Internal combustion engine module or modules having parallel piston rod

Abstract

An internal combustion engine having one or more modules each employing fluidly-communicating, oscillating, power cylinder and air cylinder. The power and air cylinders oscillate about separate, individually supporting sets of trunnions positioned non-linearly with respect to each other and permitting the passage of air therethrough. The air cylinder includes a pre-combustion chamber for the purpose of withholding the delivery of a portion of compressed air to the power cylinder until all spent gases have been evacuated from the power cylinder. The air in the pre-combustion chamber enhances the delivery of fuel from a fuel delivery system into the power cylinder. The power cylinder includes multiple barrels which share a common combustion chamber. Each barrel houses a reciprocating piston linked to discrete piston rods mechanically joined about a single crank throw. A separate air crank throw is linked to an air piston in the air cylinder. The sets of trunnions are supported in linearly movable portions of crank case support plates that permit the trunnion supporting the power cylinder to be moved linearly relative to the power pistons, thus changing the volume of the combustion chamber.