Internal-combustion engines – Charge forming device – Charge-mixing device in intake
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-05
2001-02-27
Kamen, Noah P. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Charge forming device
Charge-mixing device in intake
C260S001000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06192872
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to internal combustion engine carburetion systems, and in particular, to an improved post carburetion method and apparatus for creating a closer union of hydrocarbon and air molecules in fuel sources used within an engine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is described in connection with engine carburetors for two and four intake manifolds, as an example.
Internal combustion engines rely upon distinct principles of operation to effectuate their intended purpose. One, a fuel/air mixture must be delivered to a combustion chamber. Two, that mixture must be compressed, prior to ignition. Three, once ignited, a means must be provided to displace the power released by the “exploded” mixture. And fourth, provision must be made to eliminate all residue gases in the combustion chamber, prior to introducing a fresh fuel/air mixture to the compression cylinder. The present invention speaks to the production of a volatile mixture of fuel and air, prior to the delivery of that mixture to the engine's combustion chamber.
As used in conjunction with standard carburetion processes, today's internal combustion engines suffer a loss of efficiency varying between 27% and 45%. Such loss of efficiency is directly attributable to the quantity of hydrocarbon and air molecules remaining unburned during the engine's power, or combustion phase. Given this inefficiency, it is clearly desirable to improve upon present day internal combustion engine fuel/air mixture processes, and apparatuses.
A number of attempts have been made to improve the homogeneity of fuel and air mixtures being supplied to an internal combustion engine. Such undertakings often rely upon exhaust gas, “coolant” or other engine derived heat source, to heat some or all of the fuel, air, or fuel and air mixture to promote enhanced mixing. Enhanced mixing, in turn, provides for improved dispersion of fuel throughout the air volume. Devices and techniques for improving gas mileage, operating performance and internal combustion engine efficiency are numerous, known and evidenced in the prior art.
By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,781 discloses a fuel atomizing device for carburetors of internal combustion engines. U.S. Pat. No. 4,063,541 discloses a carburetor providing a uniformly atomized fuel mixture. U.S. Pat. No. 4,162,281 discloses a carburetor fuel atomization apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,152 discloses a fuel conservation means for internal combustion engines. U.S. Pat. No. 5,053,170 discloses a fuel atomizing device for carburetors. U.S. Pat. No. 4,230,081 discloses a system for improving internal combustion engine efficiency. U.S. Pat. No. 4,345,570 discloses a fuel heating apparatus for vehicles. U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,258 discloses a carburetor fuel atomizer. U.S. Pat. No. 4,594,991 discloses a fuel and water vaporizer for internal combustion engines. Lastly, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,167,165, 4,498,447 and 4,364,365 all purport to disclose fuel vaporizers for internal combustion engines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It has been found, however, that the present methods and intake manifolds for internal combustion engines based on gasoline, fail to improve on the 27 to 45 percent inefficiency in combustion. This inefficiency in combustion leads to the increases in environmental contamination from already inefficient engines. Also, present carburetors have an added problem of having a need for frequent tuning.
What is needed is a method, apparatus and system that improves engine fuel efficiency. Also needed is an apparatus and method for decreasing the environmental contamination caused by the internal combustion without decreasing the power output of the engine.
The present invention differs substantially from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art when providing a closer union of hydrocarbon and air molecules in fuel sources used in internal combustion engines, without increasing the temperature of the mixture. It has been found that the present invention improves upon the efficiency of an engine's internal combustion process and allows for a reduction in fuel consumption by generating a micromist caused by micromixing fuel and air. By decreasing the size of the fuel droplet using a combination of air turbulence and changes in pressure the present invention causes the formation of a fine mist without the need to increase the temperature of the fuel/air mixture and without decreasing the power output of the engine.
In fact, the present inventor has found that the present invention increases fuel efficiency, power and engine life, while concurrently decreasing environmental contamination. Recognizing the significance of increase in engine operating efficiency, it can be readily appreciated that there exists a continuing, real need for an improved internal combustion engine fuel/air mixing and integration method and apparatus. Finally, the present invention has no moving parts that can wear and does not require electrical or other motive force inputs.
The present invention provides for increased durability, improved performance, and structural integrity over existing mixing methods and apparatuses. Indeed, the present invention has been found to increase both the power and life of an internal combustion engine. Several unique improvements over the prior art are presented by the present invention. The invention is absent any moving parts. Also, the invention does not require any electrical connections or motors to initiate or perform its mixing process. Finally, the invention is easy to install in pre-existing engines without the need to drill into existing parts and does not adversely affect engine performance or tuning. In fact, the present invention has been found to lengthen the time between tunings.
A primary object of the present invention is to insight, or further micromist or micromix, molecules of hydrocarbon and air causing a closer union of the two molecules for more efficient combustion. The present invention reduces the velocity and rotation of the turbulence of a fuel and air mixture as it passes through the invention from an internal combustion engine's carburetor into the combustion chamber. Furthermore, the present invention reduces environmental contamination through a more efficient combustion process achieved through the superior mixing and more complete integration of hydrocarbon and air molecules.
More particularly, the present invention is a micromixing apparatus for creating a closer union of fuel and air molecules, in combination with an internal combustion engine and fuel supply, the apparatus includes a variable width cylinder designed to fit within a housing, the interior and exterior of the cylinder defining at least two paths and a variable width interior core positioned within the variable width cylinder, whereby fuel and air molecules that travel along the length of the variable width cylinder and interior core change in speed and volume as they travel through the at least two paths defined by the cylinder and the interior core. The variable width cylinder may also include a diffusing crown integrated as part of the exterior of the cylinder.
The variable width interior core may also include at least one pressure differentiation protrusion that extends into at least one of the paths. The variable width cylinder may also include at least one path exchange orifice that permits the fuel and air mixtures traveling along theat least two paths to mix. A cone may be located at the end of the cylinder and even the interior core to cause an expansion of the fuel air mixture.
In another embodiment of the invention a misting or micromixing apparatus housing having two or more openings may also include at least one variable width cylinder located within each of the misting or micromixing apparatus housing, at least one bolting mechanism positioning guide integrated within the misting or micromixing apparatus housing and at least one bolting mechanism connecting the
Flores Edwin S.
Gardere Wynne & Sewell LLP
Kamen Noah P.
Warren. Jr. Sanford E.
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