Internal-combustion engines – Charge forming device – Heating of combustible mixture
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-24
2001-03-13
Yuen, Henry C. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Charge forming device
Heating of combustible mixture
C210S185000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199542
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the art of vehicle engine fuel treatment. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for heating and demoisturizing fuel for improved flow and ignition properties in internal combustion engines.
The use of fuels, especially diesel fuel, is problematic in low temperature environments. For example, low temperatures can cause fuel to thicken and to become viscous. The pumping of thick and viscous fuel through a fuel system and into an engine can be difficult. Also, cold fuel is harder to ignite in the combustion chamber of an engine. Furthermore, any water present in the fuel can freeze and block the flow of fuel supplied to the vehicle engine.
A safe method of heating (i.e. warming) and demoisturizing the cold fuel before it is fed into the combustion chamber of an engine is desired. The use of heated and demoisturized fuel improves vehicle performance.
Many conventional heating devices exist that heat and/or demoist the fuel supplied to the vehicle engine. In fact, many of these heating devices were developed by the present applicant. However, a need still exists for further variety of heaters and demoisturizers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for treating fuel supplied to a vehicle engine.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fuel treatment apparatus that heats the fuel supplied to a vehicle engine.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fuel treatment apparatus that heats the fuel supplied to a vehicle engine using warmer engine coolant.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fuel treatment apparatus that demoisturizes the fuel supplied to a vehicle engine.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fuel treatment apparatus that provides a visual indication of the amount of restriction present in the fuel filter.
These and other objects are accomplished in a first aspect of the invention by a fuel treatment apparatus comprising: a fuel heater assembly having a body with a fuel inlet, fuel outlet and fuel passageway in communication with the fuel inlet and fuel outlet; and a coolant inlet, coolant outlet and coolant passageway in communication with the coolant inlet and coolant outlet. The coolant enters the coolant inlet; travels through the coolant passageway; and exits the coolant outlet. The coolant heats the fuel. The fuel enters the fuel inlet; travels through the fuel passageway; and exits the fuel outlet.
These and other objects are accomplished in a second aspect of the invention by a fuel treatment apparatus comprising: a body having: a fuel inlet; fuel inlet passage; at least one fuel through passage; fuel outlet passage; and a fuel outlet, all in communication with each other; a coolant inlet; coolant outlet; and coolant passageway in communication with the coolant inlet and coolant outlet. The fuel treatment apparatus also includes a fuel filter assembly having a cover attached to the body. The fuel filter cover has a chamber in communication with the at least one fuel through passage and the fuel outlet passage. The fuel filter cover can receive a fuel filter therein. The fuel treatment apparatus also includes a fuel demoisturizing assembly comprising a cover attached to the body. The fuel demoisturizing assembly cover has a chamber in communication with the fuel inlet passage and the at least one fuel through passage. Coolant can enter the coolant inlet; travel through the coolant passageway; and exit the coolant outlet. Fuel can enter the fuel inlet; travel through the fuel inlet passage into the fuel demoisturizing assembly; travel through the fuel through passage into the fuel filter assembly; travel through the fuel outlet passage; and exit the fuel outlet.
These and other objects are accomplished in a third aspect of the invention by a method of treating fuel supplied to a vehicle engine comprising the steps of: providing a fuel treatment apparatus having an interconnected fuel heating assembly, fuel filter assembly, and fuel demoisturizing assembly; supplying fuel to the fuel treatment apparatus; supplying coolant to the treatment apparatus; heating the fuel within the fuel heating assembly; demoisturizing the fuel within the fuel demoisturizing assembly; filtering the fuel within the fuel filter assembly; and dispensing the fuel from the fuel treatment apparatus.
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Hardaway/Mann IP Group
Vo Hieu T.
Webb Enterprises
Yuen Henry C.
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