Abstract: A method of evaluating thermal stability of a fuel and an apparatus used therein. The method includes heating the fuel to a given temperature, directing light through the heated fuel a first time wherein the light is of an intensity and of a wavelength to induce fluorescence and obtaining a first fluorescence data, directing the light through the fuel at least a second time that is later in time and obtaining a second fluorescence data, and measuring any changes to fluorescence from the heated fuel over time.

Abstract: An on-board fuel vapor recovery system draws vapors from a fuel tank, compresses the vapors, and then cools the compressed vapors to form a condensate liquid fuel which is stored in an auxiliary condensate tank for introduction to an engine for enhanced cold start operation.

Abstract: An on-board fuel vapor recovery system draws vapors from a fuel tank, compresses the vapors, and then cools the compressed vapors to form a condensate liquid fuel which is stored in an auxiliary condensate tank for introduction to an engine for enhanced cold start operation.

Abstract: A method of producing oxygenated fuel. The method operates on a sulfur-free base fuel. Oxygen gas is introduced into the base fuel, which is heated, using a sparging process. Water is then removed from the resulting oxygenated fuel.

Abstract: A method of producing oxygenated fuel. The method operates on a sulfur-free base fuel. Oxygen gas is introduced into the base fuel, which is heated, using a sparging process. Water is then removed from the resulting oxygenated fuel.

Abstract: A mixture of alkoxy-terminated poly-oxymethylenes, having a varied mixture of molecular weights, is blended with diesel fuel to form an improved fuel for autoignition engines. The mixed alkoxy-terminated poly-oxymethylenes may be produced by reacting paraformaldehyde with methylal, methanol, or other alcohol for a length of time and at a temperature and pressure sufficient to form the mixed alkoxy-terminated poly-oxymethylenes. The base diesel fuel, when blended with the mixed alkoxy-terminated poly-oxymethylenes in a volume ratio of from about 2 to about 5 parts diesel fuel to 1 part mixed alkoxy-terminated poly-oxymethylenes, provides a higher quality fuel having significantly improved lubricity and reduced smoke formation, without degradation of the cetane number or smoke formation characteristics when compared with the base diesel fuel.

Abstract: A combustor for burning the untreated exhaust of an internal combustion engine heats and burns the exhaust prior to release into the atmosphere, or prior to introduction into a downstream treatment system such as a catalytic converter. The combustor defines a novel, passive flame holder in combination with an igniter, whereby the exhaust continues to burn, without assist, once ignited. Managed air injection may be employed. The combustor is configured to fit within standard exhaust systems with a minimum of modification to the overall exhaust assembly. The combustor is particularly useful in cold start conditions for increasing the temperature of the exhaust to catalytic converter operating temperatures and for use in small engine applications where exhaust has heretofore been released untreated.

Abstract: An engine is provided which, in at least one cylinder or combustion area, is provided with a hydrocarbon rich fuel which produces upon combustion an exhaust gas containing unburned hydrocarbons, water vapor and carbon monoxide. The exhaust gas is treated in a catalytic converter and the reaction process that occurs therein produces hydrogen and carbon dioxide which is mixed with air to form a hydrocarbon lean, hydrogen enriched mixture. The mixture is subsequently ignited in other cylinders or combustion areas of the engine to produce power.

Abstract: An engine is provided which, in at least one cylinder or combustion area, is provided with a hydrocarbon rich fuel which produces upon combustion an exhaust gas containing unburned hydrocarbons, water vapor and carbon monoxide. The exhaust gas is treated in a catalytic converter and the reaction process that occurs therein produces hydrogen and carbon dioxide which is mixed with air to form a hydrocarbon lean, hydrogen enriched mixture. The mixture is subsequently ignited in other cylinders or combustion areas of the engine to produce power.

Abstract: An optical inspection system for using laser-induced luminescence to detect the quality of materials, such as fuel. The inspection system comprises an excitation means for illuminating a specimen to cause it to produce fluorescent radiation. The spectral representation of the fluorescence produced by the specimen is compared to a reference spectrum to obtain an indication of the physical characteristics of the specimen.