Abstract: A catalytic reformer assembly and methods of operation, including fast start-up. The reformer assembly includes a reactor for receiving hydrocarbon fuel and air and a reforming catalyst within the reactor for converting the fuel and air to hydrogen-containing reformate. The assembly further includes a heat exchanger that straddles the reformer such that gases entering and leaving the reformer pass through opposite sides of the heat exchanger. A combustor ahead of the heat exchanger includes a first fuel injector and igniter. A fuel/air mixture may be either ignited at start-up to quickly heat both sides of the heat exchanger, the reactor, and the reformer, or passed into the reactor for reforming at steady state. A second fuel injector may be provided in the reactor. The two fuel injectors may have overlapping flow ranges and may be used separately or in tandem to provide a broad range of reformate flow.

Abstract: A valve deactivation system includes a deactivation rocker arm assembly and a free motion spring assembly. The deactivation rocker arm assembly includes an elongate rocker arm defining an aperture. A center post is slidingly disposed within the aperture. The center post is configured for engaging a valve stem of a valve of an internal combustion engine. Coupling means selectively couple together and decouple the center post and the rocker arm. The free motion spring assembly includes an inner spring retainer surrounding a portion of the valve stem. An outer spring retainer surrounds a portion of the valve stem. An inner spring surrounds a portion of the valve stem between the inner spring retainer and a disk cap associated with the valve stem. An outer spring surrounds the inner spring.