Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100017099 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PUMP CONTROL - The present invention is a method and system for controlling a motor attached to a variable displacement pump for providing a supercritical fuel and fuel pressure to a plurality of fuel injectors of a vehicle engine. The system includes: a pump having a motor; a tachometer sensor for measuring a rotational displacement of a motor shaft and for sending a tachometer count value to a memory device; an engine control unit configured to generate a rotational displacement vs. pressure profile of the pump based on the displacement value and pressure value; an accumulator attached to the output of the pump; and a control method that allows for a look ahead and prediction of the pump requirements needed in a future cycle based on current demand to allow for an efficient fuel injection pump. | 01-21-2010 |
20100024776 | PIEZOELECTRIC FUEL INJECTOR HAVING A TEMPERATURE COMPENSATING UNIT - The present invention provides a fuel injector, comprising a housing having a sealable injector seat; a fuel injector pin disposed within the housing proximate to the injector seat such that the injector seat may be sealed and unsealed by displacing the fuel injector pin; a resilient element biasing the fuel injector pin in an unsealed direction; a piezoelectric actuator disposed within the housing proximal to the fuel injector pin configured to actuate to force the injector pin towards the injector seat to seal the injector seat; and a thermal compensating unit disposed within the housing proximal to the actuator and configured to compensate for thermal expansion or contraction of a component of the fuel injector. | 02-04-2010 |
20100126471 | DUAL SOLENOID FUEL INJECTOR WITH CATALYTIC ACTIVATOR SECTION - The present invention is provides a fuel injector having a hydraulically actuated injection pin, also referred to as an injector stem. In accordance with invention, the fuel injector provides for more efficient fuel combustion within internal combustion engines, such as vehicle engines. According to various embodiments of the invention, the fuel injector achieves efficient fuel combustion by (i) fast and responsive actuation, (ii) heating the fuel to a supercritical temperature, (iii) maintaining fuel at a supercritical pressure, and (iv) using a catalyst in the oxidization of the fuel. Some embodiments of the invention utilize a dual solenoid to actuate the fuel injector pin and a heating element to heat the fuel to a supercritical temperature. | 05-27-2010 |
20100180805 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BIOMASS FRACTIONING - A biomass fractionator and method are described for inputting ground biomass and outputting several vapor streams of bio-intermediate compounds along with syngas and biochar. In one embodiment, a method for biomass fractioning, comprises dispensing biomass into thin sheets of ground biomass; subjecting the thin sheets to ramps of temperature; and selectively collecting various groups of compounds as they are released from the thin sheets. | 07-22-2010 |
20100194238 | SERIALLY OPERATING MULTI-ELEMENT PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR DRIVER - A piezoelectric actuator driving is presented that serially actuates individual piezoelectric elements of a multi-element piezoelectric actuator. One embodiment of the invention features a system comprising (1) a piezoelectric actuator having a plurality of piezoelectric elements; and (2) a current source configured to transmit a plurality of electrical currents to the piezoelectric actuator to actuate a corresponding plurality of the piezoelectric elements; (3) wherein the plurality of electrical currents are configured such that one piezoelectric element reaches a maximum actuation before another piezoelectric element begins actuating. | 08-05-2010 |
20100201290 | PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR FAULT RECOVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present invention provides a system and method of piezoelectric fault recovery comprising: monitoring a set of operational piezoelectric elements of a piezoelectric actuator, detecting a failure of an element of the set, removing the failed element from the set, and rerouting the drive signal sent to the element according to a predetermined behavior preference. | 08-12-2010 |
20100201291 | MULTI-ELEMENT PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR DRIVER - A multi-element piezoelectric actuator and driver is presented that allows greater control over the dynamic displacement response of a piezoelectric actuator. A system comprises a piezoelectric driving apparatus configured to transmit a plurality of waveform signals to a corresponding plurality of piezoelectric elements of a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric driving apparatus comprises a waveform generator to generate a waveform configured to operate a piezoelectric element, a plurality of channels coupled to the waveform generator and configured to be electrically coupled the piezoelectric elements of the piezoelectric actuator, a channel comprising an input configured to receive a waveform, a driving amplifier electrically coupled to the input and configured to amplify the waveform, and an output configured to transmit the waveform and configured to be electrically coupled to a piezoelectric element. | 08-12-2010 |
20100204901 | FUEL INJECTOR HAVING ALGORITHM CONTROLLED LOOK-AHEAD TIMING FOR INJECTOR-IGNITION OPERATION - The present invention provides an injector-ignition fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine, comprising an ECU controlling a heated catalyzed fuel injector for heating and catalyzing a next fuel charge, wherein the ECU uses a one firing cycle look-ahead algorithm for controlling fuel injection. The ECU may further incorporate a look-up table, auto-tuning functions and heuristics to compensate for the rapid rotational de-acceleration that occurs near top dead center in lightweight small ultra-high compression engines as may be used with this invention. The ECU may further ramp heat input to the injector in response to engine acceleration requests and, under such circumstances, may extend its look-ahead for up to four firing cycles. | 08-12-2010 |
20100257775 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ATMOSPHERIC CARBON SEQUESTRATION - This invention relates to systems and methods for converting biomass into highly inert carbon. Specifically, some embodiments densify the carbon into anthracite-style carbon aggregations and store it in geologically stable underground deposits. The use of certain embodiments yield a net effect of removing atmospheric carbon via the process of photosynthesis and converting it into hard coal, which can be stored in underground beds that mimic existing coal deposits which are known to be stable for thousands of years. | 10-14-2010 |
20110005495 | PIEZOELECTRIC FUEL INJECTOR HAVING A TEMPERATURE COMPENSATING UNIT - The present invention provides a fuel injector, comprising a housing having a sealable injector seat; a fuel injector pin disposed within the housing proximate) the injector seat such that the injector seat may be sealed and unsealed by displacing the fuel injector pin; a resilient element biasing the fuel injector pin in an unsealed direction; a piezoelectric actuator disposed within the housing proximal to the fuel injector pin configured to actuate to force the injector pin towards the injector seat to seal the injector seat; and a thermal compensating unit disposed within the housing proximal to the actuator and configured to compensate for thermal expansion or contraction of a component of the fuel injector. | 01-13-2011 |
20110005498 | HEATED CATALYZED FUEL INJECTOR FOR INJECTION IGNITION ENGINES - The present invention provides an injector-ignition fuel injector for an internal combustion engine, comprising an input fuel metering system for dispensing a next fuel charge into a pressurizing chamber, a pressurization ram system including a pressurization ram for compressing the fuel charge within the pressurizing chamber, wherein the fuel charge is heated in the pressurization chamber in the presence of a catalyst, and an injector nozzle for injecting the heated catalyzed fuel charge into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. | 01-13-2011 |
20110177466 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BIOMASS FRACTIONING - A biomass fractionator and method are described for inputting ground biomass and outputting several vapor streams of bio-intermediate compounds along with syngas and biochar. In one embodiment, a method for biomass fractioning, comprises dispensing biomass into thin sheets of ground biomass; subjecting the thin sheets to ramps of temperature; and selectively collecting various groups of compounds as they are released from the thin sheets. | 07-21-2011 |
20110315123 | PIEZOELECTRIC FUEL INJECTOR HAVING A TEMPERATURE COMPENSATING UNIT - The present invention provides a fuel injector, comprising a housing having a sealable injector seat; a fuel injector pin disposed within the housing proximate to the injector seat such that the injector seat may be sealed and unsealed by displacing the fuel injector pin; a resilient element biasing the fuel injector pin in an unsealed direction; a piezoelectric actuator disposed within the housing proximal to the fuel injector pin configured to actuate to force the injector pin towards the injector seat to seal the injector seat; and a thermal compensating unit disposed within the housing proximal to the actuator and configured to compensate for thermal expansion or contraction of a component of the fuel injector. | 12-29-2011 |
20120181160 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ATMOSPHERIC CARBON SEQUESTRATION - This invention relates to systems and methods for converting biomass into highly inert carbon. Specifically, some embodiments densify the carbon into anthracite-style carbon aggregations and store it in geologically stable underground deposits. The use of certain embodiments yield a net effect of removing atmospheric carbon via the process of photosynthesis and converting it into hard coal, which can be stored in underground beds that mimic existing coal deposits which are known to be stable for thousands of years. | 07-19-2012 |
20120205006 | LOADING, DUMPING AND GRINDING STATION FOR BIOMASS FRACTIONING - A biomass fractionator and method are described for inputting ground biomass and outputting several vapor streams of bio-intermediate compounds along with syngas and biochar. In one embodiment, a method for biomass fractioning, comprises dispensing biomass into thin sheets of ground biomass; subjecting the thin sheets to ramps of temperature; and selectively collecting various groups of compounds as they are released from the thin sheets. | 08-16-2012 |
20120205228 | BIOMASS FRACTIONING PROCESS - A biomass fractionator and method are described for inputting ground biomass and outputting several vapor streams of bio-intermediate compounds along with syngas and biochar. In one embodiment, a method for biomass fractioning, comprises dispensing biomass into thin sheets of ground biomass; subjecting the thin sheets to ramps of temperature; and selectively collecting various groups of compounds as they are released from the thin sheets. | 08-16-2012 |
20120205229 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BIOMASS FRACTIONING - A biomass fractionator and method are described for inputting ground biomass and outputting several vapor streams of bio-intermediate compounds along with syngas and biochar. In one embodiment, a method for biomass fractioning, comprises dispensing biomass into thin sheets of ground biomass; subjecting the thin sheets to ramps of temperature; and selectively collecting various groups of compounds as they are released from the thin sheets. | 08-16-2012 |
20120205230 | BIOMASS REACTOR - A biomass fractionator and method are described for inputting ground biomass and outputting several vapor streams of bio-intermediate compounds along with syngas and biochar. In one embodiment, a method for biomass fractioning, comprises dispensing biomass into thin sheets of ground biomass; subjecting the thin sheets to ramps of temperature; and selectively collecting various groups of compounds as they are released from the thin sheets. | 08-16-2012 |
20130142698 | SYSTEM FOR MAKING RENEWABLE FUELS - Multiple catalytic processing stations couple with a system which produces volatile gas streams from biomass decomposition at discrete increasing temperatures. These catalytic processing stations can be programmed to maximize conversion of biomass to useful renewable fuel components based on input feedstock and desired outputs. | 06-06-2013 |
20130192321 | METHOD FOR THE BIOACTIVATION OF BIOCHAR FOR USE AS A SOIL AMENDMENT - A method for the production of an agent for enhancing soil growth is described, comprising: grinding a biomass feedstock to produce ground biomass particles; subjecting the ground biomass particles to a biofractioning process including an auger reactor; selectively collecting at least one volatile component as it is released from the ground biomass particles; collecting a last remaining nonvolatile component comprising BMF char; rendering a surface of the BMF char hydrophilic; exposing the BMF char to microorganisms; and adding the BMF char to soil. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192971 | BIOMASS REACTOR - A biomass fractionator and method are described for inputting ground biomass and outputting several vapor streams of bio-intermediate compounds along with syngas and biochar. One such biomass fractionate comprises: means for receiving ground biomass into the system; and a plurality of biomass processing stations including means for heating the biomass and subjecting the biomass to biofractioning, and means for collecting residual carbon and biochar. | 08-01-2013 |
20130220283 | DUAL SOLENOID FUEL INJECTOR WITH SELECTIVELY ACTUABLE INPUT AND OUTPUT VALVES - The present invention provides a fuel injector for an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a housing with an injector stem positioned inside the housing such that the injector stem comprises lower and upper portions. A first fluid chamber is located at the lower portion and a second fluid chamber is located at the upper portion with a seal positioned between the fuel chambers. A fuel duct is connected to the first fluid chamber and input and output ducts are connected to the second fluid chamber to allow fuel to fill and drain from the second fluid chamber. A first valve attached to the input duct and a second valve attached to the output duct are selectively actuable to open and close. The fuel injector further comprises a spring biasing the injector to a closed position, a heating element and a controller element. | 08-29-2013 |
20130233941 | DUAL SOLENOID FUEL INJECTOR WITH SELECTIVELY ACTUABLE OUTPUT VALVE - The present invention provides a fuel injector for an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a housing with an injector stem positioned inside the housing such that the injector stem comprises lower and upper portions. A first fluid chamber is located at the lower portion and a second fluid chamber is located at the upper portion with a seal positioned between the fuel chambers. A fuel duct is connected to the first fluid chamber and input and output ducts are connected to the second fluid chamber to allow fuel to fill and drain from the second fluid chamber. A first valve is attached to the output duct and is selectively actuable to open and close. The fuel injector further comprises a spring biasing the injector to a closed position, an orifice needle hole in the input duct for controlling flow of fluid, a heating element and a controller element. | 09-12-2013 |
20140073708 | SYSTEM FOR MAKING RENEWABLE FUELS INCLUDING GASOLINE, DIESEL, AND JET FUEL - Multiple catalytic processing stations coupled with a system which produces volatile gas streams from biomass decomposition at discrete increasing temperatures or constant temperature. These catalytic processing stations can be programmed to maximize conversion of biomass to jet fuel components. The system may also include a processing station for subjecting biomass within the stations to at least one programmable starting temperature (T | 03-13-2014 |
20140082996 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAKING RENEWABLE FUELS - Multiple catalytic processing stations enable a method for producing volatile gas streams from biomass decomposition at discrete increasing temperatures. These catalytic processing stations can be programmed to maximize conversion of biomass to useful renewable fuel components based on input feedstock and desired outputs. | 03-27-2014 |
20140088205 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING NEGATIVE CARBON FUEL - A method and process is described for producing negative carbon fuel. In its broadest form, a carbon-containing input is converted to combustible fuels, refinery feedstock, or chemicals and a carbonaceous solid concurrently in separate and substantially uncontaminated form. In an embodiment of the invention, biomass is converted via discrete increasing temperatures under pressure to blendable combustible fuels and a carbonaceous solid. The carbonaceous solid may be reacted to synthesis gas, sold as charcoal product, carbon credits, used for carbon offsets, or sequestered. | 03-27-2014 |
20140183022 | STAGED BIOMASS FRACTIONATOR - Various biomass reactors systems and methods of pyrolyzing biomass are disclosed. One type of biomass reactor system comprises a plurality of biomass processing stations configured in series, each station comprising an auger reactor including an auger inlet for receiving biomass and a transfer screw for conveying the biomass through the auger reactor. | 07-03-2014 |