Abstract: A highly efficient regenerative reciprocating internal combustion engine is disclosed. The regenerator captures the unutilized heat normally expelled with the exhaust products of such an engine and transfers it to fresh working fluid at the appropriate time in the next engine operating cycle to reduce the quantity of fuel which must be burned, resulting in an increase in engine efficiency. This is accomplished through the use of a permeable, movable heat exchanger located between the piston and the cylinder head. This regenerative technique can be applied to both two and four stroke Diesel cycle and Otto cycle engines. It can also be employed in ported (i.e. valveless) engines. The hot combustion region can be located between the cylinder head and the regenerator or between the piston and the regenerator.

Abstract: An injector assembly 10 for injecting propellants into a fluid fueled rocket engine. Injection assembly 10 comprises a plate member 12 with an opening 16 therethrough. Injector element 14 is sealed within opening 16. Oxidizer flows through central bore 18 and through orifices 26 into combustion chamber 27. Fuel flows from passageway 34 into an annular manifold 38 formed at an interface between flanged portion 32 and plate member 12. Fuel is then injected through orifices 42 into combustion chamber 27 where it impinges with the oxidizer at predetermined points in the combustion chamber 27.

Abstract: A highly efficient regenerative reciprocating internal combustion engine is disclosed. The regenerator captures the unutilized heat normally expelled with the exhaust products of such an engine and transfers it to fresh working fluid at the appropriate time in the next engine operating cycle to reduce the quantity of fuel which must be burned, resulting in an increase in engine efficiency. This is accomplished through the use of a permeable, movable heat exchanger located between the piston and the cylinder head. This regenerative technique can be applied to both two and four stroke Diesel cycle and Otto cycle engines. It can also be employed in ported (i.e. valveless) engines. The hot combustion region can be located between the cylinder head and the regenerator or between the piston and the regenerator.

Abstract: A thermally regenerated four-stroke cycle internal combustion engine, comprises a cold side cylinder having intake and exhaust valves independently located through cold side cylinder wall, and a cold side piston connected through a connecting rod to a crankshaft; a hot side cylinder having fuel injector and ignitor and hot side piston connected to said cold side piston through the crankshaft; and a regenerator duct for housing a regenerator and for connecting cold and hot side cylinders.

Abstract: Precombustor 10 basically comprises electrostatic injector 12, combustion chamber 14, and glow plug 16. The precombustion chamber 14 basically comprises an injector port 40 for housing the electrostatic injector 12, an igniter port 42 for housing the glow plug 16, and a flow passage 44 substantially opposite the injector port 40 for conveying air into the precombustion chamber 14 and combusted gases out from the precombustion chamber 14. The combustion chamber 14 is enhanced by the incorporation of electrical insulation 46 and electrodes 48 along the interior wall of the precombustion chamber 14. The electrostatic fuel injector 12 basically comprises an electroconductive injector body 20 having at least one fuel inlet and at least one fuel outlet, means 22 and 23 for electrically insulating the injector body from the diesel engine, and a means 24 for charging the injector body in a range from about 10,000 to about 100,000 volts.

Abstract: A diesel engine having a fuel vaporizing chamber in which liquid fuel is vaporized prior to injection into the precombustion chamber.

Abstract: An improved diesel engine wherein fuel is preheated and vaporized within the precombustion chamber during a substantial portion of the engine cycle in which the precombustion chamber is isolated from the cylinder by an isolation valve. Compressed air from the engine cylinder is admitted to the precombustion chamber near the end of the compression stroke by the timed opening of the isolation valve. The precombustion chamber is shaped to enhance mixing of the compressed air with the preheated and vaporized fuel.