CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number

61/418,203 filed November 30, 2010, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1 . Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to reciprocating engines. SUMMARY

[0003] This application provides a new type of reciprocating engine. The engine may be used for automotive applications, but can also be used in other applications, such as power generation or manufacturing. The engine may provide particular qualities due to its design in that the engine can be compact in size, it does not require counter weights (compared to the traditional Otto-engines) and its power to volume ratio can be double than that of Otto engines. The engine may include a stator and a rotor. The stator may be a hollow cylinder that is fixed, while the rotor may be a shaft aligned with the axis of the cylinder. The rotor is moveable relative to the stator and may oscillate with an angle of amplitude a .

[0004] The stator of the engine may include four static partitions. These partitions may form one entity with the cylinder shell. The empty space between any two consecutive partitions forms a compartment. In one example, the engine may contain four compartments. The rotor may be a cross-like shaft and the cross may divide each compartment of the cylinder into two sub-compartments.

[0005] In addition to the stator and the rotor, the engine may have eight intake inlets that provide the engine with charge (air, air and fuel mixture, oxidants or combustion components), and eight outlets (or exhaust valves). The engine may also include eight (or more) spark plugs (or injectors) at least one in each sub-compartment.

[0006] In each of the eight sub-compartments the following four strokes take place respectively in succession: Admission, Compression, Power, and Exhaust. Similar to the Otto cycle, during the admission stroke, the intake inlet may be open, and the exhaust outlet can be closed. While in the exhaust stroke, the exhaust outlet may be opened and the intake inlet can be closed. In the other two strokes (compression and power) both the intake inlet and the exhaust outlet can be closed.

[0007] Since the reciprocating engine is made of four compartments, it can be compared to a conventional four-stroke four-cylinder Otto-engine where the total combustion volume of both engines is the same: During one cycle of the present engine (rotation of the shaft by angles of a , -a , a and then -a occurs respectively), two power strokes take place in each compartment (one power stroke in each sub- compartment ); where as in the four-stroke four-cylinder Otto-engine, during two cycles, only one power stroke occurs per cylinder. As such, the power to volume ratio of the present engine is double that of an Otto engine. In addition, the shaft is always rotating under the effect of two opposite forces that are equal in magnitude and form a moment couple (these are pressure induced forces during the power strokes). [0008] This engine may be used as a two stroke engine.

[0009] To obtain an engine of different power, reciprocating engines may be cascaded in a series configuration, in a parallel configuration, a combination of series and parallel or any other hybrid configuration. It can also be used in combination with other types of engines.

[0010] Further objects, features and advantages of this application will become readily apparent to persons skilled in the art after a review of the following description, with reference to the drawings and claims that are appended to and form a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Aspects of this application will be described by way of examples with references to the accompanying drawings. They serve to illustrate several aspects of the present application, and together with the description provide explanation of the system principles. In the drawings:

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front view of an engine;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of an engine; is a radial section and the major components of the engine;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a sectional front view of a rotor;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a section front view of a stator;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a section front view of an engine including the rotor and the stator; [0017] FIG. 6 is a section front view of an engine including the rotor and the stator illustrating sub-compartments;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing different events in the sub- compartments of the engine during stroke number one;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing different events in the sub- compartments of the engine during stroke number two;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing different events in the sub- compartment of the engine during stroke number three;

[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing different events in the sub- compartment of the engine during stroke number four;

[0022] FIG. 1 1 is a schematic view of a computer system for implementing the methods described herein;

[0023] FIG. 12a is a schematic view of a rotory reciprocating generator;

[0024] FIG. 12b is a graph of the current produced by the rotory reciprocating generator in FIG. 12a;

[0025] FIG. 13a is a schematic view of the rotory reciprocating generator from FIG 12a;

[0026] FIG. 13b is a graph of the current produced by the rotory reciprocating generator in FIG. 13a; and

[0027] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a rotory reciprocating generator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Now referring to FIG. 1 , a motor 100 is provided in accordance with the principles of this application. The motor 100 includes a stator 1 12 and a rotor 1 10. The rotor 1 10 may be concentric with the stator 1 12. As such, the rotor 1 10 may move rotationally relative to the stator 1 12. The full angle of rotation 1 18 of the rotor 1 10 relative to the stator 1 12 may be represented by the symbol a . Further, it is noted that from the center of the full angle of rotation 1 18 the rotor may rotate clockwise through an angle 1 14 which may be a 12 and anti-clockwise through an angle 1 16 which may be -a 12.

[0029] Now referring to Figure 2, the stator may include inlet ports 216 and outlet ports 214. The inlet ports and the outlet ports may be located on opposite ends of the stator 1 12. Further, the stator 1 12 may have a cylindrical shape where the inlet ports 216 are equally and/or symmetrically spaced about the circumference of the stator 1 12 and opposite a corresponding outlet port 214 that is likewise equally and/or symmetrically spaced about the circumference of the stator 1 12. The stator 1 12 and the rotor 1 10 may be both centered on an axis 210. The rotor 1 10 may rotate relative to the stator 1 12 about the axis 210. Further, the rotor 1 10 may include a shaft 212 that extends from the stator 1 12 and rotates about the axis 210 to provide output power from the motor 100.

[0030] Now referring to Figure 3, a cross sectional view of the rotor 1 10 is provided. The rotor may be made from various materials including metals, for example steel or aluminum, or any other suitable material including plastics or ceramics. The rotor 1 10 may include a plurality of blades 310 equally and/or symmetrically spaced about the shaft 212. The blades 310 may extend radially outward from the shaft 212 and may be reinforce with ribbing or by other means if necessary. In one example, the rotor includes four blades each located at 90 degrees with respect to the adjacent blade. As such, a first blade 312 extends radially from the shaft 212 and at a right angle with respect to a second blade 314. The second blade 314 also extends radially from the shaft and forms a right angle with a third blade 316. Both the third blade 316 and a fourth blade 318 extend radially from the shaft 212 and form a right angle with one another. The blades 310 may be continuous and extend radially to the circumference of the stator 1 12, as well as, along the entire length of the stator 1 12.

[0031] Now referring to Figure 4, the stator 1 12 includes a plurality of blades or partitions 410 located equally and/or symmetrically spaced around the circumference of the stator 1 12 and projecting radially inward. The partitions 410 may be reinforce with ribbing or by other support means if necessary. The partitions 410 form compartments 422-428 between each partition 410. Each compartment may be generally wedge shaped having an angle of the wedge that is substantially equal to a , the full rotational motion of the rotor 1 10. In one example, there are four partitions equally spaced partitions and four equally spaced compartments. The first partition 412 extends radially inward from the circumference of the stator 1 12 and at a right angle with respect to a partition blade 414. A first compartment 422 is formed between the first partition 412 and the second partition 414. The second partition 414 also extends radially inward from the circumference of the stator 1 12 and forms a right angle with a third partition 416. Both the third partition 416 and a fourth partition 418 extend radially inward from the circumference of the stator 1 12 and form a right angle with one another. The partitions 410 may be continuous and extend radially from the circumference of the stator 1 12 to the shaft 212, as well as, along the entire length of the stator 1 12.

[0032] Now referring to Figure 5, a cross sectional view of the rotor 1 10 while integrated into the stator 1 12 is provided. The rotor 1 10 may be located concentrically within the stator 1 12. Further, each blade 310 is located between two adjacent partitions 410, as such each blade 310 is located within a compartment 422-428. Accordingly, the blades 310 may rotate between the partitions 410 as denoted by line 510. In one particular, example the first blade 312 may reciprocate back and forth through the angle a between partition 412 and partition 414 within compartment 422. The blades 310 may be continuous and extend radially outward from the shaft 212 to the wall at the circumference of the stator 1 12, as well as, along the entire length of the stator 1 12. As such, a seal may be formed between the outside edges of the blades 310 and the outer wall at the circumference of the stator 1 12 as denoted by arrow 512. The seal may take the form of any known seal and may, for example, be formed by a bearing surface between the stator 1 12 and the blade 310.

[0033] In addition, the partitions 410 may be continuous and extend radially inward from the wall at the circumference of the stator 1 12 to the shaft 212, as well as, along the entire length of the stator 1 12. As such, a seal may be formed between the outside edges of the partitions 410 and the shaft 221 as denoted by arrow 514. The seal may take the form of any known seal and may, for example, be formed by a bearing surface between the shaft 212 and the partitions 410.

[0034] Now referring to Figure 6, the cross sectional view of Figure 5 is shown again with labeled sub-compartments. As discussed above, each of the partitions 410 may seal with the shaft 212 and each of the blades 310 may seal with the wall at the circumference of the stator 1 12. Each of the seals between a partition 410 and the shaft 212 serves to isolate one compartment from an adjacent compartment. Further, each of the seals between a blade 310 and the stator 1 12 serves to divide the compartment into two sub-compartments. In one example, the engine includes eight sub-compartments. In each, sub-compartment the following four strokes take place respectively in succession:

Admission

Compression

Power

Exhaust

[0035] Specifically, in one example, the first partition 412 and the second partition 414 seal against the shaft 212 to isolate compartment 422. The first blade 312 seals against the wall of the stator 1 12 to divide compartment 422 into two isolated sub- compartments 621 and 622. A separate inlet port 216 and outlet port 214 are provided for each sub-compartment. (Although the outlet ports 214 cannot be seen in Figure 5 as they are located behind the inlet ports 216). [0036] The second partition 414 and the third partition 416 seal against the shaft 212 to isolate compartment 424. The second blade 314 seals against the wall of the stator 1 12 to divide compartment 424 into two isolated sub-compartments 623 and 624. The third partition 416 and the fourth partition 418 seal against the shaft 212 to isolate compartment 426. The third blade 316 seals against the wall of the stator 1 12 to divide compartment 426 into two isolated sub-compartments 625 and 626. The fourth partition 418 and the first partition 412 seal against the shaft 212 to isolate compartment 428. The fourth blade 318 seals against the wall of the stator 1 12 to divide compartment 428 into two isolated sub-compartments 627 and 628. As discussed above, each sub- compartment has a separate inlet port 216 and outlet port 214

[0037] Similar to the Otto cycle, during the admission stroke, the inlet port is open, and the outlet port is closed. While in the exhaust stroke, the outlet port is opened and the inlet port is closed. In the other two strokes (compression and power) both the inlet port and the outlet port are closed. The inlet and the outlet ports may have delay overlap and the timing of the ports opening and closing may be varied to meet specific requirements.

[0038] Figures 7-10 show one cycle (four strokes) of the reciprocating engine. During a stroke, the shaft rotates clockwise (anti-clockwise) by an angle a (- a ). The various strokes have been discussed with regard to Figure 5. The inward (outward) straight arrows show the admission of the fuel (exhaust of the gas), while the arced arrow show the direction of the shaft rotation, either clockwise or anti-clockwise. Table 1 summarizes the flow of events in the engine during one cycle, of the reciprocating engine (A-admission, C-compression, P-power and E-exhaust):

Table 1

[0039] Referring to Figure 7, a first stroke of the engine is described. Sub- compartment 621 and 625 are in admission, while sub-compartments 622 and 626 are in exhaust. As such, the inlet port is open and the outlet port is closed in sub- compartments 621 and 625 allowing charge (air, air and fuel mixture, oxidants or combustion components) to enter the sub-compartment as denoted by arrows 710. In sub-compartments 622 and 626 the outlet port is open to allow exhaust to leave the sub-compartment as denoted by arrows 712, while the inlet port is closed. Further, sub-compartments 623 and 627 are in power stroke, while sub-compartments 624 and 628 are in compression. This causes the rotor 1 10 to rotate clockwise relative to the stator 1 12 as denoted by arrow 714. Further, the power is enhanced due to the moment formed by the power stroke occurring simultaneously in the opposite sub- compartments 623 and 627. As described above, both the inlet port and outlet port are closed in sub-compartments 623, 624, 627, and 628.

[0040] Referring to Figure 8, a second stroke of the engine is described. Sub- compartment 622 and 626 are in admission, while sub-compartments 623 and 627 are in exhaust. As such, the inlet port is open and the outlet port is closed in sub- compartments 622 and 626 allowing charge (air, air and fuel mixture, oxidants or combustion components) to enter the sub-compartment as denoted by arrows 810. In sub-compartments 623 and 627, the outlet port is open to allow exhaust to leave the sub-compartment as denoted by arrows 812, while the inlet port is closed. Further, sub-compartments 624 and 628 are in power stroke, while sub-compartments 621 and 625 are in compression. This causes the rotor 1 10 to rotate anti-clockwise relative to the stator 1 12 as denoted by arrow 814. Further, the power is enhanced due to the moment formed by the power stroke occurring simultaneously in the opposite sub- compartments 624 and 628. As described above, both the inlet port and outlet port are closed in sub-compartments 621 , 624, 625, and 628.

[0041] Referring to Figure 9, a third stroke of the engine is described. Sub- compartment 623 and 627 are in admission, while sub-compartments 624 and 628 are in exhaust. As such, the inlet port is open and the outlet port is closed in sub- compartments 623 and 627 allowing charge (air, air and fuel mixture, oxidants or combustion components) to enter the sub-compartment as denoted by arrows 910. In sub-compartments 624 and 628 the outlet port is open to allow exhaust to leave the sub-compartment as denoted by arrows 912, while the inlet port is closed. Further, sub-compartments 621 and 625 are in power stroke, while sub-compartments 622 and

626 are in compression. This causes the rotor 1 10 to rotate clockwise relative to the stator 1 12 as denoted by arrow 914. Further, the power is enhanced due to the moment formed by the power stroke occurring simultaneously in the opposite sub- compartments 621 and 625. As described above, both the inlet port and outlet port are closed in sub-compartments 621 , 622, 625, and 626.

[0042] Referring to Figure 10, a fourth stroke of the engine is described. Sub- compartment 624 and 628 are in admission, while sub-compartments 621 and 625 are in exhaust. As such, the inlet port is open and the outlet port is closed in sub- compartments 624 and 628 allowing charge (air, air and fuel mixture, oxidants or combustion components) to enter the sub-compartment as denoted by arrows 1010. In sub-compartments 621 and 625 the outlet port is open to allow exhaust to leave the sub-compartment as denoted by arrows 1012, while the inlet port is closed. Further, sub-compartments 622 and 626 are in power stroke, while sub-compartments 623 and

627 are in compression. This causes the rotor 1 10 to rotate anti-clockwise relative to the stator 1 12 as denoted by arrow 1 14. Further, the power is enhanced due to the moment formed by the power stroke occurring simultaneously in the opposite sub- compartments 622 and 626. As described above, both the inlet port and outlet port are closed in sub-compartments 622, 623, 626, and 627. [0043] When generating electric power from fuel through internal combustion engines, a portion of energy is lost due to transforming the mechanical energy from oscillatory translational motion to continuous rotational motion (which is the case for Otto cycle engines). Using a rotary reciprocating engine, the energy can be transformed from rotary oscillatory motion into electric power, without the need to undergo an intermediate mechanical transform for the energy. This saves a portion of the lost energy due to friction. Furthermore, this reduces the number of moving parts in the engine. In the case of a four cylinder engine, this would save four crank shafts in addition to the corresponding bearings.

[0044] Figures 12 and 13 show the generation of an alternating electric current (I) by having magnetic sources and the force couple generated from the combustion process. Now referring to Figure 12A, a system 1200 is provided for generating electrical energy from a rotary reciprocating engine 1210. The rotary reciprocating engine 1210 is connected to a shaft 1212. The shaft may be rotated by the reciprocating engine 1210 as denoted by arrow 1214. A coil 1216 may be attached to the shaft 1212, and therefore, rotated in conjunction with the shaft 1212. Rotation of the coil 1216 relative to magnets 1220 and 1230 may produce a current in the coil 1216, as denoted by arrow 1218. As the coil 1216 rotates, it interacts with the electromagnetic force of magnets 1220 and 1230. Magnet 1220 has a north magnetic pole 1222 and a south magnetic pole 1224. In one implementation, the south magnetic pole 1224 may be closest to the coil 1216. Opposite magnet 1220 from the coil 1216 is magnet 1230. Magnet 1230 has a north pole 1232 and a south pole 1234, where the north pole 1232 is located closest to the coil 1216. The first end of the coil 1240 maybe connected to a first contact 1242, for example, through a brush. The contact 1242 may be connected to a first side of a power grid terminal1250. Similarly, a second end 1244 of the coil 1216 may be connected to a second contact 1246, for example, through a brush. The second contact may then be connected to the second end of power grid terminal1250. As such, the reciprocating motion of the rotary reciprocating engine 1220 may generate a current that flows through the coil 1216 and the electrical energy generated may be delivered to a power grid 1250. Although, it is understood that the coil 1216 may be connected to and deliver energy to a load or energy storage device, as well. The positive current generated by rotation 1214 of the reciprocating engine 1210 may be illustrated in Figure 12B by line 1260. For reference, the current 1260 is plotted along a current axis 1262 and time axis 1264.

[0045] Now referring to Figure 13A, the system 1200 is depicted as rotating in an opposite direction 1314 from direction 1214 in Figure 12A. Therefore the reciprocating engine 1210 generates a current 1318 in an opposite direction to the one shown in Figure 12A. The current output generated by the rotary reciprocating engine due to rotation 1314 is shown as line 1360 in Figure 13B. For reference, the current 1360 is plotted along a current axis 1362 and a time axis 1364. The rotation of the shaft 1214 in the positive and negative direction would generate the alternating current.

[0046] Now referring to Figure 14, a system 1400 is provided for generating electrical current based on another implementation of the rotary reciprocating motor. Figures 12 and 13 show the electric circuit being located outside of the rotary reciprocating engine. In an alternative configuration, the electric circuit can be mounted inside the engine. In one example, the electric circuit can be mounted on or embedded inside the rotor of the engine. This would provide a more compact power generator. The magnetic sources can be mounted either inside the engine or outside the engine. The magnetic field (B) is indicated by the arrows in Figure 14. The couple force (F) generated by combustion process in the reciprocatory rotary engine, along with the magnetic field will generate a current (I) in the electric circuit.

[0047] The stator is shown by reference numeral 1 12 and the rotor is shown by reference numeral 1 10. The coil or winding 1420 may be mounted on or embedded inside the rotor 1 10. For example, the coil 1420 may be wound across two opposite blades of the rotor 1410 and 1412. Due to combustion in the engine, an opposite force is generated in each of the opposing blades. For example, force 1414 is generated on blade 1410, while the opposite force 1416 is generated on blade 1412. The movement of the coil 1420 generates an electromagnetic field 1422 causing a current to flow through the winding. The current can be illustrated by the X 1424 illustrating current flowing into the sheet of paper and perpendicular to both the force 1416 and the electromagnetic field 1422. On the opposite side of the engine, the current 1426 flows out of the paper and perpendicular to force 1414 and the electromagnetic field 1422. The current generated through the coil 1420 may then be provided to a power grid, a load or an energy storage device as appropriate.

[0048] In a similar manner, a second coil 1440 may be mounted on or embedded inside the rotor 1 10. For example, the coil 1440 may be wound across two opposite blades of the rotor 1450 and 1452. Due to combustion in the engine, an opposite force is generated in each of the opposing blades. For example, force 1454 is generated on blade 1450, while the opposite force 1456 is generated on blade 1452. The movement of the coil 1440 generates an electromagnetic field 1442 causing a current to flow through the coil 1440.

[0049] Any of the methods described may be implemented and controlled with one or more computer systems. If implemented in multiple computer systems the code may be distributed and interface via application programming interfaces. Further, each method may be implemented on one or more computers. One exemplary computer system is provided in Figure 1 1 . The computer system 1 100 includes a processor 1 1 10 for executing instructions such as those described in the methods discussed above. The instructions may be stored in a computer readable medium such as memory 1 1 12 or a storage device 1 1 14, for example a disk drive, CD, or DVD. The computer may include a display controller 1 1 16 responsive to instructions to generate a textual or graphical display on a display device 1 1 18, for example a computer monitor. In addition, the processor 1 1 10 may communicate with a network controller 1 120 to communicate data or instructions to other systems, for example other general computer systems. The network controller 1 120 may communicate over Ethernet or other known protocols to distribute processing or provide remote access to information over a variety of network topologies, including local area networks, wide area networks, the internet, or other commonly used network topologies. [0050] In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

[0051] In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the methods described herein may be implemented by software programs executable by a computer system. Further, in an exemplary, non-limited embodiment, implementations can include distributed processing, component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing. Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods or functionality as described herein.

[0052] Further the methods described herein may be embodied in a computer- readable medium. The term "computer-readable medium" includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" shall also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

[0053] As a person skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the above description is meant as an illustration of the principles of this application. This description is not intended to limit the scope or application of the claim in that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change, without departing from spirit of this application, as defined in the following claims.