Abstract: Carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite rotary, sleeve, and disc valves for internal combustion engines and the like are disclosed. The valves are formed from knitted or braided or warp-locked carbon fiber shapes. Also disclosed are valves fabricated from woven carbon fibers and from molded carbon matrix material. The valves of the present invention with their very low coefficient of thermal expansion and excellent thermal and self-lubrication properties, do not present the sealing and lubrication problems that have prevented rotary, sleeve, and disc valves from operating efficiently and reliably in the past. Also disclosed are a sealing tang to further improve sealing capabilities and anti-oxidation treatments.

Abstract: The disclosed aspiration system provides an alternative to poppet valves for motor vehicle and other applications including gasoline, diesel, natural gas or other internal combustion engines. In one embodiment, an aspiration head (30) includes a housing defined by base plate (32), cover plate (34), end plates (36) and side plates (38). The base plate (32) is disposed directly above the engine cylinders and effectively forms a cylinder head. The head (30) further includes bottom ware plates (44) having elongate slots (46), a cylindrical rotor (50) having a rotor slot (48) and upper ware plates (56) having slots (46). Rotation of the rotor (50) allows for alternate charging and exhausting of the combustion chambers via the slots (46 and 48). The ware plates (44 and 58) are preferably formed from a material that is softer than the rotor (50), such as a phenolic material, such that the aspiration system is self-sealing.

Abstract: A rotary valve for an internal combustion engine, comprising a cylindrical valve rotor having an inlet and an outlet port arranged in the circumferential surface thereof, and a plurality of sealing elements mounted on the valve rotor such as to subdivide the circumferential surface of the rotor body to define discrete circumferential surface zones thereon, a predetermined one of the zones being arranged such that, when the rotary valve is received within a valve bore in a cylinder head, the sealing elements about on the valve bore surface and the ports are periodically sealed off The valve serves to close off the cylinder during the compression and expansion strokes of the engine.

Abstract: An engine apparatus for an internal combustion engine which includes a first rotary valve having an indentation adapted to open an intake passage to allow air to be introduced into a combustion chamber, and a second rotary valve having an indentation to allow exhaust gas to flow from an exhaust chamber to an exhaust passageway. A first mode changer can be utilized to vary the open position of the first rotary valve, and a second mode changer can be utilized to vary the open position of the second rotary valve. A seal member can be used in lieu of either mode changer or two seal members can be used in lieu of both of the mode changers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a four-stroke internal combustion engine comprising a common crankcase, a crankshaft extending in the crankcase, first and second cylinders respectively extending from the common crankcase in acute angular relation to each other and respectively including first and second cylinder walls respectively including first and second exhaust gas discharge ports, a passage connecting the first and second exhaust gas discharge ports, first and second pistons respectively located in the first and second cylinders and respectively connected to the crankshaft for reciprocating movement toward and away from the crankshaft and between top dead center and bottom dead center positions, first and second cylinder heads respectively connected to the first and second cylinders, respectively partially defining first and second combustion chambers, and respectively including first and second mixture inlet passages respectively communicating with the first and second combustion chambers, first and second exhaust

Abstract: A mode changer for an internal combustion engine comprises a body member disposed within a housing. The body member may be adapted to communicate with an outer surface of a rotary valve. A resilient member may be disposed in the housing capable of biasing the body member against the outer surface of the rotary valve. An engageable member may selectively move the body member. A method of changing the timing of an engine is provided. The method comprises the step of rotating an intake rotary valve having a leading edge and trailing edge for registry with an intake passage, changing the point of registry of the leading edge with the intake passage, closing the intake passage at a fixed time, rotating an exhaust rotary valve having a leading edge and trailing edge for registry with an exhaust passage, changing the point of registry of the trailing edge with the exhaust passage, and opening the exhaust passage at a fixed time.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder assembly with intake ports and exhaust ports arranged in register, wherein the distribution system for opening and closing said intake and exhaust ports include two rotary pipes each consisting of a plurality of mutually communicating aligned hollow valves. The rotary intake pipe and the rotary exhaust pipe are housed in an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold respectively, each defining a chamber surrounding said intake pipe and said exhaust pipe respectively over a large part of the periphery thereof, said chambers being sealed off from one another and arranged so that gaseous fluids can flow freely outside and along said rotary distribution pipes.

Abstract: A time twister cylinder head includes two rotary valves driven by a timing belt coupled to the engine crankshaft by belts and pulleys to describe a desired rate of rotation of the valves with respect to rotation of the crankshaft. Each valve is generally cylindrical with side faces opening in opposite directions to permit coupling with the intake and exhaust manifolds. The common axis of rotation of the valves is slightly offset from the centerline of the air passages so that pressure buildup in the cylinder will be applied off-center on the valves to enhance rotation.

Abstract: A rotary valve head assembly including a split head assembly, a rotary spool assembly, spool drive assemblies, and bearing and spool lubrication components. The split head assembly has bores for containing the spool assembly, bearings and spool seals, and defines passages for coolant and lubricant to pass therethrough. The head assembly is separable to provide unencumbered access to the components contained therein. The spool assembly is cylindrical and extends the length of the head assembly. The spool assembly has two ports for each combustion chamber. Each port is provided with a port relief to control the duration it is open. A separate and independent spool drive assembly provides each spool assembly rotating action. Each drive assembly effectively changes the timing of a corresponding spool assembly via instructions from the engine management system, allowing intake and exhaust timing can be controlled independently.

Abstract: A rotary valve (10) for an internal combustion engine, of the hollow cylindrical type, having one or more openings (14) arranged to pass periodically over a window in the cylinder head bore, characterized in that the valve (10) also incorporates at least one tongue (34) projecting from the axially central point of the leading edge of at least one of the openings (14), the external surface of the tongue (34) having the same profile as the outer cylindrical surface (35) of the valve (10), the tongue (34) extending from the leading edge (24) of the opening (14) to an extent sufficient to support the center of an axially extending seal during that period when the leading edge (24) of the opening (14) crosses such seal.

Abstract: A rotary valve for use in an internal combustion engine and capable of providing high volumetric efficiency is disclosed. The rotary valve generally includes a cylindrical tube having an outer wall that defines intake and exhaust ports positioned to communicate with the engine cylinder as the valve rotates. A divider plate in the cylindrical tube defines an intake passageway from the first end of the valve to the intake port and defines an exhaust passageway from the exhaust port to the second end of the valve. A first generally helically-shaped blade is disposed in the intake passageway for accelerating a flow of intake fluid or fuel/air mixture through the intake passageway and into the cylinder. Similarly, a second generally helically-shaped blade is disposed in the exhaust passageway for facilitating the removal of exhaust gasses from the engine cylinder.

Abstract: An improved rotary valve assembly that is rotated by chain, belt or gears that are driven by a reciprocating engine which has intake and exhaust rotary valves that have ports and interior channels that are sequentially positioned to allow the intake and exhaust of gases and alternatively seals the combustion chamber. The rotary valve ports and intake and exhaust ports may be varied axially and circumferential to change the engine time and gas volume capacity of the engine.

Abstract: A spherical rotary valve assembly for an internal combustion engine of the piston and cylinder type wherein the spherical rotary valve assembly is positioned within a split cylinder head having an upper and lower section such that when secured defines cavities for a rotational shaft having mounted thereon, an intake drum and an exhaust drum for each cylinder, the lower half of the split head having an inlet port and an outlet port in communication with each cylinder, the cylinder head having an intake passageway and an exhaust passageway in communication with the drum cavities in the split cylinder head, the split cylinder head having reservoir cavities positioned adjacent the intake drum and exhaust drum, the intake drum being fed from both sides of the intake drum for the introduction and interruption of fuel/air mixture into the cylinder, the exhaust drum being evacuated from both sides of the exhaust drum thereby evacuating and interrupting the evacuation of exhaust gases from the cylinder, the intake dru

Abstract: A 4-cycle internal combustion engine including a crankcase, a cylinder, a cylinder head, a piston adapted to reciprocate within the cylinder, a combustion chamber formed by the piston, the cylinder and the cylinder head, and a crankshaft connected to the piston via a connecting rod, is improved in order to enhance its thermal efficiency, to reduce exhaust emissions and to make it possible to operate the engine while the engine is in any attitude.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine which includes a combustion head adapted to be bolted to the top of a cylinder block and includes a solid cylindrical rotary valve extending longitudinally in a complementary bore in the head which is parallel to the axis of the crankshaft of the engine. The valve has a pair of cutout passages respectively in different rotary angular positions relative to each cylinder in the engine and respectively comprising intake and exhaust passages that communicate respectively with gas inlet ports and exhaust outlet ports in the combustion head, thereby providing a simple substitute for poppet-type valves and the operating mechanism therefor in internal combustion gasoline engines.

Abstract: The invention herein is a rotary valve apparatus for a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, containing a valve housing having an internal axial bore and an opening over the combustion chamber, a circumferential bearing positioned within the bore, an axially aligned cylindrical valve body journaled in the bearings, at least one axially aligned hollow chamber in the valve body, a drive for rotating the body in correspondence to the operating strokes of the piston in the cylinder, port seals to prevent gas flow around the outer surface of the valve body, and ring seals extending around the inside of the valve housing and sealing with the outer surface of the valve body. A lip seal may also be used on the intake side of the valve. The valve is useful with both two-cycle and four-cycle engines.

Abstract: A two cycle crankcase compression diesel engine having a supplemental exhaust port system that is formed in a straight line perpendicular to the cylinder bores and which intersects the main exhaust ports. An exhaust control valve arrangement is provided for controlling the flow through the supplemental exhaust ports to reduce the compression ratio under high load, high speed running conditions. The supplemental exhaust control valves comprise a plurality of individual valves each contained within a common bore extending through the cylinder and interconnected by connecting members that permit axial and circumferential misalignment so as to accommodate for distortion and avoid sticking of the valves.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine with a novel system of rotary valves is disclosed. A conventional engine has a pair of hollow tube rotary valves for each head, one tube being employed as an intake and the other tube as an exhaust. Slots are strategically placed around the circumference of each hollow tube. Each slot has a corresponding port located in the engine cylinder head and the slot passing over this port has a temperature and wear resistant seal that utilizes a wave spring (similar to an oil ring) to compensate for wear. The tubes are sealed on one end which is rotated from the crankshaft using a timing belt mechanism. The opposite end of each tube is fitted into a machined port in the cylinder head for conduction of gases. A carburetor or fuel/air control device is connected to the intake stationary port of the cylinder head. The exhaust system is connected directly to the cylinder port by the exhaust tube. The tubes are sealed to this stationary part with sealing rings.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a combustion cylinder, a piston moving within the cylinder, an intake manifold through which air flows into the cylinder, a fuel control for controlling the flow of fuel into the cylinder, and an inlet valve arrangement for controlling the flow of air into the cylinder, and in which there is an improvement in the inlet valve arrangement which comprises an elongate thin wall right circular cylindrical valve member mounted for rotation within the intake manifold about the longitudinal axis of the valve member and having an inlet flow opening therethrough extending lengthwise of said member for a predetermined length and arcuately thereabout over an arc of at least about 100 degrees and an air flow guide stationarily mounted within the valve member for directing air flow into the cylinder and for establishing the cross sectional area of a flow passageway for such air flow.

Abstract: The engine comprises three basic parts, of which one is the crankcase; the others consist in at least one modular liner-and-head casting, of which the liner part is accommodated slidably and to a fluid-tight in a respective bore afforded by the crankcase, and a cylindrical element accommodated freely and rotatably in a through hole formed from matched openings in the walls of the crankcase and in each modular cylinder head, in such a way that it functions additionally as a pin by means of which to assemble the modular components.

Abstract: A rotary valve is described together with engines embodying such valves. A rotary valve for an internal combustion engine or compressor comprises a generally cylindrical valve body member of a ceramic material, the valve body having at least one gas duct passing through the valve body wall to communicate with an axially extending passage which is closed at one end and open at the opposite end and at least one channel formed in the valve body wall surface for the passage of gas. Examples of engines embodying the rotary valve in a V-8 cylinder block and in the cylinder head of an in-line four cylinder engine are given.

Abstract: A rotary valve system for an internal combustion engine having ball-type valves with through bores. The valves are driven by rocking cam mechanisms within passageways for controlling communication through intake and exhaust passages. Valve seats are arranged to either side of the valves such that sealing thereof may occur. In one embodiment, side cut portions are employed to allow either intake or exhaust gases to flow around the valve body as well as through the through bore when the valve is in the opening or closing orientation. In another embodiment, a through bore of square cross section is provided to increase flow during opening and closing thereof. In a third embodiment, a bias mechanism is employed to provide torque on the valves and drive mechanism to eliminate clearances such that impact between components will be reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A rotary valve for an internal combustion engine having a hollow cylindrical rotor having along its bore an inclined integral baffle with ports on either side of the baffle arranged to be brought into communication with a window as the hollow cylindrical rotor rotates, the rotor being supported by means of rollers supported in grooves formed in the surface of the rotor and bearing on the inside surface of a bore of the cylinder head. Seals are provided around the window, the seals consisting of sealing strips arranged in longitudinal grooves formed in the bore of the cylinder head and circumferential rings accommodated in annular grooves within the bore of the cylinder head, the longitudinal strips abutting in surface contact at each end of the surface of one of the circumferential rings.

Abstract: Method and device for controlling an exhaust gas circuit of a rotary distribution engine, enabling to empty the dead volumes of burnt gases at the top dead center at the end of the exhaust and at the beginning of the intake, through a secondary exhaust conduit maintained under depression conditions or by pressure difference if the engine is fitted with a compressor.

Abstract: A rotary valve internal combustion engine including a cylinder block having a cylindrical recess, a cylindrical bore transverse to the cylindrical recess, an exhaust passageway leading from the cylindrical bore, and an intake passageway leading to the cylindrical bore. A cylindrical piston sealably reciprocates in the cylindrical recess so that the space defined by the top of the piston and the walls of the cylindrical recess forms a combustion chamber. An arcuate passageway in the block extends between the cylindrical bore and the combustion chamber. A crankshaft is connected to the piston. An ignition system is in communication with the combustion chamber. A carburetor to provide a fuel-air mixture is in communication with the intake passageway.

Abstract: Rotary inlet and exhaust valves disposed within the cylinder head located at one end of at least one cylinder of a vehicle engine, the cylinder having inlet and exhaust ports, and the valves having a mechanism to feed an inlet charge to and exhaust from the respective cylinder ports along the axis of rotation of the valves. Mechanisms for reducing eddy losses, insulating the exhaust valve, and lubricating the valves by either a wet or dry lubricator, or both, is also included, as well as single and multi-cylinder variations of the valves for various vehicle engines.

Abstract: Several embodiments of induction systems for internal combustion engines which provide stratification with an open chamber thus eliminating the need for auxiliary chambers and obviating the need for employing fuel injection. In all embodiments, first and second intake passages communicate with the chamber and one of these intake passages delivers a substantially weaker mixture than the other. This weaker mixture is admitted during the initial intake stroke and a richer fuel/air mixture is admitted at the end of the intake stroke so as to insure the existence of a stoichiometric mixture at the spark plug at the time of firing.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use in internal combustion engine applications, of the type designed to regulate air-fuel mixture from a carburetor or other fuel injection means entering the cylinders of either two stroke cycle or four stroke cycle spark ignition engines to improve the part-load and full-load fuel efficiency of such engines by minimizing the pumping losses. This increase in efficiency is accomplished by regulating engine power output by employing time-duration-modulation control instead of the throttled or resistive intake control which is empolyed in the engines of the prior art. A rotary valve structure employs a tubular multi-port member comprising a rotary valve, with an outlet for each cylinder, operating at 15 p.s.i. maximum differential pressure and relatively low temperatures, connected in series with presently used poppet or reed or port type intake valves. Rotary valve timing or phase control is accomplished with a multi-pulley belt drive system.

Abstract: Rotary inlet and exhaust valves disposed within the cylinder head located at one end of at least one cylinder of a vehicle engine, the cylinder having inlet and exhaust ports, and the valves having a mechanism to feed an inlet charge to and exhaust from the respective cylinder ports along the axis of rotation of the valves. Mechanisms for reducing eddy losses, insulating the exhaust valve, and lubricating the valves by either a wet or dry lubricator, or both, are also included, as well as single and multi-cylinder variations of the valves for various vehicle engines.

Abstract: A rotary valve with means for effecting variable timing of intake valve opening, variable opening duration and variable timing of closing in response to changes in each engine cylinder's appetite for an intake charge is disclosed. Earliest valve opening, longest duration and latest closing occur when each cylinder's appetite for an intake charge is largest, while latest opening, shortest duration and earliest closing occur when each cylinder's appetite for an intake charge is smallest.Intake valve timing can be varied sufficiently to permit use of the theoretical Top Dead Center Opening and Bottom Dead Center Closing for idle, low speed and coasting operating modes to the typical average 20 degrees Before Top Dead Center Opening 50 degrees After Bottom Dead Center Closing for high speed-high load operating mode.

Abstract: A rotary valve in an internal combustion engine in which the rotary valve proper is formed so as to be hollow and cylindrical and arranged in such a manner that its inner space forms a portion of an intake passage and a portion of an exhaust passage, which portions are separated from each other. In this manner, the valve proper, exhaust passage, and a housing are effectively cooled, and sealing for the rotary valve proper is made effectively and positively.

Abstract: A rotary valve assembly will be utilized on internal combustion engines for regulating air-fuel mixture from a carburetor or other fuel injection system entering the cylinders of either two stroke or four stroke spark ignition engines serving to improve the part-load fuel efficiency of such engines by minimizing the pumping losses. This increase in efficiency is accomplished by substituting what is termed "time-duration-modulation" control for the present day "throttled" or "resistive" intake control now used to regulate engine power output. The rotary valve structure employs a hollow, or open sleeve, or tubular multi-port structure comprising the rotary valve, with an outlet for each cylinder, operating at fifteen (15) p.s.i. maximum differential pressure and relatively low temperatures, connected in series with presently used poppet or port type intake valves. Rotary valve timing or phase control is accomplished with a multi-pulley belt drive system.

Abstract: By utilizing rotary valves comprising synchronized, slotted intake and exhaust shafts (which may be segmented) and associated sealed, fixed ported cups instead of reciprocating valves the efficiency and reliability of an internal combustion engine is significantly increased.

Abstract: A reliable efficient rotary valve apparatus for internal combustion engines, configured for ease of installation and maintenance. Rotating valve apparatus controls transfer of intake and exhaust gases between intake and exhaust manifolds respectively of an internal combustion engine and the respective combustion cylinders thereof. Intake and exhaust portions of the rotary valve assembly are isolated by simple seal members. Activating means, responsive to rotation of the rotatable valve member, create positive fluid-flow transfer of gaseous currents through the rotating valve member. Spring biased, pressure equalizing plunger seal apparatus increases reliability and longevity of use of the rotary valve apparatus and maintains proper seals for fluid-flow passage between the rotating valve member and individual compression cylinders of the engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a plurality of cylinders arranged in rows in an engine block, with reciprocable pistons in the cylinders. A cylindrical valve housing chamber is defined in the block over each row of cylinders and communicates with the cylinders through an inlet-exhaust passage in each cylinder. A rotary valve is rotatably mounted in the valve housing chamber and has a plurality of circumferentially spaced intake and exhaust passages with apertures defined in the valve surface which are selectively alignable over the inlet-exhaust passages of the respective cylinders. To further insure a complete burning of the air-fuel mixture, a bomb valve chamber is provided adjacent each cylinder haing a gas passage near the top of the pistons. The gas passage communicates the cylinder with the bomb valve chamber. A rotatable globe-draped bomb valve is selectively opened and closed to entrap a portion of the combustion products which are rich in unburned air-fuel mixture.

Abstract: Rotary valve apparatus is provided for internal combustion engines. The rotary valve apparatus includes separate valve elements for each cylinder of a multicylinder engine with exhaust and intake valves mounted in the engine head for rotation in selectively adjustable, predetermined timed relationship. The valve elements, both intake and exhaust, are disposed in respective isolated valve chambers to prevent direct interaction therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a stratified charge to a reciprocating internal combustion engine is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical rotary valve body disposed for rotation within the head of an internal combustion engine. The valve body defines first and second inlet ports and an exhaust port. The first inlet port is disposed, upon rotation in the valve body, to establish communication between an intake manifold for transporting a fuel lean charge and a main combustion chamber of the engine. The second inlet port is disposed for establishing simultaneous communication between a second manifold for transporting a fuel-rich charge and a pre-combustion chamber adjacent the main combustion chamber. The exhaust valve is disposed for establishing communication between an exhaust manifold and the main combustion chamber. In a second embodiment of the invention, the inlet passages and the exhaust passages are located in separate valve bodies mounted for rotation within the head.

Abstract: A rotary valve device for internal-combustion engines, said device comprising an elongated, tubular drum having an exhaust-manifold system disposed therein and a plurality of fuel passages, forming a fuel-intake system having fuel-intake ports and fuel-outlet ports positioned in the peripheral wall of the drum, whereby lean and rich fuel mixtures can be separately but simultaneously deposited in each combustion chamber of an internal-combustion engine, as the tubular drum rotates within the cylinder head, so that a complete burning of the fuel takes place. A cooling means, such as a water jacket, is interposed between the inner, tubular, manifold-exhaust conduit and the fuel passages -- the jacket being provided with openings at the terminating ends thereof for connecting the water flow to the cooling system of a conventional-type engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder head with a rotary intake and exhaust valves mounted on the head, the head being interchangeable with cylinder blocks intended for conventional poppet type valve engines. According to a basic aspect of the invention, primary and secondary combustion chambers are provided which are isolated from each other by the piston when at the top of its stroke, enabling combustion to initially take place in the primary chamber with a reduced amount of fuel. Optionally, means are further provided to vary the intake valve opening in accordance with changes in speed of the engine.

Abstract: The valve system of this invention is for use on an internal combustion engine having a plurality of pistons slidable in respective cylinders each forming a combustion chamber. The engine comprises a block forming the cylinders and having a head or rotary valve housing mounted to the top of the block. In a multiple cylinder in-line engine design, a shaft is suitably supported extending within the housing and is driven via a timing belt from the crankshaft. A plurality of preferably parabolically shaped rotors are fixedly disposed along the length of the shaft at predetermined intervals with each rotor positioned above a cylinder and received by a bushing of the housing. The shaft is preferably spring loaded at one end and supported by bearings at both ends. Each rotor is constructed of a pressed graphite and has an arcuate recess for providing selective communication between either an inlet port or an exhaust port and a passage in the head leading to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a stratified charge to a reciprocating internal combustion engine is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical rotary valve body disposed for rotation within the head of an internal combustion engine. The valve body defines diametrically extending inlet and exhaust passages which, during rotation of the valve body, place a cylinder of the engine in sequential communication with an inlet manifold and an exhaust manifold secured to the head. The inlet manifold comprises a double-passage gallery for transporting a lean fuel/air charge in a first passage and a rich fuel/air charge in a second passage. Rotation of the inlet passage into communication with the cylinder also brings the inlet passage into sequential communication with the first throat and then the second throat for transporting the first lean charge and then the second rich charge to the cylinder.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine employing a rotary valve having a single passage which is adapted to provide both intake and exhaust valving functions. The valve is formed with a circular outer periphery and is mounted for rotation about a transverse axis between intake and exhaust ports which are provided at the head end of the combustion chamber. The passage is defined by a concaval recess which extends across a chord of the valve periphery. Means is provided for rotating the valve in timed relationship with movement of a piston within the chamber so that the passage moves into simultaneous register with the intake port and combustion chamber during the intake phase, and into simultaneous register with the exhaust port and combustion chamber during the exhaust phase.