Abstract: Several embodiments of internal combustion engines each having an arrangement for increasing turbulence in the combustion chamber under at least certain load and/or speed conditions so as to permit the use of a relatively simple spark advance mechanism. In each embodiment, the flame propogation is controlled by controlling the degree of turbulence to achieve the desired effect. The turbulence is generated by causing induction of at least a portion of the engine charge requirements through a relatively small cross sectional area auxilliary induction passage. Because of the small cross sectional area, high flow velocities are generated which are maintained in the combustion chamber. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the degree of turbulence is controlled by either shunting some of the air flow through the main induction passage or by introducing controlled amounts of exhaust gas products.

Abstract: Several embodiments of internal combustion engines having relatively large main induction passages and relatively small auxiliary induction passages for delivering a charge to the chambers of the engine. Valve means control the proportion of flow to the chambers through the respective passages so that the low and medium charge requirements are supplied primarily by the auxiliary induction passage. This causes improved turbulance in the chamber at the time of combustion and promotes smooth running, good fuel economy and reduction in unwanted exhaust gas constituents. In conjunction with one feature of the invention, means are provided for accelerating the rate of valve movement during the transition from mixture supply from the auxiliary to the main induction passages to improve performance. In accordance with another feature of the invention, an arrangement is provided for permitting compact placement of the control valves.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a relatively large main induction system that supplies the engine charge requirements at partial and full load and a relatively small cross-sectional area auxiliary induction system that provides the charge requirements at idle and low load conditions. An exhaust gas recirculating system is also incorporated with a control whereby exhaust gases are recirculated to the engine combustion chambers only at the time when the auxiliary induction system is supplying the major portion of the engine charge requirements. This permits effective combustion control without necessitating modifications to the conventional spark timing device of the engine.

Abstract: An induction system for an internal combustion engine that is provided with a relatively small auxiliary intake passage that delivers the intake charge to the combustion chamber at a high velocity and high degree of turbulence. Throttle valve means are provided for directing a substantial portion of the idle and low-speed intake into the chamber through this auxiliary intake passage so as to improve flame propagation and engine performance under these running conditions. The intake for the auxiliary induction passage is disposed so that it will be exposed to atmospheric pressure under at least some low-speed running characteristics so as to improve the amount of charge drawn through the auxiliary induction passage during these conditions.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine intended to be run on a leaner-than-stoichiometric mixture, intake control means which when "enabled" permit introduction of supplementary air under deceleration conditions to prevent over-enriching which would otherwise occur when the fuel film on the induction system wall abruptly evaporates. At various temperatures, the feature is disabled completely or for short periods of time so as not to cause over-leaning of the mixture at excessively cold temperatures, or at start up at cold or merely warm conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the protection of an exhaust gas reactor, for example a catalytic element or a thermal reactor, disposed in the exhaust conduit of an internal combustion engine which is operated on a lean air/fuel mixture. This invention provides means for protection of the exhaust gas reactor from excessive temperatures under deceleration conditions by regulating the air/fuel mixture ratio in the induction means of the engine whereby to restrict the oxidation which occurs at the reactor. One method according to the invention comprises adding supplementary air to the induction means for a limited time after the throttle is closed under deceleration conditions, and after an initial delay, adding supplementary fuel to the induction means while the engine continues to operate under deceleration conditions.

Abstract: A rectifying plate is fitted in the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine between the carburetor primary and secondary intake passages. The primary intake passage is closer to the engine cylinders than the secondary intake passage, and the rectifying plate encourages uniformity of flow rates and richness of mixture to the various cylinders by reducing flow to the closer cylinders and encouraging it to the farther cylinders.

Abstract: A carburetor for internal combustion engines including an intake passage leading to a combustion chamber of the engine, a main fuel nozzle opening to the intake passage, a main throttle valve device provided in said intake passage, a float chamber for supplying fuel to said main fuel nozzle, a starting air passage opening to the intake passage at the downstream side of the throttle valve shut-off valve in the starting air passage, a second float chamber for supplying fuel to said starting air passage, and a passage introducing intake suction pressure to the upper portion of only the second float chamber. Also disclosed is apparatus wherein the main fuel nozzle and starting fuel nozzle communicate with a common float chamber, and the starter valve means comprises means for connecting the overlaying region of said float chamber with the intake passage downstream of the throttle valve when the starter valve means is in the open position.

Abstract: A combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine which includes a cylinder bore, a cylinder head with a combustion recess and a mating surface with a surface portion overhanging the bore whereby to form a squash portion between the overhanging portion and a piston in the bore. A spark plug is disposed in the combustion recess, offset toward the squash area. An aperture extends between the squash area and the combustion recess, and is directed toward the electrode of the spark plug.

Abstract: Several embodiments of induction systems for internal combustion engines including a relatively large main induction passage and a relatively small sub or auxiliary induction passage. The sub-intake passage is sized so that the charge issuing from it into the combustion chamber enters the chamber at a high velocity to improve flame propagation and combustion. Throttle valves are provided for diverting substantially all of the engines idle and low-speed charge requirements into the chamber through the sub-intake passage. In accordance with each embodiment of the invention, means are provided for causing a small amount of the charge flow during these idle and low-speed conditions also to pass through the main induction passage to minimize the effects of fuel condensation during transition from off-idle to high-speed operation. This arrangement also minimizes the likelihood of lean running during idle and low-speed operation as might also be caused by fuel condensation.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine including a fuel supply system which comprises a main carburetor having an intake passage leading to a combustion chamber of the engine. The engine is further provided with a starting fuel supply device which includes a starting fuel supply passage having one end opening to atmosphere and the other end connected with the intake passage. The starting fuel supply passage is provided with a fuel discharge nozzle and a starter valve disposed downstream of the nozzle. The supply passage has a cross-sectional area which is small in relation to that of the intake passage so that adequate air flow speed can be ensured even in engine starting period.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine and means to operate the same to produce minimal quantities and concentrations of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC). The engine is operated with a lean air/fuel mixture at both low and high load conditions, thereby minimizing said emissions. Low load operation on lean mixtures is made possible by means and methods for maintaining at a suitably low numerical value the residual fraction which is defined as the ratio of gases in a cylinder from a previous cycle and the total gases in the cylinder for the next cycle (said gases from a previous cycle plus new mixture). Said means may comprise apparatus to shorten the duration of intake and exhaust valve overlap, or of opening the engine throttle wider than normal and retarding the ignition to reduce the engine speed at low loads. Means is preferably provided wherein the fuel in the air/fuel mixture is well-vaporized and the mixture is uniform and homogeneous.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a lean-burning internal combustion engine. The system and method enable a starter carburetor to operate at cold but not at hot temperature, to provide gulp air and counterbalance means for the starter carburetor, together with means to inhibit them at startup and for a brief time thereafter, and to inhibit exhaust gas recirculation when it would be deleterious to smooth operation. The system also provides for continuous accelerator pump operation during acceleration except at high temperatures. The objective is to secure smooth operation at startup, cold, warm or hot, and during transient conditions during engine warmup.

Abstract: A carburetor comprising catching means for catching fuel deposited on the inner wall of a main air passage in the form of liquid and then flowing downstream therefrom and a passage means for delivering the liquid fuel thus caught to a carburetor throat, wherein the recovered liquid fuel is again ejected into the main air passage through an opening formed at one end of said passage means by negative pressure in the carburetor throat.