Fuels, Lubricants And Additives Patents (Class 123/1A)
  • Patent number: 6158397
    Abstract: In order to reduce the soot content of a diesel engine's exhaust gas, a fluid containing a peroxide compound, preferably an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, is fed into the combustion chamber after the start of the injection and combustion of the fuel, preferably following the combustion phase. The diesel fuel is preferably injected in the range 10.degree..+-.5.degree. before top dead center and the fluid containing the peroxide compound is fed in the range 5.degree. to 30.degree. after top dead center. Use may be made for the alternate supply of diesel fuel and hydrogen peroxide of a shared injection nozzle (FIG. 1) which supplies one or other of the media depending on the pressure of the diesel fuel and hydrogen peroxide solution supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Degussa Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Norbert Peters, Caroline Born, Christian Antoni, Tobias Plessing
  • Patent number: 6152121
    Abstract: A system and method for improving performance and fuel efficiency of a combustion engine by providing an oxygen enriched gel which is inserted near an air intake, where the gel is stored within a container formed from a gas permeable membrane which is sufficiently porous so as to enable the gel to gradually evaporate. The evaporating gel releases oxygen, which is drawn into the air intake, resulting in reduced emissions and improved performance of the engine. No modifications to the combustion engine are required to use the system. The gel is inexpensive, and the gel container is preferably replaced or refilled approximately as often as an oil change is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventors: Marriner Tolman, Alan Taylor
  • Patent number: 6152099
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for supplying an additive to enhance the performance of an internal combustion engine. The additive is introduced to the engine through the air intake system, preferably through the PCV line which normally interconnects exhaust gases accumulating from the crankcase to the air intake manifold. In a preferred embodiment, an air regulator provides a controlled flow of air through a container which houses a desired quantity of additive. A resulting air/additive mixture is produced which is introduced through the PCV line into the air intake system of the engine. The additives disclosed are paraffin and mothballs. The apparatus is mounted externally to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Carl L. Urich
  • Patent number: 6129835
    Abstract: A fuel processing system is operable to remove substantially all of the sulfur present in gasoline or diesel fuel used for operating an internal combustion engine. The fuel supply is passed through a nickel reactant desulfurizer bed wherein essentially all of the sulfur in organic sulfur compounds in the fuel combine with the nickel reactant in the desulfurizer bed, and are converted to nickel sulfide. The desulfurizing system can operate at ambient or elevated pressures. The fuel can be treated either in a liquid phase or in a vapor phase. The sulfur scrubbing operation can be performed either in a vehicle while the latter is being operated, or at the fueling station (gas station) prior to sale to the end user. The amount of sulfur in the fuel can be lowered to less than about 0.05 ppm. This extends the life of the catalytic converters in vehicles, reduces corrosion of parts of the internal combustion engine, and provides an environmentally compatible system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: International Fuel Cells, LLC
    Inventors: Roger R. Lesieur, Leonard J. Bonville, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6122909
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating an exhaust gas stream from cold startup through continuous operating conditions of an internal combustion engine includes an oxidizing catalyst bed disposed in an exhaust pipe and a reducing catalyst bed disposed in the exhaust pipe downstream from the oxidizing catalyst bed. The oxidizing catalyst bed has one or more oxidizing catalysts and the reducing catalyst bed has one or more reducing catalysts. A method is provided for treating an exhaust gas stream both during cold start and during continuous operating conditions of an internal combustion engine by passing the stream through an oxidizing catalyst bed having one or more oxidizing catalysts at a light off temperature; a reducing catalyst bed having one or more reducing catalysts and providing hydrogen into the reducing catalyst bed to condition the reducing catalyst; and introducing hydrogen into the internal combustion engine during cold startup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.
    Inventors: Oliver J. Murphy, Craig C. Andrews
  • Patent number: 6116225
    Abstract: A novel laminar flow nozzle for fuel injected racing cars is described herein. One novel feature comprises a narrow angle between converging conduit component channels. These channels, in turn, supply vaporized fuel and nitrous oxide to the main chamber of the nozzle. Another important novel feature is the integral structure of the nozzle; the conduit components, generally rigid and cylindrical in shape, are physical integral components of the nozzle. The result of our invention is a nozzle with a smooth laminar flow of gases which results in less turbulence and greater horsepower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventors: Danny Thomas, Thomas Marabanian, Edward Parker
  • Patent number: 6079380
    Abstract: An electronically controlled lube oil and fuel blending system is provided which controls the amount of lube oil delivered from an engine lube oil supply system to an engine fuel supply system based on the amount of fuel added to the fuel supply system thereby maintaining a constant lube oil/fuel ratio or lube oil concentration in the fuel supply system 16 regardless of variations in engine operation thereby minimizing emissions, such as particulate matter. The system includes a lube oil injection circuit connecting the engine lube oil supply system to the fuel supply system and an emission compliance lube oil concentration control system for controlling a lube oil concentration in the fuel supply system to maintain compliant engine emissions during engine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Jorgensen, Steven R. Butler, Hugh M. Daugherty
  • Patent number: 6076487
    Abstract: An environmentally clean dual fuel for an internal combustion engine, comprising acetylene as a primary fuel and a combustible fuel, such as one or more fluids selected from an alcohol such as ethanol, methanol or any other alcohol or alcohols from the group comprising C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 carbon chains, ethers such as from the group comprising dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, methyl t-butyl ether, ethyl t-butyl ether, t-amyl methyl ether, di-isopropyl ether and the like, low-molecular-weight esters such as from the group comprising methyl formate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate and the like, or other suitable combustible fluid such as mineral spirits and the like, as a secondary fuel for operatively preventing early ignition and knock arising from the primary fuel. The dual fuel, internal combustion system, which generally utilizes a two-stage process for start-up and operation and can be operated with air- or liquid-cooling, is environmentally clean with hydrocarbon, CO, NO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Go-Tec
    Inventors: Joseph W. Wulff, Maynard Hulett, Sunggyu Lee
  • Patent number: 6073611
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprises: driving state detecting means for detecting a driving state of the internal combustion engine based on detected information from various sensors; control calculating means for calculating a control parameter of the internal combustion engine in accordance with the driving state; combustion state detecting means for detecting a combustion state amount of at least one of cylinders of the internal combustion engine; fuel property calculating means for calculating a property of a fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine based on the driving state and the combustion state amount; and parameter correcting means for correcting the control parameter in accordance with the fuel property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Ohuchi, Hironori Matsumori, Wataru Fukui, Hideaki Katashiba, Takeshi Kitao
  • Patent number: 6067968
    Abstract: A herbal catalytic composition for controlling pollution and saving fuel energy in the automobiles, comprising of from about 50-65% by weight of Aegle marmelos and from about 45-50% by weight of Ocimum basilicum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Gem Energy Industry Limited
    Inventor: Kameswaran Neelakantan
  • Patent number: 6068672
    Abstract: A fuel dosing system to provide a controlled level of cereum additive from an additive tank either within or external to a diesel powered vehicle's fuel storage tank. The present invention maintains a concentration of cerium that is optimized to assure proper regeneration of a particulate trap used to control particulate emissions from the vehicle's exhaust. The present invention determines the additive dosage required by monitoring the fuel added to the tank during refueling of the vehicle and responds with a proper dose of an optimized amount of additive. The present invention is self contained and imposes a minimum encroachment on the vehicle fuel and electrical system and may also provide appropriate alarm signals to warn of additive depletion and other possible malfunctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Walbro Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Watson, Lawrence E. Egle
  • Patent number: 6053143
    Abstract: A method of improving the operating efficiency and reducing certain exhaust emissions in an internal combustion engine is disclosed. By continuously subjecting a portion of recycling engine lubricating oil to heat treatment in the range from 170.degree. C. to 260.degree. C. and preferably the range from 180.degree. C. to 240.degree. C. in a volatilization chamber or the like, an improvement in the fuel consumption as well as a reduction in the total hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and particulates can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: 709398 Ontario Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon W. R. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6051040
    Abstract: A method improves the operation of a diesel engine through the use of a fuel additive, a diesel particulate trap and a NO.sub.x -reducing catalyst. The operation of the NO.sub.x -reducing catalyst is enhanced by the introduction of urea or like compound upstream of the catalyst at temperatures effective for non-catalytic NO.sub.x reduction and the generation of ammonia. The additive comprises fuel-soluble compositions of platinum group metal in effective amounts to lower the emissions of unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide from the trap. The catalytic activity provided to the exhaust system by the fuel additive is selective and preferably reduces the oxidation of SO.sub.2 to SO.sub.3. The platinum group metal compositions are preferably added in amounts effective to provide concentrations of the metal in the fuel of less than 1 part per million (ppm). Lithium and/or sodium compositions can be used in amounts effective to reduce the trap regeneration temperature, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Clean Diesel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy D. Peter-Hoblyn
  • Patent number: 6045692
    Abstract: An oil filter (10) includes a colloidal suspension (12) of PTFE particles less than 2 microns in size retained by capillary forces within the intricacies of the filter media (26) until the filter (10) is installed and engine oil flows at first engine start up following installation. The PTFE colloidal suspension (12) is completely and immediately released into the engine lubricating system when oil flow is initiated. The PTFE colloidal suspension (12) is introduced into the oil filter (10) as one of the last manufacturing steps. Oil filter (10) is disposed vertically with its outlet port (14) at the top. A quantity of the PTFE colloidal suspension is introduced into the outlet port (14) to initially fill a portion of the volume defined by a centertube (18) and a retainer (16). The PTFE colloidal suspension passes through openings (20,24) into contact with filter media (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Walter Bilski, Charlie Probasco, Robert Franklyn Voigt
  • Patent number: 6035815
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for delivering and for metering additives to the combustion chamber of an internal-combustion engine consuming a known and controlled amount of lubricant, according to which the lubricant consumed comprises at least one additive designed to improve the quality of the combustion in the chamber. In particular, the additive is designed to promote the combustion of an engine working with controlled self-ignition and to obtain operation in a wider speed and/or load range of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Institut Francais Du Petrole
    Inventors: Pierre Duret, Jacques Lavy, Stephane Venturi, Xavier Montagne
  • Patent number: 6021745
    Abstract: A new fuel lead additive device for adding lead to fuel for combustion engines. The inventive device includes a housing having an interior, an inlet, and an outlet. The inlet of the housing is fluidly connectable to the fuel line such that fluid may pass from a fuel tank into the interior of the housing through the inlet of the housing. The outlet of the housing is fluidly connectable to the fuel line such that fluid may pass from the interior of the housing through the outlet of the housing to a combustion engine. A plurality of lead beads are provided in the interior of the housing so that fuel passing through the housing mix with the beads such that lead is added to the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel E. Watson
  • Patent number: 6016796
    Abstract: A fuel blending ratio inferring method responsive to an air/fuel feedback control system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed having a feedback correction loop generating a feedback variable derived from an output of an exhaust gas sensor. A fuel blending ratio is inferred in response to a refueling indication by observing the size and magnitude of the feedback variable. Thus, the effect of the fuel blend can be isolated from other errors in the feedback control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Douglas Dalton
  • Patent number: 6012417
    Abstract: A herbal catalytic composition for controlling pollution and saving fuel energy in the automobiles, comprising of from about 50-65% by weight of Aegle marmelos and from about 45-50% by weight of Ocimum basilicum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Gem Energy Industry Limited
    Inventor: Kameswaran Neelakantan
  • Patent number: 6007589
    Abstract: A fast burning, gasoline type composition for spark ignited internal combustion engines having a ASTM D-86, 90% distillation temperature of 310.degree. F. or less and an octane number (R+M)/2 of 80 or less that can be used with a reduced spark advance in the engines to effect a reduction in NOx exhaust emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Talbert Fuel Systems Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Talbert
  • Patent number: 6000367
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the combustion parameters of an internal combustion engine without a PCV solenoid during a boil-off condition. The methodology records the temperature of the engine when the vehicle is turned off. When the vehicle is restarted, the methodology determines the amount the engine has cooled since it was shut down. Based on the difference in engine temperature and the current engine temperature, the methodology determines the amount of boil-off corruption remaining. The methodology then determines a new boil-off corruption fuel multiplier based on the amount of boil-off corruption remaining. The new boil-off corruption fuel multiplier is used to modify fuel control until the boil-off condition ceases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: DimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Shean P. Huff, Zhong Li
  • Patent number: 5998647
    Abstract: A gas storage apparatus for use in storing a gas including methane as a main component thereof is disclosed. The apparatus includes an entrance/exit opening for allowing entrance or exit therethrough of a gas to be stored, a gas-tight maintaining mechanism capable of maintaining the gas under a pressurized state inside a container, and a pressure vessel which may be constantly maintained at a normal temperature. The pressure vessel accommodates therein an organometallic complex having a one-dimensional channel structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Seki, Masataka Fujiwara, Wasuke Mori, Satoshi Takamizawa
  • Patent number: 5992354
    Abstract: The invention provides a scheme for combusting a hydrocarbon fuel to generate and extract enhanced translational energy. In the scheme, hydrocarbon fuel is nanopartitioned into nanometric fuel regions each having a diameter less than about 1000 angstroms; and either before or after the nanopartitioning, the fuel is introduced into a combustion chamber. In the combustion chamber, a shock wave excitation of at least about 50,000 psi and with an excitation rise time of less than about 100 nanoseconds is applied to the fuel. A fuel partitioned into such nanometric quantum confinement regions enables a quantum mechanical condition in which translational energy modes of the fuel are amplified, whereby the average energy of the translational energy mode levels is higher than it would be for a macro-sized, unpartitioned fuel. Combustion of such a nanopartitioned fuel provides enhanced translational energy extraction by way of, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian S. Ahern, Harry R. Clark, Jr., Keith H. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5967099
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nitrous oxide injection device and system, and a method of installation of the device and system, and, in particular, to a self-contained, easy to install nitrous oxide device that provides fuel delivery that varies with nitrous oxide tank pressure by way of a manifold that is pressurized by a bleed orifice from the nitrous oxide source. The pressure from the manifold is transferred by a connection to the fuel pressure regulator of the vehicle, so that fuel delivery varies proportionally to the pressure of the nitrous oxide source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Competition Cams, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew R. Patrick
  • Patent number: 5957094
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling operating parameters of a motor vehicle capable of operating on more than one type of fuel. The methodology employs a separate idle air control enrichment fuel multiplier for optimizing idle air control operating conditions. The methodology also employs a separate transient enrichment fuel multiplier for optimizing transient operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Howard W. Krausman, Mark E. Hope, Shean Huff, Mary Joyce, Gary L. Seitz
  • Patent number: 5950599
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method of controlling combustion parameters of an internal combustion engine prior to oxygen sensor feedback availability for a flexible fueled vehicle. If the vehicle has previously been running on ethanol or has been using ethanol in the recent past, a first strategy is employed which basis engine fueling on the minimum of a theoretically appropriate fueling value and a theoretically calculated value. If the vehicle has not previously been running on ethanol or has not been using ethanol in the recent past, a second strategy is employed which basis engine fueling on the minimum of the theoretically appropriate fueling value, the theoretically calculated value and a roughness calculated value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: William D. Rotramel, Yi Cheng, Mark E. Hope, Shean Huff, Mary Joyce, Howard W. Krausman, Richard K. Moote, John M. Prevost, Gary L. Seitz, Patrick T. McCourt
  • Patent number: 5941217
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of compensating for changing fuels in a flexible fueled vehicle using a fuel composition sensor. The methodology detects and models an alcohol concentration transition at fuel injector tips following a fuel addition. The methodology improves the accuracy of engine fueling during an alcohol concentration change by delaying the application of a fuel composition multiplier until the fuel analyzed by the fuel composition sensor actually reaches the injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Yi Cheng, Shean P. Huff, Dennis A. Krozek, Gary L. Seitz
  • Patent number: 5937798
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling combustion parameters of an internal combustion engine during wide open throttle or part throttle enrichment operation. Oxygen sensor rich and lean counts above and below a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio are counted during an injector pulse width period while a fuel concentration determination is being made at wide open throttle and part throttle enrichment. The ratio of lean counts to rich counts is compared to a calibratable value for incrementing the fuel concentration delivered to the internal combustion engine. The fuel concentration is further controlled if a boil-off condition is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Karin Rak
    Inventors: Yi Cheng, Shean Huff, Robert J. Nankee, II, Mary Joyce, Jerry Kennie, Gary L. Seitz
  • Patent number: 5934255
    Abstract: A fuel control system and method for an engine having a returnless fuel system uses a fuel blend sensor to adjust a desired air/fuel ratio to allow continuous fuel blend changes. Engine operating conditions are monitored and used to track the movement of small fuel quantities from the fuel blend sensor to the fuel injectors. The system and method use the cells in the stack to represent the volume of the fuel quantities and their corresponding measured fuel blend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Douglas Dalton, Robert Frederick Dona, William Edward Boruta, John William Holmes
  • Patent number: 5915342
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling combustion parameters of an internal combustion engine without a PCV solenoid during a boil-off condition. The methodology detects a boil-off condition and implements one of two modes of boil-off compensation depending on the active status of an inferred alcohol content multiplier update system. The methodology also determines the nature of the air-flow through the internal combustion engine and determines the level of boil-off corruption present and the time when the corruption is complete. After the boil-off condition is determined to be complete, control of the combustion parameters are returned to a normal regime of a flexible fuel compensation system using the inferred alcohol content from the employed mode of boil-off compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Shean Huff, Mark E. Hope, Mary Joyce, Howard W. Krausman, Richard K. Moote, William D. Rotramel, Gary L. Seitz
  • Patent number: 5901671
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible fuel compensation system for determining the percent alcohol content of fuel in a flexible fueled vehicle at the instance of fueling and in an open loop operating mode. According to the invention, two estimated percent alcohol content values are calculated based on the old fuel mixture's alcohol content and two fueling possibilities. A first value is calculated for the possibility that E85 fuel was added to the tank and a second value is calculated for the possibility that E0 fuel was added to the tank. If the inferred ethanol content increases above a positive threshold during closed loop operation, the system assumes that E85 fuel has been added to the tank. Conversely, if the inferred ethanol content decreases below a negative threshold, the system assumes that E0 fuel was added to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Shean Huff, Yi Cheng, Robert J. Nankee, II, Mary Joyce, Jerry Kennie, Roland T. Richardson, Gary L. Seitz
  • Patent number: 5899187
    Abstract: An engine arrangement having a gas engine, an exhaust gas tract with an exhaust gas catalytic converter in the exhaust gas tract, a propellent gas feed tube connecting a gas supply to the engine, and a cleaning device in the gas feed line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Jenbacher Energiesysteme Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Friedrich Gruber, Erwin Melmer
  • Patent number: 5890476
    Abstract: The fuel injection nozzle (10) includes a nozzle tip (16) that is formed in the shape of a substantially symmetrical double-sided wing having a leading edge (40) for facing the oncomning air stream passing through the air inlet manifold of an internal combustion engine. The arcuate walls (46 and 48) of the nozzle tip diverge on opposite sides of the cord line (44), and the internal conduit (22) guides the liquid nitrous oxide to move through the nose (50) of the nozzle tip and impinge with the flow of fuel moving through the adjacent internal conduit (24). A zone of low pressure is induced by the air movement (42) passing about the wing-shaped nozzle tip at a position behind the leading edge (40) of the nozzle tip, and the nitrous oxide tends to change states from liquid to gas as it emerges from the internal conduit (22) and moves through the exit port (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Barry Grant
  • Patent number: 5881703
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible fuel compensation system for controlling operating parameters of an internal combustion engine based on a learned value of the percent alcohol content of the fuel using an oxygen feedback system. The methodology determines a fuel composition multiplier based on the percent alcohol content and implements gasoline operating parameters for the internal combustion engine if the fuel composition multiplier is less than a first threshold value, mixed gasoline/alcohol operating parameters if the fuel composition multiplier is greater than the first threshold value, and high concentration alcohol operating parameters if the fuel composition multiplier is greater than a second threshold value for a number of comparison checks. After a predetermined period, the fuel composition multiplier is updated and re-compared to the first and second thresholds and the appropriate one of the aforementioned operating parameters is implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Nankee, II, Yi Cheng, Shean Huff, Mary Joyce, Jerry Kennie, Dennis A. Krozek, Richard K. Moote, Roland T. Richardson, Gary L. Seitz
  • Patent number: 5868117
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining ethanol thresholds for a flexible fuel control system for a motor vehicle capable of operating on more than one type of fuel. Preferably, the ethanol threshold is determined from an off-idle purge-free cell from a matrix of fuel adaptive memory cells normally used to compensate for car-to-car variations in required fueling. The ethanol threshold is periodically reduced to compensate for levels of alcohol creep indicated by the amount of purge-free adaptive memory elevation. If the learned value of percent alcohol content of the fuel is less than the ethanol threshold, gasoline operating parameters are implemented for the internal combustion engine. The off-idle purge-free cell also provides a basis for interpolating an on-board diagnostic (OBDII) ethanol threshold. As such, the OBDII monitors are only enabled if the learned value of percent alcohol content of the fuel is less than the OBDII ethanol threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Richard K. Moote, Shean Huff, Mary Joyce, Howard W. Krausman, Gary L. Seitz
  • Patent number: 5862796
    Abstract: A gas storage apparatus for use in storing a gas including methane as a main component thereof is disclosed. The apparatus includes an entrance/exit opening for allowing entrance or exit therethrough of a gas to be stored, a gas-tight maintaining mechanism capable of maintaining the gas under a pressurized state inside a container, and a pressure vessel which may be constantly maintained at a normal temperature. The pressure vessel accommodates therein an organometallic complex having a one-dimensional channel structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Seki, Masataka Fujiwara, Wasuke Mori, Satoshi Takamizawa
  • Patent number: 5858942
    Abstract: An engine cleaner composition and method for removing carbonaceous deposits from engine fuel-system components such as mechanical and electronic fuel injectors, intake valve seats, valves, combustion cylinders, spark plugs, and oxygen sensors may be used on both gasoline and diesel engines. Preferred compositions comprise a synergistic solution of a heterocyclic ring compound in an azeotrope of acetonitrile and water, together with selected surfactants and aromatics. Preferred compositions of the invention may be placed in an aerosol pressurized unit utilizing a compressed gas, such as nitrogen or nitrous oxide, or compressed liquid gas, such as a hydrocarbon or fluorohydrocarbon. Preferred engine cleaning compositions of the invention are substantially non-ozone depleting, are low in global warming, and have a low order of human toxicity. Preferred compositions have a moderate pH and are essentially compatible with metals and elastomers conventionally used in engine fuel-system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Adams, Paul D. Hughett
  • Patent number: 5850824
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling the combustion parameters of an internal combustion engine with an oxygen sensor prior to a closed loop operating condition. If the output voltage of the oxygen sensor indicates a lean air to fuel ratio condition, the percent alcohol content is incremented to a limit based on an E85 possibility curve. If the voltage output of the oxygen sensor indicates a rich air to fuel ratio condition, the percent alcohol content is decremented to a limit based on an E0 possibility curve. After the end of the fuel blending period or when the internal combustion engine reaches a closed loop mode, control of the combustion parameters of the internal combustion engine are returned to normal regime oxygen sensor feedback control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Seitz, Yi Cheng, Mark E. Hope, Shean Huff, Mary Joyce, Jerry Kennie, Dennis A. Krozek, Robert J. Nankee, II
  • Patent number: 5836290
    Abstract: A fuel system (10,10') including apparatus (12) for gasifying volatile liquid fuels by introducing dried air and a volatile liquid fuel into a round mixing chamber (46) for circular flow and mixing. Liquid fuel that flows downwardly to a lower extremity (48) of the mixing chamber is removed through a liquid outlet (56). A gas mixture of air and fuel at an upper extremity (50) of the mixing chamber is delivered through a gas outlet (60) for combustion by an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: The Gasifier Corporation
    Inventor: Jack J. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 5824209
    Abstract: A process for the improvement of hydrocarbon fuels using a low temperature and pressure catalytic system is described. The reforming of these products occurs when the hydrocarbon fuel is passed over an alloy metal catalyst at low temperature (i.e., about -50.degree. F. to 250.degree. F.) and pressure (i.e., about 10 to 100 psia). The alloy metal catalyst is housed in a non-electrical conducting chamber and is operated with fluid Reynolds Numbers over the catalyst surface of about 2.times.10.sup.3 to 20.times.10.sup.4. The hydrocarbon fuel is recirculated over the alloy metal catalyst between 1 and approximately 100 times. This process results in reformed hydrocarbon fuels having superior performance qualities than the base hydrocarbon fuel. Vehicle road tests using such reformed fuels have shown substantial mileage improvements over the base fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Pac Rim Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Arand, John K. Arand, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5823148
    Abstract: A simple, inexpensive apparatus for introducing a mixture of vaporized fuel, air and combustion supporting particles to an internal combustion engine to improve combustion efficiency and to reduce emissions of incompletely combusted hydrocarbon fuels is provided. The apparatus includes a single chamber for containing a volume of liquid fuel and a volume of vaporized fuel, a supply of combustion supporting particles disposed within the chamber, a conduit for supplying liquid fuel to the chamber, a conduit for supplying air to the chamber, a liquid level controller for maintaining the volume of liquid fuel in the chamber within predetermined limits, and an outlet from the chamber for conveying a mixture of vaporized fuel, air and combustion supporting particles to a vacuum inlet of an internal combustion engine. The disclosed apparatus is utilized in a combination including an internal combustion engine and a fuel system therefor, to improve the fuel economy of motor driven vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Raymond W. Housand, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5817923
    Abstract: A period of from when the starter switch is turned on or from the start of the fuel injection until when the engine rotation speed has reached a predetermined rotation speed, is detected as a parameter representing the starting performance. After the engine rotation speed has reached a predetermined rotation speed, furthermore, the parameter representing a change in the rotation and the parameter representing rising gradient of the rotation-speed are detected. Then, the parameter representing the starting performance, the parameter representing a change in the rotation and the parameter representing a rising gradient of the rotation speed are weighted to detect the fuel property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Unisia Jecs Corporation
    Inventors: Masanobu Ohsaki, Seiichi Ohtani, Mitsuru Miyata
  • Patent number: 5799626
    Abstract: Methods of using styrene oil, its fractions, and combinations thereof as working fluids, lubricants, fuels and solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventors: Thomas E. Ponsford, Henry T. Ponsford
  • Patent number: 5771847
    Abstract: A system for improving efficiency and reducing harmful emissions in an innal combustion engine and for allowing the engine to run in oxygen poor and oxygen depleted environments. An oxidant, such as hydrogen peroxide, is emulsified with engine fuel. The emulsion is injected into the combustion chamber of the engine. A controller senses the temperature and oxygen level in the exhaust stream of the engine as well as the oxygen level in the ambient fluid. The controller operates a valve to vary the amount of oxidant added to the fuel as well as controlling the amount of ambient air introduced into the chamber and the injection of the fuel oxidant emulsion into the chamber. The controller parameters are set to maintain maximum efficiency and minimum emissions. The oxidant in the emulsion provides for near stoichiometric combustion to reduce combustion products and reduce the engine's air requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Anthony W. Duva
  • Patent number: 5753116
    Abstract: A coolant filter assembly for attachment to a coolant circulation system of a motor or to a motor housing is provided. The filter assembly includes a housing that accommodates a cylindrical filter cartridge. The housing is sealably connected to the coolant circulation system. The filter cartridge accommodates a sealed chamber between the two opposing ends of the filter cartridge and the inner surface of the filter cartridge. The sealed chamber may be comprised of a continuous sealing layer. As the housing is attached to the coolant circulation system, the sealing layer is punctured or otherwise broken to release liquid coolant additive to the coolant circulation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignees: Ing. Walter Hengst GmbH & Co., KG & Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Dieter Baumann, Bernhard Batram, Jorg Homberger
  • Patent number: 5746784
    Abstract: A process for reducing carbonaceous deposits caused by the combustion of heavy fuel oil in high-compression, spontaneous-ignition internal combustion engines involves adding an additive such as ferrocene or ethyl ferrocene to a heavy fuel oil having a density of 0.9 to 1.01 kg/dm.sup.3 in an amount of 1 to 100 ppm prior to combustion of the fuel oil and combusting the fuel oil in the high-compression, spontaneous-ignition internal combustion engine. The additive is dissolved in the heavy fuel oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignees: Chemische Betriebe Pluto GmbH, A/S Dampskibsselskabet Svendborg, Dampskibsselskabet AF 1912 A/S
    Inventors: Walter Thunker, Gabriele Lohmann, Arnim Marschewski, Tage Nielsen, Christian Lutzen
  • Patent number: 5728913
    Abstract: A method of treating hydrocarbon fuels with a base metal catalyst is provided for improving the performance of hydrocarbon fuels used internal and external combustion engines The catalyst is a base metal alloy catalyst including tin antimony, lead and mercury. The catalyst operates at ambient temperatures and atmospheric pressure and in the presence of a small but effective quantity of water. The method of treating the fuel with the catalyst may be employed at any point after refining of the fuel and prior to combustion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Anthony W. Finkl
  • Patent number: 5724948
    Abstract: A generator powered by an internal combustion engine is fueled from a source of biogas. The biogas flows through a filter which removes hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans and through a coalescer to remove water vapor. A regulator controls the biogas pressure supplied to the fuel intake of the engine carburetor, and acid-neutralizing oil is injected into the engine intake each time the engine is shut down to protect the engine from acidic constituents in the biogas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: James L. King, Timothy Mintner
  • Patent number: 5711272
    Abstract: A fuel property, i.e., ordinary fuel, heavy fuel or mixture of both, is determined using an engine rotations. After an engine temperature exceeds 0.degree. C. and an engine attains a complete combustion, an engine speed is integrated. It is determined whether a deviation between the integrated value of the engine speed and an integrated value of a set engine speed is larger than a predetermined determination value. As a result, it can be determined whether the fuel fed to the internal combustion engine has a volatility identical to that of the ordinary fuel, so that the fuel properties can be highly accurately determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Maegawa, Hisashi Iida
  • Patent number: 5703777
    Abstract: A parametric emissions monitoring system for monitoring stationary engine/compressor units coupled to a pipeline provides, in a reciprocating embodiment, reliable and accurate determinations of emission levels for NO.sub.x, CO, and total hydrocarbons (THC) from an emissions matrix primarily as a function of engine speed and engine torque. Validation of the determined emissions level is provided by comparing the values of a set of actual engine operating parameters with a respective value in a set of calculated engine operating parameters to determine whether the deviation of the actual operating parameter from the expected operating parameter is within a defined range, and thus whether the engine is operating within a defined control envelope. Each set of engine operating parameters includes spark ignition timing, fuel rate, and air manifold pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: ANR Pipeline Company
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Buchhop, Randall D'Alleva, Ronald Keith Darnell, Jack Ryan Little, Curtis Thomas Pedersen
  • Patent number: 5699776
    Abstract: A nitrous oxide nozzle for inserting a mixture of oxidizer and fuel into a passage of an engine's intake manifold has two inlet ports, each of which communicate with a conduit. A nitrous oxide conduit vents into the apex of a bell-shaped emitter, and a fuel conduit vents into a side portion of an atomizing cavity adjacent the emitter, so that high-pressure nitrous oxide gas flowing through the emitter entrains fuel flowing through the fuel conduit, then atomizes the fuel and mixes with the fuel. The bell shape of the emitter provides improved mixing of fuel with the nitrous oxide; the discharged fuel/oxidizer mixture from the emitter is introduced into air flowing through an engine's intake manifold, and is conveyed to a cylinder for burning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Nitrous Express, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Wood, John T. Stewart