Abstract: NOx emissions from diesel engines are reduced by mixing water in the diesel fuel to reduce combustion temperatures. The water is proportionately mixed into the diesel fuel and the mixture is injected into the cylinders. When the engine is not operating, the water separates from the diesel fuel and causes rusting. In accordance with this invention, the mixing of water into the diesel fuel is terminated before the engine is shut off so diesel fuel purges the system of the water/diesel fuel dispersion so that there no longer is water in the diesel fuel supply system by the time the engine is stopped.

Abstract: NOx emissions from gasoline engines are reduced by mixing water in the gasoline to reduce combustion temperatures. The water is dispersed in the gasoline as the gasoline is delivered to the cylinders. When the engine is not operating, the water separates from the gasoline and causes rusting. In accordance with this invention, the mixing of water into the gasoline is terminated before the engine is shut off so as to purge the system of the water/gasoline dispersion so that there no longer is water in the fuel supply system by the time the engine is stopped.

Abstract: A method and system for the control of the overall water content of an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine is provided. The disclosed fuel control system includes a post add water system and a control valve that is responsive to selected engine operating characteristics such as engine operating temperature, engine load, and carbon monoxide levels in the engine exhaust. The post add water system is adapted for selectively providing an additional supply of purified water via the control valve to the aqueous fuel in the fuel line. The fuel system controller is operatively associated with the control valve to regulate the quantity of water added and thereby control the overall content of water in the aqueous fuel emulsion delivered to the fuel injectors.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which a supply of treated water charged air is provided to the internal combustion engine. The atomic structure of the water is partially dissassembled due to exposure to oxygen attractive metal and also by the addition of a limited amount of chlorine to the liquid water. Water vapor is provided to the air stream through the use of an evaporative pad; this pad has an adjustable exposed surface area, thereby permitting the fine-tuning adjustment of the amount of humidity generated so as to maximize the efficiency of the engine. The presence of the oxygen attractive metal, such as zinc, when combined with the slightly acidic water vapor tends to dislodge oxygen from the hydrogen; this free oxygen and hydrogen recombine in the engine's cylinder to provide added energy release.

Abstract: In a method of monitoring the emission of nitrogen oxides NO.sub.x in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, the engine to be monitored incorporates an accelerometer used as a sensor. The signals produced by the accelerometer are analyzed to determine the NO.sub.x concentration in the engine exhaust gas by comparison with data supplied by an accelerometer fitted to a control engine.

Abstract: A fuel and water injection system for an internal combustion engine in which a computer calculates the minimum fuel requirements to meet power demand and the water injection requirements to achieve smooth operation without engine knock or pre-ignition; and triggers electronic injectors mounted in the intake manifold or adjacent to the cylinders to achieve those requirements. Fuel and water injectors are connected to constant-pressure fluid supply systems such that the rate of delivery of liquid to the inlet manifold or cylinder is based on the pulse width and pulse repetition rate of the signals sent from the computer. The fuel/air ratio ranges from the minimum requirement to support the combustion process to the maximum which can be burned cleanly and efficiently. Fuel injection rates within these limits are based on the operator's demand for power as represented by his positioning of the throttle plate using the accelerator.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided with water injectors and a source of pressurized water having at least one injector valve operated by a computer which senses various operating conditions of the engine and in response to said conditions opens or closes the injector valves allowing or blocking the passing of high pressure water into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which a supply of adjustable water charged air is provided to the internal combustion engine. Water vapor is provided to the air stream through the use of an evaporative pad; this pad has an adjustable exposed surface area, thereby permitting the fine-tuning adjustment of the amount of humidity generated so as to maximize the efficiency of the engine. Additionally, a barometric valve adjusts the humid air stream and a heat-responsive valve provides additional air input depending on the altitude and ambient air temperature respectively.

Abstract: An operation control system for an engine using alcohol fuel or mixed fuel of alcohol and hydrocarbon, or for an engine supplying cooling liquid such as alcohol, water or the like as fuel. Vapor concentration in exhaust gas and an air excess ratio of air-fuel mixture are detected, and a supply rate of alcohol, a water absorption ratio of alcohol or an amount of the cooling liquid is computed on the basis of the vapor concentration and the air excess ratio. Ignition timing, temperature of the coolant, a compression ratio and an air excess ratio are controlled on the basis of the supply rate of alcohol or the water absorption ratio of alcohol. Further, the cooling liquid is supplied which has its amount computed at a heavy load. Thus, operational performance of the engine is improved.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reducing the emissions of a diesel engine. A hydrous alcohol fuel of low proof supplements the diesel fuel, particularly in high acceleration and high r.p.m. conditions. The fuel is fumigated into the airstream of the intake manifold of the engine by a fuel injector that is supplied both the alcohol fuel and air under pressure. Control apparatus begins delivery of the alcohol fuel above a selected engine r.p.m. and the amount delivered generally corresponds to engine r.p.m. Under heavy acceleration, the flow of diesel fuel is reduced and engine power is brought back up by the alcohol fuel. No alcohol fuel is used when the engine is decelerating or reducing its r.p.m.'s.

Abstract: An automotive type diesel engine provided with a conventional fuel filter water separator has a solenoid operated drain or dump valve for removing liquid contaminant/water automatically when the contaminant or water reaches a predetermined level actuating a sensor. The removed contaminant or water is then inducted into the engine by means of a venturi/aspirator which in one embodiment has an outlet connected directly to the engine intake manifold to provide the necessary pressure drop or, in another turbocharged diesel engine embodiment, the boost pressure is connected to the inlet of the venturi/aspirator to again induct the liquid contaminant/water into and through the aspirator to be disposed of in the exhaust system of the engine, both embodiments thereby automatically providing for a complete disposal of liquid contaminant/water within the engine and thereby eliminating the need of a periodic draining of the same from the fuel filter by the vehicle operator, for example.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbo charged combustion engine with water injection. The characterizing feature of the engine is that there is provided one water injector for each cylinder, each respective injector facing the inlet port for injecting at least the main portion of the water jet straight into the inlet port.

Abstract: A system for effecting alternate fuel fumigation in an internal combustion engine including a fuel injector nozzle located in a scroll of a supercharger compressor associated with the engine. Schedules of secondary fuel addition as a function of engine load and as a function of engine speed are also disclosed as are fluid circuits used to effect such alternate fuel addition schedules.

Abstract: A combustion engine with electromagnetic controlled fuel injection apparatus is provided with a water injection for short duration during load increases in order to prevent thermal damage. For this reason there are provided, in addition to the fuel injection valves, also water injection valves of the same construction and size, whereby all injection valves are operated by a common electrical control device one after the other in a cycling sequence.

Abstract: When the operating condition of an engine is in a predetermined knock-development range, an antiknock agent is supplied to the engine. The ignition timing of the engine is advanced after a predetermined time has elapsed subsequent to the start of supplying the antiknock agent.

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.

Abstract: A novel pump suitable for use in a water injection system of an internal combustion engine is described. The pump controls the rate of flow of water injected into the engine. The pump includes a variable pressure inducing means for pressurizing the water contained in the pump. The variable pressure inducing means is responsive to negative back pressure developed in the intake manifold of the engine and varies the pressure of the water in accordance with changes in the negative back pressure of the manifold. As the negative back pressure decreases, the pressure of the water increases which in turn increases the flow rate of fluid from the pump into the engine. There is also disclosed a pressure sensitive nozzle for controlling the flow of fluid exiting from the nozzle as a function of fluid pressure. The nozzle includes an auxiliary fluid flow path through the nozzle that has an inlet opening of variable size.

Abstract: A fluid injection system for an internal combustion engine, including both spark-ignition and compression-ignition engines, includes a nozzle for injecting a finely divided spray of fluid, such as water, a water solution, or other combustion enhancing fluid, into the intake air of the engine in response to a flow of atomizing air. The nozzle is connected to a fluid supply and to the outlet an air injection pump that is connected to an electric drive motor. The drive motor is controlled by an electronic control circuit to provide the atomizing air to the nozzle in response to the fuel flow to the engine and in response to one or more engine parameters including parameters provided by a temperature sensor, a throttle position sensor, and/or a detonation sensor.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is shown having an intake manifold and carburetor to which water is injected or sprayed by an electrically powered pump receiving water from a reservoir; switches responsive to engine temperature, engine oil pressure and engine intake manifold vacuum serve to determine whether the circuitry for energizing the pump will be opened or closed; a valve member responsive to the intake manifold vacuum serves to permit a greater rate of flow of the water to the engine upon the manifold vacuum decreasing to a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting coolant into the fuel-air mixture supplied to a turbocharged internal combustion engine in which coolant is stored in a reservoir that is connected to the outlet side of a turbocharger compressor and is pressurized during times that the turbocharger is generating positive pressures above a predetermined level. The pressure in the reservoir forces coolant to the inlet side of the turbocharger to cool fuel and injection is interrupted when the pressures are below that level and cooling of the fuel-air mixture is not required.

Abstract: A flow control system for metering fluid flow in various amounts to a desired discharge point includes electrical signal responsive valves correspondingly mounted in a series of flow lines and switchable between open and close positions. An electrical control means is disclosed for selectively opening the valves individually or simultaneously in groups having relay switch means for operating each of the valves and a triggering means for selectively activating the valve relay switch means as a function of the step positions of a flow regulator device. The invention is especially useful for metering diluent fluid to an emulsification apparatus in the desired proportion as a result of the diesel engine fuel flow set by a locomotive throttle.

Abstract: Water under pressure is delivered to an air/fuel induction passage of an internal combustion engine under control of a three-way spool valve whose water conveying passages are completely isolated from actuating air passages by dynamic elastic seals on the valve spool. The valve is spring-biased to a water bypass position and is activated by engine manifold pressure to deliver water when the engine is running.

Abstract: An on-board motor vehicle fuel treatment system for a vehicle having primary and secondary fuel tanks, includes a discrete reservoir for liquid fuel supplement, an electrically powerable constant volumetric displacement pump, a transfer line having a suction line connecting the reservoir to the pump and a delivery line connecting the pump to the tanks, a check valve in each of the suction and delivery lines, a selector valve in the delivery line for normally connecting the pump to the primary tank and alternatively connecting the pump to the secondary tank, a normally open pump switch, an adjustable timer for maintaining the pump switch closed for a duration of time has a timer control for basing time duration on the basis of untreated volumetric units of fuel, and a switch for starting the timer and adjustable time duration for each volumetric unit on the timer control; the timer controlled pump switch is wired in series with the pump and a normally open selector valve switch is wired in series with the pump

Abstract: A fluid injection system for an internal combustion engine such as a spark-ignition engine in which an injection nozzle injects a finely divided spray of fluid, such as water or a water solution, into the engine in response to a flow of atomizing air. The nozzle is connected to a fluid supply reservoir and to an air compressor for supplying air to the nozzle at a rate in direct proportion to engine speed to induce the flow of fluid through the nozzle. A pressure responsive flow control device is provided that is responsive to engine load, as manifested by the pressure in the intake manifold for controlling the flow of air to the nozzle, and therefore the discharge of fluid from the nozzle. The pressure of air supplied by the compressor to the nozzle is varied in response to variations of the pressure in the exhaust manifold of the engine. As a result, the flow of atomizing air to the nozzle, and therefore the rate of fluid injection, is varied in response to variations in engine speed and in engine load.

Abstract: A fluid injection system for a turbocharged internal combustion engine such as a spark-ignition engine in which an injection nozzle injects a finely divided spray of fluid, such as water or a water solution, into the engine in response to a flow of atomizing air. The nozzle is connected to a fluid supply reservoir and to the outlet line of a compressor which receives the air/fuel mixture from the carburetor and supplies the mixture to the nozzle to induce the flow of fluid through the nozzle. The compressor is driven by the flow of exhaust gases from the exhaust manifold so that the flow of atomizing air to the nozzle, and therefore the rate of fluid injection, is varied in response to variations in engine load.

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.

Abstract: A fluid injection system for an internal combustion engine such as a spark-ignition engine in which an injection nozzle injects a finely divided spray of fluid, such as water or a water solution, into the engine in response to a flow of atomizing air. The nozzle is connected to a fluid supply reservoir and to the outlet line of an air-injection pump that is connected to an electronic control circuit which includes a detonation sensor coupled to the intake manifold. The electronic circuit operates the pump in response to detonation of the fuel charge in the combustion chamber by virtue of its connection to the detonation sensor. As a result, the flow of atomizing air to the nozzle and therefore the rate and magnitude of water injection is responsive to fuel detonation. An inductive pickup can also be provided that is coupled to the ignition system of the engine and connected to the electronic circuit so that the pump is also operated in response to engine speed.

Abstract: A fluid injection system for an internal combustion engine such as a spark-ignition engine in which an injection nozzle injects a finely divided spray of fluid, such as water or a water solution, into the engine in response to a flow of atomizing air. The nozzle is connected to a fluid supply reservoir and to the outlet line of an air compressor for supplying air to the nozzle to induce the flow of fluid through the nozzle. A pressure responsive flow control device is provided that is responsive to engine load, as manifested by the pressure in the intake manifold, for controlling the flow of air to the nozzle, and therefore the discharge of fluid from the nozzle. As a result, the flow of atomizing air to the nozzle, and therefore the rate of fluid injection, is varied in response to variations in engine load.

Abstract: A system for injecting fluid into an internal combustion engine, in which a carburetor supplies an air/fuel mixture to the engine in response to the demand on the engine, and a nozzle receives the fluid and a portion of the mixture and injects the fluid and the mixture into the carburetor at a rate proportional to the flow rate of the mixture. A supercharger receives the mixture from the carburetor and increases the pressure and flow rate of the mixture in response to a predetermined demand on the engine before the mixture is introduced to the engine.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for producing an emulsified fuel continuously is disclosed. The emulsion is maintained by recirculating the emulsion and adding a ratio of fuel and water to the system to achieve a desired fuel/water ratio in the recirculation loop.

Abstract: An arrangement for supplying an additive to a fuel-injected air compressing internal combustion engine. The arrangement includes a feeding device arranged at an inlet or intake of the internal combustion engine and a load and/or speed dependent metering device is provided which controls the supply of the additive to the feeding device.

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.

Abstract: Water injection is carried out in a pressure system, with water from a reservoir pressurized by an injection pump energized only above predetermined torque demand levels, under the control of a vacuum switch sensing intake manifold vacuum. Water injection is also precluded until the engine reaches operating temperature by a vacuum switch connected to a PVS valve. A water spray nozzle is mounted in the air cleaner and directs droplets into the carburetor intake. A purging pump causes purging of a short section of the feed line upstream of the injection nozzle after the engine is shut off to minimize water drippage into the engine carburetor.

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.

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.

Abstract: An electric pump delivers water from an reservoir to a nozzle located in the air intake manifold of a diesel engine. The pumping capacity of the pump is adjustable by varying the resistance of a variable resistor in series with the pump so that the system can be used with various engines requiring different amounts of water. Several safety switches are provided to prevent water from being pumped unless the engine is running at a predetermined speed, a predetermined oil pressure is reached and the throttle is depressed. An indicator light indicates when the water reservoir is empty and needs refilling.

Abstract: A fluid injection system for an internal combustion engine such as spark-ignition engine in which an injection nozzle injects a finely divided spray of fluid, such as water or a water solution, into the engine in response to a flow of atomizing air. The nozzle is connected to a fluid supply reservoir and to the outlet line of an air-injection pump that is connected to an electronic control circuit which includes an inductive pick-up coupled to the ignition system of the engine and a pressure responsive sensor that is coupled to the intake manifold. The electronic circuit thus operates the pump in response to engine speed by virtue of its connection to the ignition system through the inductive pick-up and in response to engine load by virtue of its connection to the intake manifold through the pressure responsive sensor. As a result, the flow of atomizing air to the nozzle and therefore the rate and magnitude of water injection is responsive to engine speed and engine load.

Abstract: A fluid injection system for an internal combustion engine such as a spark-ignition or compression-ignition engine in which an injection nozzle injects a finely divided spray of fluid, such as water or a water solution, into the engine in response to a flow of atomizing air. The nozzle is connected to a fluid supply reservoir and to the outlet line of an air-injection pump connected to and controlled by an electronic circuit that includes a pick-up coupled to the ignition system of the engine. The electronic circuit responds to spark plug firing rate, which is proportional to engine speed, and to the amplitude of the voltage across the spark plug gap, which is proportional to engine load, and varies, respectively, the pump stroke rate and the pump stroke length accordingly. As a result, the flow of atomizing air to the nozzle and therefore the rate and magnitude of water injection is responsive to engine speed and load.

Abstract: A fluid injection system for an internal combustion engine such as a spark-ignition or compression-ignition enginein which an injection nozzle injects a finely divided spray of fluid, such as water or a water solution, into the engine in response to a flow of atomizing air. The nozzle is connected to a fluid supply reservoir and to the outlet line of an air-injection pump connected to the intake manifold of the engine and to an electronic circuit that includes an inductive pick-up coupled to the ignition system of the engine. The pump operates in response to engine speed by virtue of its connection to the ignition system and in response to engine load by virtue of its connection to the intake manifold. As a result, the flow of atomizing air to the nozzle and therefore the rate and magnitude of water injection is responsive to engine speed and engine load.

Abstract: A fluid injection system and method for an internal combustion engine such as a spark-ignition or compression-ignition engine in which an injection nozzle injects a finely divided spray of fluid, such as water or a water solution, into the engine in response to a flow of atomizing air. The nozzle is connected to a fluid supply reservoir and to the outlet line of an air-injection pump that supplies pressurized air to the exhaust system of the engine. The air-injection pump provides the supply of atomizing air to the nozzle with the pressure of the air and therefore the fluid injection being responsive to both the engine speed and the exhaust gas pressure. The injected fluid advantageously functions as a cooling agent to suppress detonation and provide smoother engine operation and greater fuel efficiency.

Abstract: Liquid injection apparatus for use with an internal combustion engine having an ignition system comprises:A. a liquid pump and electrical drive therefor, the pump having an outlet communicable with the engine air intake,B. and control means including a pulse rate frequency to analog converter to control electrical current flow to the drive in response to and as a function of electrical pulses produced by said ignition system, whereby the flow of liquid to the engine air intake will be a function of the pulse output of the ignition system.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding water to the air/fuel mixture passage between the air/fuel mixing device and combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine including a main conduit for supplying water to the mixture passage, a valve member for opening and closing the conduit, the valve member being biased into the closed position, a diaphragm communicating on one side directly to the mixture passage for actuating the valve member to an open position and on the other side through a pressure delay chamber with the mixture passage, wherein the conduit is opened only by a relatively abrupt increase in pressure in the mixture passage, and the closing is delayed until the pressure equalizes across the diaphragm. Water may be supplied to the conduit directly by a pump, or by a pressure differential or by means of a reservoir having access to a water supply.

Abstract: A steam generator is provided in operative association with a source of water and the exhaust system of a combustion engine including an air induction system provided with primary fuel inlet structure and supplemental fuel inlet structure. The steam generator derives its heat for converting water into steam from the exhaust system of the combustion engine and the steam generator includes a steam outlet communicated with and opening into one end of an elongated tubular housing disposed in good heat transfer relation with the exhaust system of the combustion engine and having a gas outlet at its other end communicated with the supplemental fuel inlet of the induction system.

Abstract: A supplementary fuel injection apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprising a pressure type fuel reservoir member having pressure supplied by the engine exhaust gas, a chambered fuel pump and metering regulator member tubularly connected to said reservoir and having a fuel chamber and a vacuum chamber, a diaphragm therebetween, diaphragm fuel pump means in said vacuum chamber that is power actuated by vacuum pressure supplied from the engine intake manifold, and a fuel distribution unit having a fuel passage connected to said fuel pump and metering regulator unit and the carburetor of the said engine and said unit having a fuel control means therealong and a variable fuel pressure metering means mounted on the carburetor adjacent the venturi thereof.