Abstract: A split phase fuel conditioner (10) includes a main body 20 defining an ignition chamber (22). A transfer passage (24) is in fluid communication between the ignition chamber (22) and main combustion chamber (14) of an engine (12) to which the conditioner is coupled. A first valve (28) selectively opens and closes a throat (26) of the transfer passage (24) to control fluid communication between the ignition chamber (22) and main combustion chamber (14). A first injector (30) is coupled to the main body (20) for injecting the first fuel volume into ignition chamber (22). A second fuel injector (32) which is carried by, but operated independently of, the first valve (28), injects a second volume of fuel directly into the transfer passage (24). Initially, the injector (30) injects the first fuel volume into the ignition chamber (22) where it is ignited to form an ignition plasma. Prior to opening valve (28), the second fuel injector (32) injects a second fuel volume into the transfer passage (24).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine 10 includes a first combustion chamber (20) in each of its cylinders (12). First fuel injector (24) injects a first volume of fuel into the chamber (20). A housing (28) defining an auxiliary combustion chamber (30) is coupled to the engine (10). The housing (28) includes a passage (32) that extends from the auxiliary combustion chamber (30) to the fist combustion chamber (20). Fluid communication through the passage (32) is controlled by a valve (34). When the valve (34) is in an extended position it provides a high impedance to the flow of fluid between the auxiliary combustion chamber (30) and the first combustion chamber (20). However when in a retracted position, the valve (34) allows unimpeded fluid flow between the two chamber. An auxiliary air and fuel injector (38) to inject a fuel/air mixture into the auxiliary combustion chamber (34).

Abstract: Engine (110) has a plurality of combustion chambers, each of which is divided into an ignition chamber (114) and a fist combustion chamber (130). The chambers (114 and 130) awe linked by a transfer tube (150) defining a passageway (152) facilitating communication between the ignition chamber (140) and the first chamber (130). A valve (154) is prod for selectively opening and closing the passage (152). Tube (150) is provided with an opening (164) intermediate of its length allowing fuel to be injected via a fuel injector (138) into the passage (150). In a first stage of a compression stroke of a piston of the engine (110), a first volume of fuel is injected via injector (138) through opening (164) Into the passage (150). At this time, the valve (154) is in the open position so that the fuel together with air is swept into the chamber (144). In a second phase of the compression stroke the valve (154) is closed isolating the chamber (144) from the chamber (130).