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Opposed Piston Engine with Reserve Power Capacity: 6,318,309

Abstract: 

Two pistons are reciprocatively disposed in each cylinder of an engine thereby forming combustion chambers at each end of the cylinder that operate in a four-stroke cycle, and a third combustion chamber formed between the pistons that selectively operates in a two-stroke mode. The combustion chambers at the ends of the cylinders have heads in which intake and exhaust valves are disposed, and the third chamber between the pair of pistons is ported to provide scavenged flow. The third chamber is not fueled and remains inactive except when maximum power is needed.

Patent Number: 
6,318,309
Date Of Issue: 
11/19/2001
Inventors: 

Robert W. Burrahm; John C. Hedrick