Hydrogen Patents (Class 123/DIG12)
  • Patent number: 4111160
    Abstract: A process and mechanism for producing hydrogen by electrolysis aboard a vehicle, means for controlling the hydrogen thereby produced, and operating an internal combustion engine with trace amounts of the hydrogen, air and a vehicle-carried hydrocarbon fuel whereby the traces of hydrogen maximize full savings in fuel and reduce pollutants and wherein a triangularly-shaped, separator within a hydrogen oxygen producer reduces costs and increases efficiency. The invention herein exhausts the oxygen to atmosphere with beneficient consequences and utilizes a small amount of hydrogen to enhance the qualities of a hydrocarbon fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1978
    Inventor: Pier F. Talenti
  • Patent number: 4107010
    Abstract: Hydrogen and oxygen are produced from water in a process involving the photodissociation of molecular bromine with radiant energy at wavelengths within the visible light region and a subsequent electrolytic dissociation of hydrogen halides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1978
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Russell Gilbert Meyerand, Jr., Nicholas Leo Krascella, David Gue McMahon
  • Patent number: 4099489
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which heat is derived from the engine cooling system and the exhaust to heat a working fluid and to transform it into a gas which drives a turbine which operates a generator. Direct current from the latter is delivered to an electrolysis cell containing purified water which is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is injected under pressure into the combustion chambers of the engine while the hydrogen is also injected under pressure into a carburetor where it is combined with conventional hydrocarbon fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1978
    Inventor: Curtis E. Bradley
  • Patent number: 4090485
    Abstract: A fuel vaporization system for hydrocarbon users, such as internal combustion engines, gas turbines and the like wherein the prior art gas generating and carburetor functions are accomplished in a novel chamber or fuel generator with additional benefits afforded through the use of controlled amounts of hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1978
    Assignee: Antonio LaCreta
    Inventor: Mario V. LaCreta
  • Patent number: 4088450
    Abstract: A plurality of catalysts are arranged in a desirable order based on the temperature gradient existing in the reaction chamber. The operating temperature of the catalyst and the temperature of the portion of the reaction chamber it is in, are matched so as to avoid catalytic degradation and/or catalytic inactivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1978
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventors: Katuaki Kosaka, Zene Ueno, Seizo Ishikura, Atushi Chida
  • Patent number: 4086878
    Abstract: A combustion process for a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine with applied ignition and operating with hydrogen injection as well as an internal combustion engine capable of carrying out the process, in which the air is supplied independently of the hydrogen and an air ring rotating about the cylinder axis is produced which has a density increasing radially outwardly; the injection of the hydrogen into the air ring thereby takes place into the central area of the air ring while ignition takes place within the transition area between the central hydrogen core and the externally rotating air ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1978
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Erwin Eisele, Klaus Binder, Klaus Drexl
  • Patent number: 4086877
    Abstract: A fuel gas obtained in a reformed gas generator through the catalytic reaction of hydrocarbons and a gas containing oxygen and provided to an internal combustion engine has its heat content along with that of the exhaust gas of the engine used to convert methonal endothermically into a gas mixture containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen with the gas mixture so formed fed to one or both the reformed gas generator and, along with the fuel gas, the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1978
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Henkel, Eugen Szabo De Bucs
  • Patent number: 4085709
    Abstract: The system is used with an internal combustion engine, is mounted on a vehicle and is operable primarily when the vehicle is at rest for generating and storing hydrogen gas on the vehicle. The system includes a gas cylinder, an electrolyzer connected to the gas cylinder, a D.C. power supply connected to the electrolyzer and including electrical apparatus for converting A.C. current to D.C. current and a control circuit connected to the D.C. power supply, to the electrolyzer, and to the gas cylinder, all of which are mounted within the vehicle. The control circuit for controlling generation and storage of hydrogen gas is operable from and connectible to a conventional A.C. source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1978
    Inventor: Kuldip Chand Tangri
  • Patent number: 4079703
    Abstract: A lean mixture, rich in hydrogen, is introduced into the combustion chamber. Fuel is then injected to the center of the chamber to provide a rich strata. The rapid flame front propagation due to the hydrogen minimizes the HC production quench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1978
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimitaka Yamane, Akira Morita, Zene Ueno
  • Patent number: 4078535
    Abstract: A system for reducing air pollutants expelled from a standard internal combustion engine coupled with an increase in fuel economy wherein a supplemental oxygen supply is introduced into the carburetor of an internal combustion engine while the fuel supply is reduced. The supplemental oxygen supply is regulated via a variable control valve and a safety shut off valve. The safety shut off valve is activated independently by both the engine ignition switch and one or more engine parameters which are only activated when the engine is in actual operation. This only allows oxygen to pass through the safety shut off valve when the engine is running and automatically stops the oxygen flow when the ignition switch is turned off or in case of inadvertent or accidental engine shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1978
    Inventor: Warner W. Shafer
  • Patent number: 4037568
    Abstract: A steam generator is provided in operative association with a source of water and the exhaust system of a combustion engine including an air induction system provided with primary fuel inlet structure and supplemental fuel inlet structure. The steam generator derives its heat for converting water into steam from the exhaust system of the combustion engine and the steam generator includes a steam outlet communicated with and opening into one end of an elongated tubular housing disposed in good heat transfer relation with the exhaust system of the combustion engine and having a gas outlet at its other end communicated with the supplemental fuel inlet of the induction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1977
    Inventor: Edward T. Schreiber
  • Patent number: 4033133
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator provides hydrogen rich product gases which are mixed with the fuel being supplied to an internal combustion engine for the purpose of enabling a very lean mixture of that fuel to be used, whereby nitrous oxides emitted by the engine are minimized. The hydrogen generator contains a catalyst which must be heated to a pre-determined temperature before it can react properly. To simplify the process of heating up the catalyst at start-up time, either some of the energy produced by the engine such as engine exhaust gas, or electrical energy produced by the engine, or the engine exhaust gas may be used to heat up air which is then used to heat the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1977
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John Houseman, Donald J. Cerini
  • Patent number: 4031865
    Abstract: A fuel cell for generating a hydrogen and oxygen gas utilizing a water electrolyte and a catalyst selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide and potassium carbonate. The fuel cell includes a pair of electrodes connected in circuit with an electrical power supply and an outlet for directing the generated hydrogen and oxygen to a drier where it is dried and mixed to form a combustible fuel mixture. The fuel mixture is then directed in accordance to engine demand to the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine as a fuel supplement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1977
    Inventor: Patrick Dufour
  • Patent number: 4023545
    Abstract: A gas generating system for use with internal combustion engines, to afford hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to be intermixed with the fuel for the engine.It comprises an electrolysis unit which is energized by the existing electrical system normally associated with an internal combustion engine, such unit utilizing distilled water and Sodium Hydroxide as the electrolyte. The system further includes means for conducting ambient air into the electrolysis unit for agitating or mixing the electrolyte and removing the gases that accumulate on the anode and cathode. The unit comprises a stainless steel tank as well as stainless steel anode and cathode members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1977
    Inventors: Edward G. Mosher, John T. Webster
  • Patent number: 4018190
    Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for feeding hydrogen fuel derived from a metal hydride to an internal combustion engine includes two tanks, one for containing fresh hydride and the other for spent hydride and a low capacity reactor through which the fresh hydride is pumped from the one tank to the other. Heat applied to the small quantity of hydride in the reactor generates hydrogen which is extracted and retained in a storage chamber for feeding to an engine, with the spent hydride being pumped away and fresh hydride being pumped into the reactor to maintain a continuous source of supply of hydrogen therein during operation of the system. Quick starts and stops are made possible and great flexibility of operation and control are obtained by circulation of the hydride through the small reactor for heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1977
    Assignees: Regie Nationale des Usines Renault, Automobiles Peugeot
    Inventor: Claude Henault
  • Patent number: 4011840
    Abstract: A drive for a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine which is fed from a fuel tank with a fossil fuel by way of a fuel line; the fuel tank is thereby also connected with a cracking carburetor from which a line leads to a hydride storage device which, in turn, is connected with the internal combustion engine; the internal combustion engine can be operated with pure hydrogen or with a hydrogen-fuel-gas mixture in high density traffic areas as well as with a large excess of air whereas it can be operated on open highways, after shifting, with a conventional fossil fuel and with an air ratio number of about 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1977
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim M. Forster
  • Patent number: 4011843
    Abstract: An automobile engine is fueled with a mixture of air and a vapor derived by passing electric current through an electrolytically conductive emulsion of gasoline and water. Specific compositions of the conductive emulsions are disclosed as are unique designs for vaporizers for the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1977
    Inventor: Arnold I. Feuerman
  • Patent number: 4004554
    Abstract: A free hydrogen containing gas is produced from a fuel by a self-operating or -perpetuating expander in which a working member compresses a base mixture of fuel, oxygen or air and water during the compression stroke thereof. The base mixture is heated, after being compressed, by a flame resulting from combustion of a combustible mixture in a combustion chamber to convert the fuel into the gas, and the gas expands to perform work on the working member which accumulates power for the compression stroke of the working member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1977
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katuaki Kosaka, Zene Ueno, Tadahiko Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 4003345
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which heat is derived from the engine cooling system and/or the exhaust to heat a working fluid in a closed circulatory system. This heat transforms the working fluid into a gas which is delivered to a turbine which drives a generator. The generator delivers DC current to an electrolysis cell in which water is decomposed. The water is decomposed by the electric current into its oxygen and hydrogen components. The oxygen is passed to the air intake of the engine carburetors, while the hydrogen is conveyed to a carburetor therefor. Also included is a carburetor for conventional hydrocarbon fuels. The two carburetors are connected by linkage which may be operated either manually or by pressure to vary the ratio of the carbureted fuels which are delivered to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1977
    Inventor: Curtis E. Bradley
  • Patent number: 4003204
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which heat is derived from the engine cooling system and/or the exhaust to heat a working fluid in a closed circulatory system. This heat transforms the working fluid into a gas which is delivered to a turbine which drives a generator. The generator delivers DC current to an electrolysis cell in which water is decomposed. The water is decomposed by the electric current into its oxygen and hydrogen components. The oxygen is passed to the air intake of the engine carburetors, while the hydrogen is conveyed to a carburetor therefor. Also included is a carburetor for conventional hydrocarbon fuels. The two carburetors are connected by linkage which may be operated either manually or by pressure to vary the ratio of the carbureted fuels which are delivered to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1977
    Inventor: Curtis E. Bradley
  • Patent number: 4003344
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which heat is derived from the engine cooling system and/or the exhaust to heat a working fluid in a closed circulatory system. This heat transforms the working fluid into a gas which is delivered to a turbine which drives a generator. The generator delivers DC current to an electrolysis cell in which water is decomposed. The water is decomposed by the electric current into its oxygen and hydrogen components. The oxygen is passed to the air intake of the engine carburetors, while the hydrogen is conveyed to a carburetor therefor. Also included is a carburetor for conventional hydrocarbon fuels. The two carburetors are connected by linkage which may be operated either manually or by pressure to vary the ratio of the carbureted fuels which are delivered to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1977
    Inventor: Curtis E. Bradley
  • Patent number: 4003343
    Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for maintaining the operating temperature in a device in which exhaust gases are passed from an engine through a fuel reformer in indirect heat exchange with fuel and steam in contact with a catalytic bed for steam reforming the fuel, the reformed fuel is brought into heat exchange relationship with the fuel and water entering the fuel reformer and thereafter the engine is operated utilizing this reformed fuel for lowering the amount of pollutant species from the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1977
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Roy C. Lee
  • Patent number: 3985107
    Abstract: Decomposed hydrogen peroxide is fed into an engine intake passageway in addition to fuel and air to provide a combustible mixture containing a low concentration of nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1973
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1976
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zene Ueno, Tadahiko Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 3983882
    Abstract: The hydrogen engine hereof introduces water as vapor with inlet hydrogen and air, as a mixture proportioned for practical internal combustion and efficient power output. Water vapor is a substantial component of the exhaust of hydrogen fueled engines. In one embodiment of the invention, water vapor is condensed from the exhaust, and thereupon arranged to provide the input water as a continuing self-supporting process. The resultant emissions are very low in oxides of nitrogen, and readily meet the EPA Standards on pollutants as presently set for 1976. Further, and importantly, engine backfire is eliminated in the operation. Also, engine output power and efficiency are improved with the invention principles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1976
    Assignee: Billings Energy Research Corporation
    Inventor: Roger Evan Billings
  • Patent number: 3980053
    Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus generates hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis of water. There is provided an electrolytic cell which has a circular anode surrounded by a cathode with a porous membrane therebetween. The anode is fluted and the cathode is slotted to provide anode and cathode areas of substantially equal surface area. A pulsed electrical current is provided between the anode and cathode for efficient generation of hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolytic cell is equipped with a float, which detects the level of electrolyte within the cell, and water is added to the cell as needed to replace the water lost through the electrolysis process.The hydrogen and oxygen are collected in chambers which are an integral part of the electrolytic cell, and these two gases are supplied to a mixing chamber where they are mixed in the ratio of two parts hydrogen to one part oxygen. This mixture of hydrogen and oxygen flows to another mixing chamber wherein it is mixed with air from the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1974
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1976
    Assignee: Beeston Company Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Horvath
  • Patent number: 3970054
    Abstract: An internal-combustion engine fed with a stratified charge and comprising an inlet leading into a combustion chamber for feeding thereinto a main charge of a lean mixture of a first fuel and air, and an injection device for injecting a second fuel into an ignition zone of the combustion chamber in an amount such that the mixture of the second fuel and the air contained in the lean mixture, in the ignition zone at the time of ignition, attains the level of the ignition richness of the second fuel. Thereby, the second fuel undergoes ignition and combustion and effects flame propagation to produce ignition of the first fuel. A holder with a ball valve protects the fuel injector of the injection device by obturating the injector at the end of the compression stroke and during ignition and the subsequent expansion stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1976
    Assignees: Regie Nationale des Usines Renault, Automobiles Peugeot
    Inventors: Claude Henault, Pierre Cochard
  • Patent number: 3939806
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which heat is derived from the engine cooling system and/or the exhaust to heat a working fluid in a closed circulatory system. This heat transforms the working fluid into a gas which is delivered to a turbine which drives a generator. The generator delivers DC current to an electrolysis cell in which water is decomposed. The water is decomposed by the electric current into its oxygen and hydrogen components. The oxygen is passed to the air intake of the engine carburetors, while the hydrogen is conveyed to a carburetor therefor. Also included is a carburetor for conventional hydrocarbon fuels. The two carburetors are connected by linkage which may be operated either manually or by pressure to vary the ratio of the carbureted fuels which are delivered to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1976
    Inventor: Curtis E. Bradley