Abstract: Thermal barrier coatings and substrates, including engine components, coated with the thermal barrier coatings are provided. Also provided are methods for making and applying the thermal barrier coatings. The coatings include aluminosilicate particles dispersed in an organic polysilazane or metal phosphate binder.

Abstract: A piston engine includes a nozzle-diffuser providing air-fuel to the crankcase. The nozzle-diffuser has input and output ends, and a throat between the input and output end having a cross sectional area that is smaller than the cross sectional areas of the input or output ends, and in which the interior surfaces of the intake port are tapered. The nozzle-diffuser may be housed in the crankshaft, and it alters the speed, pressure and temperature of the air fuel charge. Improvement of fuel air mixing to a more homogeneous charge and delivery rate of result in increased power, improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust gas emissions by the engine.

Abstract: Composition and method providing a chromium oxide densified insulative coating for a substrate comprising an insulative coating comprised of refractory oxide bubbles with a melting point above that of glass bubbles, a refractory oxide and a solution of a binder capable of being converted to an oxide upon being heated, thereby effecting a bond between the refractory oxide and the substrate. The coating is thin and provides increased thermal barrier characteristics.

Abstract: A new composition and methods for densifying a refractory oxide coating. The new composition includes two substituents. The first substituent is the reaction mixture produced by combining 80% formic acid and saturated aqueous chromic acid. The second substituent includes either phosphoric acid or monoaluminum phosphate. The proportions of the first substituent:second substituent vary from about 5:9 (weight:weight) to about 3:2 (weight:weight). A refractory oxide coating may be densified by first applying the new composition to the refractory oxide coating, then heating to a temperature of at least about 450.degree. F., followed by cooling. A refractory oxide coating may be further densified by repeating this process one or more additional times. Alternatively, the first and second substituents may be sequentially applied to the refractory oxide coating before heating and cooling operations.

Abstract: A new composition and methods for densifying a refractory oxide coating. The new composition includes two substituents. The first substituent is the reaction mixture produced by combining 80% formic acid and saturated aqueous chromic acid. The second substituent includes either phosphoric acid or monoaluminum phosphate. The proportions of the first substituent:second substituent vary from about 5:9 (weight:weight) to about 3:2 (weight:weight). A refractory oxide coating may be densified by first applying the new composition to the refractory oxide coating, then heating to a temperature of at least about 450.degree. F., followed by cooling. A refractory oxide coating may be further densified by repeating this process one or more additional times. Alternatively, the first and second substituents may be sequentially applied to the refractory oxide coating before heating and cooling operations.

Abstract: An ionic combustion system for a heat engine having a combustion chamber. A fuel source and water source are provided. An agitating chamber in fluid communication with the water source has an agitator and at least one magnetizing source for agitating and ionizing the water. The water is combined with fuel and communicated to a prechamber having a plurality of ignition assist rods adapted to heat the ionized water and fuel and water prior to combustion.

Abstract: Piston has upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes a cylinder engaging surface, such as a piston ring, comprised of solid lubricant. The lower portion includes a cylinder engaging surface comprised of liquid lubricant control means. The distance between the upper and lower cylinder engaging surfaces is sufficient to provide a temperature differential of at least 316.degree. C. (600.degree. F.) between the upper and lower portions during normal engine operations. This differential is adequate to maintain the temperature of the cylinder at the bottom ring reversal point at a temperature below the breakdown temperature of a liquid lubricant when the temperature of the cylinder liner at the top ring reversal point is at a temperature above the breakdown temperature of the liquid lubricant.

Abstract: Thin thermal barrier coating of a specified thickness of 0.002 to 0.009 inch to insulate the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine to achieve optimum reduction of transient head flow. The coating is of an optimum thickness to reduce in-cylinder heat loss in the combustion chamber during combustion, thus increasing engine efficiency, specific power output, and reducing emissions. However, the temperature increase is not so great as to adversely affect engine lubricant life or volumetric efficiency. The invention is particularly suitable for gasoline engines as it does not cause preignition or knocking that is generally caused by insulating coatings of greater thickness. In addition, the invention is particulalry suitable for aluminum combustion chamber components. The thinner coating also results in improved reliability and durability by reducing chipping and cracking failure tendencies associated with ceramic coatings.

Abstract: The thermal ignition combustion system comprises means for providing walls defining an ignition chamber, the walls being made of a material having a thermal conductivity greater than 20 W/m.degree. C. and a specific heat greater than 480 J/kg.degree. C. with the ignition chamber being in constant communication with the main combustion chamber, means for maintaining the temperature of the walls above a threshold temperature capable of causing ignition of a fuel, and means for conducting fuel to the ignition chamber.