Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a precombustion member which has a number of first ignition orifices defined therein. The precombustion member further has a precombustion chamber defined therein. The precombustion member is positioned relative to the head of the engine such that the precombustion chamber is in fluid communication with the engine's main combustion chamber via the first ignition orifices. The internal combustion engine further has a spark plug for igniting a gaseous fuel. The spark plug includes an encapsulating member which has a number of second ignition orifices defined therein. The encapsulating member defines a plug combustion chamber. The spark plug further includes a center electrode and a ground electrode which are both positioned within the plug combustion chamber. The encapsulating member is positioned relative to the precombustion member such that the plug combustion chamber is in fluid communication with the precombustion chamber via the second ignition orifices.

Abstract: An engine assembly includes a plenum member having an inlet opening and an outlet opening defined therein. The engine assembly further includes an air source in fluid communication with the inlet opening. The engine assembly still further includes a fuel combustion assembly having an engine block having a piston cylinder defined therein, an engine head secured to the engine block and having an intake port defined therein, and a piston which translates within the piston cylinder. The piston, the piston cylinder, and the engine head cooperate so as to define a combustion chamber. The engine assembly further includes a gaseous fuel supply valve which controls the amount of gaseous fuel advanced from a gaseous fuel source to the first intake conduit. The engine assembly still further includes an intake conduit interposed between the outlet opening and the intake port.

Abstract: A fuel pressure relief system for a dual fuel engine including at least one gaseous fuel admission valve positioned between a gaseous fuel inlet region and an air intake region is provided. The system includes a first pressure sensor positioned in the gaseous fuel inlet region and a second pressure sensor positioned in the air intake region. An electronic controller is connected to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor. A gaseous fuel vent path extends between the gaseous fuel inlet region and a portion of an air intake path of the engine. A vent valve is positioned along the gaseous fuel vent path and is connected to the electronic controller for control thereby. When the differential pressure across the gaseous fuel admission valve exceeds a predetermined level the fuel vent valve is opened to relieve the pressure.

Abstract: A method of prolonging the life of glow plugs comprises the steps of providing a variable displacement pump rotatably connected to a internal combustion engine; driving a hydraulic motor at a generally constant speed with the hydraulic output of the variable displacement pump and directly connecting an alternator to the hydraulic motor to energize the glow plugs with an AC current and voltage and controlling the AC current to maintain a generally constant glow plug temperature from startup and throughout the entire operating range of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A direct injected gas engine system is made more suitable for use with a fuel of natural gas by a fuel control system providing variable gas pressure control to reduce gas pressure compared to that applied at full load, and extend fuel pulse duration for light loads as compared to fuel pulse duration at light loads if applied at the full load gas pressure. The light load fuel pulse duration can now be extended to be at least as long as the ignition delay period of the engine. A variable gas pressure regulator under the control of the engine's electronic control module provides the desired gas pressure control. Engine speed and load parameters are used to monitor engine conditions and provide signals to the electronic control module, which may use them to set the appropriate pressure in a map mode. The apparatus and method of operation improves efficiency and lowers emissions at light loads.

Abstract: An apparatus disposed in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion chamber reduces the cooling affect of intake air directly impinging upon a heating device in the combustion chamber and increases the life of the heating element.

Abstract: A glow plug has a heating element and a ceramic silicon nitride tip which has an outer surface. A low porosity refractory metal oxide coating covers at least a portion of the tip outer surface. A catalyst wire, with a diameter of 0.008 inches, is wrapped about and connected to the coated glow plug tip. The wire is formed of one of the platinum group metals and the wire is free of charge carrying connection to a power source.

Abstract: A glow plug has a heating element having a tip formed of a preselected material includes a catalyst wire wrapped about and in intimate contact with the preselected material of the glow plug. The catalyst is formed of one of the platinum group metals, transition metals and combinations thereof and is in the form a wire with a diameter of 0.008 inches. The catalyst is free of charge carrying connection to a power source.