Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for lubricating a plunger residing within a bushing of a fuel injector. The apparatus includes a fuel lubrication mechanism comprised of lubrication grooves formed within and around the outer axial surfaces of the plunger. The grooves act as fuel reservoirs for storing a small portion of fuel on the outer axial surface of the plunger. The stored or retained fuel interfaces with the walls of the bushing during injection to provide a lubricated interface between the bushing and plunger. The lubricated interface increases the service life of the fuel injector by reducing seizing, scoring and scuffing caused by excessive heat.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for lubricating a plunger residing within a bushing of a fuel injector. The apparatus includes a fuel lubrication mechanism comprised of lubrication grooves formed within and around the outer axial surfaces of the plunger. The grooves act as fuel reservoirs for storing a small portion of fuel on the outer axial surface of the plunger. The stored or retained fuel interfaces with the walls of the bushing during injection to provide a lubricated interface between the bushing and plunger. The lubricated interface increases the service life of the fuel injector by reducing seizing, scoring and scuffing caused by excessive heat.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing engine emissions in a locomotive are presented. In an embodiment, a fuel injector or a fuel injection pump of a fuel injection mechanism includes a plunger with an upper helix whose angle changes between points on the plunger that correspond to an idle throttle position and a full throttle position. As such, injection timing is optimized, and engine emissions are reduced.

Abstract: A skipfire control system for use in a locomotive engine includes a plurality of skipfire mechanisms. Each skipfire mechanism is operatively associated with a respective injector rocker arm of the plurality of cylinders of the engine. Each skipfire mechanism includes an actuator movable between an inoperative position wherein the actuator allows the camshaft of the engine to engage and move the associated injector rocker arm to actuate the associated fuel injector, and an operative position wherein the actuator disengages the associated injector rocker arm from the camshaft to prevent the associated rocker arm from actuating the associated fuel injector. A skipfire controller is operatively connected to the skipfire mechanisms and is responsive to an engine operating parameter to actuate selected ones of the skipfire mechanisms to move the actuators thereof to operative positions to prevent actuation of the fuel injectors associated with the selected ones of the skipfire mechanisms.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing engine emissions in a locomotive are presented. In an embodiment, a fuel injector or a fuel injection pump of a fuel injection mechanism includes a plunger with an upper helix whose angle changes between points on the plunger that correspond to an idle throttle position and a full throttle position. As such, injection timing is optimized, and engine emissions are reduced.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing engine emissions in a locomotive are presented. In an embodiment, the primary engine of a locomotive has an associated auxiliary power unit (APU). Exhaust from the APU is directed into an air intake system of the primary engine. The APU may be selectively operated based on a current operating condition of the locomotive.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing engine emissions in a locomotive are presented. In an embodiment, a fuel injector or a fuel injection pump of a fuel injection mechanism includes a plunger with an upper helix whose angle changes between points on the plunger that correspond to an idle throttle position and a full throttle position. As such, injection timing is optimized, and engine emissions are reduced.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing engine emissions in a locomotive are presented. In an embodiment, a fuel injector or a fuel injection pump of a fuel injection mechanism includes a plunger with an upper helix whose angle changes between points on the plunger that correspond to an idle throttle position and a full throttle position. As such, injection timing is optimized, and engine emissions are reduced.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing engine emissions in a locomotive are presented. In an embodiment, the primary engine of a locomotive has an associated auxiliary power unit (APU). Exhaust from the APU is directed into an air intake system of the primary engine. The APU may be selectively operated based on a current operating condition of the locomotive.

Abstract: A diesel engine injection timing signal interceptor module comprised of a micro-controller-based control module and interface circuitry that intercepts engine speed and position signals from engine sensors and produces output signals which are shifted in time (advanced or retarded) relative to the sensor signals. By controlling the amount of time shift, the interceptor manipulates fuel injection timing. Use of the interceptor module provides the ability to reduce NOx emissions while achieving acceptable fuel consumption, without having to change the engine's sensors, electronic controller or fuel injectors.

Abstract: A locomotive emissions reduction kit and method of earning emission credits enables an auxiliary power unit dedicated to a locomotive diesel engine allowing shutdown of such engine in all weather conditions, thereby significantly reducing exhaust emissions. An auxiliary power unit made up of a secondary engine with substantially lower exhaust emissions coupled to an electrical generator is provided. An automatic control system shuts down the locomotive engine after a period of idling and the auxiliary power unit provides electrical power for heating and air conditioning. In cold weather, the auxiliary power unit maintains the locomotive engine coolant and lube oil warm to facilitate engine restart. The coolant system is kept warm using a heat exchanger and electrical heaters. The lube oil system is kept warm using a recirculating pump and electrical heaters. A geographic position determination unit generates locomotive location information.

Abstract: A locomotive emissions reduction kit and method of earning emission credits enables an auxiliary power unit dedicated to a locomotive diesel engine allowing shutdown of such engine in all weather conditions, thereby significantly reducing exhaust emissions. An auxiliary power unit made up of a secondary engine with substantially lower exhaust emissions coupled to an electrical generator is provided. An automatic control system shuts down the locomotive engine after a period of idling and the auxiliary power unit provides electrical power for heating and air conditioning. In cold weather, the auxiliary power unit maintains the locomotive engine coolant and lube oil warm to facilitate engine restart. The coolant system is kept warm using a heat exchanger and electrical heaters. The lube oil system is kept warm using a recirculating pump and electrical heaters. A geographic position determination unit generates locomotive location information.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a locomotive system comprising at least one internal-combustion engine. Specifically, the present invention enables monitoring and compiling of locomotive systems operation data and location data to be used in a variety of useful functions, such as emissions monitoring or accident reconstruction. A geographic position determination unit generates location information. A plurality of sensors are appended to a locomotive system to monitor locomotive system features, including brake-line pressure, external temperature, engine temperature, and the like. Such sensors are coupled to a locomotive computer to enable data processing and transmission to a system user.