Fuel Only Patents (Class 123/557)
  • Patent number: 5297530
    Abstract: A heating device for injected fuel in an internal combustion engine is disposed at an upper wall of an intake port. The heating device includes a casing and a plurality of fins integrally connected to a lower plate of the casing. A heater is disposed between the intake port and the casing. The fins are arranged to downwardly extend from said supporting member and along the injected direction of the injected fuel. Therefore, the atomization of the injected fuel is accelerated by the heating of the heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Texas Instruments Japan Limited
    Inventors: Noboru Kaneko, Takahisa Yamashita
  • Patent number: 5291870
    Abstract: A system for providing an air-fuel vapor mixture to an engine for improving completeness of combustion and also reducing emissions. The system includes a vaporizer within which a series of baffles are disposed such that air and fuel pass along a tortuous passageway defined within the vaporizer. Exhaust gases provide heat to the vaporizer, and as air and fuel pass along the passageway of the vaporizer, a homogenous air-fuel vapor mixture is produced, with the homogenous mixture exiting the vaporizer being supplied to the engine by way of an adapter plate assembly. When used with a carburetor, the adapter plate is disposed between the carburetor and the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Inventor: Ray M. Covey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5280776
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved fluid vaporization means for use in conjunction with an internal combustion engine comprising intake and exhaust valves, each of the valves including seats. An exhaust valve seat means is provided for receiving and directing unheated fuel around the exhaust valve seat whereby the fuel is preheated by the cylinder means. An intake valve seat receives the heated fuel from the exhaust valve seat and includes means for directing the now heated fuel from the intake valve seat and into the cylinder for increased combustion efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Leon B. Dick
  • Patent number: 5257609
    Abstract: A combustion emission reduction device in a simplified form capable of processing fuel prior to combustion in associated combustion devices, combustion chambers and internal combustion engines in such a manner so as to reduce harmful combustion emissions and improve combustion efficiency by delivering processed to the combustion chamber which is capable of cleaner and more complete combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventors: Morgan P. Reed, Daniel J. Redmond, Donald C. Redmond
  • Patent number: 5243953
    Abstract: Diesel fuel preheaters with a heat exchanger and electric heating serve, for example, at low temperatures to maintain the flowability of diesel fuel and furthermore to quickly heat diesel fuel to achieve defined conditions for a fuel conserving and emission reduced combustion of the fuel and a better engine performance. The diesel fuel preheaters are provided with an integrated control unit and are adaptable to various engines and operational conditions. A special electric heating element in cooperation with the integrated control unit and the heat exchanger provide a fast and economic preheating of the diesel fuel. Furthermore, various advantageous couplings and mechanisms for the regulation of the heat transfer from the heat-deliverying medium such as cooling water to the diesel fuel at the heat exchanger are shown and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Hermann-Frank Muller
    Inventor: Werner K. Fuchs
  • Patent number: 5231968
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preheating combustion fluids such as air, fuel or fuel-air mixtures upstream of a combustion chamber (12) in an internal combustion engine (10). The apparatus generally includes a heat exchanger (18) and an assembly (30) for heating the heat exchanger. The improvement involves the use of reticulated foam metal as the heat exchanger (18) to provide a very high heating surface area (19) for thoroughly heating the fluids as the fluids pass through the reticulated foam metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: Donald Siefkes
  • Patent number: 5226400
    Abstract: A fuel dispersion device has been provided in the form of a vacuum pump in which fuel is injected as macroscopic fuel droplets in metered quantities into a vacuum chamber in the pump where it is converted to a converted fuel in the form of a mixture of a smaller percentage of gaseous fuel and a larger percentage of microscopic liquid fuel droplets. This converted fuel is moved from the inlet to an outlet port by sweeping vanes. A combination of vacuum, expanding absorbed gases, mechanical energy and thermal energy is used to create gaseous fuel and microscopic liquid fuel droplets from macroscopic liquid fuel droplets. An air intake passageway is provided at one end of the mixing chamber at substantially right angles to the outlet from the vacuum chamber. An air-fuel discharge passageway is provided on the opposite side of the intake passageway for supplying the mixture of air and converted fuel to the engine for combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: MicroFuels, Inc.
    Inventor: Desmond A. Birch
  • Patent number: 5219399
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an internal combustion engine liquid fuel delivery system includes an electrical power source to preheat fuel to a maximum temperature for the fuel to remain in the liquid phase just below the fuel vaporization. Preheating takes place immediately before delivery to the engine's carburetor. Fuel is heated in a dual coil assembly having an adjustable valve that controls the volume of fuel flowing through the heating assembly. A temperature control apparatus maintains the fuel temperature at fuel pre-vaporization temperature. The retrofit system includes a solenoid that selectively directs fuel through either the fuel delivery preheating system or the engine's existing fuel delivery system. An operator's control panel for activating or deactivating the solenoid-controlled valve means and the preheating device is located inside the driver's compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventor: Branislav V. Brana
  • Patent number: 5218944
    Abstract: A fuel preheater for use with internal combustion engines is disclosed. The preheater works on the principle that by preheating the fuel, the fuel is more effectively vaporized, resulting in more efficient combustion. This preheating is accomplished using heat normally wasted via the radiator. The preheater has a housing, through which heated engine coolant on its way from the engine block to the radiator is routed. A coiled steel gas line is routed through the housing, and is connected between the regular fuel line and the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventor: Paul D. Leonard
  • Patent number: 5215065
    Abstract: A heater valve for a diesel fuel system for a vehicle having a main body portion with a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet adapted to be coupled to the vehicle fuel system. A fuel inlet line and a fuel outlet line from the valve are adapted to be coupled to a heat exchanger. A fuel distribution chamber in the valve is in fluid communication with the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet line and a fuel mixing chamber in the valve is in fluid communication with the fuel inlet line and the fuel outlet. A port opens into the mixing chamber and a spring biased valve in the mixing chamber has a restrictor normally restricting the size of the port opening with a valve shaft extending through an opening in a partition wall into the distribution chamber into engagement with a calibrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Inventor: David T. Snyder
  • Patent number: 5207203
    Abstract: A fuel system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed having a fuel distributor to which one or more injectors are operably connected for injecting fuel into the intake manifold of the engine. A valve assembly in the system has a valve which is disposed for movement between a first position in which fuel is recirculated through the distributor for return to the fuel supply, and a second position in which fuel supplied to the distributor is not recirculated to the supply thereby eliminating returned fuel as a heat source for said fuel supply when the valve is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Wagner, Michael R. Raney
  • Patent number: 5205250
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for preheating fuel from a vehicle fuel tank prior to feeding the fuel to a vehicle engine. The apparatus comprises first and second heat exchangers. The first heat exchanger uses fuel from the fuel tank to heat engine coolant received from the vehicle engine. The second heat exchanger uses engine coolant to discharge from the first heat exchanger to heat the fuel received from the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Herbert Easterly
    Inventors: Herbert Easterly, Charlie F. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5201341
    Abstract: A fluid flow control valve comprises a fluid heating device for supplying a heat energy to a fluid, a valve device for controlling a flow rate of the fluid, an electromagnetic coil for generating a magnetic field at the fluid heating device and the valve device so that the fluid heating device is heated to supply the heat energy to the fluid and the valve device is operated to control the flow rate of the fluid, and a power source for applying a voltage to the electromagnetic coil to generate the magnetic field, the power source supplying a current whose value fluctuates to the electromagnetic coil when the fluid heating device supplies the heat energy to the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimitaka Saito, Tatsuyoshi Matsumoto, Toshihiko Igashira
  • Patent number: 5197447
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved fluid vaporizer for use in conjunction with an internal combustion engine comprising intake and exhaust valves, each of the valves including seats. An exhaust valve seat insert is provided for receiving and directing unheated fuel around the exhaust valve seat whereby the fuel is preheated by the cylinder. An intake valve seat insert receives the heated fuel from the exhaust valve seat and directs the now heated fuel from the intake valve seat and into the cylinder for increased combustion efficiency. A valve stroke adjuster is also provided for increasing or decreasing the amount the inlet valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Inventor: Leon B. Dick
  • Patent number: 5197445
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for supplying an internal combustion engine with fuel which includes the following components: a tank; a reservoir for fuel; a pump; a switchover valve, to which the tank, the reservoir and the pump are connected; a metering device to meter fuel to the intake air; a feed line to feed fuel from the pump to the metering device; a line into the reservoir for refilling the reservoir with a component flow of fuel pumped by the pump; and a control unit for driving the pump, the metering device and the switchover valve. The control unit is configured so that it switches the switchover valve in case of a just started engine, so that the fuel is pumped by the pump out of the reservoir into the feed line, and when the engine is warm, the switchover valve is switched so that the pump pumps fuel from the tank into the feed line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: John Casari
  • Patent number: 5174266
    Abstract: A fuel temperature control system maintains fuel at a programmable temperature by adding heat to or drawing heat from the fuel as it passes through a heat exchanger. A secondary heat exchanger is used in conjunction with Peltier-effect thermoelectric modules to perform the addition of extraction of heat. A control unit receives fuel temperature signals and generates module electrical control signals to control the amount and direction of heat transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Allen J. Evdokimo
  • Patent number: 5171487
    Abstract: A thermo-magnetic vaporizer carburetor comprised of a vaporization reaction chamber which includes South pole exposed magnetic means uniformly around the chamber. The South pole magnetic field alters the molecular structure of the fuel so that it is more rapidly dispersed in the fuel/air mixture entering the I.C. engine. The liquid fuel enters the thermo-magnetic vaporizer under high pressure at ambient temperature and is conducted into a circular spiral arrangement of tubing of approximately six turns where the change-of-state transition is made from a liquid fuel to a fuel vapor. The circular spiral tubing assembly of the vaporization reaction chamber is the conduit for the fuel, as well as an electrical heating element that vaporizes the fuel that is flowing through it. The vaporized fuel exits vaporization reaction chamber and is directed to the exit port of the central vane gimbal where it is injected into the low pressure point of the spinning intake air vortex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: Paul H. Hudz
  • Patent number: 5163410
    Abstract: A fuel circuit is disclosed for air-compressing injection-type internal combustion engines. The fuel circuit is provided with thermostat-controlled fuel preheating and has a switch-over valve controlled as a function of fuel temperature and a heat exchanger as a combined structural unit. The heat exchanger, through which only fuel flows, protrudes into the cooling water flow of the cooling water duct extending in the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Conrad, Gerd Niemeier, Lucian Betke
  • Patent number: 5159915
    Abstract: A fuel injector for injecting a heated fuel into a combustion engine, comprises, an electro-magnetic coil for generating a fluctuating magnetic flux density, a fuel heating member in which the fluctuating magnetic flux density is generated by the electro-magnetic coil so that the fuel heating member is heated by the fluctuating magnetic flux density and a heat energy of the fuel heating member generated by the fluctuating magnetic flux density is transmitted to the fuel to supply the heated fuel, and a fuel path member in which the fuel flows to be injected from the fuel injector into the combustion engine and in which the fuel heating member is arranged to heat the fuel, wherein a magnetic permeability of the fuel heating member is larger than that of the fuel path member so that a magnetic flux density in the fuel heating member is larger than a magnetic flux density in the fuel path member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimitaka Saito, Tatsuyoshi Matsumoto, Toshihiko Igashira
  • Patent number: 5158131
    Abstract: A fuel heater formed from an elongated unitary structure which defines a fuel channel passing through the length thereof and which defines in the bottom thereof a fuel intake. The unitary structure also defines a heating fluid inlet and outlet on one side of the fuel channel which communicate with one another on that one side of the fuel channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Erwin E. Hurner
  • Patent number: 5156135
    Abstract: A heater valve for a diesel fuel system for a vehicle having a main body portion with a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet adapted to be coupled to the vehicle fuel system. A fuel inlet line and a fuel outlet line from the valve are adapted to be coupled to a heat exchanger. A fuel distribution chamber in the valve is in fluid communication with the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet line and a fuel mixing chamber in the valve is in fluid communication with the fuel inlet line and the fuel outlet. A port opens into the mixing chamber and a spring bias valve in the mixing chamber has a restrictor normally restricting the size of the port opening with a valve shaft extending through an opening in a partition wall into the distribution chamber into engagement with a calibrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Inventor: David T. Snyder
  • Patent number: 5152272
    Abstract: A cylinder head of an internal-combustion enbgine with at least one inlet valve and a fuel injection in an air-intake channel has an evaporation element intended for improving the fuel/air mixture formation projecting into the air-intake channel. The evaporation element has high thermal conductivity in a partition wall between the inlet-valve channels in multi-valve engines and makes direct thermal contact between the air-intake channel and the main combustion space. The heating of the mixture mass located in the air-intake channel is thus self-regulated by the combustion heat in the main combustion space. The installation avoids the hitherto necessary resistance heating constituting a drain on the power supply and improves the heating regulation of the mixture mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventor: Dieter Scherenberg
  • Patent number: 5135044
    Abstract: A method for heating fuel by a fuel heater formed from an elongated unitary structure which defines a fuel channel passing through the length thereof and which defines in the bottom thereof a fuel intake. The unitary structure also defines a heating fluid inlet and outlet on one side of the fuel channel which communicate with one another on that one side of the fuel channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventor: Erwin E. Hurner
  • Patent number: 5130517
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flame-type heater plug for an air-compression fuel-injection internal-combustion engine, especially a direct-injection and superchargable internal-combustion engine. The heater plug includes a heater tube arranged in the course of a plug housing and protective tube and has an integrated first control coil at a level of passage orifices in the protective tube, heating coil and a second control coil arranged outside the protective tube at a side of the heating coil opposite the first control coil. A heater-tube portion which projects from the protective tube and is located in the flow path of the intake air in the suction pipe of the internal-combustion engine is provided in which the second control coil is arranged for further influencing the power of the heating oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Friedrich Schmid, Peter Joppig, Roland Klak
  • Patent number: 5119794
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fuel heating device for internal combustion engines, in which both fuel heating means and fuel conductance passage are accommodated in the main body, constructed in such a manner that the fuel is injected after being heated while it passes the aforementioned fuel conductive passage to be arranged proximate to the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Osami Kushida, Takahisa Yamashita, Yasushi Hibino
  • Patent number: 5118451
    Abstract: A fuel vaporization device utilized in conjunction with an internal combustion engine which is serviced by a fluid circulating cooling system and a fuel supply system. The vaporization device comprises a compact chamber sealed by two end walls having inlet and outlet ports to allow straight-line flow of the engine cooling medium through a centrally positioned, fluid-tight heater tube. Fuel inlet and outlet ports are provided atop the chamber and a plurality of baffle members are systematically arranged along the heater tube to inhibit flow of the liquid fuel through the chamber and permit escape of fuel vapor through the outlet port. As fuel passes through the compact chamber, heat is exchanged from the cooling medium in the tube to the fuel in the chamber to cause vaporization thereof prior to carburetion or injection in an engine of a motorized vehicle. Use of the device reduces air pollution and improves fuel economy through more efficient fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventors: Raymond A. Lambert, Sr., Isacco El-Am
  • Patent number: 5110460
    Abstract: A separator of the present invention includes a lid (12) constituting an inlet duct (4) for conveying diesel fuel to a deflector (6) which imparts a centrifugal velocity thereto inside a centrifuging bowl (8). The centrifuged liquid rises, passes through a filter (18), and leaves via an outlet duct (10). These two ducts are heated by an electrical resistance (16) incorporated in the solid metal of the lid by casting. The lid is provided with fins (24) for heating the diesel oil in the vicinity of the filter. The invention is particularly applicable to feeding fuel to diesel engines in goods vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: GEC Alsthom SA
    Inventor: Francois Gilas
  • Patent number: 5105063
    Abstract: A heater systen for a diesel fuel tank to minimize jelling of the fuel during operation at low wintertime temperatures includes an immersion heater that is selectively controlled by two temperature sensors (thermistors) positioned at different levels in the fuel tank. A liquid level responsive means operates a selector switch to alternately connect the two sensors to the heater as a response to changes in liquid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Roger G. Hockemier
  • Patent number: 5099909
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for heating washer fluid supplied to motor vehicle windshield washer nozzles simultaneously with diesel oil supplied to the diesel engine of the vehicle is disclosed. Engine coolant heats a tank containing separate coils through which the washer fluid and diesel oil circulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventor: Giuseppe Barigelli
  • Patent number: 5097813
    Abstract: A heating device for pre-heating liquid fuel, especially diesel fuel and for heating devices of a low heating performance which are independent from a motor have a heating performance which is suitable for mounting into vehicles, which are driven by the liquid fuel. The pre-heating is effected by a transmission of heat of the exhaust gas to the fuel of the heating device, the fuel being lead through a continuous tubular wrapping in one layer or through a hollow cylinder formed or positioned around the exhaust pipe. This wrapping or hollow cylinder is part of the fuel main from the fuel tank to the fuel supply pump of the heating device. A pre-heating of the content of the tank is effected by the return of the pre-heated, but not burnt fuel through a fuel return main back into the tank. A heat transmitting jacket is advantageously disposed between the wrapping, or a hollow cylinder and the exhaust gas pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: J. Eberspacher
    Inventors: Peter Reiser, Fritz Mohring, Adolf Schodt
  • Patent number: 5095879
    Abstract: An electronically controlled fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine comprises a fuel supply source, at least one fuel passage in the form of a nozzle disposed to be supplied with fuel from the fuel supply source, and a heater arranged in each of the at least one fuel passage for heating fuel in each fuel passage to generate a bubble therein so that pressure of the fuel therein is increased, whereby the fuel in each fuel passage is injected into the intake passage of the engine through an injection port of each fuel passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo K.K. (Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in English)
    Inventor: Seiya Matsushima
  • Patent number: 5092304
    Abstract: A system (10) for preheating fuel in a fuel tank (16) for an internal combustion engine. The system (10) includes a heat exchanger (12) for transferring heat from a heated fluid to the fuel. The heat exchanger (12) includes a fuel tube (32) being surrounded by the heated fluid for further heating of the fuel prior to its entering the fuel line of the vehicle or other device in which the system is installed. In the preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger (12) is installed through an access opening (14) normally provided in fuel tanks used in diesel engine-powered over-the-road trucks. A flange (18) is provided for securing the heat exchanger (12) to the flange (20) which surrounds the opening (14) in the fuel tank (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventor: Jerald R. McNelley
  • Patent number: 5093898
    Abstract: Conductive polymer compositions based on polyvinylidene fluoride have improved properties when the polyvinylidene fluoride has a very regular structure which can be characterized by a low head-to-head content in the repeating units. The improved properties include electrical stability when contacted by organic fluids and/or when maintained at elevated temperatures in air. Such compositions which exhibit PTC behavior are particularly useful in the form of self-limiting heaters which are immersed in organic fluds, especially flexible strip heaters for heating diesel fuel before it passes through a fuel filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Peter H. van Konynenburg, Andrew Au
  • Patent number: 5086748
    Abstract: Several embodiments of gaseous fuel supplying systems for an internal combustion engine used to power a portable generator. In each embodiment, heat is supplied to the fuel so as to maintain the fuel pressure if the fuel pressure falls below a predetermined pressure. In some embodiments, the heat supply is on-off and in other embodiments it is variable. In certain embodiments, the heat is supplied electrically and in another embodiment, the heat is extracted from the engine. In addition, one embodiment incorporates a cold starting arrangement wherein fuel is supplied to the engine for cold starting at full container pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 5085198
    Abstract: A low pressure fuel supply system supplies fuel which tends partially to solidify at low temperatures and whose viscosity increases with decreasing temperature, from a fuel tank along a supply line, through a filter, to a fuel injection pump. A fuel recirculating circuit for recirculating fuel warmed by the injection pump extends from a return outlet of the injection pump, along a path extending through the filter to the injection pump inlet. A permanent bleed pipe extends to the fuel tank from the portion of the recirculating circuit between the injection pump return outlet and the filter. The flow-resistance-determining dimensions of the permanent bleed pipe are such that the pipe presents increasing resistance to the flow of fuel therein with decreasing fuel temperature. It therefore carries little flow at low temperatures of the fuel therein, most of the warmed fuel from the injection pump return outlet being directed into the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Lucas Industries Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Bartlett, Peter F. Bradford
  • Patent number: 5076243
    Abstract: Liquid gasoline introduced from a suitable source into a treatment tank of the system is transformed into a relatively dry vaporous state substantially free from large droplets or similar particles. Pellets within an outer chamber of the vessel are propelled by air streams into engagement with each other, and with walls of the vessel, and generate frictional heat. Baffle members in an inner chamber of the vessel reduce the size of droplets of gasoline in such chamber. Dry gas is conducted from the treatment vessel to a holding tank, from whence it is supplied to the intake manifold of the engine. Valves of the system are operated in response to actuation of an accelerator associated with the engine. Liquid gasoline from a lower portion of the vessel is supplied to the intake manifold of the engine during initial start-up, and at other times when no dry gasoline vapor is present within the holding tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Kingsdale International, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Dale
  • Patent number: 5070852
    Abstract: An auxiliary instantaneous heating and magnetization apparatus for the fuel system of a vehicle comprises an instantaneous heating apparatus and a magnetized combustion-aid apparatus. The instantaneous heating apparatus comprising an electric heating device, an automatic isothermal controller, a temperature fuse, a switch, an indicating light, and an electric source connected in series. The electric heating device is mounted to the fuel pipe at a location near the inlet of a carburetor or a fuel injection system. The magnetized combustion-aid apparatus comprises elongated permanent magnets covered by a housing being substantially C-shaped, in section, and is clamped on the fuel pipe at a location near the inlet of the fuel filter or corresponding to the electric heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventors: Jen-Chun Po, Jason Pan
  • Patent number: 5056495
    Abstract: A fuel supply device and heating device or system for an electrically controlled fuel injection engine has an air intake and a fuel injector arranged to direct air and fuel respectively into a cylinder inlet passageway leading to a cylinder inlet valve opening in an engine cylinder and has a heating device located in the passageway having a heating surface arranged to receive fuel from the fuel injector for heating the fuel and deflecting it or directing it into the cylinder through the cylinder inlet valve opening substantially free of condensing contact with walls of the passageway, thereby to assure that the proper ratio of air and fuel as provided by the electronic controls of the engine are properly received in the engine cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Takahisa Yamashita, Kazuo Kayanuma
  • Patent number: 5054458
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combustion engine with fuel injection system, having at least one cylinder with an air inlet passage, into which passage opens a fuel spray valve which is connected to a fuel pipe with pump. Disposed in the fuel pipe or on the spray valve is a fuel heating element with which the infed fuel can come into direct contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Guus V. Wechem, Gerrit Beunk, Fritz Van Den Elst, Philips M. Gerson
  • Patent number: 5050569
    Abstract: A fuel injection system having an air supply and a fuel injection spray valve furnishing an air-fuel mixture to an internal combustion engine has a fuel heating device for heating the fuel just prior to spraying from the valve to enhance fuel-air mixing, the heater having a housing comprising a pair of stiffly compressible housing elements clamped in sealing relation to each other for capturing a flat ceramic heating device of positive temperature coefficient of resistivity between the compressible housing elements, the elements each having a central opening and a spiral groove therein cooperating to form a chamber holding the heating device and for guiding fuel through the grooves in heat-transfer relation to the disc along spiral paths extending along each flat side of the heating disc, the housing having terminals sealed therein for electrically engaging opposite sides of the heating disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Gerrit J. Beunk, Frederik M. N. Van Den Elst
  • Patent number: 5050571
    Abstract: The purpose of this patent is to permit the use of diesel fuel for spark-ignition engines, whatever the type, e.g. two- or four-stroke piston engines (Rochas-Otto cycle); rotary (all types, including Wankel) by spraying diesel fuel onto a hot exhaust manifold to vaporize the fuel within an intake manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventor: Constantin Daniels
  • Patent number: 5048501
    Abstract: A mechanical process for significantly improving the octane rating performance of gasoline powered engines (either conventional carburetion or fuel injection). An auxiliary system fractionates a precise portion of the required fuel and combines the fraction thus formed with a conventionally produced air/fuel mixture in states and proportions which optimize the combustion process. Different means of implementing the process are described utilizing an additional fuel controller which is connected to a fuel supply through an existing fuel pump which delivers fuel to both the fuel controller and an existing carburetion of fuel-injection system. Air for both is drawn through a common air filter. A proportioning system determines the proper amount of air and fuel entering the controller where they are mixed. The vapor fraction is enhanced and stabilized by passing the mixture through a heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventors: Dale T. Smith, C. George Amistadi
  • Patent number: 5042447
    Abstract: A device for heating and cooling fuel to maintain the temperature of fuel delivered to an engine within a desired temperature range includes a body (10) having a fuel inlet (12) and a fuel outlet (14). The body includes a middle portion (16) and a first heat exchanger portion (18) in connection with a heat source. The body also includes a second heat exchanger portion (20) in connection with a heat sink. A thermostatic actuator (86) positioned adjacent the outlet of the device, includes a plunger rod (88) that extends responsive to increased temperature of the fuel passing the actuator. A movable member (74) is positioned by the plunger rod to direct fuel to either a first opening (28) from which the fuel passes through the first heat exchanger portion and is heated, or to a second opening (30) from which the fuel passes through the second heat exchanger portion and is cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Walter H. Stone
  • Patent number: 5040518
    Abstract: A fuel vaporizer manifold to be mechanically interconnected between the carburetor and intake manifold of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The vaporizer manifold comprises a plurality of parallel aligned and longitudinally extending heating tubes and a plurality of parallel aligned and laterally extending heat conducting fins that are arranged in thermal contact with said tubes. A portion the hot exhaust gases being emitted from the engine is recycled from the exhaust manifold to the carburetor by way of the heating tubes of the vaporizer manifold to thereby heat the tubes and the fins in contact therewith. Liquid fuel (e.g. gasoline), which is mixed with air and supplied to the vaporizer manifold from the carburetor, flows over the heat conducting fins, whereby said liquid fuel is vaporized. The vaporized fuel is supplied from the vaporizer manifold to the intake manifold to be efficiently combusted within the cylinders of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Inventor: Myrle W. Hamm
  • Patent number: 5036825
    Abstract: A fuel heater for maintaining the temperature of fuel delivered to an engine in a desired range includes a body (12) having a fuel inlet (14) and a fuel outlet (16). A shell and tube assembly (39) in a heat exchanger portion (20) of said body is supplied with hot coolant from the engine, which serves as a heat source. A thermostatic actuator (58) adjacent the fuel outlet extends a plunger rod (76) responsive to increasing temperature. A valve assembly includes a movable cylindrical member (66) and a conical member (72) which includes a number of orifices (74) therethrough. The body includes a conical seat (70) conforming in profile to the conical member. When the fuel is cold it passes from the inlet through an opening (38), and into the shell and tube assembly (39) to be heated. Fluid then flows through a conduit (50), past thermostatic actuator (58) and leaves the body through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Walter H. Stone
  • Patent number: 5035227
    Abstract: An alcohol/water fuel vaporizer for use in an internal combustion steam engine. The vaporizer comprises an exhaust gas chamber through which engine exhaust is passed and a vapor chamber for the generation and retention of pressurized fuel vapor. The exhaust gas chamber includes a plurality of baffles to direct the flow of the gas against a crown sheet, the latter sheet being heated thereby. The crown sheet forms the dividing partition between the vapor and exhaust gas chambers. A fuel preheater is positioned in the vapor chamber through which engine coolant is passed. A plurality of switchable fuel injectors in the vapor chamber controllably admit and spray fuel onto the preheater and crown plate in response to engine power demands and vapor chamber pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Inventor: Herbert N. W. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5029634
    Abstract: A fuel heater formed from an elongated unitary structure which defines a fuel channel passing through the length thereof and which defines in the bottom thereof a fuel intake. The unitary structure also defines a heating fluid inlet and outlet on one side of the fuel channel which communicate with one another on that one side of the fuel channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Inventor: Erwin E. Hurner
  • Patent number: 5025131
    Abstract: Conductive polymer compositions based on polyvinylidene fluoride have improved properties when the polyvinylidene fluoride has a very regular structure which can be characterized by a low head-to-head content in the repeating units. The improved properties include electrical stability when contacted by organic fluids and/or when maintained at elevated temperatures in air. Such compositions which exhibit PTC behavior are particularly useful in the form of self-limiting heaters which are immersed in organic fluids, especially flexible strip heaters for heating diesel fuel before it passes through a fuel filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Peter H. van Konyenburg, Andrew Au
  • Patent number: RE34166
    Abstract: A new fuel processor apparatus for diesel engines, particularly diesel engine powered vehicles, with the apparatus having no moving parts and no internal gaskets or connections to leak or deteriorate, and said apparatus being capable of removing water from the diesel fuel while promoting filterability and combustion efficiency of the fuel.The questions raised in reexamination request No. 90/001,642, filed Nov. 22, 1988, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Davco Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Leland L. Davis
  • Patent number: RE34178
    Abstract: A new fuel processor apparatus for diesel engines, particularly diesel engine powered vehicles, with the apparatus having no moving parts and no internal gaskets or connections to leak or deteriorate, and said apparatus being capable of removing water from the diesel fuel while promoting filterability and combustion efficiency of the fuel.The questions raised in reexamination request No. 90/001,643, filed Nov. 22, 1988, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Davco Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Leland L. Davis