Abstract: A thermal-pressure relief device, which has an adapter (20) threaded into the wall of a pressure vessel. The adapter contains an orifice (22) therethrough in line with a recessed cavity (32) which includes a raised stem (34). A blow out member (30) rests on the stem and overlaps the orifice to obstruct communication with the fluid inside the vessel. The blow out member is attached within the cavity by brazing with a filler metal in the form of a temperature responsive amalgam (38), preferably a eutectic alloy. When ambient temperatures are elevated above the melting point of the amalgam the blow out member is released freeing the orifice relieving the pressure within the vessel preventing a sudden structural failure. Optionally a protective cover in the form of a cap (42) with an impact surface (40) contains the blow out member when it separates from the adapter and a number of vents (48) diffuse the fluid from the pressure vessel in a safe direction.

Abstract: The reciprocating valve actuation and control system includes a poppet valve moveable between a first and second position; a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid; a hydraulic actuator including an actuator piston coupled to the poppet valve and reciprocating between a first and second position responsive to flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator; an electrically operated valve controlling flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuator; and an engine computer that generates electrical pulses to control the electrically operated valve. The electrically operated valve includes a linear latching motor, which includes a solenoid coil associated with a permanent magnet, wherein the coil is energized to create a central axial repelling magnetic field relative to the permanent magnet field, and to generate concentric repelling and attractive fields to produce secondary repelling and tertiary attractive forces on the permanent magnet.

Abstract: The reciprocating valve actuation and control system includes a poppet valve moveable between a first and second position; a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid; a hydraulic actuator including an actuator piston coupled to the poppet valve and reciprocating between a first and second position responsive to flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator; an electrically operated valve controlling flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuator; and an engine computer that generates electrical pulses to control the electrically operated valve. The electrically operated valve preferably comprises a three path rotary latched magnetic motor actuating a rotary valve portion having a housing, a rotor, and a stator receiving and supplying hydraulic fluid pressure to the rotor, which alternately directs the hydraulic fluid pressure to the valve cylinder for opening of the valve, or to return to the engine oil sump, for closing the valve.

Abstract: The reciprocating valve actuation and control system includes a poppet valve moveable between a first and second position; a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid; a hydraulic actuator including an actuator piston coupled to the poppet valve and reciprocating between a first and second position responsive to flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator; an electrically operated valve controlling flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuator; and an engine computer that generates electrical pulses to control the electrically operated valve. The electrically operated valve preferably comprises a three path rotary latched magnetic motor actuating a rotary valve portion having a housing, a rotor, and a stator receiving and supplying hydraulic fluid pressure to the rotor, which alternately directs the hydraulic fluid pressure to the valve cylinder for opening of the valve, or to return to the engine oil sump, for closing the valve.

Abstract: A thermal-pressure relief device, which has an adapter (20) threaded into the wall of a pressure vessel. The adapter contains an orifice (22) therethrough with a blowout disc (30) overlapping the orifice to obstruct communication with fluid inside the vessel. The disc is attached by brazing with a filler metal in the form of a temperature responsive amalgam (38), preferably a eutectic alloy. When ambient temperatures are elevated above the melting point of the amalgam, the disc is blown out, freeing the orifice, relieving the pressure within the vessel, preventing an explosion. A protective cover in the form of a cap (42) with an impact surface (40) contains the disc when it separates from the adapter and a number of vents (48) diffuse the fluid from the pressure vessel in a safe direction.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine valve actuating device located directly above each cylinder which has a co-axial venturi shaped duct (20) that is removably attached with threaded capscrews (24) and sealed with an o-ring (28). The interior of the duct contains a number of inwardly facing vanes (30) that hold an electromechanical valve actuator (48) complete with an engine intake valve (50). When a pulsed electrical signal is received by the actuator, opposed electromagnetic fields are developed reciprocating the valve. A fuel injection system introduces combustible fuel into the duct at the trailing edge of the vanes. The valve actuating device may also be applied to the exhaust system, less the fuel injection, and the valve actuator may be cooled by interconnecting cavities (60) within the vanes using engine coolant or oil.