Internal combustion engine utilizing internal boost

Abstract

An internal combustion engine is provided wherein the crankcase is sealed from the oil pan to provide an airtight compression chamber wherein the air is compressed by action of the pistons. Air is withdrawn from the atmosphere through one-way valves on the engine block. The compressed air is then passed from the compression chamber into, optionally, a compressed air storage means where it is regulated through a valve for mixture with the air-fuel mixture from the carbureting means, thereby providing a boost in the air-fuel charge entering the combustion chambers. Lubricating modifications are also provided to lubricate the crankshaft and camshaft bearings located within the compression chamber.

1 - 13 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         14 . An engine having an internal boost system for increasing power while decreasing emissions, said engine comprising: 
 a plurality of cylinders each accommodating a piston slidably received therein to define a combustion chamber above said piston;    an airtight internal crankcase in communication with backside surfaces of said pistons to define at least one compression chamber;    at least one journal for supporting a crankshaft;    a crankshaft rotatably positioned within said at least one journal;    a connecting rod connecting said piston to said crankshaft;    an air and fuel intake system coupled each cylinder;    a first one-way valve in communication with said at least one compression chamber for admitting air from the atmosphere into said at least one compression chamber by action of said backside surfaces of said pistons; and    a second one-way valve in communication with said at least one compression chamber for admitting compressed air from said at least one compression chamber into said air and fuel intake system.    
     
     
         15 . The engine according to  claim 14  further comprising an oil reserve separate from said at least one compression chamber.  
     
     
         16 . The engine according to  claim 15 , said oil reserve internally housed within said engine.  
     
     
         17 . The engine according to  claim 15 , said oil reserve externally housed from said engine.  
     
     
         18 . The engine according to  claim 15  further comprising a system for lubricating moving parts within said engine adapted to prevent said at least one compression chamber from exposure to the lubricant.  
     
     
         19 . The engine according to  claim 18 , said system for lubricating comprising at one least one lubrication supply conduit adapted to supply lubricant to said at least one journal.  
     
     
         20 . The engine according to  claim 19 , said system for lubricating further comprising a journal lubrication groove in communication with said at least one journal.  
     
     
         21 . The engine according to  claim 19 , said system for lubricating further comprising at least one lubrication return conduit adapted to return lubricant to said oil reserve.  
     
     
         22 . The engine according to  claim 20 , further comprising a lubrication passage internally disposed within said crankshaft for supplying lubricant to a connecting rod journal of said connecting rod.  
     
     
         23 . The engine according to  claim 21 , said lubrication passage including at least one inlet port exposed to a bearing surface from said crankshaft, said at least one inlet port adapted to be in communication with said journal lubrication groove.  
     
     
         24 . The engine according to  claim 23 , said lubrication passage including at least one exit port in communication with said connecting rod journal.  
     
     
         25 . The engine according to  claim 24 , further comprising a lubrication passage disposed within said connecting rod for supplying lubricant to a wristpin journal of said connecting rod.  
     
     
         26 . The according to  claim 18  further comprising an oil pump for circulating lubricant from said oil reservoir through said system for lubricating moving parts.  
     
     
         27 . The engine according to  claim 14 , said first and second one-way valves comprising reed valves.  
     
     
         28 . The engine according to  claim 14  further comprising a compressed air storage means in which compressed air passing through said second valve is stored prior to introduction with said air and fuel intake system.  
     
     
         29 . The engine according to  claim 28  wherein compressed air from said compressed air storage means is controlled by a regulator valve directing the compressed air into said air and fuel intake system.  
     
     
         30 . The engine according to  claim 14  further comprising a filter for trapping solid or liquid particulate prior to release of the compressed air from said at least one compression chamber through said second valve.