Abstract: A natural gas pumping system that includes six reciprocating compressor cylinders, the reciprocating pistons of the six compressors having cycles offset by 60 degrees one from another.

Abstract: A natural gas pumping system that includes a reciprocating compressor having at least two cylinders, a first conduit in fluid communication with an outlet of the first cylinder, a second conduit in fluid communication with an outlet of the second cylinder, and a junction in fluid communication with the first conduit and the second conduit.

Abstract: A pump efficiency improvement device. The pump efficiency improvement device includes first and second junctions having a main connector, a first branch connector, and a second branch connector; and first and second branches extending between the first and second junctions. A header has a first end coupled to the pump and a second end coupled to the main connector of the first junction, the header having a length that improves performance at the pump.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for attenuating pulsations in a pumping system. The apparatus includes two pipe loops in fluid communication with a pump. Each of the pipe loops includes two branches with the first branch being longer than the second branch by an amount equal to half of a primary wavelength within a range of wavelengths propagating in a fluid discharged from the pump.

Abstract: An expert system having a data storage device and a processor. The data storage device stores models having attributes, objectives having rules for evaluating the models, and strategies having rules for modifying the attributes. The processor evaluates a selected model in accordance with a selected objective and having the variable attribute set in accordance with a selected strategy to determine a characteristic value associated with the selected model and the variable attribute setting. The processor also stores information associated with improved results in the data storage device.

Abstract: A self-tuning filter is disclosed. The self-tuning filter includes a digital clocking signal and an input coupled to the digital clocking signal, whereby the input reads a value incident on the input when the digital clocking signal changes to a predetermined state. A clock-tunable filter is, furthermore, coupled to the digital clocking signal so that the frequency of the clock-tunable filter is adjusted in relation to a sampling frequency at which the digital clocking signal operates. The self-tuning filter may be applied to an input of a data acquisition unit and applied to an input having a variable sampling frequency. A method of controlling the frequency of a clock-tunable filter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for improving performance of a pressurized system.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for attenuating pulsations in a pumping system.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for predicting an engine operating condition and providing a component in accordance with the prediction.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for optimization. The apparatus, system, and method include a mechanism for ending an optimization when all models within one design tolerance of an optimum model have been simulated.

Abstract: A system, an apparatus, and a method for starting an engine. The system, apparatus, and method include determining a first quantity of fuel based on engine temperature, providing the first quantity of fuel to the engine during a first cycle of the engine, determining a second quantity of fuel based on engine temperature, providing the second quantity of fuel to the engine subsequently, and transitioning to an alternative fueling strategy.

Abstract: A signal modifying device, user interface, and method of modifying a signal. The signal modifying device includes a processor, a first input coupled to the processor and an output coupled to the processor. Instructions are stored within the processor that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to provide a signal incident at the output that corresponds to a signal incident at the input.

Abstract: A system, an apparatus, and a method for starting an engine. The system, apparatus, and method include determining a first quantity of fuel based on engine temperature, providing the first quantity of fuel to the engine during a first cycle of the engine, determining a second quantity of fuel based on engine temperature, providing the second quantity of fuel to the engine subsequently, and transitioning to an alternative fueling strategy.

Abstract: A signal conditioning device, user interface, and method of conditioning a signal. The signal conditioning device includes a processor, a first input coupled to the processor and an output coupled to the processor. Instructions are stored within the processor that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to provide a signal incident at the output that corresponds to a signal incident at the input.

Abstract: A throttle and fuel injector assembly and method of controlling fuel and air supply to an engine. The assembly and method provide combustion air through a carburetor and fuel through a carburetor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for adjusting a quantity of fuel delivered to an engine when an engine operating state transitions is provided. The apparatus and method includes determining a current steady-state quantity of fuel to be delivered to the engine and add a transitory quantity of fuel, based on a difference between a previous steady-state quantity of fuel delivered and the current steady-state quantity of fuel to be delivered, to the current steady-state quantity of fuel for a period of time following initiation of the transition. The invention also provides an apparatus and method by which an operator may adjust the amount of fuel delivered during an engine operating state transition.

Abstract: A method and control apparatus for an internal combustion engine that allows an operator to calibrate engine performance relative to an engine operating characteristic. The control apparatus comprises a base engine control map that correlates values of the characteristic with values of a base engine control, a trim control map that correlates the values of the characteristic with values of a trim control, an engine control unit that obtains from the base engine control and trim control maps the respective base engine control and trim control values that are based on the characteristic value, and a panel that is operatively coupled with the engine control unit and includes a first switch regulating a trim signal supplied to the engine control unit. The trim control map is separated from the base control map. The engine control unit calculates an engine operating control value based on the obtained values.

Abstract: An engine management system for an internal combustion engine. The engine management system comprises an engine control system calculating an engine operating control value, a palm-size computer transportable relative to the engine control system, and an external computer communicating with the palm-size computer. The engine operating control value is adapted to be supplied to the internal combustion engine to vary engine performance. The palm-size computer has height, width, and thickness dimensions that are no larger than approximately 6 inches by approximately 4 inches by approximately 1 inch. The palm-size computer runs a set of engine management tools that communicate engine management data to the engine control system. The external computer downloads to the palm-size computer engine management tools and engine management files, and uploads from the palm-size computer engine management files.

Abstract: A multiport communications adapter which permits communication links with an electronic control unit from either a desktop/laptop personal computer or palmtop personal computer.

Abstract: A self-tuning filter is disclosed. The self-tuning filter includes a digital clocking signal and an input coupled to the digital clocking signal, whereby the input reads a value incident on the input when the digital clocking signal changes to a predetermined state. A clock-tunable filter is, furthermore, coupled to the digital clocking signal so that the frequency of the clock-tunable filter is adjusted in relation to a sampling frequency at which the digital clocking signal operates. The self-tuning filter may be applied to an input of a data acquisition unit and applied to an input having a variable sampling frequency. A method of controlling the frequency of a clock-tunable filter is also disclosed.