Abstract: A fuel delivery system for a vehicle includes a fuel injector that meters fuel flow and provides for pre-heating fuel to aid combustion. A control circuit including a synthetic inductor drives a heated element within the fuel flow.

Abstract: A system including, an internal combustion engine including a combustion chamber, a first injector to provide a first injection fluid to the combustion chamber, and a heated pressurization system to heat the first injection fluid in a pressure vessel to achieve a sufficient injection pressure. By heating the injection fluid in a pressure vessel, pressure in the vessel can be increased to a specified injection pressure.

Abstract: An engine system in which the fuel source is vaporized by the heat of the exhaust pipe of the engine prior to being introduced into the combustion chamber of the engine system. This vaporization of the fuel source prior to combustion allows for the disclosed engine to utilize anything as a fuel source that can be ignited in a vaporized form, even that, if not vaporized prior to ignition, would not be a possible combustible fuel source.

Abstract: A fuel tank for storing an alternate fuel and providing the fuel to an internal combustion engine includes: an inner shell with an internal cavity designed to store fuel; an outer shell configured and positioned relative to the inner shell such that an interstitial volume is created between the inner and outer shells; and a heating unit positioned in the interstitial volume. In some embodiments, the interstitial volume is filled with air; in other embodiments, the interstitial volume is filled with a thermally insulative material.

Abstract: A method of vaporising fuel in a spark-ignition engine using the supply of heat into the cylinder to wholly or partly vaporise the fuel, the heat being supplied by operation of a spark plug. One or more engine conditions can be sensed, such as engine temperature, coolant temperature, the cumulative amount of fuel supplied, engine speed or the time elapsed since start-up, and the spark plug operated to supply heat in response to such condition(s). The heat can be supplied by operating the spark plug more than once in an engine cycle or by operating the spark plug to form a spark over a time period determined in response to the engine condition. An AC circuit can be used to produce a substantially continuous spark over a defined time period or suitable angular duration. The heat can be supplied by operating the spark plug prior to engine cranking, to generate heat in the cylinder at engine start-up. A method of reducing spark plug fouling is also disclosed.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system connects a working fluid into passages formed within an internal combustion engine. The fluid passages transport the working fluid to high temperature areas of the engine, raising the temperature of the working fluid near the phase change point or above the phase change point. The heated working fluid drives an energy conversion portion located downstream from the engine. The heat absorbed by the working fluid decreases the load on an engine cooling system as well as driving an energy conversion portion, improving fuel efficiency.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing heated fuel to a fuel injector of an engine are provided. According to the approaches described herein, adequate cold-start fuel atomization may be provided without compromising driver satisfaction due to excessive pre-ignition delay, while at the same time reducing unnecessary heating of fuel during warm engine off conditions.

Abstract: A filtering device for fluids features a filter element located in a filter housing and a heating device located in the flow path of the fluid. The heating device comprises a heating element that is held by a heating support which is located at the inner surface of the cover, with a water outlet connection being designed as one-piece with the heating support, the water outlet connection being directed outwards through a recess in the cover.

Abstract: A fuel warming device for increasing the temperature of a vehicle's fuel from the fuel line before entering the engine featuring a housing, a copper coil spanning the housing, a heating fluid filling the housing, and a heating element for heating the heating fluid operatively connected to a power source via an electrical connection component. The fuel from the fuel line is heated in the copper coil tube by the heated heating fluid.

Abstract: A fuel state control unit for use with internal combustion engines can include a primary heating chamber, a secondary heating chamber, and an expansion chamber. The primary heating chamber has a fuel conduit through which fuel is conveyed. A heater in the primary heating chamber transmits heat to the conveyed fuel in the primary heating chamber. The heater is controlled to maintain a predetermined temperature of the fuel. The heated fuel from the conduit is conveyed into a secondary heating chamber. A pressure plate separates the secondary heating chamber from the expansion chamber. The ports of the pressure plate can regulate the flow of the fuel into the expansion chamber. The heated fuel in the expansion chamber can then be conveyed to an engine so as to increase engine efficiency and reduce the amount of pollutant gases in the engine exhaust.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing heated fuel to a fuel injector of an engine are provided. According to the approaches described herein, adequate cold-start fuel atomization may be provided without compromising driver satisfaction due to excessive pre-ignition delay, while at the same time reducing unnecessary heating of fuel during warm engine off conditions.

Abstract: A gas engine is driven by fuel gas supplied from a cassette gas canister, and includes a vaporizer device provided between a cylinder block and a muffler. The vaporizer device vaporizes liquid fuel gas, led out from the cassette gas canister, using heat of exhaust gas discharged from the cylinder block.

Abstract: A fuel filter is configured to filter fuel for an internal combustion engine and is associated with an electromagnetic wave generator configured to emit high frequency electromagnetic waves operable on the fuel to heat and thereby melt wax crystals suspended in the fuel.

Abstract: method for a fuel heating device regarding an engine in an automobile is performing processes of a catalyzing process, a stabilizing process, and a magnetizing process to improve the properties of a fuel prior to entrance into the combustion chambers of the engine. The device comprises a housing means further defining an inner chamber, inlet end, and outlet end. Multi-elements plates within the inner chamber and a multi-metallic layer on an infrared annular member in the center portion of the inner chamber are to promote the attributes of the fuel for efficient combustion. A fuel stabilizer at the inlet end is to regulate the amount and the pressure of the fuel for avoidance of fuel supply waste. A fuel magnetizer at the outlet end is to magnetize the attributes of the fuel for enhancing fuel vaporization concerning efficiency improvement.

Abstract: A fuel pump module for an ethanol fuel vehicle, which is mounted on a fuel tank for storing ethanol fuel and is provided with a pump and a supply portion for pressure-feeding the ethanol fuel stored in the fuel tank to an engine, may include a heater unit that is disposed therebetween and is fluid-communicated to the pump and the supply portion through a connection hose so as to heat by electrical resistance the ethanol fuel supplied to the heater unit through the pump.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the viscosity of liquid fuel delivered from a fuel tank to the fuel injectors of an internal combustion engine. A viscosity sensor is placed in the fuel line, or in a bypass fuel line, in close proximity downstream the fuel injectors. A heat exchanger is placed on the fuel line downstream the sensor. The sensor is a rotating cylinder having a nominal rotation velocity, and is configured to rotate such that the nominal rotation velocity increases or decreases in response to fuel viscosity. The sensor delivers a measurement signal to a control unit, which performs a closed loop algorithm to adjust the heat provided by the heat exchanger until the measured rotation matches a target rotation.

Abstract: Free heat or scavenged heat from the coolant system or circulating oil from the crankcase of an internal combustion engine supplies heat to a fuel pre-heater causing the liquid fuel to become superheated and partially vaporized. Liquid fuel preferably diesel is converted from a fluid at ambient temperature to a superheated fuel breaking down the hydrocarbons bonds of the fuel (cracking) before being sent directly to the fuel injectors. Water fog may be added to the air intake manifold. Catalysts inside the fuel preheater also aid in breaking down the fuel (cracking). The fuel pre-heater also operates as a coolant/oil filter to remove debris and sludge from the circulating coolant water or circulating crankcase oil of an internal combustion engine. Fuel efficiency has repeatedly been tested to increase 20% or better with highway driving. Exhaust emissions have been tested to show 20% or more reductions in greenhouse gases.

Abstract: A fuel converter includes a housing having a hollow first end configured to be coupled to a fuel line, a hollow second end configured to be coupled to a fuel system downstream of the housing first end, a heat input area, a plurality of capillaries spaced about the heat input area. The housing includes an input manifold providing passage between the hollow first end and the capillaries and an output manifold providing passage between the capillaries and the hollow second end. Each capillary includes a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of a channel defined by the hollow first end. The fuel converter includes a heating element in the heat input area for heating fuel passing through the capillaries past the fuel's vaporization point to separate the fuel into fuel components while not igniting either of the fuel or the fuel components.

Abstract: It has been found that direct-injection gasoline engines emit particulate matter during the first 500 seconds of operation due to fuel impacting combustion chamber surfaces. To largely overcome the fuel penetrating to surfaces in the combustion chamber, the fuel may be heated. In one embodiment, engine coolant that is heated in the water jacket portions nearest exhaust ducts is provided directly to a tube in physical contact with the fuel rail. In some embodiments, the tube is provided with an electric heating element. If the coolant pump is turned off at the initial portions of a cold start, the electric heater raises the temperature of the fuel in the fuel rail. After engine coolant temperature raises, water, warm coolant is provided to the tube proximate the fuel rail and the heater is turned off.

Abstract: A fuel filter for an internal combustion engine is provided comprising a fuel conduit configured to transport fuel from a fuel tank to an internal combustion engine. A fuel filter manifold has an inlet and an outlet for fluid communication with the fuel conduit. A fuel filter housing is associated with the fuel filter manifold and is configured to receive fuel from and dispense fuel to the fuel filter manifold. A filter element is disposed within the fuel filter housing between the inlet and the outlet and is configured to filter fuel passing through the fuel filter housing. An electromagnetic transducer is associated with the fuel filter and is configured to emit high frequency waves operable on the fuel to reduce, via ultrasonic cavitation, wax crystals suspended in the fuel.

Abstract: A fuel warming system featuring an outer housing that houses an inner housing, wherein a double copper coil is wrapped around the inner housing. Heating fluid and a heating element is disposed in the inner housing. A first thermal disc is adjustable and allows the temperature of the coil to be adjusted. A second thermal disc functions as a safety device for ensuring the coil does not reach a maximum temperature. Fuel that enters the metal coil is warmed by the heat transferred from the heating fluid and heating element.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system comprises a fuel rail having a flow channel therein. The fuel delivery system further comprises a fuel injector cup that includes a base at a first end thereof, an opening at a second end thereof opposite the first end, and an inner cavity disposed between the base and the opening. The first end of the fuel injector cup is configured to be disposed within the flow channel of the fuel rail. The fuel delivery system further comprises a heating element. The fuel rail of the fuel delivery system further includes a port therein that is configured for receiving the heating element. Additionally, the fuel injector cup of the fuel delivery system further includes an aperture therein also configured for receiving the heating element.

Abstract: A locomotive diesel engine emissions control suite includes retarding fuel injection timing and heating the diesel fuel. Switch locomotives are now required to comply with USEPA emission standards under 40 CFR Part 1033 regulations. Retarding the fuel injection timing reduces peak temperatures during combustion which in turn reduces production of Nitrogen oxides (NOx) but also increases emissions of particulate matter (PM), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Hydrocarbons (HC) in the exhaust. Unrelated efforts to reduce the smoke in diesel exhaust by pre-heating the diesel fuel showed an unexpected reduction in PM, CO, and HC. Such heating of the diesel fuel did not affect the reduction in NOx but reduced emissions of PM, CO, and HC to acceptable levels. Further experiments showed that two degrees of fuel injection retarding and fuel heated to 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit resulted in meeting the 40 CFR Part 1033 regulations.

Abstract: A fuel enhancer device provides a substantially higher miles per gallon gas saving of at least ten (10) miles per gallon for motor vehicles powered by fuel-injected, internal combustion engines. The device pre-heats the fuel, and subjects the fuel to a magnetic field, prior to the fuel's entry into the engine fuel injectors. The device is simple to install within a fuel line system next to an engine's bank of fuel injectors.

Abstract: A fuel vaporizer system for an internal combustion engine including a first closed chamber defining a first volume, the first closed chamber having a heat transfer surface; a second closed chamber at least partially surrounding the first closed chamber and defining a second volume; and a third closed chamber at least partially surrounding the second closed chamber and defining a third volume. A liquid fuel supply system including a liquid fuel supply line emits fuel into the first volume in an expanding pattern of liquid fuel spray from at least one orifice. A thermal fluid system from said engine is configured to circulate fluid, which may be engine coolant, through the second volume and transfer heat from the fluid through the first closed chamber and vaporize said liquid fuel. An exhaust system from said engine is configured to circulate exhaust through the third volume and transfer heat from the exhaust through the second closed chamber and heat said fluid.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine comprises the steps of (a) pressurizing a liquid fuel to a pressure above 150 psig; (b) heating the liquid fuel to a temperature above 500° F. to produce a heated liquid fuel; (c) suddenly reducing the pressure of the heated liquid fuel sufficiently to vaporize the heated liquid fuel to form a vaporized hot fuel; (d) combining the vaporized hot fuel with oxygen to form a vaporized hot fuel/oxygen mixture; (e) introducing the vaporized hot fuel/oxygen mixture into the internal combustion engine; and (f) combusting the vaporized hot fuel/oxygen mixture within the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for a vehicle includes a fuel injector that meters fuel flow and provides for pre-heating fuel to aid combustion. A control circuit including a synthetic inductor drives a heated element within the fuel flow.

Abstract: A fuel vaporizer for an internal combustion engine having a closed pressure chamber defining a volume, to be heated, and a liquid fuel supply system disposed to emit a liquid fuel spray. The closed pressure chamber may be constructed and arranged relative to the heat-transfer surface to establish between the at least one outlet and the heat-transfer surface a mixing domain in which the fuel spray, as it progresses through the volume from the outlet, is substantially heated and vaporized by mixing with re-circulated, heated fuel vapor that previously has moved over and received heat from the heat transfer surface. The fuel vaporizer may be associated with a vapor outflow passage through which pressurized vapor exits the closed pressure chamber for supply to said at least one combustion region. The heat-transfer surface may be arranged to be heated by engine coolant circulating around the exterior of the closed pressure chamber.

Abstract: A recirculating valve according to the present invention comprises a fuel supplying passage in fluid communication with a fuel tank and an engine, a return passage in fluid communication with the engine and the fuel tank, a communication passage in fluid communication with the fuel supplying passage and the return passage. A temperature sensitive displacement portion that is provided in the fuel supplying passage and displaces in accordance with the fuel temperature. An on-off valve closes the communication passage when the fuel temperature in the fuel supplying passage is above a first prescribed temperature, and opens the communication passage when the fuel temperature in the fuel supplying passage is below a second prescribed temperature, in accordance with a displacement of the temperature sensitive displacement portion.

Abstract: A liquefied natural gas system for a natural gas vehicle engine with flow driven by the engine includes dual flow paths through at least one heat exchanger. A return path extends from the dual flow paths to the storage tank, and an engine feed path extends from the dual flow paths configured to couple to the engine. A valve and control system are coupled to the dual flow paths capable of alternating flow through the dual flow paths so that one flow path supplies the engine through the engine feed path while the other flow path pressurizes the storage tank through the return path.

Abstract: A heated fuel delivery system for vegetable oil or other fuels of temperature dependent viscosity, which may be used as fuel for a diesel engine. The system includes one or more heated fuel lines and/or a heated fuel tank to heat the fuel and reduce its viscosity for more efficient use. Recovered engine heat from the engine coolant system is transferred to heat the fuel.

Abstract: A heat transfer system is used for heating a viscous fuel supplied to a diesel engine. The heat transfer system includes a heat exchanger provided at a predetermined location within the heat transfer system. A hot fluid and viscous fuel are circulated in a heat exchanging relationship within the heat exchanger to heat the viscous fuel supplied to the engine from a first temperature to a second temperature.

Abstract: A fuel vapor storage and recovery apparatus includes a fuel vapor storage canister, said fuel vapor storage canister comprising at least first and second vapor storage compartments filled with an absorbent material, for instance filled with activated carbon, at least a vapor inlet port, an atmospheric vent port and a purge port. Said fuel vapor storage canister defines an air flow path between said vapor inlet port and said atmospheric vent port during shut-off of the internal combustion engine of the vehicle. During purging cycles there is defined an air flow path between said atmospheric vent port and said purge port wherein said first and second vapor storage compartments are arranged in concentric relationship and wherein said first and second vapor storage compartments in flow direction are separated from each other by an air gap diffusion barrier.

Abstract: A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a first fuel is reformed into a gaseous fuel comprising H, CO, and CH4 or the fuel may change state to vaporized alcohol. The present method provides for ramping injection of the gaseous fuel so that stoichiometric combustion may be maintained while gaseous fuel is injected to the engine.

Abstract: A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a first fuel is reformed into a gaseous fuel comprising H, CO, and CH4. The engine is operated by injecting the gaseous fuel and a second fuel to a cylinder of the engine in response to an available amount of gaseous fuel, engine speed and engine load. Further, an engine actuator may be adjusted to vary cylinder charge in response to the available amount of gaseous fuel.

Abstract: A system including, an internal combustion engine including a combustion chamber, a first injector to provide a first injection fluid to the combustion chamber, and a heated pressurization system to heat the first injection fluid in a pressure vessel to achieve a sufficient injection pressure.

Abstract: A gas powered internal combustion engine in which the gas is provided from the gas phase of a pressurized liquid gas in an liquified petroleum gas container and in which the liquified petroleum gas container is rigidly mounted adjacent to the internal combustion engine at a preselected angle to be in conductive heat transfer relationship to the internal combustion engine and in vibration receiving relationship to the internal combustion engine whereby the liquified gas in the liquified petroleum gas container is heated and vibrated and the effective surface area thereof is thereby increased. A pressure regulator is provided for receiving the gas from the liquified petroleum gas bottle regulating the pressure of the gas transmitted to the internal combustion engine and at least one flexible hose is connected to the pressure regulator for transmitting the gas therethrough.

Abstract: A heating assembly that allows an adequate pre-heating of a fuel used in an internal combustion engine is disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel pretreater apparatus for pretreating fuel for combustion is provided. A conversion tube is provided for vaporized fuel to flow therethrough. The conversion tube includes an intake end for receiving the vaporized fuel and an outlet end for dispersing the vaporized fuel. The conversion tube includes a hollow tapered interior wall having a narrower diameter near the intake end and a wider diameter near the outlet end. A tapered conversion rod is removably placed inside the conversion tube. The tapered conversion rod is conically tapered along at least one half of a length of the tapered conversion rod. The tapered conversion rod includes a narrow end corresponding to the narrower diameter of the conversion tube near the intake end and a wide end corresponding to the wider diameter of the conversion tube near the outlet end.

Abstract: A liquid fuel supply and evaporator system for use in connection with combustion-powered fastener-driving tools comprises an evaporator housing which is disposed in thermal communication with the combustion chamber housing of the tool in order to absorb heat or thermal radiation generated within the tool combustion chamber. A sintered metal liquid fuel evaporator element is interposed between the evaporator housing and a liquid fuel distribution manifold whereby the liquid fuel is effectively converted into a gaseous fuel which is then transmitted by a gas distribution manifold toward the combustion chamber of the fastener-driving tool.

Abstract: The invention is for an apparatus and method for a fuel injector enabling improved combustion in automotive engines. In one embodiment of the invention, fuel is preheated for greatly improved atomization and evaporation, especially during cold engine start. As a result, harmful pollution is greatly reduced pollution. In addition, alcohol-based automotive fuel may be used in cold ambient conditions. The invention overcomes the limitations of current electrically heated injectors and fuel rails having large thermal inertia and long preheat times. In another embodiment of the invention, optically-driven acoustic waves assist in atomization of injected fuel, thus resulting in reduced engine emissions and improved efficiency.

Abstract: A method of combusting a very low cetane number material comprises injecting said material into a combustion cylinder of a heterogeneous-charge compression-ignition engine and supplying to the cylinder inlet port supplying the chamber combustion air or working fluid at a temperature substantially above ambient for substantially the entire time that the engine is running. Other aspects of the invention provide a compression ignition engine for use in the method, and method of using the engine to combust fuels.

Abstract: A fuel vaporizer for an internal combustion engine having a closed pressure chamber defining a volume, to be heated, and a liquid fuel supply system disposed to emit a liquid fuel spray. The closed pressure chamber may be constructed and arranged relative to the heat-transfer surface to establish between the at least one outlet and the heat-transfer surface a mixing domain in which the fuel spray, as it progresses through the volume from the outlet, is substantially heated and vaporized by mixing with re-circulated, heated fuel vapor that previously has moved over and received heat from the heat transfer surface. The fuel vaporizer may be associated with a vapor outflow passage through which pressurized vapor exits the closed pressure chamber for supply to said at least one combustion region. The heat-transfer surface may be arranged to be heated by engine coolant circulating around the exterior of the closed pressure chamber.

Abstract: An inline fuel preheater and atomization device for an internal combustion engine having a main body including a plurality of sequentially arranged chambers including a first chamber and a final chamber, the chambers separated from each other by inter-chamber barriers having progressively smaller barrier port which enables flow across the device while atomizing the fuel and increasing pressure across the fuel rail. The device is heated by a coil containing a heat transfer fluid drawing heat from a vehicle's mechanical systems around or through which the fluid circulates and subsequently transfers the heat it absorbs to the device and to the fuel flowing through the device.

Abstract: A gas powered internal combustion engine in which the gas is provided from the gas phase of a pressurized liquid gas in an liquified petroleum gas container and in which the liquified petroleum gas container is rigidly mounted adjacent to the internal combustion engine at a preselected angle to be in conductive heat transfer relationship to the internal combustion engine and in vibration receiving relationship to the internal combustion engine whereby the liquified gas in the liquified petroleum gas container is heated and vibrated and the effective surface area thereof is thereby increased. A pressure regulator is provided for receiving the gas from the liquid petroleum gas bottle regulating the pressure of the gas transmitted to the internal combustion engine and at least one flexible hose is connected to the pressure regulator for transmitting the gas therethrough.

Abstract: A fuel tube includes a tube main body, a first tubular section, and a second tubular section. The tube main body defines a heating chamber. The first tubular section extends through one side of the tube main body and includes a first fuel inlet opening located outside the tube main body and a first fuel outlet opening located within the heating chamber. The second tubular section extends through another side of the tube main body that is opposite to the first tubular section and includes a second fuel inlet opening located within the heating chamber and a second fuel outlet opening located outside the tube main body. The tube main body, the first tubular section, and the second tubular section collectively form a single Z-shaped path. As such, the flow path of fuel is effectively shortened and stable flow rate of fuel can be maintained.

Abstract: A fuel heating device comprises a heater housing (7) including a bottom wall (17), an upper inlet opening (13) provided in an upper part of the heater housing and an outlet opening (18) provided in a lower part of the heater housing diametrically opposite to the inlet opening, and a heater member (9) including a heat emitting portion (9h) received in a middle part of a heating chamber (6) defined by the heater housing. As the inlet opening is provided in an upper part of the fuel housing, bubbles that may be created by the vaporization of the fuel heated by the heater member is allowed to rise upward and then escape out of the inlet opening. The bubbles that have returned to the fuel supply passage (4) are cooled by fresh fuel, and condense to liquid state once again. Therefore, the heater housing and fuel supply passage are kept free from the presence of fuel vapor, and the fuel therein can be pressurized by a fuel pump to a proper level at all times.

Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine and in particular to a device and a method for improving the fuel supply of the engine in order to optimise the fuel consumption by a better combustion in the engine, to reduce the polluting exhaust gases and to increase the yield of the engine. The invention is based on the principle of a liquid fuel gasification and on the production of an optimal air-fuel mixture.

Abstract: A waste-to-energy cogeneration system is described in various embodiments. The system can convert certain fuel-laden waste to thermal energy and electrical power. In certain embodiments, fuel-laden waste which has not been pre-filtered or pre-treated to remove particulates and water is deposited in the cogeneration system and prepared by the system for combustion in an unmodified diesel engine. The fuel-laden waste can comprise oils, greases and fats from food preparation which are contaminated with water and particulates. Thermal and mechanical energy produced by the engine are utilized to provide thermal energy and electrical power external to the cogeneration system.

Abstract: A fuel vaporizer for an internal combustion engine having a closed pressure chamber defining a volume, to be heated, and a liquid fuel supply system disposed to emit a liquid fuel spray. The closed pressure chamber may be constructed and arranged relative to the heat-transfer surface to establish between the at least one outlet and the heat-transfer surface a mixing domain in which the fuel spray, as it progresses through the volume from the outlet, is substantially heated and vaporized by mixing with re-circulated, heated fuel vapor that previously has moved over and received heat from the heat transfer surface. The fuel vaporizer may be associated with a vapor outflow passage through which pressurized vapor exits the closed pressure chamber for supply to said at least one combustion region. The heat-transfer surface may be arranged to be heated by engine coolant circulating around the exterior of the closed pressure chamber.