Abstract: A method of operating an automotive type internal combustion engine to improve the efficiency and power, fuel economy, and emission control is obtained by phase shifting of both the intake and exhaust valve timing schedules or events, coupled with the use of reed valves in each intake port to restrict the backflow of exhaust gases into the intake port, and essentially unthrottled operation except where necessary to maintain engine stability, the reed valves also providing for a controlled internal EGR system. The phase shifting and use of intake reed valves will optimize the intake and exhaust event timing at the four major engine operating conditions of idle speed, part load, and wide open throttle low speed and high speed operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a gas phase film lubrication between a reciprocal piston and a cylinder of an uncooled oilless internal combustion engine; the piston is effective to drive a rotary crankshaft in response to an expanding gas charge. The apparatus comprises: (a) means connecting the crankshaft to said piston for transferring reciprocal thrust into rotary thrust, such means aligning the piston concentrically within the cylinder wall to limit the imposition of side loads on said piston (i.e., less than 80 psi); (b) interfacing walls on the piston and cylinder (i) sized to provide a predetermined annular gap therebetween at ambient conditions that has a radial dimension in the range of 0.001.+-.0.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine of the spark ignition type with a fuel having a high latent heat of vaporization such as methanol by injecting the fuel in two stages, the first major portion of the fuel being injected at the start of the intake stroke into a bowl-in-piston cavity combustion chamber to be vaporized and atomized, the second smaller portion being injected late in the compression stroke just prior to ignition to remain close to the injector tip to richen the mixture adjacent the spark plug, and igniting the mixture.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for predicting the service life of silicon nitride material under operating conditions of a ceramic turbine engine in whch an article is subjected to high temperatures under oxidizing conditions. The method for selecting a silicon nitride article to be used under these high temperature oxidizing conditions is generally as follows.A determination is made of the weight gain of a silicon nitride article under oxidizing conditions for a testing period of at least 12 hours at a temperature in the range from about 1800.degree. F. (932.degree. C.) to about 2500.degree. F. (1371.degree. C.). The weight gain determination is made after the silicon nitride article has been manufactured, and prior to its being subjected to any previous high temperature oxidizing conditions. The weight the silicon nitride article would gain at a projected time, which is a number of hours greater than the testing period, is empirically determined from the weight gain determinations made in the testing period.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a gas phase film lubrication between a reciprocal piston and a cylinder of an uncooled oilless internal combustion engine; the piston is effective to drive a rotary crankshaft in response to an expanding gas charge. The apparatus comprises: (a) means connecting the crankshaft to said piston for transferring reciprocal thrust into rotary thrust, such means aligning the piston concentrically within the cylinder wall to limit the imposition of side loads on said piston (i.e., less than 80 psi); (b) interfacing walls on the piston and cylinder (i) sized to provide a predetermined annular gap therebetween at ambient conditions that has a radial dimension in the range of 0.001.+-.0.