Abstract: A system and method for treating exhaust gasses from an engine is described. In one example, the exhaust gasses are routed from the engine to atmosphere through a helical exhaust passage. The helical exhaust passage includes a plurality of spatially separated exhaust passages that separates the exhaust flow into separated smaller flows, wherein the smaller flows are re-introduced into a common passage and re-combined to form a single exhaust flow, and wherein the plurality of spatially separated exhaust passages induces a helical flow pattern within the re-combined exhaust flow.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine for a vehicle is provided. The system comprises an exhaust passage with an angled injector and a plurality of mixing devices.

Abstract: A system for treating exhaust gasses from an engine is described. The system includes, the exhaust gasses routed from the engine to atmosphere through a helical exhaust passage, the system comprises an exhaust passage that receives an exhaust flow injected with a liquid reductant, the helical exhaust passage including a plurality of exhaust passages that separates the exhaust flow into separated smaller flows, wherein the smaller flows are re-introduced into a common passage and combine to form a single exhaust flow, and wherein the orientation of the plurality of exhaust passages impels the single exhaust flow to exhibit a helical flow pattern.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine for a vehicle is provided. The system comprises an exhaust passage for transporting exhaust gases from the engine; an injector coupled to a wall of the exhaust passage, said injector including an injection axis that is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of a mixing region of the exhaust passage; and a first mixing device arranged within the exhaust passage downstream of the injector within the mixing region, said first mixing device including a plurality of flaps, wherein said plurality of flaps are inclined relative to the longitudinal axis; a second mixing device arranged within the exhaust passage downstream of the first mixing device; wherein the injection axis of the injector intersects the first mixing device.

Abstract: A valve assembly and method for controlling flow of gases through a passage between an engine crankcase and an engine intake manifold is provided. The method includes decreasing a flow of gases through the passage between the crankcase and the intake manifold when a temperature of the gases is greater than a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A valve assembly and method for controlling flow of gases through a passage between an engine crankcase and an engine intake manifold is provided. The method includes decreasing a flow of gases through the passage between the crankcase and the intake manifold when a temperature of the gases is greater than a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an output signal of a mass airflow (MAF) sensor in operative communication with an induction system of an internal combustion engine is provided. The method comprises the steps of determining an engine speed value, determining a maximum MAF output signal value at the engine speed value, detecting a mean MAF output signal value at the engine speed value, and correlating the MAF output signal with an airflow rate value as a function of the MAF output signal value, mean MAF output signal value and engine speed. The present invention is particularly suited to improving the MAF sensor output of internal combustion piston engines having pulsating airflow including gaseous-fueled engines.

Abstract: A fuel injector system according to the present invention has a housing (52) having a valve assembly (56) disposed therein. A solenoid (54) is also disposed within the housing (52). A valve assembly (56) is disposed between an inlet port (82) and an outlet port (80). The valve assembly has a valve seat (74) having an opening (84) therein. A drive pin (108) extends at least partially through valve opening (84). A stop (78) has a spring (86) thereon. A valve element (76) is urged against the valve opening (84) by spring (86). The drive pin is at least partially coated with a lubricating coating. In the preferred embodiment at least a concave surface (144) of drive pin (108) is coated. In addition, a concave surface (140) of stop (108) is also coated. In addition, spring seat (79) may also be coated with a lubricating coating as well.

Abstract: A valve assembly and method for controlling flow of gases through a passage between an engine crankcase and an engine intake manifold is provided. The method includes increasing a flow of gases through the passage between the crankcase and the intake manifold when a temperature of the gases is below a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for a gaseous-fueled engine is provided. The fuel injection system comprises at least one gaseous fuel injector for each of the engine cylinders, wherein each fuel injector is located proximate the intake manifold. A guide tube connects each of the gaseous fuel injectors to at least one of the intake ports. The guide tube comprises a fluid passage arranged within the respective intake port substantially tangent and adjacent to an interior wall of the intake port and directed toward the respective intake valve. The guide tube is adapted to deliver high-pressure gaseous fuel from the injector to the respective combustion chamber along the interior wall of the intake port. In this way, the high velocity peripheral fuel charge creates a lower pressure central core within the intake part which, in turn, increases the overall intake charge flow and engine volumetric efficiency.

Abstract: A fuel injector system according to the present invention has a housing (52) having a valve assembly (56) disposed therein. A solenoid (54) is also disposed within the housing (52). A valve assembly (56) is disposed between an inlet port (82) and an outlet port (80). The valve assembly has a valve seat (74) having an opening (84) therein. A drive pin (108) extends at least partially through valve opening (84). A stop (78) has a spring (86) thereon. A valve element (76) is urged against the valve opening (84) by spring (86). The drive pin is at least partially coated with a lubricating coating. In the preferred embodiment at least a concave surface (144) of drive pin (108) is coated. In addition, a concave surface (140) of stop (108) is also coated. In addition, spring seat (79) may also be coated with a lubricating coating as well.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for a gaseous-fueled engine is provided. The engine comprises a plurality of cylinders each defining a combustion chamber and associated with at least one intake port in fluid communication with an intake manifold and separated from the combustion chamber by an intake valve operable between an open and closed position. The fuel injection system comprises at least one gaseous fuel injector for each of the engine cylinders, wherein each fuel injector is located proximate the intake manifold. A guide tube connects each of the gaseous fuel injectors to at least one of the intake ports. The guide tube comprises a fluid passage arranged within the respective intake port substantially tangent and adjacent to an interior wall of the intake port and directed toward the respective intake valve. The guide tube is adapted to deliver high-pressure gaseous fuel from the injector to the respective combustion chamber along the interior wall of the intake port.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an output signal of a mass airflow (MAF) sensor in operative communication with an induction system of an internal combustion engine is provided. The method comprises the steps of determining an engine speed value, determining a maximum MAF output signal value at the engine speed value, detecting a mean MAF output signal value at the engine speed value, and correlating the MAF output signal with an airflow rate value as a function of the MAF output signal value, mean MAF output signal value and engine speed. The present invention is particularly suited to improving the MAF sensor output of internal combustion piston engines having pulsating airflow including gaseous-fueled engines.

Abstract: A ventilation system (11) is provided to prevent the buildup of gaseous fuel within the vehicle upon degradation of the performance of the various parts within the fuel distribution system. The vehicle (10) has a combustible gas fuel source within the vehicle. The ventilation system includes a fuel line (28) coupling the engine (18) and the gas source. A vent line (30) is coupled to a vent. A pressure regulator (56) and pressure relief valve (60) are coupled between fuel line (28) and vent line. When either or both the pressure regulator (56) or relief valve (60) become inoperable, gaseous fuel is coupled to the vent line.

Abstract: A low friction cam shaft for actuating at least one valve of an internal combustion engine includes a shaft member extending longitudinally, at least one cam secured to the shaft member, the cam being made of a plurality of density metal materials and having an outer surface impregnated with a solid film lubricant that has an affinity for oil and promotes rapid formation of a stable oil film to reduce friction therebetween.

Abstract: A low friction valve train actuating at least one valve in an internal combustion engine includes a cam shaft having at least one cam, a tappet contacting the cam and valve, the cam and valve having outer surfaces with an open porosity, a solid film lubricant impregnated and anchored in the open porosity, the solid film lubricant is stable to temperatures at about 700.degree. F. to retain a low coefficient of friction in an oil starved environment.

Abstract: A reciprocating internal combustion engine includes a siamesed piston bore having a configuration formed by the intersection of two circular cylindrical elements and a matching piston having a similar siamesed configuration. This cylinder configuration allows a four cylinder engine to be about 25% shorter with the same displacement as an engine having circular cylinders and the same stroke.

Abstract: A sealing assembly that significantly reduces or eliminates blow-by, peristolic pumping and sealing element flutter while, at the same time, reducing to ultra low levels friction between the sealing element and its assembly. The assembly has surfaces in at least one of the bore wall or piston to form a groove facing the other of the wall or piston, the groove having exposed smoothly curved shoulders which face each other. A sealing element is positioned in the groove, the element having smoothly curved side surfaces mateable with the groove shoulders for supporting the element in the groove. The sealing element has an exposed outer surface (crown) which also is smoothly curved with a pair of mirror image shoulders, The crown is effective to tangentially contact the cylinder wall while the element side surfaces each tangentially contact their respective mating groove shoulders.

Abstract: A method of making coated engine blocks by (a) casting a metallic engine block having one or more cylinder bores; (b) fabricating a thin walled liner for each bore, the liner being constituted of extruded metallic tubing having a cleansed inner surface, a wall thickness controlled to a thickness of 1-3 mm.+-.