2) United States Patent Holtzapple et al. (54) GEROTOR APPARATUS FOR A QUASI-ISOTHERMAL BRAYTON CYCLE, ENGINE (75) Inveators:. Mark. Holtzapple, College Station, TX (US): George A. Rabroker, College Station, IX (US) (73) Assignce: The Texas A&M University, College Station, TX (US) (#) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer the tem of this pateat is extended of adjusted under 35 USC. 154(b) by 249 days. (21) Appl. Nos 11/681,877 (22) Filed: Man, 2007 6s) Prior Publication Data S 2007)0257665 A1 Oct. 11, 2007 Related US. Application Data (60) Continuation of application No, 10/359,487, filed on eb. 5, 2003, now Pa, No. 7.186.101, which is con- tationsin-part of application No. 10/346,024, filed fon Jan, 17, 2008, now Put No, 6,886,226, which is a division of application No. 09/930,246, filed on Aug 16, 2001, now Pat. No, 6.530.211, which i a division of application No, 09/363,818, filed on Jul, 30, 1999, now Pat. No, 636,317. (60) Provisional application No, 601094,92 31, 1998, fled on Jul GL Ineck Foie 2100 (2006.01) Fo4c 29700 (2006.01) us.cl. AIBI7T, 418/81; 418/171; 741487 ‘US007726959B2 (10) Patent No. 4s) Date of Patent: US 7,726,959 B2 jun. 1, 2010 (58) Fleld of Classification Search 418757 “ISIS1, 166, 171, 61.3, 152, 179; 747475 ‘See application file for comple search history 66) References Cited US. PATENT DOCUMENTS 45729 A 8IN9L “Tilden 724665 841903 Cooley s02295 A 611908 Nowe sonst A 71934 Hill Essa. a. Cooper 2011338 8 rh Coninved) POREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS au 2080629 (Continved) OTHER PUBLICATIONS W199 ET Writen Opinion fr International Appliaton No, PCT USO (05549, mailed Sep. 24,2004 (5 pes) Continved) Theresa ‘Triew Baker Botts LLP. Primary Examiner (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm on ABSTRACT According. t0 one embodiment of the invention, a gerotor appamts includes an outer geotor having an outer gerotor chamber, an inner gerotor, at least portion of which is sposed within the ouler geotor chamber, ands sychroniz~ ing epparatus operable o contro the rotation of the inner gerotor relative 10 the outer gerotor. The inner gerotor ineludes one or more entrance passages operable to commi- sicate lubricant into the outer geroor chamber 19 Claims, 97 Drawing SheetsUS 7,726,959 B2 Page 2 USS. STENT DOCUMENTS suse Aviom Elmont a+ toon sisi 238490 A IL1938 Hale S223 8" toon BBioowe A Moat Seni Stunts a ‘Disee 2ooiast a Tow Sil SSilaw A Stoo 2anaes A ous Wher Pacts awa A Libs Mitten Sinae 4 ‘ibe 360397 A 1082 on ctal Saami ems 29856) A960 Lik SSstam A Soe Reveal Boson) A LEO Mora S55t901 A Dgee Frat ta Sona A ‘M61 Rally Ssimi7t a 41007 von eb a Sostads A Gloe2 Gasman Seozau & M1007 Boll tal omg A+ Supe’ tack Ait erase cae eed Baers AS Be Lick aisist $6335 8a oor ater A ives tins a Shei a ‘sow wea 32i087 A Does tik Sascio6 «$1908 Kinser Saco A otbes Shoiti stat Sheldon A190" amet oman a Stone Wiles Beet restr 3oe7a8 A Vibe? Let A A1iboe Hior ral Nam A se Se 3 1968 Stam ia fa tots Ton as A tier “Saeco Nana 3aa07 A+ 106) aiwi6s—Gnutst Br ta0o1 Yar 3Seaae A 1019" Abweth ea COIS BE 112001, Monin al Saasair A IUIbT fouwetogy Saeatt BL "12002 Hota sta esta &‘alon2 Evian Sasrse BL 12200! Dowlgy GRIT A 1oubtd Ryan Stooramo Be '32006 Teta Asicosr A Tor ain itsetor B2 32007 tetera Savtais a ‘ators Neg Boras A Pons Nowra FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS. 3omo4 A ABTS. Remon Sonos Aste Sanger 2 eer nis 3972652 A 81976 Minnicino. _ AS ISHS AL 10 1986 Aoosaa A 1D1DTe Scwateman De 3si2e7 T1889 4.023.365 A S/1977 Schneider oe oo aia Snansse A S1D07 Benen B Higrest at 42002 nsaoee A 100D07 Pmt eat ik zhonag ss 4058938 A 11/1977 Harle etal By at - Coan Simasss a "bore Scion 2 Suz7364 A 11/1978 Elerman ea i 7ynse tion 4,145,167 A 1979 Baartup cb pss Line Se el ° arises a+ Tow? ais Giese Atos? Ponce ® gamis S130 4,355.249 A 10/1982 Kenwell on 40507 Saeed Reseed eee ” tsoorert toes F019 A 1984 Paterson etal 2 sso vga 4,457,677 A 7/1984 ‘Todd dg ee panel a pian aaah al OTHER PUBLICATIONS SEonder A Moas Caton Desaton Mark Hoa dtd May 10,2005 (6 ps) singe A Sib8s san Sicha Chueh aly “Chemie Kiatic,Fel eshe a Hest Esai Atoms Mise “Tanti Fat Late Unexprated Sry of Long Rang Eko A Mowe Meine hogan of esahan Combustion. he igh Ln La esa A 2towe Wer fe pe 2 Gente 'Stowt tmon tpn Sch Rao dp. 1.2004 sso A aber Zen FCT Writes Opin 7 Inratnl Appstn No, PCTUSOR Airr9e A GIDE Rand ota As fede 3208 Afootse A Stoer Bette TT Tntraionl Sh Rep td May28 2003 for PCTUSOR Gt A nt 350 nd Fo 3008 Siastos A 1oIDse Overt Desnton of Mek Hola dat 29,205, Gps 2005 Sora a "Yow PhCommnakaton or Angleton No 97376084 Apes 27, sere A Cio Reloone No LNT 207 Sows a Sipe0 TCT Noithation of Mansntal of he nteaional Seach Rot Sos1360 A B660 Bitng {el The Wien Otomo oration Searing Athos. oF Sose3er A S1oH0 Haren ite Decree, PETUSOS 3780 ne May 2008 Sonesos A 21000 Tange TET Noufeuen of Tansntal of Te neato Seach Ror ose a+ ‘Tipo cals 418166 SadThe Whiten pion fiesta Seng Aono Sos4907 A” 91991 Hoss tal iteDelaaton, ded p16 207 Sirgti0 A 121991 Singh "oe * ited by examinerU.S, Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 1 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 FIG. 1A 400 _[ ise 414 AIR Wour C7 {| cowpresson EXPANDER GENERATOR b 402 412 406: EXHAUST 404 CS HEAT EXCHANGER FIG. 1B 400 [a 414 AR Wour , (>) couenesson EXPANDER GENERATOR 402 412 410 FUEL 408 L. Ly COMBUSTOR 4064 EXHAUST 404 ce) HEAT EXCHANGERU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 2 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 FIG. 2A 400 ‘AMBIENT AIR GEARS [J COMPRESSOR EXPANDER 402 FA_CLUTCH CLUTCH A12 COMBUSTOR | 408 4107L_FuEL 406 EXHAUST 404 GAS HEAT EXCHANGER FIG. 2B 400 _[ ae AIR GEARS COMPRESSOR | ~——— as EXPANDER 402 FL_CLUTCH CLUTCH 412 410 __._ FUEL, 408 i Ly comeustor }—— 406: HEAT EXCHANGERU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 3 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 42— ‘SPRING- LOADED ‘SEAL 42 SPRING- LOADED SEAL N hee SEAL HIGH P oily PRESSURE gi, COOLANT COOLANT FIG, 3U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 4 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 SPRING-LOADED SEAL ACTUATED ‘SEAL 44 SPRING-LOADED SEAL I I TOWiene ie HIGH foorat| PRESSURE FIG. 4U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 5 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 'SPRING- LOADED SEAL, 44 ACTUATED ‘SEAL 44 ACTUATED SEAL | | LOW PRESSURE oly ig COOLANT PRESSURE FIG. 5U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 6 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 42 ‘SPRING-LOADED SEAL 42 ‘SPRING-LOADED EAL FIG. 7A ROTATING SURTACE 46 oa 99 > jae) it} | 44 STATIONARY » ‘SEALING 52- ‘ACTUATOR nine CONTROLLER. 4g FIG. 7B AiR suPPLY 7 PRESSURE N 48 REGULATOR 47 HOT-WIRE ANEMOMETERU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 7 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 58. AC sa CERAMIC. CERAMIC 54 METAL Cab FIG. 8A FIG. 8BUS. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 8 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING PLUG SHAFT 71 CIRCULAR HOLE 7 ») 75. C 69 70 2 f DIP TUBE, Ez 7 A OFFSET ourer GEAR 85 6a 66 7-H 634 "INNER GEAR iN as sea. PPE — ei L seat PLATE 734 a Souter |” river 7 GeROTOR| GEROTOR HIGH- : PRESSURE AR ie oP PaIIEN HIGH. PRESSURE AIR SEAL 62 ol FIG. 10 a eet | “60 HOLLOW i INNER SHAFT PROXIMITY ‘SHAFT Low- SENSOR PRESSURE AIR,U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 9 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT PLUG HOUSING ‘Ab 2b f OUTER GEAR INNER GEAR 63 GAS SEAL SEAL PLATE 78~b 7 [outer | ner 4b HIGH- GEROTOR | GEROTOR PRESSURE AR HOLLOW: SHAFT 64 | ol INNER SO High. SEAL SHAFT Low. PROXIMITY pressure | PRESSURE SENSOR AIR OIL. AIR FIG. 11U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 10 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT PLUG 1b ANTI-ROTATION MOUNT HOUSING 83 2b | OUTER GEAR INNER SHAFT: INNER GEAR. ‘SEAL PLATE) c GAS SEAL aa HIGH PRESSURE AIR 4b OuTER INNER GEROTORY GEROTOR HOLLOW: SHAFT oll High: SEAL Low. PROXIMITY pressure | PRESSURE SENSOR AIR OIL Al, FIG. 12US 7,726,959 B2 U.S, Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 11 of 97 ROTATING SHAFT. PLUG Ve 5 ie HOUSING CONNECTOR 2b ) ¢ INNER SHAFT- ourer | | 7 GEAR INNER GEAR cas seh Ke i SEAL — PLATE PLUG HIGH- ourer | INNER pressure | }GEROTORY GEROTOR: AR HOLLOW} p40 SHAFT ERS SHAFT mn uy + OW HIGH- SEAL Low. PROXIMITY PRESSURE ol pressure SENSOR AIR AIR FIG. 13US 7,726,959 B2 U.S, Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 12 of 97 PLUG ROTATING ‘SHAFT SS go REFERENCE CI [> WHEEL ad HOUSING t | 2b OUTER INNER SHAFT Cl an INNER GEAR | SEAL PLATE) oc f8 | PLUS GAS SEAL [PY 4 | Kt Hic duTeR Y* INiNer PRESSURE \| |GEROTORY GEROTOR AIR HOLLOW} A H SHAFT C oll { on! HigH- SEAL SEAL Low- PROXIMITY PRESSURE Ol PRESSURE SENSOR AIR AIR FIG. 14U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 13 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT 11 «| 1 DRIVE DRIVEN GEAR GEAR 88 89 tb J f 90 ( Cal HOUSING f] 2b 1 : Wiiics DP TUBE 65 OUTER GEAR—H 65 INNER GEAR’ GAS SEAL] Mt c_8 a 1 sear [Tf PLATE PLUG Te OUTER | INNER 1 y-4b HIGH- GEROTOR | GEROTOR’ PRESSURE AIR A = D 3 Sj 7A} | ol Gs 62 { SEAL HOLLOW Pr PRESSURE ol SHAFT Low- ue PRESSURE AIR FIG. 15U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 14 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 plus ROTATING XN ‘SHAFT 95 ce O HOUSING “a " 2 99-] PA SPE 94 RIGID SHAFT 174-100 | 2 OVERFLOW TuBE| |] 104 97 OUTER GEAR | INNER GEAR rh+98 GAS SEAL—“fy | c 8 ii —W | SEAL PLATE ey 7 4103 J, SEAL ae 106 ~ 4 Via ae ee OUTER INNER Y, | h-4c 405 [] kecrotor{ cerotor 6c HIGH- / PRESSURE AIR 7 a ZL at al | oJ | BA oie b SEAL HIGH- T LoW- PROXIMITY PRESSURE 110 PRESSURE SENSOR AIR oe AIR FIG. 16U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 15 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT pte Cp L, HOUSING TPS4_ rigio SHAFT A (OVERFLOW TUBE ournsan| Roy mercer ZZ GAS SEAL} : mS 101— ML, } iy seat ptate [TKS Yy a Vy J NY C7 V4 _ S 7 yf outer INNER YL GEROTOR: GEROTOR’ HIGH 6c PRESSURE SN oY PIN St as 5 ar | ol ol seat G SEAL PROXIMITY HIGH- LOW- SENSOR PRESSURE t PRESSURE AIR A AIR FIG. 17U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 16 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING tc SHAFT Gp ; lay HOUSING SNP PSL rio ‘SHAFT 7 overrLow TuBe| | ourer GEARY [NY er Sean 77IZ/\ SR GAS seaL—h 101 14 SEAL PLATE / YY VA _ \ 7 yf OUTER |” INNER [N-4c nigh. f] }GeROTOR] /GeROTOR 6c PRESSURE \ AIR 7 | 7 | PY ott | Ss Lb SEAL PROXIMITY HIGH- LOW- SENSOR PRESSURE PRESSURE AIR, AR ol FIG. 18U.S, Patent PLUG Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 17 of 97 ROTATING SHAFT ANTI-ROTATION US 7,726,959 B2 ee CI 13 PIN 108 {| ” HOUSING q 109 pe t—94 FLOATING SHAFT \ Z OVERFLOW TUBE OUTER GEAR TANNER GEAR | GAS SEAL—} SEAL PLATE ~h 711 Ol Bue % || SEAL YQ \ | 7 ouréR |” INNER 1 4¢ nigh- [] |GeRoTory’ceroTor 6c PRESSURE / AIR ac |, 1 qj | PN ol NS SEAL PROXIMITY HIGH- vt Low- SENSOR PRESSURE t PRESSURE AIR, AIR ol FIG. 19U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 18 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 PLUG ROTATING Ac SHAFT f FLOATING ANTI-ROTATION vous SOL N connector 2b >) fl 11 } NA Sy | 4 OVERFLOW TUBE OUTER GEAR - |L1o4 ry INNER GEAR. ”; GAS SEAL) f : ; 5 “a YZ on AN 7103 t SEAL 102 77 PLUG, outer inves LH PRESSURE GEROTOR}/ GEROTOR. p 4c AIR ‘ J | i oll. HIGH- G SEAL Low. PROXIMITY PRESSURE pressure SENSOR AIR AIR OL, FIG. 20U.S, Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 19 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 UPPER ROTATING SHAFT ©) 417 cy pe | TOP VIEW OF GEARS f° GEAR BOX HOUSING HOUSING SEAL PLATE 115 2d a GAS SEAL at SS ] 123\M | N6A 7 19 | 122 HIGH- ar PRESSURE AIR Wh t 4a OUTER > 7 J GEROTOR Ce SA 45 Y foore GEAR BOX 124 iGH- HOUSING gw. PROXIMITY PRESSURE PRESSURE SENSOR AIR ALB AIR T 118 LOWER ROTATING SHAFT FIG, 21US 7,726,959 B2 U.S, Patent Jun. 1,2010 Sheet 20 of 97 ROTATING SHAFT 129 BA YB 130 (on he k ? oe bh! GEAR HOUSING cE 127 117 2d 128~ 7 J , GEAR BOX HOUSING GAS SFA ae HIGH- NN PRESSURE 36 AIR /) Ye, Y 4d— KZ SNA \ OUTER 7 7 CS} a GEROTOR Céd 426 cfc" en HIGH- Low: SENSOR PRESSURE PRESSURE AIR AR FIG, 22U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 21 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 upPER ROTATING SHAFT WT S 3 Ei ‘SEAL PLATE 137 136 HOUSING { wasseu i KEKE 11654 KSI NN U \ > 8 y \ HIGH- T PRESSURE 138 I ~~ AR \ OUTER i ‘y ‘ ceroror {| MSN iy y HIS eT INNER 115 GEROTOR BRACKET PROXIMITY HIGH. Low- SENSOR PRESSURE PRESSURE AIR F AIR 7 118 LOWER ROTATING ‘SHAFT FIG, 23U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 22 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT 146 WON i) 147 ys 148 DRIVE DRIVEN ; G GEAR GEAR 444 HOUSIN 145\ 1474 Ly) 4a 143 2d | A] | BRACKET BOS SEAL PLATE = GAS SEAL—“fPYy F142 138 116 136 se HIGH PRESSURE AIR 139 r| 140 4d—F | OUTER rs 5 GEROTOR Cea ee PROXIMITY wig. FOTO Low. SENSOR PRESSURE PRESSURE AIR AIR FIG. 24U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 23 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT 1s 158 Cc a fe 156: d 154 te td | | \ SEAL PLATE 150-4 MH INNER Sane ne GAS SEAL SEAL PLATE 2e ouTER | GEROTOR 4e~ 1 | 160~U cane 159 HIGH- PRESSURE AIR { | 1 Low- PRESSURE HIGH- PRESSURE 15 aa AIR INNER SEusoH t SHAFT 157 FIG, 25 185U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 24 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING ‘SHAFT 166 \ a C Ly” HOUSING Oil SEAL 6 sous INNER GEAF tf OREO oe sop tf t4 TO) le SEAL [| <— oll 173 \ \ -\ S fn i & i 15 SNARE SSS o= 41 t z os eet 4 | 169 aa GEAR BOX YH ‘SEAL PLATE —} 4a} | PN 202 ace 204 COOLING oo AIR 494 SOURCE al le i / a ABE'S iP e ae uv 205 ol t OIL PROXIMITY sea, OlL OL SEAL SENSOR HIGH- Low- PRESSURE PRESSURE AIR AIR FIG. 29U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 28 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT ~ b> , OVERFLOW HOUSING f PORT ol SUMP 2g { & ol fl : vr & | INNER GEAR pigip OUTER GEAR -| : a GEAR BOX 1 1 5 f 197 \ \ SEAL Vi PLATE - “INNER — roa COOLING cenoToR J AIR, \ So 49-1] I, OUTER / \ GEROTOR p t 7 PROXIMITY | tt on SENSOR HIGH. Ol Ol SEAL Low- PRESSURE PRESSURE AIR AIR FIG. 30US 7,726,959 B2 U.S, Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 29 of 97 ROTATING SHAFT ‘\ OVERFLOW HOUSING PORT 2g oll 2 SUMP es 5 1 one cS outer LYZANINER oka GEAR — | GEAR BOX Wy, wer | 7, COOLING GEROTOR 206 AIR So RIGID “ SHAFT OUTER eroTor ||} 4g ir PROXIMITY. 190 ol SENSOR HIGH- og, SEAL LOW. PRESSURE PRESSURE AIR AIR FIG. 31 SEAL [PLATEU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 30 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT \ Cp , OVERFLOW HOUSING s PORT 29 ol { Zz suMP yt n 7 oL<— sn E, & 1} SINNER GEARS N | 7 OUTER GEAR -{] [4 4 j-197 GEAR BOX iA Wren SS / PLATE - INNER ~ — Ga i _ eooate ae AIR 7 9 Vy OUTER WA ceroror || | Y 4g—t i ; | y PROXIMITY- | : +90 f on SENSOR HIGH- OL gy SEAL Low- PRESSURE PRESSURE AIR AIR,U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 31 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING ‘SHAFT \ C |p ‘s OVERFLOW HOUSING f PORT 29 on ( ee SUMP — ae! } on at vy, cc ours TH INNER GEAR f GEAR “NV A | SEAL GEAR _ ID PLATE BOX e i 193 | INNER Le “006 — COOLING ae RIGID f) AIR = SHAFT a ouTER 4194 GEROTOR || 4-4 K t = 7 J P C Con | PROXIMITY ' 196 SEAL SENSOR HIGH- nil Low- PRESSURE PRESSURE AIR AIR FIG. 33U.S, Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 32 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT 212 1h » , CI | 226 on overrtow Housing | ]719 INNER GEAR QUTER GEAR. an Par Ch Ie HA 219 220 2215 that 1 SS \ oS —— a Vy Naver ear] 7 | a < a SN 218 aean_Al § rat BOX / PLATE 224 225 _ iNNER fare oe ETO 7 COOLING oh AIR SOURCE S OUTER 4 GEROTOR an— | B Wl 26 27 | PROXIMITY —_ HIGH Low- SENSOR PRESSURE PRESSURE AIR AIR FIG. 34U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 33 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT ae a ] ih | ; OVERFLOW 227 PORT HOUSING an { te RY 24 suMP co | s 5 7 ol 1 Y & INNER GEAR] \ 4 b= outer 14 GEAR ae | seat GEAR S PLATE BOX YL) VALE / IRV, EEN q INNER’ (i Va \) cool GEROTOR at / AIR ourer _}H N ~ ceRoToR™ | iF LAREN f || J PROXIMITY. 210 SENSOR HIGH- RIGID Low- PRESSURE SHAFT PRESSURE AIR AIR FIG. 35U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 34 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT 212 a a OVERFLOW PORT HOUSING lL ( \ fy i suMP ‘ X o _ IL & INNER GEAR, | — outer }4 : oe i | SEAL GEAR | PLATE BOX oY BR Lo iG “inter ANY oe cooune say | / Yi | ourer _} WY | GEROTOR iB SI! J PROXIMITY 210 SENSOR HIGH- RIGID Low- PRESSURE SHAFT PRESSURE AIR ARR FIG, 36U.S, Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 35 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT 212 XQ th < , OVERFLOW PORT or 209 HOUSING ol | } suMP ; | 1 = TS —_- ty ol te INNER GEAR 1 = OUTER GEAR me, | SEAL ean Ll euate sox ~ |] | 7. i ih <230 7 wile cootine GEROTOR AR OUTER GEROTOR B =I PROXIMITY: 210 SENSOR HIGH. fuGID Low. PRESSURE SHAFT PRESSURE AIR AIR FIG. 37U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 36 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT y th cf 5 OVERFLOW 213 PORT HOUSING ow ( Ki Z SUMP ! +) == 1 f ol rT y & SINNER & \ 7, =) outer JH INNER GEAR \ oon Is - SEAL GEAR PLATE BOX / Ld a6 C/ _ , — COOLING JL) AIR PAY 210 ourer _} NZ GEROTOR = 7 PROXIMITY Ss | SENSOR HIGH- 233 pa Low. PRESSURE ann. PIVOT PRESSURE boss ROTATION AIR PIN FIG, 38U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 37 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING ‘SHAFT q go f OVERFLOW PORT e HOUSING OL ( is ba ji SUMP | ae 5 7 ol=—o = = Nit OuTER Zh INNER GEAR, j GEAR = | sea GEAR _~ PLATE BOX rs} Vg 230 N 7 INNER =e COOLING GEROTOR, | AIR \ OUTER _ HAP ba /)| GEROTOR | P * ~ | proxy hg 210 SENSOR HIGH- Flee Low- PRESSURE Tt PRESSURE AR Le AIR FIG. 39U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 38 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT 212 ie OVERFLOW PORT HOUSING oll { SUMP es OL, T : _ Y, Cy /_ INNER GEAR, f — OUTER > GEAR Fe SEAL GEAR _74 | PLATE 80x J. a by q iG ‘ INAER’ ae COOLING GEROTOR AIR ourer _} By | GEROTOR | bo d proxmary RIGID | SENSOR HIGH- SHAFT. LOW- PRESSURE PRESSURE AIR ARRU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 39 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT a OVERFLOW PORT HOUSING ol, SUMP i ol oz E, ct INNER GEAR, outer _}7] Z GEAR i TNL seat GEAR PLATE BOX | 216 7 INSER | — COOLING GEROTOR AIR I ouTer _} SA ES GEROTOR ' a7 P = | PROXIMITY: RIGID SENSOR HIGH- SHAFT Low- PRESSURE PRESSURE AIR AIR.US 7,726,959 B2 iv U.S, Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 40 of 97 ROTATING ‘SHAFT 212 CD 228. yo OVERFLOW os HOUSING PORT ry 24 ( wohl ga 242 241 2h EK n JF oll i SUMP. a J on UY) ba Y, INNER GEAR. ourer _] GEAR t= Gear 44 { BOX | n INNER | COOLING GEROTOR AIR ourer _} GEROTOR il 5 <——S | PROXIMITY 210 SENSOR HIGH- RIGID Low- PRESSURE SHAFT PRESSURE AIR AIR |_ SEAL PLATEU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 41 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT 252 261 | Dy | 253 f HOUSING 2 254 F ; 258 b 256 I} INNER GEAR OUTER 259 GEAR }- 255 4 ‘SEAL INNER Oe 4j GEROTOR OUTER § GEROTOR _ 3 | 250 HIGH- 260 Icio Low- PRESSURE SHAFT PRESSURE AIR AIR FIG. 43U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 42 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT 1) > f HOUSING i ay OUTER _}T} INNER GEAR 258~ GEAR 259 |_ SEAL AIR SEAL~J PLATE OUTER ry =a INNER ] GEROTOR i GEROTOR uN | BALANCING u AIR \ | PRESSURE 270 RIGID HIGH- SHAFT Low- PRESSURE PRESSURE AIR AIR FIG. 44U.S, Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 43 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT ADJUSTMENT 212 SCREWS >) RETAINING a 282 RING Ba) 953 280 f aay HOUSING mel | i COLLAR x bs T : ry outer _} INNER GEARNY 258 { GEAR c 259 {SEAL AIR SEAL 7 PLATE ourer _|J | GEROTOR (nnfen GEROTOR BALANCING} Y, AIR XX | PRESSURE a - 5 q 25/270 RIGID | PROXIMITY = icH. SHAFT Low- SENSOR PRESSURE PRESSURE AIR ARU.S, Patent AIR SEAL~ ourer _| GEROTOR BALANCING 7} AIR PRESSURE Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 44 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 C4 4 ROTATING f SHAFT ~| HOUSING bal Ee 295 290 | 294 ; OUTER INNER. GEAR 292 + | OUTER a GER SEAL GEAR PLATE 296 ry inner GEROTOR RIGID HIGH- SHAFT Low- PRESSURE PRESSURE AIR AIR FIG. 46U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 45 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 330 yy © | aw 1k 332 y 3354 320-N 4 | b}-334 342 [2k s ) Z 326 345 t a 346 \ 3364 S337 i Y j p44 | 1 c 1 340 | LS E ie 322U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 46 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 330 | > 350 a 351 7 | Ft SNS ay FIG. 49U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 47 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 360 mo | [ZS aeeeaeesaseeseeae FIG. 50U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 48 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 " @ | iU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 49 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 i ch ia 2 lee ta) S 370) 372.8 ASF 374 ~ R MI x Es AN MN JY ‘a ike = yt : 3 c 3764 t PROXIMITY SENSOR FIG. 52 300 300. FREE a“ RUNNING as 310 GEAR > 302 =) 308 304 306 ATTACHED ROTATING GEAR SHAFT FIG. 53A FIG, 53BU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 50 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 a 516 508- ROTATING SHAFT HOUSING 3k Y/Y Lee 2 2227 ZZ ZY 554 \ 45 SEAL YY INNER wn GEROTOR 4 /, éL oureR Ves GEROTOR SY, (eS {| ae BALANCING 07 , pressure 526 | 528 526 HIGH- Low- PRESSURE PRESSURE 514 536U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 51 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT X 516 ~ fl HOUSING 518 2M ou | (550 a 532 [pM 550 532 rH T 7524 oats 5 ak +” seaL~{ er | [552 7 ‘SEAL 524 YY PLATE a 556) LH PNA 554 Ct S= ; 7 : OUTER GEROTOR BALANCING bi AN 6M San PRESSURE \ 4M HIGH- Low- pressure — [Pt pat PRESSURE 5M FIG. 56 IU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 52 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 FIG. 57A FIG. 57B 8N 582 ON ") io 532 A? 594 580 { 592 588 588 —__—_— SS FIG, 59A 532 588 oN E iL 584 ACS pt 592 Z 8N 586~ 582 580 FIG. 59BU.S, Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 53 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING SHAFT \ » AN A \ | 7N HOUSING 2 ; * ‘8N 580 eke i. 580 sed 580-39 594+ : ba NS sos / 7 7 Z 582 SEALNI Lo ane / 524 /. GEROTOR / 630 YS |—4N éN § SY [outer YL , \ GEROTOR (iS ee BALANCING 6N PRESSURE HIGH: Low- PRESSURE PRESSURE 5N 534 FIG. 58U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 54 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 8N 586 adv ZR i 4) 882 598 X> LY, 600 600 MARY Es 582 FIG. 59C 8N Oi - 582 ees p g ee FIG. 59D FIG. 60AU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 55 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 604 ON ZA 602 ry 606 en FIG. 60B 580 \ 580 - FIG. 61A 604 ON : Z 602 Q )\8n FIG. 61B FIG. 624 r— 622 [8 620 620 626 624 634 Ili 622 630 “DP | 7] 9M G28=H_ | 622 FIG. 62B FIG. 62CU.S, Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 56 of 97 ROTATING SHAFT 10 \ HOUSING 580 70 se 0 80 592 ‘SEAL LS, Wy 646 INNER GEROTOR eet a8 J f/f 642 BALANCING | B0 6a | De PRESSURE HIGH- LOW- PRESSURE PRESSURE 5: 534 FIG. 63 US 7,726,959 B2 3a 592 628 ‘SEAL PLATE 40 OUTER GEROTORU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet $7 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 FIG. 654 *® FIG. 65BUS 7,726,959 B2 U.S, Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 58 of 97 | oo nun | T2468 : | 708A 732A ES] 718A [f 710A ee >) ) ) 7 }-7284 l J 744 oe oo 71624 = c N RA i 720A Y, \ P7168 \ Cy +{56C NS aa 17308 T \ 714A | roa non 734A WA | 718A d 726A 704A FIG. 66A 704A 714A 146 T12A FIG. 66B FIG. 66CU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 59 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 7228 | Me || 7248 - y 7028 7368 | 7188 710B | SI css Ly lean 716A c 7068 ] 7288 730B J +7168 7068 +7128 WA | a) SS, = | 7188 ID) 7148 | 7048 726BUS 7,726,959 B2 Sheet 60 of 97 Jun. 1, 2010 U.S, Patent F89 DIL — on avor ate | avi aah. e Lo asoz~ fx] / OPE / WN Vi ave gale KS Jager 1 iia 89 Dd oe mS Lava, 288 oo azu} f Oral Ne LX LA Ne Rs i _ azaz 7 ose aso. Nig lass \ ObLivye oF = agoz I aol n | J agi ‘ zoe avoz'azoz aetu/aso \ one Grigor, 002 eeeU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 61 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 772d iad 72D AD ve 7600 776 f 7700 764D 778 770d 768D as 7 \ 762D 766D 78 Q 7740 7720 7740 (B) (7180 74D 772d 782 774D FIG. 68CU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 62 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 700E 702E f 718E { PL | _—— JI— —_—J 728E *& 706E 7 TO0E A Zi A | 730E s— | —J | 716E a7 7 t PRE tS “ 704EU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 63 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 700% a5 806F 804F F 708 aoe 739-7 XQ 277368 — 808F 808F <— 810F ‘810F rain a 70C 470C T12F 706F 706F 716F = 714F 798F T94F FIG. 70AU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 64 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 sir. OYF 708F 08F 736F 818F oa a ror 740 70 FIG. 70B 764G LS veU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 65 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 7006 FIG. 71AU.S, Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 66 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 700H | 760H SAS ASS BSS |: a 7 = V4 VW a ie 7 st" ) Lo INGAIG = WS I ‘} =I ‘ = Ry roan 1 FIG. 72U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 67 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 700d FIG. 73U.S, Patent 700K Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 68 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 792K on 834K -718K =] = =I i i N bs _— YY _ 4 = | — =| I=) 706k 1 S a Le t He7 760K~| 16K J 836K 832K FIG. 74U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 69 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 790L 7001, \ , | 34t | Teal AGL {836 ( ___t 806L. $= 804L KK Af fg 760L—f LA Z ! YY < 720L N N ‘B08L \ ho ~ N736L pera | [= yn \BA 8401 N Y75C TN set t I> 706L eso. S44l wt 848 8321. 792L. FIG, 754U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 70 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 FIG. 75B 850L FIG. 76BU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 71 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 i\ | | | | / | 706M ~\ 702M | FIG. 76AU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 72 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 73 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 706P 848P ! FIG. 78AU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 74 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 FIG. 78B 706P 708/712 oe FIG. 78C I 708/712 | 808 864 FIG. 79A FIG. 79BUS 7,726,959 B2 Sheet 75 of 97 Jun. 1, 2010 U.S, Patent © x 3 TEXTS SS) WPS EVE Se ors Ys Bx Ui mA : ILS y 2 a <.) SK \ ZA yy 4 oN y MN sosSheet 76 of 97 Jun. 1, 2010 U.S, Patent US 7,726,959 B2 831A FIG.U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 77 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 78 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 870A 902A \ FIG. 84AU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 79 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 922A 870A 902A Ko14a 918A] 892A Lm OUTER GEROTOR aes AND DRIVE 2 : 9244 MECHANISM ean 872A 916A] ~ 892A 926A > OPTIONAL ~ POSITION = SENSOR 900A” CONTROLLER: 922A FIG. 84BU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 80 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 9028 8708, ‘ 9008 oe ‘ 9028 872B 8928 ee 8928 FIG. 85A 9028 = 8928 3 872B—| FIG. 85BUS 7,726,959 B2 Sheet 81 of 97 Jun. 1, 2010 U.S, Patent -904C yy a Ly . 904C 86 ENON i US " SY SITS a 8G FIG.U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 82 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 8700. FIG. 87A 9100 ‘cap FIG. 87BU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 83 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 0726 Fee 8388 FIG. 89D 932F 934F FIG. 894U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 84 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 870F | araF | ara kara { KX 982F 232F 934 WN ori our fg S SJ] Tv 936¢ [A | FIG. 89BU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 85 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 FIG. 90A Qo FIG. 90BU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 86 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 74 FIG. 90C OFFSET (S) PO OFFSET ) } ciL_c2 D. FIG. 914 R SS Pt FIG. 91BU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 87 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 TRACK CENTERLINE PEG RADIUS=6 OFFSET=1 a 6 4 2 0 2 4 6 8 FIG. 91C TRACK CENTERLINE PEG RADIUS=2 3} OFFSET=1 6 4 2 o 2&8 4 6 8 FIG. 91DU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 88 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 940, 950 clutch 954 300 PRESSURE [__TANK COMPRESSORY EXPANDER 972 wate = EXHAUST SPRAY 942 AMBIENT CLUTCH AIR OR, 958 INPUT GAS COMPRESSOR -—4 962 co fe | \o4s -— COUNTERCURRENT HEAT EXCHANGER, ia FUEL = 948 | TUBULAR COMBUSTOR EXPANDER Cj CLUTCH 968, 944 FIG. 92U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 89 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 ROTATING ‘SHAFT me S | 870K 992k 102K 996k rmmtnooeom TMT 7 oaox I\}-982k ‘SEAL PLATE Lghsoew ne GAS SEAL 7 q HIGH —__ INNER PRESSURE GEROTOR [ee ouTeR _+4 GEROTOR | 976K “SES | } 872K | ssa 986K | INNER reo HIGH SHAFT SENSOR PRESSURE Low | PRESSURE 4 990k om rio | 2 | X 994K 104K 998K FIG, 93U.S, Patent 870L Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 90 of 97 980L 982L | | 1-984. | | | oat BE - Tobe S78 A NTE goat NS 1 AS mI DS 988L 874. | 990L 986L FIG. 94 US 7,726,959 B2 976LU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 91 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 988M \ | 1015M f 1 1 ‘976M 1010M 872M 872M HIGH PRESSURE GAS 1018M t 986M orem wi s74m 872M ‘ sovam—p yf LS 1020 1014M Psion 1012M—~ LOW PRESSURE GAS toi FIG. 95C FIG. 95BU.S, Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 92 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 460 469 1 ced 461 476s Eh fea wy A bd 462 470 464 bI-456 ar y. | WAN = = “| | A K [466 A Fu 7 an H S Dare = Y i] 468 ne i fe / 456 Hi x U ae iu S J & IS T Z 7 474 45 6r wel ak PROXIMITY, 454 2 SENSOR FIG. 96U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 93 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 — es A 2r qt ) 468 | WAN HSS ta 18 n NY ny 466 Ai iz 478 Et - y 8 PROXIMITY SENSOR FIG. 97U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 94 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 464 | ies ( 480 kz i po : 3,6 PROXIMITY FIG. 98 SENSORU.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 95 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 " € | Fh fh EC * Wy ar SAS : ] Rep LJ - 1 = G a 7 ae Ys = H f eZ Dp & a, iS — 482 I PROXIMITY FLEXIBLE SENSOR RING FIG. 99U.S. Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 96 of 97 US 7,726,959 B2 i) tr | fh | &h & Dy : | 2 . S N R qf DS Jol bel 1 & 7 ood 434 I PROXIMITY FLEXIBLE DISK SENSOR FIG. 100US 7,726,959 B2 U.S, Patent Jun. 1, 2010 Sheet 97 of 97 460 1 Ho \ a6 A | 490 parr [ae 493-462 491 L 2 COLLAR Pass : z c f Et i ul 1 Ni = tee ‘| va F,& LSS & i J | AB8" 486 ~ 450 | CCST rotarion VOT SENSOR PIN FIG. 101US 7,726,959 B2 1 GEROTOR APPARATUS FORA. QUASI-ISOTHERMAL BRAYTON CYCLE ENGINE, RELATED APPLICATIONS, ‘This application isa continuation of US. application Ser. No. 10/359,487, filed Feb. 5, 2003, and entitled "GEROTOR APPARATUS FOR A QUASLISOTHERMAL BRAYTON ‘CYCLE ENGINE"; now U.S. Pat. No. 7,186,101-U.S.appli- ‘ation Ser. No, 10/3$9,487, filed Feb. 5, 2003, and entitled SEROTOR APPARATUS FOR A QUASL-ISOTHERMAL BRAYTON CYCLE ENGINE", is continvation-in-part of US. application Ser. No. 10346 024, ied Jan 17,2008, and ‘eniled “QUAST-ISOTHERMAL "BRAYTON CYCLE. ENGINE," now U.S. Pat, No.6,886,326, which isa divisional ‘ofU.S. application Set. No, 09/930,246, filed Aug. 16,2001, tnd entitled "QUASI-ISOTHERMAL BRAYTON CYCLE ENGINE," now U.S, Pat, No.6,530,211, whichis divisional ‘of US. application Ser. No. 09/363818, ied Jul. 30, 1999, ‘entitled "QUASI-ISOTHERMAL BRAYTON CYCLE, ENGINE," now US. Pat. No. 6,336,317, which claims prior- ity from U.S. Provisional Application Ser, No, 60/094,920, ‘entitled “Brayton Cycle Engine fled on Jul. 31, 1998, ‘This application also claims benefit under 38 U.S.C. $119) (6) of US. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/385,636, ailled “QUASLISOTHERMAL BRAYTON CYCLE ENGINE filed Feb. 5, 2002, and US. Provisional Applic tion Ser. No, 60/358,681, ended “QUAST-ISOTHERMAL BRAYTON CYCLE ENGINE: filed Feb. 21, 2002, and US. Provisional Applicaton Ser. No, 60/397,193, cattled “QUASHISOTHERMAL BRAYTON CYCLE. ENGINE,” sed Jul. 18, 2002, TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a gerotoe apparatus that Junctions a compressor or expander. The gerotor apparatis may be applied generally to Brayton eyele engines and, more particularly, to quasi-isothermal Brayton cycle engine. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION For mobile applications, such as an automobile or tuck, it js generally desirable to use a heat engine that has the follo- ing characteristics: internal combustion to reduce the ned for heat exchangers; complete expansion for improved effi ‘ieaey; isothermal compression and expansion; high power ‘density high-temperature expansion forhigh efficieney abil+ ity efficiently “throtle"the engine for part-load conditions: high tun-down ratio (Le, the ability o operate at widely ranging spoods and torgues); low poltution; uses standard ‘components with whieh the automotive industry i familiar srultfvel capability; and regenerative braking. ‘Thereare currently several types of heat engines, each with its own characteristics and eycles, These heat engines include the Onto Cycle engine, the Diesel Cyele engin, the Rankine (Cycle engine, the Stirling Cyele engine, the Erickson Cycle ‘engine, the Camot Cyele engine, and the Brayton Cycle ‘engine brief description of each engine is provided below: Te Otto Cyele engine isan inexpensive, internal combs tion, low-compression engine with a fairly low eficiency. This engine is widely used to power automobiles. ‘The Diesel Cycle engine is a moderately expensive nter- ral combustion, high-compression engine with a high ef ‘ciency that is Widely used to power trucks and trains 0 o 2 The Rankine Cycle engine is an external combustion ‘engine thats generally used in electric power plans, Water is the most common working Mud, The Erickson Cycle engine uses jothermal compression ‘and expansion with constant-pressure heat transfer Itmay be implemented as either an extemal or internal combustion eyele. In practice, a perfect Erickson eyele is difficult to achieve because iothemnal expansion and compression are not readily atained in large, industrial equipment, ‘The Camot Cycle engine uses isothermal compression and expansion and adiabatic compression and expansion. The Carmot Cycle may be implemented as ether an exteral oF internal combustion eyele. It features low power density ‘mechanical complexity, and diffcult-t-achieve constant ‘temperature compressor and expander. “The Stirling Cyele engine uses isothermal compression ‘nd expansion with constan-volume heat transfer. Itsalmost always implemented as an external combustioneycle. thas a higher power density than the Camot eyele, but iis dificalt to perform the heat exchange. and iti difficult to achieve ‘constani-temperature compression and expansion, ‘The Stiling, Frckson, and Carmot eyeles areas efficient as ature allows because heat is delivered ata uniformly high temperature, Thay diting the isothermal expansion, and rejected at 8 uniformly low temperature, Ta during the isothermal compression. The maximum eficieneY, Tas OF these threw eycles i To This efficiency is attainable only if the engine is “reversible, ‘meaning thatthe engine is frictionless and that there are no temperature or pressure gradieals. In practice, real engines hve “ireversibilites.” or losses, associated with fietion and temperatire/pressre gradients ‘The Brayton Cyele engine isan internal eombustionengine that is generally implemented with turbines and is generally lsd Io power sirerafl and some electric power plants. The [Brayton cycle features very high power density, normally «doesnot use heat exchanger, and has alse ficiency than the other eyeles. When a regenerator is aed to the Brayton eyele, however, the yee efficiency increases. Traditionally, the Brayton eycle is implemented using axit-flow, m stage compressors and expanders. These devices are gener- ally suitable for aviation in which aircraft operate at furly constant speeds: they are yenerally not suitable for most ‘eunspertation applications, such as automobiles, buses, tmucks, and trains, thot must operate over widely varying speeds The Ottoeyele the Diesel cycle, the Brayton eyele, andthe Rankine cycle all have efficiencies less than the maximum bocase they do ot use isothermal compression and expan- sion steps. Further, the Otto and Diesel cycle engines lose cficieney because they do ot completely expand high-pres sure gases, and simply throtle the waste gases to the amo sper. Reducing the size and complexity, as well asthe cos, of Brayton eyele engines is important. In addition, improving the elfcieney of Hayton cycle engines andor their compo ‘ents is important, Manufacturers of Brayton eyele enginesUS 7,726,959 B2 3 ‘are continually searching for better and more economical ‘ways of producing Brayton eycle engines, SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According 19 one embodiment ofthe invention, a erator apparatus includes housing, an outer gerotor disposed ‘within he housing, an inner gerotor disposed within theowter erotor, anda valve plate rigidly coupled to the housing that has a frst surfiee positioned adjacent an end of the outer erotor This gerotor apparatus may include many diferent ‘eatures depending on its application and use. For example, the valve plate may include an inlet port an exhaust port, and ‘compression control element slidably engaged with either the inlet port or exhaust porte control a compression ratio oF the gerotor appara As another example, the gerotor apparatus may include a proximity Sensor coupled to the valve plate to sense a gup between an end of the outer zerotor and the surface of the valve plate and means fr adjusting the gap between the end ‘ofthe otter gerotor andthe valve plate. The erotor apparatus may also include a sealing ring disposed atound a perimeter ‘of the frst surface ofthe valve plate and an actuation system ‘operable to contro yap between te sealing ring and theend, ‘of the outer gerotorto control leakage of gas into a lubricant, As another example, the gerotor spparatus may include 3 seal plate having a circular hole fonmed therein rigidly ‘coupled to the onter gerotor a seal plug disposed within the circular hole ofthe seal plate, wherein the seal plug has 3 cular hole Formed therein, and a frst bearing disposed Within the circular hole of the seal plug. The fist bearing supports the outer geroor. As another example, the gerofor apparatus may include 3 tearing system operable to drive the outer and ingee gerotors that is eithor extemal of intemal, In one embostiment, 2 geae housing is disposed witha the ianer gerotor and houses at least one gear operable to synchronize a rotation othe outer gerotor Wilh a rotation oF Uke inner gerotor According 1 one embodiment ofthe invention, a gerotor apparatus includes an outer gerotor having an outer gerotor ‘chamber, an inner gerotor, at least @ portion of which is ‘ening may apply to any ofthe embodiments of the gerotor apparatuses described inthis detailed deserption. IG. 11 illstrates another embodiment of yerotor appara ‘us 1b in which the offset support plate 6S is non-existent. ln thisembodiment, the end ofinner sha 60 that was previously supported by offset support plate 68 is now supported by bearings 74 and 76 of seal plug 73. In one embodiment, bearing 63 is substantially inthe same plane as bearings 74 and 76, provide support to outer gerotor 4 FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of gerotor appara tus 1b, This embodiment is substatially similar to the ‘embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1; however, in the embod ment illustrated in FIG. 12 outer perotor 46 isnot rotatably ‘coupled to the housing via bearings 69 and 70, Instead, outer gerotor 4h is supported by bearings 74 and 76 of seal plug 73. Tnaddition, ther is no sippor for outer gertor 4b a the top ‘of housing 26. Therefor, seal pug 73 includes additional bearings #1 and 82. This embodiment requires that both seal plate 72. and seal plug 73 be thicker than the previous embodi- 0 o 10 illustrated ia FIGS, 10 and 11, To provide adlitions stability for outer gerotor 4b, inner shal 60 is coupled to seal plug 78 vie an antiseotation mount 83, Ant-rtation mount 88 ‘may any suitable configuration in order to cary ot its fune- ‘sion of coupling inner shaft 60 10 seal plug 73, FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of gerotor appara ts 1b. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13 i substantially similar tothe embostiment ilstrated in FIG. 12; however the embodiment ilustated in FIG. 13 does away with seal plug bearings 81 and 82 and instead uses a large diameter hearing 84 disposed around an outer perimeter of the end of outer erator 4, FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of gerotor appara ts 16, The embodiment lustrated in FIG. 14 is substantially similar tothe embodiment illstated in FIG. 12; however, nat BY does not exist a the embodiment of FIG. 14 Instead, a reference whee! 85 prevents rotation of seal plug 73. Reference wheel 8S is rotatably mounted to housing 2 witha bearing 86.An outer periphery of reference wheel 8S engages rotating shaft 71 that is coupled to outer gerotor 4b. Making the diameter of reference wheel 8 lange relative othe shaft diameter slows the rotation rate of refer fence wheel 88, thereby extending its ie PIG. 15 illustrates snother embodiment of gerotor appara tus 1. In this embodiment, ianer shat 60 i rigidly conpled 10 both ends of housing 26 by using an offset support plate 68 similarto the one used in the embodiment of FIG. 10. Accord- ingly, rotating shaft 71 isolF-center and in onder o rote outer gerotor 4b rotating shaft 71 includes a drive gear 88 that feonples toa driven gear 89 that couples to outer gerotor 4B, Rotating shalt 71s rotatably coupled to hosing 25 via bear ing 90 and 91 PIGS, 16 through 20 illustrate various embodiments of 3 erotor apparatus 1c. As ilisiated in FIG. 16, perotor apps ‘tus Te includes a housing 2c, an outer perotor de disposed ‘within housing 2c, and an inner gerotor 6c disposed within ‘ter gerotor de. Gerotarapparatis Te also inclades a hollows shaft 94 igily coupled to housing 2c, and an inner shaft 9S sposed within holla shaft 94 and rotatably couplet to each end of housing 2 by a pair bearings 96 and 110, Inner geeotor 6 is rigidly couple to inner shaft 95 and an inner gear 97 is also coupled to inner shaft 95. Inner gear 97 meshes with an ‘er gear 98 that irigidly coupled t outer geroor dc, Outer erotor 4c is otatably coupled to hollow shaft 94 viaa prof bearings 99 and 100, Similarto erotor apparatus 1DaT FIGS. 10 through 15, outer gerovor deals incndes seal plate 101 coupled thereto and a sel pg, 102 disposed ina hole in seal plate 101 by bearings 103 and 104 In general, in this embodiment, inner shaft 98 rotates. ‘whieh rotates inner gerotor 6c in addition to inper gear 97, Which rotates outer gear 98 and ouler gerotr 4. Gerotor apparatus Le may also have a pressurized air source 108 ‘olpledtioa perimeterofhousing 2ethat isoperable wo deliver pressurized sir through @ port 106 and into housing 2e t0 supply a force to atleast a potion of an outside perimeter of ‘er gerotord. Gerotor apparatus may also havea proximity sensor 107 that functions ina similar manner as proximity sensor 80 of gerotor apparatus 1,38 described above. FIG. 17 illustrates smother embodiment of erator appara tus Ie. This embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment illistated in FIG. 16; however, in the embod ‘ment illastrated in FIG. 17 seal plug 102 and corresponding bearing 103 an 104 do not exist In this case, sealing is complished simply by maintaining a small gap between finer gerotor 6 ad seal plate 101 FIG. IB illustrates another embodiment of gerotor appara tus Ac. This embodiment is substatially similar to theUS 7,726,959 B2 un ubodiment illustrated in FIG. 17; however, in the embod ‘ment illustrated in PIG. 18 seal plate 101 is coupled to inner erotor6¢ instead of outer gerotor 4c, In this ease sealing is fsocomplished simply by msintaining a small gap between ‘outer gerotor dean sal pate 101, FIG. 19 illustrates another embostiment of gerotor appara tus Ie. This embodiment is substantially similar to the ‘embovdiment illustrated in FIG. 16; however in the embod ‘ment illustrated ia FIG. 19 embodiment, hollow shaft 94 is ‘coupled to housing 2c with anti-rotation pin 108 instead of being rigidly coupled to housing 2c as in FIG. 16. Aati rotation pin 108 Tacilitates a “floating” arrangement for hol- low shall 94, la other words, housing 94 has a small amount ‘ofmovement in both the axial and oda directions; however, hollow shaft 94s prevented from rotating by anti-rotation pin 108 hat its within an aperture 109 in housing 2c. Thisallows hollow shaft 94 1 be referenced o inner shal 94 rather than housing 2c, which reduces the precision requitements of housing 2c FIG, 20 illustrates another embostiment of gerotor appara tus of Le. This embodiment is substantially similar t0 the ‘embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19; however, in the embod ‘ment illustrated in FIG. 20 gerotor apperatis To is 8 more ‘compet design in which hollow shall 948 much shorter tha inpreviousembodiments. And hollow shaft 94salo coupled to seal plug 102 vina connector 111. Because connector 111 ‘couples hollow sia 94 and seal plig 102, plog bearings 103, ‘and 104 are “hard mouated” in this embodiment in order to support outer gerotor 4, thereby seibtating the shortening oF the length of gerotor apparatus e FIGS. 24 through 24 illustrate various embodiments of 3 erotor apparatus Id. Referring to FIG. 21, gerotr apparatus includes a housing 2d, an outer perotor Ad disposed within housing 2d, and an inner gerotor 6d disposed within outer gerotor 4. Gerotorapparatts Ldalso includes gear housing TIS disposed within inner gerotor 6d. Gear housing 11S houses an idler gear 116 that is operable to synchronize & rotation of outer geroor 4d witha rotation of inner peotor 6d, 8 described below, Outer gerotor Adis rigidly coupled tan upper shalt 17, hich is rotatably coupled to housing 2dandinner gerotor ‘srigidly coupled wo aloweeshatt 118 that isrotatably coupled to housing 24. Upper shalt 117 has a gear 119 coupled ata ‘end thereof that is disposed within gear housing 118 and lower shaft 118 includes a gear 120 that is also disposed ‘within gear housing 115. Both gear 119 and gear 120 are coupled oder gear 16. Therefore, a rotation of upper sha ITs denoted by avs 121 rotates gear 119, which rotates idler gear 116, which rotates gear 120, which rotates lower shaft 118, which rotates inner gerotor 6d. The rotation of Upper shait 117 also rotates outer gerotor 4d. Idler gear 116 may be coupled to gear housing 118 in any stable manner, suchas by bearings. The gear rato between gears 119 and 120 js suitably selected to give the proper relative rotation between inner gerator 6d and outer emtor 4d. Anadvantage ‘of having gear housing 115 disposed within inner gerotor 60 's compactness, Similar to previous perotor apparatuses described above, gerotor apparatus Id may also include a pressurized 3 Source 122 coupled to a port 123 formed in a perimeter of housing 24, Pressurized air source 122 is operable to deliver pressurizod aie hrongh port 123 and into housing to supply & force to a last a portion ofan outside perimeter of otter perotor 4d. Inaddition, gerotor apparatus Ld may also include f proximity sensor 124 that Factions inthe same manner as previous proximity sensors as described above. 0 o 12 FIG, 22 illustrates smother embodiment of geroter appara ‘uso I Inthis embodiment, upper shaft 117 and lowersbalt 118 are rigidly coupled to housing 2d instead of rotatably coupled as in F1G. 21. In addition, upper shaft 117 and lower shall 118 are both rigidly coupled to gear housing 118. la ‘rer to rotate both otter gerator Ad and inner gerotor 6d, an ‘upper hollow shaft 125 rotatably coupled to uppershaft 117 and rigidly coupled fo outer gerotor dd, while a lower hollow shaft 126 i rotatably couples to lower shaft 118 andl rigidly coupled to inner gerotor 6. Inorder to drive outer geotor sppec hollow shaft 125 includes driven gear 127 that meshes witha drive gear 128 that is coupled to a rotating shalt 129. Rotating shall 129 rotatably eouples to housing 2 with bea. ings 130 and 131, Accordingly, the rotation of rotating shaft 129 as denoted by arrow 132 rotates deve gear 128, which lates driven gear 127, which rotates upperhollow shaft 125, whieh rotates outer gerotor 44. In addition, the rotation of upper hollow shaft 128 rotates a pear 133 disposed within sear housing 115 which rotates an idler gear 134 that is rotatably coupled fo gear housing 118, which rotates a gear 135 hats igily coupled to lower housing shit 126, thereby lating inner gerotor 6d. An advantage ofthe embodiment ithistated in FIG. 22 is that housing 2d does nat have to be made ina precise manner. The centers of rotation are estab- lished though the precision of shafts, whichis rolatvely easy to achieve FIG. 23 illustrates another embodiment of gerotor appara tos of 1d. The embodiment ilstratd in FIG. 23 is substan- ‘ally similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24; how lever, in the embodiment in FIG. 28, neither upper shalt 117 nor lower shaft 118 have pears at their ends, Instead, ier gear 116 couples a gear 136 that i coupled to a seal plate 137 of | ‘outer yeotor 4d and gear 138 that couples inner gerotor $64, Idler gear 116 is rotatably coupled to gear bowing 118 in similar manner and may be any suitable idler pear, Because there are two different centers of rotation on gear housing 115, gear housing 115 cannot rotate and i held stationary. FIG. 24 illustrates another embodiment of gerotor appara ts 1d, Theembodiment llostrated in FIG. 24 ssimilar to the embodiment ilustated in FIG. 23; however, inthe embed ‘ca i FIG, 24 both upper shalt 117 and lower shaft 118 are rigidly coupled to housing 2d instead of being rotatably ‘eoupled I this ease, inner geroor 6 is rotatably coupled to lower shalt 118 via bearings 139 and 140 and outer gerotor isotatably coupled to upper shaft 117 witha hollow shat 141 and pair of bearings 142 and 143. In addition, hollow shaft 141 has driven gear 144 rigidly coupled thereto that meshes witha dive gear 145 that couples to rotating shaft 146, which is rotatably coupled with housing 2d with a prof bearings 147 and 148, Thus, arotationof rotating shalt 146 (as denoted by reference number 149) otaesdrive wear 148, which drives riven gear 144, which rotates both hollow shaft 141 and ‘outer geroor 4, which rotates outer gear 136, which rotates {ler gear 116, which rotates inner gear 138, which then ‘lates inner gerotor 6d. An advantage ofthis embodiment is that housing 24 doesnot have to be miade ina precise manner. The centers of rotation are established through the preision cof the shafts, which is relatively easy to achieve. FIG. 25 illustrates an embodiment of a gerotor apparatus te, Geroior Le includes # housing 2e, an outer gerotor 4e isposed within housing 2e and an inner geotor 6e disposed within outer gerotor de, Gerotor apparatus Le also includes ‘upper shaft 150 that s rotatably coupled to housing 2e and an inner shaft 181 rotatably coupled to housing 2e. Shaft 180 is rigidly coupled to outer gerotor 4e and inner shaft 151 is siuidly coupled to inner perotor 6.US 7,726,959 B2 13 ofboth outer gerotor de and inner gerotor Beis fed by an extemal gearing system 152 that includes 3 rotating shalt 183 having 2 frst pear 184 and a second gear 185, First gear 184 meshes with and drives an upper gear 186 ‘and second gear 188 meshes with and drives lower gear 157, Uppergear 156 igi eouples ta uppersaft 150 while lower gear 187 rigidly couples to inner shaft 151, thereby providing the roation of outer gerotor de andl inner gerotor6e, respec- tively. Hence, rotation of shaft 153 as denoted by reference smeral 158 rotates both fist and socond gears 134 and 15S. ‘These roiations facilitate the rotation of upper gear 186 and lower gear 157, respectively which rotates both outer gerotor -4eand inner gerotor 6e, respectively, Asin previous gerotor ‘apparatuses, gerotoeapparats Le may also include a presi ‘zed air source 159 coupled to a port 160 formed in a perin= ‘eter of housing 2e. Pressurized air source 189 is operable (0 ‘deliver pressurized air through port 160 and into housing 2. Inaddition, gerotor apparatus te may also inclode a proxia= ity sensor 161 that functions in the same manner as previous proximity sensors described above. Alternatively, the input Power could be delivered though shafts 150 or 181 FIGS. 26 through 28 illustrate various embodiments of _gerotor apparatus If Relering to FIG. 26, rotor apparatus ‘includes a housing 2f an outer geroor 4 disposed within housing 2f and an inner gerotor 6f disposed within outer erotor 4 In addition, gerotor Lfineludes a hollow shaft 168 rigidly coupled to housing 2-and.n inner shaft 166 disposed within hollow shafi 168 and rotatably coupled to hollow shaft 165 with a boaring 167 and a bearing 168. Inner gerotor 6fis, inchides @ seal plate 169 coupled thereto and an inner gear 170 that meshes with anouter pear 171 thats idly coupled to outer gerotor 4f Thus, rotation of inner shalt 166 as ‘denoted by arrow 172 rotates inner perotor 6f which in turn rotates outer gerotor though the meshing of inner gear 170 ‘and outer pear 171. ‘Also ilosrates in FIG. 26 is an oil samp 173 coupled to housing 2/ Oil or other suitable Inbecant enters through & por 174 inhousing 2fto lubricate the bearings within bousing 2f, Due to centrifugal fore, the oil eollets in oil sump 173 and exits an outlet port 175 formed in the perimeter of oil sump 173 and may be reeyeled to the bearings through @ pump (aot explicitly shown) As in previous gerotor apparatuses, gerotor apparatus 1f may also include a pressurized air source 176 coupled to @ port 177 formed ina perimeter of housing 2f Pressurized ait Source 176 is operable to deliver pressurized aie through port 177 and into housing 2/0 supply a foree oat least portion ‘ofan outside perimeter of outer perotor 4: In addition, per tor apparatus 1f may include a proximity sensor 178 that Junetions inthe same manner as previous proximity sensors described sbove. A gap between an outer gerotor 4f and housing 2/may be adjusted using at least one serew 179 that js coupled to housing 2A similar approach may be taken to adjust a gap between inner gerotor 6f and housing 2 “According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 26, bear- ngs 168 and 181 are in a circumferential plane tha 8 sub- Stantially the same asa ciecumterential plane passing through the axial centers of both inner gerotor 6fand outer gerotor $f This eliminates moments that could set on rigid shatt 168, Jer shalt 166, and/or housing 2/to prevent their flexure ‘This facilitates tight tolerances to be maintained between inner gerotor 6f and outer gerotor 4f Bearings 167 and 180 ‘experience relatively negligible loads and basically provide ‘alignment for inner geroior 6f and outer erator 4, IG. 27 illustrates another embodiment of geroto appara tus 1/ The embodiment lustatedin FIG. 27 is essentially the lly coupled to an end of inner shaft 166. Toner geroor 6F 30 0 o 14 samme as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 26; however, the embodiment in FIG, 27 bearings 168 and 181 are no Jonger in the same circumferential plane asthe axial centers of inner gerotor 6f and outer gerotor 4f. Instead they exist above inner gerotor 6f Although an advantage of having bearings 168 and ISI in this location i that they do. not experience temperatures based on the gas being compressed fr expanded by gerotor apparatus 1/, addtional moments acting on bearings 168 and 181 may cause hollow shaft 165, ‘sling shaft 166, andor housing 2/te ex, which may open ‘pa gap between inner yerotor 6fand outer werotor 4 FIG. 28 illustrates an additional embodiment of gerotor ‘appari 1 The embodiment illustrate in FIG, 28 is exsen- tially a hybrid ofthe embodiments illstated in FIGS, 26and 27 in thal bearing 168 exists ina cireumsfereatal plane thats substantially the same a a circumferential plane passing ‘through the axial centers of both inner gerotor6f and outer erotor 4, but bearing 181 exists ata location above inner erotor 6f One advantaye ofthis design is that it may be ‘implemented with a small inner gerotor 6¢ FIGS. 29 though 33 illustrate various embodiments of gerotor apparatus Lg, Gerotor apparatus Ig includes a hous- ing 2g, an outer gerotor 4g disposed within housing 2, andan inner gerotor 6g disposed within ouler gemotor 4g, Gerolor Apparat 4g also inchadess hollow shaft 190 rigidly coupled tw housing 2fand an inne shaft 192 disposed within hollows shaft 190 and rotatably couples thereto bya first bearing 193 and a second bearing 194. Inner gerotor 6g is rotatably oupled 10 hollow shaft 190 via bearing 198 and a bearing 196, Ianer geroror 6 has a seal plate 197 attached thereto ‘long with an inner gear 198. ner gear 198 meshes with an ‘outer gear 199 that rigidly couples outergerotor 4, Similar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 26 through 28, goro- tor apparatas Le also includes an oil sump 200 that fmetions to collect oil or other suitable lubricant circulated through erotor apparatus 1g so that st may be recirculated and edad Generally, an inner shaft 192 is rotated as noted by arrow 201, which rotates outer gerotor 4g, which rotates outer wear 199, which rotates inner gear 198, which rotates inner gerotor 46, According to an aspeet ofthis embodiment, baring 193 ‘and 195 and bearings 194 and 196 are substantially equi ‘ant from a circumferential plane passing through the axial centers of outer gerotor 4g and inner perotor 6g. This elimi- ‘ales moments that may act on hollow shaft 199, nner shaft 192, and/or housing 2g o preven thei flexure, which allows ‘ight tolerances to be maintained between outer gerotor4e and inner gerotor 6g. Because of the symmetry, each set of bearings takes approximately haf the load. Gerotor apparatus 1g may also include an air source 202, ‘oupledioa perimeterorhousing 2g via port 208. Airsource 202 isoperable to deliver si orother stable gas into housing 2g on the outside of outer erotor 4g 0 control the temper tre of outer aerotor 4g. The controlling ofthe temperature ot cuter gerotordg determines the gap between outer perotor 4g and housing 2¢Anair outlet 204 allows air within housing 2e to exit housing 2g. A proximity sensor 208 may proside eodback oa suitable controller to set the desired ar flow ate of air source 202, FIG, 30 illustrates another embodiment of geroter appara ts Ig. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 30s substantially similar othe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 29; however, in the embodiment in FIG. 30 instead of seal plate 197 being coupled to inner gerotor 6g, sal plate 197 is coupled to outer erator 4g. The advantage of this embodiment is that i more effectively isolates ol fom the gas being compressedUS 7,726,959 B2 15, FIG, 31 illustrates another embodiment of gerotor appara ‘us 1g, The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 31 is substantially similar tothe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 29; however, ia the embodiment in FIG. 31, the outer diameter of shaft 190 is minimized to reduce the outer beuting diameter (aamely, bearings 198 and 196) and thereby reduce povver loss. One way of accomplishing this, a ilustraed in FIG. 31, js «0 provide a circumferential recess 206 on hollow shaft 190. la dition, bearings 193 and 194 may also be positioned in recesses inthe end of hollow shaft 190, FIG. 32 illustrates another embodiment of gerotor appara tus Ig. The embodiment is substantially similar to the ‘emboviiment illustrated in FIG. 1; however in the embod ment in FIG. 32, instead of seal plate 197 being eoupled 10 erotor apparatus 6g, the seal plate 197 is outer gerotor 4g FIG. 33 illustrates another embodiment of gerotor appara tus Ig. This embodiment is substantially similar to the ‘embovdiment illustrated in FIG. 32; however in the embod ment in FIG, 33, bearing 193 and 194 are positioned in 2 recess that is formed on the inside of hollow shat 190, ‘addition, bearing 196 is even smaller than the previous ‘embodiments, which helps to reduce power los. FIGS. 34 through 42 illustrate various embodiments of 3 geroor apparatus Lh. Gerolor apparatus Ui includes « hows Jing 2h, an outer gorotor 4 disposed within housing 2, ane an inner gerotor 6h disposed within outer gerotor 4h. Gerotor appari 4h also includes a lower shat 210 rigidly coupled to housing 24 and an upper shaft 212 rotatably coupled 10 housing 2h witha bearing 213, Gerotor apparatus Ur may also include shal 214 rotatably coupled to shalt 210 via a bear- ing 215. Upper shaft 212 nd shaft 214 may be separate shafts ‘coupled 10 outer gerotor 4h or may be intearal with one nother, thereby comprising one shaf. Inner gerotor 6h is rotatably coupled to lower shalt 210 via bearings 216and 217 Inner gerotor 6h: has a seal plate 218 coupled thereto and an nner wear 219 coupled thereto. Inner geat 219 couples to an ‘outer gear 220 that is rigidly coupled to outer gerotor 4h, Similar to previous embodiments deseribed above in eon- junction with FIGS. 26 through 33, gerotor apparatus 1h also Includes an ol sump 221 that funetons in similar manner. Similar o the embodiments described above in conjunc tion with FIGS. 29 through 33, geotor apparatus Ui may also Includeanair source 223 coupled toa perimeterof housing 2h viaaport 224. Airsource 228 is operable to deliver cooled into housing 2h and eirculated around the outside of outer _gerotor 4h in order to contol the tenaperatue of enter erator ‘4h. The cooled air enters housing 2h through port 224 and. ‘exits port 225, \ proximity sensor 226 may also be coupled tw housing 2hand function ina similar manner tothe embodi- ments described above ia conjunction wth PIGS, 29 though 33. In general operation, whon upper shaft 212 is rotated as ‘denoted by arww 226, then outer gerotor 4 rotates, which rotates outer gear 220, which rotates inner tear 219, which rotates inner gerotor 6h. An advantage of the embodiment Mhstated in FIG. 34s that beaeing 215, being supported by lower shaft 240, reduces the eaailevering effect of outer geroior FIG. 35 illustrates another embodiment of gerotor appara tus 1h, This embodiment is substantially similar to the ‘embodiment illustrated in PIG. 34; however, in the embod ment in FIG. 38, shaft 214 is hallow instead of being solid. ‘The holloseed portion of shaft 214 allows an upper hollow shaft 22710 be disposed therein and unper hollow shaft 227 is rigidly coupled to housing 2h. Accordingly, shaft 212 i thea rotatably coupled to upper hollow shaft 227. One advantage 0 o 16 ‘ofthis embodiment i the loads on bearing 218 are reduced becatse the loads are taken by the bearings mounted in upper hollow shaft 227 FIG. 36 illustrates an adltional embodiment of gerotor apparatus th. Thisembodiment i substantially simiae to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 38: however, in the embodi- ‘meat in FIG. 36, shaft 212 js not rotatably coupled to lower shaft 210, As result, in this embodiment, the precision of serotor apparatus Ii is designed into housing 25. PIG. 37 ilustates an additional embodiment of gerotor ‘apparatus 1h In this embodiment, ewwer shaft 210 extends Tirther than in previous embodiments so tht a hollow shaft 228 may rotatably couple to lower shaft 210 va bearings 229 ‘and 230. In addition, bearing 213 that Functions to couple ‘upper shaft 212 to housing 2h is removed inthis embodiment. In this embodiment, the majority of the precision is built into housing 2 and lower shaft 210. IG. 38 illustrates an addtional embodiment of gerotor apparatus 1 In this embodiment, bearing 213 exists spain t0 ‘atably couple upper shafl 212 to housing 2h. Rigid shaft 210, instead of rigidly coupling othe bottom of housing 2, pivorlly couples tothe bottom of housing 2h with a pivot 22. Inthis embodiment, the precision inner gerotr and ‘outer gerotor 4h is essentially used on lower shaft 210. An ‘nt-rotation pin 233 loosely couples tothe bottom of housing Dito prevent lawer shalt 210 from rotating during operation FIG. 39 illustrates an additional embodiment of gerotor apparatus 1, The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 39 js sub- Santially similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 38; however, in the embodiment in FIG, 39, instead of pivot 232 fd anti-roation pin 233, lower shafé 210 couples to the bottom of housing 2h with abbermount 238, Rubber mount 25 faetions ina similar manner to the combination of pivot 232 and antisotation pin 238 in FIG. 38 PIG, 40 illustrates an addtional embodiment of gerotor apparatus 1, The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 40 is sub- Santially similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 37; however, inthe embodiment in FIG. 40 bearing 213 is uilized to rotatably couple upper shaft 212 tothe tp of housing 2h This embodiment requires the precision to be designed into browsing 2h FIG. 41 illustrates an additional embodiment of gerotor pparites 1h, The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 41 is sub- sanially similar © the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 34; however inthe embodient in FIG. 41 bearing 215 rotatably cenples to an outside surface of lower shaft 210 instead of coupling to a recessed portion of lower shaft 210, as in the ‘embodiment ilustrated ia FIG, 34 PIG. 42 illustrates another embodiment of gerotor appara tus 1h. In this embodiment, lower shalt 210 is no longer cantilevered and couples to both the tp snd bottom of ows ‘ng 2 This facilitates having a deve stem 237 comprising ‘upper suf 212 rotatably coupled to housing 24 with bearings 28nd 239, anda drive gear 240 meshing with adriven gear 241 that egidly couples to a hollow shaft 242 that rotatahly ‘ouples to shaft 210. The acivantage ofthis embodiment is that shaft 240 is strongly supported at each end, which reduces flexing thus maintaining precision, FIGS. 43 through 46 illustrate various embodiments of gerotor apparatus 1. Gerotor apparatus Ij includes a housing 2), an outer perotor 4 disposed within housing 2, and an ‘nner gerotor 6) disposed within outer gerotor 4). Gerotor apparats 1), a8 shown in FIGS. 43 through 46, have a “pan- cake” goomelry that reduces cantilevered effects, as described further below. Referring o FIG. 43, perotor appa ‘tus I includes a lower shaft 280 rigidly coupled to the bottom of housing 2j. Gerotor apparatus Ij also ineludes anUS 7,726,959 B2 17 Upper shaft 252 rotatably coupled to an upper portion of hosing 2/by epairol bearings 253 snd 254. Upper shalt 252 ‘couples to outer gerotor 4, which includes a seal plate 285 and an otter gear 256, Outer geat 286 meshes with an inner ear 258 that couples to inner geroior 6), Inner gerotor 6) Figidly couples to lower shaft 250 with bearings 259 and 260 Generally, when rotating shaft 252 rotates, as denoted by arrow 261, outer gerotor 4 rotates, which rotates outer ge 256, which rotates inner gear 258, which rotates inner gerotor 6. In one embodiment, bearings 289 and 260 are located ‘equidistant from an axial center of inner gerotor 6 s0 tat ‘each of the beatings takes approximately half of the load, earings 283 and 284, in one embodiment, are grsased bear ngs rather than oi lubricated bearings 80 that no ol istebu tion system is required. In other embodiments, an oil distri- bution system may be employed. FIG. 44 illustrates an additional embodiment of gerotor spparats 1. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 44 js sub- Stantally similar to dhe embodiment ilusiated in FIG. 4. however, inthe embodiment of FIG. 44, upper shaft 282 may be shorter because the gas pressure acting on the inside of ‘outer gemotr jis balanced hy having a plurality of conduits 270 formed therein, This is deseribed in preater detail below jin conjunetion with FIG. 47 Referring to FIG, 47, a method for balancing pressures across outer gerotor 4s iustrated. As illustrated, conduits 270 are formed in 2 Wall 272 of outer gerotor 4 in a subsian- tially radial direction. Conduits 270 allow some gas to leak froma chamber 274 within outer gerota 410 the outside of ‘outer gemstor 4 in order to balance the loads acting om omer erator to makeit more stable during operation, Housing 2) tnchides a plurality of rotrisions 276 at form a plurality of ‘small chambers 278 each associated with a respective conduit 270. During operation, the gas leaks from chamber 274 through conduits 270 into chambers 278. Prowusions 276 ‘may have any suitable spacing. In dition, conduits 270 may have any suitable shape and any suitable dimensions. TIG. 43 illustrates an additional embodiment of gerotor apparatus Ij, This embodiment is substantially similar tothe ‘bodiment illustrated in FIG. 44; however, in the eabod ment in FIG. 45, a retaining ring 280 couples to an upper portion of housing 2, Retaining ring 280 couples to housing 2/ with one of more adjustment serews 282. Retaining ring 20 engages bearing 253 and bearing 253 esis on acollar 284 thatisintegral with shalt 282, This setup allowsan adjustment ‘ofa gap between the bottom of outer gerotor 4 and housing 2). proximity sensor 286may be lized to measure the sp Between outer gerotor 4 and housing 3. FIG. 46 illustrates an additional embodiment of gerotor pparits 1. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 46 is sub- Santally similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 44; however, in the embodiment in FIG. 46 there isa slightly slifferen gearing arrangement. More specifically, an idler pear 290 couples an inner gear 292 that is associated with ‘inner gerotor 6 an otter gear 294 that is associated with ‘outer peroor 4. Idler pear 290 is rotatably coupled to lower shaft 250 with bearings 295 and 296. TFIGS, 48 through 83 illustrate various embodiments of 3 gerotor apparatus 1k Gerotor apparatus Lkineludesa housing 24, an outer gerotor 4 disposed within housing 2k and an jinner gerotor 6k disposed within outer gerotor 4k Gerotor ‘apparatus Le neludes a lower shaft 320 rigidly coupled to an ‘enc of housing 2 that includes a gas infet port 322 anda gas ‘exhaust 324. A pear housing 326is coupled to lower shat 320, fand an upper shaft 328 couples to gear housing 326 and ‘extends upwards towards the top of housing 2. A rotating o 18 shaft 330 s rotatably coupled to hosing 24 by bearing 332. Shalt 330 couples to outer gerotor 4k and also couples to ‘Upper shaft 328 vias hollow shalt 384 and bearings 398 and 436. Inner gerotor 6k is rotatably coupled to ower shaft 320 via bearing 337 anda bearing 338, ‘Gear housing 326 includes an idler gear 340 coupling first ear M2 that is associated with outer gerotor 4k anda second ‘gear 344 that is associated with inner gerotor 6k Idler gear 5340 is rotatably coupled to gear housing 326 in any suitable ‘manner, such as by bearings MMS and 346. ln general opers- ‘ion, when shaft 330 rotates, as denoted by arrow 347, it routes outer genotor 4K, whieh rotates fist gear 342, whieh rotates idler gear 340, which rotates second gear 344, which ‘lates inne gerotor 6&. The advantage of the embodiment illstatein FIG. 48 js that it employs arg gears that are not ‘constrained to be located within inner gertor 6k FIG. 49 illustrates an additional embodiment of gerotor pparites 1k The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 49 i sub- Stantially similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 48; however, i the embodiment of FIG. 49, upper shall 328 is rigidly coupled tothe top of housing 2k Accordingly, a drive system 380 exist off-center of housing 2k Drive system 380 ‘includes rotating shaft 330 that i rotatably coupled to hows- ing 24 via bearings 3$1 and 352. Rotating shaft 330 includes drive gear 353 meshing witha driven geae 354 thats rigidly coupled to hollow shalt 334 of outer erotor 4k. Anadvantage ‘of this embodiment is that both lower shaft 420 and upper shaft 328 are rigidly attached io housing 2k thus providing strength and rigidity. FIG, 50 illustrates an ational embostiment of gerotor partes 1k The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 50s suh- Santially similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4: bowever. in the embodiment of FIG. 50, a retaining ring 360 is coupled to an upper portion of housing 2k with one or more adjustment screws 362, This embodiment require little pre- cision in bousing 2k; shaft alignments achieved when serews 362 are tightens FIG, 51 illustrates an ational embostiment of gerotor ppamtes 1k The embodiment illustrated in FIG. SU is suh- stantially similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 80; however, in the embodiment of FIG. I, gear housing 326 is ‘now disposed within inner gerotor 6k. This fclitates more of ‘a “pancake” arrangement so that the eantlevering effect of outer gerotor 4 is reduced, PIG. 82 ilustmtes an additional embodiment of gerotor apparatus 14. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. $2 is sub- Stantially similar © the embodiment illustrated in FIG. $1 however, in the embodiment of FIG. 52, a jacket 370 exists around perimeter of housing 2& Jacket 370 has an inlet 372 and an exit 474 that funetion to recreulate any suitable vid ‘around the perimeter of housing 2kto contol the temperate ‘of housing 2k thereby regulating is length and controlling & ‘zap between the end of outer rotor i and housing 2 A rowimity sensor 376 may be used to measure the gap. Prox- imity sensor 376 may be coupled toa suitable conroller (not shown) that eontals the flow of fluid through jacket 370 10 regulate the gap to a predetermined distance. The present invention contemplates other methods to regulate the gap between outer gerotor 4 and housing 2k Jacket 370, as illustatedin FIG. $2, may beused inany of the embodiments of the gerotor apparatuses described in this detailed deserip- FIGS, $34 ond S3B illustrate side andl top views, respec tively, oF an ant-backlash gear system 300. Ant-backiash gearing system 300 includes a fre spinning pear 302 and 2 ‘gear 304 rigidly coupled toa rotating shaft 306, Freespinning sear 302 rotatably couples to rotating shaft 306 with one orUS 7,726,959 B2 19 more bearings 308, One oF more springs 310 are biased sainst both Ive sping gear 302 and gear 304, When the ‘weth of fee spinning year 302 and gear 304 are aligned, springs 310 compres. Then, when the aligned gear tech are inserted or meshed with a mating gear (not shown), thea ‘contact is made on hoth faces of a single tooth, therehy preventing backlash, The present invention contemplates ‘ther antichacklash gear systems. FIG. $4 illustrates an example embodiment of a gerotor spparitus IL in which a lubricant is used to rece fiction. ‘Gerotor apparatus 11 comprises a housing 2L,an outer pero- tor assembly 31, and an inner gerotor assembly SL. Outer erator assembly 31 comprises an outer gerotr 41 and an ‘outer gerotr shaft $08. Similarly, inner gerotor assembly SL ‘comprises a inner gerotor 61 ann inner geroor shaft S14, ‘Outer gerotor shat $08 may be rotatably coupled to housing 2L by one or more bearings, such as frst bearing 516 and Second bearing 818 shown in FIG, $4. Similarly inner gerotor shaft $14 may be rotatably coupled to housing 21. by one oF ‘more bearings, such as thin bedring 820 and fourth bearing 522 shown in FG. 54 ‘Outer perotor 41. comprises an outer gerotor chamber $24. As showa in FIG, 84, at least a portion of inner gerotor 6 may be disposed within outer gerotor chamber 524. Gerotor apparatus IL may also inchude a valve plate 526 operable 10 ‘allow gas (0 eater into and exit from ober gerotor chamber 524, Valve plate $26 may include one or more gas inlet ports 528 allowing gas o enter outer perotor chamber $24 and one ‘or more gas outlet ports $30 allowing gas to exit outer geotor ‘chamber 524 ‘Outer gerotorl.andinner gerotor 6. arcoperabletorotate relative to each other such tat gerotor apparatus 1L. may in expander For example, in a ‘gerotor apparatus IL. functions as a ‘compressor, volume of gas tw irs pressuremay enter outer erotor chamber $24 through gas inlet port 528, be com- pressed by the relative ration of inner gertor 61 and outer erotor Land exit outer gerotor chamber $24 through gas ‘outlet port S40 at a socond pressure higher than the first, pressure, Aiteratively, in an embodiment in which gerotor fssembly HL. functions os an expander, pressurized or rl tively high pressure gas may enter outer gerotor chamber 524 through gas outlet por §30, expand within outer gerotor ‘chamber 524 while causing rotation of inner gerotor 6L and! ‘or ouler gevolor AL inorder to dive inner gerotor shall $14 ‘and/or ater getotor shaft 08, and exit outer geeotor chamber $524 through gas inet por $28. Inner geotor assembly ST comprises one or more entrance passages §32 operable to communicate a lubricant 834 through inner gerotor 61 and into outer gerotor chamber 524 inondero reduce friction bebween incr gerotor6L and outer gerotor 4L. For example, as shown in FIG. 84 inner gerotor shufl $14 may include shaft entrance passage $36 coupledto fn inner gerotor entrance passage $38 which opens into outer temtor chamber 524 Lubricant 834 may comprise any suite able type or types of lubricating ol, such as motor ol, lubri- ‘ating pease, water, ful, or any other type of lubricant suit- able to reduce friction between inner gerotor 6L and outer erotor AL. ‘As inner gerotor6L rotates, lubricant $34 may travel out wardly along entrance passages $32 and into outer gerotor ‘chamber $24 due to centrifugal forces. Asdiseussedin greater ‘detail with reference to FIG. 85, a8 Inbricant 834 exits inner _geroior 6L, portions the outer perimeter or the tps of inner Berotor 6L may be lubricated. In this embodiment, lubricant 534 may contact andior mix with gases within outer gerotor ‘chamber 524, including was entering into outer werotor eh 0 o 20 ber $24 through gas inlet port $28. In somie emboli outer gerotor chamber $24is substantially enclosed, suc as by housing 2L andlor valve plate $26, such that at least & portion of lubricant 834 that s introduced into outer gerotor ‘hambee 524 is contained within outer gerotor chamber 524 at least temporarily. PIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of outer gerotr I. and ‘nner gerotor 6L taken along Tine A-A of FIG. 84, For illus trative purposes, housing 2L is not shown in FIG. $5. As shown in FIG. 58, outer gerotor chamber 524 may include & plurality of notehes $40 located around the perimeter of outer sgerotor chamber 524 Inner gerovor 6 may’ include a plual- Sty of protrusions, or tips, 842, Tips 42 may be shaped and/or sized such that they generally fit within notches 840 as inner gerotor 61-nnd outer gerotor 4. rotate relative to one another ‘As discussed above, inner gerotor 61. may include one or ‘more inner geotor entrance passages 832. As shown in FIG. 86, inner gerotor 6L. may include an inner perotor entrance passage S38 extending generally from the center of inner serotor 61 toward eaeh tip $42 of inner gerotor 6L., Bac ip ‘342 may include one or more ip openings $44 operable to allow lubricant §34 to enter outer gerotor chamber 524 via ‘nner geroor entrance passages $32. Although inner gerotor SL. comprises a star shape based upon a hypoeyeloid having {our tips $42 and outer geroor chamber 524 comprises a sar shape having five notches $40 in the embodiment shown in FIG. $8, inner goto 6L and outer gerotor chamber 24 may ‘have any other suitable shape or configuration without depar- ‘ng from the scope a the present invention. For example, the shape may be based on an epieyeloid, or the number of ips And notches may be altered FIG. 56 illustrates an example embodiment of @ geroor ‘apparatus 1M in whieh Iubeieant 834 may be expelled from ‘fer gerotor chamber $24 and kept atleast substantially separate from gases entering outer gerotor chamber 824 through gas inlet por 828. As shown in FIG. $6, gerotor apparates IM comprises a housing 2M, an outer gerotor assembly 3M comprising an outer erotor 4M, an inner gero- ‘or assembly $M comprising an inner yerotor 6M, and a synchronizing system 7M. Synchronizing system 7M come pris an outer gerotor portion 8M and a inner uerotorpor- tion 9M, Inner gerotor 6M may function along with outer agerotor 4M to provide compressor or expander functions ‘while synchronizing system 7M may be used to synchronize inner gerotor 6M and outer gerotor 4M. In particular embodiments, suchas shown in FIG. $6 for ‘example, inner gerator 6M is disposed generally with frst section 856 of omter gerotor chamber 524 and inner gerotor portion 9M of syachtoaizing system 7M is disposed gener- all within second section $58 of outer gerotor chamber 524 In addition, in some embodiments, inner zerotor 6M may comprise a star shape, such as shown in FIGS. 88 and S74, ‘while inner gerotoe portion 9M of syachronizing system 7M ‘may comprise a different shape, such a the cross shape shown ia FIG, 7B, for example, Inner gerofor poston 9M of synchronizing system 7M ‘comprises one or moe entrance passages 532 allowing lubr- cant $34 to be introduced info portion 588 of outer gerotor chamber 524. Outer gerotor portion 8M of synchronizing system TM comprises one or more exit passages 850 operable to allow such lubricant 834 initoduced into portion S88 t0 escape portion S88 of outer gerotor chamber 524, For ‘example, as outer gerotor assembly 3M rotates, ext passages ‘550 my communicate hbricant S34 from inside portion 858 ‘of omter geroor chamber S24 to an area 5$4 external to outer serotor 4M,US 7,726,959 B2 2 In addition, yerotor apparatus IM may comprise a seal plate 852 operable toa least substantially separate o sel @ fist portion $86 of outer yerotor chamber $24 comprising Fubricant $34 from a second portion S88 of ower gerotor ‘chamber 524 in which gases ae received through gas inlet port 828. In this manner, lubricant 834 may be kept from mixing with gases entering fist portion 886 of outer gerotor ‘chamber S24 through gasinlet por S28, The advantage ofthis ‘embosiiment isthe gases are substantially free of inbriants FIGS, S7A and $73 illustrate two example cross sections ‘ofsynehronizing system 7M taken along line B-B of FIG. 86, FIG. 87A shows @ portion of ianer gerotor portion 9M of synchronizing system 7M disposed within outer gerotor por tion 8M of synchronizing system 7M. In tis embodiment, ‘inner gerotor portion 9M comprises a star shape having & plurality of pricusions, or tips, $60, and second portion $58 ‘ofouter gerotor chamber 524 comprises plurality of notches $362 located proximate the perimeter of otter genotor portion '§M. As discussed above, outer gerotor portion 8M comprises ceil posses 850 operable to allow lubricant $34 introduced ‘nto second section $88 of outer gerolor chamber 824 t0 ‘escape outer gerotor chamber 24. For example, lubricant 5534 may be introduced into a central portion S64 of inner {rotor portion 9M, travel ontward along entrance passages 5532 (such as due to cents gal forces caused by the rotation ‘finer perotor 6M, for example), enter into second porto '58 of outer gerotor chamber 524, and exits outer geroior Portion 9M through exit passages 850, In some embodiments. suchas these shown in FIGS. 874 and 87B, exit passages 850 may be located proximate notches $62 in outer gerotorcham- ber $24 In such embodiments, one or more notches S82 may include an ext opening 866 opening into an exit passage 0. FIG, S7B ilkistrtes one alternative to the embodiment shown ia FIG, 87, As shown in FIG, S7B, ianer gerotor portion 9M of syachronizing system 7M comprises a cross sHhipe including a center 568 and a plurality of arms 870 projecting outwardly from center S68. Fach arm 870 com- prises a tip $72 which may be shaped! andlor sized to fit ‘generally within notches $62 of second section 558 of oxtce erotor chamber 524, Fach tip $72 may comprise one ormore ‘openings 574 allowing entrance passages $32 to communi ‘cate lubricant 834 into second seetion 558 of quter gerotor ‘chamber $24. An advantage ofthe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 87B is there are fewer losses due to gas compression ia the sevond portion $88 of outer gerolor chamber 824, FIGS, 88 through 63 illustrate various example embodi ments of gertor apparatuses inluding a synchronizing sys- ‘emhavingone or more alignment membersand/oralignment uides for controlling and/or insuring the proper rotation andor alignment ofthe inner gerotor and outer gerotor, An advantage of these embodiments is they may provide two jgnment surfaces, which reduces loads at the contact points TIG, 88 ilusintes an embodiment of « gerotor apparatus IN comprising a housing 2N, an outer rotor assembly 3N ‘comprising an outer perotor 4N, an inner perotor assembly SSN comprising an inner gerotor 6N, and-a synchronizing system 7N. Like the other various gerotor apparatuses dis- ‘eusseiherein, geotor apparatus IN may be designed to fune~ tion as a compressor andior an expander, depending on the particular embodiment, Inner gerotor 6N may funetion along with outer gerotor 4N to provide compressor or expander funetions while synchronizing system 7N may be wsed 10 synchronize inner gerofor 6N and outer gerotor 4N, ‘Synchronizing system TN comprises an otter gerotor por- tion 8N and an inner zerotor portion ON, such as described hove with reference to FIGS. 86, 574 and S7B. Outer gero- ‘or portion 8N comprises a plurality of alignment guides $80 0 o 2 and inner gerotor portion 9N comprises a plurality of aljan- ‘ment members S82 positioned in alignment with alignment guides $80. One or more alignment members $82 may com- prise an alignment member passage S84 operable to comn- icate a lubricant, such as lubricant 834 for example, toward ‘or into one oF mote alignment guides S80, As shown in FIG. 58, each alignment member passage 584 may be coupled 10 ‘an appropriate entrance passage 532 formed in inner rotor GON such that Iubeicant 534 may be introduced into inner sgerotor assembly 8N, travel toward alignment members $82 (uel as due to centrifugal fores caused by the vtation of nner gerotor 6N, for example), and release into alignment auidles 880 in orderto provide lubrication between alignment ‘members $82 and alignment guides $80 during the ration of inner gerotor 6N relative to outer gerotor 4N. I the embodi- x shown in FIG. 88, Iubeicant $34 may contact andor mix with gases within outer gerotar chamber 524, including gases ‘alering into outer gerotor chamber 824 through gs inlet port $528. In some embodiments, outer gerotor chamber 524 is Substantially enclosed such that atleast a portion of lubricant ‘534 that is intradoced into outer gerotor chamber $24 is contained within outer gerotor chamber 824 atleast tempo raily FIG. $94 illustrates an exploded cross sectional view of portion of synchronizing system 7N taken along Tine C-C shown in F1G, 88, with outer perotor portion BN shown sepa- ‘ate from inner gerotor portion 9N. Inner gerotor portion SN ‘may beat last partially integral with inner gerotor 6N, FIG. 59) illustrates aside view of a portion of outer gerotor por tion 8N and inner gerotor portion 9N shown in FIG, $94 assembled for operation (uch as shown in FIG. 58), “Asshowa in FIGS, 894 and 598, alignment guide S80 may comprise an alignment trick 886 and alignment members S82 may comprise knob devices $88 operable to move along slignment track §86 a5 inner gerotor assembly SN rotates relative to outer gerotor assembly 3N, Knob device $88 may ‘comprise knob, protnision, or other suitable memberrigidly coupled to inner gerotor portion 9N of synchronizing system ‘TN such that knob device S88 doesnot rotate relative to inner gerotor portion 9N. In altemative embodiments, such as Shown in FIGS. 60 thiough 62, knob device S88 may com- prise a wheel device rotatably coupled to inner gerotor por tion 9N. As discussed above, each alignment member §82, or knob eve $88, may comprise one or more aligament member ppasjges 584 operable to communicate lubricant 534 toward, fr info, alipament track 886, In this manner, lricant $34 ‘may travel outwardly along inner gerotor entrance passes 532, thoughalignment member passayes $84, and into align- ‘meat guide 586 in order to reduce frietion between knob devices S88 and sligament track 586 ‘Alignment track $86 is defined a leas in pat by’an ianer surface £94 andl an outer surface 596, and may comprise @ plurality of alignment guide notehes $98 in the embodiment shown in FIG. S9A, the width of alignment track $86 is at Jeast substantially uniform around the perimeter of alignment track 386, Inaltemative embodiments, such as the embodi- ‘meats shown in FIGS. 58C and 58D, for example, alignment ‘rock 586 may comprise one or more breaks or may have & substantially non-uniform width Outer gerotor portion 8N may comprise one or more exit passages 892 operable to allow lubricants, such as lubricant '534, to ext alignment track $86. It should be noted that exit passages $92 are not shown in FIG. 88, but are shown in PIGS, 894 and 590, Asshown in FIG. §9, exitpassages 592 ray be located proximate alignment trick nofehes S98. ln operation, lubricant $34 entering alignment track $86US 7,726,959 B2 23 ‘hough alignment member passages $84 may be removed fom alignment track S86 throughs exit passages 592. FIG, $9C illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of portion of synchronizing system 7N taken along line C-C shown in FIG. 58, with outer gerotor portion 8N shown separ rate from inner gerotor portion 9N, in. an altemative embodi- ment of the invention. As discussed above, inner gerotor portion 9N may beat least partially integral with inner gerotor 6N. ‘As shown in FIG. 59C, alignment track $86 may be inter- rien, oF contain one or more breaks 600. In some embodi- mens, a alignment members $82 tavel along alignment track 886, they may provide rotational torque when located in ‘notch $98 in alignment track $86. When alignment mem- bers $82 are located in notches $98, therelative motion the alignment member $82 and alignment track $86 is relatively, ‘mall, and thus fretion between the two may be relatively small, Jn contrast, when an alignment member $82 is proxi- mate a valley of alignment trick $86, the alignment member S382 provides lite rlational tone but because the relative ‘motion of the alignment member S82 with alignment track 586 is relatively large, the friction Between the two is aso relatively lange. Thus, the intermittent alignment track 586 showin in FIG. S8C removes the valleys of alignment track 586 because such valleys serve litle useful function and ‘contribute to fiction losses. FIG, 59D illustrates an exploded cross-sectional view of a portion of synchronizing system 7N taken along line C-C showin in FIG. 88, with outer gerotor portion BN shown ses rate from inner gerotor portion 9N, in an another altemative ‘embodiment ofthe invention. As shown in FIG. S9D, align= ment track $86 comprises a relatively non-uniform width around the perimeter af alignment track S86, In particulag, the width of alignment track $86 may be greater proximate the valleys of alignment rack 586 than proximate notches 598 of ‘alignment track 886, In this manaee ligament members 882, may be kept fom contacting alignment guide 586 when alignment members 882 are located proximate the valleys of jgnment track S86 in order to rdhce ition between the two as disenssed above with reference to FIG. 59C TIGS. 60 and 602 illustrate an example ofa synchroni= Jing system 7N in accordance wit yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 604 illustrates an explodes cross- scctional view similarto those shown in FIGS. 89, S9C and 59D, while FIG. 608 ilusirates a partial side view similar to that of FIG. 9B. In this embodiment, alignment members ‘S82 may comprise rollers, or wheels, 64 rotatably coupled 0 ‘nner gerotor portion 9N of synchronizing system TN, such as by pegs or shafts 604. As shown in FIG. 60B, each roller 602 rotates withthe aidof abearing 606. Therollessean be hollow to reduce weight, Rollers 602 are operable orotate relative to Jinmergerotor portion 9N as rollers 602 travel along alignment truck £86, As shown in FIG. 6, alignment rack $86:may be dfined a least in part by an inner surface 608 and an oxter surface 610s rolles 602 trvel along aligament track 586, individual rollers 602 may roll slong inner surface 608 andor ‘outer surface 610 at various locations of algament track $86, Rollers 602 may be advantageous as they may reduce friction between aligament members 82 and alignment guide S80, FIGS. 614 and 618 illustrate another example of 2 syn- ‘cbronizing system TN’ in accordance with yet another ‘embodiment of the present invention, ‘This embodiment is Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 608 and 608, ‘without the inner surface of alignment guide S80, Such a ‘configuration may eliminate friction between rollers 602 and. an nner surface of alignment guide S80, which may beadvan- tagevus. 0 o 2 FIGS, 62, 628 and 62 ilustate an embodiment of synchronizing system 7M which may be viewed in eonjunc- ‘ion with the embodiment shown ia FIG. 86, As discussed above regarding FIG. 86, geotor apparatus 1M comprises a housing 2M, an outer gerotor assembly 3M comprising an ‘ter gertor 4M, an inner gerotor assembly SM comprising ‘an iver gerotor 6M, and a synehionizing system TM. Syn- ‘chronizing system 7M comprises an outer erotor portion 8M and an inner gerotor portion 9M, ‘As discussed above regarding FIG. 86, inner geotor por- ‘ion 9M of synchronizing system 7M is disposed generally Within a second section S88 of outer gemotor chamber 524 Second section $58 of outer gerotor chamber $24 may con prise a plurality oF notches 614 andl an ince perimeter surface 16. nner gerotor portion 9M may comprise a star shape including a center region 618 and a plurality of protrusions 620 extending outwardly from center region 618. A. knob device 622 is coupled to each of the protrsions 620 oF inner _gerotor portion 9M. lathe embodiments shown in FIGS. 62A, {627s and 62, knob devices 622 comprise roller devices ably coupled to each protrusion 620. In altemative embod- ‘mens, however, knob devices 622 may comprise others able types of devices rigidly coupled to inner perotor portion + 622 may be sized andor shaped such that withinnotches 614 ofoutergerotor chamber 524, Knob devices 622 may contact and/or roll along inner perimeter surface 616 of second section S58 of outer gerotor ‘chamee 524 as inner gerovor assembly SM rotates relative 10 ‘ter gerotor assembly 3M, Gerotor appartas IM may be {designed to function asa compressor or an expander depend- Jing on the particular embodiments FIG, 628 illustrates a side view of a roller device 622 :tatably coupled toa protrusion 620 of inner perotor portion 9M of synchronizing system 7M in aeconlance with one ‘embodiment. In this embodiment, protrusion 620 comprises protuberance 624 nd roller device 622 comprises fis roller {626 and @ socond roller 628 rotatably coupled on opposite sides of protborance 624, Protuberance 624 may comprise Anite ip 630 and roller device 622 may extend beyond ip {630 such that protuberance 624 oes not contact inner perim clersurlice 616 of soon section S88 af outer gerotor cham ber 524, FIG. 62C illustrates a side view of a roller device 622 rotatably coupled toa protrusion 620 of inner erotor portion 9M of synchronizing ¥ystem 7M in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, protnasion 620 includes a slot 634 and roller device 622 is ‘isposed atleast partially within slot 634, Potrsion 620 may ‘comprise leading tip 636 and roller device 622 may extend ‘beyond leading tip 636 such that prousion 620 does not ‘onl inner perimeter surface 616 of second section 858 of ‘ter gertor chamber $24 FIG. 63 illustrates another embodiment ofa perotor appa rus 1Q in hich a lubricant may be introduced between alignment members and alignment guide ofa synchronizing system and Kept at least substantially separate from gases being introduced into gerotor apparatus 1Q. Gerotor appara ‘ts 1Q comprises ahousing 20, an outer gerotor assembly 3Q ‘comprising an outer geroioe 4Q, an inner geroior assembly '8Q comprising an inner gerotor 6Q. and a synchronizing system 7Q, Synchronizing system 7Q comprises an outer _gefotor portion 8Q and an inner gerotor portion 9Q. Inner gerotor 6Q is disposed atleast parially within a fist scot 642 of outer gerotor chamber $24 while inner gerotor portion 9M of synchronizing system 7M is disposed atleastUS 7,726,959 B2 25 partially within a second section 646 of outer gerotr eb ber S24, Outer geotor portion 8Q of synchronizing system ‘7M comprises one or more alignment guides $80, and inner _gerotor portion 9Q of synchronizing system 7M eomprises ‘one of more alignment members 582 disposed in alignment ‘with alignment guide S80. Inner gerotor 6Q may include one ‘or more entrance passages 532 operable to communicate a Tubricant, such as lubricant $34 for example, toward inner geroior portion 9Q of synchronizing system 7M. Alignment ‘members $82 may comprise alignment member passages 884 ‘coupled to inner geroior entrance passages 532 and operable ‘o commuicate lubricant $34 info alignment guide S80 ia ‘onder to reduce fietion between alignment members 582 nd ‘alignment guide 580. Outer gerotor portion 8Q of synchronizing system TM may ‘comprise one or mote exit passages $92 operable to allow Jubsicant 534 present within second section 626 of outer gator chamber 524 to excape of ext from outer gerotor assembly 3Q. In some embodiments, outer gerotor assembly 3Qincludesa harieror seal, such seal plate, 628operable to atleast substantially separate frst and second sections 642 ‘and 646 of outer gerotor chamber S24. In this manner, seal plate 628 may be operable to substantially keep lubricant S34 ‘nodiced into second section 646 from eatering ito first section 642 and contacting and/or mixing with gases entering frst section 642 through gas inlet port $28, FIG. 644 illustrates an embodiment of an inner erovor 6R having a shape based on a hypocycloid. Inner gerotor 6R ‘comprises across-sectional shape 680 based at least in parton ‘ahypoeyeloid shape 682, Inthe embodiment shown in FIG, (64, cross-sectional shape 650 of inner gerotor 6R comprises ‘a substantially uniform offset from hypocycloid shape 652 swith a plurality of curved tips 654, An advantage of the nbodiment iistrated in FIG, 64 is that the inner and outer erotors may achieve a high compression ratio in a single stage. IG, 648 illustrates a method of generating a hypoeycloid shape, such as hypoeyetoid shape 682, for example TIG, 65, illustrtes an embodiment of an inner geratoe 6S having a shape based atleast in parton an encyclo. Ianee _gerotor 6S comprises a cross-sectional shape 656 based at Feast in part on an epicycloid shape 658. For example, as shown in FIG. 68, cross-sectional shape 686 of inner aero- ‘or 6S comprises a substantially uniform offset from epieye- Joid shape 6§8 and a plurality of eurved protuberances 660. An advantage ofthe embuxtiment illustrated in FIG, 654 is when small numbers of teth are employed, it as a lange volumetric capacity FIG, 688 illustrates a method of generating an epieyeloid shape, such a epieyeloid 688, for example IGS, 66 through 74 illustrate exemple embodiments of aa ‘engine system comprising pairof gerotor apparatuses which Work together to perform one or more engine functions Although each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 66 through 74 are described such thatthe pair of gerocor appa- ratses includes an expander anda compressor, in altemative ‘embodiments the pair of gerotor apparatuses may include a pair of expanders or a pair of compressors. In addition, in alternative embodiments, a component of the engine system, may’ comprise any suitable number of inter-related expand- ‘ers, compressors, of aay combination thereof, An advantage ‘of the embodiments ilhustrated in FIGS. 66 through 74 is ‘compactness. FIG. 66, illustrates an engine system 700 in accordance ith one embodiment to the present invention, Enginesystem 77004 comprises a compresanr 702A at least partly inte- trated with an expander TO4A and disposed a least partially 0 o 26 ‘within a housing 706. Compressor 702A comprises com- presior outer rotor TOBA and a compressor inner gerotor HOA. Similarly, expander 704A. comprises an expander cuter gerotor 712A and an expander inner gerotor 714A. As shown FIG, 66A, compressor outer gerotor 708A and expander outer gerotor 712A may be atleast partially inte- arated within an ovter gerotor assembly 716A. Similarly, {compressor inner geroor THVA and expander inner gerotor TASA may be at least partially integrated within an inner sgerotor assembly TIBA. Some embodiments, outer gerotor assembly TI6A comprises a barier or veal, such a a sea plate, 7204 that substantially separates a fist section 744 of fan outer gerotor chamber from a section 746 of the omer gerotor chamber. In this manner, seal 720A may substantially Separate compressor 702A from expander 704A. ‘As shown in FIG. 66A, inner erotor 718A may be rigidly coupled 1 an inner geroioe shaft 722A which may’ be rotat- ably coupled to housing 706A. For example, in the embod- ‘meat shown in FIG. 66, shaft 722A is rotatably coupled 10 housing 706A by first bearing 724A and a second hearing 7264. Similarly outer gerotor assembly 716A may be ro ably coupled 10 housing 706. For example, outer erotor assembly 716A may be rotatably couples to housing 7064 by 4 third bearing 728A and a fourth bearing 730A. ln this ‘manner, ier gerotor assembly 714A and outer gerotor 716A nay rotate relative to housing 706A in order to perform the ‘unetions of compressor 702A and expander 704A. As shown in FIG. 66, engine system 700A comprises a first valve plate 732. allowing gases to flow in and out of compressor 702A and a second valve plate 784A allowing {gactto flow in and out of expander 704. First valve plate TRA comprises a compressor gas inlet port 736A and a compressor gas outlet port 738A. Compressor gas alt port 7364 allows gas al fist pressure to enter compressor 702A. These gases are then compressed by the ation of compres soe inner gerotor 710A relative to compressor outer gerotor 708, before exiting or being expelled from compressor 702 ‘through compressor gas outlet port 738A. ‘Similarly, second valve plate 7344 comprises an expander gas inlet port 740 and an expander gas outlet port 742A. [Expander gas inlet port 740 allows gases to ener expander ‘T04A. These gases expand within expander 704A asexpander inner gerolor 14 rate relative to expander outer grotor 712A before exiting or being expelled from expander 704A ‘hough expander gas oullet port TAZA. The expansion of those gases within expander 704A may atleast partially drive the rotation of inner gerotor assembly 718A andlor outer aerator assembly TH6A, PIG. 66D illustrates a eross section of compressor 702A, taken along line C-C shown in FIG. 664, while FIG. 66C illstates& cross section of expander TO4A taken along line D:D shown in FIG. 664. As shown in FIG. 668, compressor TWX comprises compresior inner geroior THOA disposed substantially withinoutergerotor chamber 744 of eommpressor outer gerotor 708A. Similarly, 2s shown in FIG. 66C. texpander 704 comprises expander inner gerotor 714d posed substantially within outer gerotor chamber 746 of expander outer gerotor 712A. In the embodiment shown in FIGS, 668 and 66C, compressor inner pevotor 710A. may comprise one oF more entrance passages 748 operable 10 ‘communicate lubricant, such as Tubricaat $34, into outer gerotor chamber 744, while expander inner geroior 714A ‘doesnot include sue entrance passages or communicating a Ibricant into outer gerotor chamber 746. This configaration ‘may be appropriate inan embodiment in which itis desirable for acceptable for Isbricant 534 to contact andor mix with relatively low temperature pases traveling through outer gero-US 7,726,959 B2 27 ‘or chamber 744 of compressor outer gerotor 708A. but not “desirable or acceptable for a lubricant to contact andlor mix with elatively high temperature gases traveling through outer gerotor chimber 746 of expander outer gerotor 712A, Hm= ‘ever, naliemative embodiments, nether orboth of compres $ Sor inner erofor 710A and expander inner gerotor 714 miay jnchide entrance passages for introducing a lubricant into ‘outer gerotor chambers 744 oF 746. FIG, 67 ilustates another embodiment of an engine sys- tem 7002 comprising a compressor 7020 at Least partially negrated with a compressor 704B. Engine system 700B is similar to engine system 700A shown FIG. 66; however, in ‘engine system 700B, thint bearing 7288 and fourth bearing 7308 which rotatably couple outer erotor assembly 716B 10 housing 706P are disposed insvardly and between compres- sor 702B and expander TH, This configuration may allow a reduced diameter or outer perimeter of housing 706B ascom- pared with housing 706A shown in FIG. 664, assuming the ‘outer diameters of outer gerotor assemblies 716A and 7163. ‘are the same. In addition, because the diameters of third and fourth bearings 728B and 730B shown in FIG. 67 are gener- ally smaller than the diameters of third und fourth bearings TBA and TBVA shown in FIG. 66A, the configuration of ‘engine system 700B may be more appropriate for high row- tional speed applications than the configuration of engine system 700A shownin FIG. 66. Itshould he noted that cross sections of engine system 7002 taken along line C-C and line D:D shown in FIG. 67 may, in some embodiments, be repre- sented by the eros sections shown in FIGS. 668 and 66C;, respectively. FIG, 684 illustrates a side view of an embostiment of an ‘engine system 700D comprising sn outer gerotor assembly 7716D, and inner gerotorassembly 718D, anda synchronizing system 760D operable o control the rotation of inner genotor assembly TI8D relative outer gerotor assembly I76D andor to physically align inner gerator assembly TIBD relative outer etotor assembly 176D. As shown in FIG. 68, engine sys- tem 7000 may be similar to engine system 700A shown in FIG. 664, with the addition of synchronizing system 760D. Synchronizing system 760D comprises drive plate 7620, cam plate 764D, and an alignment plate 760D. Cam plate 74D comprises one or more alignment puides 768D. Alin- rent plate 768D comprises one or more alignment members, seh as knobs, rollers or pegs, 7TOD generally disposed in alignment with alignment guide 768D of cam plate 7640, Alignment guide 768D and alignment members 77D may be ‘designed and/or positioned such that inner gerotor assembly RD is maintained in alignment with outer gerotor assembly ‘T16D as inner geroor assembly TISD rotates relative to outer gerotor assembly 716D. Inaltemative embodiments, the syn- ‘chronizing system 760D muy include gears, such as those ‘described in above embodiments, Asshown in FIG. 68, cam plate 764D also comprsesone ‘or more notches, or groves, 772D. Drive plate 762D com- prises one or more drive members, such as knobs, rollers oF Pees, T7AD disposed within notehes 772D when drive plate "7620 is mated with eam plate 7641. As described below with reference to FIG. 68C, notches 72D and drive members ‘THAD may be designed 10 allow thermal expansion or con- teaetion of dive plate 762D andor cun plate T64D. Although not shown in FIG. 68A, drive plate 762D may be coupled to a drive mechanism operable 1 at leat partially control the rotation of drive plate 762D. Drive members TT4D of drive plate 762D fit within notches 772D of cam plate 764D such 6s that drive plate 762D may at east partially control ther ‘of eam plate 764D. 0 o 28 FIG. 68B illustrates across section of engine system 700D taken long cach line J+) shown in FIG, 68A. In other words, FIG, 688 illustrates across section ofboth compressor 702D and expander 704D. FIG. 68C illusteaes cross sectional views ofthe various components of synehronizing system 7600 taken along line ‘A-Ashown in FIG. 684. As discussed above, cam plate 764) ‘comprises alignment guide 768D such as an alignment track, orexample, and a plurality ofaotches 772D disposed around the perimiter of cam plate 764D. Cam plate 764D may also comprise one or more ext passages 776 operable v0 commu sicatea lubricant away fromaligament guide 768D.Pex plate 7660 comprises a plurality of alignment members 770D, as discussed above. In addition, peg plate 7661 comprises one ‘oF more entrance passages 778 operable to communicate @ Ibricant, such as lubricant $34 for example into aljgnmes ide T6BD to reduce friction berween alignment members {7700 sn alignment guide 768D. Drive plate 7620 comprises plurality of dive members ‘TIAD operable to generally ft within notches T72D in eam plate 764D. Using such a configuration of drive members ‘74D and notches 772D, drive plate 762D andor cam plate 7681) may expand and/or contract such as dive to thermal changes, for example. FIG. 68C also illustrates two example altemative contiguations 780 and 782 of cam plate notches ‘TMD and drive members 7TAD. In such sltematve embodi- ‘ments, notches 772D may be located a any suitable position in eam plate 764D. In ation, in altemative embodiments (not shaven, drive plate 762 may comprise notches similar to ‘notches 772D and cam plate 764D may comprise drive mem- bers similar to drive members 74D. Anadvantage of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 684, (681 and 68C is that Inbricating oil is soled fom the gases slowing through the compressor and expander. FIG, 69 illustrates another embodiment of an engine sys em 700E, Eogine system 700E i similar to engine system 7000 shoven in FIG. 68; however, third and fourth bearings “TABE and 730F of engine system TOOE ate disposed inwardly and hetween compressor T02E. and expander 704E as com- pred with third and fourth bearings 728D and 730D shown in FIG. 684. As discussed above with regard to third and fouria bearings 728B and 730B of engine system 700B shown in FIG. 67, because third and fourth bearings 728F and 730E of ‘engine system 700E may be smallerin diameter than third and ‘ourth bearings 728D and 730D oF engine system 700D, the configuration of engine system 7O0E may be more suitable or esirable for high rotation speed applications than the eon- figuration of engine system 700D. In addition, because third ‘nd fourth bearings 728F and 730E are located inwardly from the outer perimeter of outer gerotor assembly 716E, housing 7061 may have a smaller outer diameter or perimeter than that of housing 706D, assuming outer gerotor assemblies ‘TIGD und TH6E have the same outer diameter FIG. 704 illustrates an embodiment of an engine system 700° compeisinga compressor 702F and an expander TO4P in which gnses enter and exit compressor 702P and expander ‘TAF through openings in the outer perimeter of eomnpressor ‘T02F andl expander 704F. Similar to several ofthe embod ts discussed above, engine system 700F comprises com- pressor T02P, expander TO4P, and a housing 706F. An outer sgerotor assembly 716F comprises a compressor outer gerotor {T08P an an expander outer gerolor T12P. An inne gerotor assembly TI8F comprises a compressor inner gerotor 710E land an expander inner gerotor THF. Outer gerotor assembly 746 comprises an outer gerotor shaft 790°, and inner gerotor assembly TIMP comprises an inner gerotor shaft 7921. Outer gerotor shalt 790F is rotatablyUS 7,726,959 B2 29 ‘coupled t housing 706F by a fist bearing 794F and fo inner fermtor shaft T92F by a second bearing 796. Inner gerotor ‘halt 792F is rigidly atached to housing 706F, Inner gerotor shaft 792P is rotatably coupled to outer gerotor assembly ‘OF by a third bearing 798F. Inner gerotor assembly TIBF is rotatably coupled to inner gerotor shaft 792P by a fourth bearing 800F and a fith bearing 802F. With this configura- tion, outer gerotorassembly 716F and inner gerotorassembly ‘TAF may rotate relative each other and relative to housing ‘068. Unlike engine systems 700A-T00E described above ‘engine system 700F is configured such that gases may enter Jno and exit from compressor T02P and expander 704P through openings in the outer perimeter of compressor outer erator TOBF and expander outer mor 712F. A portion of housing 706F, which may comprise a first valve plate 804F, ‘comprises a compressor gas inlet port 736F and an expander 2 inlet port 740F. Another portion of housing 706F, which ‘may’ comprise a second valve plate BU6F, comprises 3 eo pressor as outlet port 738P and an expander gas outlet port Tae. Regarding compressor 702F, gas enters housing 706 through compressor gas inlet port 736P, enfers an outer gero- lorchamber 744P through one or more openings 8U8P shown ingreater detail in FIGS. 108and70C),becomescompressed ™ ‘due othe rotation of compressor inner peotor THOF in rea tion to compressor outer gerotor 7OBF, exis outer ger ‘chamber 7449 through one or more ofthe openings in eo pressor outer gerotor 708F, and exits housing 706F through ‘compressor pas oulet port 738. Generally, gos enters com pressor gas inlot port 736F ata fist, relatively low, pressure ‘and exits through compressor gas outlet port 738F ata second, relatively high, pressure Regarding expander T04F, gas enters housing 706F through expander gas inlet port 740F, enters an outer gerotor chamber 746P through one or more openings SLOP in ‘expander outer gerotorTI2F, expands as expander inner geo> ‘or 7L4F rotates relative to expander outer geotor 712P, exits ‘outer yerotor chamber 746F through one or more of theopen- ings S10F in expander outer gerotor 712F, and exits bousing 706F trough expander gas outlet port 742. Generally, gases ‘enter expander gas ilet port T40P ata fs, relatively high, pressure and exits through expander gas outlet port 742F ata second, relatively low, pressure. FIG. TOR illustrates a cross sectional view of compressor 702F taken along fine A-A shown in FIG. 78, Compressor inner gerotoe 710F is disposed generally within outer gerotor ‘chamber 744F of compressor ater gerotor HBF. Outer gero- tor chamber T44P comprises a plurality of notches 812P disposed proximate a perimeter BI4F of compressor outer rotor 7087. Openings SOBF comprise openings in perimeter [SLAP whieh are coupled to notches 812F of outer gerotor ‘chamber 744P such that gases may enter into or exit fom ‘outer gerotor chamber T44F through openings 808F in prim= ‘ter B14, Housing 706F comprises first inlet opening 816F oper. able to receive gases from compressor gas inlet port 736F and 4 first outlet opening #18P operable to communicate gases received from outer gerotor chamber T44P toward compres- for gas outlet port 738, The shape, configuration andor «dimensions of fist inletopening S16P and first outlet opening [BIBF may be selected 10 achieve a particule compression ratio of a range of compression ratios of gases traveling through compressor 702F. As compressor inner gerotor 708F rotates, gases within otler-gerotor chamber T44P may be Toreedtvatd notches 812F and into first outlet opening SSF 0 o 30 ‘rough openings SURF at lest in part due to centrifugal orces caused by the rotation of expander inner gerotr TOBE, ‘Compressor inner gerotor 710 may comprise one or more entrance passages 7487 operable to communicate a lubricant, suchas lubricant §34 fr example into outer gerotorchamber “HAF in order to reduce friction between compressor inner rotor 710F and compressor outer perotor TOBE, FIG. 70C illustrates @ eross sectional view of expander 7O4F taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 70A, Outer erotor chambee 746F of expander outer goroior TI2F comprises 9 plurality of notetes 820F disposed adjacent perimeter 822F ff expander outer gerotor TI2F. Openings BIOP comprise ‘openings in perimeter 822F which are coupled to notches 820F of outer gerotor chamber 746F such that gases may enter into and exit fom outer gerotor chamber 746F throug ‘openings 810F in perimeter 822F Housing 706F may comprise a second inlet opening 824F ‘operable to receive pases from expander gs inlet port 740F, and a second outlet opening 826F operable to communicate gases received from ouler gerotor chamber TA6E toward ‘expander gas outlet port 742F. The shape, configuration and ‘rdimensions of second inlet opening 824F and second outlet ‘opening 826F may be selected to achieve a particular expan- sion ratio oF range of expansion ratios of gases passing through expander TO4P. As expander inner gerotor 7120 rotates, gases within outer gerotor chamber 7469 may be orced toward notches 820F and into second outlet opening 826F through openings 810F at least in part due to centrifugal orees caused by the rotation of expander inner gerotor T12F. In addition, in some embodiments (not shown), expander inner geroior714P comprises one or more entrance passages (Guchas entrance passages 748F shown in FIG. 70B) operable to communicates Isbricant into otter gerotor chamber 7462 to ree friction between expander inner gerotor T14F and ‘expander otter gertor 712F. ‘Anadvantage of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 704, ov and 70C is that capacity may be increased by adding length if the diameter is consid. FIG. 70D illustrates an alternative embodiment in which engine system 700F comprises ether compressor 702F or fexpunder TOE, rather than both compressor 702P and expander 704. FIG. 714 illusteates another embodiment of an engine system 700G. Fngine system 700G comprises 1 compressor 712G., an expander T04G, 8 hovsing 7066, an outer gexotor assembly 716G and an inner gersor assembly TING. Engine system 700G is similar to engine system 700 shown in FIG. OA; however, engine system 700G additionally includes 2 synchronizing system 7606 operable to control the relative ‘lation andor align inner gerotor assembly T18G with outer gerotor assembly” 716G a8 inner gerotor assembly 718G ates relative to outer gerotor assembly 7166. Synchroniz~ ing system 7606 may be similar to synchronizing system ‘T6OD descr above with reference to FIGS, 684 and 68C. Inparticular, 760G comprises a cam plate 764G and an align: plate 766G..Inaddition, insome embodiments, synchro- nizing system 760G may include dive plate similar to deve plate 762D discussed above with reference to FIGS, 68 and {68C. In allemative embodiments, synchronizing. system 7606 may include gears, suchas described in above embod- FIG. 7IBillstrates an exploded cross sction of eam plate 7646 and alignment plate 766G taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 7LA. The cfoss-scetions of compressor 702G and expander 7046 taken along line HHT and ine -1of FIG. 71US 7,726,959 B2 31 ‘may'be similar or identical othe eros sections of compressor HRP and expander 74° illustrated in FIGS. TOR snd TOC, respectively. TIG. 72 illustrates another embodiment of an engine sys- tem 700Hi comprises a compressor 702H, an expander 704H1 and synchronizing system 76011. Engine system 70011 is similar to engine system 700G shown in FIG. TLAs however, syichronizing system 760H1 of engine system TOOH is dise posed on a fist side ofboth compressor 702H and expander 74H, rater than being disposed between compressor 70241 ‘and expander TO4H. The cross sections of compressor 7021 ‘and expander 704H taken along line H-H and line 1 respec tively, shown in FIG. 72 may be similar o identical to cross sections of compressor 702F aed expander TO4P shown ia FIGS. 70B and 70C, respectively. In addition, cross sections ‘ofsynchronizing system 7601 taken along line A-A shown: FIG. 72 may be similar or identical to the cross sections of syichronizing system 7600 shown in FIG. 7HB or the cross Sections of 760] shown in FIG. 68C. In altemative embodi- mens, synchronizing system 760G may include pears, such 1s desribed in previous figures. IG, 73 illstates another embodiment of an engine sys tem 700} comprising a compressor 7021, and expander 704) ‘and a synchronizing system 7601. Engine system 7001 is, Similar to engine system 00H shown in FIG. 72; however, synchronizing system 7603 of engine system 7001 is disposed ‘on the opposite side of both compressor 702) and expander ‘741 as compared to the location of synchronizing system 776041 of engine system 7001. FIG, 74 ilustates another embodiment of an engine sys tem 700K having a different configuration of bearings and shafls as compared with engine system 7006, 7001 and 700) shown in FIGS. 7LA, 72 and 73, respectively. As shown in FIG. 74, engine system 700K. comprises an outer gerotor assembly 716K and inner gerotor assembly TI8K, and an Jmer gerotor shalt 792K, Inner gerotor assembly 718K is rigidly coupled to inner gerotorshaft 792K, which sotatably ‘coupled to housing 706K by a frst bearing BBOK anda second, bearing 832K. Outer gerotor assembly THK. is rotatably ‘coupled to housing 706K by a third bearing 834K anda fourth bearing 836K. In this manner, inner gerotor assembly 718K and onter gerotor assembly 716K may rotate relative to each ‘ther and relative to housing 706K. Engine system 700K also ‘comprises a synchronizing system 760K operable osynechno- nize andor align inner yerotor assembly 718K and outer erotor 716K, ‘sich as discussed above with reference 10 synchronizing system 760D, for example. As shown in FIG. 74, synchronizing system 760K includes cams and pegs. It may also include gears, as described in earlier figures FIG. TBA illustates another embodiment of an engine system 700L comprising a gerotor apparatus IL, which may ‘comprise compressor andor an expander. Assuming in the ‘embodiment shown in FIG, 78A that yerotor apparatus IL ‘comprises a compressor TH2L., engine system 7001. com- prisesanouter gerotor assembly 7461. comprising a compres- Soroutergerotor 7081 andan otter gertor shaft 7901, ad an inner gerotor assembly TISL. comprising a compressor inner perotor THOL and an inner gerotor shat T92L. Engine system 7001 also comprises a housing 7061. co prising acompressorgas inlet port 736L anda compressor gis ‘outlet port 738. allowing gases fo enter into an exit om ‘compressor 7021. In some embodiments, compressor gas ‘net port 7361. and compressor gas outlet port 7381 may be formed in a frst valve plate $04 and a second valve plate 806 . respectively. which may be integral with or coupled 10 housing 706L. Inner gerotor shaft 7921. is rotatably coupled to housing 706L by a fist bearing 830L anda second bearing 0 o 32 832L. Outer gerotor shaft 790i rotatably coupled to hous: ing 706L by a third bearing 834L anda fourth bearing 886L. Inthis manner, inner gerotorassembly 7181 and outer gerotor assembly 716L, may rotate relative to each other and relative tw housing 706, Engine system 700L may also comprise a synchronizing system 7601 operable to synehronize andor align inter gero- assembly THBL and outer gerotor assembly 716L.. Com pressor outer gerotor 708L comprises an outer gerotor cham ber M44, Compressor outer gerotor7O8L may also comprise ‘one oF more openings 808L in the perimeter of compressor ‘outer gerotor TOSL operable o allow gases to enter ino and «xi fom outer gerotor chamber 7441. Inner gerotor assem by 7IBL may include one or more entrance passages 7781 ‘operable to communicate a lubricant, such as lubricant 534 Tor example, into synchronizing system 760L. ia onler to reduce fijetion berween inner gerotor assembly 71BL and ‘ter gertor assembly TH6L. ‘In aklition, housing 706L may comprise an inlet passage ‘S401 and an outlet passage 8421. operable to allows gases to tenler into and exit from outer gerotor chamber 7441. Some embodiments, inlet passage 8401 and outlet passage 842L are ‘defined atleast in part by a first opening 8441 and a second ‘pening 8461 formed in a valve plate 8481. which may be {integral or coupled to housing 706L. Thus, gases entering ‘through compressor pas inlet port 736L may enter outer gero- tor chamber 744L through inlet passage 8401, as well as ‘through openings 808. formed inthe perimeter of compees- sor outer gerotor 708. Similar, gases may'exit outer goro- {or clamber 7441. through outlet passage 8421 as well as ‘through openings 8O8L formed inthe perimeter of compres: sor outer gerotor 708L. This embodiment may. allow Jncreased volumes of gases to pas trowgh compressor 7021. as compared With one or more other embodiments deseribed above. FIG, 75B illustrates across sectional view of engine sys- tem 7001, taken along fine B-R shown in FIG. TSA. As di cussed above, compressor outer gerotor 7081 comprises one ‘ormore openings MOBI inthe over perimeter of compressor ‘outer gerotor 7OBI. which allow gases to enter into and exit {rom outer gerotor chamber 744L. Housing 706 [comprises ‘frst bari 8501 and a second harrier 8521 operable to at least substantially prevent the low of gases around the outer perimeter of compressor outer gerotor 708 Fist and second barriers 8501 and 8S2L at lost parially define a perimeter gas inlet area 8541 anda perimeter gas outlet area 8S6L. The Shape, configuration and size of frstand second barriers 8501 ‘and 852E. may be selected to achieve a desired shape, con- Tiguration and size of perimeter gas inlet opening BSL. and perimeter gas outlet opening 856L, whieh may be selected to Achieve a desired compression ratio o range of compression ratios of gases passing through 702L. ‘Anadvniage of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. TSA, 1781: and 7SC isa free-breshing design that has high vol mete capacity FIG. 7SC illustrates a oss sectional view of engine sys- tem TOOL taken along line C-C shown i FIG. 784. FIG. 78C illustates inlet passoze 840 ancl outlet passage 42. formed by fist opening 8441 and secondopening B61, respectively, in housing 706L..As diseussed above in some embodiments, fist opening 8441. and second opening 8461. may be formed in a valve plate 8481. integral or coupled to howsing 7061 Viewing FIGS, 758 and TSC together, it can bo seen that gases entering eompressor gs inlet port 7361 may enter into erotor outer chamber 7441 through openings 8081. in the ‘ter perimeter of compressor outer gemotor TO8L as well as ‘through inlet passage 840L formed by first opening 844LUS 7,726,959 B2 33 housing 706L. Similarly, it can be seen that gases may exit ‘outer gemotor chamber 744L through openings SOBL and the ‘outer perimeter of compressor outer gerotor 7O8L 2s Well as through outlet passage 8421. formed by secondopening 8461 in housing 7060, FIG. 76A illustrates another embodiment of a engine system 700M comprising a gerotorapparats IM which may ‘comprise a compressor or an expander. In the embodiment shovin in FIG. 76, gerotor apparatus IM comprises a com- pressor 702M comprising a compressor ouler gerolor TO8M ‘and a compressor inner verotor THOM. Engine system 700M ‘comprises a housing 706M, Engine system T00M is similario ‘engine system 7001. shown in FIG. 7A; however, housing ‘706M of engine system 700M is configured dfferetly than housing. 796 of engine system 7001, providing, diferent flow of gases through compressor 702M as compared with ‘compressor 7021, Housing 706M of engine system 700M comprises first, ‘opening 844M allowing gases to enter into an outer gerotor ‘chamber 744Mof compressor 702M. Opening 844M in hous jing 706M generally provides @ compressor gas inlet port 736M. In some embodiments, frst opening 844M comprises sn opening ina fist valve plate 848M, which maybe integral ‘orevupled to housing 706M. Unlike withengine system 700L shown in FIG, TSA; gases generally do not enter into 0} perotor chambers 744M through openings in the outer pei ‘eter of compressor outer gerotor 708M. ‘Gases may exit outer gerotor chamber 744M through one ‘or more openings 808M in the outer perimeter of compresso ‘outer gerotor 708M. Unlike engine system 7001. shown in FIG. TSA, engine system 700M does not include an tpt passage adjacent outer gerotor chamber 744M similar to out- fet passage 8421 shown in FIG, TSA. It shoul be note that asdiscussed above with ezant to gerotorapparaus IL show in FIG, 784, gevotor apparatus 1M shown in FIG. 76A may altematively comprise an expander rather than compressor 702M. FIG, 76B illustrates across setional view of engine sys- tem 700M taken along line D-D shown in PIG. 76A. As shown in FIG, 768, housing 706M may be shaped to form an cutlet opening ASKM allowving gases to exit ter gortor ‘chambers 744M through openings 808M in the outer perim= ‘ler of compressor outer gerotor 708M. The shape, configu ration and size of outlet opening 858M may be selected (© ‘achieve desired compression ratio oF ange of compression, ratios of gases traveling through compressor 702M, IG, 76C ilusirates a eross setional view of engine sys- tem 700M taken along fine -F shown in FIG. 76A, FIG. 76C ‘ustrates compressor gs inlet port 786M ormed by’ fst ‘opening 844M in housing 706M. First opening B44M allows, fises to ener into outer erotor chamber 744M. As discussed sbove first opening 844M may be formed in first valve plate 848M, which may be integral or coupled to housing 706M. FIGS. 77 and 77B ilhastrate analtemativeembodiment of the erass section shown in FIG. 76B, Housing 706N com- prises a barier coupling portion 860 and adjustable barrier 862 slidably coupled to barrier coupling portion 860. Adjust- able harrier 862 is shaped such that t may be adjusted relative to barrier coupling portion 860 in onder to change the shape and or size of output opening 888N. The shape and or size oF ‘ouput SBN may be aljusted using adjustable barge 862 in ‘order to control the compression ratio of gases exiting outer zgerotor chamber T44N through openings 8O8N, For example, FIG. 774 illustrates across section in which adjustable bar rier 862i ina first postion, and FIG. 77B illustrates a cross ‘ccton in which adjustable harier 862i ina second position. An advantage of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 778 34 and 77B is the compression ratio i infinitely adjustable allowing compressor or expander efficiency to be maximize FIG. TRA illustrates another embodiment of an engine system 700P, Engine system 700P is similar to engine system 700M shown in FIG. 76A; however, engine system 700P comprises gerotor apparatus 1P which comprises. an expander 704P rather than a compressor. Expander 704P comprises an expander ouler gerotor 712P comprising aa ‘outer gerolor chamber 746P, and an expander inter gerotor Tar. Engine system 700P comprises housing 706? which includes fst opening 844P forming an expander gas ilet port 740P operable to allow gases to enter ino outer gerotor ‘hamiber 746P. First opening 844P may be formed ina first valve plate 48P, which may be integral or coupled to housing 6P. Gases may exit outer gerotor chamber TA6P through ‘one or more openings SUSP inthe outer perimcterof expander ‘outer gerotor 7O8P. The gases may then exit housing 706P ‘through an expander gus outlet port 742P. FIG. 78B illustrates ‘across sectional view of engine system 700P taken along line TP shown ia FIG. 788. Housing 706P isconfiguredto form an outletopening 858? allowing gases to ext outer gerotor chamber T46P through ‘openings 808? inthe outer perimeter of expander outer gero- tor 712P. The shape, confgtation, and size of outlet opening 'BSRP may'be selected ase on the desired expansion ratio of sases exiting outer gerotor chamber T46P and or a desired Amount of toxjue applied to expander outer perotor 712P ‘eased by the expansion of gases within outer gerotorcham- ber 746? FIG, 78C illustrates across sectional view of engine sys- tem 700? taken along line G-G shown in FIG. 784, FIG. 78C illustrates expander gas inlet port 740P formed by a. first ‘opening 844P formed in housing 706P. First opening 844? allows gases to enter outer gerotor chamber 746P through ‘expander gas inlet port 740P.As discussed above, frst open- ng 8444? may be formes in fis valve plate B48P, which may be integral or coupled to housing 706P. First opening 844P maybe shaped and orsized wallow a desired level of gs ow ino expander 704. PIGS, 79A and 79B illustrate three-dimensional views of ‘wo embodiment of a compressor outer gerotor 708 or an expander outer gerotar 712, sich compressor ober gerolor 08 or expander outer gerotoe 712 shown in FIGS. 70 and 78-78, for example. As shown in F1G.79A, outer gerotor 708 ‘or T12 comprises a base section 864 and plurality of open- ings 808 formed in the perimeter of outer geroor 708 or 712 AAs shovt in FIG. 79B, outer gerotor 708 of TI2 may also ‘comprise support ring 866 to prove support or iii to fuer gerotor 708 of 712 FIG. 80 illstrates an embodiment of @ gerotor apparatus £890 comprising and outer gerotor 872 and an inner gerotor £874. Outer gerotor $72 may comprise an outer gerotor skin £876 supported by an outer gerotor Web 878. Inner gerotor 874 ‘may comprise an inner gerotorskin 880 supported by an inner serotor web 882, Outer perotor web 878 and inner gerotor ‘web 882 may be Formed by extrusion, and may comprise any ‘matecal suitable for exirsin, such as aluminum a plastic, forexampl. In one embodiment, outer geroor web 878 and inter geotor web 882 may each be extruded asa single piece. FIG. 814 illustrates analtemative embodiment of geotor apparates 870 shown in FIG. 80. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 814, outer gerotor web 878 comprises a plurality of outer geroior web sections 878A-878E. Similarly. inner gero- {or web 882 comprises a plurality of imer gerotor web see-US 7,726,959 B2 35 tions 882A-882E. Inner gerotor web sections 882A-882E ‘may be coupled to cach other and to an inner gerotor support structure 884 TIG. SB illustrates a particular outer gertor web section ‘878A, poticularinnee perotoe web section BS2A, and inner _geroor stippot structure 884 in accordance with one embod ment. Outer gerotor web sections 878A-878F may'be coupled to each other by tongue-and-groove couplers 886, Similarly, nner gerotor web sections BR2A-8RZE may be coupled to ‘each olher and to inner geotor support strvctre 884 using ‘ongue-and-groove couplers 886. As shown in FIG. 81A, 3 suppor sleeve 888 may be disposed around outer perotor Web sections 8T8A-878F to provide suppor and or rigiity 10 ‘outer gerotor web 878. FIG. 82 illustrates another embodiment of gerotor appara {us 879, in which outer gerotor web 878 comprises a plurality ‘of web openings 890 into which magnets or ferromagnetic, ‘material may be inserted, such as discussed below FIG, 83 illustrates geotor apparatus 870 shown in FIG. 82, in which masses of feromignctic material 892 are disposed ‘within each web opening 890. Ferromagnetic masses 892 ‘may’he used in connection With a motor or generator, sch as described helow. Femomagnetie masses 892 may comprise ‘one oF more ferromagnetic materials, sch as iron, nickel oF ‘cobalt, for example FIG. 844 illustrates an example embodiment ofa gerotor apparatus $704 comprising an outer gerovor 872A, an ner erator 874A, ann electric motor or generat 900A. Inthe ‘embodiment shown in FIG. 84 electric motor or generator ‘900A comprises a switched reluctance machine (SRM), ‘hich may be used a either a motor ora generator. Switched reluctance machine 900A comprises a plurality of feromag- netic masses 892 (such as shown in FIG. 83) anda plurality ‘of evils 902A disposed around the outer perimeter of outer erator 872A. In one embodiment, coils 9U2A are C-shaped ‘coils which extend over feromaznetic masses 892A on exch, side of outer gerotor 872A, as shown in FIG. 848 and dis- ‘cuss bel In. an embodiment in which switch reluctance machine ‘900, isa switehod reluctance moto, coils 992A and fero= magnetic masses 892A may interact to atleast partially on- tol the rotation of outer gerotor 872A. Altemativel, in an ‘embodiment in which switched reluctance machine 900, isa switched reluctance generator, coils 902A and feromagnetic masses 892A may interact 10 generate electricity us outer erotor 872A rotates, In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 844 for example, the number of coils 992A does not matel the number of ferromagnetic masses 892A, whieh allows the fing sequence of coils 902: to be adjusted for relatively smooth operation of eletrie motor or generator ‘00. FIG. 84B illustrates a schomatic side view of gerotor appa ratus 870A shown ia FIG. 84, including eletric motor oF ‘generator 900A. As shown in FIG, 848, ferromagnetic ‘masses 892 may extend across the thickness of outer gerotor ‘872A. Coils 902A may compriseC-shaped eoilshavinga ist ‘en 914. adjacent a first side 9164 of aber geroor 872A and, a second end 918A adjacent a second side 9208 of outer perotor 872A. A controller 922A may be coupled teach coil ‘902A and operable to contro the timing ofthe fring of each coil 902 within electric motor or generator 900A. A shal ‘9244 may be coupled to outer gerotor 872A or inner gerotor ‘874A. An optional position sensor 926A may be disposed proximate shaft 924 and operable to detet the position of ‘one or more position targets 928, os the shaft 924A rotates, ‘Optional position sensor 926 may be operable to communi ‘catewith each controller 922A inorder to properly control the 0 o 36 ‘iming ofthe fring ofeach ofthe coils 902A aecording tothe ‘lalional position of outer yerotor 872A, Anaalvantage ofthe embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 844. and #847 is lon cost and the ability to operate at high speeds FIGS, ASA and 8SB illustrate another embodiment of 2 gefotorapparatuis 8702 comprising an ster gertor 8721 an Jner gerotor 874B, and an electric motor oF generator 900B. Like electric motor or generator 900A shown in FIG. 84, electric motor oF generator 9008 shown in FIG. 8A con prises a plurality of ferromagnetic masses 8922 and plurality of coils 9928, However, feromagnetic masses 98313 are ‘coupled or embedded to the outer perimeter of outer gerotor an, FIG. 88Billustratesa blown up eros section of particular ‘ferromagnetic mass 8928 aligned witha particularcoil 2B. Asshown in FG. BSB, coiled SU2B may comprsea C-shaped coil. An advantage of the embodiment illstated in FIGS. SSA and RSD is a more compact col FIG. 86 illustrates another embodiment of a gerowr appa satus 870C comprising an outer yerotor 872C, an inner gero- tor 874C, and an elecric motar or generator 900C. Flectric ‘motor oF generator 900C comprises a permanent magnet ‘motor generator comprising plurality ofcoils 902C and a plurality of permanent magnets 904C coupled around the ‘outer perimeter of outer gerotor 872C. In an embodiment in \whiel electric motor or penerator 900C comprises a perma ‘pent magnet motor, coils 902C and permanent magnets 9O4C interact oat least partially contro the rotation of outer gero- tor 872C. Alternatively, in an embodiment in which electric ‘motor or generator 900C comprises a permanent magnet gen- cemtor, coils 902C and permanent magnets 904C interact t0 genenite electricity as outer gerotor 872C rotates. Anadvan- fage of the embodiment illistrated in FIG. $6 is high efi ciency. FIG. 87, illustrates across section of another embodiment ‘ofa motor or generator apparatus 870D comprising an outer gerotor 8720, an inner gerotor 874D, and squire-enge Jndetion motor or generator comprising a plurality of eils 02D and 2 squiel-coge 906 disposed around outer gerotor amp, PIG. 878 illastates a three-dimensional view of an ‘example squirel-cage 996D. Squirrel-cage 996D comprises plurality of parallel cage bars 908D. each coupled toa first ‘ing support 910D anda second ing support 912D. FIG. 8TA illustrates a erss-secton ofthe plurality of eage bars 908D, ‘whieh may or may not be coupled t outer gertor 8720, Tn an embodinient in which electric motor or generator 9001) comprises a squitrel-cage motor coils 9021 and squir rel-cage 9D6D interct in der to at least partially contol the rotation of outer gerotor 872D. Alternatively, in an embed ‘ea in which electric motor or generator 900D comprises suirel-cage generator, coils 9020 and squirrel-cage 9061) inlerdot to penerte electricity as squerel-cage 9061 rotates ‘long with outer gerotor 872D. FIG. 88 illustrates a configuration of an example gerotor apparatus 870F used to generate various alignment tracks to control the movement of components of gerotor apparatus 870E. Gerotor apparatus BTOE comprises an outer gexotor ‘8720, an inner gerotor 874E, and a radial bar 9308 rigidly coupled to inner geroor 8148. AS inner gerotor 874E and ‘outer gerotor 872E rotate, various points along radial bar ‘9308 may be used to trace patterns for alignment tacks in ‘outer gerotor 872E, such as shown in FIGS, 89 and 90, for ‘example. Ifradial bar 9306 isrigidly atached tooxter gerotor [S72E, the alignment tracks are raced on inner gerotr BTAE. For example. a frst point A on radial bar 9304 may race a pattem for a alignment track in outer peroor B72E, sch asUS 7,726,959 B2 37 shown in FIGS, 89A-89D, As another example, & second point B on radial bar 930 may be used o trace a alignment track in outer gerotor 874B, such as shown in FIGS. 90A- 90D. FIG, 894 illustrates a cross-section ofan embodiment of _gerotor apparatus 870F comprising an ince gerotor 87AE ‘outer gerolor872F, and synchronizing system 871F coupled to andior integrated with inner gerotor 874P andlor outer gerotor 872F. Synchronizing system 87LF comprises an janment guide, or tack, 932F formed inouter gerotor872P having a shape defined by the patter trced by point A, as describedabotve with reference F1G, 88, Intheembodiment shown in FIG. 89A, the opening in outer gerotor 872F com: prises six notches 873P and alignmeat track 932F comprises six notches 933 Synchronizing system 871F also comprises a plurality of alignment members 934F, such as knobs, rollers or peas, for ‘example, coupled to or integral with, inner gerotor 874F (as shown in FIG. 89B) and ligned within alignment track 932F. Tn the embodiment shown ia FIG, 9A, inner gerolor 874P ‘comprises five protrusions, o tips, 87SF, and five alignment members 9347 are coupled to inner gerotor 874F. As inner ‘gerotor S74P and otter gerotor 8T2P rotate relative to cach ‘ther, alignment members 9349 travel along alignment track. ‘922F in order to provide aljgnment between inner gerotor 874F and outer peroror 872F- FIG. 898 illustrates aside view of geroror apparatus 870F shown in FIG.89A. As shown ia FIG, 898, sligameat mem- bers 934F are couple to inner gertor 874P by a first plate ‘RGF. Alignment members 934F are generally disposed, ‘within and travel along alignment track 932P as inner gerotor 874P rotates relative o oer gerotor 872P. FIG, 89¢ illustrates «three-dimensional view of an oxter erotor 872G including an alignment track 932G similar t0 ‘outer gerolor #72Fandslignment track 9322 (shown in FIGS, 89A and 89B), However, inthis embodiment, outer gerotor '872G comprises seven notches #73G whereas outer gerotor '872F comprises six notches 873F (as shown in FIG, 89A), Similarly, alignment track 932G comprises seven notches '933G whereas alignment track 982F comprises six notches, ‘9338 (as shown in FIG. 894) FIG. 89D illastates a three-dimensional view ofan inner gemtor 874G and s plurality of alignment members 934G ‘coupled to inner gerotor 874G similar to inner gerotor 874P ‘and alignment members 9347 (shown ia FIGS. 898 and '898), However inthis embodiment, nee gerotor 874G com- prisessix protnsions 875 whereas inner gerotor BT4P com- rises five protrisions 875F (as shown in FIGURE 894). Similarly, the embodiment shown in FIG. 89D includes six alignment members 9346 as opposed to the embodiment shown ia FIG. 89A which includes five alignment members 34. ‘An advantage ofthe embodinent illustrated in FIGS. 89 ‘891 is. compact design with short axial length, FIG, 904 illsirtes a cross sectional view of another ‘embodiment of gerotor apparatus 87011 comprising anowter perotor 872H, an inner gerotor 874, an outer gerotor 872, and a synchronizing system 871H coupled to and/or jnte- trated with inner werotor 87411 and/or outer werotor 872 Synchronizing system 871H comprises an alignment track ‘982H formed inouter yerotor 72H having a shape defined by the pattem traced by point Pon rail bar 9308 showin FIG. '88, In the embodiment shown in FIG, 90A, the opening in, ‘outer gerotor 87211 comprises six notches 87311 and align- ‘ment irck 93211 comprises six loops 9331. ‘Synchronizing system 87IP also comprises «plurality of alignment members 9341), such as knobs rollers, oF pews foe 0 o 38 ‘example, are coupled fo inner gerotor 87H and generally ‘Gsposed in alignment with alignment track 98211 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 904, inner geotor 8741 com- prises five protsions, or tips, 87SH, and five alignment ‘members 9341 are coupled 1 inner gerotor B74H. As inner erator 87H rates relative to outer gerotor 8721, slign- ‘ment members 93411 and aljgnment track 9921 interact to provide alignment between inner gemtor 87411 and outer serotor 87211 FIG. 908 illustrates side view of perotor apparatus 870 shown in FIG. 98. As shown in FIG. 90B, alignment mem- bers 9341 are coupled to inner gerotor B74H and aligned within alignment track 9324. FIG, 90C ilustrates a three-dimensional view of an outer sserotor 872) including an alignment track 932) smile to outer werotor 87211 and alignment track 9321] (shown. FIGS. 904 and 908). However, in this embodiment, outer erotor 872] comprises seven notches 873G whereas outer {gefotor 872H comprises six notches 8731 (as shown in FIG. 50), Similarly, alignment track 9327 comprises seven loops ‘9331 whereas alignment track 93211 comprises six loops 93311 (as shown in FIG. 904). PIG, 90D illustrates a theee-dimensional view ofan ianer agerotor 874% and a plurality of alignment members 9343 coupled to inner perotor 8741 similar to inner gerotor 874H1 and alignment members 93411 (shown in FIGS. 904 and ‘9018, However inthis embodiment, inner perotor 874) com- prises six protrusions 875) whereas inner gerotor 874H com- prises five protrusions 87SH (as shown ia FIG. 90). Simi Jarly, the embodiment shown in FIG. 901) includes six alignment members 934] as opposed to the embodiment shown in FIG. 90A which ineludes five alignment members 934 ‘An aadvantage ofthe embodiment illstatedin FIGS. 904 90D isa compact design with very short axial length ‘The following discussion, taken in conjunetion with FIGS. 91A and 918, desribes an example method of generating the pattems foralignment racks 932G and 932J shown in FIGS. '89C and 99C, respectively. n other words, the following iscussion illustrates method of determining various align- ‘meat tracks for an embodiment in which the outer gerotor comprises seven notches (uch as notches 873G or 873] shown in FIGS. 89C and 90C, respectively) and the inner _erotorcomprisessix protasions, of tps (suchas protrusions '8956 0 875) shown in FIGS. 89D and 90D, respectively). Considering FIG. 91A, because the angular velocity of the ‘outer gerotor and inner geotor should have aconstant ratio of 6:7 theta and phi can be related by the following equation: Bw ‘The point PO is located on cirele and moves a that part tates. The coordinate values, X,,and Y,, relativetoa fied ‘set oF coordinate axes are: YipRaa) 2) ‘To plot the path, point P needs to be tacked with respect 10 circle 2. The coordinates of point Pt using point C2 as the origin are: otis