United States Patent [19] [11] Patent Number: 5,529,029 Rowe et al. [45] Date of Patent: Jun. 25, 1996 [54] TRI-LOBED CAM ENGINE [75] Inventors: John A. Rowe; Manfred E. Timm, both of Whitby, Canada [73] Assignee: Tritec Power Systems Ltd., Ajax, Canada [21] Appl. No.: 265,357 [22] Filed: Jun. 24, 1994 [51] Int. Cl.6....................F02B 59/00 [52] U.S. Cl...........123/54.3; 123/187.1; 60/525; 92/72 [58] Field of Search..........123/54.1, 54.2, 123/54.3, 54.7, 55.2, 55.3, 197.1, 46R; 92/165 R, 72; 60/525 [56] References Cited U.S PATENT DOCUMENTS 793,270 6/1905 Blomgren ....................123/54.3 1,825,417 9/1931 Peterson ..................123/54.2 2,124,604 7/1938 Bidwell ...................123/55.3 4,727,794 3/1988 Kmicikiewicz ..............123/197.1 5,035,221 7/1991 Martin ....................92/72 5,281,104 1/1994 Bublitz ...................92/72 5,315,767 5/1994 Schoell ...................123/54.3 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS 2307132 11/1976 France ....................123/54.3 Primary Examiner - Andrew M. Dolinar Assistant Examiner - M. Macy Attorney, Agent or Firm - Kenneth M. Garrett [57] ABSTRACT In an engine having free floating reciprocating pistons each with a cam follower which bears on a tri-lobed cam, each cam follower is supported by a guide bearing running in a track which serves to transmit to the track lateral reactive force components generated between the cam and the cam follower. 17 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets