Abstract: A method of operating a turbocharger apparatus on an internal combustion engine, having a first oil circuit and a second oil circuit, includes steps of sensing a plurality of engine operating parameters via a plurality of sensors associated with the internal combustion engine; providing oil to the engine from the first oil circuit at a first pressure level; controlling operation of the second oil circuit for said engine via an electronic control unit, based on the sensed engine operating parameters; and applying a variable hydraulic preload to said first and second bearing assemblies via the operation of the second oil circuit, wherein oil from the second oil circuit is provided at a second pressure level which is different from the first pressure level. A system usable for carrying out such method is also described.

Abstract: A method of operating a turbocharger apparatus on an internal combustion engine, having a first oil circuit and a second oil circuit, includes steps of sensing a plurality of engine operating parameters via a plurality of sensors associated with the internal combustion engine; providing oil to the engine from the first oil circuit at a first pressure level; controlling operation of the second oil circuit for said engine via an electronic control unit, based on the sensed engine operating parameters; and applying a variable hydraulic preload to said first and second bearing assemblies via the operation of the second oil circuit, wherein oil from the second oil circuit is provided at a second pressure level which is different from the first pressure level. A system usable for carrying out such method is also described.

Abstract: An improved engine construction is provided. The engine construction comprises a combustion chamber, a smooth wall nozzle, and a transition zone between the chamber and the smooth wall nozzle. The transition zone has a coolant system which includes a manifold formed from a non-copper material through which a coolant flows. In a high heat transfer embodiment, the transition zone includes an additional manifold formed from a copper based material.

Abstract: An improved engine construction, such as a rocket engine construction is provided. The engine construction comprises a combustion chamber, a smooth wall nozzle, and a transition zone between the chamber and the smooth wall nozzle. The transition zone has a coolant system which includes a manifold formed from a non-copper material through which a coolant flows. In a high heat transfer embodiment, the transition zone includes an additional manifold formed from a copper based material.

Abstract: An improved engine construction, such as a rocket engine construction is provided. The engine construction comprises a combustion chamber, a smooth wall nozzle, and a transition zone between the chamber and the smooth wall nozzle. The transition zone has a coolant system which includes a manifold formed from a non-copper material through which a coolant flows. In a high heat transfer embodiment, the transition zone includes an additional manifold formed from a copper based material.

Abstract: A mounting bracket adapted for use in mounting a wastegate actuator to a turbocharger of an automotive engine. The mounting bracket includes a flat metal bracket having a hole formed therein, for supporting the wastegate actuator, and a clamping portion integrally attached to the metal bracket. The clamping portion surrounds a cylindrical inlet portion of the turbocharger to mount the bracket thereon. The clamping portion is also used to tighten the wastegate actuator in place on the turbocharger body. Once a desired position of wastegate actuator is achieved, the clamping portion is tightened around the turbocharger pipe using a fastener to keep the two halves of the clamping portion fastened together. The design of the mounting bracket allows for a large number of positions in which the wastegate actuator is placed on the turbocharger.

Abstract: An improved engine construction, such as a rocket engine construction is provided. The engine construction comprises a combustion chamber, a smooth wall nozzle, and a transition zone between the chamber and the smooth wall nozzle. The transition zone has a coolant system which includes a manifold formed from a non-copper material through which a coolant flows. In a high heat transfer embodiment, the transition zone includes an additional manifold formed from a copper based material.

Abstract: A mounting bracket adapted for use in mounting a wastegate actuator to a turbocharger of an automotive engine. The mounting bracket includes a flat metal bracket having a hole formed therein, for supporting the wastegate actuator, and a clamping portion integrally attached to the metal bracket. The clamping portion surrounds a cylindrical inlet portion of the turbocharger to mount the bracket thereon. The clamping portion is also used to tighten the wastegate actuator in place on the turbocharger body. Once a desired position of wastegate actuator is achieved, the clamping portion is tightened around the turbocharger pipe using a fastener to keep the two halves of the clamping portion fastened together. The design of the mounting bracket allows for a large number of positions in which the wastegate actuator is placed on the turbocharger.

Abstract: A combustion chamber for use in an engine, such as a rocket engine, has an inner wall with a corrugated configuration. The inner wall is formed with a plurality of tubes for carrying a coolant. As a result of the tubular construction, the inner wall has a plurality of spaced apart crowns and a plurality of valleys intermediate with the spaced apart crowns. To enhance the rate of heat flux or transfer in the valleys, a device is installed in each valley to cause local intensification of the turbulence in the hot gas flow in an effective way. The device may take the shape of a chevron or a bump.

Abstract: An improved engine construction, such as a rocket engine construction is provided. The engine construction comprises a combustion chamber, a smooth wall nozzle, and a transition zone between the chamber and the smooth wall nozzle. The transition zone has a coolant system which includes a manifold formed from a non-copper material through which a coolant flows. In a high heat transfer embodiment, the transition zone includes an additional manifold formed from a copper based material.

Abstract: An improved engine construction, such as a rocket engine construction is provided. The engine construction comprises a combustion chamber, a smooth wall nozzle, and a transition zone between the chamber and the smooth wall nozzle. The transition zone has a coolant system which includes a manifold formed from a non-copper material through which a coolant flows. In a high heat transfer embodiment, the transition zone includes an additional manifold formed from a copper based material.