Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
In an internal combustion engine including fuel/air mixing means and a fuel supply line in fluid communication with said mixing means, a fuel treating device in said fuel line, said device comprising: an elongated hollow outer casing made of a magnetic material, an elongated inner casing made of a non-magnetic material positioned within said outer casing, a single elongated magnet received in said inner casing, said magnet being magnetized along its longitudinal axis and having at least two successive magnetic domains of alternating alignment so that there exist at least three longitudinally spaced apart sections of alternating north and south polarity, means for supporting said inner casing in spaced relation to said outer casing to form an annular chamber therebetween, inlet and outlet means connected to said fuel line for providing fluid flow from said fuel line through said annular chamber, said inlet and outlet means being located near opposite ends of said annular chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
In an internal combustion engine including fuel/air mixing means and a fuel supply line in fluid communication with said mixing means, a fuel treating device in said fuel line, said device comprising: an elongated hollow outer casing made of a magnetic material, an elongated inner casing made of a non-magnetic material positioned within said outer casing, a single elongated magnet received in said inner casing, said magnet being magnetized along its longitudinal axis and having at least two successive magnetic domains of alternating alignment so that there exist at least three longitudinally spaced apart sections of alternating north and south polarity, means for supporting said inner casing in spaced relation to said outer casing to form an annular chamber therebetween, inlet and outlet means connected to said fuel line for providing fluid flow from said fuel line through said annular chamber, said inlet and outlet means being located near opposite ends of said annular chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said outer casing, said inner casing and said magnet are cylindrical and mutually concentric.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said outer casing is of two-piece construction including an outer jacket and an inner sleeve, said inner sleeve being made of a magnetic material of high permeability.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said outer jacket is made of a non-magnetic material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said sleeve is made of a ferromagnetic material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
10 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said sleeve is steel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said inner casing is made of copper.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for supporting said inner casing includes a pair of flanged insert members positioned about said inner casing at the distal ends thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 and wherein said magnet is sealed within said inner casing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said annular chamber is substantially free from obstructions.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein substantially identical pole conditions extend transversely in said magnet.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said magnet has three or more successive magnetic domains of alternating alignment so that there exist at least four longitudinally spaced apart sections of alternating north and south polarity.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
159 words
In a hydrocarbon fuel burning internal combustion engine including fuel/air mixing means and a fuel supply line in fluid communication with said mixing means, a hydrocarbon fuel treating device in said fuel line, said device comprising: an elongated hollow outer casing made of a magnetic material, an elongated inner casing made of a non-magnetic material positioned within said outer casing, a single elongated magnet received in said inner casing, said magnet being magnetized along its longitudinal axis and having at least two successive magnetic domains of alternating alignment so that there exist at least three longitudinally spaced apart sections of alternating north and south polarity, means for supporting said inner casing in spaced relation to said outer casing to form an annular chamber therebetween, inlet and outlet means connected to said fuel line for providing fluid flow from said fuel line through said annular chamber, said inlet and outlet means being located near opposite ends of said annular chamber.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
159 words
In a hydrocarbon fuel burning internal combustion engine including fuel/air mixing means and a fuel supply line in fluid communication with said mixing means, a hydrocarbon fuel treating device in said fuel line, said device comprising: an elongated hollow outer casing made of a magnetic material, an elongated inner casing made of a non-magnetic material positioned within said outer casing, a single elongated magnet received in said inner casing, said magnet being magnetized along its longitudinal axis and having at least two successive magnetic domains of alternating alignment so that there exist at least three longitudinally spaced apart sections of alternating north and south polarity, means for supporting said inner casing in spaced relation to said outer casing to form an annular chamber therebetween, inlet and outlet means connected to said fuel line for providing fluid flow from said fuel line through said annular chamber, said inlet and outlet means being located near opposite ends of said annular chamber.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
88 words
In a combustion process wherein a liquid fuel and an oxygen-containing gas are first mixed and then ignited, a method for treating the fuel just prior to mixing it with the gas comprising: flowing liquid fuel over an elongated magnet in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said magnet, said magnet being magnetized along its longitudinal axis and having at least two successive magnetic domains of alternating alignment so that there exist at least three longitudinally spaced apart sections of alternating north and south polarity.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
88 words
In a combustion process wherein a liquid fuel and an oxygen-containing gas are first mixed and then ignited, a method for treating the fuel just prior to mixing it with the gas comprising: flowing liquid fuel over an elongated magnet in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said magnet, said magnet being magnetized along its longitudinal axis and having at least two successive magnetic domains of alternating alignment so that there exist at least three longitudinally spaced apart sections of alternating north and south polarity.