Patent ID: 6698394
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: F01B,F02B,F02F,F02M,F05C,Y02T

Abstract:
A method of converting fuel and air into rotational energy comprising the steps of:providing a homogenous charge compression ignition barrel engine comprising: an engine housing having a first end and a second end; an elongated power shaft longitudinally disposed in the engine housing and defining a longitudinal axis of the engine; a plurality of cylinders surrounding the longitudinal axis, each cylinder having a closed end and an open end, each cylinder having a central axis, the open ends of the cylinders each being generally directed toward the first end of the housing; a track disposed between the first end of the housing and the open ends of the cylinders such that a portion of the track is disposed generally in alignment with the central axis of each of the cylinders, the track having a cam surface that longitudinally undulates with respect to the open ends of the cylinders, a portion of the cam surface being disposed generally in alignment with the central axis of each of the cylinders, the track and the cylinders being rotatable with respect to each other such that the undulating cam surface moves with respect to the open ends of the cylinders; and a piston movably disposed in each of the cylinders such that a combustion chamber is defined between the piston and the closed end of the cylinder, each piston being in mechanical communication with the cam surface of the track such that as the cylinders and track move with respect to each other, the pistons reciprocate within the cylinders between an upper position and a lower position; rotating the track so as to position one of the pistons in the upper position; continuing to rotate the track such that the one piston moves between the upper position and the lower position; introducing a combustible mixture of air and fuel into the combustion chamber as the piston moves between the upper and the lower position; continuing to rotate the track such that the one piston moves between the lower position and the upper position and the combustible mixture is compressed; compressing the combustible mixture until the mixture autoignites without the introduction of a spark or additional fuel, such that the mixture combusts; and using the combustion of the mixture to move the piston between the upper position and the lower position, thereby causing the track to rotate.