Abstract: Continuous combustion heat engine including a compressor (12), combustor (14) and expander (16) which operates on a Brayton cycle with positive displacement pistons (90) in the compressor and variable expansion ratio pistons (190) in the expander. Compressor (12) delivers compressed air to the combustor (14) where it is mixed with fuel and combusted to produce expansion gases for the expander (16). Power input to the compressor and power output from the expander are achieved through the radially disposed pistons (90,190), connecting rods (94), cranks (98), crank shafts (100), planetary gears (104), sun gears (106) and sun gear connectors (114) which rotatably secure the sun gears (106) and manifolds (110,166) together. The pistons (190) for the expander have positive displacement sections (192) and free floating sections (200) for the variable volume ratio capability.

Abstract: Constant volume, continuous external combustion rotary engine which incorporates at least one radial piston compressor, at least one continuous-combustion chamber, at least one radial piston expander together with a means to supply fuel to the combustion chamber. A novel arrangement of compressor and expander manifolding controls admission and discharge to and from the compressor and expander sections. Power output is realized when opposed expander pistons equipped with roller bearings react directly on the internal cam lobe surfaces of a stationary housing causing the cylinder block to rotate and drive the compressor piston inwardly or outwardly as their roller followers engage their cam tracks. As a fresh charge of compressed air is delivered to the hydrocarbon fueled combustion chamber, an equal amount of combustion product under almost equal pressure is withdrawn by the expander. When combustion charging is completed, both compressor and expander are momentarily disconnected from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Diesel fuel injection system in which a standing high-pressure wave is maintained in the common rail and which utilizes injectors which function as gates or valves. Electronic controls sensitive to engine demands based on speed and load electronically control the injectors to vary both moment and duration of fuel injection time. Input signals, as determined by engine speed by way of the distributor, vary the injection timing according to an advance curve at the distributor correlated to piston position. Duration of the injection cycle (quantity of fuel injected) is controlled electronically and variably in relation to throttle position.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated fuel injector for compression-ignition engines which includes an electronically or pneumatically operated hydraulic pilot-control valve which is supplied with fuel under substantially constant pressure from a pump driven directly or indirectly by the engine. The pilot-control valve is connected by supply and exhaust passages to a slave valve which in turn controls the admission of fuel to a charging cavity located adjacent to an outlet valve to the combustion chamber. The slave valve is a stepped diameter piston which functions as a pressure amplifier for the fuel supply to the combustion chamber. Fuel from the pump which is received at relatively low pressure through the slave valve is amplified to high pressures sufficient to overcome compression and combustion pressures of the engine and the resistance of spring seated injector outlets and/or the fuel supply orifice(s).