Here is a relavant patent by a Davis. It has a lot of simularities with Teal and what we are trying to do here. Those more versed in this business like Lightly could give a comment:
United States Patent: 4019103

"An electromagnetic motor and generator is disclosed having a pair of solenoids wound on a cylinder, each of said solenoids comprising three separate but connected windings. A magnetizable piston is positioned for reciprocation in the cylinder and is connected to a rotatably mounted crankshaft. A commutator connected to the crankshaft and interposed in an electric circuit selectively energizes the solenoids to cause rotary motion of the crankshaft. An additional circuit means is also provided for recapturing electrical energy generated in each of the solenoids upon deenergization of the solenoid by said switch. "