Abstract:
An opposed-piston engine optionally contains an ignition system that is at least partially contained within the combustion chamber to enhance the combustion efficiency of a fuel-air mixture within the combustion system. More specifically, the ignition system contains at least one spark plug having an elongated center electrical delivery electrode, and, an elongated ground electrode. Accordingly, the elongated electrodes extend from an area adjacent to the inner periphery of the cylinder to a radially central area within the combustion chamber. Yet further, a cooling jacket is incorporated to provide cooling of the spark plug.
Abstract:
An opposed piston engine includes a valve mechanism for regulating fluid flow through an opening formed in a cylinder of the engine. The mechanism includes a valve operatively coupled to the cylinder so as to be rotatable to a first position to seal the opening and to a second position to unseal the opening, and at least one cam surface operatively coupled to the cylinder so as to be movable with respect to the cylinder to engage the valve so as to produce rotation of the valve.
Abstract:
An inventive opposed piston engine is provided. The inventive engine includes an inventive mechanism that enables adjustment of a compression ratio of the engine.
Abstract:
The valve system for opposed piston engines essentially comprises a single poppet valve opening into the common combustion chamber between the two opposed pistons of each piston and cylinder pair. The engine for which the mechanism is adapted includes a rotating internal cylinder surrounding each piston pair, with a stationary outer cylinder or case surrounding the rotating cylinder. The valve is pivotally attached at one side or end thereof to the edge of the valve port of the rotating cylinder, and is actuated by an arm or arms having guides (rollers, etc.) at the distal end(s) thereof, which are captured in corresponding cam track(s) or channel(s) formed in the fixed outer cylinder or case of the engine. The cam track has a variable radius, with the valve arm(s) and guide(s) alternately lifting and lowering as the guide(s) travel(s) in the variable radius cam track(s), thereby closing and opening the valve.
Abstract:
A bicycle front basket support that is attached to the front of the frame of an existing traditional bicycle, without any modification to the existing bicycle, and upon which a basket or generic cargo container can be mounted. The support is attached to, and supported by, the frame of the bicycle so that it does not move with the steering. And the assembly is adjustable to fit different sizes and configurations of bicycle frames.
Abstract:
An opposed piston engine includes a valve mechanism for regulating fluid flow through an opening formed in a cylinder of the engine. The mechanism includes a valve operatively coupled to the cylinder so as to be rotatable to a first position to seal the opening and to a second position to unseal the opening, and at least one cam surface operatively coupled to the cylinder so as to be movable with respect to the cylinder to engage the valve so as to produce rotation of the valve.
Abstract:
The valve system for opposed piston engines essentially comprises a single poppet valve opening into the common combustion chamber between the two opposed pistons of each piston and cylinder pair. The engine for which the mechanism is adapted includes a rotating internal cylinder surrounding each piston pair, with a stationary outer cylinder or case surrounding the rotating cylinder. The valve is pivotally attached at one side or end thereof to the edge of the valve port of the rotating cylinder, and is actuated by an arm or arms having guides (rollers, etc.) at the distal end(s) thereof, which are captured in corresponding cam track(s) or channel(s) formed in the fixed outer cylinder or case of the engine. The cam track has a variable radius, with the valve arm(s) and guide(s) alternately lifting and lowering as the guide(s) travel(s) in the variable radius cam track(s), thereby closing and opening the valve.
Abstract:
An ignition source for initiating combustion is provided. The ignition source includes an electrical delivery conductor mounted in a delivery conductor mounting structure. An electrical ground conductor is mounted in a ground conductor mounting structure and extends from the ground conductor mounting structure to a point proximate the delivery conductor to define an ignition spark gap between the delivery conductor and the ground conductor. At least one of the delivery conductor and the ground conductor is mounted so as to be positionable with respect to the other one of the delivery conductor and the ground conductor to selectively adjust a width of the ignition spark gap.
Abstract:
The centrally located ignition source in a combustion chamber is an electrical conductor spanning the general center of the combustion chamber, with a spark gap at the general center of the conductor. The device may be offset from the combustion chamber centerline, and/or the spark gap may be offset from the conductor center, as required. The centrally located ignition source is particularly well suited for use in an opposed piston engine having a rotary sleeve valve mechanism, with the conductor rotating with the sleeve valve and crossing the combustion chamber between the two pistons. An arcuate commutator section may be disposed upon the exterior of the rotary sleeve valve, with a contact finger making electrical contact between the electrical energy source and the commutator section to supply electrical energy to the ignition source. The device is also suitable for use in stationary installations, e.g., gas furnace combustors, etc.
Abstract:
Pressurized air may be generated within a lightweight opposed piston engine without the need to make use of a supercharger. The lightweight engine may be combined with one or more lightweight micro-generators.