Christopher T Daniel

US Patent:

20030188701, Oct 9, 2003

Filed:

Apr 3, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/407728

Inventors:

Christopher Daniel - Rocklin CA, US

International Classification:

F02B075/18

US Classification:

123/056100

Abstract:

An improved internal combustion engine is provided having a plurality of cylinders that are disposed about a crankshaft at an angle substantially parallel to the crankshaft (e.g., to the axis of rotation of the crankshaft), resulting in a substantially constant and optimal power stroke angle. The engine may include eight cylinders and sixteen pistons disposed in a 360 degree pattern every 45 degrees around the crankshaft. The cylinders may be positioned substantially parallel to the crankshaft resulting in a relatively constant and optimal power stroke (e.g., at 90 degrees), thereby producing higher torque and horsepower compared to combustion engines with varying power stroke angles. Each cylinder may have two opposing pistons. Specifically, each cylinder may include two pistons that move in opposite directions during the power stroke, thereby producing a simultaneous thrust at two different points, which is applied to the crankshaft on every power stroke. The dual pistons in each cylinder also control precise movement of all gases throughout each cylinder cycle, thereby improving efficiency. One piston per cylinder can be made to sit “idle,” allowing the opposing piston to import gases for a longer duration, and export virtually the entire cylinder of spent gases in a single cycle. Moreover, this dual-piston design provides for a four-stroke process in a simplified valve-less engine design, thereby combining the advantages of both four-stroke and two-stroke type engines.