Abstract:
This invention is a cylindrical rotary power device, usable as and convertible to a rotary internal combustion engine, pump, and/or compressor. The device incorporates an ingenious design and composition utilizing bilateral symmetry to minimize power losses and maximize efficiency. It operates with a minimum of moving parts which can be manufactured at relatively low cost and readily maintained. Also, the power device of the present invention is readily converted to an internal combustion engine by merely removing the external power source and providing fuel flow and ignition charge to the cylinders.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to rotary power devices and more particularly to rotary internal combustion engines, pumps and compressors. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    There have been many attempts to devise an efficient, axially aligned rotary power device. One such device was described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,548, which issued to inventor Al-Hawaj on Aug. 8, 2003. This device describes an array of pistons arranged around a central shaft, with a system of roller cam followers to transmit power to the central shaft. 
         [0003]    Inventor R. Driver in US published patent application 2002/20171 (published Feb. 21, 2002) describes a rotary power displacement fluid machine, with an eccentrically mounted central rotor and an array of axially-arranged vanes. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,190, issued on May 11, 1993 to inventor E. Paul, describes an open-ended hosing with a central rotor assembly and parallel cylinder elements around the central shaft. 
         [0005]    Prolific inventor R. Duncan describes a rotary machine and thermal cycle in a series of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,782,866, 6,684,825, 6,672,275, and 6,484,687, of issue dates Aug. 31, 2004, Feb. 3, 2004, Jan. 6, 2004, and Nov. 26, 2002. This device does not use a compressive piston stroke, but instead uses and expansion ring and gear to generate pressure. 
         [0006]    US published patent application 2005/166,889 (published Aug. 4, 2005) describes a rotary device with coupled chamber halves and a drive disk plate. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    This invention is a cylindrical rotary power device, usable as and convertible to a rotary internal combustion engine, pump and compressor. The device incorporates an ingenious design and composition utilizing bilateral symmetry to minimize power losses and maximize efficiency. 
         [0008]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotary power device both as an internal combustion engine and for compressing and pumping fluids. 
         [0009]    Another object of the invention is to provide an improved rotary air compressor which maximizes output as compared to conventional pumps and compressors. 
         [0010]    Another object of the invention is to provide in a single unit an engine and a compressor. 
         [0011]    Another object of the invention a rotary power device which is readily convertible between an internal combustion engine and a pump or compressor. 
         [0012]    Another object of the invention is to provide a rotary power device having relatively few parts. 
         [0013]    Still another object of the invention is to provide a rotary power device having valveless ports which are substantially equal in diameter to the diameter of the pistons of the rotary device so as to reduce resistance to fluid inflow and outflow. 
         [0014]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and from the recital of the appended claims, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  reveals a perspective view of a rotary power transfer device designed in accordance with the present invention and having a portion of the outer housing cut away for purposes of illustration; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  displays a frontal view of the outer face of the power transfer device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  indicates a perspective view taken along line  3 - 4  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  indicates a side sectional view taken along line  3 - 4  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  comprises an exploded perspective view of the major components of the power transfer device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  comprises an exploded perspective view of a piston and bearing connector of the power transfer device designed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  demonstrates a side view of the assembled piston from the parts shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  indicates a view from the perspective of the crankshaft of the assembled piston of  FIG. 7 , and rotated 90 degrees therefrom. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  displays an exploded perspective view of the crankshaft and power train of the power transfer device designed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  demonstrates a side view of the assembled power train of  FIG. 9 ; and, 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  displays a side view of the assembled power train of  FIG. 10 , and rotated 90 degrees therefrom. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    In the accompanying  FIGS. 1-11 , for the purposes of illustrating the principals of this invention, there is disclosed a rotary power generation and transfer device. It will be understood, that various features of this invention, particularly the input and output of the reciprocating pistons and the translation of reciprocating motion to rotary motion and vice versa, have utility and may be successfully employed with a variety of operational devices, as for example, with pumps, steam engines, internal combustion engines, and the like. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-11 , the rotary power device of the present invention, shown generally as  100 , includes an outer piston and cylinder block assembly, an inner power train sleeve, and a crankshaft. The crankshaft can be rotatably powered by the pistons, acting in an internal combustion engine mode. Alternatively, the crankshaft can be externally powered from an external power source (not shown), thereby powering the cylinders in a reverse mode. Powered in this fashion, the current invention can operate as a pump. 
         [0028]    A perspective view of the outer surface of the preferred embodiment of the current invention is displayed in  FIG. 1 . Seen in this figure is the basic piston and cylinder block of the current invention, arranged in a preferred cylindrical array. The block itself is comprised of two similar or identical half-blocks  10 , which mate together at their bases via a component central ring  15 . A series of apertures  18  appear around the ring. These are disposed for placement of bolts or other connectors to join the halves  10  together to form a completed block. Inside the block is the crankshaft  30 , axially disposed along the centerline of the block. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  displays the block  10  from an end-on view. The block  10  contains a variety of apertures comprising cylinders  8 , fastener apertures  18 , and large central aperture  50 . The cylinders  8 , of course, are the housings for the pistons, as shown in later figures. The central aperture  50  is the home of the power train, also shown later. A total of 6 cylinders, and thus 6 pistons are displayed, although other numbers, for instance  4  or eight cylinder and piston pairs are contemplated. 
         [0030]    It will be noted that these cylinders  8  have an oval cross section. This is not required, and other geometric shapes, for instance a circular cross section, are contemplated. However, tests have indicated that the oval shape provides better power per cylinder bore size, and thus is preferred in the current embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  reveals an open sectional view of the current invention, with both cylinder block and power train components on display. Two of the pistons  60  are shown, in operational position. These are connected to the power train by bearing pins  63 . The power train comprises crankshaft  30 , bearing seals  75 , bearings  73 , and power sleeves  70 . The two power sleeves  70  do not connect, but instead are separated by a curved, constant width channel  80 . As the pistons move up and down within their cylinders, they are connected to the power train via the bearing pins  63  which mate to the curved track  80 . If the pistons are operating in internal combustion mode, they will transmit power via pins  63  to track  80 , forcing track  80 , power sleeves  70 , and the entire power train including crankshaft  30  to rotate around the long axis. Alternatively, crankshaft  30 , if externally powered, can transmit power via the rotating track  80  and pins  63  in reverse direction, forcing pistons  60  to move up and down. This is useful, for instance, to create a pump.  FIG. 4  demonstrates the same section view of  FIG. 3 , from a side plan view. Both upper and lower pistons  60  are shown, each in a position approximately halfway up the cylinder. The bearing pins  63  are shown, connecting each piston  60  to the curved track  80  formed by the adjacent power sleeves  70 . The power sleeves are greeted on their outer faces by bearings  73 , which aid in holding the power sleeves in place, and thus preserving track  80 . Outside of bearings  73  are bearing seals  75 , which seal off the power sleeves and bearings from the outside, thus excluding contaminants and preserving lubricant. The entire assembly is typically lubricated by a charge of lubricating oil, which circulates via ports between the cylinder walls, pistons, bearings, power sleeves, and crankshaft. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  introduces an exploded view of the preferred embodiment  100  of the current invention. At either end are the two unit halves  10  of the cylinder block. Shown on the right side block is the outer face of one block unit half  10 , as it appears in earlier figures. Displayed on the left side unit block half is the inner face  17 , which faces the interior of the current invention. 
         [0033]    The pistons  60  that normally reside within cylinders  8  are shown in exploded view in this figure. The pistons are in approximately the arrangement they will hold when in position within the cylinders. Each piston has a bearing pin  63  which is disposed at right angles to the piston, and intersects the piston at the midsection, in between the piston heads  61 . Each bearing pin  63  has a top bearing ring  65 , to secure the pin on one side of the piston, and a pair of bearing pins  67  on the opposite side of the piston. 
         [0034]    Also shown in  FIG. 5  is the power train  200  of the current invention. In simplified, assembled form, the power train comprises a pair of power bearing assemblies  300  separated by a curved power track  80 , and surrounding a crankshaft  30 . 
         [0035]    It can be seen from this exploded view, in combination with the views of earlier figures, especially  FIG. 4 , how the pistons  60  connect with the power train  200  to transmit power to the crankshaft. The pistons are connected by bearing pins  63 , which culminate in a pair of bearing rings  67 . This pair of rings can fit inside track  80 , or be disposed with one ring inside and one just outside the track. This secures the connection to the power train, as the curve is comprised by power sleeves  70 , which are themselves connected to (or integrally part of) crankshaft  30 . 
         [0036]    Now moving to  FIG. 6 , a piston and bearing pin assembly is displayed in exploded view. The piston  60  is comprised of two large piston heads  61 , and a thin central body  62 , with an aperture  64  at its midpoint. The piston heads  61  are oval in cross section, and are designed to fit closely within a cylinder  8 . Piston heads  61  are circumscribed by grooves  66  for lubricating oil. 
         [0037]    Bearing pin  63  is designed to closely fit within piston midpoint aperture  64 . Each piston has one associated bearing pin  63 , one upper bearing ring  65 , and two lower bearing rings  67 . The upper bearing ring  65  prevents pin  63  from escaping the piston  60  at one end. The lower pair of bearing rings  67  connect the bearing pin  63  to curved power track  80 , and secure the bearing pin  63  thereto. 
         [0038]      FIG. 7  illustrates the completed piston and bearing pin assembly  600  from a side view. The piston  60  is shown to be symmetrical in shape, with dual piston heads  61 . Piston  60  is intersected at a right angle by bearing pin  63 . Pin  63  has bearing ring  65  secured at its top end, and a pair of bearing rings  67  secured at its bottom end. It should be noted that bearing rings  67  could be identical with bearing ring  65 , except for their association as a pair, and their function to connect pin  63  to the curved power track  80 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 8  shows the same completed piston and bearing pin assembly  600  from a view 90 rotated from  FIG. 7 . This view is from the direction of the power train  200 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 9  displays the power train assembly  200  in exploded view. The bilateral symmetry of the power train is evident, as indeed is reflected in the same symmetry of the invention  100  as a whole. The elements of power train  200  are shown, starting with crankshaft  30 , which contains a pair of mounting brackets  35  on either end of the midpoint. These mounting brackets  35  are each fastened to the inner face of a power sleeve  70 . This disposes the power sleeves in the correct relationship to establish curved power track  80 . 
         [0041]    Power sleeves  70  are connected at their respective outer faces to bearings  73 . These help distribute the weight and load of the power train. At the other, outer sides of bearings  73  are placed seals  75 . As noted above, the seals prevent outer contamination and seal the power train off from the outside, excepting crankshaft  30 , which communicates to a drive train for powering a vehicle or motor, perhaps, or for accepting power from an external source. 
         [0042]    When the current invention operates as an internal combustion engine, it will include fuel injection means at intake ports of each cylinder for the delivery of a fuel to open ends of said cylinder elements as they rotate. Also, there will be means for initiating ignition of said air fuel mixture after it is compressed within said cylinder element, such as a spark ply appurtenant to each cylinder. Additionally, there will be an exhaust manifold communicating with each of a set of outlet ports on each cylinder, for receiving combustion products from said cylinder elements during the exhaust stroke of said pistons. 
         [0043]      FIG. 10  illustrates the completed power train assembly  200  from a side view. Curved track  80  is clearly shown at the center of the figure, bowed to the right in this view. The elements of the crankshaft  30 , power sleeves  70 , bearings  73 , and seals  75  are displayed. 
         [0044]      FIG. 11  shows the same completed power train assembly  200  from a view 90 degrees rotated from  FIG. 10 . This view shows the curved track  80  bowed to the left, and illustrates the up-and-down curing motion of track  80 . This is necessary, as the track must meet up with itself on completing the circumference of the power train. 
         [0045]    It should be noted, however, that track  80 , though necessarily having a repeating path, can define a steeper or less steep curve. The steeper the curve, the longer the piston  60  travel path within cylinder  8 , and thus the higher compression can be reached. However, the track  80  is limited by the physical dimensions of piston  60  and cylinder  8 . Thus, larger and longer cylinders and pistons will be accommodated by steeper curved tracks  80 . The steepness of the curve is defined by the shape of the inner face  77  of power sleeves  70 . 
         [0046]    It will be understood that in the example set forth above, that the stroke and compression ratio can be increased by lengthening the slot  80  of the power train so that the output of air is at a higher pressure than 160 pounds. The dimensions of the bore of the cylinder  8  and the dimensions of the pistons  60  can be increased to increase the output of compressed air. Likewise, the size of the device can be increased and the number of cylinder elements and pistons may be increased, for example from 4 to 8 cylinder elements. However, the pump can operate effectively with as few as two cylinder elements. 
         [0047]    The apparatus described herein produces a highly efficient compressor and/or pump for compressing or moving fluids. It operates with a minimum of moving parts which can be manufactured at relatively low cost and readily maintained. Also, the power device of the present invention is readily converted to an internal combustion engine by merely removing the external power source and providing fuel flow and ignition charge to the cylinders. 
         [0048]    As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various arrangements other than those described in detail in the specification will occur to those persons skilled in the art, which arrangements lie within the spirit and scope of the invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that the invention is to be limited only by the claims appended hereto.