Abstract: A system and method for generating microwaves for microwave enhanced combustion (MEC) input to an MEC antenna of an internal combustion engine. The system uses a directional coupler to deliver the MEC input signal to the MEC antenna and to receive a reflected power signal from the MEC antenna. A feedback path determines a desired frequency, based on the reflected power and using an impedance-matching controller that matches the reflected power to a desired frequency value. Additional inputs, such as various engine conditions, can also be used to determine the desired frequency.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a waveguide antenna for microwave enhanced combustion of a previously ignited fuel-air mixture. The waveguide antenna has a thermal conductivity of at least 150 W/m?k and can be formed from a metallic shell with a ceramic core.

Abstract: A system and method for generating microwaves for microwave enhanced combustion (MEC) input to an MEC antenna of an internal combustion engine. The system uses a directional coupler to deliver the MEC input signal to the MEC antenna and to receive a reflected power signal from the MEC antenna. A feedback path determines a desired frequency, based on the reflected power and using an impedance-matching controller that matches the reflected power to a desired frequency value. Additional inputs, such as various engine conditions, can also be used to determine the desired frequency.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a waveguide antenna for microwave enhanced combustion of a previously ignited fuel-air mixture. The waveguide antenna has a thermal conductivity of at least 150 W/m-k and can be formed from a metallic shell with a ceramic core.

Abstract: A cooling fluid pump is for a cooling a marine engine. The cooling fluid pump comprises a pump chamber that contains an impeller. An upstream inlet passage supplies cooling fluid to the pump chamber. A downstream outlet passage discharges cooling fluid from the pump chamber. An impeller shaft rotates the impeller, causing flow of cooling fluid through the pump chamber from the inlet passage to the outlet passage. A drain passage connects the pump chamber to the inlet passage such that at least when the impeller is not rotating, the drain passage drains cooling fluid that settles by gravity in the pump chamber back to the inlet passage.

Abstract: Systems and methods are for monitoring an operational characteristic of a pump pumping cooling water from upstream to downstream to cool a marine engine. A sensor senses a characteristic of the cooling water at a location that is downstream of the pump. A control circuit is in communication with the sensor and receives the sensed characteristic of the cooling water, compares the sensed characteristic of the cooling water to a stored nominal value, and determines a present operational condition of the pump based on the comparison.