United States Automotive Hydrogen and Enhancement Patents

Bernauer; Otto - Internal combustion engine Patent #4226213 - 1980
Abstract: An internal combustion engine with walls delimiting the working space or spaces of the internal combustion engine, in which a hydrogen-impervious, encapsulated metal hydride storage device is provided which is in heat-conducting contact with these walls; the interior of the encapsulation is adapted to be selectively connected to a source of hydrogen and/or to a separate further hydrogen storage device.
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McClure; Kenneth S. - Transformation of electrical energy to physical energy Patent #4185593 - 1980
Abstract: An improved means and process for providing for the removal of hydrogen from a catalytic cathode means whereby the hydrogen may be recombined with oxygen to provide explosive force to power an internal combustion engine.
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Gonzalez; Ernesto – Electro-combustion engine Patent #4332219 - 1982
Abstract: A reciprocating motor, comprising: a piston/cylinder assembly, having an input/output port; an electrolytic cell for generating a combustible mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gases, the cell being connected to the input/output port of the piston/cylinder assembly; and, means for igniting the combustible mixture in the cylinder, the piston being first driven outwardly by the force of the exploding gas mixture, and immediately afterward, being pulled back by a vacuum formed when the exploded gas mixture recombines into a trace amount of water, whereby a single charge of the combustible gas mixture achieves a double power stroke. The input/output port is preferably funnel shaped, the larger end being directed into the cylinder, and the smaller end being directed into the electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell utilizes sets of bipolar electrodes in the form of laminated panels having a wrap-around overlapping border. A free wheeling piston can be utilized to drive a pump. A crank-shaft arrangement can be utilized to translate the reciprocating motion into rotary motion. The electrolytic cell is provided with an integral backfire arrestor in the form of mesh material disposed between the electrodes and the outlet of the cell. The trace amounts of water, formed by the recombination of the hydrogen and oxygen gases, is recycled to the cell through the input/output port.
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Shoaf; George w/ other - Electrolysis chamber for hybrid fuel system Patent #4361474 - 1982
Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hybrid fuel system for an engine which normally operates on fuel such as kerosene, gasoline, propane or the like and is adapted to be used in conjunction with the traditional fuel at selected times during the running of the engine. The system includes an electrolysis chamber provided with a fluid inlet and outlet, a pipe disposed within the chamber to allow the metered dispensing of a portion of the fluid contained within the pipe to an electrolysis area in such a manner that the dissociation of the fluid into its elemental components occurs quite readily. The configuration of the electrolysis area is such that remigration of the elemental components is extremely unlikely, and to this end an angled roof having faces which meet at an area above the pipe cause the elements to be separated and migrate on separate faces of the roof and thereafter to an opening which communicates with a conduit for admission of the elemental components into the engine. A cooling device is employed which utilizes a portion of the fluid not dispensed into the electrolysis area. Various controls and monitors are provided to assist in the selective deployment of the hybrid fuel system.
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Lee; Shu - Environment-friendly engine system Patent #7043918 - 1992
Abstract: An environment-friendly engine system is characterized by that hydrogen gas that fuels the engine is generated from water by electrolysis and that the electric power for electrolysis is supplied by a fuel cell in a water fuel tank and a lead acid cell connected in parallel with the fuel cell. As the engine system is operating, the fuel cell burns methyl alcohol or ethyl alcohol to generate power for activating water electrolysis that produces hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas fuels a hydrogen engine, and the steam produced in the engine is used to drive an electricity generator and subsequently a turbine, whereby the electricity is stored in a lead acid cell used together with the fuel cell. Thereby, the engine system is safe to operate and produces no any of the greenhouse gases, truly friendly to the environment.
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Munday; John F. - Hydrogen and oxygen system for producing fuel for engines Patent #5143025 - 1992
Abstract: A water to fuel production apparatus including a tank divided into compartments for producing hydrogen in one compartment and oxygen in another compartment, where the gases produced do not contact each other in the compartments or until they are mixed prior to entering an internal combustion engine. A control system including cathodes and anodes in the compartments and a switching system to turn individual cathodes and anodes on or off.
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Stowe; Gene B. - Hydrogen/oxygen fuel cell Patent #5231954 - 1993
Abstract: An electrolysis cell is provided for use in connection with a combustion engine, for generating hydrogen and oxygen gases which are added to the fuel delivery system as a supplement to the gasoline or other hydrocarbons burned therein. The hazard of explosion of the mixture of generated gases is eliminated by withdrawing the gases through a connection with the vacuum line of the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system of the engine and by utilizing a slip-fitted top cap for the electrolysis cell, which cooperates with the PCV vacuum line to prevent explosive containment of generated gases in case of accident. Use of the generated gases as a fuel supplement enables substantial increases in fuel efficiency, while at the same time reducing the emission of pollutants.
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Rose; Hugh W. - Method and apparatus for enhancing combustion in internal combustion engines Patent # 5452688 - 1995
Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for enhancing the combustion efficiency of an internal combustion engine having one or more combustion chambers. The apparatus comprises an electrical power source having a voltage output, a power supply in electrical communication with output of the electrical power source, and an electrolytic cell having a cathode and an anode immersed in an aqueous electrolytic solution. The anode and the cathode are in electrical communication with the power supply output. The power supply optimizes the voltage output of the power source for use with the electrolytic cell. In turn, the electrolytic cell breaks down the aqueous solution into a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gases, which is conveyed to the combustion chamber of the engine.
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Pettigrew; J. W. w/ others - Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell Patent #5733421 - 1998
Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell that uses an electrolysis unit that is sealed and has protection from explosions and corrosion. It has a plate structure that produces maximum efficiency of hydrogen production and can adjust the output to better match the needs of a given engine. The unit has an automatic fill system to keep the electrolyte solution at the proper levels for efficient hydrogen production, and the temperature of the electrolysis chamber remains low, thereby reducing the problems of cooling the chamber and the risk of melting the chamber. The device has an extraction chamber that is baffled to prevent backwash of electrolyte solution out of the electrolyte chamber. The device has an explosion preventer that reduces the explosion risk by working the produced gasses through a neutral fluid.
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McFarland; Steve w/ other - Renewable fuel generating system Patent #6314918 - 2001
Abstract: This invention operates with a series of components integrally connected to an internal combustion powered engine, wherein an OEM alternator supplies the various fixed voltage load requirements of the engine and its accessories and additionally works in conjunction with a specifically designed high output electrical power generating device to energize a multiple cell anode and cathode type electrolyzer unit for liberating hydrogen gas to fuel said internal combustion powered engine at greater than 100% efficiency levels. Various mechanical and electrical components are incorporated to enhance fuel production, monitor and regulate system efficiency and safety levels, and optimize the performance of this renewable fuel generating system.
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Knowlton; James L. w/ other Assignee: Tyma, Inc.- Fuel supply system for a vehicle including a vaporization device for converting fuel and water into hydrogen Patent #6508210 - 2003
Abstract: A fuel supply system is disclosed for use with a vehicle propulsion system such as an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell system. The fuel supply system includes a water supply, fuel supply, and fuel conversion device coupled to the water and fuel supplies for generating hydrogen from the water and fuel and supplying the hydrogen to an intake manifold of the propulsion system with which the fuel supply system is used. The fuel conversion device preferably includes a vaporization chamber, an inlet nozzle for introducing fine droplets of fuel and water into the vaporization chamber, an air inlet for introducing air into the vaporization chamber to create turbulence in the chamber, a heater in the vaporization chamber for heating the turbulent fuel/water mix at temperatures that cause the mix to convert into hydrogen, and an outlet for supplying the generated hydrogen and air to the vehicle propulsion system.
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Meacham; George Beuan Kirby - Internal combustion fuel reforming Patent #6502533 - 2003
Abstract: The present invention uses an internal combustion engine operated at an air/fuel ratio richer than stoichiometric as a partial oxidation reformer in fuel cell power generation systems. Commonly available liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon or alcohol fuels, including "logistic" fuel in military applications, are converted to a product gas mixture containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and traces of light hydrocarbons. The product gas may be used directly or with minimum processing by high temperature fuel cells, or processed further for use in low temperature fuel cells. Advantages include high efficiency, adaptability to a variety of fuels, and quick system startup with immediate shaft power availability.
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Zagaja; John w/ others - Hydrogen generation apparatus for internal combustion engines and method thereof Patent #6659049 - 2003
Abstract: A system and method are provided for generating hydrogen for use with an internal combustion engine. The system includes a venturi device coupled with an exhaust stream from the internal combustion engine. The venturi device creates a gas flow through a condenser to generate reactant water. After the reactant water is polished to remove contaminants, hydrogen and oxygen are disassociated using a PEM based electrolyzer. The hydrogen gas is used by the internal combustion engine to assist in the combustion process and reduce pollutant emissions.
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McElroy; James w/others - Solid oxide regenerative fuel cell Patent #6821663 - 2004
Abstract: A Solid Oxide Regenerative Fuel Cell (SORFC) system stores waste heat from the fuel cell in a heat storage material during the discharge mode. The heat is then used to heat water to be electrolyzed during the charge mode.
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Ohnemus; Ulrich Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft - Vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a fuel cell and method of making a vehicle Patent #6935282 - 2005
Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and a fuel cell for supplying electric vehicle systems. The fuel cell is thermally "coupled" with the internal combustion engine. The waste heat of the internal combustion engine is used for heating the fuel cell, that is, for maintaining the operating temperature of the fuel cell. The fuel cell is arranged directly on the engine where, in the case of conventional vehicles, the transmission is arranged. The transmission is arranged in the area of the rear axle in front of the rear-axle divider transmission.
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Kejha; Joseph B. - Hydrogen-electric hybrid vehicle construction Patent #7036616 - 2006
Abstract: An electric vehicle which carries at least two passengers, which has at least three wheels, said passengers sitting in tandem and most of the batteries or fuel cell systems are located on the sides of the passengers. The vehicle has an aerodynamically shaped body with substantially reduced frontal area and drag. The body is lightweight, made from shock absorbing materials and structures, and has pressure-airless tires, which enhances the safety of the passengers. The vehicle also includes an advanced hydrogen-electric hybrid propulsion system with quick refueling from existing infrastructure and various additional optional features and systems.
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