Rotary internal combustion engine

Abstract

An improved rotary combustion engine is provided with a cylindrical intake and compression housing and a cylindrical combustion and exhaust housing. Each of the housings contain variable volume spaces defined by the inner surface of elliptically shaped openings in the housings, the outer surface of a rotor within the opening, fusiform shaped pistons and end walls perpendicular to the common axis of the cylinder and the rotor. The stages are coaxial and separated by a disk valve. The rotors within each housing are attached to the engine shaft. The pistons are supported in bearings mounted in end plates which are attached to the rotors. The attitude of the pistons is controlled during engine rotation by cams at each end of the engine. A mixture of fuel and air is drawn through one of two ports into variable volume spaces in the intake and compression housing by the relative motion of rotor and pistons. Further rotation seals the spaces and compresses the mixture. Continued engine rotation causes transfer of the compressed mixture into variable volume spaces in the combustion and exhaust housing where it is ignited. Ignition of the mixture forces the pistons in the combustion housing to orbit the engine shaft and rotational force is transmitted through end plates and the combustion rotor to the shaft. Continuing rotation of the engine forces exhaust gases to be expelled through two ports in the combustion and exhaust stage.