Internal-combustion engines having a cylinder and one or more reciprocating pistons therein, one at least of which pistons is movable freely and independently of the main shaft of the engine on the stroke of such piston immediately following the ignition of the charge, during which stroke the energy of the burned gases is stored and thereafter transferred to the main shaft of the engine. Ordinarily the freely-movable piston is the only piston employed in engines in this subclass. The energy is ordinarily stored by forcing the piston against the pressure of the atmosphere; and the stored energy is ordinarily transferred to the main shaft by securing the piston thereto by means of a suitable clutch provided with suitable converting mechanism upon its return stroke.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS
60, Power Plants,
595, for an internal combustion type free piston device supplying motive fluid to a motor and subclass 596 for an internal combustion type of free piston device with a pressure fluid type starting structure.
