Abstract: An igniter for ignition over a wide air/fuel ratio range is disclosed. The igniter includes an igniter body including an internal cavity disposed substantially within the igniter body, an internal spark gap disposed substantially within the internal cavity, an external spark gap disposed substantially on an exposed surface of the igniter body, and a fuel charge delivery system for delivering a fuel charge to the internal cavity. A method for compression-igniting an air/fuel mixture in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: An igniter for ignition over a wide air/fuel ratio range. Igniter includes an igniter body including an internal cavity disposed substantially within the igniter body, an internal spark gap disposed substantially within the internal cavity, an external spark gap disposed substantially on an exposed surface of the igniter body, and a fuel charge delivery system for delivering a fuel charge to the internal cavity.

Abstract: A powertrain system includes a cylinder deactivation system mechanically coupled to an internal combustion engine, and electrically coupled to an engine management system. The engine management system signals the cylinder deactivation system to selectively deactivate one or more engine cylinders. The engine continues to operate using the remaining available active engine cylinders, and generates an inconsistent torque output. A torque-smoothing device mechanically coupled to the engine, and electrically or hydraulically coupled to an energy storage device, removes and releases energy periodically to compensate for the inconsistent torque output.

Abstract: A powertrain system includes a cylinder deactivation system mechanically coupled to an internal combustion engine, and electrically coupled to an engine management system. The engine management system signals the cylinder deactivation system to selectively deactivate one or more engine cylinders. The engine continues to operate using the remaining available active engine cylinders, and generates an inconsistent torque output. A torque-smoothing device mechanically coupled to the engine, and electrically or hydraulically coupled to an energy storage device, removes and releases energy periodically to compensate for the inconsistent torque output.

Abstract: A spark plug having enhanced heat transfer capabilities is provided. The spark plug comprises a tubular insulator body, a center electrode and a thermally conductive filler material. The tubular insulator body has an inner surface, and the center electrode has an outer surface. The center electrode is positioned within the tubular insulator body such that a gap is formed between at least a portion of the inner surface of the tubular insulator body and at least a portion of the outer surface of the center electrode. The thermally conductive filler material has a high heat transfer coefficient. It is positioned within at least a portion of the gap so as to intimately contact the inner surface of the tubular insulator body and the outer surface of the center electrode. Positioned accordingly in the gap, the thermally conductive filler material enhances the ability of the spark plug to transfer heat away from the firing tip and into the body of the spark plug.

Abstract: A pressure-sensing ignition device (10) for use in a spark ignition system of an internal combustion engine. The device (10) generally includes a body (14) having a longitudinal axis of symmetry and an internal chamber (12). Disposed in the chamber (12) adjacent one end of the body (14) is an orifice (44) that vents the chamber (12) to the exterior of the body (14). An electrode (18) and an optical pressure transducer (24) are present within the body (14). An optical cable (22) is connected to the transducer (24) for transmitting an optical pressure signal. Means (20) is provided for conducting a current to the electrode (18) via the optical cable (22).

Abstract: A torch jet spark plug (10) for use in a spark ignition system of an internal combustion engine. The spark plug (10) of this invention provides for ignition of an air/fuel mixture within a combustion prechamber (12) within the plug (10), which creates a jet of burning gases that are propelled through an orifice (32) into the engine main combustion chamber to increase the burning rate of the air/fuel mixture within the combustion chamber. The orifice (32) is oriented in the plug (10) so that its axis is not parallel with the longitudinal axis of the plug (10), enabling the jet of burning gases to be selectively directed to any desired region within the combustion chamber, such as a region within the chamber that would not otherwise burn well compared to other regions of the chamber.

Abstract: This invention is an on-board means to verify that a vehicle's exhaust emissions control system functions normally. It monitors hydrocarbon (HC) exhaust emissions for a few minutes after a cold start or at other selected times. If used from cold start, it is an on-board approximation to taking the first bag sample in an FTP test. The measurement involves storing a portion of the exhaust HC. Various embodiments are discussed. Some involve measuring the cumulative amount of stored HC (as on a substrate) during the test. Other embodiments wait until the end of the test to measure the amount of stored HC. At the end of each test (or trip), the storage means is returned to an empty state to await the next test. If HC is stored on or in a substrate, for example, the temperature of the substrate is raised. This decreases the amount of stored HC vapor and renews the substrate for the next test.

Abstract: A torch jet spark plug is provided which is suitable for use in a torch jet-assisted spark ignition system for an internal combustion engine. The torch jet spark plug is configured to ignite an air/fuel mixture within a combustion prechamber formed integrally within the body of the spark plug, such that a jet emanates from the prechamber and projects into the main combustion chamber of the engine, so as to enhance the burning rate within the main chamber. More particularly, the spark plug is configured so as to be relatively unsusceptible to pre-ignition, and also substantially eliminates the occurrence of internal short circuits to ground due to deposits accumulating within the prechamber. The spark plug achieves each of the above objects while having a relatively uncomplicated structure, requiring a minimal number of discrete components so as to enhance its manufacturability.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a torch jet spark plug suitable for use in a torch jet-assisted spark ignition system for an internal combustion engine. The torch jet spark plug is configured to ignite a fuel mixture within a combustion prechamber formed integrally within the insulator body of the spark plug, such that a jet emanates from the prechamber and projects into the main combustion chamber of the engine, so as to increase the burning rate within the main chamber. More particularly, the method involves forming a tubular inner electrode on the internal surface of the combustion prechamber by integrating the molding process for the spark plug's insulator body with an inking process by which the inner electrode is formed.