Abstract: An improved spark ignition system for an internal combustion engine that includes a pair of electrodes disposed to extend from opposite sides and into a combustion chamber to form a spark gap between them that is central to the combustion chamber. Each electrode is integral with a conductive fuel delivery tube that contains a capillary passage and fuel outlet ports adjacent the electrode. The heat from combustion conducted into the electrodes and fuel delivery tubes is used to vaporize the fuel within the capillary passages before it exits the outlet ports as an atomized fog into the combustion chamber adjacent the spark gap. The vaporization of the fuel flowing in the capillary passages absorbs energy from the electrodes and thus performs a cooling effect on the electrodes. The spacing of the electrodes from opposite sides of the cylinder also allows a design that can utilize and increased spark gap to produce a larger spark across the gap.

Abstract: A highly efficient radiant burner assembly (100) for use in a patio heater or the like in areas where people prefer or require low NOX emissions. The efficiencies are created through the use of a spherical burner element (116) that is either formed of a high temperature steel wire mesh or stamping containing apertures of a predetermined size to allow combustion to remain within the burner element and to not cause the temperature of the burner element to exceed the temperature at which NOX are developed. Coating the burner with a catalyst also aids the low emission combustion process. Additional efficiencies are provided by atomizing the fuel before it is mixed with air and by the use of a laminar flow heat exchanger (940) that utilizes a fluid media flowing in a helical coil condenser unit.

Abstract: An electrically controlled turbocharger having a substantially vertically oriented shaft interconnecting a turbine and a compressor. The vertical orientation serves to eliminate the effects of gravity on the rotating components. Placing the turbine vertically above the motor and compressor and provides additional cooling through convection of heat produced by hot exhaust gas flowing through the turbine. A lubricating system utilizes scavenged air from the compressor to draw lubricating oil through internal passages of the motor housing to maintain a desirable oil sump level, ventilate the auxiliary induction motor, and provide pressure to the oil seals of the motor cavity.