US5156114A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Aqueous fuel for internal combustion engine and method of combustion
Assignee: Talisman Capital Talon Fund Ltd
•
Filing: 1991-05-03
•
Granted: 1992-10-20
•
Expires: 2011-05-03
Abstract
Abstract An aqueous fuel for an internal combustion engine is provided. The fuel comprises water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel selected from the class consisting of ethanol, methanol, gasoline, kerosene fuel, diesel fuel, carbon-containing gaseous or liquid fuel, or mixtures thereof. A method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine is provided. The method produces approximately as much power as the same volume of gasoline. The method comprises introducing air and aqueous fuel into a fuel introduction system for the engine. The fuel comprises water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of the fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel from ethanol, methanol, gasoline, kerosene fuel, diesel fuel, carbon-containing gaseous or liquid fuel, or mixtures thereof, and introducing and combusting said air/fuel mixture in a combustion chamber or chambers in the presence of a hydrogen producing catalyst to operate the engine.
Inventors
- 👤 Rudolf W. Gunnerman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 10:34
CPC Classifications
C; C10; C10L; C10L1/00; C10L1/02; C10L1/023; C10L1/026; C10L1/32; C10L1/328; F; F02; F02B; F02B47/00; F02B47/02; F02B3/00; F02B3/06; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/10; Y02T10/12; Y10; Y10S; Y10S123/00; Y10S123/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 121
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
A method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber, a fuel introduction system for receiving and mixing fuel and combustion air and introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chamber and an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chamber, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system, introducing said aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel, and introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chamber in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chamber.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
146 words
A method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber, a fuel introduction system for receiving and mixing fuel and combustion air and introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chamber and an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chamber, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system, introducing said aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel, and introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chamber in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the combustion in the combustion chamber is initiated by a spark of at least 35000 volts.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as at least one catalytic pole.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 3 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as a plurality of catalytic electrically negative poles.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said carbonaceous fuel is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol, gasoline, kerosene fuel, diesel fuel, other carbon-containing gaseous or liquid fuels, or mixtures thereof, in amounts of about 30% to about 60% of the total volume of said aqueous fuel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the ratio of air to fuel in the mixture introduced into the combustion chamber(s) is not greater than 5:1.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the ratio of air to fuel in the mixture introduced into the combustion chamber(s) is 0.75:1 to 1.5:1.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said carbonaceous fuel is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol or mixtures thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said carbonaceous fuel consists essentially of gasoline.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 8 wherein the air to fuel ratio is about 1:1.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 9 wherein the air to fuel ratio is about 1:1.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said combustion air is initially heated prior to introduction to the combustion chamber by a heater and then heated by heat from hot exhaust gases from said engine after the engine is operating.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
68 words
A The method according to claim 1 wherein said catalyst comprises at least one catalytic pole selected from the group consisting of nickel, platinum, platinum-nickel alloy, noble metals, alloys thereof, and other materials that will act as a catalyst for the dissociation of water molecules to produce hydrogen when said combustion air and said aqueous fuel are combusted in the presence of said catalyst and an electric spark.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said catalyst comprises at least one from the group consisting of Ni, Pt, Pt-Ni alloys, Ni-stainless steel, noble metals, Re, W, and alloys thereof.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
11 words
A method according to claim 13 wherein said catalyst is platinum.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 13 wherein said catalyst comprises catalytic poles of one of nickel and nickel containing alloys.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a carburetor and said air is preheated to at least about 350° F. to about 400° F. as said air enters said carburetor.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a fuel injection system and said air is preheated from 122° F. to about 158° F. as said air enters said fuel injection system.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said aqueous fuel and combustion air are introduced into said fuel introduction system at ambient temperatures.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the power output of the engine is regulated by regulating the air flow into the fuel introduction system.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said engine comprises an engine from the group consisting of rotary engines, turbine engines and an engine with at least one working cylinders in which the process of combustion takes place within the cylinders.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
169 words
A method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine having: (a) at least one combustion chamber, (b) a fuel introduction system for receiving and mixing fuel and combustion air and introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chamber and (c) an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chamber, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system, introducing aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene fuel, other carbon-containing carbonaceous fuels, or mixtures thereof, and introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chamber in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chamber.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
169 words
A method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine having: (a) at least one combustion chamber, (b) a fuel introduction system for receiving and mixing fuel and combustion air and introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chamber and (c) an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chamber, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system, introducing aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene fuel, other carbon-containing carbonaceous fuels, or mixtures thereof, and introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chamber in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chamber.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 22 wherein the combustion in the chamber is initiated by a spark of at least 35000 volts.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 22 wherein the hydrogen-producing catalytic is present as at least one catalyst pole.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 24 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as a plurality of catalytic electrically negative poles.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 22 wherein said aqueous fuel comprises 25% to 75% water.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 22 further comprising adjusting the air to fuel ratio of the fuel and air mixture introduced to the combustion chamber to be not greater than 5:1.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
62 words
A method according to claim 22 wherein said catalyst is selected from the group consisting of nickel, platinum, platinum-nickel alloy, noble metals, alloys thereof, and other materials that will act as a catalyst for the dissociation of water molecules to produce hydrogen when said combustion air and said aqueous fuel are combusted in the presence of said catalyst and an electric spark.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 22 wherein water molecules in the aqueous fuel are dissociated in said combustion chamber to release hydrogen and oxygen and wherein said hydrogen is combusted in said combustion chamber along with carbonaceous fuel.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 22 wherein the power output of the engine is regulated by regulating the flow of air for combustion into the fuel introduction system.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 22 wherein said combustion air is initially heated prior to introduction to the combustion chamber by a heater and then heated by heat from hot exhaust gases from said engine after the engine is operating.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 22 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a carburetor and said air is preheated to at least about 350° F. to about 400° F. as said air enters said carburetor.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method according to claim 22 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a fuel injection system and said air is preheated to at least 122° F. as said air enters said fuel injection system.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
219 words
A method for combusting an aqueous fuel comprising a mixture of carbonaceous fuel and water in an internal combustion engine, said combustion being capable of producing approximately at least as much engine power as the same volume of said carbonaceous fuel would produce in said engine without water and a range of power output as indicated by a corresponding range of engine revolutions per minute (rpm); said engine having at least one combustion chamber, an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chamber, and a fuel introduction system for (a) receiving and mixing fuel with air for combustion, (b) controlling the proportions of fuel and air, and (c) introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chamber; said method comprising: introducing aqueous fuel and controlled amounts of combustion air into said fuel introduction system for mixing therein, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel and a liquid or gaseous carbonaceous fuel, introducing said mixture of aqueous fuel and combustion air into said combustion chamber in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst in said combustion chamber; and combusting said aqueous fuel and air mixture to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chamber.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
219 words
A method for combusting an aqueous fuel comprising a mixture of carbonaceous fuel and water in an internal combustion engine, said combustion being capable of producing approximately at least as much engine power as the same volume of said carbonaceous fuel would produce in said engine without water and a range of power output as indicated by a corresponding range of engine revolutions per minute (rpm); said engine having at least one combustion chamber, an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chamber, and a fuel introduction system for (a) receiving and mixing fuel with air for combustion, (b) controlling the proportions of fuel and air, and (c) introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chamber; said method comprising: introducing aqueous fuel and controlled amounts of combustion air into said fuel introduction system for mixing therein, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel and a liquid or gaseous carbonaceous fuel, introducing said mixture of aqueous fuel and combustion air into said combustion chamber in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst in said combustion chamber; and combusting said aqueous fuel and air mixture to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chamber.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 34 wherein the combustion in the chamber is initiated by a spark of at least 35000 volts.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 34 wherein the hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as at least one catalytic pole.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 36 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as a plurality of catalytic electrically negative poles.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 34 wherein said aqueous fuel comprises 25% to 75% water.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 38 wherein said air to fuel ratio is controlled to be not greater than 5:1.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 34 wherein water molecules in the aqueous fuel are dissociated in said combustion chamber to release hydrogen and oxygen and wherein said hydrogen is combusted in said combustion chamber along with carbonaceous fuel.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method according to claim 34 wherein said carbonaceous fuel is selected from the group consisting of alcohols, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene fuel, and mixtures thereof, and the air to fuel ratio is controlled to be in the range of 0.75:1 to 1.5:1.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method according to claim 34 wherein said hydrogen producing catalyst is selected from the group consisting of nickel, platinum, platinum-nickel, noble metals, alloys thereof, and other materials that will produce hydrogen when said combustion air and said aqueous fuel are combusted in the presence of said catalyst and an electrically generated spark.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 34 wherein said combustion air is initially heated by a heater and then heated by heat from hot exhaust gases from said engine after the engine is operating.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 34 wherein said fuel introduction system comprises a carburetor and said air is preheated to at least about 350° F. prior to entry into said carburetor.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 34 wherein said fuel introduction system comprises a fuel injection system said air is preheated at least about 122° F. prior to entry into said fuel injection system.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
197 words
A method of operating an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, said internal combustion engine being capable of producing a range of power output as indicated by a corresponding range of engine revolutions per minute (rpm) and having at least one combustion chamber, an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chamber, an da fuel introduction system for (a) receiving and mixing fuel with air, (b) controlling the proportions of fuel and air and (c) introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chamber, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system, introducing aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a liquid or gaseous carbonaceous fuel selected from the group consisting of alcohols, gasoline, diesel fuel or mixtures thereof, and introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chamber in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chamber.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
197 words
A method of operating an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, said internal combustion engine being capable of producing a range of power output as indicated by a corresponding range of engine revolutions per minute (rpm) and having at least one combustion chamber, an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chamber, an da fuel introduction system for (a) receiving and mixing fuel with air, (b) controlling the proportions of fuel and air and (c) introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chamber, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system, introducing aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a liquid or gaseous carbonaceous fuel selected from the group consisting of alcohols, gasoline, diesel fuel or mixtures thereof, and introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chamber in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chamber.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 46 wherein water molecules in the aqueous fuel are dissociated in said combustion chamber to release hydrogen and oxygen and wherein said hydrogen is combusted in said combustion chamber along with carbonaceous fuel.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 47 wherein the air to fuel ratio is controlled to be not greater than 5:1.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 47 wherein the amount of water in said aqueous fuel is 25% to 75% and the air to fuel ratio is controlled to be in the range of 0.75:1 to 1.5:1.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
64 words
A method according to claim 47 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst comprises catalytic poles selected from the group consisting of nickel, platinum, platinum-nickel alloy, noble metals, alloys thereof, and other materials that will act as a catalyst for dissociation of water molecules to produce hydrogen when said combustion air and said aqueous fuel are combusted in the presence of said catalyst and an electric spark.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 50 wherein the combustion in the chamber is initiated by a spark of at least 35000 volts.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 50 wherein the hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as at least one catalytic pole.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 52 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as a plurality of catalytic electrically negative poles.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one hydrogen-producing catalytic pole is present in each combustion chamber.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 41, wherein the air to fuel ratio is controlled to be about 1:1.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said aqueous fuel additionally includes a wetting agent to assist in dispersing the carbonaceous fuel in water.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 56, wherein said wetting agent is a surfactant.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
146 words
A method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine having a plurality of combustion chambers, a fuel introduction system for receiving and mixing fuel and combustion air and introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chambers and an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chambers, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system, introducing said aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel, and introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chambers in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chambers.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
146 words
A method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine having a plurality of combustion chambers, a fuel introduction system for receiving and mixing fuel and combustion air and introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chambers and an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chambers, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system, introducing said aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel, and introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chambers in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chambers.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein the combustion in the combustion chambers is initiated by a spark of at least 35000 volts.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein the hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as at least one catalytic pole.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 60 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as a plurality of catalytic electrically negative poles.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein said carbonaceous fuel is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol, gasoline, kerosene fuel, diesel fuel, other carbon-containing gaseous or liquid fuels, or mixtures thereof, in amounts of about 30% to about 60% of the total volume of said aqueous fuel.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein the ratio of air to fuel in the mixture introduced into the combustion chambers is not greater than 5:1.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein the ratio of air to fuel in the mixture introduced into the combustion chambers is 0.75:1 to 1.5:1.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein said carbonaceous fuel is selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol or mixtures thereof.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein said carbonaceous fuel consists essentially of gasoline.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 65 wherein the air to fuel ratio is about 1:1.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 66 wherein the air to fuel ratio is about 1:1.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a carburetor.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a fuel injection system.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein said combustion air is initially heated prior to introduction to the combustion chambers by a heater and then heated by heat from hot exhaust gases from said engine after the engine is operating.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
67 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein said catalyst comprises at least one catalytic pole selected from the group consisting of nickel, platinum, platinum-nickel alloy, noble metals, alloys thereof, and other materials that will act as a catalyst for the dissociation of water molecules to produce hydrogen when said combustion air and said aqueous fuel are combusted in the presence of said catalyst and an electric spark.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein said catalyst comprises at least one from the group consisting of Ni, Pt, Pt-Ni alloys, Ni-stainless steel, noble metals, Re, W, and alloys thereof.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
11 words
A method according to claim 72 wherein said catalyst is platinum.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 72 wherein said catalyst comprises catalytic poles of one of nickel and nickel containing alloys.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a carburetor and said air is preheated to at least about 350° F. to about 400° F. as said air enters said carburetor.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a fuel injection system and said air is preheated from 122° F. to about 158° F. as said air enters said fuel injection system.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein said aqueous fuel and combustion air are introduced into said fuel introduction system at ambient temperatures.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein the power output of the engine is regulated by regulating the air flow into the fuel introduction system.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein said engine comprises an engine from the group consisting of rotary engines, turbine engines and an engine with at least one or more working cylinders in which the process of combustion takes place within the cylinders.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
169 words
A method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine having: (a) a plurality of combustion chambers, (b) a fuel introduction system for receiving and mixing fuel and combustion air and introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chambers and (c) an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chambers, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system, introducing aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene fuel, other carbon-containing carbonaceous fuels, or mixtures thereof, and introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chambers in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chambers.
Claim 87
Independent Claim
169 words
A method for combusting an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine having: (a) a plurality of combustion chambers, (b) a fuel introduction system for receiving and mixing fuel and combustion air and introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chambers and (c) an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chambers, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system, introducing aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a carbonaceous fuel selected from the group consisting of ethanol, methanol, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene fuel, other carbon-containing carbonaceous fuels, or mixtures thereof, and introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chambers in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chambers.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 81 wherein the combustion in the chambers is initiated by a spark of at least 35000 volts.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 81 wherein the hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as at least one catalytic pole.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 83 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as a plurality of catalytic electrically negative poles.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 81 wherein said aqueous fuel comprises 25% to 75% water.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 81 further comprising adjusting the air to fuel ratio of the fuel and air mixture introduced to the combustion chambers to be not greater than 5:1.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 86 wherein the air to fuel ratio is 0.75:1 to 1.5:1.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
62 words
A method according to claim 81 wherein said catalyst is selected from the class consisting of nickel, platinum, platinum-nickel alloy, noble metals, alloys thereof, and other materials that will act as a catalyst for the dissociation of water molecules to produce hydrogen when said combustion air and said aqueous fuel are combusted in the presence of said catalyst and an electric spark.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 81 wherein water molecules in the aqueous fuel are dissociated in said combustion chambers to release hydrogen and oxygen and wherein said hydrogen is combusted in said combustion chambers along with carbonaceous fuel.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 81 wherein the power output of the engine is regulated by regulating the flow of air for combustion into the fuel introduction system.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 81 wherein said combustion air is initially heated prior to introduction to the combustion chambers by a heater and then heated by heat from hot exhaust gases from said engine after the engine is operating.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 81 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a carburetor and said air is preheated to at least about 350° F. to about 400° F. as said air enters said carburetor.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method according to claim 81 wherein said fuel introduction system includes a fuel injection system and said air is preheated to at least 122° F. as said air enters said fuel injection system.
Claim 100
Independent Claim
219 words
A method for combusting an aqueous fuel comprising a mixture of carbonaceous fuel and water in an internal combustion engine, said combustion being capable of producing approximately at least as much engine power as the same volume of said carbonaceous fuel would produce in said engine without water and a range of power output as indicated by a corresponding range of engine revolutions per minute (rpm); said engine having a plurality of combustion chambers, an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chambers, and a fuel introduction system for (a) receiving and mixing fuel with air for combustion, (b) controlling the proportions of fuel and air, and (c) introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chambers; said method comprising: introducing aqueous fuel and controlled amounts of combustion air into said fuel introduction system for mixing therein, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel and a liquid or gaseous carbonaceous fuel, introducing said mixture of aqueous fuel and combustion air into said combustion chambers in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst in said combustion chambers; and combusting said aqueous fuel and air mixture to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chambers.
Claim 101
Independent Claim
219 words
A method for combusting an aqueous fuel comprising a mixture of carbonaceous fuel and water in an internal combustion engine, said combustion being capable of producing approximately at least as much engine power as the same volume of said carbonaceous fuel would produce in said engine without water and a range of power output as indicated by a corresponding range of engine revolutions per minute (rpm); said engine having a plurality of combustion chambers, an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chambers, and a fuel introduction system for (a) receiving and mixing fuel with air for combustion, (b) controlling the proportions of fuel and air, and (c) introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chambers; said method comprising: introducing aqueous fuel and controlled amounts of combustion air into said fuel introduction system for mixing therein, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel and a liquid or gaseous carbonaceous fuel, introducing said mixture of aqueous fuel and combustion air into said combustion chambers in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst in said combustion chambers; and combusting said aqueous fuel and air mixture to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chambers.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 94 wherein the combustion in the chambers is initiated by a spark of at least 35000 volts.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 94 wherein the hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as at least one catalytic pole.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 96 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as a plurality of catalytic electrically negative poles.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 94 wherein said aqueous fuel comprises 25% to 75% water.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 98 wherein said air to fuel ratio is controlled to be not greater than 5:1.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 94 wherein water molecules in the aqueous fuel are dissociated in said combustion chambers to release hydrogen and oxygen and wherein said hydrogen is combusted in said combustion chambers along with carbonaceous fuel.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method according to claim 100 wherein said carbonaceous fuel is selected from the group consisting of alcohols, gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene fuel, and mixtures thereof, and the air to fuel ratio is controlled to be in the range of 0.75:1 to 1.5:1.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method according to claim 101 wherein said hydrogen producing catalyst is selected from the group consisting of nickel, platinum, platinum-nickel, noble metals, alloys thereof, and other materials that will produce hydrogen when said combustion air and said aqueous fuel are combusted in the presence of said catalyst and an electrically generated spark.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 94 wherein said combustion air is initially heated by a heater and then heated by heat from hot exhaust gases from said engine after the engine is operating.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method according to claim 94 wherein said fuel introduction system comprises a carburetor and said air is preheated to at least about 350° F. prior to entry into said carburetor.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method according to claim 94 wherein said fuel introduction system comprises a fuel injection system said air is preheated at least about 122° F. prior to entry into said fuel injection system.
Claim 113
Independent Claim
197 words
A method of operating an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, said internal combustion engine being capable of producing a range of power output as indicated by a corresponding range of engine revolutions per minute (rpm) and having a plurality of combustion chambers, an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chambers, and a fuel introduction system for (a) receiving and mixing fuel with air, (b) controlling the proportions of fuel and air and (c) introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chambers, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system, introducing aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a liquid or gaseous carbonaceous fuel selected from the group consisting of alcohols, gasoline, diesel fuel or mixtures thereof, and introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chambers in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chambers.
Claim 114
Independent Claim
197 words
A method of operating an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, said internal combustion engine being capable of producing a range of power output as indicated by a corresponding range of engine revolutions per minute (rpm) and having a plurality of combustion chambers, an electric spark producing system for creating a spark in said combustion chambers, and a fuel introduction system for (a) receiving and mixing fuel with air, (b) controlling the proportions of fuel and air and (c) introducing said fuel and air mixture into said combustion chambers, said method comprising: introducing combustion air in controlled amounts into said fuel introduction system, introducing aqueous fuel into said fuel introduction system to mix with said combustion air, said aqueous fuel comprising water from about 20 percent to about 80 percent by volume of the total volume of said fuel, and a liquid or gaseous carbonaceous fuel selected from the group consisting of alcohols, gasoline, diesel fuel or mixtures thereof, and introducing and combusting said aqueous fuel and combustion air in said combustion chambers in the presence of a hydrogen-producing catalyst to operate said engine, said combustion being initiated by a spark generated in said combustion chambers.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 106 wherein water molecules in the aqueous fuel are dissociated in said combustion chambers to release hydrogen and oxygen and wherein said hydrogen is combusted in said combustion chambers along with carbonaceous fuel.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 107 wherein the air to fuel ratio is controlled to be not greater than 5:1.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 107 wherein the amount of water in said aqueous fuel is 25% to 75% and the air to fuel ratio is controlled to be in the range of 0.75:1 to 1.5:1.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
64 words
A method according to claim 107 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst comprises catalytic poles selected from the group consisting of nickel, platinum, platinum-nickel alloy, noble metals, alloys thereof, and other materials that will act as a catalyst for dissociation of water molecules to produce hydrogen when said combustion air and said aqueous fuel are combusted in the presence of said catalyst and an electric spark.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 110 wherein the combustion in the chambers is initiated by a spark of at least 35000 volts.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 110 wherein the hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as at least one catalytic pole.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 110 wherein said hydrogen-producing catalyst is present as a plurality of catalytic electrically negative poles.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
GB205582A
Cited
US1926071A
Cited
GB669037A
Cited
US2460700A
Cited
US2671311A
Cited
US2656830A
Cited
US3208441A
Cited
US3749318A
Cited
US4170200A
Cited
US4048963A
Cited
US4230072A
Cited
US4158551A
Cited
US4088450A
Cited
JPS5269908A
Cited
US4110973A
Cited
US4244328A
Cited
US4185593A
Cited
FR2421940A1
Cited
JPS5410308A
Cited
US4266943A
Cited
US4227817A
Cited
EP0025298A1
Cited
US4333739A
Cited
US4369043A
Cited
US4476817A
Cited
US4385593A
Cited
US4418654A
Cited
EP0095823A1
Cited
US4563982A
Cited
US4594991A
Cited
US4565548A
Cited
WO1988004311A1
Cited
US4831971A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-10-20 | 1996-04-20 | 1996-10-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-10-20 | 2000-04-20 | 2000-10-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-10-20 | 2004-04-20 | 2004-10-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |