Abstract: A fueling system for a vehicle equipped with an engine fueled by compressed gas and a storage system for storing the gas under pressure and providing the gas to the engine, includes a compressor on board the vehicle for receiving gas at a first pressure through an inlet and outputting the gas a second pressure higher than the first pressure through an outlet, an electric motor connectable to an electric power source outside the vehicle for powering the compressor, a low-pressure connection for removably connecting the inlet to a source of low-pressure gas at the first pressure, and a high-pressure connection between the outlet and the fuel storage system. The compressor preferably compresses in two to four stages. The fueling system permits an operator to recharge the fuel cylinders of a gas-powered vehicle from a source of low pressure gas, such as a metered residential gas line, using standard AC line power and simple gas fittings.

Abstract: A liquid propane injection system for a diesel engine includes a liquid propane fuel tank, a pump, a heat exchanger, a reservoir, and an injector. The pump receives liquid propane from the liquid propane fuel tank, and increases the pressure of the received liquid propane to a level suitable for use by the diesel engine. The heat exchanger receives liquid propane from the pump, and vaporizes the liquid propane. The reservoir stores vaporized liquid propane received from the heat exchanger, and has sufficient storage capacity to compensate for any time lag between instantaneous engine fuel demand and the supply of liquid propane by the pump. The injector receives vaporized liquid propane from the reservoir, and injects the vaporized liquid propane into a combustion chamber of the diesel engine.

Abstract: A fuel supply module for furnishing gaseous fuel to a liquid cooled internal combustion engine includes a pressure regulator for reducing gas pressure from a relatively higher tank pressure to a relatively lower pressure required for induction into an engine, and a heating chamber surrounding at least part of the pressure regulator. The flow of liquid coolant into the module is controlled by means of a temperature controller which senses the temperature of the coolant within the heating chamber and which controls the amount of coolant flowing through the heating chamber in response to the sensed temperature so as to control the amount of which is transferred to the gas flowing through the fuel supply module.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a common shared intake port for each pair of cylinders and having a primary fuel injection system capable of controlling very precisely the distribution of fuel into each cylinder by controlling the duration and timing of each injection pulse. A common fuel injector is provided for each shared intake port and is controlled so as to inject fuel into the shared intake port only during the specific intake strokes of individual cylinders. Each injector preferably takes the form of an electronic fuel injector coupled to a controller receiving signals from engine mounted sensors such as a crank angle indicator. Such electronic control permits very precise control of the duration and timing of the fuel injection pulse and also enables other injection strategies such as a skip-fire operation in which fuel injection is withheld during selected intake strokes of selected cylinders, thereby eliminating firing cycles corresponding to the selected intake strokes.

Abstract: A feedback fuel control circuit for a gaseous fuel engine to maintain a stoichiometric fuel/air ratio through adjustment of an air bleed in the fuel supply circuit. The system operates with a sensor that does not output a signal until the engine temperature is more than a predetermined temperature. Therefore, during the times when the output engine combustion sensor is not at its operating temperature the feedback control is disabled and a lean fuel air mixture is supplied to the engine. This mixture is temporarily enriching during the warmup cycle to determine if the combustion sensor outputs a signal and when it does the system switches to feedback control.

Abstract: A method for maintaining the pressure of a compressible fuel resident in a reservoir above a predetermined minimum including withdrawing compressed air from an internal combustion engine's combustion chamber, further compressing that withdrawn air, transmitting that further compressed air to an expandable air compartment which, with a fuel compartment having an outlet, occupies the interior of a reservoir. Apparatus for maintaining the pressure of a compressible fuel above a predetermined minimum including a reservoir having an air compartment and a fuel compartment separated by a moveable barrier, an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, means for transmitting air from the combustion chamber to the air compartment, a compressor for compressing the transmitted air, and a valve for obstructing air transmission when the fuel compartment's pressure exceeds a predetermined maximum.

Abstract: A self-compensating and electrically heated reducer for compressed gas or l.p.g. comprising, a supporting body, a chamber formed inside the body; a diaphragm; an opening inlet between an entrance and the chamber; a closing mechanism for the opening inlet controlling the flow rate of fuel owing to the action of manoeuvring elements, kinematically connected to the diaphragm, on the device controlling the pressure of the fuel coming from the bottle; a mechanism which acts on at least one of the manoeuvring elements to cancel the resultant of the action of the pressure of the fuel on the mechanism; electrical resistors connected with the feeding system in the engine placed in thermic contact with the walls of the body near the inlet.

Abstract: Device for injecting a gaseous fuel into an internal combustion engine with several cylinders is provided with a vaporizer pressure regulator and metering elements for supplying the fuel from the vaporizer/pressure regulator to the inlet of the cylinders. In order to ensure a uniform supply to each cylinder, the metering elements have separate metering apertures, each of which belongs to its own cylinder, and which are connected by separate respective pipes to the cylinder. A pressure regulating valve is also provided in each pipe near the inlet of the cylinder, for the purpose of maintaining a constant pressure between the metering elements and the inlet.

Abstract: A fuel rail for supplying liquified petroleum gas ("LPG") to an internal combustion engine. Fuel supply channel and fuel return channel are aligned generally parallel to one another within fuel rail. LPG flowing through return channel cools LPG flowing through supply channel by vaporization of return fuel. Vaporization is caused by lower pressure in return channel relative to supply channel. Cooling of supply fuel aids in maintaining LPG injected into the engine in a fully liquid state. This results in increased power output, lower toxic emissions, and a reduction in knocking.

Abstract: The fueling station consists of a vacuum insulated storage vessel for storing a large quantity of LNG at low pressure. The LNG is delivered to one of two relatively small volume fuel conditioning tanks where the pressure and temperature of the LNG can be raised or lowered as dictated by the needs of the system, The pressure and temperature in the fuel conditioning tanks are raised by delivering high pressure natural gas vapor thereto from a high pressure bank. The temperature and pressure can be lowered by venting natural gas from the fuel conditioning tanks and/or delivering LNG thereto.

Abstract: Liquid natural gas is pumped into a main tank until the main tank is completely filled with liquid. Once filled, high pressure gas is pumped into the main tank. This high pressure gas forces the liquid from the main tank into an overflow tank until the liquid level in the main tank reaches a predetermined level. High pressure gas is then pumped through the main tank to the overflow tank until the LNG in the overflow tank is saturated at a pressure slightly higher than the pressure needed at the use device. Once the desired pressure is achieved the delivery of LNG to the delivery system is stopped. LNG is initially delivered from the overflow tank to the use device as a high pressure gas. Some of the high pressure gas being delivered from the overflow tank is diverted from the use device to saturate the LNG in the main tank at the desired pressure.

Abstract: A relief valve is provided in the dip tube line that provides a fixed back pressure of 2-3 psi. When the economizer valve on the economizer circuit opens, the back pressure in the dip tube is the head pressure plus the 2-3 psi created by the relief valve. This pressure creates a path of least resistance through the economizer circuit such that the demand of product will draw gas from the gas head via the economizer line until the pressure falls below the valve set at the regulator. Once the pressure falls below the valve set at the regulator, the regulator closes the economizer circuit and liquid will be drawn through the dip tube. Because the relief valve prevents flow back into the tank, an orifice is provided to allow back flow of the cryogen from the withdrawal line to the tank once delivery of product is stopped.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for a gaseous fuel engine which runs on gaseous fuel containing at least partly hydrogen gas has a fuel supply control valve which adjusts the amount of the gaseous fuel supplied to the engine and a control unit which controls the fuel supply control valve to control the air-fuel ratio according to the engine load. The control unit controls the fuel supply control valve so that the air-fuel ratio becomes higher than a NOx-maximizing air-fuel ratio, at which the amount of NOx emitted from the engine is maximized, in a predetermined operating range of the engine, and in the predetermined operating range of the engine, the control unit controls the fuel supply control valve so that the air-fuel ratio becomes higher in a high engine speed range than in a low engine speed range.

Abstract: A mixer (10) for entraining gaseous fuel into an airstream for induction into an internal combustion engine (12) having a turbocharger (13). The mixer has a housing (16) mounted to a conduit (14) between the turbocharger and the engine. The mixer also has a control ring (32) mounted to the housing that has an annular array of holes (39) through which gaseous fuel, from a supply of gaseous fuel coupled to the housing, is introduced into the airstream passing through the mixer and into the engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing compressed gas from n storage vessels containing compressed gas. Gas is sequentially dispensed from each of the storage vessels until predetermined delivery conditions are reached for each storage vessel. After the predetermined delivery conditions are reached in storage vessel n, storage vessel n is backfilled using the remaining compressed gas from the other storage vessels. The backfilling provides greater extraction of stored gas in the storage vessels and consistently fast fill times.

Abstract: A gaseous fuel injection system has a fuel metering body having a tubular injector chamber with an expansion chamber at one closed end thereof; the expansion chamber having openings for the passage of fuel from the chamber to the exterior of the fuel metering body. Additionally, a spool type silencer is positioned between the expansion chamber and a fuel injector located at the end of the silencer opposite that of the expansion chamber. The silencer has a hollow cylindrical core with an inlet to receive fuel from the injector and a multiplicity of outlets for the passage of the fuel to an outer annular region. The outer annular region has an upper wall for support of the injector within the tubular injector chamber and a lower wall having openings for passage of the fuel from the annular region to the expansion chamber.

Abstract: A process for operating a combustion engine which comprises the steps of thermoelectrochemiclly regenerating waste heat rejected by the combustion engine by adding waste heat to an electrolysis cell, generating hydrogen by an amount of electricity that is reduced as a result of additions of waste heat and using the hydrogen as a stratified-charge combustant within each combustion chamber of the engine.

Abstract: Method for liquifying natural gas comprising regulating the pressure of the natural gas from a pressure ranging from 0-25 psig. Contaminants are filtered out of the regulated natural gas. The natural gas is then compressed to a higher pressure. At least a one-stage heat exchange is performed with the compressed natural gas by utilizing a coolant to provide a cooled compressed natural gas. A Joule Thompson valve is used to liquify at least a portion of the cooled compressed natural gas. The liquified natural gas is stored in a dewar. Unliquified natural gas passing from the dewar is utilized to provide cooling of the natural gas during the heat exchange. The unliquified natural gas is then recompressed. The recompressed natural gas is subjected to the same steps to liquify an additional portion of the recompressed natural gas.

Abstract: A gas-injection valve for injecting gaseous fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, comprising a valve housing and, disposed therein, a longitudinally displaceable piston having connected thereto a poppet valve for controlling an injection port, which poppet valve opens in the direction of gas flow, said piston separating a gas space from an operating space adapted to be pressurized by having hydraulic control fluid fed thereto by a pressure pump, and the gas pressure within the gas space alone being sufficient to move the poppet valve to and to hold it in its closed position when the operating space is depressurized.

Abstract: An improved mechanical air-fuel blending system for use with internal combustion engines, in which a highly compressed fuel such as Liquified Petroleum (LP), is throttled at its storage pressure across a single fuel valve before entering a fuel flow divider which allows the main portion of the discharged LP to flow directly into the air stream before passing to the internal combustion engine. A small portion of the discharged fuel, termed the control fuel, is separated within a fuel flow divider and is diverted across one or more heat exchangers, where it transfers heat to and from the incoming air charge which brings the temperature of the control fuel to that of the incoming air, before entering the air stream at the venturi across one or more orifices. The control fuel pressure within the heat exchanger is compared with the free air pressure entering the system, across a light diaphragm to control the positioning of a fuel valve.

Abstract: A gas fuel injection pump including a pump body machined with a plurality of plunger sliding bores, the pressure head of which has side entry ingress passages and individual and separate discharge ports; including a means to actuate the plungers consisting of a rotating cam-spool suitably keyed and locked to the axial driven shaft which will connect by suitable means to the engine crankshaft so as to ensure the precise timing of the injection process. The plungers are sealed by rings of polyamide resin to obviate the leakage of any gas and also to act as sliding bearing surfaces to provide working clearances betwixt plunger and bore. Cam followers are interposed between the plungers and cam-spool to control sidethrust and ensure a satisfactory and maintenance free operation.

Abstract: A gaseous fuel management system for an internal combustion engine having a source of gaseous fuel such as LPG or CNG, a throttle control and an exhaust system and having an air intake tube for conducting combustion air into the manifold of the engine and an angularly movable butterfly valve disposed in the air intake tube, responsive to the operation of the throttle control. A fuel delivery bar having an interior longitudinal fuel conducting bore is diametrically disposed in the air intake tube upstream from the butterfly valve and has a plurality of fuel delivery orifices in its downstream facing side which orifices communicate with the interior of the bar. A fuel lane interconnects the interior bore of the fuel delivery bar to the fuel source and an electronically controlled valve meters the amount of fuel admitted to the interior bore of the fuel delivery bar as a function of the oxygen content of the products of combustion in the exhaust system.

Abstract: A turbocharged or supercharged internal combustion motive system for utilization of gaseous fuel stored as a liquid wherein the liquefied gaseous fuel is vaporized and warmed at least partially with heat removed from the compressed intake combustion air in the turbocharger or supercharger aftercooler. In a preferred embodiment, the compressed intake combustion air is first cooled in an aftercooler against an ambiently cooled coolant and is subsequently cooled in further aftercooler heat exchange passages against an intermediate coolant which transfers heat removed from the compressed intake combustion air to the liquefied gaseous fuel.

Abstract: A natural gas vehicle fuel delivery system regulates the pressure of LNG which is vaporized and delivered to an engine. The system employs dual regulator valves responsive to the gas phase pressure of a storage tank to either directly couple vapor produced from a heat exchanger to an engine combustion system, or to divert that vapor through another heat exchanger contained within the tank itself. This additional heat exchanger maintains the pressure within the tank at the desired level despite heavy fuel demands of the engine. The system functions independent of liquid level in the storage tank. When multiple LNG storage tanks are used, they are coupled in parallel so that they both produce gas and are concurrently regulated in the gas phase portion. A pressure initializing structure and process are also provided.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for a gaseous fueled automotive engine has means for damping pressure waves occurring within the fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine. In a preferred embodiment, acoustical barriers, such as annular rings, are secured to the inside of the fuel rail for partially transmitting and partially reflecting the pressure waves so that wave amplitude is decreased. An alternative embodiment comprises an acoustical barrier in the fuel line having a cylindrical section with a diameter larger than that of the fuel line. Baffles, possibly annular rings, within the cylindrical section also serve to damp the pressure waves. The acoustical barrier may also be composed of a conical section with diameters equal to that of the cylindrical section on one end and the fuel line at the other end. Acoustical barriers placed in both the fuel line and the fuel rail also effectively damp the pressure waves.

Abstract: Two LNG storage tanks receive LNG from a fill station. The two storage tanks are connected to an overflow tank into which the LNG flows during pressurization of the system. The overflow tank is connected to the use device, i.e. the vehicle's engine, through a heat exchanger to provide high pressure natural gas thereto. The fill station initially delivers LNG to the two storage tanks until the tanks are substantially filled with LNG whereupon the fill station automatically stops delivery of LNG and begins to deliver natural gas vapor to the storage tanks until the pressure in the system reaches a predetermined maximum that is equal to or greater than the pressure required by the use device. During the pressurization of the system some of the LNG in the two storage tanks is forced into the overflow tank by the incoming natural gas vapor.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of gaseous fueled internal combustion engines having induction systems that include charging augmentation means for altering the charging character of the induction system into the combustion chamber. In some embodiments this charging augmentation means comprises auxiliary intake passages that serve the combustion chamber through the main intake passages and which deliver a charge at a higher velocity. This higher velocity charge may be employed to generate tumble in the combustion chamber. The charge forming system for the engine includes a number of embodiments of systems including a carburetor and a pressure regulator that delivers fuel at a regulated pressure to the carburetor. In some embodiments, fuel is also delivered to the induction system independently of the carburetor.

Abstract: An improved gaseous fuel delivery system and method (10) to improve performance of a gaseous fuel engine (30) by variably maintaining gaseous fuel pressure to the gaseous fuel engine (30). From a storage device (12), gaseous fuel flows to fuel pressure regulator (16) that variably and dynamically reduces the fuel pressure from the storage pressure and maintains the gaseous fuel pressure at the desired controlled supply pressure. Regulator controller (20) controls the fuel pressure regulator (16) in response to signal inputs (28, 34, 44, and 54) and maintain the gaseous fuel at the controlled supply pressure. Signal inputs (28, 34, 44, and 54) used by regulator controller (20) are derived from sensors such as fuel pressure sensor (24) an engine speed and/or intake manifold pressure sensor (34), fuel temperature sensor (42), and fuel composition sensor (52).

Abstract: A fuel supply control for an internal combustion engine designed to run on gaseous fuel (LPG or CNG) utilizes a feedback loop from a lambda sensor in the exhaust gases to a moving coil (82) mounted on a diaphragm (34) of a diaphragm-actuated valve (24) controlling the flow of gaseous fuel to the engine. The coil (82) is similar to the speaker coil of an audio speaker, and moves concentrically of a fixed permanent ring magnet (86) to impart a variable bias on the diaphragm(34) in accordance with the oxygen content of the exhaust gas stream as sensed by the lambda sensor, to control the fuel or air-and-fuel supply to the engine in accordance with desired engine operation parameters. The control has a sufficiently rapid and positive response that it can maintain the free oxygen content in the exhaust gases at substantially 2% for continuous operation of a catalytic exhaust purifier at or nearly at optimum efficiency.

Abstract: An engine shut-down circuit for a gaseous fuel induction system comprises a solenoid operated three-way valve connected to the electrical system such that when a shut-down condition is sensed, a vacuum signal from the intake manifold is sent to a pressure regulator, causing its internal fuel port to automatically close despite the presence of a residual negative pressure fuel supply signal which would otherwise keep the regulator open, thereby shutting off fuel supply instantaneously, despite continued rotation of the engine, thereby preventing fuel from being inducted into the engine which, if present upon restarting, would likely cause pre-ignition or backfire.

Abstract: An integrated air/fuel sensor is disclosed for use with a gaseous fuel internal combustion engine. The sensor includes a housing having a mass air flow sensor which provides an output signal representative of the mass of air flow through the mass air flow sensor. Similarly, a mass gas sensor is also contained in the housing which provides an output signal representative of the mass of gas flow through the mass gas flow sensor. The integrated air/fuel sensor is mounted to the air and fuel supply system for the engine upstream from the internal combustion engine. The output signal from both flow sensors are provided as input signals to a circuit which calculates the air/fuel ratio to the engine and provides an output signal representative thereof to the fuel management system for the engine.

Abstract: A supplemental gaseous fuel system is provided for retrofit to an existing diesel engine having a conventional load sensitive speed control. The supplemental gaseous fuel system operates independently of the load sensitive speed control thus enabling the diesel fuel supply system to rapidly react to load transients. A control system senses a physical position of an actuator mechanism in the diesel fuel injector pump and opens and closes a buffer valve in response to predetermined positions of the actuator. In normal operation of the engine, variations (increases) in engine load are initially corrected for by an immediate but momentary increase in diesel fuel to the engine. However, as soon as the engine has responded to the increase in diesel fuel and increased its rate of combustion, the gas flow to the engine is increased and causes the diesel fuel actuator to approach a minimum fuel setting.

Abstract: A fuel management system is provided for use with an internal combustion engine which utilizes gaseous fuel as the fuel source. A mass gas flow sensor is fluidly connected between the gaseous fuel source and the engine. A mass air flow meter is similarly provided in series with an air intake for the internal combustion engine and the outputs from both flow meters are provided as input signals to a microprocessor based control circuit. The control circuit calculates the air/fuel ratio of the combustible charge provided to the engine and generates appropriate output signals to a valve arrangement in series between the source of gaseous fuel and the internal combustion engine to vary the air/fuel ratio to obtain a desired engine performance as a function of the engine operating condition. An air/fuel ratio sensor is also in fluid communication with the exhaust gas stream from the engine and provides an output signal representative of the actual air/fuel ratio to the control circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for refueling vehicle storage tanks with compressed natural gas (CNG) are provided that utilize a single stage compressor operable at suction pressures ranging from about 330 to about 3600 psig and discharge pressures ranging from about 330 to about 4500 psig in combination with a temporary storage tank for CNG at an intermediate storage pressure of from about 330 to about 4500 psig, preferably from about 1700 to about 2700 psig, selectively filling vehicle storage tanks with CNG from an inlet source, from the compressor discharge and from the intermediate storage tanks, and selectively supplying CNG to the compressor inlet at either the available line pressure or the intermediate storage pressure.

Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus for use with a gaseous fuel engine is provided with an intake passage having an inlet port open to a cylinder and adapted for supplying air into the cylinder therethrough; a fuel supply device for supplying gaseous fuel into the cylinder, the fuel supply device including at least two fuel supply systems each of which is provided with fuel amount adjusting mechanism for adjusting an amount of gaseous fuel to be supplied, the fuel supply systems including high and low pressure fuel supply systems used in a high induction zone where a large amount of air is admitted into the cylinder and in a low induction zone where a small amount of air is admitted into the cylinder, the high pressure fuel supply system being constructed so that the gaseous fuel is supplied into the cylinder during a former half of a compression stroke following an air intake stroke of the engine at a pressure higher than a pressure in the cylinder through a gaseous fuel supply port open to the cylinder independently of

Abstract: A fuel system for a single-cylinder internal combustion gas engine comprising a constant gas pressure governor that is situated in a gas supply line extending to the throat of a venturi carburetor, the gas pressure governor including a diaphragm-operated gas valve that responds to changes in static pressure on the upstream side of the venturi of the carburetor, the governor being adapted to compensate for changes in venturi throat pressure due to the opening and the closing of the intake valve for the single-cylinder engine, whereby the governor tends to maintain a uniform air/fuel ratio throughout a large engine speed range.

Abstract: A process for operating an internal combustion heat engine which comprises the steps of thermochemically regenerating waste heat rejected by the heat engine by reacting at least one conventional fuel compound containing hydrogen and carbon with an oxygen donor using substantial quantities of the waste heat to produce a mixture of engine-fuel containing substantial quantities of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and utilizing the mixture of engine-fuel to operate an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A gaseous fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder with fuel intake and exhaust gas ports and an ignition system and having a controlled air intake system for each of the cylinders of the engine which includes a source of gaseous fuel, a fuel plenum having at least one fuel atomizer nozzle for each cylinder of the engine, where each nozzle is in communication with the air intake system proximate the intake port in each cylinder, a fuel flow rate control device connected between the source of gaseous fuel and the fuel plenum which contains an electronic control unit having a plurality of optimum fuel/air mixture variables as inputs and a modulated pulse width output connected to a linear d.c. motor, the shaft stroke of which controls the operation of a fuel valve for regulating the flow of fuel from the gaseous source to the fuel plenum.

Abstract: A method and a device for the optimization of the efficiency and/or exhaust-gas quality of lean burning Otto-cycle gas motors or gas motors with pilot-injection ignition. The fuel-gas quality is measured by a measuring device and the measured value is fed to an electronic controller which in turn controls the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas and/or the timing of ignition or pilot injection.

Abstract: Several embodiments of engines and systems for fueling engines to reduce the emission of unwanted exhaust gas constituents and to improve the fuel economy of the engine. A catalytic converter is provided in the exhaust system and a gaseous fuel is used at least during starting so as to bring the catalytic converter up to its operating temperature rapidly without necessitating the provision of an enriched fuel/air mixture. An oxygen sensor is employed in the exhaust system and a feedback control system varies the fuel/air ratio of the engine during its running in response to the output of the oxygen sensor. In order to test that the oxygen sensor is at its operating condition before feedback control is initiated, a rich fuel mixture is supplied and this rich fuel mixture is discontinued immediately upon the receipt of a signal from the oxygen sensor indicating that a rich mixture exits. Applications of the principal to both air valve type of carburetors and conventional carburetors are disclosed.

Abstract: A device to control a gas-fired appliance as a function of the composition of a gaseous fuel. The device includes a thermal conductivity sensor emitting a measurement signal dependent upon the thermal conductivity of the gaseous fuel. An analyzing unit receives the measurement signal and uses it to develop a control signal dependent upon the composition of the gaseous fuel. A control unit receives the control signal and uses it to control the operating parameters of the gas-fired appliance, in the case of a gas engine particularly the parameters of air/fuel ratio, output and angle of advance. The analyzing unit may include an input interface into which data on the type of gaseous fuel components may be entered, which are used for the generation of the control signal. Preferably the control signal is proportional to the available methane number of the gaseous fuel, whereby the operating parameters of the gas engine are controlled so that the methane number required is adjusted to the methane number available.

Abstract: An alternative fuel system and compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion kit, primarily for smaller size industrial vehicles, such as compact loaders and lift trucks restricted in the space available in the engine compartment for the components of a CNG system where the vehicle was initially engineered for other fuel systems such as gasoline liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or diesel fuel having substantially fewer parts and components and less complex systems. A CNG tank is mounted horizontally outside of the engine compartment and a high pressure line connects from the tank to a regulator mounted inside the engine compartment for decompressing the gas to a pressure suitable for mixing with air in the carburetor of the engine. The CNG system has a refilling receptacle with an electrical interlock to the ignition preventing accidental drive-away.

Abstract: In accordance with preferred embodiments, a fuel injector has a gas accumulator of a volume that is at least ten times the maximum amount of fuel which would have to be injectable thereby, and a solenoid operated poppet valve with an end face that opens into the combustion cylinder and is shaped to deflect a portion of the fuel injected into direct contact with the ignition plug. In a first embodiment, using a variable fuel supply, an electronic control unit (ECU) controls the injection timing to inject the compressed gas into the cylinders as each's piston nears its top dead center (TDC) position to obtain diesel engine-like efficiencies (.eta.=45%) so long as the compressed gas supply pressure is sufficiently high (at least approximately 2,000 psi), and when the compressed gas supply pressure becomes too low for high efficiency operation (i.e.

Abstract: A fuel injector for injecting liquified petroleum gas ("LPG") fuel into an internal combustion engine in a fully liquid state. Fuel injector includes a housing assembly having fuel supply and return channels. At least a portion of the return channel is adjacent to the supply channel, with the fuel in the return channel flowing countercurrent to fuel in the supply channel. Supply fuel in the supply channel is cooled by vaporization of return fuel in the return channel. This cooling aids in maintaining LPG in a fully liquid state during injection, resulting in improved engine performance.

Abstract: An improved on-board storage and use system employing a gaseous hydrocarbon fuel to power internal combustion engine vehicles is disclosed. Storage of the fuel by sorption in a plurality of storage vessels at above atmospheric pressure enables subsequent removal for use during vehicle operation to include using an air stream in a particular manner for greater fuel recovery.

Abstract: In a combined liquid natural gas and compressed natural gas fueling station, liquid natural gas is stored in a cryogenic tank and dispensed to vehicles on demand. Compressed natural gas is produced on demand from the liquid natural gas by a high-efficiency pump and vaporizer system and dispensed directly to vehicles or stored for later dispensing. For greater efficiency, the pump and vaporizer system is powered by combustion of natural gas, including gas bled off to relieve pressure from the cryogenic tank.

Abstract: A carburetor assembly having a venturi element for fuel metering and a throttle valve for controlling the flow of an air and natural gas mixture to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion gas engine wherein a stepper motor is used to angularly position a throttle valve plate in the gas flow path to the carburetor, the throttle valve plate being carried on a throttle valve shaft that forms an extension of the armature of the stepper motor wherein provision is made for sealing the stepper motor at a location on the axis of rotation of the throttle valve element, the throttle valve shaft being mounted without the necessity for using throttle valve shaft bearings or a separate seal, thereby minimizing friction and any tendency for a misalignment to occur.

Abstract: A gaseous fuel injection system has a fuel metering body having a tubular injector chamber with an expansion chamber at one closed end thereof; the expansion chamber having openings for the passage of fuel from the chamber to the exterior of the fuel metering body. Additionally, a spool type silencer is positioned between the expansion chamber and a fuel injector located at the end of the silencer opposite that of the expansion chamber. The silencer has a hollow cylindrical core with an inlet to receive fuel from the injector and a multiplicity of outlets for the passage of the fuel to an outer annular region. The outer annular region has an upper wall for support of the injector within the tubular injector chamber and a lower wall having openings for passage of the fuel from the annular region to the expansion chamber.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for providing liquified petroleum gas ("LPG") fuel in a liquid state to intake manifold of internal combustion engine, including a fuel supply assembly and a fuel injecting mechanism. Fuel supply assembly includes a fuel rail assembly containing both supply and return channels. Fuel injecting mechanism is in fluid communication with supply and return channels of fuel rail assembly. Injected LPG is maintained liquid through refrigeration both along fuel rail assembly and within fuel injecting mechanism. Return fuel in both fuel rail assembly and fuel injecting mechanism is used to effectively cool supply fuel to a liquid state prior to injection into intake manifold of engine.

Abstract: The improved fuel injection valve assembly includes a valve body adapted for mounting in a cylinder head of a reciprocating gas engine including a valve seat sealing between the cylinder head and the valve body; a valve stem with a frustoconical end portion sealingly engaging the valve seat with stem threads at the opposite end for a tappet nut; a spring biasing the frustoconical end portion into sealing engagement with the valve seat; a stem piston guiding the valve stem within the valve body; an annular seal sealing the annulus between the valve body and the stem piston; an oil permeable bushing with a lubricating fluid reservoir positioned between the stem piston and the valve body; a rocker arm pivotally mounted on a rocker arm support mounted on the cylinder head; a push rod engaging one end of the rocker arm; and a tappet button positioned on the opposite end of the rocker arm.