Cylindrical engine
AssigneeSaint Louis University
InventorMarty Allen Ferman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention is directed to an improved internal combustion engine, having a symmetric cylindrical arrangement and using a bevel gear train to join multiple crankshaft sections. It provides for a naturally smoother operation with less vibration than in-line engines. Better efficiency is expected with the engine than with comparable in-line engines. Manufacturing is expected to be simpler and gasket-sealing better than the in-line and V types of engines. Compactness will add to the engine's utility.
Claims8
An internal combustion engine comprising three (3) or more cylinders, wherein:
- (a) each cylinder has a long axis and the long axis of each cylinder is parallel to the long axis of every other cylinder;
- (b) the three or more cylinders are arrayed in a circle, radially symmetrical to each other in a plane that is perpendicular to the long axes of all of the cylinders;
- (c) each cylinder houses a piston, wherein the piston is driven up and down the cylinder according to the engine's four strokes:
- intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust;
- (d) each piston is linked to a connecting rod;
- and
- (e) each connecting rod is linked to a driven gear, wherein the driven gear is driven by the motion of the piston.
An internal combustion engine comprising four cylinders arranged parallel to each other and in a square pattern that is perpendicular to the long axis of the cylinders, each cylinder having at least one intake valve, at least one exhaust valve, one piston linked to a connecting rod that is linked to a beveled gear directed internal to the square pattern, wherein the beveled gear of each cylinder engages the beveled gear of both adjacent cylinders, and at least one beveled gear has an output shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.