In reference to the patent: WO1997013970A1
Is this patent still active/ enforceable? I think this design is too similar to a detroit diesel 71 series uniflow engine. There are at least two other patents for a reverse uniflow engine, these are for spark-ignited versions while this patent is for compression ignition. I have a design for a reverse uniflow compression ignition engine which is significantly different. How can somebody get a patent for such a broad catagory that is already well known in prior art? Another question i have is shouldn't it be a requirement to build a prototype or do some type of computer modeling/ simulations? There is no proof that this concept even works, they have no experimental data to support their claims. I know from my research they are missing some very important details. In my opinion, a prototype or advanced computer modeling should be required for something as complicated as a internal combustion engine to support your claims. I also think there needs to be some type of effort to actually build and manufacture your invention. It seems very counter-productive and unfair to issue patents to companies or individuals who have no intention of ever building/ using their invention. As we know from some recent cases, some companies hoard patents and sue others who actually make use of these developments.