Abstract: A monitoring system may include a position sensor, strain gauges, and a computing device for monitoring valves in a wellbore pressure pump having multiple chambers to determine cavitation in the fluid end of the wellbore pressure pump using strain measurements for each chamber. The strain gauges may determine strain in each chamber of the pressure pump. The position sensor may determine the position of a crankshaft mechanically coupled to a plunger in each chamber. The computing device may receive signals generated by the strain gauges and the position sensor related to the strain in each chamber and the position of the crankshaft, respectively, and may process the signals to determine delays in the actuation of the valves for identifying cavitation and distinguishing cavitation conditions from alternative conditions in the fluid end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low temperature, low frequency Stirling engine. Its special geometry allows for large heat exchanger surfaces and great regenerators in order to reach good “Carnoization” efficiency factors. Displacer and power piston may be connected with circular polymer based membrane sealings to the cylinder walls. The cold space of the Stirling Engine may cylindrically Surround the outer periphery of the working cylinder, making thermal isolation obsolete. The engine is for instance suited to operate as base power prime mover using thermal solar collectors and may be coupled with hot oil or pressurized water heat storages. In the reverse mode, the Engine works as effective Heat-Pump/Cooling Engine.

Abstract: A device and a method to extract mechanical energy in combination with heat and/or coiling from a combustion engine, to which fuel and air is fed, whereby water is added to the combustion engine's inlet air prior to combustion. The combustion engine's flue gas is fed at above-atmospheric pressure to the fist stage of a flue gas condenser, from which heat is extracted and utilized by a heat consumer and/or a sorption cycle. After condensation, the water-lean flue gas is reheated in order to avoid ice formation during the final expansion.

Abstract: A rotary machine having a housing with rotary components disclosed within. The rotary machine is configurable as an internal combustion rotary engine, an external combustion rotary engine, a gas compressor, a vacuum pump, a liquid pump, a drive turbine, or a drive turbine for expandable gases or pressurized liquids. The combustion engine employs a new thermal cycle—eliminating the Otto cycle's internal compression of the combustion products as part of the cycle. The new combustion thermal cycle is intake, expansion and exhaust.

Abstract: A rotary machine having a housing with rotary components disclosed within. The rotary machine is configurable as an internal combustion rotary engine, an external combustion rotary engine, a gas compressor, a vacuum pump, a liquid pump, a drive turbine, or a drive turbine for expandable gases or pressurized liquids. The combustion engine employs a new thermal cycle—eliminating the Otto cycle's internal compression of the combustion products as part of the cycle. The new combustion thermal cycle is intake, expansion and exhaust.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved internal combustion engine which separates the compression stroke from the power generator. In particular, the invention utilizes a cam profiled power shaft of a shape to accomodate the new movement of the power pistons to suit the particular phase of the combustion process.

Abstract: An axial piston type internal combustion engine of novel three cycle variety, wherein the complete combustion process within the combustion chamber consists of three distinct cycles, accomplished over two distinct strokes of each piston, the three cycles being: the high pressure charging cycle, the power cycle, and the postive total exhaust expulsion cycle. The aspiration is controlled by a rotary disc valve, while the fresh gas charge is pre-compressed to high pressure by a separate high pressure charger. The conventional intake stroke and compression stroke, normally directly or indirectly carried out by the power piston in conventional two stroke or four stroke engines, is entirely divorced from the functions of the power piston and its power train components. Intended to replace conventional engines when high specific output, high power to weight ratio, and economy of operation are paramount.

Abstract: An engine has preferably coupled together a reciprocating air compressor discharging through a heat exchanger into a reciprocating cylinder piston combination, the flow into the piston cylinder combination being controlled by a cam-actuated inlet valve which is maintained open for a substantial fraction of the out-stroke of the combustion piston. There is also an exhaust valve from the combustion chamber which releases exhaust gas to the heat exchanger for transfer of thermal energy to the incoming compressed air. A fuel injector supplies fuel to the compressed air entering through the inlet valve into the combustion chamber over a large part of the out-stroke of the power piston.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the invention provides a four cycle internal combustion engine that produces one power stroke for each full rotation of the crankshaft. Direct fuel and oxidizer injection into the cylinder permits engine speed and power to be controlled by varying the duration of the intake stroke. This duration is controlled, moreover, by moving the distributor housing in relation to piston top dead center position.

Abstract: In a valve in head two-cycle internal combustion engine, a slave piston and a power piston reciprocate in a pair of parallel cylinders. Valve opened and closed intake and exhaust ports respectively communicate with the slave piston and power piston cylinders. The engine head centrally contains a combustion chamber overlying a portion of both cylinders and communicating therewith through a valve opened and closed combustion inlet port and a combustion outlet port, respectively communicating with the slave cylinder and power cylinder so that a fuel rich mixture, when ignited in the combustion chamber, mixes with and burns air compressed in the power cylinder. An engine head supported rocker arm and shaft assembly, driven by a cam shaft, opens and closes the valves in sequence with the reciprocating pistons.

Abstract: The high pressures in the combustion chambers of split cycle internal combustion engines require higher voltages to be applied to spark plugs than are utilized in conventional Otto cycle engines, with the result that the working life of the spark plugs is shortened. The present invention overcomes this difficulty by directing into the combustion chamber a pilot charge consisting of a spark-ignitable fuel in admixture with compressed air at a pressure below 2000 kPa, followed, after the pilot charge has been ignited, by a main charge of fuel and compressed air at a pressure higher than 2000 kPa.

Abstract: The engine has a compressor which compresses air for delivery via a heat exchanger to an expander. The expander receives the compressed air and fuel and, while combustion occurs during a power stroke, the air pressure is reduced to atmosphere and the expander drives a crankshaft. The fuel is injected at a rate to maintain the air temperature at the entry temperature. The exhaust passes through the heat exchanger to heat the incoming flow of compressed air to the expander. Energy may be stored via the crankshaft or used directly.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine 10 wherein no compression function is carried out in the engine 10 and including a tank 30 of compressed air, a pressure regulator 34, a fuel injector 28, and means 40 and 42 for connecting the pressure regulator 34 and the fuel injector 28 to a foot pedal 38 for controlling air and fuel feed to the combustion chambers 22 in response to throttle demand. The engine can use spark or compression ignition and can provide full expansion. Compressed air can be generated more efficiently using central station power with a vast savings in the amount of oil consumed. The internal combustion engine system of this invention is useful in all applications for such engines including vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, locomotives, marine applications, airplanes, etc. as well as non-vehicle use.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine method and apparatus wherein most or all of the air compression required for combustion is done outside of the internal combustion engine and out of heat exchange contact with the combustion chamber. The engine includes direct regeneration of exhaust heat and the compressor includes means for varying the compression ratio thereof in response to various parameters such as throttle demand and ambient temperature. Fuel injection and/or carburetion are used in various combinations with the compressor, and pulsed compressed air is fed from the compressor into the combustion chamber in matched relationship to the position of the piston in the cylinder.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine of the gasoline or diesel reciprocating piston type wherein the fuel and air are fed into the combustion chamber in the sequence: (1) fuel is fed into the combustion chamber first, and (2) air (preferably compressed air) is then fed into the combustion chamber. This sequence provides both physical and chemical combustion process advantages and can be used in either gasoline or diesel engines of either the 2-stroke or 4-stroke type as well as in applicant's modified 2-stroke type engine.