Patent ID: 6662774
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: F01C,F02B,Y02T

Abstract:
A rotary engine comprising:a housing defining a cavity, the cavity having a central axis extending therethrough, the cavity defining a plurality of compartments, the plurality of compartments comprising first, second and third compartments being arranged along the central axis of the cavity, the housing comprising: a plurality of intermediate walls dividing the cavity into the compartments, the plurality of intermediate walls comprising a first intermediate wall positioned between the first and second compartments and a second intermediate wall positioned between the second and third compartments; a plurality of end walls defining ends of the cavity in the housing, the plurality of end walls including a first end wall positioned opposite the first intermediate wall with the first compartment therebetween and a second end wall positioned opposite the second intermediate wall with the third compartment therebetween; a perimeter wall assembly defining a perimeter of the cavity and the compartments; a first passage for permitting air to move from the first compartment to the second compartment; a second passage for permitting air to move from the second compartment to the third compartment; an intake opening for permitting air to enter the first compartment from the atmosphere; and an exhaust outlet for permitting exhausting of gasses from the second chamber; a drive shaft extending in the cavity and being positioned along the central axis; a first rotor positioned in the first compartment of the cavity, the first rotor being fixedly mounted on the drive shaft such that the first rotor rotates with the drive shaft, the first rotor having an outer perimeter, a substantially annular first chamber being defined between the outer perimeter of the first rotor and the perimeter wall assembly, the first chamber forming a suction chamber in which a charge of air is drawn into the cavity of the housing; a first vane mounted on the first rotor, the first vane being movable in a radial direction with respect to the first rotor such that the first vane is extendable beyond the outer perimeter of the first rotor toward the perimeter wall assembly and into the first chamber; a second rotor positioned in the third compartment of the cavity, the second rotor being fixedly mounted on the drive shaft such that the second rotor rotates with the drive shaft and first rotor, the second rotor having an outer perimeter, a substantially annular second chamber being defined between the outer perimeter of the second rotor and the perimeter wall assembly, the second chamber forming an combustion chamber in which the charge of air is mixed with fuel, ignited, and exhausted from the cavity in the housing; and a second vane mounted in the second rotor, the second vane being movable in a radial direction with respect to the second rotor such that the second vane is extendable beyond the outer perimeter of the second rotor toward the perimeter wall assembly; wherein the second compartment is positioned between the first and third compartments and holds compressed air after leaving the first chamber and before entering the second chamber.