Abstract: This disclosure relates to a pre-chamber spark plug including a housing, a ground electrode, a cap enclosing a pre-chamber, and a center electrode inside the pre-chamber, with transfer passages being formed in the cap. Center axes of the transfer passages diverge from a longitudinal direction of the main combustion chamber. A method of manufacturing such a pre-chamber spark plug is also disclosed. The method includes generating a housing, generating a ground electrode, and generating a cap enclosing a pre-chamber and having transfer passages formed in the cap. The method may further include generating a center electrode inside the pre-chamber, such that center axes of the transfer passages diverge from a longitudinal direction of the main combustion chamber. The method further includes generating the cap by a forming process from a raw material wire or from raw material bars. The method may further include compacting a material forming the cap.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine with a motor having a number of cylinders and an injection system having a common rail with a number of injectors assigned to the cylinders and similar high pressure components, which is designed to hold fuel from the common rail for the injector, wherein the method has the steps: injecting fuel from the common rail into a cylinder by way of an injector, determining a fuel pressure for a high-pressure component, in particular the common rail, the injector and/or the individual reservoir, having at least one high-pressure sensor measuring the fuel pressure. Provision is made for a defect in the high-pressure sensor to be detected in that a check is made as to whether magnitude of the high-pressure control deviation (ep) during a predetermined time interval (tLimit1SD, tLimit2SD, tLimit3SD) exceeds a predetermined limiting value (eLimit1SD, eLimit2SD, eLimit3SD).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, in particular a gas Otto-cycle engine, is provided. The internal combustion engine comprises a plurality of cylinders. Each cylinder is provided with a pre-chamber, and a pre-chamber gas supply conduit through which the pre-chamber can be supplied with fuel gas. The fuel gas is supplied to the pre-chambers by way of a pre-chamber gas valve associated with the respective pre-chamber. Also, an aperture is arranged between the pre-chamber gas supply conduit and the pre-chamber gas valve. At least one aperture associated with a pre-chamber gas valve has a through-flow coefficient such that pressure occurring at a maximum between combustion cycles in a volume between the pre-chamber gas valve and the aperture does not reach a pressure prevailing in the pre-chamber gas supply conduit.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine with a cylinder head and at least one piston-cylinder unit, in which, in a cylinder, a piston can be moved between a bottom and a top dead center position, where, in the cylinder, between the piston and the cylinder head a main combustion chamber is formed, which communicates with a prechamber which has a prechamber gas valve, and where the intake and outlet valves of the main combustion chamber are actuated by an actuator, where the prechamber gas valve is connected to a source for a gas-air mixture and the prechamber charge consists of a gas-air mixture with a lambda higher than 1.2, preferably higher than 1.5 and particularly preferably higher than 1.7, and the actuator is configured such that the intake valve closes before the piston reaches the bottom dead center position, where the piston is designed as a flat piston.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for controlling operation of an engine structured to combust gaseous fuel such as a dual fuel engine, including an estimation of key parameters dependent on natural gas quality, are disclosed. The natural gas quality parameters are estimated from natural gas properties obtained from various sensed parameters associated with the engine.

Abstract: An air/fuel mixture is ignited in an internal combustion engine by receiving the air/fuel mixture as an incoming air/fuel mixture flow from a main combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine into an enclosure adjacent the main combustion chamber. The enclosure defines a first chamber enclosing first and second ignition bodies and the enclosure defines a second chamber adjacent the first chamber and connected to the first chamber via a passage. A portion of the air/fuel mixture received in the enclosure is directed toward an ignition gap between the first and second ignition bodies and another portion is directed into the second chamber. The air/fuel mixture is then ignited in the ignition gap, and flame from combustion in the first chamber is ejected into the main combustion chamber. Then, flame from combustion in the second chamber is ejected into the main combustion chamber.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes one main combustion chamber for the combustion of a first combustion mixture, one pre-combustion chamber for each respective main combustion chamber for the combustion of a second combustion mixture, a first fuel gas mixer for providing the first combustion mixture, a second fuel gas mixer for providing the second combustion mixture, an air feed line and a synthesis gas feed line, a first mixture line connected to the first fuel gas mixer and the main combustion chamber, and a second mixture line connected to the second fuel gas mixer and the pre-combustion chamber. The first fuel gas mixer is connected to the synthesis gas feed line for the admixing of synthesis gas, and an open or closed loop control device is provided for open or closed loop controlling mixing ratios of fuel, air and synthesis gas in the first combustion mixture and/or second combustion mixture.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a variable compression ratio internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system can include a frame affixed to the engine crankcase and a complementary frame affixed to the block/cylinder head assembly. The system can further comprise an actuating system to enable the block/head assembly to be moved up and down with respect to the crankcase, varying the compression ratio of the engine. A number of mechanisms can be used to achieve this movement, including a rack and pinion, a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, and a gear drive. The compression ratio can be varied continuously during use. The frames substantially limit movement of the engine components to the y-axis, thus reducing, or eliminating, unwanted movement and stresses in other directions.

Abstract: Vacuum system for collecting food products, the food products moving on one conveyor element, and the collection system executed by vacuum suction of at least one suction duct which transversely intercepts the conveyor element and bears a plurality of holes directed towards the conveyor belt, and elements for controlling the opening or closing of the holes. The suction duct acts as a shutter-valve, i.e. as a suction element, the stems of the cylinders are adapted to directly interfere, that is close or open, the corresponding passage hole on the suction duct. The stems of the cylinders pass inside the suction duct.

Abstract: To provide an axial piston motor (1), comprising at least one main burner (2), which has at least one main combustion space (21) and at least one main nozzle space (23), and comprising at least one pre-burner (3), which has at least one pre-combustion space (31) and at least one pre-nozzle space (33), wherein the pre-combustion space (31) is connected to the main nozzle space (23) by way of at least one hot gas feed (30), that has improved operating and control characteristics even under non-steady-state operating conditions, the pre-nozzle space (33) of the pre-burner (3) has at least one auxiliary hot gas feed (40).

Abstract: A pre-chamber system for an internal combustion engine has a pre-chamber having a wall, a spark plug having at least one electrode, and a gas introduction device, particularly a gas valve. A gas channel connects the gas introduction device to the pre-chamber via an inlet opening. A riser channel connects the pre-chamber (2) to a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. A guiding device influences the flow of the gas in the pre-chamber, the guiding device being arranged adjacent to the inlet opening in such a manner that in operation, the volume flow of hot gas flowing into the pre-chamber via the channel (8) and reaching the electrode (13) of the spark plug (4) is reduced by the guiding device (9).

Abstract: A fuel reformulation system for an engine comprising an annular body for a flow of fluids therethrough connected to the engine, a source of fuel for flowing through at least a portion of the annular body, and a catalytic member connected to the annular body for the flow of any fluids thereacross from the annular body.

Abstract: Generally, embodiments of a pre-chamber unit having a pre-combustion chamber including one or more induction ports in a configuration which achieves flow fields and flow field forces inside the pre-combustion chamber which act to direct flame growth away quenching surface of the pre-combustion chamber.

Abstract: A carburetion system and method for adapting a low-Btu gas source with a low-Btu gas consumer. Pressure-based air-gas mixers geometrically appropriate for the carburetion system and method. The carburetion system comprises a low-Btu gas inlet, a gas outlet, a zero-pressure regulator, and at least one pressure-based air-gas mixer capable of maintaining a volumetric air to low-Btu gas ratio of no more than about 2:1. The method comprises diverting a low-Btu gas to a gas outlet when the gas consumer is off. The method further comprises, during operation of the consumer, diverting low-Btu gas to a zero-pressure regulator in order to balance low-Btu gas pressure with air pressure, passing low-Btu gas to at least one pressure-based air-gas mixer capable of maintaining a volumetric air to low-Btu gas ratio of no more than about 2:1, mixing the low-Btu gas with air in the at least one pressure-based air-gas mixer to form an air-gas mixture, and sending the air-gas mixture to the consumer.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine piston having a combustion bowl with fuel control structure for redirecting at least a portion of the fuel exiting the combustion bowl. One form of the piston includes a sharp edge disposed at the outer surface of the piston adjacent the entrance to the combustion bowl and a rounded fuel receiving lip located within the combustion bowl.

Abstract: The Process Chamber Motor PKM is a combustion piston engine comprising a Process Chamber as a novel type of prechamber, into which fluid fuel continually flows and is processed therein over a plurality of cycles to form a PKM-combustible-material. Above the Compression Chamber—separated by an impermeable Separating Wall—lies a Process Chamber PK, into which fuel is pushed over a long period (gear pump), therein vaporizing and therein being processed with added oxygen-overstoichiometric gas to form combustible material: gas, possibly with smoke and soot. The PK contains combustible material for at least two cycles, sustained at a pressure near the maximum attained above the piston and sustained at Process-temperature (e.g. 800° C.). The portion of combustible material to be combusted in the respective cycle streams—via a valve (e.g. pneumatically-actuated Cylinder-Valve) which is opened in the culmination zone—into the Combustion Chamber.

Abstract: An engine comprises a working cylinder provided with a piston, a preignition chamber provided with a spark plug and a combustion chamber which are connected to a compressor cylinder by channels. The compressor cylinder is provided with fuel and air supplying channels arranged in the top section thereof and with a piston and a shutoff valve. Return valves are mounted at the output of the valve supplying air to the compressor cylinder. The corresponding method for operating the engine consists in adjusting the velocity of a fuel-air mixture injection into the preignition chamber and the combustion chamber by modifying pressure in the compressor cylinder. When the fuel-supply impulse is increased, the pressure is also increased and vice-versa, when the impulse is reduced, the pressure is also lowered, thereby ensuring an air/fuel ratio in the preignition chamber equal to 8:1-20:1.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, including a main combustion chamber serving as a main combustion chamber, an auxiliary combustion chamber adjacent to the main combustion chamber and smaller in capacity than the main combustion chamber, and a partition wall between the main combustion chamber and the auxiliary combustion chamber, the partition wall including an injection hole by which the main combustion chamber and the auxiliary combustion chamber communicate. A fuel supply device supplies fuel to the main combustion chamber and the auxiliary combustion chamber. A mixture forming device forms a mixture of air and the supplied fuel in the main combustion chamber, away from the partition wall before ignition. An ignition device ignites the fuel in the auxiliary combustion chamber, propelling an ejecting torch flame into the mixture of air and fuel in the main combustion chamber through the injection hole, thereby burning the mixture of air and fuel in the main combustion chamber.

Abstract: An ignition system includes an electrical energy delivery device having a first electrode terminating at a first end portion and a second electrode positioned in the ignition system separately from the electrical energy delivery device. The second electrode terminates at a second end portion disposed a first distance from the first end portion to form an air gap therebetween. The air gap forms an area including the shortest distance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A method and combustion system for reducing the formation of intake manifold deposits, such as including intake valve valves, and exhaust valve deposits in combustion engines by delivery of an organomolybdenum source from the vapor phase of an engine lubricant into a combustion chamber.

Abstract: A combustion chamber of a positive-displacement spark-ignited internal combustion engine is divided into a main combustion chamber and a pre-combustion chamber having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end is connected to the main combustion chamber and a spark-ignition device is located at the distal end. Within the pre-combustion chamber, a plurality of passageways extend between its proximal and distal ends so that a flame front ignited by the ignition device at the distal end of the pre-combustion chamber propagates along the plurality of passageways as separate flame fronts toward the proximal end of the pre-combustion chamber. A displacer separates a premixing chamber from the pre-combustion and main combustion chambers. The displacer is relatively moveable for transferring the charge of fuel and air from the premixing chamber into the pre-combustion main combustion chambers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine, and air/gas mixture being introduced into the working chamber thereof and ignited by means of an ignition system. The above is carried out whereby the air/gas mixture is at least temporarily enriched. A channel (14a, 14b) is let into the cylinder head (1) from a cylinder head external wall into the working chamber (5) or a pre-combustion chamber and a gas or a gas/air mixture may be introduced in a controlled manner into the working chamber (5) or the pre-combustion chamber, by means of said channel (14a, 14b). According to the invention, the above embodiment or method permits the cycle variations in the combustion pressure to be avoided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine, and air/gas mixture being introduced into the working chamber thereof and ignited by means of an ignition system. The above is carried out whereby the air/gas mixture is at least temporarily enriched. A channel (14a, 14b) is let into the cylinder head (1) from a cylinder head external wall into the working chamber (5) or a pre-combustion chamber and a gas or a gas/air mixture may be introduced in a controlled manner into the working chamber (5) or the pre-combustion chamber, by means of said channel (14a, 14b). According to the invention, the above embodiment or method permits the cycle variations in the combustion pressure to be avoided.

Abstract: A combustion process is described, suitable for use in piston internal combustion engines, wherein two separate mixtures are used, one fuel leaner and one fuel richer than the minimum ignition delay mixture ratio. When the richer mixture is injected into the leaner mixture, interdiffusion creates zones readily compression ignitable. Burning is thusly initiated, which subsequently completes the combustion of the combined air fuel mixture. Very fuel lean overall mixture ratios can be utilized in this way to reduce undesirable exhaust emissions and to increase engine efficiency.

Abstract: A highly efficient spark ignition two-cycle internal combustion engine is provided which assures stable and excellent combustion over a wider operation region of the engine. The spark ignition two-cycle internal combustion engine includes a sub-combustion chamber, and a pressure accumulating chamber which is filled with compressed air. A switching valve is arranged for communicating the pressure accumulating chamber with the sub-combustion chamber. A fuel injecting device injects fuel into the pressure accumulating chamber. A control device controls the operations of the switching valve and the fuel injecting device.

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: A multi-fuel precombustor unit having a housing with an internal precombustion chamber and a passage communicating between the precombustion chamber and the main combustion chamber of the engine on which the precombustor unit is installed, the unit having a valve member blocking the communicating passage with an actuator allowing controlled retraction of the valve member upon activation of a valve actuation mechanism. A compressed air delivery passage regulated by a valve communicates between the main combustion chamber the precombustion chamber for delivery of compressed air to the precombustion chamber, the air delivery providing a carrier for fuel metered into the passage for delivery to the precombustion chamber for initial combustion before release to the main combustion chamber.

Abstract: An ignition combustion pre-chamber for igniting an air-fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine which operates in conjunction with an engine management system to maintain an ideal stoichiometric air-fuel ratio in the pre-chamber throughout the complete operating range of the engine. A one-way check valve admits a separate air-fuel mixture into the pre-chamber which, after mixing with the portion of the air-fuel mixture of the main combustion chamber which necessarily enters the pre-chamber during the compression stroke of the engine, results in an ideal stoichiometric mixture receptive to quick ignition and faster flame front propagation throughout the main combustion chamber. In a second embodiment, the pre-chamber is separated from the main combustion chamber by a second one-way check valve which prevents mixing of the separate air-fuel mixtures during the compression stroke, allowing a constant stoichiometric air-fuel ratio to be introduced into the pre-chamber and ignited.

Abstract: A method and a spark plug construction to ignite very lean fuel air mixtures with the aid of an ignition chamber with separate ignition, which is arranged in the main combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, connected to the main combustion chamber 20 through transfer channels 21. Transfer channels may be provided which proceed tangentially, whereby rich fuel air admixtures or additional fuel is brought, valve timed, to the area of at least one transfer channel 21 outside the ignition chamber through a supply channel 24. During a compression stroke the very lean mixture in the main combustion chamber is pressed into the ignition chamber 16 through the transfer channels, which results in a very good intermixing with the additional fuel or the admixture due to the turbulent movement through the transfer channels 21 and the long path to the spark gap. This guarantees a very safe ignition.

Abstract: For a combustion procedure for internal combustion engines, in which a fuair mixture with back-fed exhaust gas is introduced into a combustion chamber, a highly-combustible fuel-air mixture without back-fed exhaust gas in introduced into at least one precombustion chamber, which is connected by means of at least one opening with the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having three valves per cylinder includes a novel fuel injector that produces a heated 30% liquid/70% vapor fuel mixture at the injector's outlet. This heated fuel mixture combines with air heated to a temperature within the range of 160.degree. F. to 180.degree. F. by thermistor controlled heating elements prior to entering a combustion chamber. To help reduce pollutants and increase efficiency of the engine, a methanol/water vapor mixture is further drawn through a PCV line and combined with the air/fuel mixture prior to entering into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: For a combustion procedure for internal combustion engines, in which a fuair mixture mixed with back-fed exhaust gas is introduced into a combustion chamber, a highly-combustible fuel-air mixture without back-fed exhaust gas in introduced into at least one precombustion chamber, which is connected by means of at least one opening with the combustion chamber.

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 fuel supply control method for an internal combustion engine having exhaust gas purifying means arranged in its exhaust passage, in which a plurality of predetermined basic fuel quantity values corresponding, respectively, to different predetermined values of at least one operating parameter of the engine are selectively read out in response to detected values of the same parameter to thereby determine fuel supply quantities appropriate to operating conditions of the engine. Among the above basic fuel quantity values, those which correspond to ones of the above predetermined parameter values that are to be assumed when the engine is operating in an idling region are set at such predetermined values as to obtain an air-fuel mixture having a predetermined air-fuel ratio at which the exhaust gas purifying means can exhibit the maximum conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A device for supplying flash evaporated fuels directly to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes a housing that is secured to the engine adjacent the combustion chamber and a liquid fuel holding chamber within the housing that is in direct heat exchange relationship with the combustion chamber so that the liquid fuel in the chamber is superheated while the engine is operating. Liquid fuel supplied to the device is drawn into the holding chamber during each intake event of the combustion chamber and is also withdrawn from the holding chamber during the intake event. The holding chamber retains a larger volume than is normally admitted during each intake event and the fuel is further heated by passing same through a restricted passageway that is also in direct heat exchange relationship with the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A plurality of fuel injection valves are all opened at the same time to supply fuel to all the cylinders of the engine, immediately upon closing of the starting switch. None of the fuel injection valves is opened until after the pistons of all the cylinders each have finished its one suction stroke after the above closing of the starting switch. Then, all the fuel injection valves are successively opened in predetermined sequence in synchronism with pulses of a TDC signal generated after the completion of the above suction strokes of the pistons of all the cylinders, to supply fuel to their respective cylinders, thereby obtaining smooth and positive starting of the engine.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for preparing a fuel mixture for spark-ignition engines with a sectional combustion space comprising a minor combustion chamber into which a rich fuel mixture is fed through a minor duct, and a major combustion chamber into which a poor fuel mixture is fed through a major duct. The rich fuel mixture for the minor combustion chamber is withdrawn from a mixer provided in the carburetor or from an injector, while the poor fuel mixture for the major combustion chamber is fed from said mixer into a mixing chamber where it is subsequently mixed with air, whereupon the thus depleted fuel mixture is supplied into the major combustion chamber.

Abstract: Combustion control in a spark ignited internal combustion engine for inhibition of incipient detonation, or knock, is provided by the addition of exhaust gases or other diluent gases to the intake manifold of the engine prior to opening of the intake valve. The addition of this diluent gas causes a prestratification of the charge entering the combustion chamber of the engine. Upon compression and ignition of the charge, the diluent gas inhibits spontaneous combustion of the portions of the charge furthest away from the site of ignition of the charge, thereby preventing one cause of incipient detonation. This combustion control may be used with turbocharged and supercharged engines, as well as with naturally aspirated internal combustion engines, and allows the engine to operate on much lower octane fuel than would be possible without prestratification.

Abstract: A carburetor for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine which has for each cylinder a main combustion chamber defined above the piston in the cylinder and a sub-combustion chamber defined above the main combustion chamber and communicating with the latter through a torch nozzle. The carburetor has a main intake passage and a sub-intake passage for supplying a comparatively lean mixture and a comparatively rich mixture to the main and sub-combustion chambers respectively. The carburetor has a single throttle valve shaft extending across the main and sub-intake passages with a main throttle valve and a sub-throttle valve mounted on the valve shaft and disposed in the main and sub-intake passages respectively.The main and sub-throttle valves are attached to the single throttle valve shaft at the same attaching angle and have respective parallel surfaces and outer peripheral edge surface.

Abstract: A carburetor for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine which has for each cylinder a main combustion chamber defined above the piston in the cylinder and a sub-combustion chamber defined above the main combustion chamber and communicating with the latter through a torch nozzle. The carburetor has a main intake passage and a sub-intake passage for supplying a comparatively lean mixture and a comparatively rich mixture to the main and sub-combustion chambers respectively. The carburetor has a single throttle valve shaft extending across the main and sub-intake passages with a main throttle valve and a sub-throttle valve mounted on the valve shaft and disposed in the main and sub-intake passages respectively. One of the main and sub-throttle valves has an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the associated intake passage so that the ratio of the open areas of the main and sub-intake passages is not constant as the throttle shaft is operated.

Abstract: A rotary valve is utilized to accomplish stratified charging of an internal combustion engine. The port in the valve communicates first with a source of non-enriched gases and thereafter with a source of carbureted gases during the intake or suction stroke. The valve is adjustable such that, as engine speed increases, the amount of carbureted gas fed to the combustion chamber is increased.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the combustion process of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A prechamber containing a combustible mixture is designed to generate a torch emanating therefrom upon ignition; the torch is controlled to extend and penetrate deeply into the main combustion at a predetermined orientation without contact with the chamber walls. The swirling flame front of the sustained torch produces superior mixing with the unburned combustible mixture in the main combustion, particularly of a rotary engine. The prechamber is located outside the epitrochoid chamber of the rotary engine; in a nonstratified charge mode of this invention, the prechamber serves to receive a portion of the main chamber inducted charge during the compression cycle, which may be lean and difficult to ignite in the main chamber. In the prechamber, concentrated hot walls and a localized spark facilitate ready ignition, which in turn permits generation of a torch therefrom.