Abstract: A hierarchical modular arbitration architecture for a mobile platform guidance system is disclosed. In embodiments, the architecture comprises a hierarchy of arbitration layers, each arbitration layer narrower in scope than the layer above (e.g., mission objective arbitrators, route arbitrators, path arbitrators). Each arbitration layer includes one or more objective-based arbitrators in communication with one or more applications or modes. Each arbitrator receives control input (e.g., from the pilot, from aircraft sensors) and control signals from the level above, selecting a mode to make active based on decision agents within the arbitrator layer which control mode priorities and sequencing (e.g., some flight objectives may involve multiple arbitrators and their subject applications coordinating in sequence).

Abstract: Injection of even very small amounts of supplemental water to the spent-air stream at points upstream from the heat exchanger cooler(s) used in processing spent-air streams from a cumene-to-phenol process allows these heat exchanger coolers to act as both extractors and condensers. It is therefore possible to recover from the heat exchanger cooler a methanol/water condensate, thereby substantially reducing the amount of methanol in the spent-air stream prior to discharge. Thus, known methods for manufacture of phenol from cumene in which an oxygen-containing gas stream is passed through liquid cumene to produce an oxidate product and a spent-air stream comprising methanol and cumene and a saturating amount of water; and in which the spent-air stream is passed through one or more heat exchanger coolers and a carbon bed prior to discharge can be improved.

Abstract: A reciprocating engine having an engine housing defining a power cylinder, a power piston in the cylinder including a connecting rod extending through the engine housing, a motion transfer mechanism in the engine housing at the end of the connecting rod for translating reciprocating motion of the piston rod to rotary motion of a torque output shaft, and a displacement adjusting mechanism having portions that are common to the motion transmitting mechanism for adjusting the displacement of the engine to effect a variable compression ratio.

Abstract: A cylinder block (10) of an internal combustion engine (12) includes a cylinder bore (14). The cylinder bore (14) has a cooling passage (18) surrounding it that extends along the cylinder bore (14) for a substantial portion of a piston stroke. The cooling passage (18) near the top of the block (28) is wider than at the bottom of the passage (18). The lower portion of the passage (18) tapers sufficiently that viscous drag affects the velocity within the coolant passage (18), the velocity varying in a direction normal to the general direction of coolant flow.

Abstract: A variable compression height piston for reciprocating internal combustion engine includes a lower piston coupled to a connecting rod and an upper piston slidably carried upon the lower piston. A hydraulically actuated mechanical latching system interposed between the lower and upper pistons allows a system controller to selectably maintain the upper piston in a plurality of predetermined compression heights.

Abstract: A valve timing phaseshifter between two members, such as a crankshaft driven housing and a driven camshaft member, that are hydraulically interconnected by fluid trapped in hydraulic cylinders containing plungers connected to the camshaft, relative movement between the cylinders and plungers providing the phaseshifting and being controlled by a valve that is axially movably mounted within the camshaft and hydraulically connected thereto by sets of helical grooves that are aligned or misaligned as a function of axial movement of the valve in response to the call for phase adjustment, the valve being movable from a neutral position to other positions in opposite directions to control the flow of fluid under pressure to the cylinders to cause the drive and driven members to rotate unitarily or for the camshaft to be advanced or retarded as the case may be, with respect to a conventional timing schedule.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a consistently high compression ratio in an internal combustion engine utilizing a variable compression piston assembly. The piston having an outer piston mounted on an inner piston with an upper oil chamber therebetween. The piston assembly further having a lower oil chamber below the inner piston and a hydraulic system of valves for feeding oil into and maintaining oil within the oil chambers in response to the pressure within the cylinder.

Abstract: A method of phaseshifting a variable cycle engine utilizing the Otto cycle engine timing schedule for full-load and the Atkinson cycle engine timing schedule for part-load operation, the engine having multiple intake valves and an exhaust valve, phaseshifting of the intake and exhaust events coupled with adjustment of the clearance volume and the use of residual gas in the cylinder as a determinant of the intake charge volume and the compression end temperature level, to provide a high engine operating efficiency while concurrently lowering nitrogen oxide emissions and eliminating the need for an external exhaust gas recirculating system.