US4064852A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Microwave energy apparatus and method for internal combustion engines
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1977-03-03
•
Granted: 1977-12-27
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Expires: 1997-03-03
Abstract
Abstract A device for vaporizing and heating a liquid for use in an internal combustion engine by subjecting the liquid to radio frequency microwave energy before introduction into the engine cylinders and the method therefor.
Inventors
- 👤 Hal Fulenwider, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 19:40
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02M; F02M27/00; F02M27/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
A device for vaporizing and heating liquid in combination with an internal combustion engine having inlet means to cylinders for combustion comprising means for supplying liquid to said inlet means, and microwave generating means for subjecting said liquid to microwave energy to volatilize and heat said liquid for combustion prior to entry by said liquid into said cylinders, substantially L shaped wave guide means for directing said microwave energy from said generating means to said inlet means and for dissipating excess microwave energy.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
83 words
A device for vaporizing and heating liquid in combination with an internal combustion engine having inlet means to cylinders for combustion comprising means for supplying liquid to said inlet means, and microwave generating means for subjecting said liquid to microwave energy to volatilize and heat said liquid for combustion prior to entry by said liquid into said cylinders, substantially L shaped wave guide means for directing said microwave energy from said generating means to said inlet means and for dissipating excess microwave energy.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device for vaporizing and heating liquid as claimed in claim 1, said liquid including at least some combustible hydrocarbons.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device for vaporizing and heating liquid as claimed in claim 1, said liquid including water.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device for vaporizing and heating liquid as claimed in claim 1, said liquid including a combustible mixture of hydrocarbons and water.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device for vaporizing and heating liquid as claimed in claim 1, said liquid including a combustible mixture of hydrocarbons, water and alcohol.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device for vaporizing and heating liquid as claimed in claim 1, and wave guide means directing said microwave energy from said generating means to said inlet means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device for vaporizing and heating liquid as claimed in claim 1, and means shielding said microwave generating means at least partially.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of vaporizing and heating liquid for combustion in an internal combustion engine comprising the steps of supplying a liquid to the intake of said engine, generating microwave energy, subjecting said liquid to said microwave energy for volatilization and heating prior to entry of said liquid into said engine before combustion in said engine, and dissipating excess microwave energy generated.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of vaporizing and heating liquid for combustion in an internal combustion engine comprising the steps of supplying a liquid to the intake of said engine, generating microwave energy, subjecting said liquid to said microwave energy for volatilization and heating prior to entry of said liquid into said engine before combustion in said engine, and dissipating excess microwave energy generated.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method of vaporizing and heating liquid as claimed in claim 8, and controlling the propagation of said microwave energy to said liquid supply.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method of vaporizing and heating liquid as claimed in claim 8, wherein said liquid is a combustible mixture containing at least some hydrocarbons.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method of vaporizing and heating liquid as claimed in claim 8, wherein said liquid includes water.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method of vaporizing and heating liquid as claimed in claim 8, wherein said liquid is a combustible mixture containing at least some hydrocarbons, water, and alcohol.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-12-26 | 1981-06-27 | 1981-12-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-12-26 | 1985-06-27 | 1985-12-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-12-26 | 1989-06-27 | 1989-12-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |