This project was started in 1994 and has been directed exclusively by Jeremy W. Holmes. The primary goal of this project is to create the world's first four-cycle steam engine.

A small company was formed. This company is American Corn Burner. And it was founded in 1998. Since that time the company has applied for its own patents. And meticulously maintained the environment for its own research and development effort. And offering such devices to others on a limited basis.

     From the Research and Development perspective, I have done much research on the topic of Flash Steam Engines.  The goal of a flash steam engine is to produce steam vapor in the cylinder that powers the engine.

High pressure or super-critical water is injected directly into the combustion chamber.  Instantaneously the steam is acted upon. Heat of the engine block is provided by a secondary heating system that is incorporated into the engine's coolant passages.  This causes flash steam to stabilize and produce positive pressure, emitting dry low-pressure steam from the exhaust. Since this is a proof of concept device. Attempts to refine the cycle have not yet been made, such as exhaust steam re-circulation to the intake port of the four-cycle engine. And an interesting fact about this type of engine is that it can pull a strong vacuum on the intake port. And this does not adversely affect performance of the engine.

The real breakthrough for us here is the use of modular components. This allows a great variety of engines that can be modified. Such as the proof of concept device shown here (PSTG1). Which is based on a 1920's hit and miss traction engine. That originally ran on gasoline. But it should be stressed that the same group of modular components that allows this engine to run may be installed on almost any engine. Including multiple cylinder engines.