Title: Modular engine construction

Abstract: A modular internal combustion engine is provided in which a single crankcase can be adapted to a plurality of different types of engine configurations. The crankcase is open at its top so that each upper side edge of the crankcase forms a mounting flange while a crankshaft is rotatably carried by the crankcase. Block members and adapter members are provided and each includes a mounting flange formed along each longitudinal side. All of the mounting flanges are substantially identical to each other so that any one mounting flange can be detachably secured to another mounting flange. Thus to construct the engine, one mounting flange of either the block or adapter member is attached to one crankcase mounting flange while one mounting flange on the other member is attached to the other crankcase mounting flange. In addition, the remaining mounting flanges on the block and adapter members register with each other and are secured together. At least one block member is utilized in each configuration and the block member is adapted to reciprocally carry at least one piston therein. The piston in turn is operatively coupled to the crankshaft to rotatably drive the crankshaft upon reciprocation of the piston in the conventional manner.

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Inventors: Rassey, Louis J. (Warren, MI, US)

Application Number: 733996
Filing Date: 1976-10-20
Publication_date: 1979-01-23
Assignee:
Primary Class(es): 123/58.1 123/54.4, 123/195C, 123/195AC, 123/DIG1, 123/DIG6, 123/DIG7
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

690443	Jan, 1902	Kull	123/59.
719072	Jan, 1903	Annesley	123/59.
904562	Nov, 1908	Rathbun	123/59.
1019513	Mar, 1912	Moore	123/55.
1299709	Apr, 1919	Hall	123/195.
1764147	Jun, 1930	Burtnett	123/56.
2019558	Nov, 1935	Brush	123/195.
2048018	Jul, 1936	Meyer	123/55.
2311146	Feb, 1943	Wiegman	123/56.
2671436	Mar, 1954	Pitt	123/DIG.
3561416	Feb, 1971	Kiekhaefer	123/DIG.
3568649	Mar, 1971	Syson	123/195.
3738338	Jun, 1973	Wickman	123/55.

Other Refs: 515493

Dec, 1930	DE2

Primary Examiner: Myhre, Charles J.
Assistant Examiner: Feinberg, Craig R.
Attorney: Gifford, Chandler, VanOphem, Sheridan & Sprinkle