Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a valve seat product in which the amount of hard particles added to improve the wear resistance of a valve seat of an internal combustion engine is increased, and is excellent in the mechanical strength and machinability.

Abstract: An iron-based corrosion resistant and wear resistant alloy includes (in weight percentage) carbon from about 1.6 to 3%, silicon from about 0.8 to 2.1%, manganese up to 1.0%, chromium from about 12.0 to 15.0%, molybdenum from about 2.0 to 4.0%, nickel from about 0.2 to 0.8%, copper up to 4.0%, boron up to 0.5%, and the balance including iron and incidental impurities. The alloy is suitable for use in elevated temperature applications such as in valve seat inserts for combustion engines.

Abstract: A sealing system for the cylinder head valve seat pocket to valve seat insert interface of a cylinder head assembly comprises a valve seat pocket gasket compressed between a valve seat insert pocket and a valve seat insert having an active layer of material with at least one seal, defining a compression seal at the interface of the seal and the valve seat insert pocket, the valve seat insert or both, to thereby prevent the ingress of fuel or water between the valve seat insert and the valve seat insert pocket.

Abstract: A valve seat insert including an annular body disposed about a central axis. The annular body includes a radially inward face that defines an orifice and a radially outward face that is opposite the radially inward face. Additionally, the annular body includes a top face, and a bottom face that is opposite the top face. The valve seat insert further includes a plurality of heat transfer protrusions that extend from the radially outward face of the annular body.

Abstract: An engine includes a cylinder head at least partially defining a valve seat pocket. A valve seat is located proximate to the cylinder head to at least partially define the valve seat pocket. A pocket filler is located between the valve seat and the pocket insert such that the pocket filler occupies a substantial portion of the valve seat pocket. A pocket insert is attached to the cylinder head proximate to the valve seat pocket, such that the pocket insert lines at least a portion of the valve seat pocket.

Abstract: A superaustenitic stainless steel comprises in weight %, 0.15 to 0.9% C, 0.2 to 1.3% Si, 0 to 0.45% Mn, 32.5 to 37.5% Cr, 13.5 to 17.5% Ni, 3.2 to 5.5% Mo, 0 to 2% Nb, 0 to 0.5% B, 0 to 2% Zr and 30 to 51% Fe. In a preferred embodiment, the superaustenitic stainless steel consists essentially of, in weight %, 0.5 to 0.9% C, 0.2 to 0.5% Si, 0.2 to 0.4% Mn, 33.0 to 35.0% Cr, 15.5 to 17.5% Ni, 4.0 to 4.5% Mo, 0.7 to 0.9% Nb, 0.07 to 0.13% B, 0 to 0.05% Zr and 40 to 46% Fe. The superaustenitic stainless steel is useful for valve seat inserts for internal combustion engines such as diesel or natural gas engines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve for controlling a gas flow, as it is used, for example, for controlling the gas flow between a crankcase and an intake tract of an internal combustion engine. The invention further relates to a liquid separator and to a ventilation system for the above-mentioned exemplary use for a crankcase and to an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine (1), in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising at least one cylinder (3) that defines a combustion chamber (4) and in which a piston (5) can be adjusted with regard to stroke. Each cylinder (3) comprises at least one intake opening (6) for a fresh mixture. Each intake opening (6) is associated with an intake valve (7) that works together with an associated valve seat (8) in order to control the intake opening (6). At least one such intake opening (6) is provided with a guide mask (9) that laterally encloses the respective valve seat (8) on a side that is opposite the respective combustion chamber (4) along a delimited circumferential section. Each intake opening (6) is associated with an intake canal (10). In order to improve the operation of the internal combustion engine (1), at least one intake canal (10) leading to a masked intake opening (6) is associated with an additional valve (11) for controlling the intake canal (10).

Abstract: A valve sealant fitting includes a spring coupling unit having an internal screw thread for coupling unit assembly below the ball installation groove of the sealant body, the internal screw thread having a hexagonal groove for preventing a downward separation of the coil spring, allowing a fluid to flow and facilitating fastening and releasing of the screw, and having an external screw thread at an outer circumference of the spring coupling unit, and outer sealing O-rings disposed in O-ring installation grooves formed on respective upper and lower positions of the valve coupling taper screw part formed on the outer lower side of the sealant body.

Abstract: An assembly can include a valve seat for an exhaust bypass valve of a serial turbocharger system where the valve seat includes a base portion and a wall portion that extends axially away from the base portion; and a gasket that includes a planar portion that defines a perimeter and a socket disposed interior to the perimeter, where the socket includes a valve seat surface axially recessed from the planar portion and configured to position the seat. In various examples, the valve seat is positioned in the socket of the gasket and fixed to the gasket. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing a cast iron member in which the production of gas defects such as blowholes or pinholes in a clad layer formed on the surface of a cast iron material can be reduced, and the generation of bead cracks in the clad layer can be restrained. In the method for manufacturing a cast iron member, including a step of forming the clad layer by melting a material for cladding by means of irradiation of a laser emitted from a laser irradiation device and by depositing the melted material on the surface of a part of the cast iron material, the step of forming the clad layer is performed by using a material the main ingredient of which is a copper element as the material for cladding so that when the clad layer is formed, a hardened layer having a thickness of 0.01 to 2.0 mm is formed on the surface of the cast iron material.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine block defining a cylinder bore, a cylinder head fixed to the engine block, and a valve seat insert. The cylinder head may include an intake port, defining an inlet in fluid communication with an air source and an outlet in fluid communication with the cylinder bore. The valve seat may be defined at the outlet of the intake port and may include a stepped region. The stepped region may define a seating surface extending radially outward from the intake port. The seating surface may include a series of protrusions circumferentially spaced from one another around the outlet and forming a series of recesses therebetween. The valve seat insert may be located within the stepped region and may include a first axial end surface abutting the protrusions on the seating surface.

Abstract: In one example, a valve seat insert for a cylinder head seat pocket of an internal combustion engine is described. The valve seat insert comprises an annular body comprising a first material and including an inner surface, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, a front surface adjoining the inner and outer surfaces, and a back surface opposite the front surface adjoining the inner and outer surfaces. The front surface includes an inner circumference greater than an inner circumference of the back surface. The back surface includes a first recession inlaid with a sacrificial anode comprising a second material different from the first material and having an exposed surface. In this manner, it may be possible to substantially prevent corrosion of the cylinder head seat pocket. Further, various approaches for reducing corrosion of the cylinder head seat pocket are described.

Abstract: A cylinder head assembly for an internal combustion engine and its method of manufacture is disclosed. The cylinder head assembly includes a cylinder head having a combustion chamber and a port opening into the combustion chamber. An insert pocket is circumferentially disposed about the port and is configured to receive a valve seat therein and to define a seam therebetween. A seal, comprising displaced cylinder head material disposed across the seam, seals the seam against the ingress of contaminants.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a valve seat product in which the amount of hard particles added to improve the wear resistance of a valve seat of an internal combustion engine is increased, and is excellent in the mechanical strength and machinability.

Abstract: A cylinder head for an internal combustion engine comprises a combustion chamber/face, a port opening into the combustion chamber/face and an insert pocket circumferentially disposed about the port and configured to receive a valve seat insert therein. A carbon layer is disposed between the insert pocket and the valve seat insert and is configured to prevent corrosion of the insert pocket caused by exposure to alcohol based fuels such as ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved valve seat insert, particularly for split-cycle engines with outwardly opening crossover valves. The improved valve seat insert combines an interference fit section with a threaded section. The interference fit section aligns a valve seat and can prevent rotation of the valve seat insert. The threaded section prevents axial movement of the valve seat insert.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine block defining a cylinder bore, a cylinder head fixed to the engine block, and a valve seat insert. The cylinder head may include an intake port, defining an inlet in fluid communication with an air source and an outlet in fluid communication with the cylinder bore. The valve seat may be defined at the outlet of the intake port and may include a stepped region. The stepped region may define a seating surface extending radially outward from the intake port. The seating surface may include a series of protrusions circumferentially spaced from one another around the outlet and forming a series of recesses therebetween. The valve seat insert may be located within the stepped region and may include a first axial end surface abutting the protrusions on the seating surface.

Abstract: An intake/exhaust valve seal structure for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A sealing surface is formed by a valve seat surface in a ceiling of a combustion chamber and a valve face surface provided on an intake/exhaust valve. The sealing surface lies on a first conical surface having an axis of the intake/exhaust valve as its rotation axis and includes a line of intersection of the first conical surface with an inner wall face of the ceiling of the combustion chamber. A method for manufacturing the intake/exhaust valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine (1), in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising at least one cylinder (3) that defines a combustion chamber (4) and in which a piston (5) can be adjusted with regard to stroke. Each cylinder (3) comprises at least one intake opening (6) for a fresh mixture. Each intake opening (6) is associated with an intake valve (7) that works together with an associated valve seat (8) in order to control the intake opening (6). At least one such intake opening (6) is provided with a guide mask (9) that laterally encloses the respective valve seat (8) on a side that is opposite the respective combustion chamber (4) along a delimited circumferential section. Each intake opening (6) is associated with an intake canal (10). In order to improve the operation of the internal combustion engine (1), at least one intake canal (10) leading to a masked intake opening (6) is associated with an additional valve (11) for controlling the intake canal (10).

Abstract: A gasoline direct injection engine may include: a piston; a combustion chamber interposed between a piston head and a cylinder; an ignition plug disposed at the top of the combustion chamber; at least one intake manifold disposed at an upper wall of the combustion chamber so that it is not interfered with by the ignition plug, and guiding intake air into the combustion chamber; an intake port disposed at an end of the intake manifold; an intake valve opening and closing the intake port; and an injector interposed between the intake port and another intake port below the intake port and injecting fuel into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A valve drive of an internal combustion engine, which has a reciprocating poppet valve and a spring element which impinges the closed reciprocating poppet valve with force against the action of a valve seat. The force characteristics are substantially independent of the lift characteristics of the reciprocating poppet valve. The spring element is part of a snap-in locking device, which is stationarily mounted in the engine and surrounds the valve stem of the reciprocating poppet valve. The snap-in locking device has snap-in elements arranged in the power flux between the spring element and reciprocating poppet valve. The snap-in elements are supported in the direction of closure of the reciprocating poppet valve on a snap-in surface of the valve stem when the reciprocating poppet valve is closed and on a snap-in surface of the snap-in locking device when the reciprocating poppet valve is open.

Abstract: Disclosed is an internal combustion engine (A), which has a valve overlap period (T) during which an intake valve (1) and an exhaust valve (2) are opened, and a geometric compression ratio of 13.0 or greater. The engine (A) is designed to satisfy, at a center timing (Tc) of the valve overlap period (T), a conditional expression: S1?S2, where S1 is a cross-sectional area of a combustion chamber (4) taken along any selected one of a plurality of mutually parallel hypothetical cutting-planes (IP) each of which extends parallel to a linear reciprocating direction (d1 or d2) of at least one of the intake and exhaust valves (1, 2) and passes through a valve head (1a or 2a) of the at least one of the valves (1, 2), and S2 is an effective opening area defined between the valve head (1a or 2a) and a corresponding valve seat (11a or 12a) in a region on an outward side of the combustion chamber (4) relative to the selected hypothetical cutting-plane (IP).

Abstract: A sealing region where a valve seat and an outer peripheral surface of a enlarged diameter portion of a flare portion are contacted to each other is configured so that an end on a side opposite a combustion chamber is positioned at a position same as or on a side away from the combustion chamber than an end on a side close to the combustion chamber of a connecting region where a lid member and an inner peripheral surface of the enlarged diameter portion are connected with respect to the axis line direction.

Abstract: (In a Two Stroke engine, there is very little opportunity for scavenging residual exhaust gas, without using impractical exhaust pipe tuning.) Our design utilises momentum air-filling of the cylinder. We use overhead poppet valves, but we have positioned the inlet valve at an angle, and partly recessed it. The angled upstream side of the valve head and the wall of the recess direct airflow. The eminence positioned in the inlet port augments this by a Coanda effect. Air is thus directed alongside and under the exhaust gas, to promote scavenging and optimise volumetric efficiency. This also creates a combustion chamber in the coolest part of the cylinder head, an important consideration. Complex surfaces, liable to overheat, have been avoided. The design is simple and robust.

Abstract: A cylinder of an internal combustion engine is communicated with intake ports. Each of intake valves and each of fuel injection valves are provided to a corresponding one of the intake ports to inject fuel into a combustion chamber through a curved portion and an opening of the corresponding intake port. An injection axis of each fuel injection valve intersects with a surface of the corresponding intake valve placed in a close position at an intersecting point that is located on an upstream side of a central axis of the corresponding intake valve.

Abstract: Means for attenuating the seating force of a cam-actuated poppet valve such as an exhaust gas recirculation valve in an internal combustion engine including a shock-absorber disposed between the valve stem and valve head. In a currently preferred embodiment, the shock-absorber is a wave washer disposed around the valve stem and captured between the valve stem and the valve head, between which axial motion is allowed. After the valve head engages the valve seat to close the valve, any further travel of the actuator cam and valve stem is absorbed by compression of the wave washer, thus attenuating additional force on elements of the valve actuation train. In opening the valve, the reverse occurs, in that initial motion of the actuator cam and valve stem serves to relieve compression of the wave washer, followed by removal of the valve head from the valve seat.

Abstract: An electronically actuated valve assembly for an internal combustion engine is disclosed, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve stem, a shape memory alloy actuator in operative communication with the valve stem, a coolant passage through which at least a portion of the shape memory alloy actuator extends, and a cooling fluid source in communication with the coolant passage.

Abstract: An intake valve assembly of an internal combustion engine that includes a combustion chamber and an intake passage. The intake valve assembly comprises a primary valve provided to seal against a primary valve seat formed in an intake port, a secondary valve mounted about the primary valve coaxially therewith and provided to seal against a secondary valve seat formed in the intake port, and a secondary valve lifter fixed to the primary valve so as to be axially spaced from the secondary valve when both the primary and secondary valves are in closed positions. The secondary valve is operated mechanically by the secondary valve lifter and fluidly in response to pressure differential between the intake passage and the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A cylinder head for internal combustion engines, comprising a metallic valve seat ring that is formed by a thermally sprayed homogeneous layer made of a basic Co or Co/Mo alloy. The sum of the Co content and Mo content in the alloy exceeds 50 percent by weight while the Fe content lies below 5 percent by weight. Also disclosed is a method for thermally spraying said valve seat ring by means of an arc wire spraying process with the aid of at least two filler wires and/or composite wires, the essential Co portion in the deposited layer being delivered by the jacket of the filler wire and/or the matrix of the composite wire.

Abstract: An outwardly-opening gas-exchange valve assembly for an internal combustion engine. The valve assembly includes a port in a firing chamber in an engine head, the port having a valve seat on a side opposite from the firing chamber. A piston-shaped poppet valve head slides in a bore in the engine head for mating with the valve seat to occlude passage of gas across the valve seat. Withdrawal of the poppet valve head from the seat opens the firing chamber to communication with an intake or exhaust manifold runner in the engine head. The poppet valve head may be actuated by an overcenter lever arrangement actuated selectively by hydraulic pressure or mechanical actuation. In a preferred embodiment, OO intake and exhaust valves are radially arranged in a hemispherical fire deck and may include an adjustable pitch helical channel to induce swirl to the incoming gas.

Abstract: A gas generator with the sole input of air, water and coal that continuously produces hydrogen and carbon monoxide and further reacts these two gases into alcohol. This gas generator/reactor is using its own by-products and is therefore also self sustaining.

Abstract: A valve seat, press-fitted into a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, containing an iron-based sintered alloy, includes a valve-seating section and a head-seating section. The valve-seating section and the head-seating section are monolithically formed by a sintering process and form a double layer structure. The valve-seating section includes a first iron-based sintered alloy member that has a porosity of 10 to 25 percent by volume and a sintered density of 6.1 to 7.1 g/cm3 and contains hard particles dispersed in a matrix. The head-seating section includes a second iron-based sintered alloy member that has a porosity of 10 to 20 percent by volume and a sintered density of 6.4 to 7.1 g/cm3.

Abstract: A method of controlling the speed of the valves in an electro-hydraulic actuation unit for the valves of an internal combustion engine in which the pressure of the fluid in the hydraulic actuator of the valve is controlled during the final phase of closure of a valve.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a cylinder head in which seat rings, against which are placed intake valves, are mounted respectively on a plurality of intake ports that communicate with a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, and, among the plurality of intake ports, an intake port on which is mounted an eccentric seat ring, with a center of an inner diameter of this eccentric seat ring being eccentric relative to a center of an outer diameter of this eccentric seat ring, is present together with an intake port on which is mounted a standard seat ring, with a center of an inner diameter of this standard seat ring matching a center of an outer diameter of this standard seat ring. As a result, a flow coefficient can be secured using the intake port on which the standard seat ring is mounted, and the swirl flow can be strengthened using the intake port on which the eccentric seat ring is mounted.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the production of a valve seat (5) for a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. According to said method, an additional material is melted with the cylinder head by applying energy in the site in which the valve seat (5) is to be formed. An alloy or a mixture consisting of an aluminum-iron alloy and at least another component is used as additional material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder head (1) for an internal combustion engine with at least one inlet channel (3), which generates a swirling flow (S) in the combustion chamber (2), preferably curved in the direction of the swirling flow (S) with an external wall region (3a) and an internal wall region (3b) relative to the swirling flow (S). A valve seat ring (4) is arranged in the region of the opening (9) of the inlet channel (3) into the combustion chamber (2). According to the invention, a strong swirling flow (S) without significant reduction of the flow cross-section of the inlet channel (3) may be achieved whilst keeping the mechanical loading on the cylinder head to a minimum, whereby the external wall region (3a), in the region of the valve seat ring (4), is at least partly formed by a projection (11) of the cylinder head (1) within an internal surface (4a) of the valve seat ring (4), whereby the internal surface (4a) of the valve seat ring (4) extends beyond said projection (11).

Abstract: A valve seat, press-fitted into a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, containing an iron-based sintered alloy, includes a valve-seating section and a head-seating section. The valve-seating section and the head-seating section are monolithically formed by a sintering process and form a double layer structure. The valve-seating section includes a first iron-based sintered alloy member that has a porosity of 10 to 25 percent by volume and a sintered density of 6.1 to 7.1 g/cm3 and contains hard particles dispersed in a matrix. The head-seating section includes a second iron-based sintered alloy member that has a porosity of 10 to 20 percent by volume and a sintered density of 6.4 to 7.1 g/cm3.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder head (1) for an internal combustion engine with at least one inlet channel (3), which generates a swirling flow (S) in the combustion chamber (2), preferably curved in the direction of the swirling flow (S) with an external wall region (3a) and an internal wall region (3b) relative to the swirling flow (S). A valve seat ring (4) is arranged in the region of the opening (9) of the inlet channel (3) into the combustion chamber (2). According to the invention, a strong swirling flow (S) without significant reduction of the flow cross-section of the inlet channel (3) may be achieved whilst keeping the mechanical loading on the cylinder head to a minimum, whereby the external wall region (3a), in the region of the valve seat ring (4), is at least partly formed by a projection (11) of the cylinder head (1) within an internal surface (4a) of the valve seat ring (4), whereby the internal surface (4a) of the valve seat ring (4) extends beyond said projection (11).

Abstract: Internal combustion engine with a flat plate that is disposed, adjacent a combustion chamber, between a cylinder head and a cylinder, said plate having at least two ports for at least one intake valve and/or one exhaust valve and/or at least one injector device or the like, and being disposed adjacent a flat cylinder head bottom. At least one relief slot is formed in the plate at least between two ports.

Abstract: A valve stem seal assembly incorporates a cylindrical retainer having an axis and an upper end about which symmetrically and circumferentially arranged, alternating first and second sets of fingers have radially inwardly depending upper ends. The first set of fingers is generally parallel to the axis and the upper ends are generally perpendicular to the axis to engage a first exterior annular groove of an elastomeric seal body. The first set of fingers provides for axial attachment of the seal body to a top of a valve guide. The second set of fingers is generally arcuate and the upper ends extend radially inwardly to engage a second exterior annular groove of the seal body. The second set of fingers eliminates the need for a garter spring used by traditional valve stem seal assemblies by generating a force to urge the sealing lip against a reciprocating valve stem.

Abstract: This invention concerns an internal combustion engine, especially an Otto engine, especially of a motor vehicle, with a fuel injector (40), which is arranged and designed in such a way that it injects the fuel (42) directly into a combustion chamber (16) of working cylinders (14) of the internal combustion engine, and with at least one intake valve unit per working cylinder (14), which comprises an intake valve and an intake valve seat. In this regard, at least one intake valve unit is designed with means that hinder heat dissipation in such a way that increased surface temperatures of more than 380° C. develop in the area of the neck (68) of the intake valve (20) in at least one predetermined region (112) of the load-speed characteristic diagram.

Abstract: In the present invention, there is provided a cylinder head in which seat rings, against which are placed intake valves, are mounted respectively on a plurality of intake ports that communicate with a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, and, among the plurality of intake ports, an intake port on which is mounted an eccentric seat ring, with a center of an inner diameter of this eccentric seat ring being eccentric relative to a center of an outer diameter of this eccentric seat ring, is present together with an intake port on which is mounted a standard seat ring, with a center of an inner diameter of this standard seat ring matching a center of an outer diameter of this standard seat ring. As a result, a flow coefficient can be secured using the intake port on which the standard seat ring is mounted, and the swirl flow can be strengthened using the intake port on which the eccentric seat ring is mounted.

Abstract: An intake and exhaust valve for an internal combustion engine is provided wherein the stem longitudinal axis is offset from the valve head center. Alternatively, the valve head may have an end having a planar surface wherein the axis and the surface are not perpendicular. Alternatively, the valve head may have an irregular perimeter having a straight edge, and another edge being rounded and generally radiused to the straight edge. Alternatively, the valve head may have a stepped, non-planar shape with respect to the plane of the face of the head. Alternatively, the valve head may have a shape that is pie-shaped. Alternatively, the stem longitudinal axis may be offset from the center point of the valve head, and the valve head may have an end having a planar surface, wherein the longitudinal axis and the planar surface are not perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: A powder metal engine component particularly suited for use as a valve seat insert in both light and heavy duty internal combustion engine applications. The powder metal engine component contains an intermetallic phase such as a Laves phase for both the cobalt or iron based alloy.

Abstract: Immediately after a laser-cladding is performed, a control surface is formed by machining the clad metal while an extra metal is left. An intermediate inspection is performed about presence/absence of any defect in the clad metal using the control surface. When a defect is detected, the clad metal is removed, and a laser-cladding is performed again. Since an extra metal where an amount of clad metal required can be secure exists, re-cladding can be made possible.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for selective control of gas flow in a combustion chamber in an internal combustion engine through a moveable or retractable seat valve that is independent of piston position. The retractable seat valve has complete freedom of valving events such that gas flow can be selectively controlled at any time during the engine cycle, or throughout the engine cycle. Further, the retractable seat valve is scalable for adaptation to internal combustions engines of various bore sizes. The retractable seat valve includes a retractable seat, a stationary seat, a retractable seat actuator member, a pin connector for translation of retractable seat actuator member movement to the retractable seat, and a valve actuator assembly that allows the retractable seat valve be selectively positioned in the cylinder head in a closed position, open position or anywhere therebetween.

Abstract: A bonding structure of a valve seat has a port opening of a metallic head and an annular metallic valve seat insert. The valve seat insert includes an outer reduced diameter surface on its outer circumference. The material of the valve seat insert is harder than that of the head. The head plastically deforms upon pressing the valve seat insert toward the head. The deformed metal occupies any gap around the outer reduced diameter surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for selective control of gas flow in a combustion chamber in an internal combustion engine through a moveable or retractable seat valve that is independent of piston position. The retractable seat valve has complete freedom of valving events such that gas flow can be selectively controlled at any time during the engine cycle, or throughout the engine cycle. Further, the retractable seat valve is scalable for adaptation to internal combustions engines of various bore sizes. The retractable seat valve comprises a retractable seat, a stationary seat, a retractable seat actuator member, a pin connector for translation of retractable seat actuator member movement to the retractable seat, and a valve actuator assembly that allows the retractable seat valve be selectively positioned in the cylinder head in a closed position, open position or anywhere therebetween.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a combustion chamber, an intake air passage communicated with the combustion chamber, an intake valve having a thermal insulator at an air-exposure portion thereof which is opposed to the intake air passage, a fuel injector disposed within the intake air passage and operative to inject an amount of fuel toward the air-exposure portion of the intake valve at a fuel injection timing, and a controller in communication with the fuel injector. The controller is programmed to set the fuel injection timing of the fuel injector to an engine intake stroke.