Power plants – Combustion products used as motive fluid – External-combustion engine type
Reexamination Certificate
2001-01-10
2001-11-20
Nguyen, Hoang (Department: 3748)
Power plants
Combustion products used as motive fluid
External-combustion engine type
C060S508000, C060S670000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06318068
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates in general to self-powered vehicles and more particularly to non-electric commuter rail cars, regional rapid transit cars, long distance inter-city passenger and express mail trains.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The majority of the non-electric powered transit systems of the world use the internal combustion Diesel engine to provide the motive force to propel the train. Two basic methods are used to transmit the shaft work of the Diesel engine to the driving wheels of the vehicle for travel in either direction.
In heavy main line locomotives, a Diesel engine coupled to a generator provides variable electric energy to conventional wheel axle mounted electric traction motors.
In modern inter-city and regional light rail passenger coaches, the Diesel engine is attached to a transmission housing containing a hydraulic torque amplifier, a set of reversible reduction gears, and a hydraulic retarder. This combination drives the wheels through axle mounted final reduction gears.
Both of these engines and their drive systems are heavy, costly, and require frequent and expensive maintenance procedures. Their exhaust gases also contribute to atmospheric contamination.
Thus there is a need for a multiple cylinder reciprocating vapor expansion engine that can develop its maximum torque at rotational start up and whose work power output per pound of weight is greater, by using an external-combustion source of high pressure vapor energy.
Further, there is a need for an engine that has no internal fluid heat rejecting function, no external mechanical valve operating apparatus, and needs no valve tappet adjustments.
Also, there is a need for an engine that has a computer system that integrates all variable operating conditions to digitally directly actuate the intake valve and exhaust valve for the most efficient energy consumption and maximum power output.
Lastly, there is a need for an engine that is reversible and performs equally well in either clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation, and that can direct-drive the traction wheels.
None of the known prior art disclose such an engine and computer combination as set forth herein.
The present invention as delineated meets these needs.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides in general, a major design modification, to a conventional cylinder head structure of a typical four stroke, air compression, internal combustion engine, to adapt it for external combustion operation.
It is an object of this invention to form a simple engine design having cylinder head valves that are self-closing and self-adjusting. Only light springs are needed to bias the valves to their normal position.
It is a further object of this invention to form a simple engine design having computer controlled cylinder-head valves that are directly actuated without external assistance, by solenoid devices electrically responding to a digitally integrated program.
It is also a further object of this invention to provide an engine that is quiet, has a smooth torque flow and is reversible, needs less maintenance and requires a reduced total investment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a device having five basic elements which, in combination, provide a simple engine structure that efficiently converts a supply of high pressure, high temperature, combustion gas/vapor from an external source into rotational shaft work. The basic elements are; first, a conventional reciprocating engine base housing or crankcase having a crankshaft, a connecting rod, and a piston operating in a tubular cylinder. Second, the cylinder wall is perforated with openings at the low end of the piston travel that release the expanded vapor into an attached surrounding chamber for exhaust to the atmosphere. Third, a cylinderhead structure, that clamps the tubular cylinder to the crankcase, and contains the intake valve, its actuating mechanism, and the compression release-exhaust valve. Fourth, heat isolated electrical solenoids that directly depress the valve stems to actuate the valves. Fifth, a mass of molded plastic magnesia/glass fiber insulation surrounding the cylinderhead to enhance engine thermal efficiency and insulate the solenoids from radiated heat.
The five above delineated elements combined in a five or more cylinder, external combustion engine assembly, provides the optimum smooth flow of torque in forward or reverse rotation.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2543758 (1951-03-01), Bodine, Jr.
patent: 4716720 (1988-01-01), Eickmann
patent: 5551233 (1996-09-01), Tomoiu
patent: 468610 (1914-02-01), None
McGue Frank J.
Nguyen Hoang
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