Patent · US Expired

Cardioid cycle internal combustion engine

US6526935B2 · kind B2 · utility

16Cited by
28References
15Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJun 8, 2001
Grant dateMar 4, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 16, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF02B75/32
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The cardioid cycle engine utilizes a centrally located output shaft which carries an orbiting crankshaft for each cylinder. The journals of the orbiting crankshafts trace a heart shaped pattern, hence the term “cardioid” cycle. The crankshafts are geared to rotate within the revolving output shaft in the same direction and at the same angular velocity as the output shaft. in the preferred embodiments the offsets of the two shafts are adjusted so that they are additive in the second quadrant of output shaft rotation. This configuration produces four strokes, variable in length and duration, in each 360° of output shaft rotation. The expansion stroke can exceed twice the intake stroke in length, and TDC can occur when the output shaft is well past the normal TDC position, allowing tangential force on the shaft when cylinder pressure is highest. Compression ratios can be varied over the full useable range while the engine is operating. When used as an engine, fuel efficiency and torque are increased, and when used as a compressor the peak torque loads are reduced.

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