Time Line

1994– The first drawings of the model L912 Injector are conceptualized.

1994– Prototypes of the corn burner solid fuel combustion chamber are begun in earnest.

1995– Fully automated corn burners are built and tested with mixed results.

1997– The first attempt to run a four-cycle engine with a electric activated solenoid, discharging into the spark plug port, from a high pressure source. The engine was a Toyota 2.2 liter 4 cylinder, the experiment was a success. As a result of this experiment, the need for Variable Valve Lift was identified.

1998– American Corn Burner was founded. Prototype models of the L912 injector are started.

1999– ACB obtains a commercial license to use Solidworks CAD software.

2000– Prototypes of the L912 injector begin preliminary testing. Flash steam is released from an injector assembly.

2001–Two workable L912 injector valves are tested, and one is connected to a Briggs and Stratton 11hp engine to test flash steam proof of concept workability. A total of 15 incomplete injectors were made to this point, almost all had defects of manufacturing.

2001– June– Several dynamic tests of the injector assemblies meet with success. One is chosen to drive the 11hp B&S engine, instead of flash steam, 2400psi compressed agron from a pressure tank is used to drive the engine thru the L912 Injector. The engine exhibits excellent throttling characteristics, and produces full power. Actual demo is on “videos” page.

2002– Rigorous testing ensues for the corn burner, in preparation of dynamic steam tests.

2002 — Intent to use of L912™ is granted by the USPTO.

2002— US patent application for the injector assembly is received by the USPTO.

2002– first complete system including engine, injector and corn burner, and heat exchangers is well under construction. This system is based on 1920’s vintage, Economy type traction engine.

2003-March– Dynamic tests take place, system makes steam. Partial revolutions of the engine are achieved with flash steam.

2003– June– Dynamic tests continue of the first complete engine system (pstg1) This time all electronic systems are tested for durability, using 2000psi compressed argon to achieve extended run times. Twenty minutes is a common run time from the tanks being used.

2003- L912™ is withdrawn as trademark, it is decided a model number designation better suits this mark.

2003– October–  Engine runs from compressed argon source. Engine runs well, dyno tests take place, using a hydraulic pump for a load.

2005- January- A CIP patent application is filed for the Universal Injection Valve.