D ESC RI PTIO N

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[Para 1 ] The present invention generally relates to internal combustion engines. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved two- cycle engine with opposed pistons located in a common cylinder with

reciprocating ported piston sleeves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[Para 2] U.S. Patent No. 3,084,678 discloses an internal combustion engine of the type described above having opposed pistons and reciprocating sleeves to alter the porting characteristics of the engine. The disclosure of the '678 patent is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. The engine of the '678 patent comprises opposed pistons having reciprocating sleeves around each piston, wherein related pistons and sleeves are connected to the same

crankshaft. This resulted in a configuration that does not permit for adjustment of the timing of the sleeves with respect to the pistons to maximize efficiency and power. Thus, once an engine is constructed pursuant to the '678 patent, the timing of the movement of the reciprocating sleeves is fixed with respect to the movement of the related pistons. [Para 3] U.S. Patent No. 7,234,423 discloses an improved internal combustion engine of the type described above now having reciprocating sleeves connected to a shaft separate and distinct from the crankshaft. The disclosure of the '423 patent is also incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. The engine of the '423 patent could advance or retard the timing of the motion of the reciprocating sleeve shaft with respect to the motion of the piston crankshaft through the additional shaft. However, the '423 patent did not teach how to advance or retard the timing without the use of an additional shaft. Furthermore, it was still not possible in the '423 to increase or decrease the amount of overlap between the intake/exhaust ports and the ported slots in the reciprocating sleeve shaft.

[Para 4] Accordingly, there is a need for a similar engine design that allows the timing between the pistons and the piston sleeves to be adjusted without the use of a secondary shaft. Furthermore, there is a need for a similar engine design that allows for the amount of overlap to be controlled between the intake/exhaust ports and the ported slots in the reciprocating sleeve shaft. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[Para 5] An exemplary embodiment of the internal combustion engine of the present invention includes an engine block comprising a cylinder including an intake port, and an exhaust port. Two linearly opposing pistons are

reciprocatingly mounted relative to two opposing crankshafts. A pair of piston sleeves are reciprocatingly mounted in the cylinder around each piston and connected relative to their respective crankshafts. Each piston sleeve includes a slotted port in communication with either the intake port or the exhaust port.

[Para 6] A pair of sleeve couplers are pivotably connected to their respective piston sleeves and eccentrically rotatable relative to their respective crankshafts. A pair of eccentric inserts each have an outside circumferential surface

concentrically offset from an inside circumferential surface aperture. Each inside circumferential surface aperture is pivotable about its respective crankshaft.

Each outside circumferential surface is rotatable relative to its respective sleeve coupler.

[Para 7] A pair of phase couplers are helically moveable about their

respective crankshafts. The phase couplers are also pivotably fixed and slidable relative to their respective eccentric inserts. Helical movement of the phase couplers about their respective crankshafts changes the relation of timing between the reciprocating pistons and the piston sleeves.

[Para 8] Each phase cou pler moves in a helical motion due to a helical or liner slot and each crankshaft includes at least one protrusion disposed within each slot. Each protrusion is slidable relative to its respective slot. Each phase coupler can also comprise a fixed or rotatably attached disk disposed

perpendicular to their respective crankshafts. A disk engagement can be associated with each disk and slidably fixed relative to the engine block. Each disk engagement is slidably controllable in a motion parallel to the crankshafts. Movement of each disk engagement controls the relation of timing between the reciprocating pistons and the piston sleeves. Furthermore, each eccentric insert and phase cou plers includes at least one elongated tooth.

[Para 9] In another exemplary embodiment, an internal combustion engine includes an engine block comprising a cylinder including an intake port, an exhaust port, two linearly opposing pistons reciprocatingly mounted relative to two opposing rotating crankshafts, and a pair of opposing rotating eccentric shafts mounted parallel to the crankshafts. A pair of piston sleeves are

reciprocatingly mou nted in the cylinder around each piston and mounted relative to their respective eccentric shafts. Each piston sleeve can have a slotted port in commu nication with either the intake port or the exhaust port.

[Para 1 0] A pair of sleeve couplers are pivotably connected to their respective piston sleeves and eccentrically rotatable relative to their respective eccentric shafts. A crankshaft gear is disposed at an end of each crankshaft and an eccentric shaft gear is disposed at an end of each eccentric shaft. A means for coupling the crankshaft gears and eccentric shaft gears can be a multitude of devices, such as chains, belts, or gears.

[Para 1 1 ] A pair of phase couplers are helically moveable about their

respective eccentric shafts. The phase couplers are also pivotable fixed and slidable relative to their respective eccentric shaft gears. Helical movement of the phase couplers about their respective eccentric shafts changes the relation of timing between the reciprocating pistons and the piston sleeves.

[Para 1 2] Each phase cou pler moves in a helical motion due to a helical or liner slot and each eccentric shaft includes at least one protrusion disposed within each slot. Each protrusion is slidable relative to its respective slot. Each phase coupler can include a fixed or rotatably attached disk disposed perpendicular to their respective eccentric shafts. A disk engagement can be associated with each disk and slidably fixed relative to the engine block. Each disk engagement is slidably controllable in a motion parallel to the crankshafts and eccentric shafts. The movement of each disk engagement controls the relation of timing between the reciprocating pistons and the piston sleeves. Furthermore, each eccentric shaft gear and phase couplers can include at least one elongated tooth.

Furthermore, each sleeve cou pler can further comprise a crankshaft aperture, wherein a corresponding crankshaft is positioned within the crankshaft aperture such that the eccentric shaft, crankshaft and cylinder are aligned within a common plane. It is possible in another exemplary embodiment where the eccentric shaft is not aligned in the common plane with the crankshaft and cylinder. Accordingly, the sleeve coupler and crankshaft aperture would be correspondingly modified to facilitate an offset eccentric shaft.

[Para 1 3] In yet another exemplary embodiment, an internal combustion engine includes an engine block comprising a cylinder including an intake port, an exhaust port, two linearly opposing pistons reciprocatingly mounted relative to two opposing rotating crankshafts, and a pair of opposing rotating eccentric shafts mounted parallel to the crankshafts and moveable relative to the

crankshafts. A pair of piston sleeves are reciprocatingly mou nted in the cylinder arou nd each piston and mounted relative to their respective eccentric shafts. Each piston sleeve can have a slotted port in communication with either the intake port or the exhaust port.

[Para 1 4] A pair of sleeve couplers are pivotably connected to their respective piston sleeves and eccentrically rotatable relative to their respective eccentric shafts. A crankshaft gear is disposed at an end of each crankshaft and an eccentric shaft gear is disposed at an end of each eccentric shaft. A means for coupling the crankshaft gears and eccentric shaft gears can be a multitude of devices, such as chains, belts, or gears. The movement of the eccentric shaft relative to the crankshaft changes the overlap between the slotted port of each piston sleeve relative to either the intake port or the exhaust port. Furthermore, at least one idling gear can be disposed on a non-drive side of the chain which can take up any extra chain slack. Furthermore, each sleeve coupler can further comprise a crankshaft aperture, wherein a corresponding crankshaft is

positioned within the crankshaft aperture such that the eccentric shaft, crankshaft and cylinder are aligned within a common plane.

[Para 1 5] In yet another exemplary embodiment, an internal combustion engine includes an engine block comprising a cylinder including an intake port, an exhaust port, two linearly opposing pistons reciprocatingly mounted relative to two opposing rotating crankshafts, and a pair of opposing rotating eccentric shafts mounted parallel to the crankshafts and moveable relative to the crankshafts. A pair of piston sleeves are reciprocatingly mou nted in the cylinder arou nd each piston and mounted relative to their respective eccentric shafts. Each piston sleeve can have a slotted port in communication with either the intake port or the exhaust port.

[Para 1 6] A pair of sleeve couplers are pivotably connected to their respective piston sleeves and eccentrically rotatable relative to their respective eccentric shafts. A crankshaft gear is disposed at an end of each crankshaft and an eccentric shaft gear is disposed at an end of each eccentric shaft. A means for coupling the crankshaft gears and eccentric shaft gears can be a multitude of devices, such as chains, belts, or gears.

[Para 1 7] A pair of phase couplers are helically moveable about their

respective eccentric shafts. The phase couplers are also pivotably fixed and slidable relative to their respective eccentric shaft gears. Helical movement of the phase couplers about their respective eccentric shafts changes the relation of timing between the reciprocating pistons and the piston sleeves. Movement of the eccentric shaft relative to the crankshaft changes the overlap between the slotted port of each piston sleeve relative to either the intake port or the exhaust port.

[Para 1 8] Each phase cou pler can include a helical slot and each eccentric shaft includes at least one protrusion disposed within each slot. Each protrusion is slidable relative to its respective slot. Each phase coupler includes a fixed or rotatably attached disk disposed perpendicular to their respective eccentric shafts.

[Para 1 9] A disk engagement can be associated with each disk and slidably fixed relative to the engine block. Each disk engagement is slidably controllable in a motion parallel to the crankshafts and eccentric shafts. The movement of each disk engagement controls the relation of timing between the reciprocating pistons and the piston sleeves. Furthermore, each eccentric shaft gear and phase couplers can include one or more elongated teeth. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongated teeth can comprise a plurality of rectangularly-shaped elongated teeth. Furthermore, the means for coupling the crankshaft gears and eccentric shaft gear can comprise a chain, a belt, or gears. Additionally, at least one idling gear may be disposed on a non-drive side of the chain or belt which can take up any extra chain or belt slack. Furthermore, each sleeve coupler can further comprise a crankshaft aperture, wherein a corresponding crankshaft is

positioned within the crankshaft aperture such that the eccentric shaft,

crankshaft and cylinder are aligned within a common plane.

[Para 20] In yet another exemplary embodiment, an internal combustion engine includes an engine block comprising a cylinder including an intake port, an exhaust port, two linearly opposing pistons reciprocatingly mounted relative to two opposing rotating crankshafts, and a pair of opposing rotating eccentric shafts mounted parallel to the crankshafts and moveable relative to the

crankshafts. Each crankshaft includes a crankshaft gear disposed at an end of the crankshaft. Also, each eccentric shaft includes an eccentric shaft gear disposed at an end of the eccentric shaft.

[Para 21 ] A pair of piston sleeves are reciprocatingly mounted in the cylinder arou nd each piston and mounted relative to their respective eccentric shafts. Each piston sleeve has a slotted port in communication with either the intake port or the exhaust port. A pair of sleeve couplers are pivotably connected to their respective piston sleeves and eccentrically rotatable relative to their respective eccentric shafts.

[Para 22] A pair of secondary shafts are disposed perpendicular to their corresponding crankshafts and eccentric shafts. The secondary shafts comprise a pair of secondary crankshaft gears and a pair of elongators. The secondary crankshaft gears are disposed at one end of each secondary shaft where each crankshaft gear and corresponding secondary crankshaft gear are mechanically coupled. A pair of secondary eccentric shaft gears are disposed perpendicular to and coupled to their corresponding eccentric shaft gears and are also aligned with their corresponding secondary shafts.

[Para 23] A pair of phase couplers are helically moveable about their

corresponding secondary shafts. The phase couplers are pivotably fixed and slidable relative to their respective secondary eccentric shaft gears, such that helical movement of the phase couplers about their respective secondary shafts changes the relation of timing between the reciprocating pistons and the piston sleeves and movement of each eccentric shaft relative to its respective crankshaft through the elongator changes the overlap between the slotted port of each piston sleeve relative to either the intake port or the exhaust port.

[Para 24] Each phase cou pler can include at least one helical slot. Each secondary shaft can includes at least one protrusion disposed within each slot where each protrusion is slidable relative to its respective slot. Each phase coupler can include a fixed or rotatably attached disk disposed perpendicular to their respective secondary shafts. A disk engagement is associated with each disk and slidably fixed relative to the engine block, where each disk engagement is slidably controllable in a motion parallel to the secondary shafts. Movement of each disk engagement controls the relation of timing between the reciprocating pistons and the piston sleeves. Furthermore, each secondary eccentric shaft gear and phase cou plers can include at least one elongated tooth. Furthermore, each sleeve coupler comprises a crankshaft aperture, wherein a corresponding crankshaft is positioned within the crankshaft aperture such that the eccentric shaft, crankshaft and cylinder are aligned within a common plane.

[Para 25] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken in

conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[Para 26] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

[Para 27] FIGURE 1 is an perspective view of an exemplary internal combustion engine embodying the present invention;

[Para 28] FIGURE 2 is a top view of the engine of FIG. 1 ;

[Para 29] FIGURE 3 side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with the engine block removed to expose the internal components; [Para 30] FIGURE 4 an enlarged view of the structure of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4;

[Para 31 ] FIGURE 5 is a side view of an exemplary phase coupler of the structure of FIG. 3 ;

[Para 32] FIGURE 6 is a side view of an exemplary crankshaft of the structure of FIG. 3 ;

[Para 33] FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary sleeve coupler of the structure of FIG. 3 ;

[Para 34] FIGURE 8 is a front view of an exemplary eccentric insert of the structure of FIG. 3 ;

[Para 35] FIGURE 9 is a side view of the exemplary eccentric insert of FIG. 8;

[Para 36] FIGURE 1 0 is a perspective view of the exemplary eccentric insert of FIG. 8;

[Para 37] FIGURE 1 1 is a partial side view of an embodiment of a disk

engagement of the present invention;

[Para 38] FIGURE 1 2 is a partial side view of another embodiment of a disk engagement of the present invention;

[Para 39] FIGURE 1 3 is a partial side view of another embodiment of a disk engagement of the present invention;

[Para 40] FIGURE 1 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary phase coupler;

[Para 41 ] FIGURE 1 5 is a perspective view of another exemplary phase coupler;

[Para 42] FIGURE 1 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary phase coupler;

[Para 43] FIGURE 1 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary phase coupler; [Para 44] FIGURE 1 8 is a partial side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with the engine block removed to expose the internal components;

[Para 45] FIGURE 1 9 is a side view of an exemplary eccentric shaft of the structure of FIG. 1 8;

[Para 46] FIGURE 20 is a partial side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with the engine block removed to expose the internal components;

[Para 47] FIGURE 21 is a side view of an exemplary coupling means of the structure of FIG. 20;

[Para 48] FIGURE 22 is a side view of another exemplary coupling means of the structure of FIG. 20;

[Para 49] FIGURE 23 is a partial side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with the engine block removed to expose the internal components;

[Para 50] FIGURE 24 is a partial side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with the engine block removed to expose the internal components;

[Para 51 ] FIGURE 25 is a side view of an exemplary sleeve coupler;

[Para 52] FIGURE 26 is another side view of an exemplary sleeve cou pler;

[Para 53] FIGURE 27 is a baseline graph of the piston movement and piston sleeve movement; [Para 54] FIGURE 28 is a graph similar to FIG. 27 now showing a phase shift of the piston relative to the piston sleeve;

[Para 55] FIGURE 29 is a graph similar to FIG. 27 now showing a change of overlap between the slotted port of each piston sleeve relative to either the intake port or the exhaust port;

[Para 56] FIGURE 30 is a graph similar to FIG. 27 now showing a phase shift of the piston relative to the piston sleeve and also the change of overlap between the slotted port of each piston sleeve to either the intake port or exhaust port;

[Para 57] FIGURE 31 is side view of another exemplary embodiment of a phase coupler;

[Para 58] FIGURE 32 is side view of an exemplary embodiment of a reverse phase cou pler; and

[Para 59] FIGURE 33 is side view of another exemplary embodiment of a reverse phase coupler.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[Para 60] As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention for an internal combustion engine is referred to generally by the reference number 1 0. A multitude of embodiments of the internal combustion engine 1 0 are taught herein for varying the timing between a reciprocating piston and a piston sleeve and also for changing the movement of an eccentric shaft relative to a crankshaft which then changes the overlap between a slotted port of a piston sleeve relative to either an intake port or an exhaust port. While the following detailed description describes a two-cycle, opposed piston engine 1 0 having one or a mu ltitude of cylinders, the principals of this invention are applicable to two- or four-cycle engines having any number of cylinders.

[Para 61 ] As shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, the engine 1 0 typically has an engine block 1 2 of a box shape constructed from flat plate materials or by casting a mold. The engine 1 0 can be designed to be horizontally positioned in a flat orientation, or vertically positioned in an upright orientation. The engine 1 0 is scalable in terms of how many pistons are used, and also scalable in the relative size of each piston/piston chamber.

[Para 62] FIG. 2 could be viewed as either the top or bottom of the engine block 1 2 , as both sides could be similar and are mirror images of each other. In a fou r cylinder engine 1 0, the cylinder 1 4 has four intake ports 1 6 and four exhaust ports 1 8 in series on the top side of the engine block 1 2. In the center of the engine block 1 2 , between the series of intake ports 1 6 and exhaust ports 1 8 are access points at each cylinder 1 4 for a fuel injector 20 and spark plug 22.

[Para 63] Each pair of intake 1 6 and exhaust ports 1 8 is in communication with one of the cylinders 1 4. The spark plug 22 and fuel injectors 20 may be configured at an angle such that the injected fuel intersects the ignition spark just inside the cylinder 1 4 for both the top and bottom (or side to side) of the engine block 1 2. In a preferred embodiment, the spark plug 22 and fuel injector 20 may be parallel and oppositely configured with the fuel injector 20 and spark plug 22 on the other side of the engine block 1 2. In this configuration, the fuel injected from the top of the engine block 1 2 would intersect with the spark from the spark plug 22 on the bottom of the engine block 1 2. Similarly, the fuel injected from the bottom of the engine block 1 2 wou ld intersect with the spark from the spark plug 22 on the top of the engine block 1 2. This configu ration results in better performance of the engine 1 0 because the combustion is more evenly distributed throughout the cylinder 1 4.

[Para 64] As shown in FIGURES 3- 1 7, the first exemplary embodiment of the internal combustion engine 1 0 of the present invention includes an engine block 1 2 comprising a cylinder 1 4 including an intake port 1 6, and an exhaust port 1 8. Two linearly opposing pistons 24 are reciprocatingly mounted relative to two opposing crankshafts 26. A pair of piston sleeves 28 are reciprocatingly mounted in the cylinder 1 4 around each piston 24 and are connected relative to their respective crankshafts 26. Each piston sleeve 28 includes a slotted port 30 in commu nication with either the intake port 1 6 or the exhaust port 1 8. The slotted port 30 is formed to match (or not match) either the intake port 1 6 or the exhaust port 1 8. Many different port structures and opening designs can be practiced by one skilled in the art and this disclosure is not to be limited to the specific form shown and taught herein.

[Para 65] The rotation of one crankshaft 26 relative to the other crankshaft 26 can be in similar or opposite directions, depending on a specific layout and desired rotational direction. Furthermore, accessories may be driven off of either or both crankshafts 26, as is commonly practiced in current automotive engine designs. [Para 66] A pair of sleeve couplers 32 are pivotably connected to their respective piston sleeves 28 and eccentrically rotatable relative to their respective crankshafts 26. The eccentric rotation of the sleeve couplers 32 forces the piston sleeves 28 to raise and lower repeatedly such that air is either allowed or prevented from passing from the intake ports 1 6 and exhaust ports 1 8 through the slotted ports 30 in the piston sleeves 28. FIG. 7 shows an exemplary sleeve coupler 32. In essence, this structure functions similarly to the circular-shaped valves on a typical pushrod engine commonly used throughout the world today. A pair of eccentric inserts 34 each have an outside circumferential surface 36 concentrically offset from an inside circumferential surface aperture 38. An exemplary eccentric insert 34 is shown in FIGS. 8- 1 0. It is the offset of the two su rfaces 36 and 38 which then cause the sleeve couplers 32 to raise and lower. Each inside circumferential surface aperture 38 is pivotable about its respective crankshaft 26. The pivotable nature between the inside circumferential surface aperture 38 and the crankshaft 26 is what allows the timing between the pistons 24 and the piston sleeves 28 to be varied. Each outside circumferential surface 36 is also rotatable relative to its respective sleeve coupler 32.

[Para 67] A pair of phase couplers 40 are helically moveable about their respective crankshafts 26, as best shown in FIG. 1 1 . The phase couplers 40 are also pivotably fixed and slidable relative to their respective eccentric inserts 34. Helical movement of the phase couplers 40 about their respective crankshafts 26 changes the relation of timing between the reciprocating pistons 24 and the piston sleeves 28. As the phase coupler 40 is moved in a helical direction, it necessarily changes its angle with respect to the crankshaft 26. As the relative angle changes, this in turn changes the angle of the eccentric insert 34 relative to the crankshaft 26.

[Para 68] Referring now to FIGS. 1 4- 1 7, each phase coupler 40 includes a helical slot 42 and each crankshaft 26 includes at least one protrusion 44 disposed within each slot 42. The helical slot 42 is also described as a twist, or as an arcuate arch. Now referring to FIG. 6, the protrusion 44 is a raised feature that is fixed relative to the crankshaft 26. The protrusion 44 can be machined as part of the crankshaft 26, or separately added such that it is fixed in place. Each protrusion 44 is slidable relative to its respective slot 42. It is easier understood to visualize the protrusion 44 and crankshaft 26 remaining stationary while the phase cou pler 40 rotates and translates in a helical motion directed by the shape of the helical slot 42.

[Para 69] Each phase cou pler 40 can also comprise a fixed or rotatably attached disk 46 disposed perpendicular to their respective crankshafts 26. The disk 46 can be machined with the rest of the phase coupler 40 as one single part. Alternately, the disk 46 can be rotatably attached to the phase coupler 40 through a bearing connection. FIG. 1 4 shows a phase coupler 40 machined from a single piece of material. FIG. 1 5 and FIG. 1 6 show how the disk 46 can be machined separate from the phase coupler 40 and later pressed or attached together. FIG. 1 7 is another variation of an exemplary phase coupler 40 where the disk 46 comprises a bearing connection. The bearing connection allows for a lower overall friction between the disk 46 and the disk engagement 48. [Para 70] A disk engagement 48 can be associated with each disk 46 and slidably fixed relative to the engine block 1 2. Each disk engagement 48 is slidably controllable in a motion parallel to the crankshafts 26. The disk engagement 48 is a device that allows a translational movement to be

commu nicated to the rotating disk 46. As the disk 46 rotates the disk

engagement 48 is designed to captu re the disk 46 such that the disk 46 can still rotate yet can be pushed in one direction or the other. Alternatively, if a bearing is used to rotatably attach the disk 46 to the phase coupler 40, a fixed

connection can be made between each disk engagement 48 and the disk 46. Also, a common rod 50 can be fashioned to join all the disk engagements 48 such that they move in unison. As can be seen, movement of each disk engagement 48 controls the relation of timing between the reciprocating pistons 24 and the piston sleeves 28.

[Para 71 ] As shown in FIGURES 1 2 and 1 3, other exemplary embodiments can be devised that control the movement of the phase couplers 40. For instance, FIG. 1 2 shows a circular disk 49 with slots 51 , where the slots 51 reduce in radius. As the circular disk 49 rotates, it causes the rod 50 to move in a desired fashion. FIG. 1 3 shows yet another embodiment where the disk 49 is attached to an additional rod 53. The rod 50 and the additional rod 53 can be controlled mechanically, hydraulically, electrically, or computer controlled. The rod 50 and the rod 53 can be used with all the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. For instance, the embodiment of FIG. 1 2 or 1 3 can be applied to control the disk engagements of FIG. 1 1 . As can be seen by one skilled in the art a multitude of devices and techniques can control the phase couplers 40, and this disclosure is not intended to limit it to the precise form described herein.

[Para 72] As the phase coupler 40 moves in a helical motion, the distance between it and the eccentric insert 34 changes. This necessitates a slidable coupling means between the eccentric insert 34 and the phase coupler 40. One such solution is to use an elongated tooth 52 structure where rotational movement is transferred while still allowing a translation to occur. As shown in FIG. 3 , the teeth 52 are engaged and are disposed on both the eccentric insert 34 and the phase coupler 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the teeth 52 are rectangularly-shaped. At least one tooth 52 one each part can be used, or alternatively a plurality of teeth 52 can be used. As can be appreciated and practiced by one skilled in the art, there are a multitude of slidable coupling means possible, and this disclosure is not to be limited to the precise form described herein.

[Para 73] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGURES 1 8- 1 9, an internal combustion engine 1 0 includes an engine block 1 2 comprising a cylinder 1 4 including an intake port 1 6, an exhaust port 1 8, two linearly opposing pistons 24 reciprocatingly mounted relative to two opposing rotating crankshafts 26, and a pair of opposing rotating eccentric shafts 54 mounted parallel to the crankshafts 26. A pair of piston sleeves 28 are

reciprocatingly mou nted in the cylinder 1 4 around each piston 24 and mounted relative to their respective eccentric shafts 54. Each piston sleeve 28 can have a slotted port 30 in communication with either the intake port 1 6 or the exhaust port 1 8.

[Para 74] A pair of sleeve couplers 32 are pivotably connected to their respective piston sleeves 28 and eccentrically rotatable relative to their respective eccentric shafts 54. A crankshaft gear 56 is disposed at an end of each

crankshaft 26 and an eccentric shaft gear 58 is disposed at an end of each eccentric shaft 54. A means for coupling the crankshaft gears 56 and eccentric shaft gears 58 can be a multitude of devices, such as chains 60, belts 62, or gears 64.

[Para 75] A pair of phase couplers 40 are helically moveable about their respective eccentric shafts 54. The phase couplers 40 are also pivotably fixed and slidable relative to their respective eccentric shaft gears 58. Helical movement of the phase couplers 40 about their respective eccentric shafts 54 changes the relation of timing between the reciprocating pistons 24 and the piston sleeves 28.

[Para 76] Each phase cou pler 40 includes a helical slot 42 and each eccentric shaft 54 includes at least one protrusion 44 disposed within each slot 42. Each protrusion 44 is slidable relative to its respective slot 42. Each phase coupler 40 can include a fixed or rotatably attached disk 46 disposed perpendicu lar to their respective eccentric shafts 54. A disk engagement 48 can be associated with each disk 46 and slidably fixed relative to the engine block 1 2. Each disk engagement 48 is slidably controllable in a motion parallel to the crankshafts 26 and eccentric shafts 54. The movement of each disk engagement 48 controls the relation of timing between the reciprocating pistons 24 and the piston sleeves 28. Furthermore, each eccentric shaft gear 58 and phase couplers 40 can include at least one elongated tooth 52. Furthermore, each sleeve coupler 32 can further comprise a crankshaft aperture 66, wherein a corresponding crankshaft 26 is positioned within the crankshaft aperture 66 such that the eccentric shaft 54, crankshaft 26, and cylinder 1 4 are aligned within a common plane. FIG. 1 9 shows how the eccentric shaft 54 in this embodiment comprises the eccentrically offset circu lar cam 59 which causes the sleeve coupler 32 to move in a

reciprocating fashion.

[Para 77] In yet another exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGURES 20-22 , an internal combustion engine 1 0 includes an engine block 1 2 comprising a cylinder 1 4 including an intake port 1 6, an exhaust port 1 8, two linearly

opposing pistons 24 reciprocatingly mounted relative to two opposing rotating crankshafts 26, and a pair of opposing rotating eccentric shafts 54 mounted parallel to the crankshafts 26 and moveable relative to the crankshafts 26. A pair of piston sleeves 28 are reciprocatingly mounted in the cylinder 1 4 around each piston 24 and mounted relative to their respective eccentric shafts 54. Each piston sleeve 28 can have a slotted port 30 in commu nication with either the intake port 1 6 or the exhaust port 1 8.

[Para 78] A pair of sleeve couplers 32 are pivotably connected to their respective piston sleeves 28 and eccentrically rotatable relative to their respective eccentric shafts 54. A crankshaft gear 56 is disposed at an end of each

crankshaft 26 and an eccentric shaft gear 58 is disposed at an end of each eccentric shaft 54. A means for coupling the crankshaft gears 56 and eccentric shaft gears 58 can be a multitude of devices, such as chains 60, belts 62, or gears 64. The movement of the eccentric shaft 54 relative to the crankshaft 26 changes the overlap between the slotted port 30 of each piston sleeve relative to either the intake port 1 6 or the exhaust port 1 8.

[Para 79] At least one idling gear 68 can be disposed on a non-drive side of the chain 60 which can take u p any extra chain slack, as shown in FIG. 21 . FIG. 22 is another exemplary variation similar in functionality to FIG. 21 . FIG. 22 shows how an elongator 74 can allow rotation force to be transmitted between the crankshaft 26 and the eccentric shaft 54, while allowing for a translational movement.

[Para 80] In any of the embodiment utilizing an eccentric shaft 54, the sleeve coupler 32 can take on many shapes and designs. For instance as shown in FIGURE 25, each sleeve coupler 32 can further comprise a crankshaft aperture 66, wherein a corresponding crankshaft 26 is positioned within the crankshaft aperture 66 such that the eccentric shaft 54, crankshaft 26 and cylinder 1 4 are aligned within a common plane. Aligning the crankshaft 26, the eccentric shaft 54, and the piston sleeve 28 allows for better transmission of translational force. Objects are best pushed and pulled in a direct manner, however many parts may block such a design. The solution of aligning the eccentric shaft 54 with the piston sleeve 28 is to create the aperture 66. In yet another embodiment as shown in FIG. 26, the sleeve coupler 32 can be further connected to another part 67. In this embodiment the sleeve coupler 32 is constrained such that it can only slide back and forth.

[Para 81 ] In yet another exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGURE 23, an internal combustion engine 1 0 includes an engine block 1 2 comprising a cylinder 1 4 including an intake port 1 6, an exhaust port 1 8, two linearly opposing pistons 24 reciprocatingly mounted relative to two opposing rotating crankshafts 26, and a pair of opposing rotating eccentric shafts 54 mou nted parallel to the

crankshafts 26 and moveable relative to the crankshafts 26. A pair of piston sleeves 28 are reciprocatingly mounted in the cylinder 1 4 around each piston 24 and mounted relative to their respective eccentric shafts 54. Each piston sleeve 28 can have a slotted port 30 in commu nication with either the intake port 1 6 or the exhaust port 1 8.

[Para 82] A pair of sleeve couplers 32 are pivotably connected to their respective piston sleeves 28 and eccentrically rotatable relative to their respective eccentric shafts 54. A crankshaft gear 56 is disposed at an end of each

crankshaft 26 and an eccentric shaft gear 58 is disposed at an end of each eccentric shaft 54. A means for coupling the crankshaft gears 56 and eccentric shaft gears 58 can be a multitude of devices, such as chains 60, belts 62, or gears 64.

[Para 83] A pair of phase couplers 40 are helically moveable about their respective eccentric shafts 54. The phase couplers 40 are also pivotably fixed and slidable relative to their respective eccentric shaft gears 58. Helical movement of the phase couplers 40 about their respective eccentric shafts 54 changes the relation of timing between the reciprocating pistons 24 and the piston sleeves 28. Movement of the eccentric shaft 54 relative to the crankshaft 26 changes the overlap between the slotted port 30 of each piston sleeve 28 relative to either the intake port 1 6 or the exhaust port 1 8.

[Para 84] Each phase cou pler 40 can include a helical slot 42 and each eccentric shaft 54 includes at least one protrusion 44 disposed within each slot 42. Each protrusion 44 is slidable relative to its respective slot 42. Each phase coupler 40 includes a fixed or rotatably attached disk 46 disposed perpendicular to their respective eccentric shafts 54.

[Para 85] A disk engagement 48 can be associated with each disk 46 and slidably fixed relative to the engine block 1 2. Each disk engagement 48 is slidably controllable in a motion parallel to the crankshafts 26 and eccentric shafts 54. The movement of each disk engagement 48 controls the relation of timing between the reciprocating pistons 24 and the piston sleeves 28.

Furthermore, each eccentric shaft gear 58 and phase coupler 40 can include a plurality of elongated teeth 52. Furthermore, the means for coupling the crankshaft gears 56 and eccentric shaft gear 58 can comprise a chain 60, a belt 62 , or gears 64. Additionally, at least one idling gear 68 may be disposed on a non-drive side of the chain 60 which can take up any extra chain slack.

Furthermore, each sleeve cou pler 32 can further comprise a crankshaft aperture 66, wherein a corresponding crankshaft 26 is positioned within the crankshaft aperture 66 such that the eccentric shaft 54, crankshaft 26 and cylinder 1 4 are aligned within a common plane. [Para 86] In yet another exemplary embodiment shown in FIGURE 24, an internal combustion engine 1 0 includes an engine block 1 2 comprising a cylinder 1 4 including an intake port 1 6, an exhaust port 1 8, two linearly opposing pistons 24 reciprocatingly mou nted relative to two opposing rotating crankshafts 26, and a pair of opposing rotating eccentric shafts 54 mou nted parallel to the

crankshafts 26 and moveable relative to the crankshafts 26. Each crankshaft 26 includes a crankshaft gear 56 disposed at an end of the crankshaft 26. Also, each eccentric shaft 54 includes an eccentric shaft gear 58 disposed at an end of the eccentric shaft 54.

[Para 87] A pair of piston sleeves 28 are reciprocatingly mounted in the cylinder 1 4 around each piston 24 and mounted relative to their respective eccentric shafts 54. Each piston sleeve 28 has a slotted port 30 in

commu nication with either the intake port 1 6 or the exhaust port 1 8. A pair of sleeve couplers 32 are pivotably connected to their respective piston sleeves 28 and eccentrically rotatable relative to their respective eccentric shafts 54.

[Para 88] A pair of secondary shafts 70 are disposed perpendicular to their corresponding crankshafts 26 and eccentric shafts 54. The secondary shafts 70 comprise a pair of secondary crankshaft gears 72 and a pair of elongators 74. The secondary crankshaft gears 72 are disposed at one end of each secondary shaft 70 where each crankshaft gear 56 and corresponding secondary crankshaft gear 72 are mechanically coupled. A pair of secondary eccentric shaft gears 76 are disposed perpendicular to and coupled to their corresponding eccentric shaft gears 58 and are also aligned with their corresponding secondary shafts70. [Para 89] A pair of phase couplers 40 are helically moveable about their corresponding secondary shafts 70. The phase couplers 40 are pivotably fixed and slidable relative to their respective secondary eccentric shaft gears 76, such that helical movement of the phase couplers 40 about their respective secondary shafts 70 changes the relation of timing between the reciprocating pistons 24 and the piston sleeves 28 and movement of each eccentric shaft 54 relative to its respective crankshaft 26 through the elongator 74 changes the overlap between the slotted port 30 of each piston sleeve 28 relative to either the intake port 1 6 or the exhaust port 1 8.

[Para 90] Each phase cou pler 40 can include at least one helical slot 42. Each secondary shaft 70 can include at least one protrusion 44 disposed within each slot 42 where each protrusion 44 is slidable relative to its respective slot 42. Each phase cou pler 40 can include a fixed or rotatably attached disk 46 disposed perpendicular to their respective secondary shafts 70. A disk engagement 48 is associated with each disk 46 and slidably fixed relative to the engine block 1 2 , where each disk engagement 48 is slidably controllable in a motion parallel to the secondary shafts 70. Movement of each disk engagement 48 controls the relation of timing between the reciprocating pistons 24 and the piston sleeves 28. Furthermore, each secondary eccentric shaft gear 76 and phase couplers 40 can include at least one elongated tooth 52. Furthermore, each sleeve coupler 32 comprises a crankshaft aperture 66, wherein a corresponding crankshaft 26 is positioned within the crankshaft aperture 66 such that the eccentric shaft 56, crankshaft 26 and cylinder 1 4 are aligned within a common plane. [Para 91 ] FIGURE 27 is a baseline graph of the piston movement 78 compared with the piston sleeve movement 80; A full 360 degrees of rotation of the crankshaft 26 is plotted showing both the piston 24 and the piston sleeve 28 in their respective positions along the x-axis. The cross-sectioned area 81 represents the overlap between the slotted port 30 and either the intake port 1 6 or the exhaust port 1 8.

[Para 92] FIGURE 28 is a graph similar to FIG. 27 now showing a phase shift 82 of the piston sleeve movement 80. The piston sleeve movement 80 has been shifted to the right and the overlap area 81 has decreased as compared to FIG. 27. Changing the phase shift 82 between the piston 24 and the piston sleeves 28 is accomplished through the various embodiments utilizing a phase cou pler 40.

[Para 93] FIGURE 29 is a graph similar to FIG. 27 now showing a change of overlap between the slotted port 30 of each piston sleeve 28 relative to either the intake port 1 6 or the exhaust port 1 8. An overlap shift 84 occurs in the embodiments where the eccentric shaft 54 moves closer or further away from the crankshaft 26. Accordingly, the area 81 has increased as the eccentric shaft 54 moved closer to the crankshaft 26.

[Para 94] FIGURE 30 is a graph similar to FIG. 27 now combining the results of a phase shift 82 and an overlap shift 84. This embodiment of the present invention now shows a phase shift 82 of the piston 24 relative to the piston sleeve 28 and also the change of overlap between the slotted port 30 of each piston sleeve 28 to either the intake port 1 6 or exhaust port 1 8. Accordingly, the area 81 has been modified from the baseline shown in FIG. 27.

[Para 95] FIGURE 31 is another exemplary embodiment of a phase cou pler 40. Rather than using a helical slot as in the previous embodiments, the slot 42 is now linear/straight where the protrusion 44 of the crankshaft 26 slides in a straight motion relative to the phase coupler 40. However, the elongated teeth 52 on the phase coupler 40 and the eccentric inserts 34 are now cut at angle. As the disk 46 is moved either to the left or the right, it forces the rotation between the phase coupler 40 and the eccentric inserts 34 to change. This configuration still allows the phase shift 82 to be controllable. It is to be understood by one skilled in the art that this embodiment of the phase coupler 40 and eccentric insert 34 can be used on any of the previously described embodiments.

[Para 96] FIGURE 32 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a phase cou pler 40 and a reverse phase coupler 86. FIG. 32 shows how a single piston 24 can have two phase couplers on each side, such that one is phase coupler 40 as previously shown and described and the other is a reverse phase coupler 86 where the helical slots 42 are oppositely disposed. The helical slots 42 are oppositely disposed such that both the phase coupler 40 and reverse phase cou pler 86 work together to control the piston sleeve 28. A multitude of bearings 88 can then provide additional support for the crankshaft 26. It can be seen by one skilled in the art that this embodiment may be applied to any of the previously disclosed exemplary embodiments. [Para 97] FIGURE 33 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a reverse phase coupler 86 similar to FIG. 32. Compared to FIG. 32, the circular disk 49 has been rotated 90 degrees. As can be seen, the exact position of the disk 49 can vary significantly with respect to the crankshaft 26. It can be seen by one skilled in the art that this embodiment may be applied to any of the previously disclosed exemplary embodiments.

[Para 98] Although several embodiments have been described in detail for pu rposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.