Patent ID: 7650860

Claim:
An engine comprising: a first end wall portion; a second end wall portion spaced apart from the first end wall portion to at least partially define a pressure chamber therebetween; a first movable wall portion operably disposed between the first and second end wall portions, the first movable wall portion being pivotable about a first pivot axis and having a first surface facing at least generally toward the pressure chamber; a second movable wall portion operably disposed between the first and second end wall portions adjacent to the first movable wall portion, the second movable wall portion being pivotable about a second pivot axis and having a second surface facing at least generally toward the pressure chamber; a third movable wall portion operably disposed between the first and second end wall portions adjacent to the second movable wall portion, the third movable wall portion being pivotable about a third pivot axis and having a third surface facing at least generally toward the pressure chamber; and a synchronizing apparatus operably coupling the first movable wall portion to the second movable wall portion and the third movable wall portion, the synchronizing apparatus causing the first, second, and third movable wall portions to move in unison as the first movable wall portion pivots back and forth about the first pivot axis, the second movable wall portion pivots back and forth about the second pivot axis, and the third movable wall portion pivots back and forth about the third pivot axis.