Abstract: The present invention provides an intake port design that provides a low thermal inertia characteristic, thereby decoupling the surface temperature of the intake port walls from that of the coolant through use of an air gap formed between the intake port and the cylinder head. At idle and part-throttle, the intake port is at a higher surface temperature yielding better cold-start emissions, better mixture preparation, and less dense intake charge (“thermal throttling”) for better fuel economy. At wide-open-throttle, the intake port is at a lower surface temperature yielding better volumetric efficiency for improved torque and reduction in knocking tendency enabling higher compression ratio for improved fuel economy and performance. The intake port design of the present invention can be manufactured with a hydroform manufacturing process resulting in improved dimensional consistency and smooth surface finish. Additionally, the process eliminates some cylinder head machining processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a vaporized reductant to an engine exhaust stream find particular utility in the regeneration of a nitrous oxide absorber in a Diesel engine exhaust treatment system. The method and apparatus are based on fueling the Diesel engine with a mixture of Diesel oil and an alcohol, such as methanol. At least a portion of the alcohol vaporizes in the fuel tank, or is forced to vaporize by passing the fuel mixture through a heat exchanger. The vapor is then stored in a canister for subsequent selective injection of the alcohol into the exhaust stream upstream of the adsorber. The alcohol then thermally decomposes to provide sufficient hydrogen and carbon monoxide to regenerate the adsorber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a vaporized reductant to an engine exhaust stream finds particular utility in the regeneration of a nitrous oxide adsorber in a Diesel engine exhaust treatment system. The method and apparatus are based on fueling the Diesel engine with a mixture of Diesel oil and an alcohol, such as methanol. At least a portion of the alcohol vaporizes in the fuel tank, or is forced to vaporize by passing the fuel mixture through a heat exchanger. The vapor is then stored in a canister for subsequent selective injection of the alcohol into the exhaust stream upstream of the adsorber. The alcohol then thermally decomposes to provide sufficient hydrogen and carbon monoxide to regenerate the adsorber.

Abstract: A fuel control system for an engine utilizing direct fuel injection including a smoke sensor for measuring the level of smoke in the engine exhaust. A control module, in response to the output signal from the smoke sensor, regulates the timing and delivery of fuel to the engine, the delivery of air to the engine, the amount of exhaust gases that are recirculated to the engine, the turbo boost pressure and performs on-board diagnostics.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for limiting the occurrence of knock conditions in an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a throttle sensor that detects transition of an engine throttle from a steady state throttle condition to a wide open throttle condition. Further, spark means is provided for generating a spark for an engine cylinder firing event, with the spark means generating the spark with an associated spark advance. Further, a controller is provided that is responsive to the wide open throttle condition detected by the throttle sensor and that causes the spark advance to incrementally advance to a maximum level over a predetermined time period, thereby minimizing the occurrence of engine knock conditions.

Abstract: An injector heating apparatus and method for a vehicle engine having fuel injectors with a solenoid coil in a housing for passing fuel into the engine, including an electrical control unit with a alternate normal engine run mode and an injector heating mode and a temperature sensing switch to signal the electrical control so that the fuel pump and engine starter are deenergized and the injector coils are energized for a timed period so that the injectors can be heated and subsequently the temperature of fuel passed therethrough is increased by heat transfer therefrom during a subsequent start and run mode of operation.

Abstract: An injector heating apparatus and system for a vehicle engine having fuel injectors with a solenoid coil in a housing for passing fuel into the engine, including an electrical control unit to alternately produce a normal engine run mode and an injector heating mode. A temperature sensing switch signals the electrical control so that in the injector heating mode the fuel pump and engine starter are deenergized and the injector coils are energized for a timed period so that the injectors can be heated and subsequently the temperature of fuel passed therethrough is increased by heat transfer therefrom during a subsequent start and run mode of operation.

Abstract: An improved throttle body fuel injection system having a single electrically controlled type of fuel injector in combination with a throttle bypass air circuit to provide favorable fuel preparation at substantially closed-throttle positions such as idle and deceleration while providing good cylinder-to-cylinder air/fuel distributions at wide-open-throttle. Fuel is introduced downstream of the throttle at idle and upstream of the throttle at full load.

Abstract: A method of optimizing valve timing events for a modern high speed internal combustion engine for the purpose of improving fuel economy during idle, high speed performance and allowing for a leaner fuel/air ratio during idle. The method is based on an analytical treatment of the instantaneous relationship between valve flow area and the changes in cylinder volume occurring because of piston motion.