during each cycle of operation includes a gear set with at least two gear members with a first gear member being non-rotatably mounted to the engine block and a second gear member being operatively engaged with the first gear member and having teeth formed on an inner surface thereof with the gear ratio of the gear set being 1:2 to produce a variable stroke length throughout the engine operating cycle.

Abstract: The compression ratio is variable in that the piston hub may be adjusted, since the connecting rod is mounted at the crankshaft side on an eccentric pin. The eccentric crank pin can be adjusted around its axis of rotation by control means while the engine is running. The control means include a toothed wheel that turns concentrically to the axis of rotation of the eccentric crank pin and is fixed thereto. This toothed wheel acts as an external gear inside a larger diameter internal gear inside which it rolls. The internal gear is concentrically mounted around the axis of the crankshaft and its rotating position may be adjusted. The external gear turns exactly once upon itself every time it rolls round the internal gear.

Abstract: A metered induction two cycle engine is presented. In accordance with the metered induction two cycle engine, an aspirating cylinder (or pulsing air-charger) is connected to a combustion cylinder by a voluminous transport duct having a valve disposed therein. The valve permits flow from the aspirating cylinder and duct to the combustion cylinder and prohibits flow in the opposite direction. The duct acts as an extension of the clearance volume of the aspirating cylinder. The valve is actuated when the pressure in the duct exceeds the pressure in the combustion cylinder. Further, the aspirating cylinder leads the combustion cylinder by a fixed amount to provide a disciplined flow of mixture (i.e., air and fuel) into the combustion cylinder.

Abstract: A crankshaft eccentrically mounted to the engine block bearings of an internal combustion engine for providing improved volumetric efficiency. A modified crankshaft journal and engine block bearing structure is provided at each crankshaft support location so that the connecting rod bearings rotate about an eccentric centerline (EC.sub.L). Eccentricity is achieved by off-setting the crankshaft journals a predetermined distance above the original true centerline (TC.sub.L) of the crankshaft, preferably on the order of about one-quarter to one-half inch. The top dead center (TDC) of each piston remains the same relative to its cylinder, but the bottom dead center (BDC) of each piston relative to its cylinder is lowered by the amount of the off-set because the engine block bearings are lowered with respect to the true centerline of the crankshaft by the amount of the off-set on the crankshaft journals.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided having opposed pistons operating in axially spaced relation within common power cylinders. Opposed heads of the pistons define a space within which occurs a cycle of compression, ignition, combustion, and expansion. One piston controls exhaust ports, and the other piston controls air injection and fuel-air charge injection ports. Additional air injection ports, and associated supply passages or tubes, are provided to admit compressed air over the head of the exhaust piston to cool the exhaust piston head and also form a gas flow inhibiting region below the exhaust port, near the end of the power/exhaust stroke. Rotary valves control the in-flow of air and air-fuel charge to charging cylinders. Air injection ports have an optional improved construction to enhance air injection into the power cylinders. Throttle valves controlling flow of air into purge air charging cylinders are provided as an option.

Abstract: A crankpin on the crankshaft of a variable compression engine carries an eccentric bushing which is positionable about the crankpin axis to determine the length of piston stroke. To counteract the relocation of the bushing center of gravity counterweights are rotatably housed in a counterbalance of the crankshaft. Partial rotation of each counterweight shifts their centers of gravity with respect to the crankshaft axis of rotation to achieve crankshaft balancing. For positioning of the counterweights coincident with shifting of the eccentric bushing the same are shown coupled with gears. Positioning of the eccentric bushing to change piston stroke of the engine is by a motor responsive to a microprocessor and engine performance criteria.

Abstract: A combination hydraulic and mechanical mechanism for varying the stoke/clearance volume of an engine in response to the alternating torsional impulses of the engine that are applied through the piston and connecting rod mechanism. An eccentric on which the connecting rod is journaled is rotated relative to the crankshaft to vary the crank radius, which will vary the compression ratio and make other changes in the thermodynamic cycle. A fluid pressure control system includes a pressure movable shaft controlling the flow of fluid past one-way check valves to oil filled hydraulic cylinders that contain pistons/plungers operably connected to the eccentric and crankshaft, to control the movement of the eccentric in response to the torsional impulses.

Abstract: A crankshaft carried crankpin carries an eccentric interposed between the crankpin and the slider of a yoke type engine. The eccentric carries a gear to permit rotatable adjustment to be imparted to the eccentric about the crankpin axis. Positioning of the eccentric includes the use of a gear train. A gear set in the gear train has displaceable gears carried by a carrier responsive to engine control means. The movable gear set serves to accelerate or decelerate the rotational speed of a pair of shaft mounted driven gears to momentarily alter their rotational speed so as to in turn rotate the eccentric mounted gear to reorientate the eccentric to the crankpin. Such relocating of the eccentric serves to alter the piston stroke between high and low compression ranges.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide means for continuously adjusting the value of the compression ratio in Otto-cycle reciprocating piston engines, for increasing their thermal efficiency, especially at part throttle operation. Embodiment A provides means for continuously adjusting the position of the crankshaft 18 in the crankcase (30); while according to Embodiment B, the position of the connecting rod's head bearing (51) is being adjusted with respect to the cylinder heads by predetermined continuous rotation of eccentric cylinders (17) which are used to support the bearings. Means are shown for accurately meshing the crankshaft gear to the transmission gear in Embodiment A and for introducing predetermined rotational phase shifts to the eccentric cylinders in Embodiment B.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, an improved mechanism for adjusting the rotational axis of the crankshaft to vary the engine compression ratio. The crankshaft is supported at spaced points therealong in circular disks that are swivably adjustable about their central axes. The crankshaft rotational axis is eccentric to the disk axis, whereby disk adjustment moves the crankshaft axis in a direction to vary the engine compression ratio.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a plurality of cylinders disposed in circular array, each having a piston slidably received therewithin to define a combustion chamber. Connecting rods affixed to the pistons are provided with cam follower means for engaging a cam surface on a drum disposed coaxially with the aforementioned array, the cam follower means engaging different portions of the cam surface for causing the drum to rotate as the pistons fire. The drum is axially movable with respect to the array of pistons whereby the compression ratio of the engine is readily changed. Supercharging chambers are defined on opposite sides of said pistons from the combustion chambers for compressing a fuel-air mixture which may then be received into pressure tanks associated with the respective cylinders for delivery to the combustion chambers. The piston ends have helical surfaces for producing a swirling of gases within the combustion chambers.

Abstract: To reduce space requirements, vibrations and certain stresses in an engine, a different one of two pistons is mounted on each end of a single piston rod to which the crankshaft is attached by a cylindrical shaped connector that orbits around the crankpin while rotating inside the piston rod. The crank interfaces directly with the piston rod through gear portions or a cam-cam follower through the center of each stroke. To reduce vibrations and certain stresses in an engine, a different one of two pistons is mounted on each end of a single piston rod to which the crankshaft is attached by two arms extending orthogonally from its central portion, each arm being mounted to a different one of two different connecting rods.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine that has automatic stroke length control and independent compression ratio control. The engine is of the reciprocating piston type using conventional valving and intake and exhaust manifolding. Stroke length control is effected by a first planetary gear set driven in oscillation by the piston and a clutch mechanism which selectively locks the gear set to oscillate through either a long arc length for the long stroke or a short arc length for short stroke. Compression ratio adjustment, as well as piston top dead center phasing during and after clutching, is effected by a second planetary gear set driven in oscillation by the piston and a servo-motor for varying the phase of oscillation of the second planetary gear set to shift the top dead center position of the piston as desired independently of the length of stroke of the piston.

Abstract: An improved variable stroke internal combustion engine (10) is disclosed. The power stroke and exhaust stroke of the engine are relatively longer than the intake stroke and compression stroke for increased power output from the engine (10). A connecting rod (40) is pivotally connected to the piston (16) and a trunnion assembly (28). The trunnion assembly is rotatably mounted to a journal (24) on the crankshaft (20). A control shaft (46) is rotatably mounted within the engine and connected to the crankshaft (20) so that the control shaft rotates at one-half the angular velocity of the crankshaft. A control link (52) is rotatably mounted on a journal (50) of the control shaft (46) with its opposite end being pivotally connected to the trunnion assembly (28).

Abstract: The invention relates to an engine including a cylinder defining a combustion chamber which receives a mixture for combustion thereof, and a piston slidably mounted therein for reciprocation between a first and a second limit position whereat the chamber defines its minimum and maximum volume, respectively. A pair of rotatably mounted parallel crankshafts are arranged equidistantly relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, each having a crankarm rotatable about its respective crankshaft axis. Coupling means connect the crankshaft together for synchronising rotation thereof with the crankarm of one crankshaft having an angular advance over the crankarm of the other crankshaft. A rocker member pivotally connected to the piston for rocking movement about a pivot axis extends normal to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, and a pair of connecting rods interconnect the rocker member and the respective crankarms of the crankshafts with each connecting rod being pivotally connected to the member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor comprising at least one piston of linear and reciprocating translational movement and a swash plate mounted at an angle on a shaft driven in rotation in an engine block by the reciprocating movements of the plate which is in contact with the piston. Each piston is integral with a rod, the end of which opposite the piston includes a slide which moves in a guide in the engine block. Each slide holds two shells which form a seat for each swivel joint of the swash plate. Preferably, the swash plate includes two or four swivel joints.

Abstract: This invention relates to an internal combustion engine, particularly to a diesel engine. The engine comprises a crankshaft, which is connected to each of a plurality of pistons by a connecting rod and a piston pin. Each connecting rod has two bearings for the piston pin and a crankpin of the crankshaft, respectively. In order to provide a desired piston clearance between the piston at its top dead center and the bottom of the cylinder head, at least one of the bearings of the connecting rod is provided with an eccentric ring disposed between the receiving bore and the bearing bushing. During the assembling of the engine, the eccentric ring is rotated to such a position that the desired piston clearance is obtained. The bearing ring is then fixed in the resulting rotational position.

Abstract: To improve the performance of four-stroke internal combustion engines, the piston P of each cylinder C is connected by a connection rod to an intermediate point of a floating link, which point is constrained, for instance by a tracking arm, to travel substantially rectilinearly, and the ends of the floating link are joined by connection rods to primary and secondary crank shafts which are coupled together to rotate at a selected ratio of different rotational speeds, the ratio best being 2:1. The arrangement is such as to give a longer power stroke than induction stroke. Further the cylinder may be provided both with a normal valve-controlled exhaust port and with exhaust ports which are only uncovered at the end of the power stroke.

Abstract: A reciprocating piston machine, shown as having a crankshaft with a crank-pin offset from the axis of rotation of the crankshaft and a connecting rod pivotally connected at the end thereof remote from the crank-pin to a piston reciprocatingly received within a cylinder, has first and second eccentric bearings journalled with respect to each other and operatively collectively carried by the crank-pin and situated as to be generally between the crank-pin and the cooperating end of the related connecting rod; one of the eccentric bearings is rotated generally with the crank-pin and completely within the cooperating end of the connecting rod by the crankshaft during each full rotation of the crankshaft while the crank-pin undergoes one full rotation with respect to the other of the eccentric bearings for each full rotation of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A conventional internal combustion engine cylinder is provided with an integral downwardly extending housing formed by spaced wall portions tapering outwardly to an annular bottom end. A piston is reciprocable in the cylinder and the cylinder is provided with conventional intake and exhaust valves and a spark plug. An elongated connecting rod extends from the piston to the lower annular portion of the housing. The drive shaft extends into the center of the annular housing portion through one wall thereof. A crank arm extends at right angles from the end of the drive shaft. The crank arm is slotted from adjacent its outer end to adjacent the drive shaft. The end of the connecting rod is provided with a pin at right angles which extends through the slot in the crank arm. A guide channel or groove is cut in the housing wall through which the drive shaft extends.

Abstract: A split four-cycle engine in which the cylinders are arranged in pairs. The intake and compression strokes take place in one cylinder. The power and exhaust strokes take place in the other cylinder. The cylinders are connected by a passageway which is controlled by valves. The valves permit gases which are compressed in one cylinder to be transferred to the second cylinder where they can be burned to produce power. The pistons in the two cylinders are connected to separate cranks. These cranks are connected by a set of differential gears in a manner which will cause any change in the angular position of the rotor of the gears to change the phase relation between the cranks. This will be converted into a change in the compression ratio of the engine in a manner which will be described in detail later.

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: An internal combustion engine is provided that has a stationary cylinder block in which cylinders contain reciprocating pistons that are sequentially actuated to impart torque to a revolving rotor. A unique rotor is provided that includes a cam surface that controls the reciprocation of the pistons through followers. Ports in the rotor conduct working fluids to and from the cylinders. An exhaust blow-down nozzle is provided in the rotor that transforms kinetic energy in the exhaust into additional torque. There is no residual gas fraction present during combustion and the engine operates with true constant volume combustion.

Abstract: Variable displacement reciprocating piston engine arrangements are disclosed wherein pistons drive a variable displacement oscillating rocker member connected with an oscillating lever that in turn drives a rotating shaft through a crank mechanism. The rocker member and oscillating lever are engaged at a sliding joint displaced from their spaced axes, forming an angular multiplier drive. The rocker member and its axis are movable to vary the piston stroke by changing the lever arm of the oscillating shaft connection with the rocker member, while at the same time the piston compression ratio is held constant or varied in a predetermined manner through adjustment of the piston positions by the same movement of the rocker member. Various drive and balancing arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: A compression ignition engine has two opposed pistons acting in each cylinder. The pistons are connected to a crankshaft via a rocker beam, and the fulcrum of the rocker beam is at one of its ends so that when the piston is at inner dead center, the little end of the crankshaft/rocker beam connecting rod is at its closest position to the crankshaft axis. The position of the fulcrum is also adjustable, while the pistons are in motion, to alter the engine's compression ratio.