Fuel Only Patents (Class 123/557)
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Patent number: 7591253Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Proinjects, L.L.C.Inventor: Michael Martindale
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Patent number: 7587998Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Isamu Hotta, Yutaro Minami
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Patent number: 7578287Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 15, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Akira Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20090159057Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Mark Allen Dearth, Tom G. Leone
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Patent number: 7543575Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Jens Wolber, Christian Koehler, Laurent Nack
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Publication number: 20090133676Abstract: A heating assembly that allows an adequate pre-heating of a fuel used in an internal combustion engine is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2006Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventors: Fernando Lepsch, Fernando Augusto Marron, Franz Thommes, Rosalvo Bertolucci Filho, Alvaro Augusto Vasconcelos, Marcos Melo Araujo, Marcello Francisco Brunocilla
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Patent number: 7537646Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Alexander G Chen, Jeffrey M. Cohen
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Patent number: 7536981Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Powergen International Pty, Ltd.Inventor: Fadil Sadikay
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Patent number: 7527047Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Inventor: Antoine Di Gennaro
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Publication number: 20090090335Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventor: Bernardo J. Herzer
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Patent number: 7506638Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Inventors: Andrei Vadimovitch Shinkarenko, James Richard Hunt
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Patent number: 7503315Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Inventor: Paul John Hutchinson
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Publication number: 20090038591Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventors: Dennis Lee, Michael Holler
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Patent number: 7481205Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: David H. Keeler, Francis M. Sprinkel, Niranjan Maharajh, Mimmo Elia, Josh Breinlinger, Jan-Roger Linna
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Patent number: 7478628Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Inventor: James F. Hines
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Publication number: 20090013975Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventor: Bernardo J. Herzer
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Publication number: 20080314370Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventor: Christopher D. Weiche
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Patent number: 7451747Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Fujitsu Ten LimitedInventors: Kenji Hayashi, Takao Komoda, Masanori Torii, Toshinari Saiki, Masayuki Kosaka, Toshimitsu Taguchi
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Publication number: 20080257315Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventor: Charles W. Thomas
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Publication number: 20080223346Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Hornby
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Patent number: 7424886Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Inventor: Bernardo J. Herzer
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Patent number: 7415975Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 27, 2004Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Greentech Motors (Israel) Ltd.Inventor: Moshe Lerner
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Publication number: 20080196703Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: VAPOR FUEL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Raymond Bryce Bushnell, Danny Robert Lewis, Robert William Parry
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Publication number: 20080190400Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2005Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventors: Raymond Bryce Bushnell, Danny Robert Lewis
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Patent number: 7404395Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Inventor: Hitoshi Yoshimoto
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Patent number: 7401601Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Inventor: Wolfram Kangler
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Patent number: 7398771Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Volvo Lastvaghan ABInventors: Gunnar Theorell, Sigurd Sonderegger
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Publication number: 20080149076Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Jens WOLBER, Christian Koehler, Laurent Nack
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Patent number: 7373932Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Fujitsu Ten LImitedInventors: Kenji Hayashi, Takao Komoda, Masanori Torii, Toshinari Saiki, Masayuki Kosaka, Toshimitsu Taguchi
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Patent number: 7357124Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Mimmo Elia, Jan-Roger Linna, John Paul Mello
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Patent number: 7353810Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Inventor: Steven D. Blaschke
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Publication number: 20080078363Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventor: Robert C. Apperson
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Patent number: 7350514Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 16, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Inventor: Donald Joseph Stoddard
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Publication number: 20080069705Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroyuki Fujimoto
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Publication number: 20080060621Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: David J. Trapasso, Murri H. Decker, Arthur R. Williams
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Publication number: 20080060620Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventor: Brian Friedman
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Publication number: 20080053416Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2006Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventor: James F. Hines
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Patent number: 7337768Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 7, 2004Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Mimmo Elia, Jan-Roger Linna, John Paul Mello
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Publication number: 20070277791Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2006Publication date: December 6, 2007Applicant: VAPOR FUEL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Raymond Bryce Bushnell, Anthony Dean, Danny Robert Lewis
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Publication number: 20070246027Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2007Publication date: October 25, 2007Inventor: Akira Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20070227493Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2007Publication date: October 4, 2007Inventor: Michael C. Cheiky
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Patent number: 7249596Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 26, 2005Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Roberto O. Pellizzari, John Baron, Jan-Roger Linna, Peter Loftus, Peter Palmer, John Paul Mello, Stuart Bennett Sprague
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Patent number: 7240662Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Inventor: William H. Velke
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Patent number: 7225998Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventor: Roberto O. Pellizzari
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Patent number: 7210467Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventors: Chol-Bum Kweon, Mark J. Khinkis, Vilyam G. Nosach, Robert F. Zabransky
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Patent number: 7195005Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Inventor: Hitoshi Yoshimoto
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Patent number: 7168418Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Keishi Kodan
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Patent number: 7140873Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 1, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Inventor: Michael J. House
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Patent number: 7131432Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 11, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Inventor: Jeff Davis
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Patent number: 7073489Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Inventors: Barrington Sexton, Paulus Boon