Abstract: A sealing system for the cylinder head valve seat pocket to valve seat insert interface of a cylinder head assembly comprises a valve seat pocket gasket compressed between a valve seat insert pocket and a valve seat insert having an active layer of material with at least one seal, defining a compression seal at the interface of the seal and the valve seat insert pocket, the valve seat insert or both, to thereby prevent the ingress of fuel or water between the valve seat insert and the valve seat insert pocket.

Abstract: An engine includes a cylinder head at least partially defining a valve seat pocket. A valve seat is located proximate to the cylinder head to at least partially define the valve seat pocket. A pocket filler is located between the valve seat and the pocket insert such that the pocket filler occupies a substantial portion of the valve seat pocket. A pocket insert is attached to the cylinder head proximate to the valve seat pocket, such that the pocket insert lines at least a portion of the valve seat pocket.

Abstract: A sealing system for the cylinder head valve seat pocket to valve seat insert interface of a cylinder head assembly comprises a valve seat pocket gasket compressed between a valve seat insert pocket and a valve seat insert having an active layer of material with at least one seal, defining a compression seal at the interface of the seal and the valve seat insert pocket, the valve seat insert or both, to thereby prevent the ingress of fuel or water between the valve seat insert and the valve seat insert pocket.

Abstract: An engine includes a cylinder head at least partially defining a valve seat pocket. A valve seat is located proximate to the cylinder head to at lest partially define the valve seat pocket. A pocket filler is located between the valve seat and the pocket insert such that the pocket filler occupies a substantial portion of the valve seat pocket. A pocket insert is attached to the cylinder head proximate to the valve seat pocket, such that the pocket insert lines at least a portion of the valve seat pocket.

Abstract: Superior piston bowl and combustion chamber configurations are designed for a reverse tumble spark ignition direct injection engine. The piston includes a shallow bowl extending from adjacent an edge of the piston head to an inner side slightly beyond a peak. The bowl features a bowl lip re-entrant angle at the spark plug location having an open or positive re-entrant angle. On lateral edges of the bowl between the inner and outer edges, wing like extensions include negative re-entrant angles. These help contain the injected fuel within the bowl during combustion. Other features of the combustion chamber include vertical intake ports that produce a weak reverse tumbling air flow motion with a tumble ratio of about 0.6, which allows increased flow efficiency of the port. An injector spray cone angle of 90 degrees is preferred with a bowl sized to capture the spray. Various additional features are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for operating a homogeneous-charge-compression-ignition (HCCI) engine at low speed includes the steps of monitoring the operating speed and load of the HCCI engine in a stable combustion condition. When the engine cylinder load drops below a predetermined value equal to the lowest allowed load at its current engine speed, at least one cylinder is deactivated to maintain the stable combustion in the remaining activated cylinders. When the cylinder load exceeds another predetermined value at its current engine operating speed, the cylinder is reactivated.

Abstract: Superior piston bowl and combustion chamber configurations are designed for a reverse tumble spark ignition direct injection engine. The piston includes a shallow bowl extending from adjacent an edge of the piston head to an inner side slightly beyond a peak. The bowl features a bowl lip re-entrant angle at the spark plug location having an open or positive re-entrant angle. On lateral edges of the bowl between the inner and outer edges, wing like extensions include negative re-entrant angles. These help contain the injected fuel within the bowl during combustion. Other features of the combustion chamber include vertical intake ports that produce a weak reverse tumbling air flow motion with a tumble ratio of about 0.6, which allows increased flow efficiency of the port. An injector spray cone angle of 90 degrees is preferred with a bowl sized to capture the spray. Various additional features are disclosed.