Internal combustion engine

Claim 2

An internal combustion engine, comprising an engine housing, an annular cylinder formed in said housing, said annular cylinder comprising a first radially inner annular wall and a second radially outer annular wall, a stationary axial end surface means operatively joined to said first radially inner annular wall, a ring-like piston received in said annular cylinder for reciprocating movement therein, motion transmitting means operatively connected to said ring-like piston for transmitting the reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston to associated power output means, work combustion chamber means, said work combustion chamber means comprising a first ring-like work combustion chamber defined generally and cooperatively by said inner and outer annular walls and said piston, said work combustion chamber means further comprising a second work combustion chamber situated generally axially of said first ring-like work combustion chamber, said first and second work combustion chambers being in continuous open communication with each other and effective for receiving a combustible mixture therein, said ring-like piston when moving in a direction toward its top-dead-center position being effective for simultaneously compressing said combustible mixture within both of said first and second work combustion chambers, said second work combustion chamber being of unexpandable volume and in part defined by said stationary axial end surface means, means for initiating ignition of said combustible mixture first within said second work combustion chamber and only thereafter causing ignition of said combustible mixture to travel from said second work combustion chamber to within said first work combustion chamber to thereby through such combustion and expansion of said combustible mixture collectively within both said first and second work combustion chambers produce a work pressure against said ring-like piston in order to move said ring-like piston toward its bottom-dead-center, and annular passage means generally peripherally about said second work combustion chamber for completing said continuous communication, wherein said annular passage means is peripherally continuous about said second work combustion chamber, wherein said radially inner annular wall is fixedly supported by a bearing riser portion to said engine housing.

Claim 3

An internal combustion engine according to claim 1 wherein said means for initiating ignition comprises igniter means effectively in said second work combustion chamber, said igniter means being effective for igniting first any combustible mixture within said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 4

An internal combustion engine according to claim 1 wherein said motion transmitting means comprises crankshaft means and connecting rod means, said crankshaft means comprising a large diameter live bearing portion journalled in said engine housing, said connecting rod means comprising at least first and second connecting rods, said first connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a first axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion, and said second connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a second axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion opposite to said first axial end.

Claim 5

An internal combustion engine according to claim 1 wherein said second work combustion chamber comprises first and second combustion-chamber surface means, wherein said first and second combustion-chamber surface means are spaced from each other, wherein said stationary axial end surface means comprises one of said first and second combustion-chamber surface means, and wherein said first combustion-chamber surface means is generally concave.

Claim 6

An internal combustion engine according to claim 4 wherein said motion transmitting means comprises crankshaft means and connecting rod means, said crankshaft means comprising a large diameter live bearing portion journalled in said engine housing, said connecting rod means comprising at least first and second connecting rods, said first connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a first axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion, and said second connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a second axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion opposite to said first axial end.

Claim 7

An internal combustion engine according to claim 1 and further comprising piston guide means, said guide means comprising first and second guide portions carried by said ring-like piston and third and fourth guide portions carried by said engine housing, said first and third guide portions being in operative engagement with each other during said reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston, and said second and fourth guide portions being in operative engagement with each other during said reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston, said first and third guide portions and said second and fourth guide portions serving to at least inhibit said ring-like piston from experiencing piston slap during said reciprocating movement.

Claim 8

An internal combustion engine according to claim 6 wherein said first and second guide portions comprise first and second surface extensions extending from said ring-like piston in a direction generally toward said crankshaft means, wherein said first surface extension is on one side of said crankshaft means and said second surface extension is on a side of said crankshaft means opposite to said one side when said first and second surface extensions and said crankshaft means are viewed in a cross-sectional plane passing generally transversely through said crankshaft means, said first and third guide portions and said second and fourth guide portions respectively cooperating to preclude said ring-like piston from tilting with respect to the axis of said first ring-like combustion chamber portion.

Claim 9

An internal combustion engine according to claim 7 wherein said third and fourth guide portions respectively comprise first and second slidable guide members carried by said engine housing.

Claim 10

An internal combustion engine according to claim 8 wherein each of said first and second slidable guide members is adjustably threadably mounted with respect to said engine housing.

Claim 11

An internal combustion engine according to claim 1 and further comprising exhaust valve means effective to at times enable the flow of gases burned in said combustion chamber means to be exhausted therefrom, and a plurality of intake ports for enabling the flow of a combustible mixture directly into said first work combustion chamber when said intake ports are uncovered by said ring-like piston during said reciprocating movement thereof, said plurality of intake ports comprising a first plurality of ports formed in said first radially inner annular wall and a second plurality of ports formed in said second radially outer annular wall.

Claim 12

An internal combustion engine according to claim 10 wherein said exhaust valve means are operated in timed relationship to the rotation of said crankshaft means.

Claim 13

An internal combustion engine according to claim 10 and further comprising pre-compression chamber means for receiving a combustible mixture therein, and passage means interconnecting said intake ports and said pre-compression chamber means.

Claim 14

An internal combustion engine according to claim 1 wherein said second work combustion chamber comprises a generally concave surface when viewed from the interior of said second work combustion chamber, and further comprising an annular rim surface, said generally concave surface extending as to peripherally generally terminate in said annular rim surface, and wherein said rim surface defines one side of said annular passage means for enabling said continuous communication between said first work combustion chamber and said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 15

An internal combustion engine according to claim 13 wherein said motion transmitting means comprises crankshaft means and connecting rod means, said crankshaft means comprising a large diameter live bearing portion journalled in said engine housing, said connecting rod means comprising at least first and second connecting rods, said first connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a first axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion, and said second connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a second axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion opposite to said first axial end.

Claim 16

An internal combustion engine according to claim 13 and further comprising exhaust valve means effective to at times enable the flow of gases burned in said combustion chamber means to be exhausted therefrom, and a plurality of inlet ports for enabling the flow of a combustible mixture directly into said first work combustion chamber when said inlet ports are uncovered by said ring-like piston during said reciprocating movement thereof, said plurality of inlet ports comprising a first plurality of ports formed in said first radially inner annular wall and a second plurality of ports formed in and generally circumferentially about said second radially outer annular wall.

Claim 17

An internal combustion engine according to claim 15 wherein said motion transmitting means comprises crankshaft means and connecting rod means, said crankshaft means comprising a large diameter live bearing portion journalled in said engine housing, said connecting rod means comprising at least first and second connecting rods, said first connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a first axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion, and said second connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a second axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion opposite to said first axial end.

Claim 18

An internal combustion engine according to claim 1 and further comprising generally centrally disposed axially extending stationary core-like body means, wherein said first radially inner annular wall is carried by said stationary core-like body means, wherein said second work combustion chamber comprises first and second combustion-chamber surfaces, wherein said first combustion-chamber surface comprises said stationary axial end surface means and is situated at the axial end of said stationary core-like body means, and wherein said second combustion-chamber surface is carried by said engine housing as to be spaced from and generally juxtaposed to said first combustion-chamber surface.

Claim 19

An internal combustion engine according to claim 17 wherein said first combustion-chamber surface is generally concave when viewed from the interior of said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 20

An internal combustion engine according to claim 17 wherein said first and second combustion-chamber surfaces are each of a generally concave configuration with the concavity thereof being in opposed directions when viewed from the interior of said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 21

An internal combustion engine according to claim 17 wherein said first combustion-chamber surface comprises a concave surface of a generally spherical configuration when viewed from the interior of said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 22

An internal combustion engine according to claim 17 wherein said second combustion-chamber surface comprises a concave surface of a generally spherical configuration when viewed from the interior of said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 23

An internal combustion engine according to claim 17 wherein each of said first and second combustion-chamber surfaces comprises a concave surface of a generally spherical configuration when viewed from the interior of said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 24

An internal combustion engine, comprising an engine housing, an annular cylinder formed in said housing and having a central axis, said annular cylinder comprising a first radially inner wall and a second radially outer annular wall, a ring-like piston received in said annular cylinder for reciprocating movement therein, said ring-like piston comprising a ring-like working surface means, said first and second annular walls and said working surface means comprising combustion chamber means, motion transmitting means operatively connected to said ring-like piston for transmitting the reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston to associated power output means, exhaust valve means located above said first and second walls effective to at times enable the flow of gases burned in said combustion chamber means to be exhausted therefrom, and a plurality of intake ports spaced from said exhaust valve means for enabling the flow of a combustible mixture into said combustion chamber means when said intake ports are uncovered by said ring-like piston during said reciprocating movement thereof, said plurality of intake ports comprising a first plurality of ports formed in said first radially inner annular wall effective for permitting a flow of said combustible mixture in a direction generally away from said central axis and into said combustion chamber means, and a second plurality of ports formed in said second radially outer annular wall effective for permitting a flow of said combustible mixture in a direction generally toward said central axis and into said combustion chamber means simultaneously with said first plurality of ports.

Claim 25

An internal combustion engine, comprising an engine housing, an annular cylinder formed in said housing and having a central axis, said annular cylinder comprising a first radially inner wall and a second radially outer annular wall, a ring-like piston received in said annular cylinder for reciprocating movement therein, said ring-like piston comprising a ring-like working surface means, said first and second annular walls and said working surface means comprising combustion chamber means, motion transmitting means operatively connected to said ring-like piston for transmitting the reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston to associated power output means, exhaust valve means located above said first and second walls effective to at times enable the flow of gases burned in said combustion chamber means to be exhausted therefrom, and a plurality of intake ports spaced from said exhaust valve means for enabling the flow of a combustible mixture into said combustion chamber means when said intake ports are uncovered by said ring-like piston during said reciprocating movement thereof, said plurality of intake ports comprising a first plurality of ports formed in said first radially inner annular wall effective for permitting a flow of said combustible mixture in a direction generally away from said central axis and into said combustion chamber means, and a second plurality of ports formed in said second radially outer annular wall effective for permitting a flow of said combustible mixture in a direction generally toward said central axis and into said combustion chamber means simultaneously with said first plurality of ports.

Claim 26

An internal combustion engine according to claim 23 wherein said motion transmitting means comprises crankshaft means and connecting rod means, said crankshaft means comprising a large diameter live bearing portion journalled in said engine housing, said connecting rod means comprising at least first and second connecting rods, said first connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a first axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion, and said second connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a second axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion opposite to said first axial end.

Claim 27

An internal combustion engine according to claim 23 wherein said exhaust valve means are operated in timed relationship to the rotation of said crankshaft means.

Claim 28

An internal combustion engine according to claim 23 and further comprising pre-compression chamber means for receiving a combustible mixture therein, and passage means interconnecting said intake ports and said pre-compression chamber means.

Claim 29

An internal combustion engine according to claim 23 and further comprising piston guide means, said guide means comprising first and second guide portions carried by said ring-like piston and third and fourth guide portions carried by said engine housing, said first and third guide portions being in operative engagement with each other during said reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston, and said second and fourth guide portions being in operative engagement with each other during said reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston, said first and third guide portions and said second and fourth guide portions serving to at least inhibit said ring-like piston from experiencing piston slap during reciprocating movement.

Claim 30

An internal combustion engine according to claim 27 wherein said first and second guide portions comprise first and second surface extensions extending from said ring-like piston in a direction generally toward said crankshaft means, wherein said first surface extension is on one side of said crankshaft means and said second surface extension is on a side of said crankshaft means opposite to said one side when said first and second surface extensions and said crankshaft means are viewed in a cross-sectional plane passing generally transversely through said crankshaft means, said first and third guide portions and said second and fourth guide portions respectively cooperating to preclude said ring-like piston from tilting with respect to the axis of said combustion chamber portion.

Claim 31

An internal combustion engine according to claim 28 wherein said third and fourth guide portions respectively comprise first and second slidable guide members carried by said engine housing.

Claim 32

An internal combustion engine according to claim 29 wherein each of said first and second slidable guide members is adjustable threadably mounted with respect to said engine housing.

Claim 33

An internal combustion engine according to claim 23 wherein said combustion chamber means comprises a first ring-like work combustion chamber defined generally and cooperatively by said inner and outer annular walls and said ring-like piston, said combustion chamber means further comprising a second work combustion chamber situated generally axially of said first work combustion chamber, said first and second work combustion chambers being in continuous communication with each other, said second work combustion chamber being of unexpandable volume, said second work combustion chamber comprising first and second combustion-chamber surface means, wherein said first and second combustion-chamber surface means are spaced from each other, and wherein said first combustion-chamber surface means is generally concave when viewed from the interior of said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 34

An internal combustion engine according to claim 31 wherein said motion transmitting means comprises crankshaft means and connecting rod means, said crankshaft means comprising a large diameter live bearing portion journalled in said engine housing, said connecting rod means comprising at least first and second connecting rods, said first connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a first axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion, and said second connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a second axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion opposite to said first axial end.

Claim 35

An internal combustion engine according to claim 31 and further comprising igniter means effectively in said second work combustion chamber, said igniter means being effective for igniting first any combustible mixture within said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 36

An internal combustion engine according to claim 31 wherein said second work combustion chamber comprises a generally concave surface when viewed from the interior of said second work combustion chamber, and further comprising an annular rim surface, said generally concave surface extending as to peripherally generally terminate in said annular rim surface, and wherein said rim surface defines one side of an annular passage for enabling said continuous communication between said first work combustion chamber and said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 37

An internal combustion engine according to claim 34 wherein said motion transmitting means comprises crankshaft means and connecting rod means, said crankshaft means comprising a large diameter live bearing portion journalled in said engine housing, said connecting rod means comprising at least first and second connecting rods, said first connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a first axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion, and said second connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a second axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion opposite to said first axial end.

Claim 38

An internal combustion engine according to claim 31 and further comprising annular passage means generally peripherally about said second work combustion chamber for completing continuous communication as between said first work combustion chamber and said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 39

An internal combustion engine according to claim 36 and further comprising igniter means effectively in said second work combustion chamber, said igniter means being effective for igniting first any combustible mixture within said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 40

An internal combustion engine according to claim 36 wherein said annular passage means is peripherally continuous about said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 41

An internal combustion engine according to claim 38 and further comprising igniter means effectively in said second work combustion chamber, said igniter means being effective for igniting first any combustible mixture within said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 42

An internal combustion engine according to claim 31 and further comprising generally centrally disposed axially extending stationary core-like body means, wherein said first radially inner annular wall is carried by said stationary core-like body means, wherein said second work combustion chamber comprises first and second combustion-chamber surfaces, wherein said first combustion-chamber surface is stationary and is carried by a stationary axial end of said stationary core-like body means, and wherein said second combustion-chamber surface is carried by said engine housing as to be spaced from and generally juxtaposed to said first combustion-chamber surface.

Claim 43

An internal combustion engine according to claim 40 wherein said first and second combustion-chamber surfaces are each of a generally concave configuration with the concavity thereof being in opposed directions when viewed from the interior of said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 44

An internal combustion engine according to claim 40 wherein said first combustion-chamber surface comprises a concave surface of a generally spherical configuration when viewed from the interior of said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 45

An internal combustion engine according to claim 40 wherein said second combustion-chamber surface comprises a concave surface of a generally spherical configuration when viewed from the interior of said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 46

An internal combustion engine according to claim 40 wherein each of said first and second combustion-chamber surfaces comprises a concave surface of a generally spherical configuration when viewed from the interior of said second work combustion chamber.

Claim 47

An internal combustion engine, comprising an engine housing, an annular cylinder formed in said housing, said annular cylinder comprising a first radially inner annular wall and a second radially outer annular wall, a ring-like piston received in said annular cylinder for reciprocating movement therein, said ring-like piston comprising a ring-like working surface means, said first and second annular walls and said working surface means comprising combustion chamber means, motion transmitting means operatively connected to said ring-like piston for transmitting the reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston to associated power output means, and a plurality of ports, said plurality of ports comprising a first plurality of inlet ports for enabling the flow of a combustible mixture into said combustion chamber means, said plurality of ports comprising a second plurality of exhaust ports for enabling the exhausting of gases burned in said combustion chamber means, each of said plurality of inlet ports and said plurality of exhaust ports being opened to communication by said ring-like piston during said reciprocating movement thereof, said first plurality of inlet ports being formed in said first radially inner annular wall, said first plurality of inlet ports being so situated as to have a first select group of said plurality of inlet ports formed on one diametral side of said first radially inner annular wall and a second select group of said plurality of inlet ports formed on a second diametral side of said first radially inner annular wall generally opposite to said one diametral side, said second plurality of exhaust ports being formed in said second radially outer annular wall, said second plurality of exhaust ports being so situated as to have a first select group of said plurality of exhaust ports formed on one diametral side of said second radially outer annular wall and a second select group of said plurality of exhaust ports formed on a second diametral side of said second radially outer annular wall generally opposite to said one diametral side of said second radially outer annular wall, said first and second select groups of said inlet ports and said first and second select groups of said exhaust ports being so positioned as to have the flow from said first and second select groups of said inlet ports be generally normal to the flow from said first and second select groups of said exhaust ports.

Claim 48

An internal combustion engine, comprising an engine housing, an annular cylinder formed in said housing, said annular cylinder comprising a first radially inner annular wall and a second radially outer annular wall, a ring-like piston received in said annular cylinder for reciprocating movement therein, said ring-like piston comprising a ring-like working surface means, said first and second annular walls and said working surface means comprising combustion chamber means, motion transmitting means operatively connected to said ring-like piston for transmitting the reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston to associated power output means, and a plurality of ports, said plurality of ports comprising a first plurality of inlet ports for enabling the flow of a combustible mixture into said combustion chamber means, said plurality of ports comprising a second plurality of exhaust ports for enabling the exhausting of gases burned in said combustion chamber means, each of said plurality of inlet ports and said plurality of exhaust ports being opened to communication by said ring-like piston during said reciprocating movement thereof, said first plurality of inlet ports being formed in said first radially inner annular wall, said first plurality of inlet ports being so situated as to have a first select group of said plurality of inlet ports formed on one diametral side of said first radially inner annular wall and a second select group of said plurality of inlet ports formed on a second diametral side of said first radially inner annular wall generally opposite to said one diametral side, said second plurality of exhaust ports being formed in said second radially outer annular wall, said second plurality of exhaust ports being so situated as to have a first select group of said plurality of exhaust ports formed on one diametral side of said second radially outer annular wall and a second select group of said plurality of exhaust ports formed on a second diametral side of said second radially outer annular wall generally opposite to said one diametral side of said second radially outer annular wall, said first and second select groups of said inlet ports and said first and second select groups of said exhaust ports being so positioned as to have the flow from said first and second select groups of said inlet ports be generally normal to the flow from said first and second select groups of said exhaust ports.

Claim 49

An internal combustion engine according to claim 45 wherein said motion transmitting means comprises crankshaft means and connecting rod means, said crankshaft means comprising a large diameter live bearing portion journalled in said engine housing, said connecting rod means comprising at least first and second connecting rods, said first connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a first axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion, and said second connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a second axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion opposite to said first axial end.

Claim 50

An internal combustion engine according to claim 45 and further comprising pre-compression chamber means for receiving a combustible mixture therein, and passage means interconnecting said inlet ports and said pre-compression chamber means.

Claim 51

An internal combustion engine according to claim 45 wherein said motion transmitting means comprises crankshaft means and connecting rod means, said crankshaft means comprising a large diameter live bearing portion journalled in said engine housing, said crankshaft means further comprising an eccentrically disposed portion, and wherein said eccentrically disposed portion is journalled in said large diameter live bearing portion whereby said eccentrically disposed portion is effective for drivingly rotating said large diameter live bearing portion.

Claim 52

An internal combustion engine according to claim 48 wherein said eccentrically disposed portion comprises first and second eccentric bearing portions, wherein said first eccentric bearing portion is disposed axially outwardly of said large diameter live bearing portion at said first axial end, wherein said second eccentric bearing portion is disposed axially outwardly of said large diameter live bearing portion at said second axial end, wherein said connecting rod means comprises first and second connecting rods, and wherein said first and second connecting rods are respectively operatively connected to said first and second eccentric bearing portions.

Claim 53

An internal combustion engine according to claim 49 and further comprising a second large diameter live bearing portion carried by said crankshaft means and journalled in said engine housing, said second large diameter live bearing portion being situated as to be axially spaced from said first mentioned large diameter live bearing portion as to generally contain said first connecting rod axially between said first mentioned large diameter live bearing portion and said second large diameter live bearing portion.

Claim 54

An internal combustion engine according to claim 45 and further comprising piston guide means, said guide means comprising first and second guide portions carried by said ring-like piston and third and fourth guide portions carried by said engine housing, said first and third guide portions being in operative engagement with each other during said reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston, and said second and fourth guide portions being in operative engagement with each other during said reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston.

Claim 55

An internal combustion engine according to claim 51 wherein said first and second guide portions comprise first and second surface extensions extending from said ring-like piston in a direction generally toward said crankshaft means, wherein said first surface extension is on one side of said crankshaft means and said second surface extension is on a side of said crankshaft means opposite to said one side when said first and second surface extensions and said crankshaft means are viewed in a cross-sectional plane passing generally transversely through said crankshaft means.

Claim 56

An internal combustion engine according to claim 52 wherein said third and fourth guide portions respectively comprise first and second slidable guide members carried by said engine housing.

Claim 57

An internal combustion engine according to claim 53 wherein each of said first and second slidable guide members is adjustably mounted with respect to said engine housing.

Claim 58

An internal combustion engine according to claim 45 wherein said combustion chamber means comprises a first ring-like combustion chamber portion defined generally and cooperatively by said inner and outer annular walls and said piston working surface means, said combustion chamber means further comprising a second portion situated generally axially of said first combustion chamber portion, said first and second combustion chamber portions being in communication with each other, said second combustion chamber portion being of unexpandable volume, said second combustion chamber portion comprising first and second combustion chamber surface means, wherein said first and second combustion chamber surface means are spaced from each other, and wherein said first combustion chamber surface means is generally concave.

Claim 59

An internal combustion engine according to claim 55 wherein said motion transmitting means comprises crankshaft means and connecting rod means, said crankshaft means comprising a large diameter live bearing portion journalled in said engine housing, said connecting rod means comprising at least first and second connecting rods, said first connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a first axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion, and said second connecting rod being operatively connected to said crankshaft means at a second axial end of said large diameter live bearing portion opposite to said first axial end.

Claim 60

An internal combustion engine according to claim 55 and further comprising igniter means effectively in said second combustion chamber portion, said igniter means being effective for igniting first any combustible mixture within said second combustion chamber portion.

Claim 61

An internal combustion engine according to claim 55 wherein said second combustion chamber portion comprises a generally concave surface, and further comprising an annular rim surface, said generally concave surface extending upwardly as to generally terminate in said annular rim surface, and wherein said rim surface defines one side of an annular passage for enabling said communication between said first combustion chamber portion and said second combustion chamber portion.

Claim 62

An internal combustion engine according to claim 55 and further comprising annular passage means generally peripherally about said second combustion chamber portion for completing communication as between said first combustion chamber portion and said second combustion chamber portion.

Claim 63

An internal combustion engine according to claim 59 and further comprising igniter means effectively in said second combustion chamber portion, said igniter means being effective for igniting first any combustible mixture within said second combustion chamber portion.

Claim 64

An internal combustion engine according to claim 59 wherein said annular passage means is peripherally continuous about said second combustion chamber portion.

Claim 65

An internal combustion engine according to claim 61 and further comprising igniter means effectively in said second combustion chamber portion, said igniter means being effective for igniting first any combustible mixture within said second combustion chamber portion.

Claim 66

An internal combustion engine according to claim 55 and further comprising generally centrally disposed axially extending core-like body means, wherein said first radially inner annular wall is carried by said core-like body means, wherein said first combustion chamber surface is carried by the axial end of said core-like body means, and wherein said second combustion chamber surface is carried by said engine housing as to be spaced from and generally juxtaposed to said first combustion chamber surface.

Claim 67

An internal combustion engine according to claim 63 wherein said first and second combustion chamber surfaces are each of a generally concave configuration with the concavity thereof being in opposed directions.

Claim 68

An internal combustion engine according to claim 63 wherein said first combustion chamber surface comprises a generally spherical surface.

Claim 69

An internal combustion engine according to claim 63 wherein said second combustion chamber surface comprises a generally spherical surface.

Claim 70

An internal combustion engine according to claim 63 wherein each of said first and second combustion chamber surfaces comprise a generally spherical surface.

Claim 71

An internal combustion engine, comprising an engine housing, an annular cylinder formed in said housing, said annular cylinder comprising a first radially inner annular wall and a second radially outer annular wall, a ring-like piston received in said annular cylinder for reciprocating movement therein, motion transmitting means operatively connected to said ring-like piston for transmitting the reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston to associated power output means, combustion chamber means, said combustion chamber means comprising a first ring-like combustion chamber portion defined generally and cooperatively by said inner and outer annular walls and said piston, said combustion chamber means further comprising a second portion situated generally axially of said first ring-like combustion chamber portion, said first and second combustion chamber portions being in communication with each other and effective for receiving a combustible mixture therein, said second combustion chamber portion being of unexpandable volume, and means for initiating ignition of said combustible mixture first within said second combustion chamber portion and only thereafter causing ignition of said combustible mixture within said first combustion chamber portion, wherein said motion transmitting means comprises crankshaft means and connecting rod means, said crankshaft means comprising a large diameter live bearing portion journalled in said engine housing, said crankshaft means further comprising an eccentrically disposed portion, and wherein said eccentrically disposed portion is journalled in said large diameter live bearing portion whereby said eccentrically disposed portion is effective for drivingly rotating said large diameter live bearing portion.

Claim 72

An internal combustion engine, comprising an engine housing, an annular cylinder formed in said housing, said annular cylinder comprising a first radially inner annular wall and a second radially outer annular wall, a ring-like piston received in said annular cylinder for reciprocating movement therein, motion transmitting means operatively connected to said ring-like piston for transmitting the reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston to associated power output means, combustion chamber means, said combustion chamber means comprising a first ring-like combustion chamber portion defined generally and cooperatively by said inner and outer annular walls and said piston, said combustion chamber means further comprising a second portion situated generally axially of said first ring-like combustion chamber portion, said first and second combustion chamber portions being in communication with each other and effective for receiving a combustible mixture therein, said second combustion chamber portion being of unexpandable volume, and means for initiating ignition of said combustible mixture first within said second combustion chamber portion and only thereafter causing ignition of said combustible mixture within said first combustion chamber portion, wherein said motion transmitting means comprises crankshaft means and connecting rod means, said crankshaft means comprising a large diameter live bearing portion journalled in said engine housing, said crankshaft means further comprising an eccentrically disposed portion, and wherein said eccentrically disposed portion is journalled in said large diameter live bearing portion whereby said eccentrically disposed portion is effective for drivingly rotating said large diameter live bearing portion.

Claim 73

An internal combustion engine according to claim 68 wherein said eccentrically disposed portion comprises first and second eccentric bearing portions, wheren said first eccentric bearing portion is disposed axially outwardly of said large diameter live bearing portion at said first axial end, wherein said second eccentric bearing portion is disposed axially outwardly of said large diameter live bearing portion at said second axial end, wherein said connecting rod means comprises first and second connecting rods, and wherein said first and second connecting rods are respectively operatively connected to said first and second eccentric bearing portions.

Claim 74

An internal combustion engine according to claim 69 and further comprising a second large diameter live bearing portion carried by said crankshaft means and journalled in said engine housing, said second large diameter live bearing portion being situated as to be axially spaced from said first mentioned large diameter live bearing portion as to generally contain said first connecting rod axially between said first mentioned large diameter live bearing portion and said second large diameter live bearing portion.

Claim 75

An internal combustion engine, comprising an engine housing, an annular cylinder formed in said housing, said annular cylinder comprising a first radially inner annular wall and a second radially outer annular wall, a ring-like piston received in said annular cylinder for reciprocating movement therein, said ring-like piston comprising a ring-like working surface means, said first and second annular walls and said working surface means comprising combustion chamber means, motion transmitting means operatively connected to said ring-like piston for transmitting the reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston to associated power output means, exhaust valve means effective to at times enable the flow of gases burned in said combustion chamber means to be exhausted therefrom, and a plurality of intake ports for enabling the flow of a combustible mixture into said combustion chamber means when said intake ports are uncovered by said ring-like piston during said reciprocating movement thereof, said plurality of intake ports comprising a first plurality of ports formed in said first radially inner annular wall and a second plurality of ports formed in said second radially outer annular wall, wherein said motion transmitting means comprises crankshaft means and connecting rod means, said crankshaft means comprising a large diameter live bearing portion journalled in said engine housing, said crankshaft means further comprising an eccentrically disposed portion, and wherein said eccentrically disposed portion is journalled in said large diameter live bearing portion whereby said eccentrically disposed portion is effective for drivingly rotating said large diameter live bearing portion.

Claim 76

An internal combustion engine, comprising an engine housing, an annular cylinder formed in said housing, said annular cylinder comprising a first radially inner annular wall and a second radially outer annular wall, a ring-like piston received in said annular cylinder for reciprocating movement therein, said ring-like piston comprising a ring-like working surface means, said first and second annular walls and said working surface means comprising combustion chamber means, motion transmitting means operatively connected to said ring-like piston for transmitting the reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston to associated power output means, exhaust valve means effective to at times enable the flow of gases burned in said combustion chamber means to be exhausted therefrom, and a plurality of intake ports for enabling the flow of a combustible mixture into said combustion chamber means when said intake ports are uncovered by said ring-like piston during said reciprocating movement thereof, said plurality of intake ports comprising a first plurality of ports formed in said first radially inner annular wall and a second plurality of ports formed in said second radially outer annular wall, wherein said motion transmitting means comprises crankshaft means and connecting rod means, said crankshaft means comprising a large diameter live bearing portion journalled in said engine housing, said crankshaft means further comprising an eccentrically disposed portion, and wherein said eccentrically disposed portion is journalled in said large diameter live bearing portion whereby said eccentrically disposed portion is effective for drivingly rotating said large diameter live bearing portion.

Claim 77

An internal combustion engine according to claim 71 wherein said eccentrically disposed portion comprises first and second eccentric bearing portions, wherein said first eccentric bearing portion is disposed axially outwardly of said large diameter live bearing portion at said first axial end, wherein said second eccentric bearing portion is disposed axially outwardly of said large diameter live bearing portion at said second axial end, wherein said connecting rod means comprises first and second connecting rods, and wherein said first and second connecting rods are respectively operatively connected to said first and second eccentric bearing portions.

Claim 78

An internal combustion engine according to claim 72 and further comprising a second large diameter live bearing portion carried by said crankshaft means and journalled in said engine housing, said second large diameter live bearing portion being situated as to be axially spaced from said first mentioned large diameter live bearing portion as to generally contain said first connecting rod axially between said first mentioned large diameter live bearing portion and said second large diameter live bearing portion.

Claim 79

An internal combustion engine, comprising an engine housing, an annular cylinder formed in said housing, said annular cylinder comprising a first radially inner annular wall and a second radially outer annular wall, a ring-like piston received in said annular cylinder for reciprocating movement therein, motion transmitting means operatively connected to said ring-like piston for transmitting the reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston to associated power output means, combustion chamber means, said combustion chamber means comprising a first ring-like combustion chamber portion defined generally and cooperatively by said inner and outer annular walls and said piston, said combustion chamber means further comprising a second portion situated generally axially of said first ring-like combustion chamber portion, said first and second combustion chamber portions being in communication with each other, said second combustion chamber portion being of unexpandable volume, exhaust valve means effective to at times enable the flow of gases burned in said combustion chamber means to be exhausted therefrom, a plurality of intake ports for enabling the flow of a combustible mixture into said combustion chamber means when said intake ports are uncovered by said ring-like piston during said reciprocating movement thereof, said plurality of intake ports comprising a first plurality of ports formed in said first radially inner annular wall and a second plurality of ports formed in said second radially outer annular wall, pre-compression chamber means for receiving a combustible mixture therein, and passage means interconnecting said intake ports and said pre-compression chamber means, said passage means comprising first conduit means and second conduit means, said first conduit means serving to flowingly interconnect said first plurality of ports to said pre-compression chamber, and said second conduit means serving to flowingly interconnect said second plurality of ports to said pre-compression chamber.

Claim 80

An internal combustion engine, comprising an engine housing, an annular cylinder formed in said housing, said annular cylinder comprising a first radially inner annular wall and a second radially outer annular wall, a ring-like piston received in said annular cylinder for reciprocating movement therein, motion transmitting means operatively connected to said ring-like piston for transmitting the reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston to associated power output means, combustion chamber means, said combustion chamber means comprising a first ring-like combustion chamber portion defined generally and cooperatively by said inner and outer annular walls and said piston, said combustion chamber means further comprising a second portion situated generally axially of said first ring-like combustion chamber portion, said first and second combustion chamber portions being in communication with each other, said second combustion chamber portion being of unexpandable volume, exhaust valve means effective to at times enable the flow of gases burned in said combustion chamber means to be exhausted therefrom, a plurality of intake ports for enabling the flow of a combustible mixture into said combustion chamber means when said intake ports are uncovered by said ring-like piston during said reciprocating movement thereof, said plurality of intake ports comprising a first plurality of ports formed in said first radially inner annular wall and a second plurality of ports formed in said second radially outer annular wall, pre-compression chamber means for receiving a combustible mixture therein, and passage means interconnecting said intake ports and said pre-compression chamber means, said passage means comprising first conduit means and second conduit means, said first conduit means serving to flowingly interconnect said first plurality of ports to said pre-compression chamber, and said second conduit means serving to flowingly interconnect said second plurality of ports to said pre-compression chamber.

Claim 81

An internal combustion engine, comprising an engine housing, an annular cylinder formed in said housing, said annular cylinder comprising a first radially inner wall and a second radially outer annular wall, a ring-like piston received in said annular cylinder for reciprocating movement therein, said ring-like piston comprising a ring-like working surface means, said first and second annular walls and said working surface means comprising combustion chamber means, motion transmitting means operatively connected to said ring-like piston for transmitting the reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston to associated power output means, exhaust valve means effective to at times enable the flow of gases burned in said combustion chamber means to be exhausted therefrom, a plurality of intake ports for enabling the flow of a combustible mixture into said combustion chamber means when said intake ports are uncovered by said ring-like piston during said reciprocating movement thereof, said plurality of intake ports comprising a first plurality of ports formed in said first radially inner annular wall and a second plurality of ports formed in said second radially outer annular wall, pre-compression chamber means for receiving a combustible mixture therein, and passage means interconnecting said intake ports and said pre-compression chamber means, said passage means comprising first conduit means and second conduit means, said first conduit means serving to flowingly interconnect said first plurality of ports to said pre-compression chamber, and said second conduit means serving to flowingly interconnect said second plurality of ports to said pre-compression chamber.

Claim 82

An internal combustion engine, comprising an engine housing, an annular cylinder formed in said housing, said annular cylinder comprising a first radially inner wall and a second radially outer annular wall, a ring-like piston received in said annular cylinder for reciprocating movement therein, said ring-like piston comprising a ring-like working surface means, said first and second annular walls and said working surface means comprising combustion chamber means, motion transmitting means operatively connected to said ring-like piston for transmitting the reciprocating movement of said ring-like piston to associated power output means, exhaust valve means effective to at times enable the flow of gases burned in said combustion chamber means to be exhausted therefrom, a plurality of intake ports for enabling the flow of a combustible mixture into said combustion chamber means when said intake ports are uncovered by said ring-like piston during said reciprocating movement thereof, said plurality of intake ports comprising a first plurality of ports formed in said first radially inner annular wall and a second plurality of ports formed in said second radially outer annular wall, pre-compression chamber means for receiving a combustible mixture therein, and passage means interconnecting said intake ports and said pre-compression chamber means, said passage means comprising first conduit means and second conduit means, said first conduit means serving to flowingly interconnect said first plurality of ports to said pre-compression chamber, and said second conduit means serving to flowingly interconnect said second plurality of ports to said pre-compression chamber.