Abstract: A pressure reducer designed to feed gas-driven vehicles, of the type comprising an inlet valve, an outlet valve, and a gas by-pass valve, wherein the valvular closing elements are fitted with systems designed to connect areas situated on opposite sides of the valvular closing elements in order to cancel out the force components due to the gas pressure, and systems designed to regulate the opening of the valvular elements according to the pressure detected at the outlet.

Abstract: An expanded liquified gas mixer to feeding heat engines. The mixer comprises a body whose upper part comprises a cavity divided into two chambers by an elastic membrane. The membrane exhibits in its center an orifice on the edge of which is fastened the upper edge of a register piston which extends downwardly in a blind hole and which slides around a gas intake tube, an air intake duct, and an engine feed duct. An elongated hole is made in the gas intake tube, parallel to its axis, at the level of the ducts.

Abstract: A gaseous fuel injection system for internal combustion engines features a "variable-pressure-controller" which translates a varying negative pressure, sensed in the engine's air intake system by means responsive to the rate of flow of the intake air, into a proportionately varying amount of gaseous fuel at a positive pressure. That fuel is then injected into the engine's air intake system upstream or downstream of the throttle valve through flow restrictor means which cooperate with the variable-pressure-controller to provide an amount of fuel proportionate to the rate of air flow through the engine's air intake system. The invention is entirely mechanical-pneumatic in operation and readily adapted to a wide variety of liquid fueled engines, carbureted as well as fuel injected, or to one for gaseous fuel only.

Abstract: A carburetion system to adapt a motor vehicle to use either liquid gasoline fuel or compressed hydrocarbon gas fuel including a diaphragm operated valve to control the flow of hydrocarbon gas to the motor where one side of the diaphragm is connected to the partial vacuum arising from induction flow of fuel to vary the opening of the valve proportional with the required fuel supply to the motor.

Abstract: An air-gas mixing device of the type used to mix air and gaseous fuel as a gaseous fuel charge for an internal combustion engine and having air and gaseous fuel valves for controlling the air-fuel mixture. For more optimum control of the air-fuel mixture, a linear variable differential transformer is coupled to each valve to detect the exact position of the valve at any particular engine operating condition and the detection is transmitted to a remote measuring instrument and control station. If the engine is not operating at its most optimum efficiency, the fuel valve may then be moved to a predetermined position relative to the air valve to provide this efficiency. Internal electrical wires of the device are connected to an external wiring harness through an interconnector in a manner to prevent contamination of interconnecting electrical contacts in a corrosive atmosphere or an explosion caused by arcing of the contacts during connection or disconnection in an explosive atmosphere.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for a gaseous fuel operated vehicle engine in which a compressed gas from a bomb is decompressed by regulator means and then mixed with air to supply air-fuel mixture to the engine. The regulator means is divided into at least two units, locating an upstream regulator and the bomb in a luggage room section of a vehicle, and locating a downstream regulator and a mixer in an engine room section of the vehicle. A low pressure piping system is extended across a passenger's room section of the vehicle for interconnecting the upstream and downstream regulators. Particular structures of the regulator are also disclosed for effectively preventing freezing of fuel gas components which would lead to constriction of a high pressure gas passage formed in the regulator.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine in which fuel density is adapted to ambient temperature by a combination means heated by the engine cooling system and the injection of fuel in to the engine is related to pressure in the compensation means.

Abstract: A device that senses the engine's air demand by reading the change in the air velocity at the venturi and a point up stream of the venturi and uses this negative air pressure signal to provide and control a positive fuel pressure that feeds fuel across a restricting orifice to provide a linear air fuel system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quick-filling a full charge of compressed natural gas into an adsorbent filled cylinder.

Abstract: An air-gas mixing device of the type used to mix air and gaseous fuel as a gaseous fuel charge for an internal combustion engine and particularly suitable for use with engines operating generators and the like at constant speed. Fuel and air valves for controlling the air/fuel mixture are coupled together and actuated by a fluid motor in response to a fluid pressure signal, derived from the intake manifold pressure of the engine, acting on the diaphragm of the fluid motor. The fuel valve is also independently actuated by a second fluid motor, mounted to the diaphragm of the first fluid motor, in response to ambient air pressure which is applied to the second fluid motor upon a sudden increase in engine load demand to enlarge the opening of the fuel valve and thereby enrich the air/fuel mixture to prevent a significant falloff in engine speed.

Abstract: In the fuel control for an engine for which cut off of fuel supply is performed while the engine is in the decelerating operation condition, at the time of fuel cut off termination, an injection of fuel through a fuel injector into an intake system of the engine is supplied at substantially the same time as stopping the fuel cut off, wherein the amount of such fuel injection is controlled according to the temperature of the air being sucked into the engine intake system so as to be decreased as the air temperature increases.

Abstract: An air-gas mixing device of the type used to mix air and gaseous fuel as a gaseous fuel charge for an internal combustion engine. Fuel and air valves for controlling the air/fuel mixture are coupled together and actuated by a diaphragm in response to a fluid pressure signal, derived from the intake manifold pressure of the engine, acting on the diaphragm. The fuel valve is also independently acutated by a stepper motor mounted to the diaphragm and operated by a remote electrical control signal from a controller designed to measure engine performance and provide a signal to correct any deficiencies in the air/fuel mixture such as a feedback controller receiving inputs from oxygen, speed and other sensors for measuring engine performance. Becuase of the dual control of the fuel valve, the device is capable of handling a wide range of gaseous fuels of different BTU content and of providing a more optimum air/fuel mixture for better fuel economy, emissions control and engine performance.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing freeze-up of a pressure regulator valve in a liquified petroleum fuel system by heating the valve, a fuel expansion chamber and the fuel, after it has been expanded to a gaseous state, to counteract the refrigeration action produced by expansion of the gas at atmospheric pressure. A heat pipe transfers heat from an internal combustion engine to the fuel expansion chamber, regulator valve and fuel. The fuel is heated to a selected temperature in the range of 80.degree. F. to 140.degree. F. The heat pipe can provide structural support to the fuel expansion chamber to facilitate the installation of the fuel conversion system. The heat pipe can comprise a metal pipe or a corrugated metal hose which allows relative movement between the condenser and the evaporator ends of the pipe. Additionally, a heat pipe using a porous wick can be used so that the fuel expansion chamber can be located below the attachment point of the evaporator portion of the heat pipe to the engine.

Abstract: A fuel system includes a carburetor wherein the throttle valves for the air and fuel are located upstream of the mixing chamber and are moved conjointly to maintain the desired air/fuel ratio over a variation in engine speed. The desired changes in air/fuel ratio can be made by, in one embodiment, utilizing a throttle valve in an auxiliary air passageway whereby more or less air is added to the mixture and too, by providing for the relative angular displacement of the air throttle valve as compared to the full throttle valve while maintaining conjoint movement thereof once the desired air/fuel ratio has been attained.

Abstract: A fuel control system for an internal combustion engine fuelled by a gaseous fuel and a liquid fuel, comprises liquid fuel flow rate control means, and gaseous fuel flow rate control means. The liquid fuel and gaseous fuel flow rate control means are adapted to control the relative proportions of each fuel supplied to the engine, and permit the relative proportion of liquid fuel to be varied in the range having an upper limit of substantially 100%. The gaseous fuel flow rate control means includes gaseous fuel flow rate determination means which is responsive to engine variables, such as engine speed and throttle position to determine from said variables a desired gaseous fuel flow rate. The gaseous fuel flow rate determination means is adapted to generate a signal indicative of said desired gaseous fuel flow rate. This signal can be used to actuate a valve controlling the gaseous fuel flow rate.

Abstract: The air fuel ratio control systems described for controlling the air fuel mixture being supplied to the prechamber of gaseous fueled, internal combustion engines includes a pressure control regulator that is responsive to inlet manifold pressure to assure that the pressure of the fuel supplied to the prechamber is as desired and includes volume flow control valves arranged in the air conduit and in the fuel conduit for providing the desired air fuel ratio. Further, the system may include controls for providing relatively rich fuel mixtures or fuel only to the prechambers at certain phases of operation of the engine.

Abstract: An improved carburetion system for gaseous fueled, spark ignited, internal combustion engines that includes pressure regulating and sensing apparatus to vary or cause the variation of the fuel/air ratio to automatically compensate for changes in the heating value and chemical composition of fuels being burned in the engine.

Abstract: In a spark-ignited gas engine with relatively high compression ratio of approximately .epsilon.=12, operation takes place with relatively poor mixtures with air/fuel ratios of about .lambda.=1.6 or over in order to reduce NO.sub.x -production. At loads about approximately 70% of the (normally aspirated) nominal power, the oxygen-ratio must be reduced in order to aspirate sufficient fuel for the power demand. NO.sub.x -production would steeply rise, but according to the invention exhaust gas (EGR) is recirculated at least up to nominal load, in order to maintain complete combustion at .lambda.=1.0 and meanwhile keep NO.sub.x -production low. A .lambda.-sensor in the exhaust gases may be used for that purpose. A new venturi-based mixing device for the air-fuel-EGR is disclosed, placed upstream of the main throttle valve. The system is also applicable to diesel-gas, and straight diesel engines, with or without pressure charging. Due to the high compression ratio, thermal efficiency remains high.

Abstract: A gaseous fuel injection unit for internal combustion engines fed with gaseous fuel such as liquefied petroleum gas or methane, comprises at least one volumetric measuring device (7) arranged to feed during each engine cycle a determined volume related to the piston displacement, and into which there is fed and respectively discharged that quantity of gaseous fuel complying with the required mixture ratio of fuel to air drawn in by the engine during each cycle. A control unit (5) senses operating pressures along the intake pipe system (1), namely in the injection zone (19) and in the zone (18) downstream of the throttle valve (2), in order to control an expander unit (10, 11) which feeds the gaseous fuel to the volumetric measuring device (7) at a pressure equal to the sum of the absolute values of the two pressures at the aforesaid points, and to control said volumetric measuring device.

Abstract: A motor vehicle fuel system operable selectively to supply metered quantities of petrol or LPG in its gaseous state to a carburetter induction passage. The LPG system includes a pair of digital injection valves in a body having a common inlet, a common outlet and an outlet chamber into which the gaseous LPG is injected alternately by the two valves. The metered pulsed outputs of the two valves collected in the outlet chamber is conveyed as a single gaseous fuel supply to the carburetter induction passage. The injection valves can be located spaced from the carburetter whereby to avoid excessive heating. An electronic control unit including a microprocessor and a data store matrix responds to certain engine operating conditions, including engine speed and engine loading, and controls alternate operation of the valves in synchronism with the engine ignition firing sequence. Under certain conditions one of the valves may open before the other closes.

Abstract: A control system for a dual fuel engine using primary diesel fuel and supplemental gas fuel such as propane or natural gas includes a control valve that controls supplemental fuel mixing with intake air by using an air deflectable member that controls the position of a valve controlling the admission of supplemental gas to the engine intake airstream. A damper is provided on the air flow responsive member to improve valve operation and a lost motion connection is provided between the air flow responsive member and the control valve element to permit independent movement of the elements. Normal flow of supplemental fuel to the control valve is further modulated in response to certain engine operating conditions using an engine condition comparator that generates a control signal used by the supplemental fuel pressure regulator to further modulate the supply of supplemental fuel to the intake airstream.

Abstract: A gas valve driving apparatus of a gas engine in which a gas supply passage is connected to an intake means of the engine, comprises a gas valve arranged in the gas supply passage; a gas valve cam provided on a cam shaft in a cam chamber formed by a cylinder block of the engine and being independent of an intake cam and an exhaust cam on the cam shaft; and connecting means operable to connect the gas valve cam and the gas valve together, so that the gas valve cam may drive the gas valve through the connecting means. The connecting means may be provided with a rocker arm or may be provided with a tappet. The tappet and the gas valve are aligned on a same line extending toward the center of the cam shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for controlled vaporization of a liquid fuel and delivery of the vaporized fuel to an internal combustion engine. Vaporizing apparatus, which uses heat generated by the internal combustion engine vaporizes the liquid fuel, and the vaporized fuel is fed to the carburetor of the engine. Means are provided for automatically supplying a vapor fuel to the carburetor as necessary to operate the engine in the absence of sufficient vaporized liquid fuel. The vapor fuel is also delivered to the engine during high acceleration or when the engine is working under very large loads. Means are also included for controlling the generation of vaporized liquid fuel in proportion to the load on the engine, and for recovering any vaporized liquid fuel and vapor fuel which is not used by the engine.

Abstract: A gaseous fuel carburetor includes a gas flow control valve movable both by the engine intake air stream via a vane member in the intake air duct and by a fluidic (e.g., vacuum) actuator in the valve assembly, the actuator being controllable in response to engine load demand, whereby the total gas valve opening is responsive to intake air flow and engine load. A motion damper for the valve is included, and a dual gas/liquid fuel supply system is also described wherein the air vane can be retracted to a nonobstructing position relative to the air duct when the supply of gas fuel is ceased.

Abstract: An apparatus for adapting to gases of different calorific values in the supply of gas-air mixture to gaseous-fuel engines has a gas line with a gas pressure regulator and an air line, each of which discharged into a gas-air mixer. Leading out of the mixer is a mixture line, in which a mixture valve is disposed. The mixture line leads to the intake manifold of the gas engine. In order to be able to use gases of different calorific values without unfavorably varying the gas-air ratio in the partial-load range, a preferably adjustable throttle is disposed in a bypass line leading from the air line to the mixture line, bypassing the mixer.

Abstract: A dual fuel system for use with internal combustion engines comprising (a) a manually actuated dual fuel valve, (b) a liquified gas to gaseous fuel converter combining a liquified fuel lock-off valve responsive to engine vacuum and a fuel metering valve responsive to a predetermined positive pressure modulated by engine vacuum, and (c) a positive pressure gaseous fuel and air mixer having a compact plunger structure in which the fuel valve is located within the air valve structure. In one embodiment, the mixer employs a relatively large piston which travels a relatively short distance to meter the flow of air between the lower surface of the piston and a coaxial annular surface. A second embodiment of the mixer utilizes a smaller diameter piston which travels a relatively longer distance, but which utilizes a relatively flat plunger to meter air flow. The fuel valve carried by the plunger structure may be of the needle valve or slotted tube type and may serve as a guide for the air valve structure.

Abstract: A thermodynamic method and system is described and claimed for up-grading the quality of digester methane gas by removing substantially all of the non-combustible carbon dioxide gas from the digester gas in a scrubbing system operated by the waste heat of an internal combustion engine utilizing the up-graded methane gas as its fuel source and driving a generator to produce electric power. In accordance with the invention, raw digester gas is compressed and blended with relatively cold water (absorbent). The compressed gas-water mixture is scrubbed in a contact tower with the result that an absorbent-condensed gas stream (primarily water and condensed carbon dioxide) is formed. The absorbent-condensed gas stream is removed from the tower, heated and expanded to release the carbon dioxide component of the stream as product CO.sub.2 gas.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously injecting propane and gasoline into an internal combustion engine. A propane supply reservoir is connected to the engine carburetor by a first line. A metering valve is positioned in the first line and has a vacuum responsive valve actuator associated therewith. The vacuum responsive actuator is connected by a second line to the EGR valve which creates a stronger vacuum with increasing engine speed. As the vacuum strength increases, the valve actuator opens the valve further allowing more propane to flow into the carburetor which is also drawing vaporized gasoline through conventional means. Preferably, an air aspirating device is positioned in the first line between the valve and carburetor for mixing air with the propane.

Abstract: A liquified petroleum gas carburetor (12) receiving LPG as a liquid and through a pair of pressure regulators (20, 30) and a heat exchanger (22) reducing the liquid to a vapor for ingesting into the engine (8). The heat exchanger (22) is mounted integral with the carburetor (12) and is contiguous with the intake manifold (24) thereby providing a large thermal mass for elevating the temperature of the LPG. Connected for synchronous movement are the fuel metering valve (40) and the air metering valve (10) for each carburetor bore. The fuel metering valve moves in response to the air metering valve (10). A vacuum pressure control (66) is shown to maintain a variable fuel/air ratio in response to engine requirements.

Abstract: An air/fuel induction system includes a pair of solenoid valves injecting fuel into an induction passage of a multi-cylinder engine. The valves supply fuel upstream of the inlet manifold to the engine and do not therefore direct fuel to specific cylinders. The solenoids (36, 36a) operate alternatively through pulses developed by drive units controlled by a microprocessor-based control unit (19). Each valve is independently timed by a respective timer-counter (44, 45) and valve operation overlaps in some circumstances. This allows smaller valves to be used and overcomes the problem of gusting at low speeds. The system may be applied to an LPG fuel system used as an additional fuel supply.

Abstract: In a gaseous fuel carburetion system in which air and gaseous fuel are mixed in a mixer prior to induction into an internal combustion engine, and in which the rate of flow of the induction air is controlled by throttling the intake of the air/fuel mixture, and in which gaseous fuel is supplied to the system from a pressurized source, an improved method and apparatus for regulating the supply of gaseous fuel to the air/fuel mixer is provided. The method comprises the steps of; sensing at least one operating parameter of the engine which is a function of the induction air flow rate and generating a control signal which varies in response to changes in the induction air flow rate, controlling the rate of flow of the gaseous fuel from the source to the mixer by means of said control signal whereby the rate of flow of the gaseous fuel varies in response to the sensed changes in the parameters related to the air flow rate.

Abstract: In a fuel supply control apparatus for an internal-combustion engine, liquid fuel is vaporized and is supplied to a fuel gas passage leading to an intake air passage. The flow rate of the vaporized fuel flowing through the fuel gas passage is detected, and the flow rate of the fuel is calculated in accordance with the load of the engine. As a result, feedback control of the fuel to be supplied to the engine is carried out so that the detected flow rate of the vaporized fuel is close to the calculated flow rate of the fuel.

Abstract: A liquid propane gas fuel system includes a propane fuel tank. A two stage pressure regulator defined by a housing with a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet is also included. A first fuel conduit extends from an outlet in the fuel tank to the fuel inlet in the pressure regulator. The system supplies fuel to an engine that includes an exhaust gas manifold. A thermoconductive mounting bracket is secured to the housing of the pressure regulator and manifold to transmit heat from the manifold to the regulator in proportion to the load imposed on the engine. A chokeless carburetor is also included in the system and is in fluid communication through a second fuel conduit with the outlet of the pressure regulator. In an alternative embodiment, a heat exchanger is included in the first fuel conduit. In a second alternative embodiment, an electric heating element is positioned within the housing of the pressure regulator.

Abstract: A pressure regulating system with amplifier is provided for preparing the mixture of a gas with air for a combustion engine. The pressure regulating system comprises a first and second inlet conduit opening in a first chamber through which gas is supplied under constant pressure. The first inlet conduit is separated from the first chamber by a valve connected to a diaphragm. The second inlet conduit comprises an adjustable restriction, through which a constant small quantity of gas being delivered to the first chamber. The pressure regulating system also comprises an outlet conduit being directly connected to the first chamber and to the inlet of the user and a second chamber being separated from the first chamber by said diaphragm. To said second chamber a third inlet conduit, provided with an adjustable restriction, is connected, through which a constant small quantity of gas is delivered to the second chamber. The second chamber is also connected to the first chamber i.e.

Abstract: An evaporating pressure regulating device is provided, more in particular for evaporating fuel of a combustion engine for both controlling the temperature and pressure of the fuel comprising an inlet conduit, a pressure reducing device and an outlet conduit. The outlet conduit comprises a heater/evaporator provided downstream of the reducing device, and the device further comprises a control member, a controllable injection member for liquid fuel provided downstream of the heater/evaporator and at least one temperature sensing device. The injection member is controlled by the control member. The temperature sensing device is setting the control member.

Abstract: A low pressure gaseous hydrocarbon fuel storage system and power plant is described, which generally comprises means for storing a self-contained supply of a gaseous hydrocarbon fuel, a prime mover, means for conveying the gaseous hydrocarbon fuel to and from the storing means, and means for controlling the flow of the gaseous hydrocarbon fuel from the storing means to the prime mover. The storing means, which may include one or more vessels or cylinders, contains a predetermined sorbent material for reducing the pressure at which a given amount of the gaseous hydrocarbon fuel is stored. The prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine, has means for combining the gaseous hydrocarbon fuel with air to produce the mechanical energy therefrom necessary to move the vehicle.

Abstract: A low pressure gaseous hydrocarbon fuel storage system and power plant is described which generally comprises on-board means for storing a self-contained supply of a gaseous hydrocarbon fuel, a prime mover, means for conveying the gaseous hydrocarbon fuel to and from the storing means, and means for controlling the flow of the gaseous hydrocarbon fuel from the storing means to the prime mover. The on-board storing means, which may include one or more vessels or cylinders, contains a predetermined sorbent material for reducing the pressure at which the gaseous hydrocarbon fuel is stored. The conveying means is adapted to convey the gaseous hydrocarbon fuel to the on-board storing means from a stationary source of the gaseous hydrocarbon fuel, and also to convey the gaseous hydrocarbon fuel from the storing means to the combining means of the prime mover during the operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Discloses a fuel injection system for the timed introduction of a gaseous fuel such as hydrogen gas into a combustion volume of an internal combustion engine. The system comprises (a) a chamber of fixed volume into which, at one time, gas flows from a fuel source and out of which, at another time, gas flows to a combustion volume of an internal combustion engine and (b) means for varying the pressure of the gas flowing to the chamber.

Abstract: A motor vehicle fuel system operable selectively to supply metered quantities of petrol or LPG in its gaseous state to a carburetter induction passage. The LPG system includes a single stage pressure regulator and an injection valve which may be a digital or an analogue valve. The regulator operates to vary the pressure of gaseous LPG with variations in engine loading by referring that pressure across a single diaphragm to the pressure established in the induction passage downstream of the throttle valve by operation of the engine, while maintaining that regulated gas pressure above that subsisting in the induction passage upstream of the throttle valve.

Abstract: A system to supply vaporized fuel to an internal combustion engine resulting in reduced exhaust emissions and better fuel economy due to the air and fuel mixture being more homogenous and more evenly distributed to the cylinders of the engine. A vaporizing chamber receives a predetermined quantity of fuel from an injector in the form of a spray that initially impinges upon a heated plate which partially vaporizes the fuel and then passes through a chamber containing copper wool for final vaporization of the fuel. The plate, copper wool and vaporizing chamber are heated by an external jacket and an internal concentric passageway communicated with the exhaust pipe so that heated exhaust products are utilized to vaporize fuel.

Abstract: A fuel control system for use in supplying gaseous fuel from a high pressure source to an internal combustion engine which has an air/fuel intake through which air and gaseous fuel is supplied to the engine and an air/fuel intake manifold in which variations in the vacuum are indicative of engine loading conditions. The system comprises; a pressure regulator, a flow control valve, a control for measuring the speed of the engine, a modulator for modulating the fuel supply and a pressure control device communicating with said pressure regulator to increase or decrease the pressure in the gaseous fuel output in response to the receipt of a signal from the modulator. The pressure regulator receives pressurized gaseous fuel from the source and serves to maintain a constant pressure in the discharging fuel for a given engine speed regardless of flow rate and to increase or decrease the pressure in the discharging gaseous fuel in response to an increase or decrease in engine speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the air-injection of liquid gas into the intake tube of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a vaporizer pressure regulating valve, downstream of which a metering valve having a metering piston is disposed, which being movable in a guide bore opens a metering opening to a greater or lesser extent. The adjustment of the metering piston is effected in accordance with the quantity of air aspirated by the engine as determined by an air flow rate meter, as a result of which a quantity of liquid gas corresponding to the aspirated air quantity can be metered.

Abstract: A system is described for improving performance of spark ignition, internal combustion engines using fuels such as liquified petroleum gas (LP-gas), which have conventionally been stored as a liquid and delivered to the engine as a vapor. This system stores such fuels as liquids (10) and delivers the fuel to the engine inlet air stream as a liquid. The absorption of heat by the vaporizing fuel lowers engine inlet air temperature, increasing its density and permitting more fuel to be burned in each cycle. Vaporizing heat in a pilot line (17) provides the cooling to the liquid fuel in the main fuel line (20) and provides fuel to maintain the engine idling. A member (27) slides within a fuel delivery chamber (25) for covering or uncovering a series of orifices (26) through which the liquid fuel passes into the inlet air stream of the engine.

Abstract: A portable engine-pump unit is provided with a charging system for maintaining a rechargeable starter battery in a fully charged condition while it is held in a stored position. The starter battery is used to energize heaters for raising the temperature of the engine fuel supply when the unit is removed from the stored position.

Abstract: A gaseous fuel system for a vehicle including an on-board compressor for recharging an associated pressure storage tank. The compressor and tank are mounted on the vehicle as a structural unit whereby the tank shields the compressor and high pressure gas flow circuits therebetween and provides a heat exchanger surface for the compressor. A regulator in series with a supply line of low pressure gas prevents gas flow when the compressor does not operate to maintain a vacuum in an intervening dispensing line. An O.sub.2 sensor disconnects the compressor motor when the percentage of O.sub.2 exceeds a predetermined safe limit. A bypass circuit allows the tank to be filled from a high pressure supply without operation of the compressor.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system for introducing gaseous or vaporized fuels into a carburetor from a storage tank including a regulator connected between the tank and the carburetor for providing a supply of hydrocarbon fuel in a gaseous state at a regulated vapor pressure to a mixing chamber having air and fuel intake ports to blend said hydrocarbon fuel with intake air for injection into the carburetor. In a typical installation, the pressure change of the vacuum manifold alters the pressure within the mixing chamber to draw in fuel and air in proportion to a near constant equivalence ratio, due to the respective areas of the intake ports, over the entire operating range of the engine.

Abstract: A methane-powered vehicle can utilize methane which is stored as the fuel in a pressurizable tank containing a solid filling which enables a packing density of methane in adsorbed or otherwise trapped form to exceed 10 times the density of the methane at room temperature and a pressure of about 10 bar. The filling can be readily charged with the methane or can release the methane for powering the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for mixing gaseous fuel with air prior to combustion in an internal combustion engine. The system includes an L-shaped channel with a cap mounted to one end and an inlet formed at the other end. A plurality of holes is formed in the L-shaped channel. The channel is mounted to the air intake system of the internal combustion engine upstream from the air filter such that a partial vacuum is created in the vicinity of the holes as the incoming air flows past the channel. The channel includes means for regulating the flow of gaseous fuel through the channel.

Abstract: A liquid propane gas fuel system includes a propane fuel tank. A two stage pressure regulator defined by a housing with a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet is also included. A first fuel conduit extends from an outlet in the fuel tank to the fuel inlet in the pressure regulator. The system supplies fuel to an engine that includes an exhaust gas manifold. A thermoconductive mounting bracket is secured to the housing of the pressure regulator and manifold to transmit heat from the manifold to the regulator in proportion to the load imposed on the engine. A chokeless carburetor is also included in the system and is in fluid communication through a second fuel conduit with the outlet of the pressure regulator. In an alternative embodiment, a heat exchange ris included in the first fuel conduit. In a second alternative embodiment, an electric heating element is positioned within the housing of the pressure regulator.

Abstract: A dual fuel system for use with internal combustion engines comprising a manually actuated dual fluid valve which alternatively supplies gasoline to the engine's carburetor or engine intake manifold vacuum to a single-stage liquified gas to gaseous fuel converter having a liquified fuel inlet valve actuated in response to intake manifold vacuum by a diaphragm of substantially the same diameter as a second diaphragm which actuates a valve to a converter gaseous expansion chamber where desired gaseous pressure is maintained and is automatically reduced during cruise conditions by compression of a bellows which acts on the second diaphragm in response to reduced engine intake manifold pressure during such cruise conditions, and a pressurized gaseous fuel and air mixer having a plunger structure responsive to venturi vacuum which meters air flow and actuates a valve needle to meter fuel flow.