Patent ID: 6568186
Filing Date: 2003-05-27
Classification: F01B

Abstract:
A improved hybrid, expansible chamber engine system including a fuel source; an ignition source; an air tank for storing pressurized air; at least one expansible chamber device having a movable component drivingly linked to a common mechanical power output, each expansible chamber device having ports opening into its chamber including an atmospheric air intake port connected through an atmospheric air intake passage to a source of atmospheric air, an air tank outlet port connected through an air tank outlet passage to the air tank for, at times, supplying compressed air to the air tank; a controllable valve at each of said ports for controlling the flow of gas through the port; and a control system including an input connected to a position sensor linked to the mechanical power output for inputting the instantaneous position of the power output and including outputs connected to the valves for independently operating each expansible chamber device alternatively in a mode selected from the modes of internal combustion engine, air motor, and air compressor, wherein the improvement comprises:a supercharger connected between a source of atmospheric air at atmospheric pressure and the atmospheric air intake port and controllably connected to the control system, the supercharger being actuated by the control system for delivering supercharged air to the chamber when the expansible chamber device is operating in the compressor mode.