Abstract: A passive ferrocene injection system provides a container that defines an internal reservoir holding a quantity of solid phase ferrocene. A means is provided for maintaining an elevated reservoir temperature sufficient to produce a vapor of ferrocene. The reservoir is connected to the air inlet system of a combustion device in such a manner that the ferrocene vapor is metered into the air inlet stream. One portion of this connection is a flow orifice metering ferrocene vapor from the reservoir at least by diffusion, and more normally, by diffusive and convective transport mechanisms.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an alcohol engine of a vehicle, the engine having an auxiliary equipment and using a fuel containing alcohol, comprising: an alcohol concentration sensor for outputting a detection signal corresponding to an alcohol concentration of the fuel; alcohol concentration calculating means responsive to said detection signal for calculating said alcohol concentration; determining means responsive to said alcohol concentration for computing an optimum condition to operate the auxiliary equipment; and driving means responsive to said optimum condition for driving the auxiliary equipment.

Abstract: A fuel evaporative emission control system for an internal combustion engine using a gasoline-alcohol blend fuel. The system includes a canister for trapping fuel vapors to purge them into an air intake passage of the engine through a pipe. A valve is provided at the pipe for closing/opening the same to control purging of fuel vapors to the air intake passage. In the system, when the fuel property is found to be changed from alcohol concentration detected, the valve is opened if correction coefficient for air-fuel ratio determined from an oxygen content sensor's output is within a predetermined upper and lower limit, while the valve is closed if the coefficient falls outside the range, whereby preventing degradation of the exhaust gas properties, misfiring and the like.

Abstract: A fuel dispersion device has been provided in the form of a vacuum pump in which fuel is injected as macroscopic fuel droplets in metered quantities into a vacuum chamber in the pump where it is converted to a converted fuel in the form of a mixture of a smaller percentage of gaseous fuel and a larger percentage of microscopic liquid fuel droplets. This converted fuel is moved from the inlet to an outlet port by sweeping vanes. A combination of vacuum, expanding absorbed gases, mechanical energy and thermal energy is used to create gaseous fuel and microscopic liquid fuel droplets from macroscopic liquid fuel droplets. An air intake passageway is provided at one end of the mixing chamber at substantially right angles to the outlet from the vacuum chamber. An air-fuel discharge passageway is provided on the opposite side of the intake passageway for supplying the mixture of air and converted fuel to the engine for combustion.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for determining the energy content of a fuel and delivering an engine controlling signal responsive to the determined energy content.

Abstract: A compact portable electrical generator powered by a gas fueled internal combustion engine. A combined starter and generator is coupled to the engine for starting of the engine and for generating electrical power when the engine is running. The engine includes a lubricating system including lubricant that is supplied from a separately insertable lubricant cartridge and which is pumped by a hose compressing type of pump so as to insure adequate delivery of small amounts of lubricant regardless of the orientation of the unit and also so as to insure that lubricant cannot leak from the system when the unit is not being operated.

Abstract: An oil filter cartridge for internal combustion engines that employ oil filters in their operation. The input side of the cartridge is filled with microscopic solid lubricating particles of polytetrafluoroethyline (PTFE) dispersed in an oil carrier base. The microscopic particles of PTFE are of varying sizes, with the finest below the minimum given size of the filter and pass immediately into the oil circulating system. The larger sizes are gradually broken down by the high temperature, pressure and swirling flow within the filter cartridge so as to gradually pass through the filter to provide enhanced lubrication by the circulating oil during the operating life of the oil filter cartridge.

Abstract: A fluid injection system for injecting atomized fluids into the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine comprising: a fluid reservoir to hold a supply of fluid, means to transport the fluid to a T junction mixer having i) a pre-mixing chamber, ii) a flow adjustable fluid intake port to receive the fluid and deliver it to the pre-mixing chamber, and iii) a simultaneously restricted air and water flow intakes to deliver a predetermined approximately constant ratio air to water flows into the pre-mixing chamber for atomization of the fluids, and collector means to collect and transport the atomized fluid mixture into the intake manifold.

Abstract: A air-fuel control system for internal combustion engines using a blended fuel composed of gasoline and alcohol for determining or presuming a correction factor due to alcohol concentration in the fuel when an alcohol sensor for detecting the same has failed. An average value of the O.sub.2 feedback correction factor reflecting a deviation between a target air fuel ratio and an actual air-fuel ratio is obtained and based on it, a target value is determined. The average value is compared with upper and lower limits and when it reaches either one, the factor obtained when the sensor operated properly is adjusted by an amount to follow up the target value.

Abstract: A fuel blending ratio detecting method is provided wherein a feedback compensation coefficient K.sub.FB is computed on the basis of an air/fuel ratio responsive output V.sub.o of an O.sub.2 sensor, and a current blending ratio compensation coefficient K.sub.B is multiplied by a peak mean value K.sub.PEAK of the current and preceding peak values of the computed feedback compensation coefficient K.sub.FB to compute the next blending ratio compensation coefficient K.sub.B. Thus, the quantity of fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine can be always controlled accurately on the basis of the computed blending ratio compensation coefficient.

Abstract: An apparatus for atomizing a gasoline-alcohol blend of automotive fuel and supplying a supplemental amount of vaporized fuel to the intake ports of an engine during cold weather start-up. Also a method of making the same. The apparatus comprises a tubular member having a plurality of configured atomizing orifices. It is positioned inside an engine air intake manifold with its orifice facing away from the intake port side of the manifold in an upstream direction. The orifices are formed by a stamping process wherein a die deforms the tube inwardly at each orifice site and ultimately punctures the tube wall producing a "T" shaped orifice opening with burred irregular edges and contoured sides. Preferably, each of the apertures is located between a pair of intake ports. Fuel is supplied to a head end of the tubular member, such as by means of an electromagnetic fuel injector, and the tail end of the member is closed.

Abstract: A method for the controlled addition of an additive to the fuel supply of a vehicle internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel engine with an exhaust particulate filter, in which the addition is performed as a function of an increase in the fuel supply. While the vehicle is in motion with the engine running, the fuel level is measured at predetermined short time intervals and, having been averaged over a predetermined number of these time intervals, is fed to a measured-value storage device in which the previous average value is compared with the new average value. When a differential value is detected in the average value comparison which exceeds a predetermined tolerance level, an addition of additive proportional to the increase in the level is triggered. After each comparison, the previous average value is erased and replaced by the new average value.

Abstract: A system for sensing the nature of gasoline is disclosed, which comprises a capacitance type sensor for producing a first information signal representative of the dielectric constant of the gasoline; a temperature sensor for producing a second information signal representative of the temperature of the gasoline; a temperature coefficient deriving device for deriving a temperature coefficient of the gasoline from the first and second information signals; an additive concentration deriving device for deriving the concentration of alcohols in the gasoline from the temperature coefficient; a correcting device for correcting the first information signal in view of a reference temperature; and a judging device for judging the nature of the gasoline from the derived concentration of the additive and the corrected first information signal.

Abstract: A system according to the invention controls the vaporized amount of a blended fuel composed of gasoline and an alcohol such as methanol and contained in a fuel tank mounted at a vehicular internal combustion engine. The methanol concentration in the fuel is sensed and from the sensed value, reid vapor pressure of the fuel is presumed. The pressure in the fuel tank is then regulated at a target pressure by adjusting the amount of vaporized fuel to be removed from the fuel tank and fed to a canister in response to the presumed reid vapor pressure.

Abstract: In the disclosed embodiments, a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine operating on alcohol-containing fuel has a fuel pump and a cold-starting device for injecting an auxiliary fuel into an air-fuel intake line of the engine. A control unit controls the operation of the cold-start device when the temperature is lower than a predetermined lower temperature limit and the actuation time is adjustable as a function of temperature. The actuation time of the cold-start device is also controllable as a function of the alcohol content of the fuel.

Abstract: An engine for an FFV has an alcohol concentration sensor provided in a fuel system for sensing concentration of alcohol in fuel, and an EGR valve provided between an exhaust port and an intake passage of the engine for controlling an EGR ratio. The EGR ratio is increased with an increase of the alcohol concentration, and increased in an intermediate engine load range other than that of other engine load ranges.

Abstract: A system for controlling supply of fuel to a hybrid fuel powered engine during starting. The system has a sensor detecting the alcohol concentration of the fuel, a device for calculating an alcohol correction factor from the detected alcohol concentration, a device for correcting a basic amount of fuel supply in accordance with the alcohol correction factor, a device for increasing or decreasing the factor in increments of a magnitude determined on the basis of the engine coolant temperature once per interval determined on the basis of the engine coolant temperature, and a device for reversing the direction of the increments each time the factor reaches an upper limit value or a lower limit value, whereby the factor is swept over a prescribed range until the engine starts.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for utilization of fuels with alcohol additives for an internal combustion engine in which during the heating of a sample quantity of a fuel mixture of a conventional fuel and alcohol there is a delay in the temperature increase in the region of the boiling point of the alcohol, due to its heat of vaporization. The apparatus (a) detects this temperature region, which characterizes the type of alcohol in the mixture, and (b) determines the extend of the delay in the temperature increase which characterizes the percent admixture of the alcohol in the fuel mixture. The measurement values obtained during the vaporization are utilized to produce a correction signal in a control device to effect a change in the air-fuel ratio in the fuel mixture former of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A hydrogen-fueled engine has an intake valve, a hydrogen supply valve and an exhaust valve, which are operated to open and close relative to a combustion chamber, and a control valve provided in a hydrogen supply pipe to control the output of the engine through the control of the flow amount of hydrogen. This control valve is a pressure control valve to adjust the pressure of hydrogen to be supplied. The hydrogen supply valve is operated by an apparatus of the type capable of adjusting the lift and the valve timing. In this engine, the hydrogen to be supplied to the combustion chamber is controlled on the basis of control signals corresponding to load conditions by both the pressure control valve and the hydrogen supply valve under at least one of either the low-load condition or the high-load condition, and substantially only by the pressure control valve under an intermediate-load condition.

Abstract: Selective compensation for reductions in fueling capacity normally associated with extreme fuel vaporization rates in the fuel delivery means of vehicle engines, by improved estimation of the conditions normally precedent to such extreme fuel vaporization rates.

Abstract: An apparatus for discriminating between different types of alcohol contained in alcohol-gasoline fuel mixtures, such as methanol or ethanol, and a fueling system for controlling the quantity of alcohol-gasoline fuel mixture delivered to an internal combustion engine in accordance with type of alcohol determined to be present in the fuel mixture are described. The resistivity of the fuel mixture delivered to the engine is measured using a fuel resistance sensor. Based upon the measured resistivity, the type of alcohol contained in the fuel mixture is determined and indicated. The fuel system then adjusts the quantity of the fuel mixture delivered to the engine based upon the indicated type of alcohol and the sensed alcohol concentration in the fuel mixture.

Abstract: A fuel specifying apparatus is provided for allowing a person adding fuel to the fuel tank of a vehicle to specify to the vehicle's engine control computer the composition of the fuel being added. The engine control computer uses this information to calculate the average fuel composition in the fuel tank following refueling. In addition, means for reminding the refueling person to specify to the engine control computer the composition of the fuel to be added before adding the fuel to the fuel tank are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air-fuel ratio control apparatus in an internal combustion engine using different kinds of fuels, such as gasoline and an alcohol, interchangeably or together in a mixed state, wherein at the stationary driving, the integration constant for setting the air-fuel ratio feedback correction coefficient at the air-fuel feedback control is set according to the concentration of the basic fuel such as the alcohol, and at the transient driving, the integration constant is set at a value larger than the value set at the stationary driving. If this structure is adopted, the deflection of the air-fuel ratio at the stationary driving is kept constant irrespectively of the fuel concentration and high exhaust gas-purging performances can be maintained, and at the transient driving, a good response characteristic can be maintained to control excessive thickening or thinning of the air-fuel ratio, and good transient driving performances and high exhaust gas-purging performances can be maintained.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine using an alcohol blended fuel, in which an alcohol concentration-dependent correction coefficient for use in calculating an amount of fuel supplied to the engine is calcuated in response to concentration of alcohol in the fuel defected by an alcohol concentration sensor. An average value of the correction coefficient is calcuated depending on operating conditions of the engine. The amount of fuel supplied to the engine is calculated by the use of the average value of the correction coefficient to thereby control the air-fuel ratio of an air-fuel mixture supplied to the engine.

Abstract: An assembly for producing heat/mechanical energy by combustion of sugar includes a combustion chamber and a means for fluidizing sugar. Fluidized sugar is injected into the combustion chamber, optionally in combination with a hydrocarbon fuel and ignited. The combustion gas energy can be recovered as usable mechanical energy using conventional piston crank shaft or turbine asssemblies. Exhaust gases have reduced levels of noxious pollutants relative to exhaust gases from internal combustion engines not burning sugar fuels.

Abstract: A fuel gauge system is disclosed, which includes a first device capable of visually indicating the amount of the mixed fuel in the container; a second device for detecting a real amount of the fuel in the container; a third device for detecting the mixing ratio of compositions in the mixed fuel; a fourth device for determining a critical effective amount of the mixed fuel in accordance with the fuel mixing ratio detected by the third device; a fifth device for judging whether the real amount is less than the critical effective amount or not; a sixth device for determining, based on the fuel mixing ratio detected and the real amount, a value corresponding to a calorific power possessed by the mixed fuel in the container; and a seventh device for controlling the first device in such a manner that, when the real amount is less than the critical effective amount, the first device indicates the value corresponding to the calorific power possessed by the mixed fuel in the container, and when the real amount is not

Abstract: A process and apparatus for utilization of fuels with alcohol additives for an internal combustion engine which are characterized by the fact that at the present time comercial types of fuel have approximately the same molecular weights, which are clearly distinct from the molecular weights of methanol and ethanol. By complete vaporization of a sample volume of fuel, depending on the admixture of alcohol to standard fuel, different volumes of vaporized fuel samples are produced, or different pressures are obtained if the volume is constant. Based thereon and on the sample temperature a correction signal is formed which is characterized by the alcohol and its content in the sample (as compared with reference values stored in a control device), and the correction signal can be utilized to regulate the engine control variables.

Abstract: An aqueous fuel for an internal combustion engine is provided. The fuel comprises water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel selected from the class consisting of ethanol, methanol, gasoline, kerosene fuel, diesel fuel, carbon-containing gaseous or liquid fuel, or mixtures thereof. A method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine is provided. The method produces approximately as much power as the same volume of gasoline. The method comprises introducing air and aqueous fuel into a fuel introduction system for the engine.

Abstract: An ionic combustion system for a heat engine having a combustion chamber. A fuel source and water source are provided. An agitating chamber in fluid communication with the water source has an agitator and at least one magnetizing source for agitating and ionizing the water. The water is combined with fuel and communicated to a prechamber having a plurality of ignition assist rods adapted to heat the ionized water and fuel and water prior to combustion.

Abstract: An air/fuel mixture ratio learning control system for an internal combustion engine using a mixed fuel employs a learnt correction coefficient which is used both in a FEEDBACK mode air/fuel ratio control and in an OPEN LOOP mode air/fuel ratio control. The learnt correction coefficient is derived based on a FEEDBACK air/fuel ratio dependent correction coefficient per one of preselected engine driving ranges and per one of preselected concentration ranges of one fuel component contained in the mixed fuel. The learnt correction coefficient is cyclically derived in a preselected stable engine driving condition during the FEEDBACK mode air/fuel ratio control for updating a previously derived and stored one to minimize a deviation of the FEEDBACK correction coefficient from a reference value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the cold starting performance of a spark ignition, internal combustion engine fueled with an alcohol-based fuel mixture is described. The quantity of fuel mixture delivered to the engine is regulated to establish a combustible fuel vapor-air mixture in each engine cylinder during cranking, while restricting the accumulation of unvaporized fuel in the each cylinder so as not to exceed a predetermined amount. In addition, each cylinder spark plug is provided with an ignition current having a peak magnitude sufficient to achieve voltage break down across each spark plug arc gap, when each gap is resistively loaded due to wetting in accordance with the predetermined amount of accumulated unvaporized fuel. Preferably, the quantity of fuel delivered to the engine during cranking is reduced at a substantially exponential rate as a function of the cumulative number of revolutions the engine is rotated during cranking.

Abstract: In an engine using various kinds of fuels, the nature of the fuel to be supplied to the engine is detected, and based on this detection result, a theoretical air-fuel ratio is found. Then, using it as a target air-fuel ratio, the amount of supply of the fuel is controlled, and therefore even when the nature of the fuel is changed, an accurate air-fuel ratio control can be made.

Abstract: A sensor and method for measuring the concentration of alcohol in an alcohol-hydrocarbon mixture for use with flexible fuel vehicles. The sensor and method are characterized by a pair of detectors or sensing elements which detect absorbance of two different wavelength bands of energy transmitted through the fuel. The first wavelength band is absorbed by the alcohol and substantially unabsorbed by the hydrocarbons and other non-alcohols in the fuel mixture. The second or reference wavelength band is selected where the absorbance of alcohols and hydrocarbons is essentially the same and preferably essentially zero. The output of the two detectors or sensing elements is ratioed to provide a signal representative of the alcohol content of the fuel mixture. In a preferred embodiment, the sensing elements are included in a differential thermopile.

Abstract: This invention will place less demand on petroleum fuel used in a combustion engine by recycling the exhaust gases, primarily carbon monoxide, used as a reducing agent when combined with hydrogen from the on-board hydrogen generator and will produce a cooler and much less polluting exhaust. The operating cost of a combustion engine will be drastically reduced with much higher performance.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating fuel supply according to fuel mixture ratio comprising a light source (5) for radiating a light beam (7) through fuel (3), a light path defining unit (26) for defining a light path for the light beam (7) in accordance with a refraction ratio of the fuel, and a light receiver (24) for receiving the light beam passed through the fuel. The light receiver (24) has connected thereto an actuator (32,43,47) for moving at least one of the light source (5), the light path defining unit (26) and the light receiver (24) by an amount sufficient to keep the light beam (7) always impinging at a constant position on the light receiver (24). The actuator (47) is connectable to a fuel regulator (46,48) for adjusting the fuel supply to an engine in accordance with the amount of the movement of the above components.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for increasing the efficiency and the performance of normally aspirated internal combustion engines. A combustion air intake housing including a fuel injector for introducing an atomized spray of highly volatile, preferably non-petroleum based, combustible fuel in a region of convergence of a plurality of convergent, progressively operated intake ports formed in the air intake housing. The highly volatile combustible fuel rapidly and significantly cools the intake (combustion) air, thereby densifying the air. Thus, the cooled air contains, per unit volume, a greater quantity of combustible matter to be introduced into the engine combustion chamber(s) which consequently increases the explosive combustion charge within the chamber(s) upon ignition of the charge, thereby enhancing engine efficiency and performance.

Abstract: A system is described that extends the driving range provided in prior art by compressed gas fuel systems and that thereby reduces the need for bi-fuel operating capability in most applications. The system can typically more than double the energy density of a compressed gas fuel storage system. The system includes apparatus for metering the fuel supplied to the engine to minimize noxious emissions.

Abstract: In order to improve a combustion engine for hydrogen comprising a main piston which is displaceable in a main cylinder in a stroke direction between a top dead center, forming a minimum main cylinder chamber with the main cylinder, and a bottom dead center and hereby performs a suction stroke, a compression stroke, a displacement stroke and an exhaust stroke, such that the problems of early ignition are avoided without any internal mixture formation with late injection being required, it is recommended that an auxiliary piston and an auxiliary cylinder be provided for movement relative to one another so as to be in equal phase and synchronous with the main piston and the main cylinder, that the auxiliary piston and the auxiliary cylinder define with one another a cylinder chamber varying between a minimum cylinder chamber in the top dead center and a maximum cylinder chamber in the bottom dead center, that the minimum cylinder chamber communicate with the minimum main cylinder chamber via a passage and that t

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the efficiency of a combustion process and thereby reducing undesirable emissions in which a solid combustion enhancing substance is converted into a highly dispersed, gas-transportable state at a controlled rate and is subsequently conveyed into the zone of combustion. The use of a substance in its solid state eases handling and avails highly effective materials for combustion and enhancement while the necessary conversion of the substance from one state to another enables a high degree of control as to its rate of addition to the combustion process. The substance's highly dispersed state when it enters the combustion process maximizes its effect.

Abstract: NO.sub.x emissions are reduced in two stages during operation of an engine equipped with an exhaust gas catalyst system. In the first stage, a reduction in NO.sub.x emissions is effected in the exhaust leaving the combustion chamber. In the second stage a further reduction in NO.sub.x emissions is effected in the exhaust passing through the exhaust catalyst system. Both of the two-stage reductions are brought about in the same way, namely (a) by use of a fuel composition containing at least one fuel-soluble cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl compound in an amount equivalent to up to 1/32 gram of manganese per gallon of fuel; and (b) by enhancing the NO.sub.x control activity of at least the catalyst by prior operation of the engine on such fuel composition, either intermittently or continuously. Such prior operation constitutes a run-in or conditioning stage of sufficient total duration (continuous or interrupted) so that substantial reductions in NO.sub.

Abstract: Method to improve the combustion in a combustion engine for reducing the content of harmful components of the exhausts, whereby a liquid composition including a peroxide or a peroxo compound is supplied to the combustion chamber. The liquid composition is injected in such a way that a portion of the liquid composition passes through the outlet valve (17), when the engine goes from exhaust to intake stroke, thus causing an improved afterburning in both exhaust pipe (16) and possible catalytic equipment.

Abstract: The present invention 10 comprises a hollow main canister 11 having a series of anodes 25 and cathodes 29 interposed therein for the electrolysis of an electrolytic fluid F, such as potassium hydroxide. The electrolytic reaction is powered through the use of a current source 36 which positively charge the anodes immersed in the electrolytic fluid F. The produced ionized oxygen and hydrogen from the electrolytic reaction is directed through the canister through the combustion situs 45 of an internal combustion fuel/air mixture system through the use of a delivery tube 22. A flash arrestor 44 is used to ensure no flame or backfire migrates through the system and the level of fluid is optically monitored through the use of a liquid level sensor 46. The oxygen and hydrogen interposed within the combustion situs enhances combustion and the cleanliness of the same thereby producing a cleaner and more efficient burn of the hydrocarbon fuel.

Abstract: A fuel composed of water, a compound in which free radicals have been generated and a solute that stabilizes the free radicals while the fuel is in the liquid state but which releases the free radicals when the fuel is sprayed (vaporized) so that the free radicals then dissociate the water to form hydrogen gas in sufficient concentration to support combustion. The most readily available compounds in which free radicals can be generated to provide the fuel are hydrocarbons and carbohydrates. Free radicals may be generated in solids (e.g., sugar) by charring and grinding the sugar then mixing with acid. Free radicals may be generated in liquids by adding an acid. Polar liquids such as alcohols, aldehydes and ketones have been found to be the most effective stabilizers.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for a single or multi-cylinder internal combustion engine (1) of the compression ignition kind (e.g. a diesel engine) and including a liquid fuel injection pump (2) for injecting liquid fuel into the combustion chamber(s) of the engine (1); the system employing a main supply source of liquid alcohol fuel (4) such as methanol as the principal fuel for the engine and an ether pilot fuel having a wider flammability range and lower ignition temperature than the principal alcohol fuel. Prescribed quantities of the ether pilot fuel are arranged to be delivered to the engine (1) during operation for mixing with the principal fuel (4) and ignition of the delivered pilot fuel to raise the temperature of the fuel mixture in the combustion chamber(s) sufficiently to enable full ignition under compression of the principal fuel.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine 30 capable of operating on petrol an/or methanol has an adaptive control system responsive to a lambda-sensor (23), a limiter device (21) and a multiplier device (22) which, in response to the richness of the air/fuel mixture, produce a signal (FMCOR) for influencing the fuel injection times (t.sub.i).

Abstract: A fuel preconditioner for catalytic cracking of long-chain liquid hydrocarbons, and particularly gasoline, for internal combustion engines. A tubular housing, in-line with the fuel pump and carburetor or fuel injection system, contains a platinum catalyst for the cracking of liquid hydrocarbons into more volatile components for superior combustion, Heater elements may be provided for acceleration of the catalytic action. In one embodiment, the tubular housing defines a fuel rail of a fuel injection system.

Abstract: An alternative fuel system that operates in conjunction with the primary fuel system to utilize the output from the existing or original equipment manufacturer's control module from the primary system, modifies that signal and controls a fuel supply valve for the alternative fuel so that the proper quantity of alternative fuel is supplied to the engine.

Abstract: A fuel delivery control apparatus for use with an engine operable on either of gasoline fuel and gasoline/alcohol fuel blend. The amount of fuel metered to the engine is controlled based upon engine operating conditions. A first correction factor is set at a value calculated based upon a signal from an alcohol concentration sensor to correct the amount of fuel metered to the engine. A second correction factor is set based upon a signal from an oxygen sensor to correct the amount of fuel metered to the engine so as to provide an air/fuel ratio feedback control. In the event of failure of the alcohol concentration sensor, the first correction factor is estimated by modifying it based upon the signal from the oxygen sensor and a difference between the calculated and estimated values of the first correction factor is calculated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing emissions from an internal combustion engine used for propelling a heavy land vehicle, for example, comprising a fuel supply tank for storing liquified natural gas and a fuel circuit for cooling compressed charge air to the engine with the heat of vaporization of the fuel. Under low load conditions fuel vapor from the tank can be consumed to avoid an excessive build-up of pressure; the engine is operated with a lean fuel/air mixture without cooling of the charge air to obtain low emissions. Non-methane hydrocarbon emissions are eliminated by stripping the natural gas of essentially all of the higher hydrocarbons during the liquification process.

Abstract: In this ceramic engine, the cylinder liners are formed out of a ceramic material, and bearings consisting of a ceramic material are installed in the rotary sliding portions of a crankshaft and larger- and smaller-diameter parts of connecting rods, suction ports being formed in the cylinder liner lower portions so as to be spaced in the circumferential direction thereof, these suction ports and crank chambers communicating via first suction passages, fuel alcohol supply means being provided in second suction passages through which suction air is introduced into the crank chambers. Accordingly, lubricating films of ungasified components of the fuel alcohol are formed on the sliding surfaces of the pistons and cylinder liners and those of the above-mentioned rotary sliding portions, and these sliding surfaces and rotary sliding portions are kept in an excellently lubricated condition owing to such lubricating films.