Fuel Only Patents (Class 123/557)
  • Patent number: 7591253
    Abstract: An engine system comprising a secondary fuel source for providing a secondary fuel, a metering valve for delivering the secondary fuel at a substantially pre-determined rate, an air intake, and an internal combustion engine. The metering valve comprises a valve body and a selectively-adjustable static valve mechanism. The valve body is provided with a fuel inlet in fluid communication with the secondary fuel source to receive the secondary fuel from the secondary fuel source, a fuel outlet, and a fuel passage between the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet. The selectively-adjustable static valve mechanism is disposed within the fuel passage of the valve body. The air intake is in fluid communication with the fuel outlet of the metering valve to receive the secondary fuel from the metering valve to permit the secondary fuel to mix with air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Proinjects, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael Martindale
  • Patent number: 7587998
    Abstract: A power plant, including an internal combustion engine, a fuel conversion device that coverts a fuel to be supplied to the internal combustion engine from a before-conversion fuel to an after-conversion fuel, a first fuel supply device that supplies the fuel conversion device with the before-conversion fuel, a second fuel supply device that supplies the internal combustion engine with the after-conversion fuel, the after-conversion fuel being the fuel that has been converted by the fuel conversion device, and a controller that is communicated with the internal combustion engine, the fuel conversion device, the first fuel supply device and the second fuel supply device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isamu Hotta, Yutaro Minami
  • Patent number: 7578287
    Abstract: In a fuel filter for an automobile, a filter element for filtering fuel is accommodated in a tubular filter case having a bottom surface and a side surface. A fuel heater is mounted on the side surface of the filter case. Therefore, the filter case and the filter element can be heated directly from heat generated by the fuel heater to effectively heat the fuel flowing therethrough, thereby preventing precipitation of a wax component that could clog the filter element. Also, fuel supply passages for supplying the fuel to the filter element are formed along the side surface of the filter case. Therefore, the fuel is brought into sufficient contact with the filter case heated by the fuel heater, thereby effectively heating the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20090159057
    Abstract: As one example, a fuel rail assembly for supplying pressurized fuel to a plurality of cylinders of an engine is provided. The fuel rail assembly includes a fuel rail housing defining an internal fuel rail volume having at least a first region and a second region; a fuel separation membrane element disposed within the fuel rail housing that segregates the first region from the second region. The membrane element can be configured to pass a first component of a fuel mixture such as an alcohol through the membrane element from the first region to the second region at a higher rate than a second component of the fuel mixture such as a hydrocarbon. The separated alcohol and hydrocarbon components can be provided to the engine in varying relative amounts based on operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Mark Allen Dearth, Tom G. Leone
  • Patent number: 7543575
    Abstract: A fuel system for an internal combustion engine includes a delivery unit and a pressure region into which the delivery unit feeds; the fuel system includes at least one heater and a control unit, which activates the heater when the delivery unit is switched off so that the pressure in the pressure region does not fall below a limit pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Wolber, Christian Koehler, Laurent Nack
  • Publication number: 20090133676
    Abstract: A heating assembly that allows an adequate pre-heating of a fuel used in an internal combustion engine is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Fernando Lepsch, Fernando Augusto Marron, Franz Thommes, Rosalvo Bertolucci Filho, Alvaro Augusto Vasconcelos, Marcos Melo Araujo, Marcello Francisco Brunocilla
  • Patent number: 7537646
    Abstract: A fuel system includes a fuel deoxygenator for removing oxygen from a liquid fuel. A vaporizer is in fluid communication with the fuel deoxygenator. The vaporizer vaporizes at least a portion of the liquid fuel to produce vaporized fuel. At least a portion of the vaporized fuel pre-mixes with oxidizer to reduce formation of undesirable emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander G Chen, Jeffrey M. Cohen
  • Patent number: 7536981
    Abstract: A hydrogen gas generator in the form of a reformer is used to produce a reformate gas containing hydrogen and at least one other component for use as a fuel or part of a fuel for a compression engine. The hydrogen containing gas blend or mix is used as one component of a fuel for the engine using hydrogen assisted combustion. The hydrogen containing gas produced as the reformate does not require the non hydrogen components to be removed from the gas prior to introduction to the engine either directly or indirectly. This provides a significant saving in cost as pure hydrogen is no longer required for hydrogen assisted combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Powergen International Pty, Ltd.
    Inventor: Fadil Sadikay
  • Patent number: 7527047
    Abstract: The invention concerns a regulator thermostat support of heat engine with external hot water circuit, consisting of a specific regulator thermostat housing support (11) replacing the existing support and comprising means (12, 13) for mounting a double branch pipe connecting said support to a liquefied gas vaporization system or to another calorie consuming equipment. Said branch pipe constitutes a bypass for the engine coolant and the regulator thermostat support being designated so that the flow rate in said branch tube is controlled by the regulator thermostat. It serves to ensure preheating of liquefied gas (LPG), or other fuel, used in a particular for marine engines of all types, tow- or four-stroke, carburetor or injection, outboard or inboard, but which can also be used for land engines or for other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Antoine Di Gennaro
  • Publication number: 20090090335
    Abstract: A gas powered internal combustion engine in which the gas is provided from pressurized liquid gas in an LPG container and in which the LPG 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 LPG container is heated and the effective surface area thereof is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Bernardo J. Herzer
  • Patent number: 7506638
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system for supplying liquid gas fuel to an engine is disclosed. The fuel can be supplied solely to the engine or together with diesel fuel. The fuel delivery system includes an injector (20) for receiving the liquid gas, and for ejecting the liquid gas in vapour form to the engine E. A bubble preventing mechanism (40, 44, 48; 8, 203, 209, 208) is supplied for preventing the liquid gas from bubbling or boiling in the injector which would impair the ejection of fuel from the injector. The preventing means comprises cooling means which may use a coolant to cool the injector. In one embodiment, the coolant is in the form of bubbled vapour which is directed away from the injector (20) and enters a chamber (206) in which the injector (20) is located, so that the vapour cools the injector (20). The vapour (20) can pass to a vapour block (208) for supply to the intake air of the engine so the vapour is supplied back to the engine together with fuel ejected by the injector (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventors: Andrei Vadimovitch Shinkarenko, James Richard Hunt
  • Patent number: 7503315
    Abstract: A method of controlling the power of an internal combustion engine (1) comprising the following steps; in a first, lower power phase of operation of the engine (1), supplying a mixture of air (8) and fuel to the combustion chamber. The majority of the fuel is supplied as fuel vapour. The power output of the engine (1) is increased by progressively opening a combustion air control means to increase the volume of air (8) supplied to the combustion chamber and at the same time progressively increasing the volume of fuel supplied. In a second, higher power phase of operation of the engine (1) the combustion air control means is maintained in a substantially constant state, the power output of the engine (1) being increased by supplying an increasing volume of liquid fuel to the combustion chamber and at the same time reducing the volume of fuel vapour supplied such that, at maximum power substantially all the fuel is supplied in liquid state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Paul John Hutchinson
  • Publication number: 20090038591
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel increases its energy content, improves its combustibility and reduces combustion by-products. The hydrocarbon fuel is cracked during multiple passes through a reactor vessel by means of electrochemical interactions with a reactor rod composed of a magnetic and/or catalytic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Dennis Lee, Michael Holler
  • Patent number: 7481205
    Abstract: There is provided a fuel injector system for vaporizing liquid fuel and metering the vapor to an internal combustion engine of an automobile. The system has at least one fuel injector with at least one capillary flow passage with a heat source arranged along the flow passage capable of heating liquid fuel in the flow passage to a level sufficient to vaporize it, a solenoid operated metering valve located at the capillary outlet for metering vaporized fuel to the internal combustion engine, and a system for operating the metering valve while delivering the vaporized fuel at an opening and closing frequency of at least 15 Hz or more preferably at least 60 Hz independent of engine rpm. The system is expected to be useful for starting a cold engine with reduced emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Keeler, Francis M. Sprinkel, Niranjan Maharajh, Mimmo Elia, Josh Breinlinger, Jan-Roger Linna
  • Patent number: 7478628
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system and method in an internal combustion engine including directing fuel in thermal contact with an exhaust system of the engine to vaporize the fuel, using liquid fuel when vaporized fuel is not available, and controlling the temperature of the vaporized fuel by mixing vapor and liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: James F. Hines
  • Publication number: 20090013975
    Abstract: A gas powered internal combustion engine in which the gas is provided from pressurized liquid gas in an LPG container and in which the LPG 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 LPG container is heated and the effective surface area thereof is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Bernardo J. Herzer
  • Publication number: 20080314370
    Abstract: The vehicle fuel preheater works on the known fact that by preheating the fuel, the fuel is more effectively vaporized, resulting in more efficient combustion. This preheating is accomplished using heat that normally cycles through the heater core for interior heat. The preheater, i.e., heat exchanger, has a housing, through which heated engine coolant on its way from the cooling pump to the heater core is routed. A coiled copper gas line is routed through the housing, and is connected between a segment of the fuel line and the engine combustion chamber so that the preheater can deliver preheated fuel to the combustion chamber. The heat exchanger is installed in a vertical orientation to prevent air lock in the fuel and cooling systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher D. Weiche
  • Patent number: 7451747
    Abstract: A heating system for liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus is applied to a liquefied gas fuel supply apparatus that causes a vaporizer to vaporize liquefied gas fuel and supplies the vaporized fuel to an internal combustion engine, the heating system including a circulation circuit and a heat insulating container. The circulation circuit circulates a heating medium between the vaporizer and an inside of the internal combustion engine. And, the heat insulating container stores the heating medium. In this case, the heat insulating container is disposed in the circulation circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Kenji Hayashi, Takao Komoda, Masanori Torii, Toshinari Saiki, Masayuki Kosaka, Toshimitsu Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20080257315
    Abstract: A fuel vaporizer includes an inner tube including a liquid fuel inlet for receiving liquid fuel and plural openings, a fuel vaporizing chamber formed on the inner tube, and comprising a fuel vapor outlet, an outer housing formed on the fuel vaporizing chamber, such that a reservoir is formed between the fuel vaporizing chamber and the outer housing, and a heating fluid inlet and heating fluid outlet which are connected to the outer housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Charles W. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20080223346
    Abstract: A fuel injection system (60) is provided for an internal combustion engine (62). The engine has a plurality of cylinders (70). The system includes a plurality of fuel injectors (10?) constructed and arranged to receive fuel. One fuel injector is associated with a cylinder for injecting fuel into the associated cylinder. Each fuel injector has a valve body (14), a fuel volume V, and a coil (50) to inductively heat the valve body and thus heat fuel in the fuel volume to vaporize the fuel prior to injection into the associated cylinder. A cold start fuel injector (10, 10?) is disposed in an air supply passage (72) that supplies air to the cylinders. The cold start fuel injector has a valve body (14), a fuel volume (V) and a coil (50) to inductively heat the valve body to vaporize the fuel in the fuel volume prior to injection into the supply passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Hornby
  • Patent number: 7424886
    Abstract: A gas powered internal combustion engine in which the gas is provided from pressurized liquid gas in an LPG container and in which the LPG 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 LPG container is heated and the effective surface area thereof is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Bernardo J. Herzer
  • Patent number: 7415975
    Abstract: An operating system and method for an engine is provided in which at least some fuel is preheated prior to delivery to the combustion system of the engine. A control system is also provided to operate the engine at higher than normal excess air ratios. The system can be provided in kit form for retrofitting in existing engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Greentech Motors (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventor: Moshe Lerner
  • Publication number: 20080196703
    Abstract: A fuel supply assembly is provided that may allow for use of vaporized fuel to power an engine and enhance fuel efficiency. The fuel supply assembly may include a vaporizing tank, a heating source, a temperature control and a monitoring and control system configured to control intermixing of ambient air and vaporized gasoline to maintain a desired hydrocarbon level in an exhaust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: VAPOR FUEL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond Bryce Bushnell, Danny Robert Lewis, Robert William Parry
  • Publication number: 20080190400
    Abstract: A fuel supply assembly providing vaporized fuel to an engine wherein a quantity of liquid gasoline fuel is controllably heated for a desired vapor emission from the liquid fuel, and a conduit arrangement conducts the vapor, intermixes it with ambient air and conveys the intermixture to the engine's combustion chamber. A sensor in the engine exhaust monitors the hydrocarbon content of the exhaust and control valving controls the vapor to air intermixture in response to the monitor for maintaining a desired intermixture that produces the desired hydrocarbon content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Raymond Bryce Bushnell, Danny Robert Lewis
  • Patent number: 7404395
    Abstract: A device and method for conditioning and/or volumetric heating fuel within an intermittent combustion engine in order to enhance fuel combustion and emission performance is provided. Such a device can include a fuel injector configured to eject a fuel spray having a trajectory within a combustion chamber, an energy source capable of emitting electromagnetic energy, and an optical fiber configured to transmit electromagnetic energy emitted from the energy source into the combustion chamber, and is also configured to cause fuel conditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Hitoshi Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 7401601
    Abstract: For use in an internal combustion engine equipped with a fuel injection system, a heat exchanger module features a distributor block, which is connected via at least one first fuel line with the intake of the injection system and via at least one second fuel line with the output of the injection system. A thermal compensation takes place between the at least one fuel conveyed out of the injection system and the distributor block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Wolfram Kangler
  • Patent number: 7398771
    Abstract: A device for heating a first medium which is in liquid state and/or frozen state includes a reservoir disposed on an engine-driven vehicle and an element for heating the first medium present in the reservoir. The heating element is disposed inside the reservoir for direct heating of the first medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvaghan AB
    Inventors: Gunnar Theorell, Sigurd Sonderegger
  • Publication number: 20080149076
    Abstract: A fuel system for an internal combustion engine includes a delivery unit and a pressure region into which the delivery unit feeds; the fuel system includes at least one heater and a control unit, which activates the heater when the delivery unit is switched off so that the pressure in the pressure region does not fall below a limit pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Jens WOLBER, Christian Koehler, Laurent Nack
  • Patent number: 7373932
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for a liquefied gas fuel supply system includes a heating unit, a detecting unit and a setting unit. The liquefied gas fuel supply system vaporizes liquefied gas fuel to supply the vaporized gas fuel to an internal-combustion engine. The heating unit heats the liquefied gas fuel before the liquefied gas fuel is vaporized. The detecting unit detects vapor pressure characteristic of the liquefied gas fuel. The setting unit sets an amount of heat to be applied to the liquefied gas fuel on a basis of a detection result by the detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten LImited
    Inventors: Kenji Hayashi, Takao Komoda, Masanori Torii, Toshinari Saiki, Masayuki Kosaka, Toshimitsu Taguchi
  • Patent number: 7357124
    Abstract: A fuel injector for vaporizing a liquid fuel for use in an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector includes a plurality of capillary flow passages, each of the plurality of capillary flow passages having an inlet end and an outlet end; a heat source arranged along each of the plurality of capillary flow passages, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in each of the plurality of capillary flow passages to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from each outlet end of the plurality of capillary flow passages; and a valve for metering substantially vaporized fuel to the internal combustion engine, the valve located proximate to each outlet end of the plurality of capillary flow passages. The fuel injector is effective in reducing cold-start and warm-up emissions of an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Mimmo Elia, Jan-Roger Linna, John Paul Mello
  • Patent number: 7353810
    Abstract: A heating element for a fuel tank takes the form of an immersion heater commonly used in process applications to heat the contents of a fuel tank. The heater would be encased within a well for ease of servicing and replacement as well as safety. The tank heater would be wired in parallel with an engine block heater and connected to a suitable power cord, which would be plugged into a receptacle powered by alternating current. This feature allows the energizing of two heaters from only power cord and is identical to the procedure followed for only the block heater. The thermostat would be provided with an operating thermostat to keep the diesel fuel at the proper temperature, as well as an over-limit termination device for safety purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Steven D. Blaschke
  • Publication number: 20080078363
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for vaporizing liquid fuel. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention includes a pressurized air source, a liquid fuel source, a fuel/air mixer for combining air from the compressed air source and fuel from the fuel source into a fuel/air mixture, and a heat exchanger for vaporizing any liquid fuel in the fuel/air mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Robert C. Apperson
  • Patent number: 7350514
    Abstract: The vaporizing liquid fuel system converts virtually all of the liquid passing through it to a vapor state for chemical or physical processes in the vapor state. One chemical process is combustion in an engine or fuel burning apparatus such as a heating device. The evaporator is comprised of a vapor chamber enclosed by a tube having liquid inlet and vapor outlet ports. The vapor chamber is virtually filled with a thermally conductive vaporizing surface. In the preferred embodiment the thermally conductive vaporizing surface is bonded to the inner surface of the tube. Heat is applied to the other surface and is conducted into the thermally conductive vaporizing surface where vaporization occurs. Heat may be supplied by a resistive film heater bonded to the outer surface of the tube, by heat conducted from a fuel burning system, by heat carried by fluid circulated from a fuel burning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Donald Joseph Stoddard
  • Publication number: 20080069705
    Abstract: A heat exchange device is provided with a partition wall and a heat radiation member. The partition wall separates a first space from a second space. The partition wall is made from a resin. The partition wall includes a through hole extending from the first space to the second space. The heat radiation member is fixed to the through hole. The heat radiation member is made from a metal. One end of the heat radiation member is disposed within the first space and the other end of the heat radiation member is disposed within the second space. An outer surface of the heat radiation member and an inner surface of the through hole are chemically bonded, whereby a gap between the heat radiation member and the through hole is sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20080060621
    Abstract: A fuel injector for heating fuel to be injected into an internal combustion engine. A cylindrical barrel extends between a solenoid and an injection tip for passage of fuel. The outer surface of the barrel supports a suitable circuit pattern formed of an electrically resistive material for generating heat which is passed through the wall of the barrel to warm the fuel which may be stationary or flowing. The electrically resistive material has a positive thermal coefficient, permitting voltage to be applied continuously across the heater causing a current to flow through the heater, the current being inversely proportional to the temperature of the heater. Thus, the heater is self-regulating, the current automatically increasing under cold conditions and diminishing as the fuel injector warms up after starting of the engine. Desirably, the heater is outside both the engine firing chamber and the flow path of the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: David J. Trapasso, Murri H. Decker, Arthur R. Williams
  • Publication number: 20080060620
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a diesel engine for running on alternative fuels in which the a fuel heater is attached to the stock filter mount and the stock fuel-in and stock fuel-out lines of the stock filter mount carry fuel into the fuel heater and out of it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Brian Friedman
  • Publication number: 20080053416
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system and method in an internal combustion engine including directing fuel in thermal contact with an exhaust system of the engine to vaporize the fuel, using liquid fuel when vaporized fuel is not available, and controlling the temperature of the vaporized fuel by mixing vapor and liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: James F. Hines
  • Patent number: 7337768
    Abstract: A fuel injector for delivering fuel to an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector includes a fuel injector housing, a system for metering vaporized fuel to the internal combustion engine, the system positioned within the fuel injector housing, and a system for delivering an atomized stream of liquid fuel to an internal combustion engine, the system positioned within the fuel injector housing, wherein the fuel injector is operable to transition from metering vaporized fuel to delivering an atomized stream of liquid fuel to an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Mimmo Elia, Jan-Roger Linna, John Paul Mello
  • Publication number: 20070277791
    Abstract: A vapor fuel air mixture supply system for a combustion engine, whereby the mixture of air and fuel vapor is elevated in temperature prior to combustion. The liquid fuel may be vaporized in a fractionation process and further heated to enhance flame speed combustion and improve efficiency of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: VAPOR FUEL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond Bryce Bushnell, Anthony Dean, Danny Robert Lewis
  • Publication number: 20070246027
    Abstract: In a fuel filter for an automobile, a filter element for filtering fuel is accommodated in a tubular filter case having a bottom surface and a side surface. A fuel heater is mounted on the side surface of the filter case. Therefore, the filter case and the filter element can be heated directly from heat generated by the fuel heater to effectively heat the fuel flowing therethrough, thereby preventing precipitation of a wax component that could clog the filter element. Also, fuel supply passages for supplying the fuel to the filter element are formed along the side surface of the filter case. Therefore, the fuel is brought into sufficient contact with the filter case heated by the fuel heater, thereby effectively heating the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventor: Akira Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20070227493
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heated catalyzed fuel injector that dispenses fuel substantially exclusively during the power stroke of an internal combustion engine, wherein ignition occurs in a fast burn zone at high fuel density such that a leading surface of the fuel is completely burned within several microseconds. In operation, the fuel injector precisely meters instantly igniting fuel at a predetermined crank angle for optimal power stroke production. Specifically, the fuel is metered into the fuel injector, such that the fuel injector heats, vaporizes, compresses and mildly oxidizes the fuel, and then dispenses the fuel as a relatively low pressure gas column into a combustion chamber of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: Michael C. Cheiky
  • Patent number: 7249596
    Abstract: A fuel system for use in an internal combustion engine includes a plurality of fuel injectors, each injector including at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end, a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat a liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to convert at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state, and a valve for metering fuel to the internal combustion engine, a controller to control the power supplied to the heat source of each of the plurality of fuel injectors to achieve a predetermined target temperature, a sensor for use in determining engine air flow and a sensor for measuring a value indicative of degree of engine warm-up of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Roberto O. Pellizzari, John Baron, Jan-Roger Linna, Peter Loftus, Peter Palmer, John Paul Mello, Stuart Bennett Sprague
  • Patent number: 7240662
    Abstract: An effective method and most compact device for easy installation and simple operation with all existing automobile aftemarket fuel injected engines, which method and device improves fuel condition without vaporization and increases engine performance while significantly reducing fuel consumption and harmful exhaust emissions, especially CO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: William H. Velke
  • Patent number: 7225998
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for vaporizing liquid fuel. The apparatus includes at least one capillary flow passage, the at least one capillary flow passage having an inlet end and an outlet end; a fluid control valve for placing the inlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage in fluid communication with the liquid fuel source and introducing the liquid fuel in a substantially liquid state; a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage; and means for cleaning deposits formed during operation of the apparatus. The flow passage can be a capillary tube heated by a resistance heater or a section of a tube heated by passing electrical energy therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventor: Roberto O. Pellizzari
  • Patent number: 7210467
    Abstract: An apparatus including a reciprocating internal combustion engine and a thermochemical recuperator in which a fuel is reformed. The thermochemical recuperator is heated by exhaust gases from the reciprocating internal combustion engine and steam for the reforming process is produced by passing feed water through an engine lubricating oil heat exchanger, an engine cooling system heat recovery system and an exhaust gas heat recovery system arranged in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Chol-Bum Kweon, Mark J. Khinkis, Vilyam G. Nosach, Robert F. Zabransky
  • Patent number: 7195005
    Abstract: A device and method for conditioning and/or volumetric heating fuel within an internal combustion engine in order to enhance fuel combustion and emission performance is provided. Such a device can include a combustion chamber defined by combustion walls, a fuel injector configured to eject a fuel spray having a trajectory within the combustion chamber, an energy source capable of emitting electromagnetic energy, and an energy focusing member configured to focus the electromagnetic energy along the trajectory to volumetric heat and condition the fuel spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Hitoshi Yoshimoto
  • Patent number: 7168418
    Abstract: A portion of the engine cooling water flowing from the cooling water pump through the engine and the radiator back to the cooling water pump is introduced into the carburetor through piping to heat the carburetor. The downstream side of the carburetor piping is connected to by-pass piping connecting a thermostat valve provided in the radiator piping at a position downstream of the engine and the intake port of the cooling water pump. Accordingly, engine cooling water flows mainly into the by-pass piping when the thermostat valve is closed, and flows mainly into the radiator piping when the thermostat valve is opened. The carburetor is therefore heated even before the thermostat valve is opened immediately after actuation of an engine. In addition, excessive heating of the carburetor after the engine is appropriately heated is prevented without using a special switching valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keishi Kodan
  • Patent number: 7140873
    Abstract: A processor system and method for pretreating ALL FUELS prior to combustion of a any combustion device such as an engine in which fuel in a liquid state is contained in a high pressure chamber and superheated to a state of elevated temperature and pressure.super heated fuel is then injected into the combustion chamber for burning as demanded by the combustion device. This process holds true for ALL FUELS, Liquids, Gaseous, Pulverized Solids and Solids. Making it an Ideal UNIVERSAL self contained process that can be adapted to existing needs as well as new needs for total energy use. This Process will allow ALL FUELS to burn more cleanly and efficiently and will promote optimum combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Michael J. House
  • Patent number: 7131432
    Abstract: A method and apparatus providing for efficient operation of gas engines in non-ideal temperature conditions. An apparatus is provided in fluid communication with a source of gas, and with the gas input of a gas engine. The apparatus accepts gas from the source, and allows the gas to reach the gas engine via one or two reservoirs. Pressure regulators can be mounted with the input ports, output ports, or combinations thereof, of the reservoirs. An exhaust channel accepts exhaust from the gas engine and passes it along a path that is in thermal communication with the reservoirs, such that the exhaust encourages a more uniform and higher operating temperature of the gas supplied to the pressure regulators and to the gas engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Jeff Davis
  • Patent number: 7073489
    Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of gaseous fuel for a coolant cooled engine having a liquid to gas converter where the coolant is adapted to heat the converter. The system includes a gas temperature sensor adapted to measure the temperature of gas exiting the converter and a valve means adapted to regulate the flow of coolant into the converter. A control means determined when said gas temperature falls below a pre-determined value and opens the valve to cause an increased flow of coolant into the converter thus heating it. The system further includes an embodiment where the control means causes the valve means to close only when the temperature of gas exiting the converter is greater than a pre-determined value. A coolant temperature sensor also ensures that the valve can not be completely closed off unless the coolant temperature is above a pre-set value such as 50 degrees Centigrade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventors: Barrington Sexton, Paulus Boon