Abstract: A heater for a canister includes a heater case embedded within an adsorption material and sealed at a top, and a heater core having a heat generation element and installed in the heater case. The bottom of the heater case is fitted into a heater retaining hole of a cap member in a hermetically-sealed state, for enabling the heat generation element and terminals of the heater core to be completely separated from the gas atmosphere containing the adsorbed fuel components within an activated carbon region. A leaf spring having a heat conductivity is arranged between an outside surface of one of a pair of strip-shaped ceramic plates constructing part of the heater core and an inner wall surface of the heater case, for retaining the heater core in place within the heater case and for permitting heat transfer from the heat generation element to the adsorption material.

Abstract: A controller calculates a specific humidity of an intake air based on a relative humidity of the intake air, an intake air temperature, and an intake air pressure. Then the controller calculates a water vapor amount in the intake air based on the specific humidity and a mass flow rate of the intake air obtained from an air intake rate. By calculating the water vapor amount in the intake air based on information that directly represents the status of the intake air, this water vapor amount may be calculated more accurately. As a result, a generation amount of condensed water may be estimated more accurately. Therefore, accumulation of condensed water may be suppressed while recirculating as much of a low pressure exhaust gas as possible, and thus fuel economy may be sufficiently improved.

Abstract: The gasification unit includes a heat exchanger with a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit is in-line connection with an engine coolant; whereas the second circuit is in-line connection with an engine fuel line. The heat exchanger is used to capture heat from the first circuit via the engine coolant, and transfer said heat to the second circuit thereby heating up the fuel. The gasification unit is used to heat the fuel post fuel pump, but prior to being injected into the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The heating of the fuel via the gasification unit improves the overall fuel economy of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine and, more particularly, an internal combustion engine having a new and novel system for improving the efficiency of the engine. In a preferred embodiment the system comprises an expander effective for receiving condensed engine exhaust and placing said exhaust in contact with copper or a copper alloy and for transforming the exhaust into vapor for transfer into the combustion chamber of the engine. In a preferred embodiment the system further comprises a condenser means for cooling the exhaust exiting the engine sufficiently to condense any water vapor and/or fuel vapor to form a liquid mixture or water and fuel, collecting and storing the liquid mixture, and directing the stored liquid mixture to the expander.

Abstract: A fuel separation apparatus comprises a stock fuel storage tank storing stock fuel, a separator provided with a separation film separating the stock fuel into high octane value fuel with an octane value higher than the stock fuel and a low octane value fuel with an octane value lower than the stock fuel, and a high octane value fuel storage tank storing the high octane value fuel separated by the separator. When the temperature of the separation film is lower than the high octane value fuel separation temperature, the high octane value fuel stored in the high octane value fuel storage tank is supplied to the separator. Due to this, vaporization of fuel is suppressed and the fuel can be quickly raised in temperature. Due to this, a vehicle mounted fuel separation apparatus able to quickly raise the temperature of the fuel supplied to the separation film so as to quickly raise the temperature of the separation film at the time of engine cold start can be provided.

Abstract: A fuel tank is provided with an atmospheric air introduction hole so that the fuel tank communicates with the outside. As a result, the interior of the fuel tank is maintained at a pressure level between substantially atmospheric air pressure and positive pressure. A canister may be connected to the atmospheric air introduction hole. When an internal combustion engine starts up, the fuel tank communicates with an intake path. Internal combustion engine startup places the intake path under negative pressure. Under negative pressure, fuel vapor is supplied to the intake path from the fuel tank whose pressure level is between substantially atmospheric air pressure and positive pressure.

Abstract: An intake air dehumidification system for an internal combustion engine includes a peltier junction device responsive to at least one control signal to cool, and therefore condense moisture from, ambient air supplied by an air intake conduit to an intake manifold of the engine. Specific humidity of the ambient air supplied to the intake manifold is determined, and a control circuit is provided to produce the at least one control signal as a function of the specific humidity to maintain the specific humidity of the ambient air supplied to the intake manifold near a target humidity value.

Abstract: A combustion engine fuel system apparatus saturates and diffuses a gas, such a air, into a liquid fuel. The apparatus includes a fuel saturation chamber connected to the engine fuel tank for receiving a liquid fuel therefrom and also connected to a gas compressor for directing compressed gas into the fuel saturation chamber for saturating a liquid fuel being fed therein with the gas. The fuel saturation chamber is connected to a gas diffusion chamber for diffusing gas into the liquid fuel and which is also connected to the gas compressor. A dense porous material, such as a porous stone, is positioned in the gas diffusion chamber for diffusing the gas and liquid fuel together. The saturation and diffused liquid fuel is then fed into a combustion engine. A liquid fuel heater is used to heat the fuel being fed into the fuel saturation chamber.

Abstract: A fuel vapour extraction system is described for an internal combustion engine (10) that is supplied with a volatile liquid fuel from a fuel storage tank (20). The engine (10) has an air intake system (12, 14, 16) and a liquid fuel injection system for dispensing fuel to mix with air to be burnt in the engine. The fuel vapour extraction system includes a volatizing chamber (30) connected to the fuel storage tank (20) by a valve (26) serving to maintain a constant liquid level of fuel in the chamber (30). A pipe (42) connected to one or more vacuum sources leads into the vapour space above the liquid level in the chamber (30) and maintains a reduced pressure in the volatizing chamber.

Abstract: A modular engine has a plurality of engine sections, with each of the engine sections having a power module, which power modules are bolted to one another in a selected positional relationship. A link-up device is selectively able to couple any number of the engine sections to one or more output shafts. An engine management system controls the link-up device so that, in use, and according to power requirements, any one or more of the engine sections is brought into operation, or is withdrawn from operation, such that the single overall engine is able to utilize power from any number of the power modules of the engine sections (e.g., three or more) for driving the output shaft(s).

Abstract: An improved crankshaft connecting rod mechanism provides altered reciprocating motion of a piston attached to the connecting rods. The basic mechanism includes two, geared-together, counter-rotating crankshafts which are transversely aligned along parallel axes of rotation and symmetrically spaced apart. Two connecting rods are similarly aligned and have both ends on one side of the axis of linear reciprocation of a connected piston. The shafts of the two connecting rods are preferably displaced ("bent" in the lateral profile) toward the centerline. This bend in the connecting rod shafts may be of such a magnitude that they overlap during a portion of their motion by nesting together, utilizing male/female profiles on their inner side surfaces. The big ends of the two connecting rods may also be constructed so that they overlap. The connecting rods may have an arced profile that may be designed to flex during tension and compression during the reciprocating cycle of the piston.

Abstract: A watercraft is propelled by an outboard motor having a water propulsion device powered by a multi-cylinder engine of a crankcase compression type, the engine positioned within a cowling of the motor. The engine has a very compact V type arrangement. The intake system for admitting the charge to the crankcase chambers and the exhaust manifold are positioned around the outside of the engine opposite its valley. A compressor delivery to the cylinder head intake ports is positioned within the valley. The engine includes at least one crankshaft which drives a drive shaft of the water propulsion device of the motor.

Abstract: An improved crankshaft connecting rod mechanism provides altered reciprocating motion of a piston attached to the connecting rods. The basic mechanism includes two, geared-together, counter-rotating crankshafts which are transversely aligned along parallel axes of rotation and symmetrically spaced apart. Two connecting rods are similarly aligned and have both ends on one side of the axis of linear reciprocation of a connected piston. The shafts of the two connecting rods are preferably displaced ("bent" in the lateral profile) toward the centerline. This bend in the connecting rod shafts may be of such a magnitude that they overlap during a portion of their motion by nesting together, utilizing male/female profiles on their inner side surfaces. The big ends of the two connecting rods may also be constructed so that they overlap. The connecting rods may have an arced profile that may be designed to flex during tension and compression during the reciprocating cycle of the piston.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating air/fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine having a fuel vaporizer device calculates the rate of fuel evaporation based on temperature of the vaporizer device to estimate air/fuel ratio during a cold-start. In one embodiment, a temperature of the fuel vaporizer device is determined directly by an appropriate sensor. In another embodiment, the temperature is determined using a transient heat transfer model based on the air flow rate through the device and the exit temperature of the air/fuel mixture. The temperature is used to determine the amount of energy entering the fuel vaporizer device as well as the amount of energy leaving the fuel vaporizer device so as to determine the amount of fuel vaporized by the fuel vaporizer device. The air/fuel ratio is then estimated based on the amount of fuel vaporized.

Abstract: A reciprocating machine includes a cyclical kinematic chain in which power is transferred between translational and rotational motion. The kinematic chain includes a piston (2) reciprocating in a cylinder (1), connected by two connecting rods (9, 10) to dual counter rotating crankshafts (7, 8). The crankshafts (7, 8) are displaced symmetrically from the axis of movement of the piston (2), and the crank pins (15, 16) of the crankshafts (7, 8) to which the connecting rods (9, 10) are connected are symmetrically aligned about the axis of movement of the piston (2). The connecting rod small ends (13, 14) abut at their connection to the piston (2).

Abstract: A water vehicle having a hull defining an engine compartment and propelled by a water propulsion device powered by a multi-cylinder engine of a crankcase compression type positioned within the engine compartment is disclosed. The engine has a very compact "V" type arrangement. The intake system for admitting the charge to the crankcase chambers and the exhaust manifold is located in the valley between the cylinder banks. The compressor delivery to the cylinder head intake ports is on the outside of the engine. Crankshafts corresponding to each bank are maintained in synchronous rotation, with one of the crankshafts arranged to drive the water propulsion device of the water vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder engine of a crankcase compression type shown for use in an outboard motor. The engine has a very compact V type arrangement. The intake system for admitting the charge to the crankcase chambers and the exhaust manifold is located in the valley between the cylinder banks. The compressor delivery to the cylinder head intake ports is on the outside of the engine.

Abstract: An air-cooled self-supercharging four stroke internal combustion engine having four pistons which move in unison. There are two downward piston strokes in each four stroke cycle. The downward strokes of the pistons are used to compress the air in the crank case and supercharge the engine by forcing more air and fuel into the two combustion chambers. Each combustion chamber serves two piston cylinders. The compressed air and fuel mixture is forced into only one combustion chamber during each downward stroke of the pistons. The two combustion chambers are charged with air and fuel on alternating downward piston strokes. The engine is air-cooled by the flow of the combustion intake air which passes through the crank case. At the same time, heat transferred from the engine pre-heats the intake air to improve combustion efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides an internal combustion engine using one or more siamese pairs of pistons, cylinders and connecting rods to drive two or more independently moving drive shafts. The pairs of pistons first connect to a stabilizing system that forces the piston to move in a generally linear direction perpendicular to the cylinder walls. The stabilizing mechanism is controlled by a set of gears or other guiding mechanism. A pair of hinged connecting arms are connected to the two independently moving drive shafts. The separate connecting arms track the angular motion of the drive shafts while allowing the pistons to move in a generally linear direction perpendicular to the cylinder walls.

Abstract: An improved crankshaft connecting rod mechanism provides altered reciprocating motion of a piston attached to the connecting rods. The basic mechanism includes two, geared-together, counter-rotating crankshafts which are transversely aligned along parallel axes of rotation and symmetrically spaced apart. Two connecting rods are similarly aligned and have both ends on one side of the axis of linear reciprocation of a connected piston. The shafts of the two connecting rods are preferably displaced ("bent" in the lateral profile) toward the centerline. This bend in the connecting rod shafts may be of such a magnitude that they overlap during a portion of their motion by nesting together, utilizing male/female profiles on their inner side surfaces. The big ends of the two connecting rods may also be constructed so that they overlap. The connecting rods may have an arced profile that may be designed to flex during tension and compression during the reciprocating cycle of the piston.

Abstract: A carburettor metering system comprises a fuel evaporator 113 consisting of porous parallel plates 114 with their lower portions immersed in fuel 121, fuel metering means 122 for supplying fuel to the evaporator 113, and a laminar flow air restrictor 128 comprising a series of parallel plates 127 separated by spacers and defining narrow gaps between the plates 127. Such an arrangement enables a substantially constant air/fuel mixture strength to be obtained over a wide range of air flow rates in single cylinder engines. Furthermore the supply of mixture to the engine by way of an exit tube 126 may be controlled by a valve member 132 coupled to the engine governor so that the rate of flow of mixture varies in dependence on the load, and additionally so as to change the system between two modes of carburettor operation, namely lean operation, which is provided up to about three quarters load, and rich operation in which additional fuel is supplied to the evaporator 113.

Abstract: An engine including an assembly of at least two cylinders with different displacements and two crankshafts coupled at the same rotational speed via a gear train and a variably timed transmission having three concentric shafts separable from the drive assembly and designed to reduce the compression ratio as the intake pressure increases. The maximum and minimum compression ratios are set within the angular displacement limits between the two cylinders, and between said two cylinders and the clearance space, so that (a) the start of the variably time transmission stroke increases the translation of the piston by units of angular displacement between the two crankshafts at the end of compression phase, and (b) the end of the variably time transmission stroke combines combustion gas expansion on the piston at least from the maximum torque on the crank of the short-stroke crankshaft.

Abstract: A valveless four-stroke internal combustion engine employs an intake piston and an exhaust piston that reciprocate within intake and exhaust cylinders disposed adjacent the combustion chamber of the engine. A power piston reciprocates within a cylinder that defines a portion of the combustion chamber. An intake port opens into the intake cylinder, and an exhaust port opens into the exhaust cylinder. Upon reciprocation of the intake and exhaust pistons, the exhaust ports will be covered and uncovered. By coordinating movement of the intake and exhaust pistons with reciprocation of the power piston, a combustible fuel-air mixture will be drawn into the combustion chamber, ignited, and exhausted. The timing and extent of movement of the intake and exhaust pistons can be controlled by a crankshaft or cams.

Abstract: A contra-rotating twin crankshaft system for internal combustion engines. Two crankshafts are arranged in parallel, and are connected together to rotate in opposite directions. At least one piston is spaced from the crankshafts. Connecting rod assemblies extend in a crossed relationship from each crankshaft to two spaced wristpins at the piston. Preferably, one connecting rod assembly is made up of two spaced connecting rods and the other is a single connecting rod which passes between the two spaced connecting rods to form the crossing relationship. If desired, the dual connecting rod assembly may be two spaced single connecting rods or have one connecting rod in the form of a fork, with the single connecting rod passing between the tines of the forked connecting rod.

Abstract: A carburettor metering system comprises a fuel evaporator 113 consisting of porous parallel plates 114 with their lower portions immersed in fuel 121, fuel metering means 122 for supplying fuel to the evaporator 113, and a laminar flow air restrictor 128 comprising a series of parallel plates 127 separated by spacers and defining narrow gaps between the plates 127. Such an arrangement enables a substantially constant air/fuel mixture strength to be obtained over a wide range of air flow rates in single cylinder engines. Furthermore the supply of mixture to the engine by way of an exit tube 126 may be controlled by a valve member 132 coupled to the engine governor so that the rate of flow of mixture varies in dependence on the load, and additionally so as to change the system between two modes of carburettor operation, namely lean operation, which is provided up to about three quarters load, and rich operation in which additional fuel is supplied to the evaporator 113.

Abstract: A cold start fuel injector is disclosed for use with an internal combustion engine of the type having an intake manifold and a fuel injection system. The cold start fuel injector includes a housing having a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet. An outlet contained within the housing is fluidly connected to the fuel inlet and, when provided pressurized fuel at its inlet, generates a fuel spray into the intake manifold. A tubular and cylindrical heater is provided around the outlet from the nozzle so that the fuel spray from the nozzle passes through the heater and, in doing so, is vaporized for better fuel combustion and, thus, reduced emissions. Additionally, a mesh is preferably provided within the interior of the heater. This mesh which is optionally heated prevents large droplets of fuel from contacting and unduly cooling the heater. Similarly, fuel at a reduced pressure is provided to the nozzle of the cold start fuel injector.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for purging air from the reservoir of a diaphragm carburetor on an internal combustion engine and for supplying priming fuel to the carburetor air intake. A pump is responsive to electrical signals from priming control circuitry to draw fuel through the carburetor reservoir and to feed fuel under pressure to a nozzle positioned at the carburetor air intake. The electronic control circuitry is responsive to an oprator for initiating a priming operation and includes a temperature sensor coupled to the engine for controlling duration of the priming operation, and thus the quantity of engine priming fuel, as a function of engine temperature. A second timer is responsive to operator initiation of a priming operation for preventing regeneration of the priming control signal to the pump, and thereby preventing attempting repriming in the event of failure of the engine to start.

Abstract: A carburetor for an internal combustion engine has a long multi-stage mixing path for the air and fuel to completely mix, the path being formed by three mixing chambers arranged vertically in tandem. Each chamber has a spirally extending pathway. The air and liquid fuel is sprayed into an outer portion of the top chamber and flows toward the central portion to enter the next adjacent chamber at the center, and continues to flow in the pathway in the second chamber spirally outwardly to enter the pathway in the third chamber at an outer portion from which it flows toward the center of the third chamber out the carburetor into the intake manifold of the engine. The first chamber has a cyclonic funnel in the central portion thereof so that the less volatile heavy unvaporized liquid fuel particles flowing in the first chamber are collected in a reservoir disposed at the bottom of the funnel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel metering and distribution system for an internal combustion engine comprising an open fuel reservoir 18 into which fuel is metered and a set of capillary tubes 20 each extending from the fuel reservoir 18 to a point in an induction manifold adjacent the intake valve of a respective one of the engine cylinders. The fuel may either be metered by a carburettor-like arrangement drawing fuel from a float chamber or by means of a single solenoid valve connected between the reservoir and a source of fuel under pressure. The ends of the fine tubes terminate in the fuel reservoir immediately above the fuel level, whereby as the fuel rises, the additional fuel metered into the reservoir is sucked into the fine tubes and transferred directly to the engine cylinders.

Abstract: A fuel saving system for a gasoline engine including a chamber for mixing air and gas and passing the vaporized fuel into an intake manifold to create a better balanced fuel mixture in the engine combustion chambers. The mixing chamber draws air from the engine's vacuum, passing it through an elastic porous element where raw gas is sprayed directly on the element and vapor is drawn off and passed into the intake manifold where it is mixed with air.

Abstract: A fuel system and electronic control therefor which is especially designed for use with an internal combustion engine or the like in which said fuel system is operable to provide fuel fumes or vapor to the engine from a source of liquid ignitable vaporizable fuel, such as gasoline, of sufficient quantity whereby to significantly increase the efficiency of the engine and thus substantially increase the per gallon mileage rate for the engine when used in an automotive vehicle or the like, and one using liquid fuel as the original fuel source. The system incorporates an electronic control operable to monitor a plurality of engine parameters and which control is responsive to a change in engine demand for said fuel and resultant change in one or more of said engine parameters to maintain the optimum ratio of vaporized fuel and air in the mixture delivered to the engine for combustion.

Abstract: A fuel mixing device is provided an more particularly on improved fuel mixing device for an internal combustion engine which improves the fuel efficiency of the engine to obtain a more complete utilization of the power transmitting properties of the fuel.

Abstract: An evaporative carburetor has a normally pressure-tight chamber which houses an evaporator tray to which a fuel supply delivers gasoline. A first air passage in the carburetor chamber communicates from a first, automatically-valved, air inlet to pick up gasoline particles and vapor from the evaporator tray. A second air passage communicates from the evaporator tray to a mixing region and includes a particle arrester. A heater maintains the evaporator tray and the second passage above a selected temperature. A second, externally-controlled, valved inlet feeds air to the mixing region, and a third air passage communicates from the mixing region to a throttled output port. An aqueous control liquid is injected into the air stream in the third passage.

Abstract: A fuel system especially designed for use with an internal combustion engine or the like in which fuel system is operable therewith to provide fuel fumes or vapor to the engine from a source of liquid ignitable vaporizable fuel, such as gasoline, of sufficient quantity whereby to significantly increase the efficiency of the engine and thus substantially increase the per gallon mileage rate for the engine when used in an automotive vehicle or the like, and one using liquid fuel as the original fuel source. The system includes improved means for fuming the liquid fuel.

Abstract: An arrangement and method is disclosed for improving the fuel economy of an internal combustion engine of the type having a carburetor for mixing a fuel with air, in which the air is saturated with a mixture of ether, alcohol and water.

Abstract: A vaporizer cooperating with a recirculating water system humidifies air before it enters the carburetor of an automobile engine. The vaporizer is generally a hollow tube which includes an evaporating pad that distributes liquid such as water. As air moves through the vaporizer, vapor moves into the air stream. Excess liquid is collected at the bottom of a larger portion of the vaporizer, whose air outlet is elevated from that bottom to prevent liquid phase water from leaving the vaporizer. The recirculating system drains collected excess water.

Abstract: In vaporization means for liquid fuel for an internal combustion engine, the mixture strength is measured and used to control the rate of flow of liquid fuel into the air stream so as to maintain the mixture strength constant. Measurement of mixture strength is effected by measuring the temperature drop in the air flow due to the latent heat of the liquid fuel.