CA1104501A - Expansible chamber apparatus with pairs of cylindrical rollers - Google Patents

Abstract

NOVEL EXPANSION CHAMBER APPARATUS
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An apparatus having an alternately expanding and contracting chamber comprises at least one pair of cylindrical rollers each having an exterior surface in continuous rolling engagement with the surface of the other roller of the pair, the rollers being rotatable along parallel axes, and two parallel side walls, with each one of the rollers also being in continuous rolling engagement with one of the side walls.
A third wall is opposite the rollers and joins the two side walls wherein the chamber is defined between these walls and the pair of rollers, and is enclosed.

Description

13 Alterr.ately expanding and contr2cting chambers are 14 well known in the ar~, which devices e~ploy varlous forms of rings or-sliding surfaces to achieve sealing between adjacent 16 parts. Co~only known is the piston-ty~e co~bustion engine C~ ~ o 17 employing a closed cylinder, in which a pis~on, ~Ye~-b~ a 18 crankshaft and connecting rodJ provides an alternately 19 expanding and contracting chamber. Similarly, the well-known Wankel engine utilizes scraping edge seals between the 21 rotating piston and chamber inner surfaces by which the 22 gases are compressed and expanded. Obviously, sucn a?paratus 23 result in substan.ial friction between the contac~ing components 24 thereby causing wear.
In an attempt to avoid these continually wearing

2~ seals or rings between moving parts, rotary engines have ,1 .
~t~

,1 ' .

' 4S~l l been proposed in U.S. Patents 1,349,882 and 2,097,881. The 2 earlier patent employs four elliptical pistons between which

3 the narrow spaces are sealed by spring-actuated rollers. In

4 the latter patent, four elliptical rollers are in contact to define a combustion chamber therebetween. The problem with 6 the aforesaid designs is their limitation because of the 7 number of pistons or rollers as well as their shapes.
8 Precise synchronization is required between the rotating and 9 non-cylindrical rotors or pistons which is a significant disadvantage in apparatus design, as well as limiting the 11 compression ratio of the chamber.

14 The apparatus o the present invention utilizes at least one pair of rotating cylindrical members or rollers 16 which aremaintained in continuous rolling contact with one 17 another and with two opposite side walls, and which walls 18 are preferably adjustable so as to maintain contact with the 19 respective rollers and force them to make contact with each other, thereby compensating for any wear This contact 21 between the rollers and the side walls, whicn is continuous 22 and held firmly, and preferably subs~antially along the 23 entire roller lengths, obviates the necessity of seals and 24 at the same time minimizes frictional wear, thus, greatly increasing the longevity of the appara~us and reducing the 2~ incidence of repairs. The apparat~s provides at least one 27 alternately expanding and contracting chamber sealed and l defined between the rollers and the housing means. The 2 cavity may be used for treating gases, liquids or slurries.
3 Thus, use of such apparatus may be for engines t pumps~
4 motors, compressors, valves and other power transfer devices and the like. The apparatus is not only a si~nificant 6 impro~Jement because of its relative simplicity of design and 7 reduction in operating cos~s and repairs bu-t is economically 8 manufactured because of the small number of parts as compared 9 to the devices that require rings, seals, valves, and attendant operating components. The apparatus of the i.nvention also ll achieves improved economy of performance and maintenance 12 because the rolling action of the rollers the~selves which 13 seal the chamber require no ~brication of the roller wall or 14 the major portion of the cavity surfaces. Further, because of the reduction of individual parts in the apparatus, and 16 because the chamber itself is defined between the end and 17 side walls, and the rollers, substantial reduction in weight 18 can be achieved. These as well as other advantages will be 19 evident from the following detailed description.

22 Fig. 1 is a perspective view, with an end plate 23 and wall partially removed, illustrating the roller apparat~s 24 of the invention;
Figs. 2-5 are top plan views showing different 26 positions o~ the the rollers shown in Fig. l and chamber ex-27 pansion and contraction resulting from rotating the rollers 28 successively 9O;

1 Fig. 6 is a top plan view of two pairs of cylindrical 2 rollers combined to form multiple expanding and contracting 3 chambers;
4 Fig. 7 illustrates another embocliment utilizing two pairs of rollers;
6 Fig. 8 illustrates another embodiment utilizing a 7 plurality of pairs of rollers and having a plurality of 8 expanding and contracting chambers;
g Fig. 9 is a top plan view of cylindrical rollers illustrating still another embodiment having multiple-rollers ll disposed between two opposed walls and in continuous rolling 12 engagement with an adjacent roller and two end walls to form 13 a pair of chambers;
~4 Fig. 10 illustrates an e~bodiment utilizing cylindrical roller segments, and a means for driving the rollers;
16 Fig. 11 illustrates an embodiment utilizing two 17 pairs of rollers and another form of drive ~eans; and 18 Fig. 12 is a partial sectional elevation showing 1~ roller sealing means.

22 Referring to Fig. 1, a pair of cylindrical rollers 23 16 and 18 are disposed in a jacket 10 having side ~alls 20 24 and 22 and end walls or panels 12 and 14. The two cylinders are maintained in rolling engagement along their surfaces as 26 well as with the inner side wall surfaces. Preferably, the 27 side walls are adjustable to compensate for wear of the 1 cylirldrical surfaces. Because of the continuous rolling 2 engagement between the two cylinder surfacesl as well as 3 between the cylinder surfaces and the respective interior 4 side wall sur~aces, there is formed a seal between those meeting surfaces which is ~aintained regardless of the 6 position or location of the cylinders within the jacket.
7 Observing also Figs. 2-5, as the roller~ are 8 driven within the hollow jacket cavity, the two chambers 9 formed on each side of the cylinders are alternately and oppositely compressed and expanded. Thus, in Fig. 2, with 11 the cylinders at their closest position relative to end wall 12 14, chamber 34 is at its smallest volume, although volume of 13 chamber of 36 is greatest. In Fig. 3, the rollers have 14 progressed by rolling in the direction of end wall 12 from opposite wall 14. Accordingly, as the volume of chamber 36 16 is decreased, the volume of chamber 34 on the opposite side 17 of the rollers is increased. Moreover, because of the 18 continuous rolling seal between both of the cylinders, as 19 well as between each cylinder and its adjacent side wall, - the volume of gas or other composition--in- chamber-36 becomes-21 compressed, while the composition in chamber 34 is expanded.
22 In Fig. 4, the cylinders have arrived at the nearest position 23 relative to end wall 12, exactly opposite of their position 24 illustrated in Fig. 2. Accordingly, the volume in chamber 36 has been reduced to minimum while that of 34 is at its 26 maximum. Fig. 5 illustrates the cylinders at approximately 27 their midpoint in return to the extreme position shown in

5~3~ i l Fig. 2. ~hus, the volurnes of the two chambers in Figs: 3 2 and 5 are substantially identical, with the cylinders being 3 at this same position in both Figs.
4 In the examples illustrated in Figs. 2 5, the different crank arm positions have been rotated successively

6 go Moreover, the direction of the cylinders is reversed

7 as they travel between the two extreme positions shown in Figs. 2 and 4. Thus, in the exa~ples illustrated, roller 18 9 will rotate counter clockwise as viewed while roller 16 rotates clockwise, the two rollers travelling at identical 11 or substantially identical rates. This direction of rotation 12 is indicated in Fig. 3 by the directional arrows on each 13 cylinder. Once the position of the cylinders sho-wn in Fig.
14 4 is reached, i.e., where they are nearest to end wall 12, the rotational direction is immediately reversed, and cylinder 16 18 rotates clockwise and cylinder 16 counterclockwise as 17 indicated in Fig. 5.
18 In the apparatus, in order for the cylinders to 19 maintain continuous rolling contact with the sides, the side interior surfaces must be parallel, and each cylinder having 21 a uniform diameter along its entire~cylindrical length. The 22 cylinders are also preerably of the same leng~h so that the 23 seal between the cylinders r~ms the full length of each 24 cylinder. Moreover, the center of each cylindrical roller, i.e., the axis about which each roller rotates, lies along a 26 plane which is perpendicular or normal to the plane of the 27 parallel side walls 20 and 22. In order to provide a l complete seal of the chambers in the apparatus, it is necessary 2 that a top and bottom panel be provided, illustrated as 3 panels 24 and 29 in Fig. l. These panels are secured to the 4 respective side and end walls, and any seams or jOilltS are filled to provide a complete seal of the chambers interiorly 6 thereof. In addition, these top and bottom plates must be 7 in sealing engagement with the ends of the cylindrical

8 rollers so that as the rollers travel therealong, the seal

9 will be maintained bet~een the two chambers. Furtner, any means of seallng the top and bottom plates with the roller 11 ends may be used to achieve that purpose.
12 As previously mentioned, the side walls 20 and 22, 13 which are maintained in continuous contact with the rollers, 14 are preferably adjustable so as to maintain this contact, as well as to urge the rollers together in order to maintain 16 contact between their rolling surraces. Such an adjustment 17 may be made from time to time, with the side walls having 18 means for such adjustments, or, the walls instead ~ay be 19 permanently biased-inwardly against .he rollers so-that such adjustment is continuous. Any suitable means for biasing or 21 adjusting the walls to meet those requirements may be used, 22 and such means are known to those skilled in the art.
~3 Illustrated in Fig. 1 is a crank means for driving 24 or rotating the cylinders.or which are driven by the cylin-ders where an expansive force occurs in the chambers. Only 26 a portion of the crank apparatus is illustrated in which a 27 crank arm 28 is journaled in~o a crank a~m eccentric ~ounting 1 30 supported by bearing means, not shown, and free to revolve 2 within each cylinder. The crank arm eccentric mounting and 3 cylinder share com~on axes of rotation or centers. Rotation 4 of crankshaft 26 causes crank ar~ 28 to tucn within the crank ar~ eccentric mounting and force the mounting to 6 rotate within the cylinder. Each cylinder moves until it 7 reaches the end of the crank ~eans throw at which time its 8 motion is reversed. This drive resul-ts in continuous rec-9 iprocating movement in which the two cylindrical rollers, in firm rolling contact with each other and with the interior 11 side walls, cooperate in forming a cavity of regularly in-12 creasing and diminishing size on at least one side of the 13 apparatus.
14 Syncroniza~ion of the crank shafts is accomplished by gear means external to the housing or jacket. It will be 16 noted that each of the rollers includes a crank means, and 17 the crankshafts extend through the housing to appropriate 18 power and drive assemblies. Moreover, the crank drive means 19 may be prcsent on one or both sides of each of the cylinders, as desired. The top plate or cover 24 will ~e provided with 21 an opening through which the crankshaft or a crankshaft 22 extension will project, and with appropriate sealing means 23 associated with the roller ends. Tne plate may incorporate 24 - suitable bearings to reduce friction with the rotating crankshaft as well as to maintain the shaft fir~ly in position 26 for rotation. Where other means of driving the rollers are 27 used such as eccentric drive m2ans exteriorly of the housing 4~ w:~

1 or jacket, slots through which the roller axles will extend 2 may also be provided in the top wall for reciprocating 3 travel of the respective axles. Moreover, any of the 4 housing walls or plates will also be provided with parts for valve means, not shown, to allow injection of gases or 6 fluids into the chambers at desired volumes. Further, when 7 the apparatus is used for igniting combustible and gaseous or fuel mixtures, the forces of expansion will cause the 9 cylinders to roll along their respective paths thus trans-ferring motion through the crank arm eccentric mounting, 11 crank ar~, crankshaft, and gear means. Such a device, when 12 properly assembled ~or use as a internal combustion engine 13 including spark ign~tion means and the like, may be used for 14 conventional ~uel or other power drive means. The apparatus lS may be used instead as a pumping or compressor device, where 16 power is applied to rotate the crank shafts, and valving 17 means will be incorporated to allow gas or liquids to enter 18 t'ne chambers at maximum volume become compressed,~~and-exit 19 at minimum volume through port 17 in wall 14.
20 Although the appzratus in Figs. 1-5 has been --21 referred to as being oriented with plates 24 and 29 being 22 top and bottom plates of the jac~et or housing, respectively~
23 the apparatus is not to be so limited. ~or example, the 24 rollers ~ay rotate along horizonLal axes rather than vertical, if desired, or any other angle. Thus~ the views of Figs. 2-26 5 may be side elevational views, with the cor.cept and operation 27 of the apparatus being substantially identical, 'egardless 1 of how the cylindrical rollers or the jacket or housing are 2 oriented. This same orientation applies to the re~aining 3 embodiments and apparatus described herein and within the 4 purview of ~he invention.
Fig. 6 illustrates another embod:i~ent at which two 6 pairs of rollers are utilized. In the apparatus schematically 7 shown, a first pair of rollers 42 and 44, and a second pair 8 of rollers 46 and 48 are positioned in a housing or jàcket 9 ~ , which jacket is entirely enclosed on all six sides, with sides 31 and 33 being parallel, and preferably adjustable in 11 order to compensate for any roller wear. Moreover, as 12 previously explained, these sides are in continuous engagement 13 with the adjacent rollers. The sides also are sealingly 14 secured to end ~es 41 and 43, with the top and bottom places, which are also parallel, required to form sealed 16 chambers 45 and 47. The first pair of rollers comprising 17 rollers 42 and 44 will reciprocate toward and from end wall 18 43 thereby causing alternate compression and expansion of 19 chamber 47. Similarily, a second pair of rollers comprising rollers 46 and 48 will reciprocate in the direction of and 21 away from ~ wall 41 to alternately cause compression and 22 expansion of cha~ber 45.
23 The crank drive means previously explained regarding 24 Fig. 1 may be incorporated into the respective pairs of rollers in this embodiment, or other drive means may be used 2~ for driving or recovering driving force from the rollers.
27 Where the crank means for driving or recovering roller 1 energy as previously explained, utilizing the journaled 2 crank arm and crank arm eccentric mounting are used, each 3 pair of cylinders may be driven in the same direction simul-4 taneously,in which chamber 45 will become compressed or reduced as cha~ber 47 is being expanded. The rollers may be 6 driven to precisely s~ncronize these movements so that each 7 pair of rollers reaches the end of their respective travel 8 ln the same direction at precisely the same instant. On the 9 other hand, it may be desirable to achieve some other volume relationship between the two chambers sc that some 11 other syncronized or even a different chamber volume relation-12 ship may be achieved as desired.
13 It will be understood that where the roller 14 movement is such that the pairs o~ rollers are syncronized for movement in the same direction, the overall length of 16 the jacket in which the chamber is located is not so critical~
17 because there will be no chance that the rollers of different 18 pairs will meet. On the other hand, the apparatus may be 19 used and designed so that each pair of rollers will move in opposite directions at the same time, whereby roller pair 21 (42 and 44) will be moving to~ard a center of the jacket at 22 the same time and at the same rate as roller pair (46 and 23 48). In such a design, with the rollers properly syncronized 24 by suitable gearing means cooperating with the crank means, chambers 45 and 47 will expand and contrac~ at the same 26 rate, having precisely the same volumes at the same instant.
27 Such an embodiment may be preferred where double compression 1 and expansion capacities are desired. Moreover, utilizi.ng 2 this same embodiment, a third cha~ber 35 may be utilized 3 which also is alternately e~panded and contracted by re-4 ciprocating roller movement. It will be evident that in the opposite roller movement just described, as the chambers 45 6 and 47 are expanding, chamber 35 will be compressing and 7 visa-versa. Thus, this latter embodiment may be used to 8 take advantage of the third chamber. Such an embodiment will 9 require that the jacket in which the roller pairs operate be

10 -- of a sufficient length so that as opposing-rollers of the

11 respective pairs are at their closest position near the

12 center of the third chamber 35, they do not make contact,

13 although they may approach one another very closely.

14 Againr to take advantage of the full utilization of the third alternately expanding and contracting chamber 35, 16 roller synchronization must be precise as previously ex-17 plained.
18 Fig. 7 illustrates a two roller pair embodiment 19 similar to that illustrated in Fig. 6, except that the pairs of rollers are driven reciprocally in the same direction, 21 and at the same rate. For this purpose, crankshaft 49 and 22 eccentric crank arm 47 thereon drive pivotally attached 23 drive rods 51 and 53, each one being pivotally secured to a 24 different roller. Preferably, these drive rods are secured to roller axles, so that as the crankshaft and arm rotate, 26 the drive rods 51 and 53 alternately pull and push the 27 rollers causing reciprocal movement of rollers 52 and 58 of ~ 5~

1 the different pairs. A similar arrangement causes recip-2 rocal motion in the same direction and at the precise same 3 time of rollers 54 and 56. In other words, the crankshat 4 and arm for both the upper and lower rollers shown will be synchronized so that the axes of the ?air of rollers 52 and 6 54 will lie along a single plane perpendicular with parallel 7 side walls 55 and 57. The same synchronized movement will 8 also be realized with rollers 56 and 58. Accordingly, such 9 movement result in substantially identical expansion and contraction of chambers 60 and 62 at the same time.

12 In the drive means illustrated for the apparatus 13 of Fig. 7 the axles around which eac~ cylindrical roller 14 rotates, and which axles are parallel, will extend through elongated slots formed in top and bottom covers or end 16~ plates, and in sealing and bearing engagement therein.
17 In this figure, such a plate through which the axles of 18 each roller will extend has been removed for viewing the 19 apparatus as illustrated, but slots formed therein will accommodate the axles for the rollers which are driven 21 by drive rods 51 and 53, as well as those for rollers 54 and 22 56 as described and shown.
23 Fig. 8 shows another alternative e~bodi~ent of the 24 apparatus incorporating the inventive concept previously described. In the apparatus shown, four pairs of rollers 26 are assembled, each pair of rollers rotating on or about 27 axles which, when aligned for the respective roller pairs ~45~

1 extend normal to or 90~ with respect to parallel side walls 2 61 and 63. The different pairs of rollers may be synchro-3 nized in different manners, but preferably may utilize or 4 take advantage of five chambers 86, 82l 84, 80 and 88.
Chamber 86 may be alternately expanded and contracted as may 6 opposing chamber 82 as roller pairs 62 and 64 reciprocate.
7 Full advantage of such an assembly may ~e achieved with the 8 pair of rollers 62 and 64 moving at the same rate but oppositely 9 of roller pairs 66 and 68 so that chamber ~,2 will be fully expanded and contracted by such opposite roller pair ,-novement.
11 Similarly, roller pair 76 and 78 may move at the same rate 12 but precisely oppositely from roller pair 72 and 74 whereby 13 chamber 80 is alternately expanded and contracted. Further, 14 with proper roller pair reciprocal synchronization, chamber 84 may be fully utilized, so that roller pair 72 and 74 will 16 move precisely oppositely from roller pair 66 and 68. As 17 this occurs, chambers 88 and 86 will be expanded and contracted, 18 at the same time and at the same rate and as chambers 86, 19 88, and 84 are fully expanded, chambers 80 and 82 are fully compressed, and vice versa. It will be evident from this 21 example, that in addition to one and two pairs of rollers, 22 as previously descrlbed, any multiples thereof may be used 23 within the purview of the invention to achieve the desired 24 number of expanding and contracting chambers, in any single or multiple apparatus, and the invention is not limited to 26 the specific numbers o~ pairs of cylindrical rollers and 27 chambers shown.

J ~l l Fig. 9 illustrates a dîfferent emhodiment utllizing 2 pairs of rollers, in this instance the pairs being stacked 3 or aligned so that each roller rotates about an axis along a 4 single co~on plane, and which plane is perpendicular to the end plates along which the end rollers are ~aintained in 6 rolling engagement. Thus, in the embodiment shown, rollers 7 94, 96~ 98, and 100 are aligned with all of their axes being 8 aligned along a sin~le plane, which extends perpendicular to 9 side walls or plates 77 and 75. End plates 79 and 81 co-operate with the side walls to enclose chambers 90 and 92, 11 which are alternately expanded and contracted as the four 12 rollers reciprocate together alternately toward and away 13 from one of the end walls, 79 or 81. Moreover, end roller 14 94 is in continuous rolling engagement wlth end wall 77 along the entire roller length, while end roller lO0 is 16 similarly in continuous rolling engagement or contact with 17 end wall 75. Each of the rollers is also in continuous 18 rolling contact along its entire length wit~ ~he adjacent 19 roller or rollers, assuming all of the cylindrical rollers are of the same length, as they are in the preferred embodi~ent.
21 This rolling contact between the rollers and end rollers 22 with the side walls forms a continuous seal to take ad-23 vantage of the contracting and expanding cha~bers. The 24 direction of the different roller rotation is illustrated by the arrows shown on the roller peripheral surfaces for 26 roller directional ~ovement illustrated by the arrows in the 27 center of the rollers. .It will be evident that adjacent and 1 of an entire circumferential surface, a segmented roller 106 2 may be used, which will further reduce the overall weight or 3 mass of the roller and apparatus. Roller ]08 is hollow and 4 slotted to accomodate arm 104. The roller surface thus is provided with a slot 113, indicated by the dotted line, the 6 length of the slot being sufficient to avoid roller inter-7 ference with the arm during operation. Thus, the rollers 8 need not be solid, but may be hollow, so long as sufficient 9 structure is present to not interfere with, or detract from ~the efficiency of the apparatus operation.
11 Another feature of the embodiment illustrated in 12 Fig. 10 is that only a single chamber is utilized, thereby 13 requiring only a single end wall opposite the rollers for 14 - defining and closing-the-chamber,-rather tha~ the-pair of walls defining and closing a pair of opposed chambers as 16 previously described. In the embodiment shown, end wall 112 17 is sealed and secured to parallel side walls 103 and 105, 18 which side walls are preferably adjustable so a~s to maintain 19 contact against the adjacent roller surfaces and to maintain roller contact. A single alternately expanding and contracting 21 chamber 110 is sealed between the two roller segments, the 22 side walls and end wall, the top and bottom end plates not 23 being illustrated but being understood. The means for 24 driving the pair of roller segments 106 and 108 is a crank-shaft lQ2 having a drive shaft 107 eccentrically and pivotally 26 secured thereon, so that rotation of the crank 102 causes 27 reciprocal movement of the drive shaft. The opposite drive l shaft end is pivotally secured to a connect.ing a~ 104, 2 which is secured to the axles of the different cylinder 3 segments. Thus, rotation of drive plate 102 causes reciprocal (-~~
4 movement of the roller segments toward and away from end wall 112. If the apparatus illustrated is used, the cylinder 6 segments are driven where a gas is expanded within chamber 7 llO, the resulting work for driving crankshaft lC2 may be 8 utilizedA The crankshaft, connecting ar~s and rods illustrated 9 may be housed within the apparatus housing, or it may be lQ exteriorly mounted. Again, the roller segment e~bodi~ent may 11 be used for.modification.of~any.of the previously described 12 cylindrical roller assemblies, where weight reduction is 13 desired. Moreover, the previously described roller pair 14 apparatus of Figs 1-5 may utilize only a single chamber em~odiment where opposing sealed chambers are not required 16 or desired.
17 Fig. 11 shows still another embodiment of the 18 roller pair apparatus in which a rigid structural support l9 125 is secured to each of the roller axles. With such a device, the rollers all move in the same direction at pre-21 cisely the.same time, resulting in chamber 127 being contracted 22 while c'namber 129 is being expanded, and vice versa. Again, 23 according to the requirements of the invention, each roller - -24 of each pair is in rolling and sealing contact with the other roller of that pair, and in rolling and sealing contact 26 with one of the parallel side walls. Thus, rollers 122 and 27 128 are in rolling contact with side wall 120, while roller 28 124 and 126 are in sealing and rolling contact with side s-~l wall 118, which side wall is parallel with side wall 120.
2 The sealed housing structure is completed with walls 114 and 3 118, and end walls, not shown, covering the roller ends and 4 in sealing engagement therewith Such end walls are pro-vided with slots for movement of the ~oller axles or ex-6 tensions which are attached to the support 125.
7 Fig. 12 illustrates a means for sealing the roller 8 ends with the end panels or plates as previously noted. In 9 the example illustrated, the roller 130 is hollow, and has a recessed eccentric mo~mting member 133, rotatably secured 11 and with bearing means not shown, into which crank arm 134 12 is journaled. At the cylinder end is secured a sealing ring 13 131, which ring engages the exposed interior surface of end 14 plate 132, the~eby sealing off the cavity. As the roller is rotated, the sealing ring continuously engages the 16 polished interior end plate surface as the roller moves 17 reciprocally as previously described. Cr~ank shaft 135 is 18 journaled into and extends beyond end wall 132.
19 The material of the rollers may be rigid including metal or rigid plastics, or may be more flexible such as 21 flexible and compressible plastics or elastomers. The 22 specific material comprising the rollers will depend on the 23 use of the apparatus, tha material requirements being only 24 such that the rollers will function properly and adequately to maintain the rolling seals, with the specific material 26 being selected to meet the necessary functional apparatus 1 requirements including friction reduction and wear resistance, 2 since the seals will be in continuous sliding engagemen~ with 3 the interior end plate surface. The apparatus may be provided 4 with passageways or ports in ~he walls whereby fluids may S be introduced into and removed from the chamber. These ports 6 may be positioned for expcsure to the chamber in desired 7 roller positions, especially utilizing the eccentric or 8 reciprocal rollers for alternately opening or closing the 9 ports as the rollers cover and uncover the ports with respect 10 ~~to the~chamber. Accordingly,~such ports may be~advantageously 11 positioned whether the apparatus is to be used in a four or 12 two cycle combustion chamber process, or whether other 13 fluids are simply introduced and expanded or compressed by 14 the apparatus.
The orientation of the rollers in the apparatus 16 is not particularly critical, unIess specific use require-17 ments dictate such orientation Thus, for example, the 18 rollers may rotate along horizontal or vertical axes, or 19 any other angle. Accordingly, the views shown may be side elevational views or top plan views, with the concept of and 21 operation of the apparatus otherwise being substantially 22 identical, regardless of how the cylindrical rolIers or the 23 housing or end plates are oriented. Although the drawings 24 show substantially similar roller diameters, such a limitation is not critical. Instead, the rollers in an apparatus ~ay 26 be of different diameters, so long as each roller has a 27 uniform diameter.

~4~i;Q~

1 The advantages of the apparatus of the invention, 2 as previously explained, include the ob~iation of lubrlca-3 tion of wall surfaces surrounding the ex.panding and contract-4 ing chambers because of the rolling action of the rollers which produce minimum friction. Moreover, combustion chamber 6 sizes are easily adjusted to create desired power output, 7 and the components are readily interchangeable. Englne 8 torque may be determined by the location and dimension of a 9 single part, i.e., the eccentric power output shaft, and forces of combustion are distributed over a large and changing 11 area of cylinder walls and through a multiplicity of shafts 12 and connecting arm bearings, rather than through one piston, 13 one wrist pin bearing and a single crankshaf~ bearing.
14 Moreover, rotating parts which form the workin~ chamber-in an internal combustion or heat engine embodiment are exposed 16 to a cooling medium over most of the cylinder wall surfaces 17 during each revolution. Thus, only a portion of the cylinder 18 or roller walls are exposed to the heat and forces continually 19 throughout the entire cycle since the heated roller areas are continually proceeding to a cooling medium. As use 21 results in engine wear, adjustment of the parallel side walls 22 will maintain seal integrity without disassembly of major 23 engine components. Moreover, continued operation may cause 24 the common roller sur~aces to machine themselves to a progressively more compatible fit. Because of the lightweight and low 26 mechanical mass of reciprocating parts (rollers), higher 27 rotational speeds are possible. Further, the chamber sizes ~ 5 ~

1 may be adjusted by simply varying dimensions of the eccentric 2 roller crank or by the insertion or deletion o~ volume 3 reducing ~embers wnich occupy unused chamber volume. Additional 4 advantages include the possibility of large chambers created S with only a small movement of a crank means, a minimum 6 number of moving parts, and whereby cooling or lubricating 7 means is easily întroduced into the--cylinder interior through 8 crankshafts. Such apparatus within the invention described 9 herein is inexpensive to manufacture, is adjustable for wear by extern-al-~eans even ~hile-the apparatus is in operationj-11 and is easily arranged in multiple chambers for concerted 12 operation and balanced movement. These as well as other 13 advantages and equivalent embodiments within the purview of 14 the invention as described herein will be evident--to ~hose lS skilled in the art.

Claims (37)

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. An apparatus having an alternately expending and con-tracting chamber comprising:
at least one pair of cylindrical rollers each having an exterior surface in continuous rolling engagement with the surface of the other roller of said pair, said rollers being rotatable along parallel axes, said chamber being defined between first and second parallel side walls, at least one end wall spaced from said rollers and top and bottom plates; said rollers being in continuous rolling contact with said side walls, and in end sealing relationship with said top and bottom plates.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein different rollers of said pair of rollers are in rolling contact with opposite side walls, respectively.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising one pair of rollers and wherein one roller of said pair is in rolling contact with said first side wall and the other roller is in rolling contact with said second side wall.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 including a second end wall spaced from said rollers; whereby a first chamber is defined between said rollers and said one end wall, and a second chamber is defined between said rollers and said second end wall.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said rollers are elongated, have substantially equal lengths, and are in rolling contact with each other substantially along their entire re-spective lengths.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said rollers have substantially equal diameters.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 including crank means cooper-ating with said rollers for imparting rotation thereto.

8. The apparatus of claim 3 including a crank arm eccen-tric mounting rotatably secured in one end of each of said rollers, a crank arm journaled into said mounting, and a crankshaft for driving said crank arm.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising two pairs of said rollers, each pair having a first roller in rolling contact with the first side wall and a second roller in rolling contact with the second side wall.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 including a second end wall spaced from said rollers: a first chamber being defined between one pair of rollers and said first end wall, and a second chamber is defined between the other pair of rollers and said second end wall.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 including means for rotating said pairs of rollers simultaneously in the same direction.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 including means for rotating said pairs of rollers simultaneously in opposite directions, where-by a third alternately expanding and contracting chamber is defined between said pairs of rollers.

13. The apparatus of claim 10 including crank means co-operating with said rollers for imparting rotation thereof.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said crank means com-prises a crank arm eccentric mounting rotatably secured in one end of each said rollers, a crank arm journaled into said mounting, and a crankshaft for driving said crank arm.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said crank means comprises a pair of cranks, a pair of connecting rods driven by each crank, each rod pivotally connected to a different one of said rollers.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said rollers comprise elongated cylindrical segments.

17. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said crank means com-prises a crankshaft, crank, and a pair of connecting arms each secured to one of said rollers.

18. An apparatus having an alternately expanding and con-tracting chamber comprising a plurality of four or more even numbered cylindrical rollers rotatable about an axis, each having an exterior surface in rolling engagement with the surface of an adjacent roller, said rollers being aligned whereby the respec-tive roller axes lie along a single plane, first and second parallel side walls, a roller at each end of said plurality of rollers being in rolling contact with said side walls, and an end wall spaced from said rollers, whereby said chamber is defined between said rollers, said walls and top and bottom plates, said top and bottom plates sealingly engaging respective ends at said rollers.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 including a second end wall spaced from said rollers, whereby a first chamber is defined between said rollers and said first end wall, and a second chamber is defined between said rollers and said second end wall.

20. The apparatus of claim 18 including drive means for rotating said rollers.

21. The apparatus of claim 1 including drive means for rotating said rollers.

22. An apparatus having an alternately expanding and con-tracting chamber comprising a pair of cylindrical rollers each having an exterior surface in continuous rolling engagement with the surface of the other roller of said pair, said rollers being rotatable along parallel axes, said rollers being disposed in a chamber housing defined internally between first and second parallel side walls, wherein one roller of said pair of rollers is in rolling engagement with said first side wall and the other roller of said pair is in rolling engagement with said second side wall, a third wall joining said first and second side walls, said third wall being spaced from said rollers, a pair of opposed end plates for enclosing said chamber and in sealing engagement with said first, second and third walls and said rollers, and means for coupling said rollers to the exterior of said chamber whereby rotational movement of said rollers is coupled to the exterior of said chamber.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 including a fourth wall joining said first and second side walls, said fourth wall being spaced from said rollers whereby a first chamber is defined be-tween said third wall, said pair of rollers, said side walls and said end plates, and a second chamber is defined between said fourth wall, said pair of rollers, said side walls and said end plates.

24. The apparatus of claim 23 including two pairs of said rollers, each pair having a first roller in rolling engagement with the first said side wall and a second roller in rolling engagement with the second side wall, wherein a first chamber is defined between said third wall, said first pair of rollers, said side walls and said end plates, a second chamber is defined be-tween said first pair of rollers and said second pair of rollers, said side walls and said end plates, and a third chamber is defined between said second pair of rollers, said fourth wall, said side walls and said end plates.

25. The apparatus of claim 22 including means for coupling said pair of rollers to rotatably move simultaneously in the same direction.

26. The combination in accordance with claim 22 wherein at least one of said rollers is hollow and includes end seals in sealing contact with a respective end plate, crank means journaled through at least one of said end plates, extending through one of said seals and coupled to said roller for transmitting rotational movement between said roller and the exterior of said chambers.

27. The apparatus of claim 24 including means for causing said pairs of rollers to rotatably move simultaneously in opposite directions, whereby an alternately expanding and contracting chamber is defined between said pairs of rollers.

28. The apparatus of claim 22 including crank means co-operating with said rollers for imparting rotation thereto, where-in said crank means iucludes at least one crankshaft journaled into at least one of said chamber walls or extension thereof, and wherein said crankshaft and at least one of said rollers are con-nected by crank arm and connecting link means.

29. The apparatus of claim 24 including crank means co-operating with said pairs of rollers for imparting rotation there-to, wherein said crank means includes at least one crankshaft journaled into at least one of said chamber walls, and wherein said crankshaft and at least one roller of each said pair of rollers are connected by crank arm and connecting link means.

30. The combination in accordance with claim 26 wherein said end seals comprise rings engaging the end of said rollers and at least one of said rings encircles said crank means to pro-vide sealing at said crank from said chamber in addition to sealing said rollers with respect to said chamber.

31. The apparatus of claim 22 including at least one opening communicating with the interior of said chamber for per-mitting entrance or exit of substances or fluids to or from said chamber.

32. An apparatus having an alternately expanding and con-tracting chamber comprising a plurality of four or more even numbered cylindrical rollers rotatable about an axis, each having an exterior surface in rolling engagement with the surface of an adjacent roller, said rollers being aligned whereby the respective roller axes lie along a single plane, first and second parallel side walls, a roller at each end of said plurality of rollers being in rolling engagement with a different one of said side walls, a third wall joining said first and second side walls, said third wall being spaced from said rollers, a pair of opposed end plates for enclosing said chamber and sealingly engaging said third wall, said first and second side walls and said rollers, whereby said chamber is defined internally between said rollers, said walls and said end plates, and means for causing said plurality of rollers to rotatably move simultaneously toward or away from said third wall.

33. The apparatus of claim 32 including a fourth wall joining said first and second side walls, said fourth wall being spaced from said rollers whereby a first chamber is defined be-tween said third wall, said rollers, said side walls and said end plates, and a second chamber is defined between said fourth wall, said rollers, said side walls and said endplates.

34. The combination in accordance with claim 32 including means coupling said plurality of four or more even numbered cylindrical rollers for simultaneous longitudinal movement toward or away from said third and fourth walls.

35. The apparatus of claim 32 including at least one opening communicating with said chamber for permitting entrance or exit of substances or fluids to or from said chamber.

36. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein at least one of said rollers comprises an elongated cylindrical segment with a dis-continuous exterior surface of equal radius wherein one roller of said pair of rollers is in rolling engagement with said first side wall, and the other roller of said pair is in rolling engagement with said second side wall, and wherein said rollers are in rolling engagement with each other.

37. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein at least one roller of said plurality of rollers comprises an elongated cylindrical segment with a discontinuous exterior surface of equal radius wherein said roller is in rolling engagement with at least one other roller of said plurality of rollers, and in rolling engage-ment with a second roller of said plurality of rollers or a respective side wall.