Patent ID: 6280169
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: F01C,F04C

Abstract:
A rotary machine through which a working fluid passes, said machine comprising:a central shaft means having a radially outer peripheral surface provided with at least one lobe having a maximum radius relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft means;an outer housing having an inner cylindrical surface surrounding the shaft means, the inner surface having a radius approximately equal to said maximum radius;bearing means extending between the housing and shaft to provide for relative rotation therebetween;a plurality of gates movably mounted in the housing for movement between a retracted position at least substantially located in said housing and an extended position protruding from said housing;said gates, shaft and housing co-operating to define at least two variable volume working chambers, the volumes of which change with relative rotation between the shaft means and housing about said axis;first duct means extending through said shaft and communicating with the chambers at a position adjacent to said lobe on a first angular side thereof;second duct means extending through said shaft and communicating with said chambers adjacent said lobe on the other angular side thereof to the first duct means;said shaft means includes longitudinally extending fluid inlet and outlet passages forming part of said first and second duct means, said inlet passage extending to a plurality of inlet passage portions, and said outlet passage extending from a plurality of outlet passage portions, with the inlet passage portions and outlet passage portions being longitudinally coextensive and with said inlet passage extending from a first end of said shaft and said outlet passage extending from an opposite end of said shaft to said first end;said shaft means further includes a shaft and a stator coaxially mounted thereon, said stator providing each lobe, with the duct means extending through the shaft and stator; anda divider member mounted internally of said shaft and providing said inlet and outlet passage portions, said inlet passage portions in fluid communication with said first duct means and said outlet passage portions in fluid communication with said second duct means;wherein relative rotation between said shaft means and housing provides for movement of said working fluid through said chambers via said first and second ducts.