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US4789098A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

System for heating vehicular operator space and engine fuel, and for separating moisture therefrom

Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1987-02-25
•
Granted: 1988-12-06
•
Expires: 2007-02-25
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Abstract

Abstract An apparatus for separating out absorbed and entrained moisture from fuel used in a motor vehicle or heating system. A baffle plate exposed to infrared radiation forms the primary functional moisture separating device.

Inventors

  • 👤 David W. Shepherd
  • 👤 Michelle L. Shepherd

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-08 20:54
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02D; F02D33/00; F02D33/003; F02D33/006; B; B60; B60H; B60H1/00; B60H1/00007; F02M; F02M31/00; F02M31/02; F02M31/16; F02M37/00; F02M37/0047; F02M37/22; F02M37/24; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/10; Y02T10/12

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 27
Claim 1
Independent Claim 28 words
In a vehicular heating system having a source of infrared radiation including a heating fluid, the improvement comprising: a. said heating fluid flowing from and to said source:
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 28 words
In a vehicular heating system having a source of infrared radiation including a heating fluid, the improvement comprising: a. said heating fluid flowing from and to said source:
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 126 words
in a first fluid flow loop including: A. diverter means; and B. space heater means; 2. in a second fluid flow loop including: A. said diverter means; B. fuel heater means; and C. moisture separator means; b. enclosure means including: 1. said space heater means; 2. thermostatic control means: A. adjustable to a desired temperature; and B. controllingly connected to said diverter means whereby said heating fluid is diverted from said fuel heater to said space heater to maintain said desired temperature in said enclosure means; and c. said fuel heater means has radiantly adjacent thereto: 1. said moisture separator means, having a baffle plate therein; A. the surface of said baffle plate having thereon a roughness substantially corresponding to one-quarter wavelength of said infrared radiation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 126 words
in a first fluid flow loop including: A. diverter means; and B. space heater means; 2. in a second fluid flow loop including: A. said diverter means; B. fuel heater means; and C. moisture separator means; b. enclosure means including: 1. said space heater means; 2. thermostatic control means: A. adjustable to a desired temperature; and B. controllingly connected to said diverter means whereby said heating fluid is diverted from said fuel heater to said space heater to maintain said desired temperature in said enclosure means; and c. said fuel heater means has radiantly adjacent thereto: 1. said moisture separator means, having a baffle plate therein; A. the surface of said baffle plate having thereon a roughness substantially corresponding to one-quarter wavelength of said infrared radiation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 17 words
The heater system of claim 1, wherein said baffle plate is surrounded by said fuel heater means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 50 words
In a means for separating moisture from fuel, the improvement comprising: a. fuel heater means having: 1. therein a source of infrared radiation including a heating fluid flowing therethrough; and 2. adjacent thereto a baffle plate having thereon a surface roughness substantially corresponding to one-quarter wavelength of said infrared radiation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 50 words
In a means for separating moisture from fuel, the improvement comprising: a. fuel heater means having: 1. therein a source of infrared radiation including a heating fluid flowing therethrough; and 2. adjacent thereto a baffle plate having thereon a surface roughness substantially corresponding to one-quarter wavelength of said infrared radiation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 24 words
The means for separating moisture from fuel of claim 3, wherein said baffle plate is contained within the structure of said fuel heater means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 131 words
A heating system having a source of infrared radiation including a heated fluid, comprising: a. means for space heating, located in an enclosed habitable space having therein an adjustable thermostatic control; b. means for heating fuel; c. means for separating moisture from said fuel; d. flow diverter means having an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet; 1. said means for space heating having a first fluid connection from said first outlet; 2. said means for heating fuel having a second fluid connection from said second outlet; e. the proportion of said heated fluid flowing through said first outlet compared to said heated fluid flowing through second outlet being regulated by said adjustable control; and f. said means for separating moisture being radiantly adjacent to said means for heating fuel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 131 words
A heating system having a source of infrared radiation including a heated fluid, comprising: a. means for space heating, located in an enclosed habitable space having therein an adjustable thermostatic control; b. means for heating fuel; c. means for separating moisture from said fuel; d. flow diverter means having an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet; 1. said means for space heating having a first fluid connection from said first outlet; 2. said means for heating fuel having a second fluid connection from said second outlet; e. the proportion of said heated fluid flowing through said first outlet compared to said heated fluid flowing through second outlet being regulated by said adjustable control; and f. said means for separating moisture being radiantly adjacent to said means for heating fuel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 149 words
A heating system having a source of infrared radiation including heated fluid, comprising: a. means for space heating, located in an enclosed habitable space having therein an adjustable thermostatic control; b. means for heating fuel; c. means for separating moisture from said fuel; d. flow diverter means having an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet; 1. said means for space heating having a first fluid connection from said first outlet; 2. said means for heating fuel having a second fluid connection from said second outlet; e. the proportion of said heated fluid flowing through said first outlet compared to said second outlet being regulated by said adjustable control; and f. said means for separating moisture: 1. having a baffle plate therein radiantly adjacent to said means for heating fuel; and 2. said baffle plate having a surface roughness substantially corresponding to one-quarter wavelength of said infrared radiation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 149 words
A heating system having a source of infrared radiation including heated fluid, comprising: a. means for space heating, located in an enclosed habitable space having therein an adjustable thermostatic control; b. means for heating fuel; c. means for separating moisture from said fuel; d. flow diverter means having an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet; 1. said means for space heating having a first fluid connection from said first outlet; 2. said means for heating fuel having a second fluid connection from said second outlet; e. the proportion of said heated fluid flowing through said first outlet compared to said second outlet being regulated by said adjustable control; and f. said means for separating moisture: 1. having a baffle plate therein radiantly adjacent to said means for heating fuel; and 2. said baffle plate having a surface roughness substantially corresponding to one-quarter wavelength of said infrared radiation.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 81 words
The heating system of claim 5 or 6 wherein said flow diverter has: a. said inlet having a first fluid connection to said source: 2. said first outlet having a second fluid connection to means for space heating; and 3. said second outlet having a third fluid connection to said means for heating fuel; b. said adjustable thermostatic control being controllingly connected to said flow diverter means, whereby to maintain the flow of heating fluid to said means for space heating.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 57 words
In a fuel heater having therein a source of infrared radiation, the improvement comprising: a. means for separating moisture from fuel, having a baffle plate therein; 1. said moisture separator being radiantly adjacent to said fuel heater; and 2. the surface of said baffle plate having thereon a roughness substantially corresponding to one-quarter wavelength of said radiation.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 57 words
In a fuel heater having therein a source of infrared radiation, the improvement comprising: a. means for separating moisture from fuel, having a baffle plate therein; 1. said moisture separator being radiantly adjacent to said fuel heater; and 2. the surface of said baffle plate having thereon a roughness substantially corresponding to one-quarter wavelength of said radiation.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 19 words
The fuel heater of claim 8, wherein said baffle plate is contained within the structure of the fuel heater.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 134 words
In a vehicle containing a source of infrared radiation including heating fluid, the improvement comprising: a. means for heating fuel; b. means for separating moisture from said fuel; c. said fuel flowing in: 1. first fluid flow loop including: A. flow diverter means: and B. space heater means; 2. second fluid flow loop including: A. said flow diverter means; and B. said means for heating fuel; d. enclosure means containing: 1. said space heater means; and 2. adjustable thermostatic control means; e. said flow diverter means being connected to said adjustable control means, whereby to divert said heating fluid from said fuel heater means to said space heater means to maintain said temperature in said enclosure; and f. said means for separating moisture from fuel being radiantly adjacent to said means for heating fuel.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 134 words
In a vehicle containing a source of infrared radiation including heating fluid, the improvement comprising: a. means for heating fuel; b. means for separating moisture from said fuel; c. said fuel flowing in: 1. first fluid flow loop including: A. flow diverter means: and B. space heater means; 2. second fluid flow loop including: A. said flow diverter means; and B. said means for heating fuel; d. enclosure means containing: 1. said space heater means; and 2. adjustable thermostatic control means; e. said flow diverter means being connected to said adjustable control means, whereby to divert said heating fluid from said fuel heater means to said space heater means to maintain said temperature in said enclosure; and f. said means for separating moisture from fuel being radiantly adjacent to said means for heating fuel.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 27 words
The improvement in claim 10 wherein said means for separating moisture is a baffle plate with roughness thereon substantially corresponding to one-quarter wavelength of said infrared radiation.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 18 words
The improvement in claim 1,3,6,8, or 11, wherein said infrared radiation exceeds the temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 21 words
The improvement in claim 1,3,6,8, or 11, wherein said infrared radiation is in the range of 120 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 71 words
In a means for separating moisture from fuel, the improvement comprising: a. fuel heater means having: 1. therein a source of infrared radiation including a heating fluid flowing therethrough; and 2. adjacent thereto a baffle plate: A. having on the inner and outer surfaces thereof a surface roughness substantially corresponding to one-quarter wavelength of said infrared radiation; and B. having fabricated in the outer surface thereof a multiplicity of parabolicallyshaped depressions.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 71 words
In a means for separating moisture from fuel, the improvement comprising: a. fuel heater means having: 1. therein a source of infrared radiation including a heating fluid flowing therethrough; and 2. adjacent thereto a baffle plate: A. having on the inner and outer surfaces thereof a surface roughness substantially corresponding to one-quarter wavelength of said infrared radiation; and B. having fabricated in the outer surface thereof a multiplicity of parabolicallyshaped depressions.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 163 words
A heating system having a source of infrared radiation including heated fluid, comprising: a. means for space heating, located in an enclosed habitable space having therein an adjustable thermostatic control; b. means for heating fuel; c. means for separating moisture from said fuel; d. flow diverter means having an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet; 1. said means for space heating having a first fluid connection from said first outlet; 2. said means for heating fuel having a second fluid connection from said second outlet; e. the proportion of said heated fluid flowing through said first outlet compared to said second outlet being regulated by said adjustable control; and f. said means for separating moisture: 1. having a baffle plate therein radiantly adjacent to said means for heating fuel, said baffle plate having: A. a surface roughness thereon substantially corresponding to one-quarter wavelength of said infrared radiation; and B. having fabricated in the outer surface thereof a multiplicity of parabolicallyshaped depressions.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 163 words
A heating system having a source of infrared radiation including heated fluid, comprising: a. means for space heating, located in an enclosed habitable space having therein an adjustable thermostatic control; b. means for heating fuel; c. means for separating moisture from said fuel; d. flow diverter means having an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet; 1. said means for space heating having a first fluid connection from said first outlet; 2. said means for heating fuel having a second fluid connection from said second outlet; e. the proportion of said heated fluid flowing through said first outlet compared to said second outlet being regulated by said adjustable control; and f. said means for separating moisture: 1. having a baffle plate therein radiantly adjacent to said means for heating fuel, said baffle plate having: A. a surface roughness thereon substantially corresponding to one-quarter wavelength of said infrared radiation; and B. having fabricated in the outer surface thereof a multiplicity of parabolicallyshaped depressions.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 147 words
In a vehicle containing a source of infrared radiation including heating fluid, the improvement comprising: a. means for heating fuel; b. means for separating moisture from said fuel; c. said fuel flowing in: 1. first fluid flow loop including: A. flow diverter means; and B. space heater means; 2. second fluid flow loop including: A. said flow diverter means; and B. said means for heating fuel; d. enclosure means containing: 1. said space heater means; and 2. adjustable thermostatic control means; e. said flow diverter means being connected to said adjustable control means, whereby to divert said heating fluid from said fuel heater means to said space heater means to maintain said temperature in said enclosure; f. said means for separating moisture from fuel being radiantly adjacent to said means for heating fuel; and g. said means for heating fuel being polished on the external surface thereof.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 147 words
In a vehicle containing a source of infrared radiation including heating fluid, the improvement comprising: a. means for heating fuel; b. means for separating moisture from said fuel; c. said fuel flowing in: 1. first fluid flow loop including: A. flow diverter means; and B. space heater means; 2. second fluid flow loop including: A. said flow diverter means; and B. said means for heating fuel; d. enclosure means containing: 1. said space heater means; and 2. adjustable thermostatic control means; e. said flow diverter means being connected to said adjustable control means, whereby to divert said heating fluid from said fuel heater means to said space heater means to maintain said temperature in said enclosure; f. said means for separating moisture from fuel being radiantly adjacent to said means for heating fuel; and g. said means for heating fuel being polished on the external surface thereof.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US4146002A Cited
US4553697A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1991-12-06 1992-06-06 1992-12-06 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1995-12-06 1996-06-06 1996-12-06 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1999-12-06 2000-06-06 2000-12-06 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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