Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an internal combustion engine that substantially improves the fuel efficiency by utilizing heat normally discharged to the ambient to condition and prepare the fuel mixture prior to entry into the combustion chambers. The apparatus comprises a fuel vaporizer, a fuel mixture heater and a mixture homogenizer located in a fuel mixture flow path intermediate the vaporizer and the heater. The fuel vaporizer includes structure defining an inner heat exchange chamber which receives air and entrained fuel discharged by a fuel introducing device such as a carburetor. The fuel mixture is heated and at least partially vaporized by engine waste heat derived from the engine cooling system or alternately the engine exhaust system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an electric ignition, internal combustion engine that substantially improves the fuel efficiency by utilizing heat normally discharged to the ambient to condition and prepare the fuel mixture prior to entry into the combustion chambers. The apparatus comprises a fuel vaporizer (50) that transfers heat from the engine coolant system to the fuel mixture as it leaves a fuel introducing device such as a carburetor (38); a fuel mixture heater (52) for heating the mixture above the vaporization temperature of the liquid fuel; and, a mixture homogenizer (54) for thoroughly stirring the fuel mixture that is located in the fuel mixture flow path intermediate the vaporizer and heater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an electric ignition, internal combustion engine that substantially improves the fuel efficiency by utilizing heat normally discharged to the ambient to condition and prepare the fuel mixture prior to entry into the combustion chambers. The apparatus comprises a fuel vaporizer that transfers heat from the engine coolant system to the fuel mixture as it leaves a fuel introducing device such as a carburetor; a fuel mixture heater for heating the mixture above the vaporization temperature of the liquid fuel; and, a mixture homogenizer for thoroughly stirring the fuel mixture that is located in the fuel mixture flow path intermediate the vaporizer and heater. The homogenizer is operative to compress the fuel mixture under certain engine operating conditions and the heater forms the intake manifold for the engine and includes branch flow paths and associated conduits that communicate directly with each combustion chamber through a valve controlled port.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a cylinder 16, a cylinder head 10, and a piston 12 slidably mounted within the cylinder for reciprocating movement towards and away from the cylinder head, together defining a reaction chamber 22. The piston and cylinder head include cooperating structure for inducing rotative movement in a fuel/air mixture within the cylinder before and after the combustion reaction. The structure comprises at least two projections 50, 51 rising upwardly from a top the surface of the piston and disposed symmetrically about a central axis in a side-by-side interfitting, "yin and yang" relationship. The projections are defined by respective inclined, lateral surfaces 50a, 51a that merge with horizontal surface portions 58, 59 of the piston, the horizontal extent of which taper from the base of the associated projection; the upper portion of the projections terminate in respective circular edge surfaces 56, 57.