US 3,948,227 A · Stratified charge engine

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. Means are also provided for shielding the exhaust passages from excessive exhaust heat; for sealing the rotary valve body and for controlling the timing of the valve in response to engine demand.

Claims14

Dependent claims

Engine apparatus for applying a stratified charge to an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder, a piston mounted for reciprocation within the cylinder and drivingly connected to a crankshaft, and charge forming means, said apparatus comprising:

1. a cylinder head disposed over the cylinder and defining a primary combustion chamber bounded by the cylinder walls, the piston and said head;
2. a pre-combustion chamber defined within said head in open communication with the primary combustion chamber;
3. a cylindrical valve body disposed for rotation within said head adjacent said pre-combustion chamber;
4. inlet means connected to said head for separately delivering a first lean charge from the charge forming means and a second rich charge from the charge forming means to said valve body;
5. an outlet manifold connected to said head and having one end in open communication with said valve body;
6. inlet and exhaust passages defined within said valve body and disposed for establishing respective, sequential communication upon rotation of said valve body between said precombustion chamber, said inlet passage, and said inlet means for delivering a lean charge, then a rich charge, and upon further rotation to establish communication between said pre-combustion chamber, said outlet passage and said outlet manifold during respective intake and exhaust strokes of said engine.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Stratified charge engine

Life of this patent

Stratified charge engine

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14