Abstract: Exhaust gas in a supercharged internal combustion engine is recycled from the high pressure side of the turbocharger to the charging air system of the engine. At least part of the recycled exhaust gas is humidified to largely 100 percent relative humidity. This on one hand cools the gas to that the temperature at initiation of the combustion in the engine cylinders is lowered, and on the other hand the heat capacity of the steam in the gas restricts the temperature raise occurring during the combustion. These factors both act to reduce the amount of NO.sub.x produced by the combustion. The addition of water is effected by a scrubber (16) which purifies the recycled gas. A blower (17) augments the pressure of the recycled gas. The scrubber may be made to generate fresh water by designing it with several stages where sea water is supplied to the first stage and fresh water to the last stage.

Abstract: An injection arrangement for an internal combustion engine, especially a diesel engine, for injecting different pressure mediums directly into a cylinder of the engine, which arrangement includes a first valve (3), which is arranged to inject fuel, and a second (4) valve, which is arranged to inject an additional medium, by means of which the content of noxious substances resulting from burning of the fuel can be decreased. Said second valve (4) comprises an elongated valve member (5) movable within a valve body (2) against the force of a spring (12) and in association with the part of which located on the cylinder side there is arranged a chamber (6), which encircles the valve member (5) and into which said additional medium is arranged to be fed continuously under pressure.

Abstract: A two stroke internal combustion engine has two opposed pistons (8) which reciprocate in opposite directions in cylinder (4) and define a common compression chamber (6) therebetween. Blower (10) supplies scavenging air at high pressure to compression chamber (6) through inlet port(s) (15) to pass axially through compression chamber (6) to exhaust port(s) (7) in an amount sufficient to purge substantially all products of combustion from compression chamber (6) and to cool cylinder (4). A small external combustion chamber (3), having restricted communication (9) with compression chamber (6), has a valve (2) permitting injection of a rich fuel/air mixture which in part passes to compression chamber (6) to form a fuel lean mixture with the scavenging air therein. Ignition means (1) ignites the fuel rich mixture in combustion chamber (3), in turn allowing burning fuel to ignite the fuel lean mixture in compression chamber (6).

Abstract: An ignition system for an internal combustion engine has a plurality of peripheral ignition gaps arranged at appropriate separations along the periphery of a combustion chamber and a center ignition gap disposed at a center of the combustion chamber. The ignition gaps are selectively used according to engine operating conditions so that only the peripheral ignition gaps produce sparks when the engine operates under low engine loads and the center ignition gap and the peripheral ignition gaps all produce sparks at once when the engine operates under high engine loads.

Abstract: A combustion chamber located in the piston of an internal combustion engine is divided by restrictions into two or more partial chambers. The ratio between the minimum distance in the restricted area and the maximum distance in concave areas of the wall of the combustion chamber, as measured from the axis of the combustion chamber, is greater than or equal to 0.2. To improve the turbulence in the combustion chamber the proposal is put forward that the ratio between the minimum distance in the restricted area and the radius of the piston be smaller than or equal to 0.5, the wall of the combustion chamber being convex in the restricted area, and that the ratio between the maximum distance and piston radius be greater than or equal to 0.7.

Abstract: A combustion system for gas, non-dual-fuel engines utilizes a torch cell having a glow plug and a fuel injector. Pilot fuel is directed to the surface of the glow plug and main fuel is supplied to the torch cell. Reduced compression ratios are permitted, enabling use of low octane gaseous fuels and starting without assist from main chamber diesel operation.

Abstract: An improved combustion system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed wherein a rich air/fuel mixture is furnished at high pressure to one or more jet plume generator cavities adjacent to a cylinder and then injected through one or more orifices from the cavities into the head space of the cylinder to form one or more turbulent jet plumes in the head space of the cylinder prior to ignition of the rich air/fuel mixture in the cavity of the jet plume generator. The portion of the rich air/fuel mixture remaining in the cavity of the generator is then ignited to provide a secondary jet, comprising incomplete combustion products which are injected into the cylinder to initiate combustion in the already formed turbulent jet plume. Formation of the turbulent jet plume in the head space of the cylinder prior to ignition has been found to yield a higher maximum combustion pressure in the cylinder, as well as shortening the time period to attain such a maximum pressure.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having multiple constant volume combustion chambers associated with each piston of the engine. The combustion within each of the combustion chambers is controlled to obtain fully developed combustion with high pressure resulting in improved efficiencies. Water injectors are used during combustion to increase pressures and lower the temperature of gases within the combustion chambers for controlled release of gases into a cylinder. Ultrasonic energy elements are used to assist in the combustion process. With the use of multiple constant volume combustion chambers for each cylinder, the combustion and release of gas pressure is controlled resulting in greater efficiencies and longevity of the engine.

Abstract: A water-cooled, spark-ignited, natural gas burning engine that includes an improved ignition system having a pair of precombustion chambers located in series connected by an orifice from the first chamber into the combustion chamber of the engine whereby a relatively rich fuel/air mixture, ignited in the second prechamber, propagates a flame through an orifice into the first chamber wherein a leaner fuel/air mixture from the combustion chamber is plasma ignited which in turn creates a larger flame that is projected through an orifice into the main combustion chamber for plasma igniting a lean fuel/air mixture which could not otherwise be ignited by spark ignition. The invention also contemplates a kit providing the above for use in converting water-cooled, diesel burning, compression ignited engines into water-cooled, natural gas burning, spark-ignited engines.

Abstract: An engine with a variable combustion chamber has a a first combustion chamber defined in a piston slidably disposed in a cylinder, a second combustion chamber defined in a cylinder head and communicating with the cylinder through a communication port, and a valve for opening and closing the communication port. When the engine is under low load, the valve is closed and fuel is injected into the first combustion chamber, so that the engine operates as a direct-injection-type engine. When the engine is under high load, the valve is opened and fuel is injected into the second combustion chamber, so that the engine operates as a prechamber-type engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having two separate main combustion chambers isolated from the cylinder and from each other by means of a valve throttle mechanism. Combustion occurs first in one chamber, and then in the other, separated by one complete revolution of the crankshaft in the two-cycle embodiment and two complete revolutions of the crankshaft in the four-cycle embodiment. The alternative operation effectively removes the combustion process from the cycle for a sufficient amount of time to enable the combustive reactions to approach chemical equilibrium prior to release in the cylinder.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an air cell combustion system includes a cylinder block having at least one bore with a piston reciprocably housed therein, and a cylinder head attached to a cylinder block, with the cylinder block, piston and cylinder head defining a combustion chamber. A reservoir for air compressed by the piston is delimited by a counterbore in the deck surface of the cylinder block and by an annular space formed in the cylinder head. A number of passages extend tangentially from the reservoir into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The diesel engine includes a first combustion chamber defined by a recess in a piston top and a projection formed in the first combustion chamber. The projection stands on a bottom wall of the first combustion chamber. A second combustion chamber is formed inside the projection. A fuel introduction opening is formed at a top of the projection to allow fuel to come into the second combustion chamber and combustion gas exit openings are formed in a side of the projection to allow gases produced upon combustion in the second combustion chamber to go out of the second combustion chamber and enter the first combustion chamber. A fuel injection nozzle injects fuel into the first combustion chamber before the top dead center of the piston. Swirl and squish are produced in the first combustion chamber and make turbulence of fuel and air in the first combustion chamber.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine and method of operation is disclosed as having a combustion chamber design which allows for staged combustion within the chambers. The internal combustion engine of the invention is designed as a split chamber, staged combustion engine which comprises a cylinder and having at least two regions formed therein. Within the cylinder is a piston slidably disposed therein to form a plurality of combustion chambers in association with the cylinder, and particularly at least one primary and secondary combustion chamber which are communicable with one another. Fuel delivery is accomplished by fuel injectors or the like associated with the primary combustion chamber, being operable to admit fuel into the primary combustion chamber at preselected intervals and in predetermined amounts. The fuel admitted in top the primary combustion chamber is ignited to begin initial combustion of the fuel as a first stage of combustion.

Abstract: An engine with a variable combustion chamber has a a first combustion chamber defined in a piston slidably disposed in a cylinder, a second combustion chamber defined in a cylinder head and communicating with the cylinder through a communication port, and a valve for opening and closing the communication port. When the engine is under low load, the valve is closed and fuel is injected into the first combustion chamber, so that the engine operates as a direct-injection-type engine. When the engine is under high load, the valve is opened and fuel is injected into the second combustion chamber, so that the engine operates as a prechamber-type engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has first and second cylinders (12, 14), the first cylinder (12) having a larger swept volume than the second cylinder (14) and the second cylinder being formed in the crown of the first cylinder. First and second pistons (16, 18) are reciprocable respectively in the first and second cylinders (12, 14), the second piston (18) being formed as a protrusion on the crown of the first piston (16). A combustion chamber (20) is formed in the second piston (18) with an air port (44) opening into the first cylinder (12) and a second port (40) opening into the second cylinder (14). A first inlet is provided (25) for supplying air or the like into the first cylinder (12) during an induction stroke of the first piston (16) together with a fuel inlet (36) for supplying fuel to said second cylinder (14).

Abstract: An internal-combustion engine includes two combustion spaces for each cylinder. Each combustion space is separated from the cylinder space and has a valve to open and close a passage through which communication is established between the combustion space and the cylinder space. A complete cycle consist of eight strokes of a four-stroke type engine or four strokes of a two-stroke type engine. At the start of the first expansion stroke of the cycle, the valve of the first combustion space opens to release burnt fuel into the cylinder space to power the piston. The burnt fuel from the first combustion space is expelled and fresh air is admitted into the cylinder space as in conventional four-stroke and two-stroke engines. The fresh air is compressed into the first combustion space on the first compression stroke of the cycle, and the corresponding valve closes at the end of the compression stroke.

Abstract: A combustion chamber for a spark assisted diesel engine embodying a main combustion chamber and an energy cell. Fuel is injected into the main chamber and into the energy cell and combustion is initiated in the main chamber. The energy cell communicates with the main chamber through a restricted orifice and the increased pressure of the combustion causes auto ignition in the energy cell to generate a high velocity charge out of the energy cell into the main chamber through the orifice for generating turbulence to insure complete combustion.

Abstract: According to the present invention, main and subcombustion chambers into which fuel is fed directly in an atomized state and in each of which a swirl is formed, are formed in communication with each other in a top portion of a piston, in order to use not only gas oil but also other volatile fuels of low cetane number such as gasoline and alcohol. Further, in order to improve the combustion performance, fuel is supplied into the subcombustion chamber in a finely pulverized state for easier evaporation, and fuel is adhered as liquid films to the main and subcombustion chambers. By so doing, ignition is ensured in all load conditions and it becomes possible to effect evaporation and combustion on the wall surface of each combustion chamber. Consequently, it is possible to obtain a combustion performance which is low in combustion noise and vibration and also low in the formation of unburnt matter.

Abstract: According to the present ivention, a combustion chamber of internal combustion engines comprises: a main combustion chamber which is created by recessing the piston top; a swirl chamber which is contiguous to said main combustion chamber via a passage; and a fuel injection nozzle to supply atomized fuel into said main combustion chamber and swirl chamber. Because of the above arrangement, a relatively quick combustion takes place in the swirl chamber and a relatively sluggish combustion takes place in the main combustion chamber. As a result, the generation of HC, NOx, or smokes are suppressed while improving an output, a fuel consumption rate, and a thermal efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement whereby performance of an internal combustion engine, an Otto cycle engine in particular, is increased by the provision of two distinct in-piston combustion chambers (2, 3) per cylinder these take the form of pockets (4, 5) dissimilar in volume, sunk into the crown (6) of each piston (1) in position directly beneath the inlet and exhaust valves (7, 8) and provided each with a spark plug (13). In a preferred embodiment, such pockets (4, 5) exhibit the shape of sector to an annulus, and their side walls (9, 10) are splayed in such a way as to enhance circulation and escape of combustion gases.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising an activating chamber provided separate from a combustion chamber, a valve disposed between the activating chamber and the combustion chamber, fuel feeding means adapted to feed fuel into the interior of the activating chamber in accordance with a predetermined ignition timing sequence and valve opening and closing control means for opening the valve in accordance with the predetermined ignition timing sequence.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of combustion chamber configurations for internal combustion engines as applied as power units for outboard motors. In each embodiment, the combustion chamber comprises a main open volume in which combustion is initiated and into which fuel is discharged by a fuel injection nozzle. An energy cell, of smaller volume, is disposed so as to receive some of the fuel discharged by the injection nozzle and for creating combustion at the end of the combustion cycle to cause a pressure increase that discharges a hot charge into the main combustion volume for completing combustion. The energy cell is formed from a ceramic material. Both two and four-cycle applications and variations of combustion chamber configurations are disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a spark-ignition engine having a combustion chamber in which cavities are formed. The cavities are in communication with each other via a communication passage. Air-fuel mixture is appropriately held in the cavities. Spark plugs are disposed near the centers of the cavities to ignite the mixture at plural positions. At the top dead center, the clearance between the top surface of the piston and the lower surface of the cylinder head is made small to minimize useless space. A large squish area is provided to effectively collect the mixture in the cavities. Since the combustible mixture is always held in the vicinities of the spark plugs, stable and rapid combustion can be realized.

Abstract: In a combustion chamber structure in a direct injection type diesel engine, in order to prevent flames from flowing out to a quench zone Q from a combustion chamber (32) which opens to a top part (30a) of a piston (30) to thereby prevent cooling of the flames and also in order to prevent a fuel spray from being concentrated on a lower portion of the combustion chamber (32), the fuel spray should be reflected in the combustion chamber (32) effectively according to displacement of the piston (30) to allow it to be mixed with air sufficiently in the combustion chamber (32) or in a cylinder (28), and to this end there are provided a guide wall (34) which becomes larger in inside diameter downwardly from an opening edge portion (33) of the combustion chamber (32), as well as fuel reflection walls (36, 38) which project below the guide wall (34) toward a central axis (lo) of the combustion chamber (32) and divide the combustion chamber vertically into a first combustion chamber (44) and a second combustion chamber

Abstract: A combustion chamber for an internal-combustion engine of the direct fuel injection type using a volatile fuel having a low cetane number, such as alcohol. The combustion chamber comprises a main combustion chamber and an auxiliary combustion chamber which are formed in the crown of a piston so as to overlap each other and so that individual swirls of intake air are formed therein, respectively. The fuel highly atomized for quick evaporation is supplied to the auxiliary combustion chamber and fuel films are formed over the respective inner surfaces of the main and auxiliary combustion chambers for being vaporized by the heat of the walls of the main and auxiliary combustion chambers. Thus, the combustion chamber has excellent combustion characteristics, in which the air-fuel mixture is reliably ignited in the entire range of loaded operation of the engine, combustion noise and vibration are reduced, and the discharge of unburned substances is controlled.

Abstract: A flame ignitor for internal combustion engines. This flame ignitor is, in one embodiment, an insert unit to be received in, for example, a conventional spark plug hole of an engine. It is to project into the combustion chamber of the engine a sufficient distance, and at a selected orientation, such that an opening will collect a portion of fuel-rich fuel-air mixture from within the combustion chamber and direct the same toward a spark gap of a spark producing device located in the opposite end of the unit. The device has an elongated secondary chamber proximate the combustion chamber and a primary chamber proximate the spark gap. The opening into the secondary chamber also provides an outlet from the secondary chamber to direct ignited fuel into the engine combustion chamber above the piston head at a high rate of speed to ignite any fuel-air mixture therein prior to the initiation of combustion knock.

Abstract: A combustion chamber for a spark assisted diesel engine embodying a main combustion chamber and an energy cell. Fuel is injected into the main chamber and into the energy cell and combustion is initiated in the main chamber. The energy cell communicates with the main chamber through a restricted orifice and the increased pressure of the combustion causes auto ignition in the energy cell to generate a high velocity charge out of the energy cell into the main chamber through the orifice for generating turbulence to insure complete combustion.

Abstract: A flame ignitor for internal combustion engines. This flame ignitor is, in one embodiment, an insert unit to be received in, for example, a conventional spark plug hole of an engine. It is to project into the combustion chamber of the engine a sufficient distance, and at a selected orientation, such that a bell-shaped opening will collect a portion of fuel-rich fuel-air mixture from within the combustion chamber and direct the same toward a spark gap of a spark producing device located in the opposite end of the unit. The device has an elongated secondary chamber proximate the combustion chamber and a primary chamber proximate the spark gap. The bell-shaped opening into the secondary chamber is preferably oriented to give a spiral movement to incoming fuel mixtures.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine having a main combustion chamber (26) and a subsidiary combustion chamber (30) interconnected by a passageway (32) having a flow control element (34) arranged therein to cyclically vary the extent of communication provided between the main and subsidiary combustion chambers. In use a subsidiary air fuel charge is first ignited in the subsidiary combustion chamber (30) with the control element (34) substantially blocking communication between the two combustion chambers (30,26). Then the control element (34) is moved to permit the igniting air fuel charge in the subsidiary combustion chamber (30) to move through the passageway (32) to ignite a main air fuel charge in the main combustion chamber (26). The control element (34) is reciprocable having a head portion (82) which is moved from within the passageway (32), into the subsidiary combustion chamber (30) to effect opening of communication between the combustion chambers (26,30).

Abstract: A mixture-compression internal combustion engine has an auxiliary chamber opening into the combustion space via an injection duct, to which is allocated an ignition unit. In order to provide secure, rapid and large volume ignition of the fuel/air mixture, several auxiliary chambers open into the combustion space and the injection duct of a first auxiliary chamber is directed towards the injection duct of a further auxiliary chamber. Starting from the ignition unit allocated to the first auxiliary chamber the fuel/air mixture in the combustion space is ignited, and starting from the first auxiliary chamber, the mixture is ignited sequentially in the other auxiliary chambers.

Abstract: A fuel injection and precombustion chamber arrangement for internal combustion engines comprising a pair of concentric poppet valves. The outermost valve is arranged to open and close the precombustion chamber to the internal combustion engine cylinder. The innermost valve is arranged to open and close a chamber, formed in the outermost valve body, to the cylinder and to place a fuel-filled annular groove on the spool of the innermost valve in communication with the precombustion chamber and the chamber in the outermost valve such as to mix air flowing through the chamber of the outermost valve from the cylinder fuel and inject into the precombustion chamber the fuel contained in the annular groove in an atomized state.

Abstract: A spark-plug assembly comprises a fitting mounted on the piston cylinder of an internal-combustion engine and formed with a generally closed firing chamber, at least one firing port extending between the firing chamber and the piston cylinder for fluid communication therebetween, and a storage compartment opening only into the firing chamber. The fitting being provided with a flame-blocking element or formation preventing the entrance of a flame front from the firing chamber into the storage compartment. This firing chamber is open substantially only to the storage compartment and to the piston cylinder. A spark plug has electrodes in the firing chamber. The electrodes form a spark gap lying in the firing chamber between the storage compartment and the port and the storage compartment opens only into the firing chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for combusting diesel, gasoline, kerosene, alcohol and other compression ignition fuels in either direct or indirect injection compression auto ignition internal combustion engines which enables such engines to operate at low compressions. The apparatus includes an ignition chamber which functions to receive a portion of the incoming fuel charge thereby concentrating such portion in an area separate from the auxiliary or primary combustion chambers.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a cylinder with a movable piston and a cylinder head, a main combustion chamber and an additional combustion chamber, elements producing a twisted stream rotating about an axis of the additional combustion chamber, an injecting nozzle opening in an aspirating passage, and an external igniting device, wherein the injecting nozzle is formed as a single-hole injecting nozzle and has an injection hole which is directed substantially against the igniting device.

Abstract: A precombustion chamber for a compression-ignition internal combustion engine is formed in a cylindrical metal insert seated in the cylinder head. The internal cavity of the insert has a central cylindrical part which at its end adjacent the combustion chamber is connected through a frusto-conical part to a cylindrical second part of reduced diameter, the axis of which is displaced relative to the axis of the central cylindrical part in the opposite direction to an end part which communicates with the combustion chamber. A fuel injector is inserted into an upper end part of the insert, coaxial with the central cylindrical part of the cavity. The configuration leads to a reduction in exhaust smoke.

Abstract: In a four stroke cycle internal combustion engine, a combustion chamber is disposed above the cylinder head and is connected by a passage to the piston chamber. The piston at its top dead center almost contacts the cylinder head. Inlet and outlet valves and spark plug means are associated with the top portion of the combustion chamber. The injecting device protrudes into the combustion chamber and is upwardly directed. The combustion chamber is surrounded by another chamber, which communicates with the combustion chamber through slots, which open into the top portion of the combustion chamber. The lower portion of the surrounding chamber communicates through openings with the combustion chamber. The openings are smaller in cross-section than the slots so that the explosive gases flow from the combustion chamber into the surrounding chamber and flow back through the openings into the surrounding chamber. This results in turbulence and mixing as in a cyclone so that a good combustion is ensured.

Abstract: A compression-ignition type internal combustion engine comprising a combustion chamber and an accumulation chamber which are interconnected to each other via an accumulation valve. The opening operation of the accumulation valve is controlled so that the accumulation valve remains opened during the compression stroke. In the first half of the compression stroke, a jet of air is spouted into the combustion chamber from the accumulation chamber to create a strong swirl motion in the combustion chamber. In the latter half of the compression stroke, the air in the combustion chamber flows into the accumulation chamber where the air is accumulated under high pressure, which air is then spouted from the accumulation chamber into the combustion chamber at the next cycle.

Abstract: An internal combustion diesel engine having a piston sliding in a cylinder and forming a main combustion chamber between the piston and the cylinder head. The cylinder head also has a pre-combustion chamber which communicates by a connecting passage with the main combustion chamber, with a fuel injection nozzle and glow plug arranged to project into the pre-combustion chamber. In addition, a smaller auxiliary chamber is provided which communicates with the pre-combustion chamber by a nozzle shaped aperture, and supplies additional combustion air to the pre-combustion chamber to help effectuate complete combustion, even at high engine loads, of the air-fuel mixture.

Abstract: A diesel cycle internal combustion engine has at least one cylinder and a precombustion chamber formed by a cavity in a metal insert in the cylinder head of the engine the precombustion chamber being formed in two coaxial generally cylindrical parts the first part being larger than the second and situated upstream thereof in relation to the flow of fuel through the precombustion chamber from a fuel injector which closes one end; the two parts of the precombustion chamber are joined by a frusto-conical section with rounded regions where it joins the first part of the precombustion chamber, and the second part of the precombustion chamber communicates with a duct which leads to the combustion chamber of the cylinder.

Abstract: An antechamber system Diesel engine including an antechamber consisting of a front chamber and a rear chamber and a communication port communicating said antechamber with a main combustion chamber wherein at least one of fuel injection ports of a fuel injection nozzle sprays the fuel in the direction of the communication port. The rear chamber is formed integrally with a cylinder head inside the same while the front chamber is formed on a sleeve member detachably fitted to the cylinder head. If desired, a short axis column-like groove is defined between the front chamber and the rear 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.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine wherein a main air fuel charge is ignited by first igniting a pilot air fuel charge and bringing the two charges together, the main charge being compressed before ignition to a higher compression ratio than the pilot charge.

Abstract: A flaming engine system for an internal combustion engine of the Otto-cycle type comprises primary and secondary pre-ignition chambers serially interposed between an engine cylinder and a spark plug, and self-actuated of means metering high combustible fuel into the primary pre-ignition chamber. The flame commenced in the primary pre-ignition chamber is enhanced and promoted as it is caused to pass into the secondary pre-ignition chamber, then through geometrically designed openings and into the cylinder for ignition of the base-air-fuel mixture contained within the cylinder.