Patent · US Expired

Spherical rotary steam engine

US3994640A · kind A · utility

5Cited by
6References
37Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 18, 1975
Grant dateNov 30, 1976
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 18, 1995

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF01C9/002
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The engine includes a housing defining a spherical cavity therein. A cylindrical member, rotatably mounted within the cavity, is driven by a drive member movably mounted within the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member, the drive member and the internal wall of the cavity define an expansion-compression chamber. Steam intake and steam exhaust manifolds are provided in the housing at spaced positions adjacent the cavity. The cylindrical member is provided with a steam passage therein which, in at least one rotational position of the cylindrical member, operatively connects the expansion-compression chamber to the intake manifold and in at least one other rotational position thereof operatively connects the expansion-compression chamber to the exhaust manifold. An output shaft is rotatably mounted within the housing and connected to the cylindrical member to be driven thereby. A circular ring valve is interposed between the cylindrical member and the intake and exhaust manifolds, respectively, to vary the comparative durations of the intake to and exhaust from the expansion-compression chamber of the cylindrical member. A secondary exhaust route is provided comprising an interna…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.