US3695237A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rotary internal combustion engine
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-06-07
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Granted: 1972-10-03
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Expires: 1991-06-07
Abstract
Abstract The characteristic feature of the present engine is a circular array of cylinders arranged to rotate about a fixed support. Each of the piston rods is connected by a ball and socket connection to a rotatable plate set at such an angle that the stroke of the piston equals the base of a right triangle defined by the rotatable plate and the base of the cylinders. A power shaft projects from the plate. Alignment is maintained through a constant velocity universal joint. Substantially vibrationless operation is achieved.
Inventors
- 👤 Erwin N Londo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 09:00
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01B; F01B3/00; F01B3/0032; F02; F02B; F02B57/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
An internal combustion engine, having a. a plurality of cylinders in circular array, arranged to rotate about a fixed axle support, b. the said support, c. pistons in each of the cylinders, d. piston rods connected to each piston by a ball and socket joint, e. a plate closing the lower ends of each cylinder, f. seals to prevent the escape of gas between the plate and each piston rod, g. a ring manifold having intake and exhaust portions in the said ring, h. a port in the wall of each cylinder to connect respectively the intake portion of the manifold and the exhaust portion of the said manifold as the engine revolves, i. a thrust plate maintained in a fixed angular position, ball sockets connecting the ends of the pistons to said plate, j. bearing means to support the thrust plate, and k. a constant velocity universal joint fixed to the thrust plate in alignment with its axis of rotation, and connecting the said rotatable engine to said plate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
An internal combustion engine, having a. a plurality of cylinders in circular array, arranged to rotate about a fixed axle support, b. the said support, c. pistons in each of the cylinders, d. piston rods connected to each piston by a ball and socket joint, e. a plate closing the lower ends of each cylinder, f. seals to prevent the escape of gas between the plate and each piston rod, g. a ring manifold having intake and exhaust portions in the said ring, h. a port in the wall of each cylinder to connect respectively the intake portion of the manifold and the exhaust portion of the said manifold as the engine revolves, i. a thrust plate maintained in a fixed angular position, ball sockets connecting the ends of the pistons to said plate, j. bearing means to support the thrust plate, and k. a constant velocity universal joint fixed to the thrust plate in alignment with its axis of rotation, and connecting the said rotatable engine to said plate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
94 words
An engine as claimed in claim 1 having spark plugs projecting from each cylinder, breaker points adjustably associated with the fixed support of said engine, a cam affixed to a shaft secured to the rotating end wall of said engine and arranged to operate the said points, a fixed electrode associated with the stationary support of said engine whereby ignition in each cylinder will be secured as the cylinder and its spark plug rotates beneath the fixed electrode and the electric discharge is controlled by the opening and closing of the said breaker points.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
66 words
The engine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the intake portion of the said engine manifold extends for such a circumferential distance that the intake stroke of the succeeding cylinder may begin to draw a charge into the space beneath the piston of said succeeding cylinder just prior to the closing of the intake passage to the first named cylinder as the array of cylinders rotates.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
55 words
An engine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lower portion of the engine is surrounded by a combined intake and exhaust manifold, and wherein the sealing between the said engine base and the manifold is secured by a plurality of split rings maintained in slots formed in the interior face of the said manifold.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
An engine as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the cylinders in the said array possesses a single port alternately acting as an intake and exhaust passage as the said array of cylinders revolves about its said support.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
73 words
An engine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sealing means to prevent the escape of gas along the piston rod includes a sleeve having a slide fit on said rod, and wherein the said sleeve includes a lower, outer, convex face, a piston rod sealing cage surrounding the sleeve and holding it in position, the said cage having a concave interior end wall mating with the convex outer face of said sleeve.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-10-03 | 1976-04-03 | 1976-10-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-03 | 1980-04-03 | 1980-10-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-03 | 1984-04-03 | 1984-10-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |