Variable-cycle reciprocating internal combustion engine
OwnerRichard P. Johnstoninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An internal combustion engine having a pair of opposed pistons in a block has a piston connected to a respective crankshaft. A gear train synchronizes the speed and relative angular relationship between the crankshafts. A timing actuator, connected to and engaged with either of the crankshafts, permits continuous selective adjustment of the headspace between the pistons by varying parameters such as intake and exhaust port timing and air flow through the cylinder.
Claims24
A variable cycle internal combustion engine comprising:
- (a) a block, said block having at least one cylinder chamber disposed therein;
- (b) a pair of opposed pistons mounted in said cylinder chamber;
- (c) a first rotating crankshaft and a second rotating crankshaft, each crankshaft connected to a different one of said pistons;
- (d) means for synchronizing the speed and relative phase relationship of said crankshafts, said synchronizing means connected to at least one of said crankshafts;
- (e) a harmonic gear drive assembly for selectively adjusting the rotation phase relationship between said crankshaft during operation of the engine, said harmonic gear drive assembly being connected to said synchronizing means.
A variable cycle internal combustion engine having a pair of opposed, spaced-apart reciprocating pistons mounted in a cylinder, each piston connected to a respective crankshaft, comprising:
- (a) a gear train mate with the crankshafts for synchronizing the relative angular relationship between the crankshafts;
- and
- (b) harmonic gear drive assembly connected to the gear train for selectively and continually adjusting the angular relationship between the crankshafts.
A variable cycle internal combustion engine having a pair of opposed, spaced-apart reciprocating pistons mounted in a cylinder, each piston connected to a respective crankshaft, comprising:
- (a) a gear train mated with the crankshaft for synchronizing the relative angular relationship between the crankshafts;
- (b) harmonic gear drive assembly connected to the gear train at the crankshaft for selectively and continually adjusting the angular relationship between the crankshaft;
- (c) means for varying air flow to the cylinder;
- (d) means for varying exhaust flow from the cylinder;
- (e) means for swirling air flow to the cylinder;
- (f) impingement cooling means for cooling the cylinder;
- and
- (g) means for collecting exhaust flow from the cylinder.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.