Abstract: Improving compression brake systems (10) require better control of timing an actuation event. Numerous systems use complicated electronic controls to achieve such control. Cam actuated compression brake systems may reduce braking power by allowing a valve 32 on an internal combustion engine (30) to remain open well after an optimum crank angle. Using a by-pass port (42), pressure may be increased in a second actuator volume (22) opposite a first actuator volume (20). Increasing pressures in the second actuator volume (22) promotes closing the valve (26) near the optimum crank angle.

Abstract: A rapid compression device for use in initiating combustion within an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The rapid compression device employs a prechamber adapted to be in fluid communication with a main combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. A piston is provided within a cylinder of the prechamber and compresses natural gas therein to a degree sufficient to auto-ignite the gas when mixed with air. The auto-ignition of the gas and air mixture results in combustion gases which are communicated to the main combustion chamber for ignition of the air and gas mixture provided therein as well.

Abstract: Internal combustion engines produce a number of emissions including oxides of nitrogen, NOx. One manner of reducing NOx production used in gas turbine engines is through the use of catalytic reactors. Catalytic reactors reduce the ignition temperatures required for complete combustion of a fuel air mixture. However, high temperatures present in catalytic reactors cause sintering of the substrate, vaporization of the catalyst, and sintering of catalyst and metal substrate. The present invention is directed at controlling the temperature of a catalytic reactor in an internal combustion engine. An exothermic catalyst coats a first side of a substrate in the catalytic reactor. An endothermic catalyst coats a second side of the substrate.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle for a gas turbine engine injects a liquid fuel flow from a liquid fuel passage in the swirler vane. An air flow over the swirler vane atomizes the liquid fuel flow to form a fuel air mixture. The fuel nozzle eliminates the need for a conventional air blast atomizer.

Abstract: Pistons for internal combustion engines often need additional cooling to attain better performance. One method of cooling involves adding oil to an oil gallery opposite a combustion zone. Adding a standpipe prevents a preestablished quantity of oil from exiting the oil gallery. Installing the standpipe intermediate a first baffle plate and a second baffle plate improves reliability of the piston and ease of manufacturing.

Abstract: An improved sealing mechanism for a turbomachine such as a compressor for a gas turbine engine employs an abradable coating with a solid lubricant and metal alloy having a quasicrystalline phase.

Abstract: Compression brake systems using “back-fill” between combustion cylinders or requiring an exhaust valve to be opened twice during a braking cycle require brake actuation systems able to maintain control over the exhaust valve during different loading conditions. In a first opening event where a piston is at or near bottom dead center, pressures in the combustion cylinder are low. During a second opening event near top dead center pressures are higher. Movement of the exhaust valve may be slowed during the first opening event by controlling fluid leaving a second actuator volume opposite a first actuator volume providing opening force on an exhaust valve.

Abstract: Encapsulated spark plugs improve combustion control in spark ignited engines. The present invention improves reliability and life of an encapsulated spark plug. A spark plug shell has a connection region and an orificed region, and a tip portion. The present invention provides improved heat transfer from the tip portion through the orificed region to the connection region. An access orifice provides access to set an electrode gap.

Abstract: Compression brake systems using “back-fill” between combustion cylinders or requiring an exhaust valve to be opened twice during a braking cycle require brake actuation systems able to maintain control over the exhaust valve during different loading conditions. In a first opening event where a piston is at or near bottom dead center, pressures in the combustion cylinder are low. During a second opening event near top dead center pressures are higher. Movement of the exhaust valve is controlled by delivery of fluid to a brake actuator piston. Fluid delivery is slowed as the brake actuator piston moves to cover a first cylinder port and uncover a second cylinder port.

Abstract: Cooling air delivery systems for gas turbine engines are used to increase component life and increase power and efficiencies. The present system increases the component life and increases efficiencies by better utilizing the cooling air bled from the compressor section of the gas turbine engine. For example, a first portion of cooling fluid cools the leading edge of a turbine blade internally. After first contacting a predetermined area of the component, a portion of that first portion of cooling fluid is then used to film cool the component.

Abstract: Pistons for internal combustion engines often need additional cooling to attain better performance. One method of cooling involves adding oil to an oil gallery on bowl portion opposite a combustion zone. Adding a standpipe prevents oil from exiting immediately exiting the oil gallery. Installing the standpipe intermediate a first baffle plate and a second baffle plate improves reliability of the piston and ease of manufacturing.

Abstract: A twin-turbocharged internal combustion engine improves compression efficiency and improves response by serial arrangement of a first turbocharger and a second turbocharger. An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system using boost cooling reduces emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The EGR system cools recirculated exhaust gas by exchanging heat with compressed, cooled combustion air in an EGR heat exchanger. The second turbocharger has a variable geometry turbine to control flow of recirculated exhaust gas.

Abstract: Most internal combustion engines may be optimized for either power or efficiency. A dual mode internal combustion engine may operate in either a power mode or an efficient mode. The dual mode internal combustion engine has two four-cycle combustion chambers and a two-cycle compression/expansion chamber. The valve system is set up to introduce a fluid charge into the compression/expansion cylinder during the power mode. The fluid charge is compressed in the compression/expansion chamber and one of the combustion chambers. During the efficiency mode, the fluid charge is expanded first in one of the combustion chambers and further expanded in the compression/expansion chamber.

Abstract: A combustor for a gas turbine engine uses compressed air to cool a combustor liner and uses at least a portion of the same compressed air for combustion air. A flow diverting mechanism regulates compressed air flow entering a combustion air plenum feeding combustion air to a plurality of fuel nozzles. The flow diverting mechanism adjusts combustion air according to engine loading.

Abstract: An improved method and system for controlling exhaust gas recirculation on an internal combustion engine broadens the operating range. The system includes a plurality of combustion chambers, a recirculation combustion chamber, fuel delivery device, engine condition sensing device, and controller. The system measures engine condition to determine a total fuel mass to meet engine condition. The system then uses the recirculation manifold to set volume of recirculated air and adjusts fuel delivery to the recirculation manifold to set quality of the recirculated gas. The remainder of fuel is divided generally equally among the plurality of combustion chambers.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement improves sealing of a shaft in a control system on a gas turbine engine. The sealing arrangement includes a first plate and a non-metallic plate. The non-metallic plate has a glass transition temperature above an operating temperature range. The non-metallic plate and the first plate are disposed between a high temperature, high pressure fluid and a low pressure fluid.

Abstract: Air laden with oil and blow-by gases is evacuated from an engine compartment such as a crankcase. The air is cleaned by removing oil and may be reused for engine combustion by routing it through a turbocharger inlet. The reclaimed oil may be returned to an oil pan for reuse in engine lubrication.

Abstract: Roller follower assemblies generally reduce frictional losses and wear associated with operating fuel injectors using a cam. Oil helps to reduce wear, but may not remove small particles. Buildup of these small particles may prevent a roller of the roller follower assembly from rotating about an axle pin. In the present invention, a hard coating is disposed between the axle pin and the roller to reduce rolling friction and buildup of small particles.

Abstract: Turbochargers experience tensile loads due their high rotational speeds. These tensile loads tend to expand surface defects present about a bore portion of a compressor wheel. Expansion of these surface defects may ultimately result in failure of the compressor wheel. Removing these surface defects or imparting residual compressive stresses on the bore portion reduces failure of the compressor wheel caused by tensile loading.

Abstract: A filter head having a pump housing, a flow passage network, and a mounting bracket is adaptable to engage a replaceable filter cartridge. An electric pump is positioned within the pump housing. A Seal/isolator disposed between the pump housing and electric pump protects the electric pump from vibrations. After changing the filter cartridge, typically an air pocket forms creating a danger for a fuel injector or fuel injector pump. By using an electronic controller, an operator may remotely operate the electric pump to prime the filter cartridge. Also, the electronic controller may selectively determine whether the fluid flowing from the filter cartridge passes through the electric pump or instead passes directly into an outlet.