Paragraphs

Claims

In the case of an engine provided with compression ignition means, the engine comprises at least one fuel injector (not shown) in the clearance space. The fuel is injected through means known in the art (not shown) in mesh, at half speed, with the long-stroke crankshaft [4].

In the case of an engine provided with spark ignition means, the engine comprises at least one spark plug (not shown) in the clearance space [40]. The ignition is achieved through means known in the art (not shown) in synchronism, at half speed, with the long-stroke crankshaft [4]. Engine timing is achieved by means of at least one camshaft (not shown) in mesh, at half speed, with the long-stroke crankshaft [4].

The section of the cylinder head [10] overhanging the larger cylinder [2] comprises the intake and exhaust valves [13] and [14], which connect periodically the pair of cylinders [2] and [3] with the intake and exhaust pipes [11] and [12] at definite moments of the four-stroke process.

In the case of an engine with an extremely high displacement, a second camshaft (not shown) in mesh, at half speed, with the long-stroke crankshaft [4] may be arranged in the section of the cylinder head [10] overhanging the smaller cylinder [3], so as to provide a second periodic opening and closing of the intake and exhaust at the same time as the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves of the larger cylinder [2].

The ratio between the paired cylinders [2] and [3] is at least between 2.5 and 5, so as to permit engine accom-modation to supercharging pressure ratios ranging from 1 to 7.

Claims