Rotary engine intake and exhaust system

Abstract

An intake/exhaust system adapted for use in rotary engines having a rotatable cylinder block with a plurality of cylinders radially arranged in the block. A plurality of passages are defined in the cylinder block to extend between the cylinders and a plurality of cylinder ports for enabling communication with the cylinders. The cylinder ports are arranged to travel in a circular path as the cylinder block is rotated. Also included are a plurality of poppet valves, each positioned in a different one of the passages to allow or inhibit communication between each of the cylinder ports and the corresponding cylinder. Manifold apparatus includes an intake port and an exhaust port spaced apart and positioned adjacent to the path traversed by the cylinder ports such that the intake port and exhaust port are each aligned with successive ones of the cylinder ports as the cylinder unit is rotated. Fuel charges are supplied via the intake port to the cylinders when the corresponding cylinder port is aligned with the intake port and the corresponding valve is open to allow the fuel charge to pass into the corresponding cylinder. Exhaust gases flow from each cylinder through the exhaust port of the manifold apparatus when the corresponding cylinder port is aligned with the exhaust port and the corresponding valve is opened.