Devices and methods for forming air-fuel mixtures

Claim 2

In a method as defined in claim 1, wherein said air fuel mixing means comprises a carburetor having a main venturi section and a fuel supply communicating with said main venturi section, said throttle valve means being located downstream from said venturi section, the step of arranging said heating means for installation in said carburetor between said venturi section and said throttle valve means.

Claim 3

In a method as defined in claim 1, wherein said engine is of a type usable to propel a vehicle, said optimum amount of electrical power being determinable by a test comprising the steps of first installing said electrical heating means in said fuel air flow path of said engine, changing the electrical current through said heating means in steps from one current value to another and measuring at each electrical current value the torque and acceleration capabilities of said engine by first operating said engine to propel a vehicle at a certain uniform speed on a level highway, then moving said throttle valve means to a fully open condition and measuring the time required to accelerate to a certain higher speed on a level highway, said certain uniform speed and said certain higher speed corresponding to the limits of the normal range of speed of operation of said engine and said measurements of acceleration capabilities being performed at average ambient temperature conditions, said acceleration capabilities being measured at a number of electrical current values sufficient to establish a current value at which maximum acceleration is obtained, and said optimum amount of of electrical power being determined from the resistance of said heating means and the said current value at which maximum acceleration is obtained.

Claim 4

In apparatus for improving the performance of an internal combustion engine operable under certain normal ranges of load, speed and ambient temperature conditions, said engine including air-fuel mixing means, flow path means for flow of mixed air and fuel from said mixing means for combustion in said engine, and throttle valve means for controlling said flow of mixed air and fuel, said engine having characteristics such that an optimum amount of radiant heat applied to enhance vaporization of fuel within said flow path means is effective to cause said engine to develop maximum average torque and acceleration while operating within said normal ranges of load, speed and ambient temperature conditions and with said throttle valve means fully open, average torque and acceleration being reduced in proportion to a reduction of the amount of radiant heat below said optimum amount and being also reduced in proportion to an increase in the amount of radiant heat above said optimum amount, electrical heating means, means arranging said electrical heating means for installation in said flow path means, and electrical connection means arranged for continuously supplying an optimum amount of electrical power to said heating means at all times during operation of said engine, said optimum amount of electrical power being predetermined in accordance with said characteristics of said engine and being effective to cause radiation of said optimum amount of radiant heat from said heating means into the air fuel mixture in said flow path means.

Claim 5

In apparatus as defined in claim 5, said electric heating means including an electric heating element comprising an outer metallic casing, insulation means within said casing, and a resistance wire supported by said insulation means within said casing.

Claim 6

In apparatus as defined in claim 6, said casing being generally cylindrical.

Claim 7

In apparatus as defined in claim 6, said casing having a relatively flat configuration.

Claim 8

In apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said flow path means of said engine are formed by metal wall means, said means arranging said electrical heating means for installation in said flow path means comprising Means for suspending said electric heating element in said flow path means in a manner such as to minimize direct conduction of heat from said outer metallic casing to said metal wall means.