Abstract: A liquid injector for injection of liquids into internal combustion engines is provided. The injectors have a plurality of jets aimed at a common collision point, where at least two jet streams collide to create a finely atomized liquid due to kinetic energy dissipated by the impact of the liquid streams. The angle formed by the jets, the pressure applied and the distance at which the jets collide is such that the loss of forward momentum is greater than the energy required to create particles smaller than 5 microns. Liquids injected may include gasoline, diesel-type fuels, or water. The injectors may be employed for port injection or direct injection.

Abstract: A liquid injector for injection of liquids into internal combustion engines is provided. The injectors have a plurality of jets aimed at a common collision point, where at least two jet streams collide to create a finely atomized liquid due to kinetic energy dissipated by the impact of the liquid streams. The angle formed by the jets, the pressure applied and the distance at which the jets collide is such that the loss of forward momentum is greater than the energy required to create particles smaller than 5 microns. Liquids injected may include gasoline, diesel-type fuels, or water. The injectors may be employed for port injection or direct injection.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided equipped with an exhaust gas recirculating (EGR) system and means for internally cooling the exhaust gases by a spray of atomized water into the recirculated exhaust gases prior to ignition. The atomized water spray may be in the intake manifold or directly in the cylinder. The engine may employ spark or compression ignition. The internal combustion engine operates with compression ratios greater than 12:1 and lean air:fuel ratios. Also provided is a method for controlling the amount of exhaust gas recirculated in the engine, and for controlling the amount of water added. The inventive engines have elevated thermodynamic efficiencies and favorable NOx emissions.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic energy conversion system (HKECS) is provided, comprising design configurations suitable for efficient production of tidal or river in-stream kinetic energy into useful mechanical energy for tasks such as generating electricity or water pumping. The apparatus includes a set of blades with an airfoil cross sectional contour moving on a horizontal or vertical closed loop track, whereby the blades are propelled through the water by a net tangential lift force, rather than drag, to effectively convert the kinetic energy of flowing water to useful power.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic energy conversion system (HKECS) is provided, comprising design configurations suitable for efficient production of tidal or river in-stream kinetic energy into useful mechanical energy for tasks such as generating electricity or water pumping. The apparatus includes a set of blades with an airfoil cross sectional contour moving on a horizontal or vertical closed loop track, whereby the blades are propelled through the water by a net tangential lift force, rather than drag, to effectively convert the kinetic energy of flowing water to useful power.

Abstract: A linear wind powered electric generator (LWPEG), which is particularly adapted for installation at geographical sites subject to lower wind intensities. More specifically, there are provided design concepts for an LWPEG, possessing reasonable economic parameters for utilization at the lower-intensity wind sites. Moreover, the linear wind powered electric generator is based on a track based wind power generator, incorporating aerodynamic designs, which are adapted to reduce mechanical complexities presently encountered in this technology, while being cost-effective both in construction and in connection with the operation thereof.

Abstract: A linear wind powered electric generator (LWPEG), which is particularly adapted for installation at geographical sites subject to lower wind intensities. More specifically, there are provided design concepts for an LWPEG, possessing reasonable economic parameters for utilization at the lower-intensity wind sites. Moreover, the linear wind powered electric generator is based on a track based wind power generator, incorporating aerodynamic designs, which are adapted to reduce mechanical complexities presently encountered in this technology, while being cost-effective both in construction and in connection with the operation thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a control system for a MEMS device, such as a MEMS mirror, that uses sliding mode analysis to accurately and predictably control the position of the mirrors in a MEMS device. The present invention also uses the capacitance of the mirror to detect the position of the mirror. In one embodiment, a MEMS mirror device mounted on a substrate is described that includes, a micro mirror that is pivotable about an axis, a first conductive layer on the mirror, a second conductive layer on the substrate, the first and second conductive layers form a first capacitor for determining the position of the mirror. The sliding mode control can be implemented using various drive mechanisms, including electrostatic drives. When used with electrostatic drives, conductive layers that create the capacitors can also be used to drive the mirror. The detection-drive system can be time multiplexed to simplify implementation and to avoid cross talk.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a control system for a MEMS device, such as a MEMS mirror, that uses sliding mode analysis to accurately and predictably control the position of the mirrors in a MEMS device. The present invention also uses the capacitance of the mirror to detect the position of the mirror. In one embodiment, a MEMS mirror device mounted on a substrate is described that includes, a micro mirror that is pivotable about an axis, a first conductive layer on the mirror, a second conductive layer on the substrate, the first and second conductive layers form a first capacitor for determining the position of the mirror. The sliding mode control can be implemented using various drive mechanisms, including electrostatic drives. When used with electrostatic drives, conductive layers that create the capacitors can also be used to drive the mirror. The detection-drive system can be time multiplexed to simplify implementation and to avoid cross talk.