Abstract: An internal combustion engine system includes a combustion engine configured to produce exhaust gases as a product of a combustion reaction. An exhaust discharge pipe coupled to the internal combustion engine, and an adaptive valve assembly. The adaptive valve assembly is coupled to the exhaust discharge pipe and configured to receive the exhaust gases prior to the exhaust gases reaching the atmosphere. The adaptive valve assembly includes a valve flapper arranged in the passageway and configured to pivot about a flapper pivot axis from a normally-closed position to an opened position.

Abstract: A spark plug for use with an engine block/cylinder head having a threaded bore and also for use with a spark plug wrench and an ignition wire. Also, an improved method for constructing a spark plug, the spark plug including a metal shell having a hex nut, a seat, a flange, a bore and threads. A ground electrode is associated with the shell and an insulator assembly occupies the bore and is gripped by the flange. The method includes the steps of forming the hex nut and the seat by carrying out operations on a blank, roiling the threads, fitting the insulator assembly into the bore, deforming the flange to capture the insulator, and forming the negative electrode by machining the blank.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine system includes a combustion engine configured to produce exhaust gases as a product of a combustion reaction. An exhaust discharge pipe coupled to the internal combustion engine, and an adaptive valve assembly. The adaptive valve assembly is coupled to the exhaust discharge pipe and configured to receive the exhaust gases prior to the exhaust gases reaching the atmosphere. The adaptive valve assembly includes a valve flapper arranged in the passageway and configured to pivot about a flapper pivot axis from a normally-closed position to an opened position.

Abstract: A spark plug for use with an engine block/cylinder head having a threaded bore and also for use with a spark plug wrench and an ignition wire. Also, an improved method for constructing a spark plug, the spark plug including a metal shell having a hex nut, a seat, a flange, a bore and threads. A ground electrode is associated with the shell and an insulator assembly occupies the bore and is gripped by the flange. The method includes the steps of forming the hex nut and the seat by carrying out operations on a blank, roiling the threads, fitting the insulator assembly into the bore, deforming the flange to capture the insulator, and forming the negative electrode by machining the blank.

Abstract: An electrodeionization, (EDI) apparatus has flow cells with a sparse distribution of ion exchange (IX) material or beads. The beads extend between membranes defining opposed walls of the cell to separate and support the membranes, and form a layer substantially free of bead-to-bead dead-end reverse junctions. The beads enhance capture of ions from surrounding fluid in dilute cells, and do not throw salt when operating current is increased. In concentrating cells, the sparse bead filling provides a stable low impedance bridge to enhanced power utilization in the stack. A monotype sparse filling may be used in concentrate cells, while mixed, layered, striped, graded or other beads may be employed in dilute cells. Ion conduction paths are no more than a few grains long and the lower packing density permits effective fluid flow.

Abstract: EDI apparatus for demineralizing a liquid flow is assembled in a housing having a cylindrical shape, and includes two metal electrodes, and one or more leafs, each leaf comprising a pair of selectively ion-permeable membranes arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart by spacing elements that allow liquid to flow in the interstitial space between membranes, thus forming an arrangement of dilute and concentrate cells in a desired flow configuration. Spacing elements between membranes, as well as between leaves, can be formed of inert polymer material, ion exchange beads, ion exchange fibers, a combination of two or more these elements, or a porous media incorporating one or more of such elements as an intrinsic part. An inner or central electrode and an outer or perimeter electrode establish a generally uniform and radially-oriented electrical or ionic current between the inner and the outer electrodes, across the helical flow spaces defined by the membrane/spacer windings.

Abstract: EDI apparatus for demineralizing a liquid flow is assembled in a housing having a cylindrical shape, and includes two metal electrodes, and one or more leafs, each leaf comprising a pair of selectively ion-permeable membranes arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart by spacing elements that allow liquid to flow in the interstitial space between membranes, thus forming an arrangement of dilute and concentrate cells in a desired flow configuration. Spacing elements between membranes, as well as between leaves, can be formed of inert polymer material, ion exchange beads, ion exchange fibers, a combination of two or more these elements, or a porous media incorporating one or more of such elements as an intrinsic part. An inner or central electrode and an outer or perimeter electrode establish a generally uniform and radially-oriented electrical or ionic current between the inner and the outer electrodes, across the helical flow spaces defined by the membrane/spacer windings.

Abstract: EDI apparatus for demineralizing a liquid flow is assembled in a housing having a cylindrical shape, and includes two metal electrodes, and one or more leafs, each leaf comprising a pair of selectively ion-permeable membranes arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart by spacing elements that allow liquid to flow in the interstitial space between membranes, thus forming an arrangement of dilute and concentrate cells in a desired flow configuration. Spacing elements between membranes, as well as between leaves, can be formed of inert polymer material, ion exchange beads, ion exchange fibers, a combination of two or more these elements, or a porous media incorporating one or more of such elements as an intrinsic part. An inner or central electrode and an outer or perimeter electrode establish a generally uniform and radially-oriented electrical or ionic current between the inner and the outer electrodes, across the helical flow spaces defined by the membrane/spacer windings.