Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position of a rod member of a cylinder assembly are provided. The cylinder assembly may include a cylinder body, a gland member, a sensor mount, a rod member, and a position sensor attached to the sensor mount. The cylinder body may have a first mounting portion disposed thereon. The gland member may be disposed within a gland opening of the cylinder body. The sensor mount may have a second mounting portion disposed thereon and may be attached to the cylinder body via a coupling engagement between the second mounting portion of the sensor mount and the first mounting portion of the cylinder body. The rod member may be slidably arranged within rod openings of the sensor mount and the gland member and may extend into a longitudinal cylinder chamber of the cylinder body.

Abstract: An assembly includes a piston and a transition arm coupled to the piston. The position of the transition arm is adjustable to vary a stroke of the piston. A balance member is adjustable relative to the transition arm to counterbalance the transition arm in varying positions. A control rod is coupled to the transition arm and the balance member. Linear movement of the control rod moves the transition arm in a first direction to change the stroke of the piston and moves the balance member in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction to counterbalance the transition arm. A method of counterbalancing a variable stroke assembly includes moving a transition arm coupled to a piston to vary a stroke of the piston, and moving a balance member in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of movement of the transition arm to counterbalance the transition arm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, apparatus and kit for dispensing hot water. The apparatus includes a body which may be positioned or etched to a portion of a housing of a brewer or other beverage making system. The body may be mounted in various orientations relative to the brewer. A moveably mounted faucet is provided on the body to accommodate one of several orientations.

Abstract: A round baler having storage and dispensing mechanisms for both twine and net/plastic wrapping materials for the bales can be modified to provide a lower cost twine baler. A pivoting dispensing assembly across the front of the baler is replaceable by a similar-sized twine box to convert the baler to an all-twine baler with sufficient twine storage to make the machine efficient in field operations.

Abstract: A round baler is provided with a single set of baling means like belts, which are trained over a series of fixed and mobile rolls. In order to form a bale of a large diameter several loops are formed in said baling means, which loops are controlled by two pivot arms. One of the pivot arms partially coincides with the potential bale chamber. As a result, the pivot arm does not extend beyond the boarder of the side structure during its movement.

Abstract: A device includes two handle elements with a can support on one handle and a can contents engaging unit on the other handle element. A trigger mechanism is included to ensure complete draining of the fluid from the can and various adapter elements are also included so the device can be used with cans of various sizes. A wall mounting element is also included.

Abstract: Roll arrangement that includes a deflection controlled roll and a counter roll. The counter roll and the deflection controlled roll are arranged to form at least one nip. The deflection controlled roll includes a rotating roll jacket, a carrier axially passing through the roll jacket, and support elements arranged between the roll jacket and the carrier. A plurality of the support elements, located at a nip side of the deflection controlled roll, are structured and controllable so that at least some of the plurality of support elements assume a position retracted from the roll jacket during a start-up operation of the deflection controlled roll. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for determining cutting positions of web strands (B1, B2), which are brought together into a strand to be bound (H1) in a rotary printing press and cross-cut. A measured value for the cutting position of the web strands (B1, B2) is formed in the strand to be bound (H1) and one individual strand measured value for the cutting positions of the web strands (B1, B2) is recorded for each of the web strands (B1, B2) before bringing together. The cutting positions of the web strands (B1, B2) are determined from the individual strand measured values and the common measured value recorded for the web strands (B1, B2) of the strand to be bound (H1) in the strand to be bound (H1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of carrying out lithographic printing using a plate having an image recording layer capable of being developed with dampening water and/or ink, the method including: a development step in which a plate bearing a recorded image, mounted on a plate cylinder and having a given surface speed is subjected to contact with a dampening roller and/or a form roller having a surface speed differing from the surface speed of the plate, and is thereby supplied with dampening water and/or ink; and a printing step in which ink is transferred to a printing material while the dampening roller and form roller remain in contact with the plate. The method of the present invention is a lithographic printing method which uses on-machine development type plates and has a very high productivity because the amount of paper spoilage at the start of printing is low and the time until scum-free impressions are obtained is short.

Abstract: A method and control device for determining a register error, whereby at least one register mark is printed and at least one sensor records the register mark, whereby the sheet edge of the sheet is recorded by the sensor, and the register error is determined from the sensor data and the target data.

Abstract: Percussive signal transmission tubes, of contrasting color, are joined along adjacent longitudinally extending portions by an adhesive bead of polymeric material. The tubes can be separated in the field and are provided on spools without any sheath. A small diameter (0.10 inch) tube can be used to reduce the size of the spool, or increase the length of tubing wound on the spool. An apparatus for assembling the product is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inflator includes a distributed charge to be distributed within an inflatable component of an inflatable system and a housing. The housing includes a combustion chamber and a gas storage chamber. The combustion chamber includes an initiator and a gas propellant. The gas storage chamber includes an inert gas at a high pressure. The housing also includes a gas nozzle. The distributed charge is connected to the housing through the gas nozzle. The distributed charge may be mechanically joined to the housing by a ferrule. Upon receiving an electrical signal from a crash sensor or other activator, the initiator ignites the gas propellant in the combustion chamber. The hot gas and hot particles from the burning gas propellant and the initiator flow into the gas storage chamber and heat the compressed inert gas in the gas storage chamber. The heated, compressed gas in the gas storage chamber flows through the gas nozzle and ignites the distributed charge.

Abstract: A transportation system is provided, in which a light-weight, small-sized vehicle can be used. This transportation system comprises a rail extending between stations, vehicle capable of running on the rail and carrying a drive unit, first zone for accelerating the vehicle from a stopped condition to a required speed by a propulsion force supplied from a propulsion supply unit provided from one of the stations toward the other station by a predetermined distance, and a second zone not having the propulsion supply unit, in which the vehicle accelerated in the first zone travels on the rail by the propulsion force supplied from the drive unit.

Abstract: Plume is mitigated by targeting treatment chemicals to locations in a furnace, which are connected with plume opacity. The effectiveness of targeted in furnace injection, in fuel introduction and in furnace introduction of slag and/or corrosion and/or plume control chemicals are determined, as are the effectiveness of targeted in furnace injection, in fuel introduction and in furnace introduction of combustion catalysts. Then, the effectiveness of various combinations of the above treatments are determined, and a treatment regimen employing one or more of the above treatments is selected. Preferred treatment regimens will contain at least two and preferably three of the treatments. Chemical utilization and boiler maintenance can improved as LOI carbon, slagging and/or corrosion are also controlled.

Abstract: A system and process for dispensing a liquid agrochemical such as ammonia into a field is disclosed. The ammonia is placed in a vessel under sufficient pressure to maintain a substantial portion of the ammonia in a liquid form. From the pressurized vessel, the ammonia is fed to a distribution manifold where it is ultimately injected into a soil through a plurality of dispensing tubes. A constant pressure flow rate control device is placed at each dispensing tube for metering the amount of ammonia fed to the soil. Furthermore, the outlet flow of each constant pressure rate control device is made to vaporize nearby the inlet flow path to create a heat exchange effect thereby cooling the inlet flow. In particular, the flow control devices allow ammonia to be dispensed from the system while maintaining sufficient back pressure and temperature within the distribution manifold to maintain the ammonia in a liquid form.

Abstract: The primary distribution hoses on the tillage implement of a pneumatic seeding machine are of different lengths as needed to reach distribution heads or splitters on the implement that further divide the primary streams of materials into individual streams leading directly to the ground-engaging openers of the implement. Notwithstanding the differential in hose length, outlet pressures at the distribution heads are made uniform through the provision of internal flow restrictors associated with those hoses that are shorter than the longest hoses on the machine. Throat diameters of the restrictors vary in accordance with the pressure drop that is needed to match the difference in hose length between the longest hose and the restricted hose. In a preferred embodiment, the restrictors are mounted within nipples on the coupling assembly that releasably connects conduits from a seed cart with the primary hoses on the implement.

Abstract: An adjustable singulating brush assembly for a seed meter and method to improve seed singulation of a seed meter. The assembly includes a carrier and a brush selectively adjustably moveable with respect to the carrier. The method to improve seed singulation of a seed meter includes disposing a selectively adjustable moveable brush along a path of travel of the seed selection mechanism of the seed meter between the meter's seed reservoir and said seed discharge opening and selectively moving the adjustably moveable brush with respect to the path of travel of the seed selection mechanism such that the selected seeds meet the preselected brush position to affect removal of extra seeds from the seed selection mechanism so singular seeds are sequentially discharged through said seed discharge opening.

Abstract: A tufting needle assembly for use with a tufting machine is disclosed that comprises a first gauge block or needle bar having a first series of tufting needles disposed thereon. The respective tufting needles are spaced from one another along a first longitudinal axis extending in the lengthwise direction of the gauge block. At least one tufting needle is offset with respect to the first longitudinal axis and the adjacent ones of the tufting needles in the series of tufting needles in the range of from 0.005 to 0.100 inches. The tufting needle assembly further comprises a second series of spaced tufting needles extending along a second longitudinal axis spaced parallel to the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The sewing machine includes a presser foot that is lowered to press a workpiece cloth; a presser foot lifting lever operating the presser foot; a thread tension mechanism including a thread tension regulator capable of adjusting the thread tension of a needle thread and opening the thread tension regulator based on the lifting operation of the presser foot lifting lever; and a thread guide groove guiding the needle thread at least to the thread tension mechanism, upon carrying out the thread hooking work. The sewing machine further includes a detector detecting a lifting operation of the presser foot lifting lever; a covering member which is movable between a closed position where the covering member covers at least a part of the thread guide groove and an opened position where the covering member opens the thread guide groove. The covering member is moved to the closed position when the presser foot is in a lowered state.

Abstract: To determine the thread supply on a lower-thread bobbin (17), holes (19) are arranged in the shape of a spiral in a flange (21) of the bobbin. Light from a light source (35), which is directed towards the flange (21), is reflected only by those holes (19), behind which there is no longer any thread, so that the light beams (36) reach the rear flange (22) and can be reflected therefrom and received by the light receiver (39).

Abstract: A method of controlling a streamer positioning device (18) configured to be attached to a marine seismic streamer (12) and towed by seismic survey vessel (10) and having a wing and a wing motor for changing the orientation of the wing. The method includes the steps of: obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing. The invention also involves an apparatus for controlling a streamer positioning device including means for obtaining an estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, means for calculating a desired change in the orientation of the wing using the estimated velocity of the streamer positioning device, and means for actuating the wing motor to produce the desired change in the orientation of the wing.

Abstract: A bimini top hook is used in connection with a boat and a bimini frame. The bimini top hook comprises an anchor having hook with a column extending upward from a base. The hook has an arch with a throat facing downward. A clevis is provided, and has a pin extending between two furcations. The pin pivotally engages the arch throat. A latch is provided, having a resilient lever arm extending from a body portion. The lever arm has a locking tab extending downward. The latch slidingly engages a column slot. The latch is selectively movable from a first position wherein the clevis pin is able to freely engage and disengage the top hook, to a second position wherein the locking tab is locked into engagement with the base and the clevis pin is locked into engagement with the throat.

Abstract: A platform unit (2) is seated on the tail (5) of a hull (1) of a boat and may be lowered by powered actuator means (8) down guides (7) on an incline (6) to descend into the water. This exposes steps (62) in the incline which function with steps (213) in the platform unit (2) to enable a swimmer to climb up out of the water onto the main boat deck.

Abstract: A stimulation device is provided for an automatic milking device having a plurality of milking cups. A vacuum device generates a negative pressure needed for milking and for the stimulation device. The stimulation device can be controllable to vary the stimulation independent from the pulsator system. Another system for stimulating milk producing animals includes a mobile stimulation device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milk conveyer device (100) for an animal. The milk conveyer device is to be implemented in a milking arrangement which comprises a milk storage reservoir (101) coupled to a milking attachment for attaching to an animal to be milked through a main milk conduit (103, 105). A sample element (109, 111) extracts milk, which is collected in a sample reservoir (115, 117). The sample reservoir (115,117) is connected to an analysis element (129) through an analysis conduit (123, 125). During the flow of the milk from the sample reservoir to the analysis element (129), the milk itself provides a cleaning effect. The flow is initially at a high flow rate and later at a reduced flow rate. A plurality of analysis conduits (123, 125) are connected to the analysis element (129), which comprises a selector unit (127), which couples milk from one of the analysis conduits (123, 125) to the analysis element (129).

Abstract: A window bird feeder. In a described embodiment, a window bird feeder includes a bird feed storage compartment bounded by an arch fastened to a base. The arch has openings therethrough for dispensing bird feed from the storage compartment onto the base. A rail on a front wall of the storage compartment separates a bird feed dispensing area of the base from a bird positioning area of the base. An upper lip and a lid of the bird feeder are configured for ease of filling the storage compartment.

Abstract: A grill member for use in a poultry feeder assembly has a generally curved rim member having an outward side surface which varies in radial distance relative to a center of the grill member and a top surface which varies in vertical height relative to a generally planar lower edge of the rim member without the need to adjust the grill member. The grill member also is configured to be rotated relative to a rotationally stable drop tube member in order to change both a position of a brood gate defined in the drop tube member relative to a base portion of a pan member and a height of a feed gate provided between a distal end of the drop tube member and the base portion of the pan member in order to control the flow of feed into the pan member through the brood gate and the feed gate.

Abstract: A metastable, motion generating squirrel feeder with a pair of coupled, generally V-shaped ribs attracts squirrels with corncobs secured at each rib end. Each rib has a pair of projecting wings symmetrically diverging away from a central vertex. The wings terminate in ends occupying the vertices of a virtual tetrahedron. Notches in the rib vertices enable rib coupling during assembly. Spaced-apart feed holders mounted on the wings each have a fixed bracket and a slidable bracket. Spikes projecting from each bracket towards the other captivate feed such as corncobs sandwiched between the brackets. A mounting ring non-rigidly captivates the vertice region of the ribs, loosely mounting the feeder and suspending it above ground so that the ribs are free to rotate and move in response to squirrels.

Abstract: A system and method for a bird feeder is disclosed. The feeder includes a feed reservoir positioned under a shade. The shade has a diameter that is at least twice as large as the diameter of the feed reservoir and located above the feed reservoir such that the shade substantially covers the reservoir thereby limiting the impingement of direct sunlight on the reservoir. By limiting the amount of direct sunlight received by the reservoir the freshness of the feed can be more efficiently maintained.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for treatment of feed water for livestock and other animals to reduce bacterial contamination while at the same time improving live performance. A gaseous mixture comprising ozone and oxygen gas is produced from ambient air and directly contacted with a supply of water to produce a solution of gaseous mixture. This contact step is continued until the content of ozone in the water supply is within a range of from about 5 parts per million to about 20 parts per million, and the content of oxygen is between about 80% and 97% of saturation. Thereafter, the resultant water product is directed for use as feed water to livestock or other animals to be treated.

Abstract: A small animal restraining device for the veterinarian treatment of small animals provides an enclosure having an opaque integrated front panel having a plurality of access panels, a rear panel, a floor panel and a cover lid forming a rectangular box defining an interior cavity, a first door panel attached to the rear panel and a second door attached to the rear panel, each door having a head engaging apparatus within a head opening, and a central interior squeeze panel pivotally and adjustably anchored within the interior cavity to the floor panel, the central interior squeeze panel urged towards the front panel to secure a body portion of the small animal between the central interior panel and the front panel while securing a head portion of the small animal within the head opening of either the first door or the second door, the head openings of the first door and second door providing the only light to the interior cavity, except for when one or more of the access panels are open to access the body portio

Abstract: A retractable leash assembly structured to facilitate quick connection of at least one animal to at least one lead interconnected at a proximal end to an activation assembly and to a quick connect coupling assembly at a distal end. The quick connect coupling assembly includes an electromotive release mechanism structured to permit removable connection of a collar, harness, or similar attachment assembly to the distal end of the lead. Upon actuation of the electromotive release mechanism, the components of the quick release coupling assembly are disposed into a release orientation such that the components are detached from one another. The quick connect coupling assembly may also include an electromotive propulsion mechanism structured to selectively impart a separation force between the components of the coupling assembly to facilitate detachment of the components from one another.

Abstract: Device for driving animals in an oblong corridor section using a driving gate which can be moved from one end to the other of the corridor section. A first transport arrangement moves the driving gate in the corridor section in a longitudinal direction of the section, and moves the gate in the opposite direction after it has been brought outside the corridor section. A second transport arrangement pulls the gate sideways out from the corridor section in the plane of the gate through a gap in one side wall of the corridor section.

Abstract: A fuel-fired water heater has main and pilot burners disposed in its combustion chamber. All of the primary combustion air utilized by the main and pilot burners during firing thereof is supplied thereto via an enclosed path extending to the burners from outside of the combustion chamber. A burner clogging detection system is operative to shut down further combustion, upon sensing a condition of the pilot burner flame indicative of a predetermined degree of pilot burner clogging, prior to the main burner being clogged to an unacceptable degree by particulate matter entrained in incoming combustion air being delivered to the main burner.

Abstract: A system is provided for delivering tooling, suction pickup, and alignment platforms to a stay dome region of a stem generator or the tube-free lane regions adjacent to the stay dome region and includes a suction device positioned in the stay dome region of a steam generator capable of rotating 360° about a vertical axis which also acts as a platform for mounting inter-bundle tooling and alignment devices used to position the suction device radially at any given tube location around the stay dome region to align it with an annulus based spray nozzle tube cleaning system.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve actuator for reciprocating engine includes at least a hydraulic cylinder (3) for opening at least one valve (2) via at least one valve opening selector (11) with at least one hydraulic positive displacement pump (4) whereof the hydraulic fluid supplied at the output can be forced into a high pressure circuit (10) by at least one pump outlet closure (8), the valve (2) capable of being maintained opened by an opening non-return valve (24), then of being reseated by a valve closing selector (25) which directs the hydraulic fluid contained in the hydraulic cylinder (3) in the hydraulic positive displacement pump (4) input by co-operating with a pump input non-return valve (26).

Abstract: An engine valve actuator assembly is provided that includes a movable roller finger follower operatively engaged with a displaceable engine valve. A rotatable camshaft with a plurality of different cam lobes having different profiles rotates about the roller finger follower. A plurality of intermediate finger followers contact different ones of the cam lobes and pivot about a common axis. One of the intermediate finger followers is in continuous contact with the roller finger follower. One or more additional intermediate finger followers are separately selectively engageable for common pivoting with the intermediate finger follower that remains in continuous contact with the roller finger follower, thereby varying displacement of the engine valve depending upon the various cam profiles.

Abstract: A valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine includes a driving member to which a rotational force is transmitted from a crankshaft. A driven member is rotatable with a cam shaft as a single member. A phase changing mechanism is disposed between the driving member and the driven member to vary a relative rotational phase between the driving member and the driven member within an angular range. A projecting member is disposed to one of side of the driving member and side of the driven member and movable forward and rearward. A contacting section is formed at the other of the side of the driving member and the side of the driven member and contactable with the projecting member when the projecting member is moved forward so as to restrict relative rotational positions of the driving member and the driven member.

Abstract: A two-cylinder V-type OHV engine for outboard motors, which allows space saving in the direction of the width of the engine. A starboard side cylinder bank (RB) has a cylinder (34R) and a port side cylinder bank (LB) has a cylinder (34L). The first cylinder bank (RB) and the second cylinder bank (LB) are arranged to form a V-shape. A crankshaft (35), a single camshaft (44), and an idle gear (44) are disposed such that the crankshaft (35) drives the single camshaft (41) via the idle gear (44).

Abstract: First and second attachment portions 6, 8 are formed integrally with a main body 4 and extend along the longitudinal direction of the main body 4. A hydraulic oil supply portion 14 is formed integrally with the main body 4 and extends along the width, or in the direction perpendicular to the axes of the attachment portions 6, 8. In this manner, providing an internal combustion engine with variable valve actuation mechanisms increases the strength of the cylinder head cover 102, while reducing the weight thereof.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for temporarily warming a plurality of vehicle engines includes a warm fluid circulation loop; an engine fluid circulation loop; a fluid heater; a fluid to fluid heat exchangers; a warm fluid pump; and an engine fluid pump. The warm fluid circulation loop connects the warm fluid heater to the fluid to fluid heat exchanger. The engine fluid circulation loop transfers engine fluid from engine fluid systems to the fluid to fluid heat exchanger. The fluid heater heats the fluid in the warm fluid circulation loop and the warm fluid is then circulated through the warm fluid circulation loop to the fluid to fluid heat exchanger to warm the engine fluid in the engine fluid circulation loop. The warmed engine fluid circulates through the engine fluid system warming the vehicle engine. The apparatus is configured to warm a plurality of vehicle engines at the same time.

Abstract: An activation device for activating an engine of a power tool includes an activation unit, a clutch unit and a transmission unit, wherein the clutch unit is connected between the activation unit and the transmission unit. The activation unit includes a first spring disk and a second spring disk. When the activation unit rotates clockwise, the transmission unit rotates in the same direction via the clutch unit. When the first spring disk releases the energy to rotate the activation unit counter clockwise, the clutch unit disengages the activation unit from the transmission unit so that the second spring disk rotates the transmission unit to start the engine.

Abstract: An engine unit for an motorcycle is disclosed in which an accessory drive gear is disposed downstream of primary dampers in the engine power transmission path, and simultaneously upstream of a clutch mechanism in the engine power transmission path. In this engine unit, an accessory, for example, generator, is connected to an intermediate shaft that is parallel to a crank shaft and a counter shaft so as to rotate integrally with the intermediate shaft. An accessory driven gear is meshed with the accessory drive gear, and an accessory damper is disposed between the intermediate shaft and the accessory for absorbing rotational shocks. Furthermore, a starter motor is gear-engaged with the intermediate shaft via a one-way clutch, and the position of this gear engagement is provided between the accessory damper and the accessory driven gear.

Abstract: A two-part piston for an internal combustion engine, comprising a piston head and a piston skirt connected with the piston head in articulated manner, by way of a piston pin. The piston head has a piston crown that is followed by a cylindrical circumference surface having a top land and a ring belt. The piston head can include a ring-shaped circumferential cooling channel disposed within the piston head. The opening of this cooling channel faces the piston skirt, and is closed off with a seal element. There is a seal element that has a first free end that is held between piston head and piston skirt, or rests against an outer wall of the cooling channel. The seal element has a second free end that rests against the piston head, and wherein the seal element has a bottom that lies on a surface of the piston skirt that faces the cooling channel.

Abstract: A lightweight, four stroke engine includes a crankcase enclosure and at least one piston assembly disposed within the crankcase enclosure. The piston assembly cooperates with the crankcase enclosure to provide an internal pressure to the crankcase enclosure which varies between a positive and a negative pressure. An air intake assembly is operatively coupled to a first section of the engine and the crankcase enclosure, the air intake assembly including at least one air conduit configured to provide non-combustive air flow from the first section of the engine to the crankcase enclosure of the engine. At least one valve is disposed within the air intake system, the valve being configured to restrict air flow from the crankcase enclosure when positively pressurized and to allow airflow into the crankcase enclosure when negatively pressurized.

Abstract: The present air intake device for a straddle-type vehicle, includes: an air cleaner case including an outer wall having an outer surface; and an air intake case of a fixed volume having an open end. The open end is disposed opposite to the outer surface of the outer wall so that a predetermined gap is formed between the open end of the air intake case and the outer surface of the outer wall. Thereby, an air intake chamber is formed in the air intake case and the gap forms an air intake inlet. The air intake chamber communicates with an air inlet of an apparatus mounted on the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a toroidal intersecting vane machine incorporating intersecting rotors to form primary and secondary chambers whose porting configurations minimize friction and maximize efficiency. Specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a toroidal intersecting vane machine that greatly reduces the frictional losses through meshing surfaces without the need for external gearing by modifying the function of one or the other of the rotors from that of “fluid moving” to that of “valving” thereby reducing the pressure loads and associated inefficiencies at the interface of the meshing surfaces. The inventions described herein relate to these improvements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus create an environment within a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine suitable for auto-ignition and combustion of a fuel that will not otherwise auto-ignite. Under high-load conditions, a pilot quantity of the fuel is injected in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine during the compression stroke of the piston. The quantity and timing of the fuel are chosen to heat an intake charge within the combustion chamber to a temperature at or above the auto-ignition temperature of the fuel by the time required for a main injection of the fuel to drive the piston during the power stroke. Generally, auto-ignition temperatures should be reached at or near top dead center of the piston. An injector design delivers fuel in manner carried out by the method.

Abstract: A method directly injects gaseous fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The compressibility of the gaseous fuel is used to provide a fuel to the combustion chamber that is injected over all engine operating conditions at pressures that result in fuel jet speeds beyond the injector nozzle in excess of sonic speeds as determined in reference to the combustion chamber environment. The resulting fuel injection speed results in the fuel passing through shock waves within the combustion chamber, which, in turn, promotes combustion of the fuel by promoting turbulence and mixing of the fuel and intake charge within the combustion chamber where fuel burns in a non-premixed combustion mode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing bleeder-type and compression-release engine braking in an internal combustion engine are disclosed. For bleeder-type engine braking, the exhaust valve is maintained at a small and relatively constant lift throughout all or much of the engine cycle. The engine braking may be combined with exhaust gas recirculation, variable exhaust brake, and/or operation of a variable geometry turbocharger.