Abstract: According to the present invention, combustion properties of a gaseous fuel such as natural gas, utilized to fuel an internal combustion engine, are determined by measuring the velocity of sound in the gaseous fuel. This sound velocity measurement is utilized to control and adjust engine performance factors such as ignition timing, fuel flow rate, air/fuel ratio, fuel injection timing, and pilot fuel oil quantity and timing in dual fuel systems. The speed of sound in the gaseous fuel is used to define the hydrogen-to-carbon ratio in the fuel, which is employed in the invention to control and adjust various engine performance factors, and a number of display readouts.

Abstract: A fuel consumption optimizer and exhaust emissions reducer for an internal combustion engine including an air-vacuum liquid compensation device has a device for supplying a first stream of air at high speed and a second stream of air at high volume through respective channels into a booster container and a device for passing the first stream of air and the second stream of air through a plurality of openings in the respective channels into a body of liquid in the booster container. A method is described for optimizing fuel consumption and reducing exhaust emissions in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A compound for use as an additive to gasoline or as a fuel is provided. The compound has the molecular formula: ##STR1## is provided where R is CH.sub.3, C.sub.3 H.sub.6, C.sub.7 H.sub.8, C.sub.6 H.sub.10, or C.sub.10 H.sub.18 ; R.sub.1 is a carbonyl group (C.dbd.O), R.sub.2 is H or --OH (hydroxyl), and R.sub.3 is an aliphatic compound or a silicon compound. The product is formed through pressure reaction to generate energy chain and change the original molecular structure to form a closed chain. Due to the reaction mechanism, a mixture is provided which is approximately 40.about.70% alcohol, approximately 2.5.about.18% ketone and ethers, and approximately 4.about.20% aliphatic and silicon compounds. It has 2 to 10 carbon atoms and 3 to 18 hydrogen and 3 to 16 oxygen atoms. The mixture is added to gasoline to provide a fuel mixture. The fuel mixture contains up to 70% by volume of the additive mixture.

Abstract: A paper envelope containing a power mixture of potassium chlorate and manganese dioxide in a sheath of terry cloth is adhered preferably by a double-backed tape of a wall of the air intake of an air cleaner of an internal combustion engine to activate the air reaching the engine and improve the combustion and reduce fuel consumption.

Abstract: A fuel mixture is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, an alternative gaseous fuel for operating a combustion engine includes approximately 21 to 50% Hydrogen and the rest natural gas constituants such as combinations of Methane, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen, Ethane, Propane, Iso-Butane, N-Butane, Iso Pentane, N-Pentane, and Hexanes Plus. Current production engines without any substantial modifications can take this alternative fuel. This alternative fuel is lean burning and emits emissions that are below current legal standards.

Abstract: By controlling one or more properties of a gasoline fuel suitable for combustion in automobiles, the emissions of NOx, CO and/or hydrocarbons can be reduced. The preferred fuel for reducing all three such emissions has a Reid Vapor Pressure no greater than 7.5 psi (0.51 atm), essentially zero olefins, and a 50% D-86 Distillation Point greater than about 180.degree. F. (82.degree. C.) but less than 205.degree. F. (96.1.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a device for improving combustion in combustion processes and to achieve cleaner emissions. An oxidizer in gaseous form is introduced to metal-containing surfaces or surfaces onto which oxidizers can deposit in the combustion area or its proximity so that a direct convergence with the fuel feed and its admixture with air is obtained. The regulation of the flow supply is effected with an engine feedback control system. The following are also effected by the control system: the gaseous flow, the flow speed and concentration according to the engine load, motor speed, temperature, fuel consumption and gaseous emissions.

Abstract: A method is described for operating a spark ignition internal combustion engine utilizing an improved composition containing dimethyl ether and propane as fuel. An engine incorporating the invention produces a lesser amount of certain atmospheric pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons, as compared to the amount of pollutants produced when the engine is operated at identical conditions with propane as fuel. Also described is an improved fuel composition which exhibits a lower vapor pressure than, for example, propane and, therefore, is relatively easier to liquefy and transport.

Abstract: A method of treating hydrocarbon fuels with a base metal catalyst is provided for improving the performance of hydrocarbon fuels used in 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. 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.

Abstract: A fuel shut-off valve is particularly adapted for fuel systems using alcohol fuel wherein the alcohol fuel is typically pumped via an on-off valve to a fuel injection system and recirculated back to the alcohol fuel tank. The fuel shut-off valve of the invention is located between the fuel pump and the fuel injection system and is adapted to receive excess fuel from the injectors and direct it back to the fuel pump. In addition, a bypass valve arrangement directs fuel from the fuel pump to either the fuel injection system in the on or open position or back to the fuel pump when the valve is closed. The fuel shut-off valve also has a positive locking mechanism which retains the valve in the open or closed position.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of reducing the concentration of NO.sub.x in the exhaust streams of internal combustion ignitions wherein a selected producing agent is introduced into the combustion chamber of such an engine via the fuel and/or air feed stream introduced into the combustion chamber. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reducing the concentration of NO.sub.x in the exhaust streams of internal combustion engines having a piston-cylinder assembly having an air fuel mixture contained therein, a means for storing a selective reducing agent selected from the group consisting of ammonia, hydrazine and cyanuric acid and a means for introducing the reducing agent into the lean air/fuel mixture before combustion occurs such that upon combustion of the air/fuel mixture, the reducing agent decomposes to react with one or more products of combustion to produce an engine exhaust stream having a reduced concentration of NO.sub.x.

Abstract: A device as described for direct addition of additive solids to liquid fuels, which solids are soluble in the fuel. For adding solids to fuel directly in the line leading to the combustion chamber or engine, the device includes a hollow body at least partially filled with the solid, whose lengthwise axis is at an angle .alpha. of 130.degree. to 170.degree. to the inflowing fuel and whose lower end, irrigated by inflowing fuel, has at least one opening through which the fuel can enter and leave the hollow body.

Abstract: A method for improving economy and performance in the operation of internal combustion engines of motor vehicles includes the steps of (a) providing on the motor vehicle a confined supply of alcohol, (b) pressurizing the confined supply of alcohol with engine exhaust gases, (c) passing a controlled stream of alcohol from the confined supply to an enclosure defining an upper zone and a lower zone to maintain a volume of liquid alcohol in the lower zone, (d) charging a stream of air into the volume of the alcohol to vaporize a portion thereof and form vaporized alcohol in the upper zone, (e) causing pressure contained within the enclosure to discharge a stream of the vaporized alcohol from the upper zone of the enclosure into the air intake manifold of the engine, (f) baffling the stream in its passage from the enclosure to the air intake manifold and (g) causing the stream of the vaporized alcohol to mix with the air passing in the manifold for subsequent mixture with the primary gasoline fuel.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle is described having on-board storage of free natural gas and natural gas combined with water to form a hydrate. The natural gas is preferably a mixture of methane and about 1% propane. It is provided with hollow metal plates. Cooling fluid can be circulated through the plates to form the hydrate and heating fluid can be circulated through the plates to decompose the hydrate. The pressure within the storage container is preferably between 450 and 850 psig. The free natural gas within the container can be used to start and warm the engine. The vehicle air conditioning system is used to cool the circulated fluid and the vehicle radiator and/or exhaust is used to heat the circulating fluid. The container is insulated with multiple layers of heat reflective material, e.g., aluminum foil, separated by glass fiber felt. Preferably, the layers are sealed and the space between the layers is maintained under a vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing nitrogen oxides emissions from a diesel engine, which comprises preparing an emulsion of an aqueous urea solution in diesel fuel, and supplying said emulsion to a diesel engine for combusting therein, whereby combustion of the emulsion leads to a reduction in the nitrogen oxides emissions from the diesel engine when compared with combustion of diesel fuel alone.

Abstract: With an electronic control device for an internal combustion engine using an oxygenated compound mixed fuel, operating conditions of the engine are detected, and are utilized to determine fundamental control data for the engine, while the dielectric constant and the refractive index of an oxygenated compound mixed fuel supplied to the engine are detected, and the oxygenated compound content of the mixed fuel is calculated according to the dielectric constant thus detected. The refractive index, and the oxygenated compound content are utilized to estimate the distillation characteristic of the petroleum refined fuel in the mixed fuel. The fundamental control data are corrected by using first correction data determined from the oxygenated compound content and second correction data determined from the distillation characteristic.

Abstract: The amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and hydrocarbon emissions emanating via the exhaust during operation of a gasoline engine is reduced by dispensing to a gasoline engine adjusted to operate primarily at an air-to-fuel ratio between lambda of about 0.9 to about 1.15, a gasoline that contains a minor amount of (i) a cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl compound and (ii) an alkyllead anti-knock agent. Components (i) and (ii) are proportioned such that there is dissolved in the fuel a substantially equal weight of manganese as (i) and lead as (ii), and the amount of (i) and (ii) used in the fuel is an amount that reduces the amount of NOx and hydrocarbons in the engine exhaust on combustion of the fuel with an air-to-fuel ratio between lambda of about 0.9 to about 1.15. Lambda is the actual air-to-fuel ratio divided by the stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratio. The stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratio is a lambda value of one.

Abstract: A fuel filter assembly that provides a constant level of least restricted fuel flow through the fuel filter assembly during the useful life of the filter media by utilizing the least possible amount of filter media to provide the least possible pressure differential over the filter media while also providing a constant level of fuel additive by exposing an amount proportional to the filter media required for the least possible restricted fuel flow. The fuel filter assembly utilizes a vertically upward housing that houses a filter media and a fuel additive. The fuel level slowly rises in the housing as the filter media becomes obstructed with contaminants and as the fuel additive dissolves over the life of the filter media. The top portion of the housing is made of a transparent material so that the level of fuel level may be easily determined, thereby allowing for an accurate and simple assessment of the useful life of the filter media and the fuel additive.

Abstract: A generator powered by an internal combustion engine is fueled from a source of biogas. A pump boosts the pressure of the biogas, and a regulator controls the biogas pressure supplied to the fuel intake of the engine carburetor. Acid-neutralizing oil is injected into the biogas stream at the intake of the pump to protect the engine from corrosion due to acidic constituents in the biogas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of diphenylamine alkoxylate compounds as additives in fuel compositions. The invention is also directed to the use of these compounds for decreasing intake valve deposits.

Abstract: During servicing, used lubricating oil is pumped (7) from the sump of a compression ignition engine (4) crankcase to a reservoir means (8), then filtered (10) and mixed (2) with fuel oil returning (12) to a supply tank (14). The filtered (10) used lubricating oil is effectively mixed (2) with the fuel (12) for burning in the engine (4).

Abstract: A device for direct addition of solid additives to fuels for internal combustion engines. In order to ensure a concentration of the solid additive in the fuel which is as constant as possible, the device has a cartridge at least partially filled with the solid additives and at least partially permeable to the fuel. The cartridge is located in a portion of the filling neck of a fuel tank.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electric fuel pump housing a DC motor therein for an internal combustion engine using a gasoline-alcohol blend fuel. A switchover line is preestablished with respect to alcohol concentration in the fuel and operating condition of the engine such as an engine load, an engine speed or both the engine load and engine speed. If the detected condition exceeds the switchover line in a high engine load, a relay is energized so that battery voltage is supplied to the motor through a line bypassing a resistor provided at an initial power supply line. Voltage and hence current applied to the motor is thus increased to raise pump speed higher. Although the system construction is simple and low-cost, sufficient fuel can be supplied at the high engine load.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine system that is selectively powered by an enhanced air/fuel mixture. The supply of fuel to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine is increased in response to the addition of a supplemental oxidizing agent into an air/fuel mixture. The additional fuel may be added by increasing the duty cycle of fuel injectors mounted proximate the individual cylinders. In addition, the ignition timing is adjusted in accordance with the change in the density of the air/fuel mixture. The amount of supplemental oxidizing agent provided to the cylinders may be regulated by increasing in a controlled manner the rate at which the supplemental oxidizing agent is supplied over a period of time. Furthermore, the control unit for the engine receives and responds to a number of external operating parameters including the oxygen content of the engine exhaust and the traction of the tires.

Abstract: A fuel additive system is disclosed which comprises a sensing device for determining the flow rate of fuel into the system and for generating a signal in dependence upon the fuel flow rate, a control system for conditioning the signal to produce a proportional speed of a variable speed motor, a metering pump driven by the motor for dispensing an additive into the fuel flow at a rate proportionate to the speed of the motor, and a valving device for controlling the rate of increase in the fuel flow rate to permit the control system and the metering pump to respond to the variations within an effective response time to substantially maintain a predetermined ratio between the fuel flow rate and the additive dispensing rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automatic injection of an additive into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, from an on-board additive tank in which the quantity of additive to be withdrawn from the additive tank is determined using an on-board computation unit, and the quantity of additive thus determined is injected by pulsed atomization, this atomization being carried out directly into the liquid bulk of the fuel. This pulsed atomization is preferably carried out by controlling a positive-displacement piston, where the number of strokes of the piston which is automatically determined as a function of the quantity of the additive to be withdrawn.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved emissions reduction system for lowering the emissions of NO.sub.x generated by the combustion of hydrocarbons. The present invention further provides a method for lowering the emissions of NO.sub.x generated by the combustion of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reducing nitrogen oxides emissions from a diesel engine, which comprises preparing an emulsion of an aqueous urea solution in diesel fuel, and supplying said emulsion to a diesel engine for combusting therein, whereby combustion of the emulsion leads to a reduction in the nitrogen oxides emissions from the diesel engine when compared with combustion of diesel fuel alone.

Abstract: It is determined whether an engine for a flexible fuel vehicle is in a start enabling state based on alcohol concentration of fuel supplied to the engine. When it is determined that the engine is in the start enabling state, a heater for vaporizing fuel is energized. Current flowing in the heater is compared with a reference current representing completion of warmup of the engine. When the current becomes smaller than the reference current, the heater is de-energized, and the fuel is injected to start the engine.

Abstract: An electronic sensor (20) for measuring methanol content in gasoline fuels for automotive engines including a sensing coil (108/108') and a paired capacitance element (42,44/42', 44') that cooperates with the coil to define an oscillating circuit wherein the gasoline methanol fuel mixture is used as a dielectric for the capacitor elements of the sensor, a change in the methanol concentration in the fuel resulting in a change in the dielectric constant of the sensor (20) which results in a change in the resonant frequency of the capacitor elements (108/108', 42/44/42', 44'), and a microprocessor circuit (160) which responds to a change in the oscillating frequency to establish a control signal that may be used by an automotive powertrain controller (24) to effect appropriate adjustments in the air/fuel ratio and ignition timing for the engine (10) to compensate for variations in the methanol content of the fuel.

Abstract: A process for the addition of ferrocene to combustion or motor fuels involves an improved metering of the additive ferrocene into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine or a combustion system. The process utilizes the sublimation properties of ferrocene in that ferrocene is passed through sublimation into a stream of combustion gas or a substream thereof and with the combustion or motor fuel, which is present as a vapor or finely distributed as solid or liquid particles, fed to a chemical conversion through combustion. A preferred application consists of loading the combustion chamber of a diesel engine equipped with a diesel particulate filter with a carrier gas stream enriched with ferrocene vapor in a sublimator.

Abstract: A halogenated or sulfonated active carbon which has a high storage capacity for methane is provided from selected halogens in elemental form or solutions of such halogens or from solutions of sulfuric acid, fuming sulfuric acid, sulfur trioxide.

Abstract: This invention describes a fuel system for an internal combustion engine of the diesel type which is completely compatible with methanol and other low cetane liquid fuels. The fuel system is also capable of handling methanol liquid fuel, and other low cetane highly corrosive liquid fuels, of materials fully compatible with the fuel and adapted for long term durability use. Further, a fuel system is disclosed that is free of particulates of less than one micron in size thereby providing superior long term durability protection against scoring within the fuel pump and fuel delivery injectors. The invention also provides a fuel system comprising primary and secondary fuel filters, a fuel pump, and the fuel injectors designed to provide acceptable durability and reliability despite the lack of lubricity in methanol and similar fuels.

Abstract: A process for operating an internal combustion heat engine which comprises the steps of thermochemically regenerating waste heat rejected by the heat engine by reacting at least one conventional fuel compound containing hydrogen and carbon with an oxygen donor using substantial quantities of the waste heat to produce a mixture of engine-fuel containing substantial quantities of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and utilizing the mixture of engine-fuel to operate an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A new emission control system is described herein that injects liquid catalytic compounds into fossil fueled combustion devices for the purposes of reducing unhealthful emissions. The invention of the micrometering valve and injection nozzle assembly allows for the accurate, adjustable and controllable injection of minute quantities of liquid catalytic compounds. This injection means and method eliminates the chemical phase change as an integral part of the metering process. Liquid phase injection increases the selection of deliverable catalytic compounds, simplifies control and delivery equipment requirements and increases the potential range and functions of the invention. Liquid phase injection also offers the ability to utilize the combustion air stream, liquid or gaseous fuel stream or an alternate path delivering matter to the combustion process.

Abstract: An additive dispensing system for diesel fueled applications includes a diesel fuel system having either single or multiple tanks, a fuel level sensor, an additive tank, a fixed rate additive dispensing pump and a microprocessor operating on a logic basis whereby a minimum of three fuel level readings, taken at fixed periods and compared to one another and/or to predetermined standards, provide the input necessary to control the operation of the additive dispensing pump so as to maintain a predetermined concentration of additive in the diesel fuel system regardless of random refueling sequences.

Abstract: An ignition timing control system for an internal combustion engine having a catalytic converter in its exhaust system and using a gasoline-alcohol blend fuel. Since the combustion temperature of the alcohols is lower than that of gasoline, the temperature of the exhaust gas decreases with increasing alcohol concentration of the fuel, which slows the heating of the catalyst and thus delays its activation, thereby degrading exhaust emission. In order to avoid this, ignition timing is retarded at cold engine starting with increasing alcohol concentration in the fuel so as to raise the exhaust gas temperature and promote the reactions in the catalytic converter. The retard amount is further adjusted by the manifold pressure and the intake air temperature.

Abstract: An electronic engine control system for use with differing fuel types, such as gasoline, methanol and mixtures of the two, controls engine operating parameters such as the fuel/air ratio and ignition timing in response to fuel-type indications generated by a fuel type sensor positioned on the fuel line. Changes in the fuel type passing the sensor result in variations in the engine control signals which are effective after a variable delay period elapses. The duration of the variable delay period is altered in response to changes in fuel pump voltage and fuel temperature to form a better estimate of the transport delay experienced by the fuel as it passed from the fuel-type sensor to the engine's fuel intake. A microcontroller delays the control signal changes by retrieving a count value from a two-dimensional lookup table indexed by values reflecting pump voltage and fuel temperature.

Abstract: When or just after an engine (1) is started, a starting switch (9) is turned on and a value is set in a just-after-starting counter in a CPU (114). The starting or just-after-starting state is detected. Fuel temperature and fuel properties are detected by a fuel properties sensor (16). The detected values are calculated in the CPU (114). Fuel temperature detection output is corrected, then a filter value or average value is calculated and stored in RAM (114b) in the CPU (114) and just after the engine is started, based on the stored value, driving of a bypass control valve (6) and an injector (12) is controlled and the fuel amount or air amount is controlled for the engine. Thereby, it is enable optimum fuel amount control when and just after an engine is started regardless of the differences in the fuel properties.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine system that is selectively powered by an enhanced air/fuel mixture. The supply of fuel to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine is increased in response to the addition of a supplemental oxidizing agent into an air/fuel mixture. The additional fuel may be added by increasing the duty cycle of fuel injectors mounted proximate the individual cylinders. In addition, the ignition timing is adjusted in accordance with the change in the density of the fuel air mixture. The amount of supplemental oxidizing agent provided to the cylinders may be regulated by increasing in a controlled manner the rate at which the supplemental oxidizing agent is supplied over a period of time. Furthermore, the control unit for the engine receives and responds to a number of external operating parameters including the oxygen content of the engine exhaust and the traction of the tires.

Abstract: A device for introducing a small amount of a rare earth mixture or composition in the combustion chamber of an combustion engine (1) comprises a container (4) containing a dry, air-permeable filling (5) of rare earth-containing fibers and/or powder, wherein the container (4) communicates via an opening (11) with the atmosphere and via a suction line (8) with a vacuum line (2), which is connected to the combustion chamber of the engine (1).

Abstract: A pulse width modulated controller for N.sub.2 O and enrichment fuel delivery includes a system control logic section which processes signals from sensors for throttle position, engine speed and a number of other user-selectable parameters and a driver section controls electrically operated injectors or solenoid valves. The driver section allows the injectors to open only when all of the parameters sensed in the control section are met. Moreover, the driver section activates injectors according to a pulse generated by a pulse width modulation section which determines how long the injectors will remain activated. The pulse width modulation section receives signals based on the present throttle position and engine speed and adjusts these values according to values for N.sub.2 O and enrichment fuel based on engine speed and throttle position set by the user in a tuning section and thereby continuously provides the driver section with a pulse having a width proportional to the proper amount of N.sub.

Abstract: A method includes a step of calculating an estimated blending ratio of a mixed fuel supplied to a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine and a following equation is effected in this step to derive the estimated blending ratio:B(t)=k*B(t-1)+(1-k)*Bs(t-n)where t is an integer,n is a first delay coefficient set according to an operation parameter and a type of the engine,B(t-1) is an estimated blending ratio derived in the preceding cycle,Bs(t-n) is a blending ratio obtained by use of said blending ratio sensor in a cycle which was effected n cycles before the current cycle, andk is a second delay coefficient set according to a operation parameter and the type of the engine.

Abstract: The invention presented relates to a method for reducing the emission of nitrogen oxides from a diesel engine without significant loss of fuel efficiency and without significant increases in carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions. The method involves preparing a diesel engine such that the injection timing thereof is set at a point sufficient to obtain reductions in the nitrogen oxides emissions from the engine; and firing the diesel engine with a diesel fuel having admixed therein an additive which comprises a fuel soluble organometallic platinum group metal coordination composition.

Abstract: A motor vehicle fuel composition sensor is responsive to a dielectric constant of a mixture of two fuels such as gasoline and methanol to indicate the relative concentrations of each. The sensor is fuel temperature dependent at high concentrations of methanol; and a fuel temperature sensor thus provides a fuel temperature signal for fuel composition signal correction. Diagnostic apparatus stores references defining permissible operating ranges for the fuel temperature and fuel composition sensor outputs and compares the sensor outputs with these ranges to detect abnormal sensor operation. The reference defining the end of the fuel composition sensor range at maximum methanol, however, is corrected for fuel temperature if the fuel temperature sensor output is within range. An out of range signal from either sensor causes a default value to be substituted for fuel composition.

Abstract: An electronic sensor (20) for measuring methanol content in gasoline fuels for automotive engines including a sensing coil (108/108') and a paired capacitance element (42,44/42',44') that cooperates with the coil to define an oscillating circuit wherein the gasoline methanol fuel mixture is used as a dielectric for the capacitor elements of the sensor, a change in the methanol concentration in the fuel resulting in a change in the dielectric constant of the sensor (20) which results in a change in the resonant frequency of the capacitor elements (108/108',42,44/42',44'), and a microprocessor circuit (160) which responds to a change in the oscillating frequency to establish a control signal that may be used by an automotive powertrain controller (24) to effect appropriate adjustments in the air/fuel ratio and ignition timing for the engine (10) to compensate for variations in the methanol content of the fuel.

Abstract: A proportional plus integral feedback control system is responsive to a two-state, filtered output signal from an exhaust gas oxygen sensor. The sensor's output is offset from stoichiometric switching by the presence of alcohol in the fuel blend. A correcting bias term is calculated and the average value of the feedback variable is appropriately biased by selection of the proportional plus integral terms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the efficiency of a combustion process and thereby reducing undesirable emissions in which a solid combustion enhancing substance is converted into a highly dispersed, gas-transportable state at a controlled rate and is subsequently conveyed into the zone of combustion. The use of a substance in its solid state eases handling and avails highly effective materials for combustion and enhancement while the necessary conversion of the substance from one state to another enables a high degree of control as to its rate of addition to the combustion process. The substance's highly dispersed state when it enters the combustion process maximizes its effect.

Abstract: An alcohol sensing device is provided for determination of the alcohol content within an alcohol/gasoline fuel mixture which is being provided for the operation of an internal combustion engine. The sensing device uses infrared spectrometry measuring techniques. The infrared sensing device determines the ratio of light absorption by the alcohol/gasoline mixture at two discrete wavelengths within the near-infrared spectrum. The two particular wavelengths of interest are preferably chosen so that at one of the infrared wavelengths, alcohol is strongly absorbing while the gasoline exhibits very little absorption, and at the second wavelength both the alcohol and the gasoline exhibit are essentially non-absorbing. An alternating current is used to switch the light beam between two power settings so as to vary the intensity of transmitted light at both wavelengths. The light beam is transmitted through the alcohol/gasoline fuel mixture so that the two discrete wavelengths traverse the same optical path.

Abstract: An aqueous fuel for an internal combustion engine is provided. The fuel comprises water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel selected from the class consisting of ethanol, methanol, gasoline, kerosene fuel, diesel fuel, carbon-containing gaseous or liquid fuel, or mixtures thereof. A method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine is provided. The method produces approximately as much power as the same volume of gasoline. The method comprises introducing air and aqueous fuel into a fuel introduction system for the engine.