US3651641A — Engine system and thermogenerator therefor

Claim 1

Independent Claim 354 words

An internal combustion engine comprising a compressor for elevating the pressure of ambient air received at an intake therefor to a value in the range of 12 atmospheres and higher, the temperature being thereby elevated to the ignition temperature for a selected fuel, a closed combustion chamber discrete from said compressor and having a connection to said compressor by way of a check valve for preventing backflow, means insulating said compressor and chamber to prevent loss of heat of compression during periods of storage of compressed air in said chamber, means for initial driving of said compressor during accumulation in said chamber of air pressure above a predetermined lower limit having a heat of compression sufficient to raise the air to said ignition temperature, exhaust valve means for said chamber operative according to power demand, a work engine supplied through said valve means according to said demand, means coupling said engine to said compressor in driving relation therefor to resupply compressed air in proportion to air exhausted through said valve, pressure detector means in said chamber adjusted to generate a fuel control signal independently of air supply in response to pressure decrease below a minimum value, fuel injection means including a fuel source under pressure, a spray nozzle directed into said chamber, and metering means connected for response to said control signal, air flow control means for causing compressed air from the compressor to mix with said fuel progressively along one dimension of said chamber toward said exhaust valve means, thermostat means in said chamber responsive to temperature therein above a set temperature maximum for generating a second control signal, and water injection means including a water source under pressure, at least one nozzle directed into said chamber, and water metering means connected for response to said second signal for injecting water at a rate sufficient to decrease said temperature detected by the thermostat means, said work engine being supplied with a mixture comprising said compressed air and fuel combustion products and said water converted to steam at pressure above said minimum value and at temperature above said ignition temperature and below said maximum.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 354 words

An internal combustion engine comprising a compressor for elevating the pressure of ambient air received at an intake therefor to a value in the range of 12 atmospheres and higher, the temperature being thereby elevated to the ignition temperature for a selected fuel, a closed combustion chamber discrete from said compressor and having a connection to said compressor by way of a check valve for preventing backflow, means insulating said compressor and chamber to prevent loss of heat of compression during periods of storage of compressed air in said chamber, means for initial driving of said compressor during accumulation in said chamber of air pressure above a predetermined lower limit having a heat of compression sufficient to raise the air to said ignition temperature, exhaust valve means for said chamber operative according to power demand, a work engine supplied through said valve means according to said demand, means coupling said engine to said compressor in driving relation therefor to resupply compressed air in proportion to air exhausted through said valve, pressure detector means in said chamber adjusted to generate a fuel control signal independently of air supply in response to pressure decrease below a minimum value, fuel injection means including a fuel source under pressure, a spray nozzle directed into said chamber, and metering means connected for response to said control signal, air flow control means for causing compressed air from the compressor to mix with said fuel progressively along one dimension of said chamber toward said exhaust valve means, thermostat means in said chamber responsive to temperature therein above a set temperature maximum for generating a second control signal, and water injection means including a water source under pressure, at least one nozzle directed into said chamber, and water metering means connected for response to said second signal for injecting water at a rate sufficient to decrease said temperature detected by the thermostat means, said work engine being supplied with a mixture comprising said compressed air and fuel combustion products and said water converted to steam at pressure above said minimum value and at temperature above said ignition temperature and below said maximum.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 42 words

An engine according to claim 1 said compressor being a displacement device and said work engine comprising a plurality of cylinders having combined displacement exceeding the total displacement of the compressor, said work engine driving a crankshaft connected to drive said compressor.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 37 words

An engine according to claim 1 said compressor and said work engine being positive displacement devices, said means for generating a second control signal being a thermostat adjustably settable in the range of 725* to 1,800* F.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 28 words

An engine according to claim 1 said means for initial driving of said compressor including means preventing operation of said fuel injection means before reaching spontaneous ignition temperature.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 36 words

An engine according to claim 1 including pressure signaling means responsive to pressure less than a second minimum value and means responsive thereto for preventing operation of said fuel injection means before reaching spontaneous ignition temperature.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 27 words

An engine according to claim 1 said coMpressor and work engine being coupled by common or interconnected crankshafts coupled to pistons in compressor and work engine cylinders.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 35 words

An engine according to claim 1 said metering devices being adjusted to deliver water not substantially less than a weight ratio of seven times that of fuel delivered in response to said fuel metering means.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 52 words

An engine according to claim 1 said metering devices being adjusted to deliver substantially 3 to 8 percent of fuel by weight relative to the air delivered to said chamber and water substantially at least seven times the weight of fuel to prevent average temperature rise in the chamber about 1,800* F.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 208 words

In a reciprocating-piston engine having at least compression and expansion strokes, a first cylinder having piston means for compressing air, sufficiently for autoignition, a combustion chamber connected through check valve means for accumulating successive charges of said air when compressed, said chamber means being insulated thermally to retain the heat of compression, at least a second cylinder having second piston means for receiving gas from said chamber in driving relation to said second piston means, crank means coupling said first and second piston means for causing first piston operation to charge said chamber whenever said second piston means is operated independently of the pressure in said chamber, means controlling withdrawal of successive portions of accumulated gas from said chamber to continuously drive said second piston means, means detecting a decrease in pressure in said chamber below a set value as gas is withdrawn, fuel injection means exiting into said chamber for continuously inserting fuel in response to said detected decrease in pressure, means detecting a rise in temperature in said chamber above a predetermined operating temperature range, and means responsive to detected temperature rise for inserting a quantity of atomized cooling liquid into the chamber proportioned to substantially absorb the heat of combustion of said quantity of fuel.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 208 words

In a reciprocating-piston engine having at least compression and expansion strokes, a first cylinder having piston means for compressing air, sufficiently for autoignition, a combustion chamber connected through check valve means for accumulating successive charges of said air when compressed, said chamber means being insulated thermally to retain the heat of compression, at least a second cylinder having second piston means for receiving gas from said chamber in driving relation to said second piston means, crank means coupling said first and second piston means for causing first piston operation to charge said chamber whenever said second piston means is operated independently of the pressure in said chamber, means controlling withdrawal of successive portions of accumulated gas from said chamber to continuously drive said second piston means, means detecting a decrease in pressure in said chamber below a set value as gas is withdrawn, fuel injection means exiting into said chamber for continuously inserting fuel in response to said detected decrease in pressure, means detecting a rise in temperature in said chamber above a predetermined operating temperature range, and means responsive to detected temperature rise for inserting a quantity of atomized cooling liquid into the chamber proportioned to substantially absorb the heat of combustion of said quantity of fuel.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 53 words

In an engine according to claim 9 said first cylinder and piston means being gas intake and compression means, said second cylinder and piston means being work stroke and exhaust means, said combustion chamber comprising means for separating the combustion engine cycle functions into separate means for effecting intake-compression, combustion-cooling, and work-exhaust,, respectively.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 244 words

A compression-ignition fluid fuel engine, comprising a plurality of variable fluid chambers each enclosing a compression-expansion member connected to a rotative power shaft and in control of gas volume therein according to shaft rotation, said member of a first chamber being driven as a compressor and having a compression factor not less than sufficient to provide autoignition temperature and at least one second chamber member connected in driving relation to said shaft, a combustion chamber of fixed volume connected between said variable chambers including means detecting a decrease in pressure therein below a setting, means admitting an oxidizing gas to said first chamber for compression therein in response to shaft rotation, means passing from said first chamber to said combustion chamber gas compressed therein independently of pressure in said combustion chamber, outlet means connecting said combustion chamber to one or more other said chambers including variable valve means for controlling outlet of working fluid. a liquid fuel supply at a pressure exceeding the pressure in the combustion chamber. fuel injection means connected to said supply being regulated to supply fuel to the combustion chamber in proportion to a said decrease in pressure, independently of temperature therein, temperature sensing means in said combustion chamber for detecting temperature increases above a set value, and injection means for injecting a liquid coolant into said combustion chamber in proportion to temperature increase above said set value, thereby to control temperature therein independently of fuel and air supplied thereto.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 244 words

A compression-ignition fluid fuel engine, comprising a plurality of variable fluid chambers each enclosing a compression-expansion member connected to a rotative power shaft and in control of gas volume therein according to shaft rotation, said member of a first chamber being driven as a compressor and having a compression factor not less than sufficient to provide autoignition temperature and at least one second chamber member connected in driving relation to said shaft, a combustion chamber of fixed volume connected between said variable chambers including means detecting a decrease in pressure therein below a setting, means admitting an oxidizing gas to said first chamber for compression therein in response to shaft rotation, means passing from said first chamber to said combustion chamber gas compressed therein independently of pressure in said combustion chamber, outlet means connecting said combustion chamber to one or more other said chambers including variable valve means for controlling outlet of working fluid. a liquid fuel supply at a pressure exceeding the pressure in the combustion chamber. fuel injection means connected to said supply being regulated to supply fuel to the combustion chamber in proportion to a said decrease in pressure, independently of temperature therein, temperature sensing means in said combustion chamber for detecting temperature increases above a set value, and injection means for injecting a liquid coolant into said combustion chamber in proportion to temperature increase above said set value, thereby to control temperature therein independently of fuel and air supplied thereto.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 18 words

An engine according to claim 11 said temperature being controlled in the range of 500* to 1,800* F.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 19 words

An engine according to claim 11 said instant pressure being in the range of 200 to 800 pounds gauge.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 10 words

An engine according to claim 11 said liquid being water.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 23 words

An engine according to claim 11 including thermal insulation means surrounding said combustion chamber for maintaining stored heat during periods between engine use.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 30 words

An engine according to claim 11 said chambers being thermally insulated from each other to prevent heat flow from said combustion chamber to said first chamber and said second chambers.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 23 words

An engine according to claim 11 said chambers being pistoned and cranked for displacement substantially double the volume change of said first chamber.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 207 words

A compression-ignition engine, comprising a plurality of pistoned combustion chambers associated together in a block, a crankcase attached to said block, a crank within said case having crank arms operatively connected to pistons in said cylinders, intake valve means for a first cylinder for admitting an air charge upon outstroke of the piston therein as said crankshaft rotates, said first cylinder being proportioned relative to the length of stroke of a piston therein for compression adiabatically to above a self-ignition temperature in said charge, air outlet means for passing said charge to said combustion chamber, including a unidirectional valve whereby repeated charges are accumulated in said chamber, pressure sensing means in said chamber, a fuel supply including injection means for continuously supplying fuel to said charge, means for operating said injection means in response to a sensed decrease of pressure below a predetermined pressure, valved conduit means connecting said chamber to another said cylinder for controlling flow of working fluid thereto in response to a work requirement, temperature sensing means in said chamber, a vaporizable liquid source under pressure exceeding the pressure in said chamber, and means connected thereto for controlling injection in proportion to a sensed temperature rise above a predetermined point independently of chamber pressure.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 207 words

A compression-ignition engine, comprising a plurality of pistoned combustion chambers associated together in a block, a crankcase attached to said block, a crank within said case having crank arms operatively connected to pistons in said cylinders, intake valve means for a first cylinder for admitting an air charge upon outstroke of the piston therein as said crankshaft rotates, said first cylinder being proportioned relative to the length of stroke of a piston therein for compression adiabatically to above a self-ignition temperature in said charge, air outlet means for passing said charge to said combustion chamber, including a unidirectional valve whereby repeated charges are accumulated in said chamber, pressure sensing means in said chamber, a fuel supply including injection means for continuously supplying fuel to said charge, means for operating said injection means in response to a sensed decrease of pressure below a predetermined pressure, valved conduit means connecting said chamber to another said cylinder for controlling flow of working fluid thereto in response to a work requirement, temperature sensing means in said chamber, a vaporizable liquid source under pressure exceeding the pressure in said chamber, and means connected thereto for controlling injection in proportion to a sensed temperature rise above a predetermined point independently of chamber pressure.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 150 words

A combustion engine, comprising one or more positive displacement air compressor pistons and a number of positive displacement work pistons double the number of said compression pistons, each mounted for reciprocation in a confining cylinder means, crank shaft means connecting said pistons for simultaneous operation according to selected crank orientations, combustion chamber means exterior to said cylinder means and connected to receive unidirectional air flow from the compressor cylinder means independently of the pressure in said combustion chamber and to supply working fluid to the cylinder means for said work pistons, means injecting fuel into said chamber means proportioned to said air flow, means detecting a temperature rise in said chamber means relative a design value, means injecting water independently of chamber pressure into said chamber proportional to said temperature rise for substantially doubling, upon volatilization, the quantity of working fluid comprising said air and the products of fuel combustion.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 150 words

A combustion engine, comprising one or more positive displacement air compressor pistons and a number of positive displacement work pistons double the number of said compression pistons, each mounted for reciprocation in a confining cylinder means, crank shaft means connecting said pistons for simultaneous operation according to selected crank orientations, combustion chamber means exterior to said cylinder means and connected to receive unidirectional air flow from the compressor cylinder means independently of the pressure in said combustion chamber and to supply working fluid to the cylinder means for said work pistons, means injecting fuel into said chamber means proportioned to said air flow, means detecting a temperature rise in said chamber means relative a design value, means injecting water independently of chamber pressure into said chamber proportional to said temperature rise for substantially doubling, upon volatilization, the quantity of working fluid comprising said air and the products of fuel combustion.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 231 words

An engine comprising an external elongated combustion chamber for generating a working fluid for said engine means supplying compressed air at a fuel ignition temperature in one end of the chamber proportioned to fluid withdrawn, means injecting fuel axially of said chamber for ignition at said one end, first means confining flame to a first central zone of the chamber for a first portion of the length of the chamber, first means admitting a first portion of said compressed Air insufficient for complete combustion into said first means for confining the flame, second means confining flame to a second zone surrounding said first portion and extending therebeyond from said one end, second means admitting a second portion of said air to substantially complete fuel combustion in said second zone, third means confining flame to a third zone surrounding said second zone and extending therebeyond along the chamber, third means admitting a third portion of said air to said third zone sufficient to at least complete combustion in the third zone, means supplying excess air in said chamber around said third zone for forming a mixture with combustion products beyond said third zone, means injecting cooling water into said mixture beyond said third zone toward a second end of the chamber, and means withdrawing portions of the resulting binary working fluid for operating said engine coupled to drive the air compressing means.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 231 words

An engine comprising an external elongated combustion chamber for generating a working fluid for said engine means supplying compressed air at a fuel ignition temperature in one end of the chamber proportioned to fluid withdrawn, means injecting fuel axially of said chamber for ignition at said one end, first means confining flame to a first central zone of the chamber for a first portion of the length of the chamber, first means admitting a first portion of said compressed Air insufficient for complete combustion into said first means for confining the flame, second means confining flame to a second zone surrounding said first portion and extending therebeyond from said one end, second means admitting a second portion of said air to substantially complete fuel combustion in said second zone, third means confining flame to a third zone surrounding said second zone and extending therebeyond along the chamber, third means admitting a third portion of said air to said third zone sufficient to at least complete combustion in the third zone, means supplying excess air in said chamber around said third zone for forming a mixture with combustion products beyond said third zone, means injecting cooling water into said mixture beyond said third zone toward a second end of the chamber, and means withdrawing portions of the resulting binary working fluid for operating said engine coupled to drive the air compressing means.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 51 words

In a chamber according to claim 20 said second and third flame confining means being generally cylindrical and concentric with said first confining means and each extending beyond the flame confining means therein so as to mix successively added portions of admitted air peripherally around the previously formed zones of combustion.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 35 words

In a chamber according to claim 20 said means injecting water being spaced remotely from said one end to prevent cooling of said mixture until combustion is completed as the mixture passes through the chamber.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 51 words

In a chamber according to claim 22 said spacing being at least substantially equal to the diameter of said third flame confining means, whereby time is provided for establishing equilibrium conditions between excess air and the undesired products of combustion at temperatures according to excess air supplied prior to water cooling.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 46 words

In a chamber according to claim 20 said means injecting water being located proximate to a second end of said chamber and remotely from said third zone such that the time after burning and before water cooling exceeds the time for burning in said three zones.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 68 words

In a chamber according to claim 20 said compressed air being supplied through additional means for converting pulsating air flow to substantially uniform air flow at a velocity small with respect to the speed of flame propagation wherein the mixture of combustion products and excess air is retained at the working fluid pressure and a temperature in excess of chamber peripheral temperatures being surrounded by said excess air.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 285 words

A thermogenerator for supplying a heat engine, comprising an elongated pressure chamber having air inlet means at one end and combustion product outlet means at the other end thereof, check valve means in said inlet means operative to admit air when the pressure in said chamber is less than the pressure in said inlet means, power valve means comprising said outlet means to withdraw working fluid from said chamber in response to valve operation, air pump means connecting to said inlet means for supplying air compressed to a temperature sufficient for self-ignition of a fuel, air manifold header means extending substantially across said chamber proximate to the inlet end thereof, a tube extending from said air manifold means axially of said chamber toward the outlet forming a central fire tube, injection means for injecting fuel axially along said tube in response to outlet valve operation, a second tube supported concentrically about said fire tube and extending from said manifold means along said chamber beyond the termination of said fire tube, a third tube surrounding said second tube and concentric therewith extending from said manifold means at least substantially halfway to the outlet end of said chamber, perforations through said manifold header means admitting air in adjusted relative proportions respectively to said fire tube, between said fire tube and said sEcond tube, between said second and said third tubes, and exteriorly of said third tube such that air flow into the chamber is predominantly about the injected fuel and distributed axially along the chamber, and means responsive to operation of said power valve means for causing pressure and temperature to be maintained in the chamber, said temperature being above the ignition temperature for a fuel injected.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 285 words

A thermogenerator for supplying a heat engine, comprising an elongated pressure chamber having air inlet means at one end and combustion product outlet means at the other end thereof, check valve means in said inlet means operative to admit air when the pressure in said chamber is less than the pressure in said inlet means, power valve means comprising said outlet means to withdraw working fluid from said chamber in response to valve operation, air pump means connecting to said inlet means for supplying air compressed to a temperature sufficient for self-ignition of a fuel, air manifold header means extending substantially across said chamber proximate to the inlet end thereof, a tube extending from said air manifold means axially of said chamber toward the outlet forming a central fire tube, injection means for injecting fuel axially along said tube in response to outlet valve operation, a second tube supported concentrically about said fire tube and extending from said manifold means along said chamber beyond the termination of said fire tube, a third tube surrounding said second tube and concentric therewith extending from said manifold means at least substantially halfway to the outlet end of said chamber, perforations through said manifold header means admitting air in adjusted relative proportions respectively to said fire tube, between said fire tube and said sEcond tube, between said second and said third tubes, and exteriorly of said third tube such that air flow into the chamber is predominantly about the injected fuel and distributed axially along the chamber, and means responsive to operation of said power valve means for causing pressure and temperature to be maintained in the chamber, said temperature being above the ignition temperature for a fuel injected.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 56 words

A thermogenerator according to claim 26 including temperature sensor means within said chamber for providing an indication of a rise in temperature above a predetermined limit, and liquid injection means coupled to said sensor means having at least one outlet within said chamber for introducing coolant liquid in response to said indication of rise in temperature.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 27 words

A thermogenerator according to claim 27, and means operating the pump means during opening of the power valve means to cause continual air flow in said tubes.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 23 words

A thermogenerator according to claim 27 said liquid injection means being actuated in proportion to a sensed rise in temperature in said chamber.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 161 words

A reciprocating engine of the character disclosed comprising in combination at least one compressor chamber having an outlet to a combustion and working fluid storage chamber, a plurality of expander chambers having controllable valved inlets from a working fluid storage chamber, and a combustion and fluid storage chamber connected to receive output from said compressor chamber outlet and an outlet connecting to said valved inlets, said storage chamber having volume at least exceeding the displacement volume of said expander chambers, said combustion chamber including connections for fuel and water supplied under pressure for injection thereinto at mutually remote locations, said expander chambers being operative to drive an output mechanism operatively coupled for supplying pressurized fuel and water, and said storage chamber including upper limiting temperature sensing means in control of water injected independently of chamber pressure and lower limiting pressure sensing means in control of fuel injected to separately maintain substantially constant temperature and pressure values of said stored working fluid.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 161 words

A reciprocating engine of the character disclosed comprising in combination at least one compressor chamber having an outlet to a combustion and working fluid storage chamber, a plurality of expander chambers having controllable valved inlets from a working fluid storage chamber, and a combustion and fluid storage chamber connected to receive output from said compressor chamber outlet and an outlet connecting to said valved inlets, said storage chamber having volume at least exceeding the displacement volume of said expander chambers, said combustion chamber including connections for fuel and water supplied under pressure for injection thereinto at mutually remote locations, said expander chambers being operative to drive an output mechanism operatively coupled for supplying pressurized fuel and water, and said storage chamber including upper limiting temperature sensing means in control of water injected independently of chamber pressure and lower limiting pressure sensing means in control of fuel injected to separately maintain substantially constant temperature and pressure values of said stored working fluid.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 315 words

In an engine including a plurality of cylinders fitted with work pistons for reciprocation therein and at least one compressor cylinder fitted with a piston for reciprocation therein, being connected for operation simultaneously with said work pistons and including ambient air inlet control means for supplying air at a pressure not substantially less than 12 atmospheres, the combination of an elongated combustion and gas storage chamber of volume exceeding the volume of said cylinders having a first end fitted for receiving said air and a second end fitted for delivering a mixed working fluid comprising combustion products and steam, means in said first end for injecting axially into said chamber a fuel charge, shielding barrier means surrounding said fuel injecting means for separating burning injected fuel from outer walls of said chamber, means providing a portion of said air into said barrier means insufficient for complete burning of said charge and supplying the remainder thereof peripherally therearound in sufficient quantity to complete combustion at a position in the chamber intermediate said ends, means detecting a rise in temperature in the chamber above a design working value at a point remote from said first end, means responsive to said detected rise in temperature for injecting into said chamber near said second end an amount of water sufficient to reduce the temperature below said limit, means effective, after said engine has been placed in operation so as to develop a predetermined pressure value, for preventing further fuel injection in response to a further rise in pressure, including means for continuing fuel injection in response to a decrease in pressure below said value so as to maintain said valUe of pressure substantially constant, said means for injecting water according to temperature and said means for injecting fuel according to pressure comprising controls for providing a volume of mixed working fluids at independently controllable constant temperature and pressure values.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 315 words

In an engine including a plurality of cylinders fitted with work pistons for reciprocation therein and at least one compressor cylinder fitted with a piston for reciprocation therein, being connected for operation simultaneously with said work pistons and including ambient air inlet control means for supplying air at a pressure not substantially less than 12 atmospheres, the combination of an elongated combustion and gas storage chamber of volume exceeding the volume of said cylinders having a first end fitted for receiving said air and a second end fitted for delivering a mixed working fluid comprising combustion products and steam, means in said first end for injecting axially into said chamber a fuel charge, shielding barrier means surrounding said fuel injecting means for separating burning injected fuel from outer walls of said chamber, means providing a portion of said air into said barrier means insufficient for complete burning of said charge and supplying the remainder thereof peripherally therearound in sufficient quantity to complete combustion at a position in the chamber intermediate said ends, means detecting a rise in temperature in the chamber above a design working value at a point remote from said first end, means responsive to said detected rise in temperature for injecting into said chamber near said second end an amount of water sufficient to reduce the temperature below said limit, means effective, after said engine has been placed in operation so as to develop a predetermined pressure value, for preventing further fuel injection in response to a further rise in pressure, including means for continuing fuel injection in response to a decrease in pressure below said value so as to maintain said valUe of pressure substantially constant, said means for injecting water according to temperature and said means for injecting fuel according to pressure comprising controls for providing a volume of mixed working fluids at independently controllable constant temperature and pressure values.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 176 words

In an engine comprising separate pistoned air compressor and work fluid expander units interconnected for simultaneous operation and an external combustion chamber of volume to store sufficient energy to operate said expanders and compressor units for at least a plurality of cycles in the absence of further supplied energy, means in said combustion chamber for detecting a decrease in pressure below a value corresponding to a desired reserve of energy stored, means causing recycling of said expander and compressor units in accordance with a said detected decrease in pressure, means responsive to operation of said units to cause injection of fuel thereby to augment said stored energy upon burning of the fuel, and means responsive to a rise in temperature in said chamber above a desired temperature value for injecting suffi-cient water therein to restore chamber temperature substantially to said value, said compressor and expander units being connected to supply combustion air to, and withdraw working fluid from, said chamber, respectively, and being proportioned to provide an adiabatic temperature rise sufficient for self-ignition of said fuel.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 176 words

In an engine comprising separate pistoned air compressor and work fluid expander units interconnected for simultaneous operation and an external combustion chamber of volume to store sufficient energy to operate said expanders and compressor units for at least a plurality of cycles in the absence of further supplied energy, means in said combustion chamber for detecting a decrease in pressure below a value corresponding to a desired reserve of energy stored, means causing recycling of said expander and compressor units in accordance with a said detected decrease in pressure, means responsive to operation of said units to cause injection of fuel thereby to augment said stored energy upon burning of the fuel, and means responsive to a rise in temperature in said chamber above a desired temperature value for injecting suffi-cient water therein to restore chamber temperature substantially to said value, said compressor and expander units being connected to supply combustion air to, and withdraw working fluid from, said chamber, respectively, and being proportioned to provide an adiabatic temperature rise sufficient for self-ignition of said fuel.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1975-03-28	1975-09-27	1976-03-28	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1979-03-28	1979-09-27	1980-03-28	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1983-03-28	1983-09-27	1984-03-28	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Engine system and thermogenerator therefor

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