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A hybrid engine, having a plurality of coupled expansible chamber devices, preferably a piston in a cylinder, each capable of operating in any one of an internal combustion mode, an air pump/compressor mode and an air motor mode. The modes are controlled by a microcontroller which controls the valve

A hybrid engine, having a plurality of coupled expansible chamber devices, preferably a piston in a cylinder, each capable of operating in any one of an internal combustion mode, an air pump/compressor mode and an air motor mode. The modes are controlled by a microcontroller which controls the valves, ignition source and fuel source. The mode for each expansible chamber device is computed and independently selected by the microcontroller and the combination of modes at any instant is switched to optimize engine operation for the operating conditions at that instant.

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A hybrid engine, having a plurality of coupled expansible chamber devices, preferably a piston in a cylinder, each capable of operating in any one of an internal combustion mode, an air pump/compressor mode and an air motor mode. The modes are controlled by a microcontroller which controls the valve

A hybrid engine, having a plurality of coupled expansible chamber devices, preferably a piston in a cylinder, each capable of operating in any one of an internal combustion mode, an air pump/compressor mode and an air motor mode. The modes are controlled by a microcontroller which controls the valves, ignition source and fuel source. The mode for each expansible chamber device is computed and independently selected by the microcontroller and the combination of modes at any instant is switched to optimize engine operation for the operating conditions at that instant. tator with thrust bearings axially between a pump impeller and a turbine runner, wherein the diameters of the one-way clutch and the thrust bearings are different, the thrust bearings do not axially overlap at least side bearings of the one-way clutch with respect to an axis of the thrust bearings and the stator is axially supported by the pump impeller and the turbine runner through the thrust bearings. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the thrust bearings radially overlaps the one-way clutch. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein oil passages, forming a communicative connection between radially outside and inside of the thrust bearings, are provided on a supporting surface of a member abutting to the thrust bearings. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein a first thrust bearing is located between the pump and the member and a second thrust bearing is located between the turbine runner and the member. 15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the thrust bearings are arranged radially outside of the one-way clutch. 16. The method according to claim 11, wherein the one-way clutch includes an outer race and an inner race radially inside of the outer race. 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the side bearings support the inner race and the outer race. 18. The method according to claim 11, wherein the side bearings have the same shape. 19. The method according to claim 11, wherein the thrust bearings have the same specification. 20. The method according to claim 11, wherein the thrust bearings comprise: a first race; a second race; and a bearing roller spaced circumferentially by a cage and interposed between the first race and the second race.