Right stroke
Scientists from a Munich-based German company, Ficht, have developed a fuel injection system for 2-stroke engines -- used commonly in motorcycles, lawn mowers and chain saws -- which can cut hydrocarbon emissions by up to 90 per cent, reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 75 per cent and improve fuel consumption by a third (New Scientist, Vol 144, No 1954).
The fuel injection system employs an electromagnet and a piston at a T-junction on the fuel line between the tank and the injection nozzle. When the electromagnet is switched on, it pushes the piston, releasing fuel into the injection nozzle at high pressure. The electromagnet is controlled by a microprocessor which enables the on-off cycle to be repeated quickly, making the system an efficient one.