Abstract: A fuel injector for vaporizing a liquid fuel for use in an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector includes at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end, a fluid control valve for placing the inlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage in fluid communication with the liquid fuel source and introducing the liquid fuel in a substantially liquid state, a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage and means for cleaning deposits formed during operation of the apparatus. The fuel injector is effective in reducing cold-start and warm-up emissions of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method of controlling combustion in an homogenous charge compression ignition engine through indirect mechanisms. The method utilizes a predictive model so that combustion can be controlled over a wide range of operating conditions while maintaining optimum operation with respect to efficiency and emissions. The methods include an adaptive aspect, which allows the predictive model to be updated if deemed necessary. Furthermore, the methods include a model with a plurality of control modes. A control mode can be chosen to optimize the engine for one of a plurality of output characteristics, including response time, efficiency, or emissions characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of producing colloids of nanoscale metallic particles particularly useful in the in situ environmental remediation of chlorinated solvents. The methods include ball milling an elemental metal to form a colloid of nanoscale metallic particles having ideal size and metallurgical properties to enhance the reductive dehalogenation of halogenated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A fuel system for use in an internal combustion engine includes a plurality of fuel injectors, each injector including at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end, a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat a liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to convert at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state, and a valve for metering fuel to the internal combustion engine, a controller to control the power supplied to the heat source of each of the plurality of fuel injectors to achieve a predetermined target temperature, a sensor for use in determining engine air flow and a sensor for measuring a value indicative of degree of engine warm-up of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A fuel system for use in an internal combustion engine includes a plurality of fuel injectors, each injector including at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end, a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat a liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to convert at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state, and a valve for metering fuel to the internal combustion engine, a controller to control the power supplied to the heat source of each of the plurality of fuel injectors to achieve a predetermined target temperature, a sensor for use in determining engine air flow and a sensor for measuring a value indicative of degree of engine warm-up of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fuel system of an internal combustion engine. The method is employed with a fuel system having a source of alcohol-containing liquid fuel, at least one fuel injector, a heat source for heating the liquid fuel in the at least one fuel injector, the heat source capable of heating the liquid fuel to a level sufficient to convert at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and a metering valve operable to achieve a range of flow rates characterized by a valve open versus valve closed duty cycle. The method includes the steps of metering a predetermined amount of fuel based on engine operating conditions, controlling power supplied to the heat source of the at least one fuel injector to achieve a target temperature, determining alcohol concentration of the fuel and adjusting the power supplied to the heat source of the at least one fuel injector based on the alcohol concentration determination.

Abstract: A fuel injector for vaporizing a liquid fuel for use in an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector includes at least one capillary flow passage, a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage; and a valve for metering fuel to the internal combustion engine, the valve located proximate to the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage, the valve including a low mass member for substantially occluding the stream of fuel to the internal combustion engine; wherein the low mass member for substantially occluding the stream of fuel to the internal combustion engine is formed of a material having low mass and or a low coefficient of thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A golf scorekeeping and analysis system (10,11) is provided for facilitating concurrent entry of score data on a handheld computing device (12) during a round of golf and display of a variety of results statistics in numerical and graphical fashions on a display screen (16) at the user's convenience. Data entry and program manipulation is accomplished using only the cursor keys (20). Results comparisons are selectable based on a variety of criteria, particularly including comparison of a golfer's own scoring and shot making averages versus professional statistics. The +/? comparison (94) is used to calculate an optimum practice (106) regimen to facilitate improvement to approach professional statistical values. Each user's data may be separately maintained and a consistency differential for each player is calculated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the transient response of a spark-ignited fuel-injected internal combustion engine is disclosed. This is accomplished by employing one or more novel capillary fuel injectors. These devices are port fuel injectors modified by inserting one or more relatively small diameter heated tubular capillaries between the fuel line and a conventional injector. Sufficient heating can be produced so that flash vaporization occurs as the fuel exits the injector. The heaters are turned on using control algorithms that can be based on exhaust gas oxygen concentration, load on the engine, and accelerator pedal position.

Abstract: When elemental iron is in the presence of chlorinated compounds (contaminants) a naturally occurring reaction takes place and the chlorinated compounds are reduced and form harmless compounds. The production of extremely small metal particles containing elemental iron or a mixture of elemental iron and a second metal is imperative to this method of treating contaminants and is the subject of the present invention. When the particle is small enough a surfactant is not required for the particle to do its job. The elemental metal may be kept in an elemental state by keeping it in an oxygen-scavenging environment. This is achieved by either suspending the nanoscale metal in a carbohydrate solution or by injecting a carbohydrate solution in atomized form into the gas used to inject the metal into the subsurface soil. Additionally, the present invention is to a method of using elemental metal to reductively dehalogenate halogenated hydrocarbons, to reduce soluble metals and to treat metalloids in subsurface soil.

Abstract: A fuel injector for vaporizing a liquid fuel for use in an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector includes at least one capillary flow passage, a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage; and a valve for metering fuel to the internal combustion engine, the valve located proximate to the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage, the valve including a low mass member for substantially occluding the stream of fuel to the internal combustion engine; wherein the low mass member for substantially occluding the stream of fuel to the internal combustion engine is formed of a material having low mass and or a low coefficient of thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A fuel injector for vaporizing a liquid fuel for use in an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector includes at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end, a fluid control valve for placing the inlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage in fluid communication with the liquid fuel source and introducing the liquid fuel in a substantially liquid state, a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage and means for cleaning deposits formed during operation of the apparatus. The fuel injector is effective in reducing cold-start and warm-up emissions of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the transient response of a spark-ignited fuel-injected internal combustion engine is disclosed. This is accomplished by employing one or more novel capillary fuel injectors. These devices are port fuel injectors modified by inserting one or more relatively small diameter heated tubular capillaries between the fuel line and a conventional injector. Sufficient heating can be produced so that flash vaporization occurs as the fuel exits the injector. The heaters are turned on using control algorithms that can be based on exhaust gas oxygen concentration, load on the engine, and accelerator pedal position.

Abstract: A fuel injector for vaporizing a liquid fuel for use in an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector includes at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end, a fluid control valve for placing the inlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage in fluid communication with the liquid fuel source and introducing the liquid fuel in a substantially liquid state, a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage and means for cleaning deposits formed during operation of the apparatus. The fuel injector is effective in reducing cold-start and warm-up emissions of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: When elemental iron is in the presence of chlorinated compounds (contaminants) a naturally occurring reaction takes place and the chlorinated compounds are reduced and form harmless compounds. The production of extremely small metal particles containing elemental iron or a mixture of elemental iron and a second metal is imperative to this method of treating contaminants and is the subject of the present invention. When the particle is made small enough a surfactant is not required for the particle to do its job. The elemental metal may be kept in an elemental state by keeping it in an oxygen-scavenging environment. This is achieved by either suspending the nanoscale metal in a carbohydrate solution or by injecting a carbohydrate solution in atomized form into the gas used to inject the metal into the subsurface soil.

Abstract: A fuel system for use in an internal combustion engine includes a plurality of fuel injectors, each injector including at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end, a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat a liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to convert at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state, and a valve for metering fuel to the internal combustion engine, a controller to control the power supplied to the heat source of each of the plurality of fuel injectors to achieve a predetermined target temperature, a sensor for use in determining engine air flow and a sensor for measuring a value indicative of degree of engine warm-up of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A fuel injector for vaporizing a liquid fuel for use in an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector includes at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end, a fluid control valve for placing the inlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage in fluid communication with the liquid fuel source and introducing the liquid fuel in a substantially liquid state, a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage and means for cleaning deposits formed during operation of the apparatus. The fuel injector is effective in reducing cold-start and warm-up emissions of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A fuel injector for vaporizing a liquid fuel for use in an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector includes at least one capillary flow passage, a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage; and a valve for metering fuel to the internal combustion engine, the valve located proximate to the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage, the valve including a low mass member for substantially occluding the stream of fuel to the internal combustion engine; wherein the low mass member for substantially occluding the stream of fuel to the internal combustion engine is formed of a material having low mass and or a low coefficient of thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A method of controlling combustion in an homogenous charge compression ignition engine through indirect mechanisms. The method utilizes a predictive model so that combustion can be controlled over a wide range of operating conditions while maintaining optimum operation with respect to efficiency and emissions. The methods include an adaptive aspect, which allows the predictive model to be updated if deemed necessary. Furthermore, the methods include a model with a plurality of control modes. A control mode can be chosen to optimize the engine for one of a plurality of output characteristics, including response time, efficiency, or emissions characteristics.

Abstract: When elemental iron is in the presence of chlorinated compounds (contaminants) a naturally occurring reaction takes place and the chlorinated compounds are reduced and form harmless compounds. The production of extremely small metal particles containing elemental iron or a mixture of elemental iron and a second metal is imperative to this method of treating contaminants and is the subject of the present invention. When the particle is made small enough a surfactant is not required for the particle to do its job. The elemental metal may be kept in an elemental state by keeping it in an oxygen-scavenging environment. This is achieved by either suspending the nanoscale metal in a carbohydrate solution or by injecting a carbohydrate solution in atomized form into the gas used to inject the metal into the subsurface soil.