Water Plus Heat Into Charge Patents (Class 123/25B)
  • Patent number: 6155212
    Abstract: A heat engine system for optionally combining various embodiments selected from those based on fuel injection to induce denser air delivery to a combustion chamber, direct injection of fuel into a combustion chamber, stratified charge fuel combustion, utilization of variable degrees of excess air to control peak combustion temperature, regenerative conversion of kinetic energy into fuel value, positive ignition by spark discharge, catalytic ignition, heated surface ignition, turbocharging, turbogenerating, moisture recovery by exduction, electrolysis, thermochemical regeneration, and electrothermochemical regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Roy E. McAlister
  • 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: 5758606
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying vapor to intake air that is supplied to an internal combustion engine. The method comprises the steps of compressing the intake air before supplying the vapor and contacting, in a moistening means, the intake air with liquid, by simultaneously feeding the compressed intake air and the liquid into the moistening means and causing the intake air and the liquid to flow in opposite directions through the moistening means. The invention also relates to a device for supplying vapor to the intake air of an internal combustion engine, to which a compressor for compressing the intake air is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Munters Euroform GmbH
    Inventors: Per Rosen, Lars-Ola Olsson
  • Patent number: 5694908
    Abstract: An improved auxiliary water-supply device for use with an internal combustion engine system is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Chih-Cheng Hsu
  • Patent number: 5606956
    Abstract: An elongated fuel-air bypass is connected between an outlet port of a fuel-air mixing device and an inlet port of an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The elongated bypass apparatus includes an elongated bypass conduit formed of a thermally conductive material and which has sufficient length, exterior surface area and thermal conductivity to enable it to cause liquid fuel introduced through the fuel-air mixing device to change from a liquid state to a gaseous state prior entry into the one or more cylinders of the internal combustion engine. Turbulence creating mechanisms, such as venturis or baffles, are provided in the elongated bypass conduit for creating turbulence in the fuel-air mixture flowing therethrough. An after-air supply tube is provided to supply after-air near an upstream end of the fuel-air bypass conduit, and is controlled by an after-air valve to provide for a lean fuel-air mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventors: William K. Wallace, Florence W. Wallace
  • Patent number: 5582139
    Abstract: A fuel system is provided for injecting gaseous fuel derived from an electrolytically conductive emulsion of gasoline and water into an internal combustion engine. The system includes a source of electrolytically conductive water hydrocarbon emulsion, means for vaporizing the emulsion, and means for feeding the gaseous vapor to a fuel injection system operative to inject a predetermined amount of gaseous fuel into each of the engine cylinders. An electronic control module is provided which controls the rate at which each fuel injector mixes air with the gaseous vapor and the rate at which the injectors inject the air/fuel mixture to the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Arnold I. Feuerman
  • Patent number: 5488932
    Abstract: A gaseous fuel-enriching subsystem for an internal combustion engine includes a supplemental intake conduit to a an intake manifold internal combustion engine. Such supplemental input is provided with numerus apertures therein. An exhaust gas conduit from the internal combustion engine annularly surrounds the intake conduit permitting fuel values from exhaust in the exhaust conduit to enter the supplemental intake conduit through such apertures. A water supply input to the supplemental intake conduit, at a end opposite to the location of the manifold, provides a further fuel input to the supplemental intake conduit in that water from the water supply is evaporated and then hydrolyzed, separating the water into its chemical constituents of hydrogen and oxygen, thusly producing an enriched gaseous fuel mixture with the recycled exhaust gas which is fed to the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph Serafini
  • Patent number: 5396866
    Abstract: The ram tube of this invention basically consists of an intake bracket, inner tube, output bracket, outer tube, input port and output port. The intake and output brackets are attached to the ends of the inner tube for attaching the ram tube to the base of a carburetor and the intake to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The outer tube is installed over and surrounds the inner tube to create a passage between the inner and outer tubes. Exhaust is directed from the exhaust manifold of the engine to an input port on the outer tube. The exhaust passes through the passage and exits through the output port. The exhaust heats the inner tube to in turn heat the air/fuel mixture passing through the inner tube. The fuel is completely vaporized and placed in a dry vapor condition as it passes through the heated inner tube. The fuel entering the combustion chamber in a dry vapor condition burns more completely, at a higher temperature and at a faster rate to provide a higher efficiency engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Dennis R. Kuntz
  • Patent number: 5257598
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for aborting liquid fuel waste causing pollution. The device for aborting liquid fuel waste causing pollution includes an engine, a control valve connected to the engine, intake for the engine, a line for supplying burning mist vapor to the control valve that is connected to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventor: Fred Mehr
  • Patent number: 5154142
    Abstract: An ionic combustion system for a heat engine having a combustion chamber. A fuel source and water source are provided. An agitating chamber in fluid communication with the water source has an agitator and at least one magnetizing source for agitating and ionizing the water. The water is combined with fuel and communicated to a prechamber having a plurality of ignition assist rods adapted to heat the ionized water and fuel and water prior to combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Adiabatics, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy K. Kamo
  • Patent number: 5131229
    Abstract: In order to utilize recycling of exhaust gases at high engine loads in an internal-combustion engine with an exhaust gas turbocharger, optionally with a charge cooler, as well as an exhaust gas recycling valve which is arranged within a connecting pipe through which a partial exhaust gas stream flows, the connecting pipe, in the direction of the flow, branching from the exhaust pipe upstream of the exhaust gas turbine and connecting into the charge pipe downstream of the exhaust gas turbine, an apparatus is employed which injects water into the partial exhaust gas stream flowing the connecting pipe at operating temperature and at high load operation of the internal-combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: AVL Gesellschaft fur Verbrennungskraftmaschinen und Messtechnik m.b.H. Prof.Dr.Dr.h.c. Hans List
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kriegler, Hans Aufinger, Franz Schweinzer
  • Patent number: 5125377
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine having pistons, cylinders, an air cooler, an air manifold and a turbocharger with a compressor. There is a tank to contain hot water under pressure. The pressure in the tank and the water temperature can be controlled. At least one injector allows heated water to be injected into the turbocharger compressor. A further injector allows water to be injected into the air cooler and a plurality of yet further injectors allow water to be injected into the air manifold. Conduits supply water from the tank to the injectors. Control of flow in the conduits is by valves. The invention permits the cleaning of an internal combustion engine without dismantling the engine or the turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventor: Anatoly D. Mezheritsky
  • Patent number: 5121713
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use in association with an internal combustion engine to generate heated moist air which is directed into the intake manifold or carburetor of the engine. The apparatus employs a water-holding vessel equipped with coils for the circulation of hot lubricant and coolant fluids from the engine. Air is sucked into the vessel by virtue of the vacuum of the intake manifold. The air is then broken into a bubbled stream by passage through an apertured horizontally disposed sparger tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: Elmo M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4991395
    Abstract: A device for cleaning the exhaust gases of a combustion engine in use for feeding or coating the combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine in use with an alloy containing rare earth elements, especially cerium, comprises a line for water containing hot gas, e.g. exhaust gas of the engine. The hot gas line communicates with the combustion air intake manifold, and comprises a catalytic element through which gas passes and which contains an alloy body made of the rare earth elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Creative Combustion, Ltd.
    Inventors: Miltiathis Markou, Konstantin N. Pattas
  • Patent number: 4986223
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for superheating steam and for injection of same into the air supply of an internal combustion engine are disclosed. A disc-shaped heat exchanger in direct contact with hot exhaust gases is utilized to vaporize and superheat a liquid, particularly water, into superheated steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventor: Fred G. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 4757787
    Abstract: A method of and an arrangement for burning a liquid or gaseous fuel in the presence of air or another oxidizer and by use of water in a combustion chamber (12) of an internal combustion engine, especially a reciprocating or rotary piston engine. During one or more selected phases, especially during the entire operation, prior to being introduced into the combustion chamber (12), the fuel is mixed intensively with air and a quantity of water which depends on the operation in order to reduce the fuel consumption and the emission of noxious components as well as to increase the efficiency when using low octane fuels, especially regular gasoline or acetylene as the fuel. The mixing takes place in a quasi-closed mixing chamber (22) in the intake passage (11). Upon compression and ignition of the fuel/air/water mixture in the combustion chamber (12) a progressing "primary combustion" of fuel/air is controlled just below the critical "detonation" temperature (T.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventors: Antonino Risitano, Lanzafame Rosario
  • Patent number: 4632067
    Abstract: A vapor generating and injection device for internal combustion engines; a vapor generating and injection system and device for vehicle engine systems having a turbo air compressor on the air intake line running from the air cleaner to the engine intake manifold; a vapor injection and generation system and device for internal combustion engines where there is available a supplemental pressurized air source such as a vehicle air brake system, a pollution control air pump, an exhaust manifold pressure tap, an air horn supply system, an add-on compressor or the like; vapor generating and injection devices for humidifying (by vapor only) the air supply for combustion to the cylinders of internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Inventor: Drexel T. Carlson
  • Patent number: 4628871
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold, an exhaust manifold, a carburetor and an air cleaner mounted on the carburetor. The system includes a heat exchanger in the exhaust manifold and a converter within the heat exchanger. An adapter plate is mounted on the intake manifold and the carburetor is mounted on the adapter plate. The adapter plate has passages providing communication between the carburetor and the intake manifold and with a metering valve mounted on the adapter plate. A main liquid fuel inlet line having a pressure regulator, a solenoid valve, a vacuum responsive pressure regulator and a vacuum controlled needle valve is connected to a fuel pump. The fuel inlet line is split into a primary fuel line and a secondary fuel line which are connected to the converter. A solenoid valve and a check valve are located in the secondary line and a check valve is located in the primary line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: V. G. C. Corporation
    Inventor: James W. Glass
  • Patent number: 4611557
    Abstract: The combustion chamber of an internal-combustion engine is fed via a dispersion supply conduit with a dispersion of water and of fuel supplied via a fuel supply conduit and is fed via an air supply conduit with the air required for the combustion. The exhaust gases generated within the combustion chamber during the combustion are passed via an exhaust gas conduit into a heat exchanger being in connection with a condensate collecting chamber for receiving the condensate formed on cooling the hot exhaust gases and vapors. This condensate is utilized for the production of the fuel-water-dispersion. The heat of condensation being at disposal within the heat exchanger is utilized for heating the dispersion-air-mixture supplied into the combustion chamber of the internal-combustion engine or for heating the air required for the combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Inventor: Kurt Hierzenberger
  • Patent number: 4594991
    Abstract: A fuel mixture injection apparatus associated with the carburetor of an internal combustion engine designed to improve engine efficiency by delivering a mixture of vaporized gasoline, steam and air directly to the carburetor. A portion of the fuel supplied by the fuel pump is diverted through a metering valve into a closed chamber where it is sprayed over a perforated vaporizer grid heated by a double loop of copper tubing through which hot engine coolant is ducted. The gasoline vapor is then ducted either into the carburetor or directly into the intake manifold. Simultaneously, water from a reservoir flows through a line in response to engine load and temperature conditions. The line passes through the closed chamber where the water is preheated. The line then leads to a heat exchanger connected to the engine's exhaust manifold where the water is converted to steam. From the heat exchanger, the steam is ducted either into the carburetor or directly into the intake manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Inventor: Richard Harvey
  • Patent number: 4557222
    Abstract: This invention is an arrangement of mechanical components that humidify the intake air (specifically, the air that mixes with fuel for combustion) of an internal combustion engine, to increase combustion efficiency and reduce poison gas emissions. The components of this invention consist of a heat collector, air pump, humidifier and ducting tubes that connect the components forming a pressurized circuit of heated, humid air. Part of the embodiment of this invention is in the designed capacities of the components related to the engine to be served. Reasons and guidelines for this are given in the Summary of the Invention. A pressurized circuit to feed the combustion mixture of an engine is the crux of this system's function. It is the means to increase the mixture's density, in all the ranges of power demand by at least the volume of humidity that is introduced into the air stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Inventor: Herbert A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4542717
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a fuel vaporization system designed primarily for use in automobile or like vehicle internal combustion engines. Liquid fuel such as gasoline is independently forced into a vaporization structure concurrently with the injection of water. The vaporization structure is disposed in direct heat receiving relation to the exhaust manifold of the engine such that heat received therefrom serves to vaporize the water and gasoline mixture prior to its exiting. The vaporized mixture is then fed into the intake manifold and more specifically into each of the plurality of cylinders of the engine. A control assembly includes a pressure switch structured to determine pressure within the vaporization structure to the extent that a decrease of the internal pressure below a predetermined level causes activation of the delivery systems and a continuing supply of water and gasoline mixture to the vaporization assembly until the predetermined pressure is reached and maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Inventor: Jei S. Choe
  • Patent number: 4519341
    Abstract: This alcohol-water injection system first electrically heats a alcohol-water mixture to a superheated gaseous state, then utilizes the vacuum conditions in the carburetor to control the flow of the gaseous alcohol-water mixture into the intake manifold of the engine where it is mixed with gasoline and air from the carburetor to power the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Inventor: Clarence D. McGarr
  • Patent number: 4515135
    Abstract: A hot fuel gas generator for an internal combustion engine of the piston type vaporizes liquid fuel such as gasoline and delivers the same to the engine through a control valve which is responsive in operation to accelerator linkage controlling the internal combustion engine's operation. The hot fuel gas generator uses exhaust gases as a heat source and communicates with an adaptor block mounted on the inlet manifold of the internal combustion engine. A conventional carburetor may be carried on the adaptor block along with a conventional air cleaner as known in the art. The hot fuel gas generator separately makes superheated steam from a controlled amount of water and mixes the steam with the gasified fuel in a mixing chamber which is enclosed in a hollow body member through which hot exhaust gases from the equipped internal combustion engine are directed prior to their delivery to an exhaust system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Assignee: General Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Glass
  • Patent number: 4509464
    Abstract: An internal combustion steam engine is operated with an alcohol-water fuel mixture vaporized prior to combustion by heated engine coolant that flows through a first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger or vapor generator uses the waste heat from the engine coolant to heat and vaporize the alcohol-water mixture. A second heat exchanger using exhaust gases heats the combustion air before passage through the intake manifold. Complete vaporization of the alcohol fuel is accomplished to overcome the lower caloric power potential of alcohol as compared to gasoline and to insure complete and regular combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Inventor: Herbert N. W. Hansen
  • Patent number: 4503813
    Abstract: A combustion control system for an internal combustion engine. A control device with a vortex chamber has a tangential inlet connected to a gas supply at substantially atmospheric pressure, a second inlet, and an axial outlet connected directly to the gas inlet opening of the intake manifold. A condenser condenses water from the exhaust gas passing through the exhaust conduit. A gas inlet of a reactor device has a gas inlet connected directly to the exhaust manifold for drawing gas therefrom and an outlet connected to the second inlet of said control device by a conduit. The reactor device includes one or more ejectors for drawing in atmospheric air and for drawing in liquid water from the condenser, and for mixing the atmospheric air and water with gas from the exhaust manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1985
    Assignee: Combustion Control Developments Ltd.
    Inventor: John E. Lindberg
  • Patent number: 4476817
    Abstract: A controlled amount of a fluid (steam or water or a solution of water plus additives) is injected into an internal combustion engine to improve combustion, efficiency, and to reduce emissions. The amount of the fluid injected is controlled in response to engine need. The steam is generated by the heat produced by the engine. Combustion gas temperature is used to control the amount of steam produced by varying the fluid flow through one or more fixed or variable orifice control valves. The steam is injected in a piston engine to cool peak temperatures, to prevent detonation and pre-ignition, to smooth out hot spots, to prevent auto-ignition or dieseling, and to use the vapor energy in the expansion cycle to increase low speed torque and acceleration. The steam is used to cause full retard of the vacuum spark advance during acceleration at full load from low speed, and a large amount of steam is injected at this point in the cycle to prevent pre-ignition and detonation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Assignee: Owen, Wickersham & Erickson, P.C.
    Inventor: John E. Lindberg
  • Patent number: 4466386
    Abstract: A low pressure/low temperature vapor generating system for use in internal combustion engines includes a supply of water or other liquid to be vaporized, heating apparatus which uses heat generated by the internal combustion engine to heat the water and convert it to steam, conduits for delivering the steam to the intake of the carburetor of the internal combustion engine, and a pressure/temperature control device disposed in the conduit for maintaining the pressure and temperature in the conduit at or below some predetermined levels. Also included is a water flow control tank located between the water supply and the heating apparatus for receiving water from the supply at a controlled rate and for delivering water to the heating apparatus. A condensate separator is located between the pressure/temperature control device and the carburetor for removing condensed water droplets from the conduit carrying the steam to the carburetor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Inventor: Robert E. Silva
  • Patent number: 4463708
    Abstract: A system for providing homogenized fluids of fuel and water utilizes a chamber (70) in which the fuel and water is loaded in predetermined quantities. The chamber contains heater (75) which is electrically activated to convert the liquid fuel and water to their vapor states. The chamber also contains a transducer (74) which vibrates the liquified composition of the fuel and water vapors at high frequency rates so as to additionally homogenize it prior to being transferred to storage vessel (96). A vaporizer (99') may be connected to the storage vessel so as to be fed by the homogenized liquid when this system is used in conjunction with an internal combustion engine. The system may provide mechanism (77, 79) for evacuating chamber (70) prior to loading the fuel and water into such chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Inventor: Martin E. Gerry
  • Patent number: 4448170
    Abstract: A system for injecting controlled amounts of water into the fuel intake to the cylinders in proportional response to the pressure in the engine's exhaust manifold. First conduit means, preferably including an extended surface heat sink and a length of flexible, plastic tubing, communicate the exhaust manifold pressure to the upper surface of a supply of water in an enclosed container. A lower part of the container is connected by second conduit means to a point in the fuel intake system, preferably in the air inlet to the carburetor. An adjustable throttling valve is interposed in the second conduit means for selective control of the relation of water flow to exhaust manifold pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Inventor: Arthur C. O'Hara
  • Patent number: 4430964
    Abstract: Fuel additive fluid is induced at two locations relative to the throttle valve of an atomizing carburetor. A first stream of fluid is induced at an upstream position located at or upstream of the throttle valve such that the throttle valve can be closed to block the passageway from the upstream position to the combustion chamber and thereby regulate the flow of fluid therebetween. A second stream of additive fluid is induced at a position downstream of the throttle valve, from which position there is an uninterrupted passageway to the combustion chamber. The fluid is delivered to both positions from a single compartment of a heat exchange device wherein waste engine heat is transfered to the fluid prior to induction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1984
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Coppock
  • Patent number: 4417548
    Abstract: A combustion control system for an engine having an intake manifold with a throttle, a PCV gas inlet opening into the intake manifold, an exhaust conduit, and a PCV gas conduit. A vortex device has a vortex chamber with a tangential inlet connected to the PCV gas conduit, an axial inlet, and an axial outlet connected directly to the PCV gas inlet opening of the intake manifold. A reactor device has a gas inlet connected directly to the exhaust conduit for drawing gas therefrom and an outlet spaced well apart from the vortex device and connected to the axial inlet of the vortex device by a conduit. The reactor device includes a first ejector for drawing in atmospheric air and mixing it with gas from the exhaust conduit, and a second ejector for drawing in liquid from a source of liquid and sending it into the atmospheric air drawn in by the first ejector means. The vortex device and the reactor are novel in themselves too.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Assignee: U.S.A. 161 Developments Ltd.
    Inventor: John E. Lindberg
  • Patent number: 4391229
    Abstract: A steam injection apparatus for an internal combustion engine having an exhaust system, a carburetor and an engine vacuum line, the apparatus including a reservoir of liquid water, a conduit communicating with the reservoir and a heater coil of metallic tubing. The heater coil has an inlet which communicates with the conduit and an outlet which communicates with the vacuum line. The coil is placed in heat-receiving relation to the engine exhaust system for heating water in the coil. The coil has a cross-section that is insufficient to allow complete vaporization of the water in the coil, and the water is substantially vaporized within the vacuum line for introduction into the engine in a vaporized state. An air inlet is connected to the conduit at a tee fitting for mixing air with water from the reservoir for regulating flow to the heater coil. A threaded member is placed within resilient tubing, and provides an air passage through its threads and restricts air flow through the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1983
    Inventor: Larry G. Turner
  • Patent number: 4385593
    Abstract: Alcohol and water are mixed as liquids in a volume ratio of water to alcohol in the range 0.3-1.0 to 1. The liquid mixture is heated in heat exchanging relation with the exhaust conduit of a gasoline operated internal combustion engine, to convert the mixture to a gaseous state which is then combined with a mixture of gasoline and air for introduction into the engine. The water-alcohol mixture is 3-14 vol. % of the gasoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1983
    Assignee: The Chemithon Corporation
    Inventor: Richard J. Brooks
  • Patent number: 4380970
    Abstract: The invention provides an alternative fuel for internal combustion engines in which the exhaust heat is used to thermally dissociate water to its constituent gases hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen and oxygen so produced is introduced into the combustion chamber of the engine to at least partially replace the conventional fuel. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, water is dissociated into hydrogen and oxygen in a dissociation chamber in the form of a transition tube containing a spirally wound ribbon arranged to urge water in the transition tube outwardly into contact with walls of the transition tube, said walls being heated by exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1983
    Inventor: Roy A. Davis
  • Patent number: 4376739
    Abstract: An adjustable idle needle valve assembly for an internal combustion engine carburetor includes an air bleed threaded needle valve mounted on a plug for a tubular metal housing, an insulating fiberglass sleeve in the housing and an electric needle valve heater coil within the insulating sleeve. The heater coil extends between the needle valve mounting plug and an outer air inlet plug for the tubular metal housing. An air-conducting shield tube extends between the plugs for isolating the flow of bleed air from the insulating sleeve, particularly when the outer plug is connected to a liquid vapor trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1983
    Inventor: John R. Passey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4368711
    Abstract: A water-augmented fuel and air supply system for an internal combustion engine which draws heated air into its intake manifold through two paths, one carrying the bulk of air, referred to as leaning air, drawn directly into the manifold, and the other providing a smaller stream of mixing air through a fuel and water vaporizer heated by engine exhaust. In the vaporizer, the heated mixing air flow acts upon a pool of liquid water and fuel to stimulate vaporization thereof. As engine temperature and engine exhaust temperature rise, the maximum vaporization stimulation effect of the impinging mixing air is no longer needed and is correspondingly reduced. The result is to permit cold starts and to provide a lean mixture of vaporous mixing air conducive to sustained economical engine operation, and increased power availability from the engine without incurring excessive rise in engine operating temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1983
    Assignees: Larry Allen, Robert Harrison, Harry Harbour, Gary Hisel, Thomas Kraft, Ansell Johnson, Harry Rose
    Inventor: Larry D. Allen
  • Patent number: 4359971
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the injection of steam into the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine having an exhaust attachable evaporation plate supplied with water by a reservoir across a float bowl. A restrictor is placed in the line connecting the float bowl and evaporator. The evaporator plate defines a bore and is insulated from the exhaust pipe by a heat resistant gasket having an aperture of predetermined area. Boiling and steam generation are restricted primarily in the region between the gasket and line restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Inventor: Jasper Rogers
  • Patent number: 4346675
    Abstract: A flow system for an internal combustion engine has a first conduit connected to a water reservoir and extending therefrom to pass adjacent a heating source such as the exhaust pipe of an automobile engine, and then passes to connection with the bore of an adapter plate beneath the throttle plate of a carburetor. A second conduit extends adjacent the exhaust pipe to be heated so that air from the atmosphere can pass through it to the carburetor and intake manifold. A third conduit connects the first and second conduit, and a fourth conduit connects the third and first conduit. The first, second and fourth conduits have flow control spiral orifice pieces which restrict the flow of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Inventor: John T. Holliday, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4344389
    Abstract: A carburetor comprises an air passage containing a hollow toroid having nozzles therein from which fuel/water is injected into the air passage along the periphery thereof. Both the fuel and the water are fed from the pumps and needle valves and respectively control fuel and water flow to the toroid. The position of one fuel control needle valve is determined by the vacuum in the air passage and that of the other fuel control needle valve by the setting of the butterfly valve. An overflow line leads away excess fuel that cannot pass the fuel needle valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1982
    Assignee: Automotive Invention Researchers (Pty) Limited
    Inventor: Anizio G. R. Nunes
  • Patent number: 4342288
    Abstract: A water induction system for internal combustion engines which is comprised of a metering device for metering controlled amounts of air and water, a reverse needle vacuum control valve which is operated in response to intake manifold vacuum and is connected to the metering device, and a heater wherein the air-water mixture is vaporized. The manifold vacuum regulated reverse needle control valve allows an increasing amount of air and water to be drawn into the heater as manifold vacuum pressures drop, engine load increases and the engine requires more vapor. At lower loads, the valve operates to cut back the air-water flow into the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1982
    Assignee: The Klane Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Sato
  • Patent number: 4342287
    Abstract: This invention broadly relates to a fuel system for an internal combustion engine. More particularly the invention concerns a method and apparatus for utilizing alcohol as fuel for gasoline fed internal combustion engine, wherein the alcohol to gasoline ratio is controlled by a double acting metering device and the alcohol fuel is vaporized using heated positive crankcase ventilation gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1982
    Inventor: Jose Ma. R. Concepcion
  • Patent number: 4337731
    Abstract: This invention relates to a feed system for introducing water in the liquid and/or vaporous state into the suction path of an internal combustion engine, consisting of a water stock vessel, of a heat exchanger, to one side of which exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine can be admitted and to the other side of which the water can be admitted, and of the heat barrier upstream of the heat exchanger, which comprises a metering device for metering the quantity of water, which is to be fed into the suction path, and a control device which controls the metering device as a function of at least one operating parameter of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Assignee: Reuter Technologie GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Lohberg
  • Patent number: 4337732
    Abstract: A fuel and water conditioner (10) integrated as a single unit is used with an engine that develops motive power. Such conditioner includes a first compartment (24) that vaporizes the fuel, and a second compartment (26) that vaporizes the water. An air intake structure (30) enables an air stream (32) to flow within the conditioner and through air filter (28) into the intake manifold (60) of the engine. The vaporized fuel and water is carried by and combines with the air stream into such intake manifold. Various heating devices (50, 250) are thermally coupled to the conditioner to heat the fuel and water in such conditioner and assist in further vaporizing such fuel and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Inventor: Martin E. Gerry
  • Patent number: 4336773
    Abstract: Energy conservation apparatus for internal combustion engines in which a restriction device is used with a fluid supply associated with a heat exchanger which converts the fluid into a vapor prior to being drawn into the fuel-air mixing carburetor or injector, the apparatus utilizing the negative pressure from the engine for moving the fluid through the system at a rate related to the engine displacement. In the apparatus, the restriction device effects control over the fluid quantity being moved into the engine in a vapor state, and operates through the presence of a fine-bore tube of a fixed diameter in the passage between the fluid supply and the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1982
    Assignee: Middleton M. Carouthers
    Inventors: Middleton M. Carouthers, Robert L. Klamm
  • Patent number: 4333422
    Abstract: A hot fuel gas generator for an internal combustion engine simultaneously vaporizes gasoline and water in a novel heat exchanger mounted in an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. A control valve meters the amount of a water and gasoline mixture supplied to the heat exchanger which delivers the resulting superheated steam and gaseous fuel to the intake manifold by way of an adapter downstream of the location of the usual carburetor. The control valve is actuated by devices responsive in operation to inlet manifold pressure of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1982
    Inventor: Fred G. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 4329945
    Abstract: Control apparatus is described for metering a liquid additive to be vaporized and introduced to the fuel mixture for an internal combustion engine. Improved enhancement of the combustion process is obtained by supplying the additive in accurate and reliable dependence upon the condition of operation of the engine, as represented by the pressure in the intake manifold. Such control is made possible by a pressure responsive valve having a valve member movable with low friction along the length of a narrow valve orifice of uniform width. The resulting flow is then linearly related to the movement of the valve member, and provides sensitive and accurate control even at extremely low flow rates. A complete system for combustion enhancement employing such a valve and associated control features is described. Independently adjustable springs at opposite ends of the valve member provide separate adjustment of the flow for engine operation at high and low power conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1982
    Inventors: Harvey E. Beech, Richard M. Bird
  • Patent number: 4324209
    Abstract: A fuel and water homogenizing system (300) creates a homogenized fluid of liquid fuel and water within a vessel (310) when the fluid and water within such vessel is agitated by vibrations transduced from electrical energy provided by an AC energy source (400). A predetermined quantity of homogenized fluid is transferred via a conduit (200) to a compartment (24) within a vaporizer (10) to establish a predetermined level in the compartment of the homogenized fluid. To regulate the homogenized fluid level within the compartment (24), another conduit mechanism (305, 306, 307) connects the compartment with the homogenizing vessel pumping back homogenized fluid into the homogenizing vessel when a rise in fluid level within the compartment exceeds a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1982
    Inventor: Martin E. Gerry
  • Patent number: 4293230
    Abstract: A fuel is prepared for efficient combustion in an oil burner by mixing fuel oil with from 30 to 60% by volume of water. The apparatus for mixing the oil and water include turbulence created by fluid flow and turbulence created by mechanical agitation. Compressed air used to create turbulence and mixing provides better combustion and less pollution when burning the resulting mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Inventors: Lu J. Tan, David Tan, Jeff Tan
  • Patent number: 4259021
    Abstract: A compact mixing apparatus includes a housing and at least one motionless, although possibly vibrated, mixing element in the housing. The mixing element divides into plural streams fluid-like material flowing therethrough, at least twice relatively abruptly changes the flow direction of such streams and preferably imparts rotational momentum to the streams. A chamber in the housing permits generally turbulent mixing of such streams after they exit the mixing element. In accordance with the method of the invention fluid-like material delivered to a housing is divided into plural streams which have their flow directions changed at least twice, and the streams possibly also are rotated and are then combined in a relatively turbulent manner to form a well-mixed output. Moreover, a combustion engine system is disclosed using such a mixing apparatus to mix fuel with a supplemental fluid, with the combined material being delivered to such engine for combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Assignees: Paul R. Goudy, Jr., Bruce J. Landis, Kenneth J. Landis
    Inventor: Paul R. Goudy, Jr.