Charles Clifford Lowe

US Patent:

43990797, Aug 16, 1983

Filed:

Apr 4, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/026594

Inventors:

Charles L. Lowe - Laurel MS

International Classification:

B01F 304

US Classification:

261 36A

Abstract:

A novel method and improved apparatus are disclosed for generating fuel vapor from a volatile normally liquid fuel, safely handling and controlling the fuel vapor, and utilizing the same in the operation of an internal combustion engine. Preferably, the fuel vapor is generated by introducing the liquid fuel under pressure into the lower portion of a vessel via an elongated tubular member having a plurality of spaced openings. The pressurized liquid fuel flows from the openings under vigorous conditions of agitation and fuel vapor is evolved from the liquid surface without forming finely subdivided liquid droplets in the vapor phase. Air is mixed with fuel vapor in the upper portion of the vessel in an amount sufficient to lower the dew point, but insufficient to produce an explosive mixture. The mixture is withdrawn from the vessel and, after adding sufficient air to produce an explosive mixture and for efficient combustion, is passed to the intake manifold. Prior to entering the intake manifold, the fuel vapor, the air admixed therewith, and the admixture of air and fuel vapor remain cool and are not heated to an elevated temperature by an extraneous source of heat.

US Patent:

42705061, Jun 2, 1981

Filed:

May 1, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/035264

Inventors:

Charles L. Lowe - Laurel MS

International Classification:

F02M 1716

US Classification:

123523

Abstract:

A modified internal combustion engine useful as a power plant in automotive vehicles is operated on an admixture of air and fuel vapor. An apparatus is disclosed for generating the fuel vapor from a volatile normally liquid fuel of the type useful in operating a conventional internal combustion engine having a prior art carburetor. Apparatus is also disclosed for safely handling and controlling the fuel vapor thus generated, and utilizing the same in the operation of the internal combustion engine. In a further aspect, a novel method is provided for generating vapor of a volatile liquid fuel and operating an internal combustion engine therewith. The method is also useful in modifying a conventional internal combustion engine including a prior art carburetor. The resultant modified internal combustion engine operates more efficiently and with lower exhaust emissions.