Abstract: An engine based on a reciprocating piston engine that extracts work from pressurized working fluid. The engine includes a harmonic oscillator inlet valve capable of oscillating at a resonant frequency for controlling the flow of working fluid into of the engine. In particular, the inlet valve includes an inlet valve head and a spring arranged together as a harmonic oscillator so that the inlet valve head is moveable from an unbiased equilibrium position to a biased closed position occluding an inlet. Upon releasing the inlet valve the inlet valve head undergoes a single oscillation past the equilibrium positio to a maximum open position and returns to a biased return position close to the closed position to choke the flow and produce a pressure drop across the inlet valve causing the inlet valve to close.

Abstract: An improved air compressor powered by water having an automatic water valve regulation mechanism. The air compressor includes a resiliently biased piston within a liquid chamber and a ram within a compression chamber, the ram being conjoined with the piston. Inlet and outlet valves for controlling the flow of water with respect to the liquid chamber are provided in one end of the compressor. Ports for the inlet and outlet valves are preferably aligned parallel to the axis of piston reciprocation such that water flows through the ports in the same direction as the direction of piston movement. The automatic valve regulation mechanism includes a positioning disc and positioning spring, together holding each of the water valves in one of two positions.

Abstract: A compressed air engine having a throttle with compressed air being supplied to the throttle. The engine includes at least two cylinders each having a reciprocating piston therein. Air is supplied from the throttle to the cylinders to drive the pistons within the cylinders. A crankshaft is coupled to the pistons and is rotatably driven in response to the reciprocating motion of the pistons. Each cylinder includes an inlet valve for allowing compressed air into the cylinder during a power stroke and preventing compressed air from entering the cylinder during an exhaust stroke, and includes an exhaust valve connecting the cylinder to atmosphere during the exhaust stroke and closing the connection to atmosphere during the power stroke. The inlet and exhaust valves are auger type valves with the inlet auger valves remaining open for approximately 180 degrees of crankshaft rotation and the exhaust auger valves remaining open for approximately the remaining 180 degrees of crankshaft rotation.

Abstract: The four strokes of a piston in an internal combustion engine are sequentially controlled by two rotary valves, each including a housing and a triangularly shaped rotor mounted in the housing for epitrochoidal movement. The rotor defines three chambers in the housing and a duct connects respective ports in the housing of each valve to the working chamber of an engine cylinder. The engine drive shaft is so synchronized with the rotary movement of the rotors that, for each complete stroke, one chamber in the housings is in communication with the cylinder chamber through the duct, while the intake and exhaust ports in the housing of the first valve are selectively in and out of communication with the one chamber. A surface of the rotors is exposed to gases coming from the cylinder chamber during the power stroke so that these gases contribute to the rotary movement of the rotors.