Abstract:
A nitrous oxide and fuel control valve has simultaneous flow control of nitrous oxide from a first fluid-delivery aperture ( 8 ) and flow control of fuel from a second fluid-delivery aperture ( 10 ) into a mixing nozzle ( 38 ) of an intake manifold of an engine by simultaneous actuation of an activation T-bar ( 18 ) with an actuation piston ( 26 ) that is actuated with gas pressure from an actuation-pressure source ( 43 ) with an actuation on/off solenoid valve ( 44 ). It can be structured for low-weight, short-term needs for racing and other sports uses or for heavier long-term needs of engines.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to nitrous oxide injection systems, more particularly, to a valve which controls the introduction of nitrous oxide and fuel to a mixing nozzle prior to injection into a manifold of an internal-combustion engine for enhancing effective pressure of subsequent combustion of the engine for racing and other enhanced-power uses. 
   Nitrous-oxide injector systems for enhancing power of internal-combustion engines are well known. None, however, are known to provide the introduction and control of nitrous oxide and fuel with a single actuator of separate flows of both nitrous oxide and fuel in a manner taught by this invention. 
   Related but different prior art is known to include the following: 
   
     
       
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
             
               Patent Number 
               Inventor 
               Issue/Publication Date 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
               U.S. Pat. No. 3,592,357 
               Welch 
               Jul. 13, 1971 
             
             
               U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,843 
               Norcia et al. 
               Aug. 4, 1987 
             
             
               U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,898 
               Elliott 
               Nov. 12, 1991 
             
             
               U.S. Pat. No. Re. 35,101 
               Kelly 
               Nov. 28, 1995 
             
             
               U.S. Pat. No. 5,870,996 
               DeLuca 
               Feb. 16, 1999 
             
             
               U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,862 
               Touchette et al. 
               Jun. 13, 2000 
             
             
               U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,225 
               Thomas et al. 
               Sep. 12, 2000 
             
             
               U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,165 B1 
               Steele 
               Feb. 18, 2003 
             
             
               U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,688 B1 
               Chestnut 
               Feb. 17, 2004 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Objects of patentable novelty and utility taught by this invention are to provide a nitrous oxide and fuel control valve which: 
   uses less electricity; 
   has less weight; 
   can control the flow simultaneously of separate liquid or gaseous fluids; 
   can be repaired or replaced rapidly, easily and accurately; 
   can be powered with low-weight and simple power systems; and 
   provides engine protection from excess heat and/or detonation by shutting off both fuel and nitrous oxide in the event of its failure. 
   This invention accomplishes these and other objectives with a nitrous oxide and fuel control valve having both nitrous oxide flow circuit from a first valve and fuel flow circuit from a second valve by simultaneous actuation of an activation T-bar with an actuation piston that is actuated with gas pressure from a low-weight actuation-pressure container controlled by a small electrical solenoid valve of low power consumption and low weight and capable of activating one or more nitrous oxide and fuel control valves taught by the present invention. The nitrous oxide is supplied by a low-weight pre-pressured first fluid container while the fuel is supplied by a mechanized pump or an electrical pump. 
   A poppet valve for each of two separate flow circuits, one for the oxidizer (generally nitrous oxide) and one for fuel, both flowing into the same mixing nozzle(s), are actuated simultaneously by a single actuation T-bar with gas pressure to a pneumatic piston. The oxidizer and fuel are both under pressure for controlled release into the mixing nozzle(s) by opening of valves for the separate circuits at the same time. 
   Prior art nitrous oxide injection systems employ a first separate, heavy and high-current consumption solenoid valve controlling the flow of the oxidizer and a second separate, heavy and high-current solenoid valve for injection of fuel into a mixing nozzle for injection into an intake manifold of an engine. Accordingly, in proportion to increased engine power achieved by oxidizer injection systems, the combined weight of present systems is approximately two to three times greater and electrical-current consumption can be as much as one-hundred times greater than with this invention. 
   Additionally, piping and plumbing are simplified by single instead of double connection to valve bodies. 
   Also, significant engine protection results from inherent shutoff of both oxidizer and fuel from valve failure. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     This invention is described by appended claims in relation to description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the following drawings which are explained briefly as follows: 
       FIG. 1  is a partially cutaway side view of the invention in a valve-closed mode; 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-section view of valve apertures through section line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a partially cutaway side view of the invention in a valve-open mode; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-section view of valve stems and an actuator stem through section line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a partially cutaway first-end view of the invention with a first valve in a valve-closed mode; 
       FIG. 6  is the partially cutaway first-end view of the invention with a second valve in a valve-open mode; 
       FIG. 7  is a partially cutaway plan view of the invention showing juxtaposed end views of a first valve open and a second valve closed and with addition of system interface features; 
       FIG. 8  is a partially cutaway enlarged fragmentary view of an activation T-bar in relationship to adjustors in a valve-closed mode when valve stem can be adjusted; 
       FIG. 9  is a partially cutaway enlarged fragmentary view of the activation T-bar in relationship to adjustors in a valve-open mode; and 
       FIG. 10  is a partially cutaway enlarged fragmentary view of the valve portion of the first valve in a valve-open mode. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   A description of the preferred embodiment of this invention follows a list of numbered terms which designate its features with the same numbers on the drawings and in parentheses throughout the description and throughout the patent claims. 
   
     
       
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
               1. 
               First valve-stem guide 
             
             
                 
               2. 
               Second valve-stem guide 
             
             
                 
               3. 
               Valve housing 
             
             
                 
               4. 
               First inlet aperture 
             
             
                 
               5. 
               First fluid-supply aperture 
             
             
                 
               6. 
               First valve aperture seat 
             
             
                 
               7. 
               First outlet aperture 
             
             
                 
               8. 
               First fluid-delivery aperture 
             
             
                 
               9. 
               Second inlet aperture 
             
             
                 
               10. 
               Second fluid-supply aperture 
             
             
                 
               11. 
               Second valve aperture seat 
             
             
                 
               12. 
               Second outlet aperture 
             
             
                 
               13. 
               Second fluid-delivery aperture 
             
             
                 
               14. 
               First valve 
             
             
                 
               15. 
               First valve stem 
             
             
                 
               16. 
               Second valve 
             
             
                 
               17. 
               Second valve stem 
             
             
                 
               18. 
               Activation T-bar 
             
             
                 
               19. 
               Injection activator 
             
             
                 
               20. 
               First adjuster 
             
             
                 
               21. 
               Second adjuster 
             
             
                 
               22. 
               First expansion-pressure spring 
             
             
                 
               23. 
               First spring base 
             
             
                 
               24. 
               Second expansion-pressure spring 
             
             
                 
               25. 
               Second spring base 
             
             
                 
               26. 
               Actuator piston 
             
             
                 
               27. 
               Actuator cylinder 
             
             
                 
               28. 
               Actuator stem 
             
             
                 
               29. 
               Actuation-fluid conveyance 
             
             
                 
               30. 
               Adjustment threads 
             
             
                 
               31. 
               First rotary nut 
             
             
                 
               32. 
               Second rotary nut 
             
             
                 
               33. 
               First jam nut 
             
             
                 
               34. 
               Second jam nut 
             
             
                 
               35. 
               First fluid-supply conveyance 
             
             
                 
               36. 
               First fluid container 
             
             
                 
               37. 
               First fluid-injection conveyance 
             
             
                 
               38. 
               Mixing nozzle 
             
             
                 
               39. 
               Second fluid-supply conveyance 
             
             
                 
               40. 
               Second fluid container 
             
             
                 
               41. 
               Second fluid-injection conveyance 
             
             
                 
               42. 
               Actuation-fluid conveyance 
             
             
                 
               43. 
               Actuation-pressure source 
             
             
                 
               44. 
               Actuation on/off solenoid valve 
             
             
                 
               45. 
               Nitrous oxide and fuel control valve 
             
             
                 
               46. 
               Adjustment space 
             
             
                 
               47. 
               Valve cover 
             
             
                 
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   Referring to  FIGS. 1-6  and to  FIGS. 8-10 , the nitrous oxide and fuel control valve  45  has at least one first valve-stem guide  1  and at least one second valve-stem guide  2  in a valve housing  3 . A first inlet aperture  4  is in fluid communication from a first fluid-supply aperture  5  in the valve housing  3  to a first valve aperture  6  in the valve housing  3 . A first outlet aperture  7  is in fluid communication from the first valve aperture  6  to a first fluid-delivery aperture  8  in the valve housing  3 . A second inlet aperture  9  is in fluid communication from a second fluid-supply aperture  10  in the valve housing  3  to a second valve aperture  11  in the valve housing  3 . A second outlet aperture  12  is in fluid communication from the second valve aperture  11  to a second fluid-delivery aperture  13  in the valve housing  3 . 
   A first valve  14  is positioned on a first valve stem  15 . The first valve stem  15  is reciprocatable within an internal periphery of the first valve-stem guide  1 . The first valve  14  is structured for opening and closing the first outlet aperture  7  with the first valve stem  15  predeterminedly. 
   A second valve  16  is positioned on a second valve stem  17 . The second valve stem  17  is reciprocatable within an internal periphery of the second valve-stem guide  2 . The second valve  16  is structured for opening and closing the second outlet aperture  12  with the second valve stem  17  predeterminedly. 
   An activation T-bar  18  is positioned proximate activation ends of the first valve stem  15  and the second valve stem  17 . An injection activator  19  is in communication with the activation T-bar  18  with the injection activator  19  being structured for actuating the activator T-bar  18  predeterminedly for actuation of the first valve  14  with the first valve stem  15  and for actuation of the second valve  16  with the second valve stem  17 . 
   The first and second valves,  14  and  16  respectively, have two separate circuits (two supply apertures or ports,  4  and  9 , two outlet apertures,  7  and  12 ), operate simultaneously, with each circuit capable of controlling the flow of a gas or liquid, at high or low pressure, or a vacuum. This flow of gas or liquid is stopped(i.e., the valves  14  and  16  are OFF when the valve stems  15  and  17 , having compliant material on a lower end, such as Viton, Neoprene, Teflon, or similar polymer) are held against first and second valve outlet aperture seats  6  and  11 , respectively, by the expansive force of the springs,  22  and  24 . The flow of gas or liquid is initiated, i.e., the valves  14  and  16  are ON, when the valve stems  15  and  17  are simultaneously lifted off, or above, the valve outlet aperture seats  6  and  11 . 
   The first fluid-supply aperture  5  is structured for receiving a first fluid under pressure for directing the first fluid to the first outlet aperture  7 . The second fluid-supply aperture  10  is formed to receive a second fluid under pressure for directing the second fluid to the second outlet aperture  12 . 
   The first valve  14  can be a poppet valve structured on a valve end of the first valve stem  15  for closing and opening the first outlet aperture  7  predeterminedly and the second valve  16  can be a poppet valve structured on a valve end of the second valve stem  17  for closing and opening the second outlet aperture  12  predeterminedly. A poppet valve is intended to include a class of valves which plug openings to apertures predeterminedly. 
   A linear axis of the first outlet aperture  7  is orthogonal to a linear axis of the first fluid-supply aperture  5 . A linear axis of the first valve  14 , the linear axis of the first outlet aperture  7  and a linear axis of the first valve stem  15  are collinear. The linear axis of the first outlet aperture  7  is orthogonal to a linear axis of the first fluid-delivery aperture  8 . 
   A linear axis of the second outlet aperture  12  is orthogonal to a linear axis of the second fluid-supply aperture  10 . A linear axis of the second valve  16 , the linear axis of the second outlet aperture  12  and a linear axis of the second valve stem  17  are collinear. The linear axis of the second outlet aperture  12  is orthogonal to a linear axis of the second fluid-delivery aperture  13 . 
   A first expansion-pressure spring  22  is positioned with expansion pressure intermediate a first spring base  23  proximate an activation end of the first valve-stem guide  1  and the first valve  14  for spring-pressing the first valve  14  closed and for allowing predetermined inlet pressure of the first fluid to open the first valve  14  for fluid communication intermediate the first inlet aperture  4  and the first outlet aperture  7 . A second expansion-pressure spring  24  is positioned with expansion pressure intermediate a second spring base  25  proximate an activation end of the second valve-stem guide  2  and the second valve  16  for spring-pressing the second valve  16  closed and for allowing predetermined inlet pressure of the second fluid to open the second valve  16  for fluid communication intermediate the second inlet aperture  9  and the second outlet aperture  12 . 
   The injection activator  19  can include an actuator piston  26  in sliding-seal contact with an inside periphery of an actuator cylinder  27  in the valve housing  3 . The actuator cylinder  27  has a linear axis collinear to and intermediate the first valve-stem guide  1  and the second valve-stem guide  2 . An actuator stem  28  is extended perpendicularly from the actuator piston  26  to rigid contact with the actuation T-bar  18 . An actuation-fluid conveyance  29  is positioned in fluid communication with a pressure-actuation end of the actuator cylinder  27 . 
   The pressure-actuation end of the actuator cylinder  27  is opposite a stem end of the actuator piston  26  for actuating travel of the activation T-bar  18  in a valve-opening direction. 
   The first valve stem  15  and the second valve stem  17  can include adjustment threads  30  on activator ends thereof. 
   A first rotary nut  31  and first jam nut  33  are screw-positioned on the threads  30  of the first valve stem  15  at a distance from an adjustment-nut side of the activation T-bar  18  to secure the first valve stem  15 . 
   A second rotary nut  32  and jam nut  34  are screw-positioned on the threads  30  of the second valve stem also to secure the activation T-bar  18  to the second valve stem  17 . 
   A valve cover  47  can be placed over the activation T-bar  18  and nuts  31  and  32 . 
   Referring further to  FIGS. 1-6  and to  FIG. 7 , comprehensively for use on an engine, the nitrous oxide and fuel control valve  45 , has at least the one first valve-stem guide  1  and at least the one second valve-stem guide  2  in the valve housing  3 . The first inlet aperture  4  is in fluid communication from the first fluid-supply aperture  5  in the valve housing  3  to the first valve aperture  6  in the valve housing  3 . 
   The first outlet aperture  7  is in fluid communication from the first valve aperture  6  to the first fluid-delivery aperture  8  in the valve housing  3 . The second inlet aperture  9  is in fluid communication from the second fluid-supply aperture  10  in the valve housing  3  to the second valve aperture  11  in the valve housing  3 . The second outlet aperture  12  in fluid communication from the second valve aperture  11  to the second fluid-delivery aperture  13  in the valve housing  3 . 
   The first valve  14  is positioned on the first valve stem  15 . The first valve stem  15  is reciprocatable within the internal periphery of the first valve-stem guide  1 . 
   The first valve  14  is structured for opening and closing the first outlet aperture  7  with the first valve stem  15 . 
   The second valve  16  is positioned on the second valve stem  17 . The second valve stem  17  is reciprocatable within the internal periphery of the second valve-stem guide  2 . The second valve  16  is structured for opening and closing the second outlet aperture  12  with the second valve stem  17 . 
   The activator T-bar  18  is positioned proximate activation ends of the first valve stem  15  and the second valve stem  17 . The injection activator  19  is in communication with the activation T-bar  18 . 
   The first fluid-supply aperture  5  is structured for receiving the first fluid under pressure for directing the first fluid to the first outlet aperture  7 . The second fluid-supply aperture  10  is formed to receive the second fluid under pressure for directing the second fluid to the second outlet aperture  12 . 
   The first valve  14  is a poppet valve structured on the valve end of the first valve stem  15  for closing and opening the first outlet aperture  7  predeterminedly; 
   The second valve  16  is a poppet valve structured on the valve end of the second valve stem  17  for closing and opening the second outlet aperture  12 . 
   The linear axis of the first outlet aperture  7  is orthogonal to the linear axis of the first fluid-supply aperture  5 . The linear axis of the first valve  14 , the linear axis of the first outlet aperture  7  and the linear axis of the first valve stem  15  are collinear. The linear axis of the first outlet aperture  7  is orthogonal to the linear axis of the first fluid-delivery aperture  8 . 
   The linear axis of the second outlet aperture  12  is orthogonal to the linear axis of the second fluid-supply aperture  10 . The linear axis of the second valve  16 , the linear axis of the second outlet aperture  12  and the linear axis of the second valve stem  17  are collinear. The linear axis of the second outlet aperture  12  is orthogonal to the linear axis of the second fluid-delivery aperture  13 . 
   The first expansion-pressure spring  22  is positioned with expansion pressure intermediate the first spring base  23  proximate the activation end of the first valve-stem guide  1  and the first valve  14  for spring-pressing the first valve  14  closed and for allowing predetermined inlet pressure of the first fluid to open the first valve  14 . 
   The second expansion-pressure spring  24  is positioned with expansion pressure intermediate the second spring base  25  proximate the activation end of the second valve-stem guide  2  and the second valve  16  for spring-pressing the second valve  16  closed and for allowing predetermined inlet pressure of the second fluid to open the second valve  16 . 
   The injection activator  19  includes the actuator piston  26  in sliding-seal contact with the inside periphery of the actuator cylinder  27  in the valve housing  3 . 
   The actuator cylinder  27  has a linear axis collinear to and intermediate the first valve-stem guide  1  and the second valve-stem guide  2 . The actuator stem  28  is extended perpendicularly from the actuator piston  26  to rigid contact with the actuation T-bar  18 ; 
   The actuation-fluid conveyance  29  is in fluid communication with the pressure-actuation end of the actuator cylinder  27 . The pressure-actuation end of the actuator cylinder  27  is opposite the stem end of the actuator piston  26  for actuating travel of the activation T-bar  18  in the valve-opening direction. 
   Referring particularly to  FIG. 7  and generally to  FIGS. 1-10 , the first fluid-supply conveyance  35  is formed and positioned for fluid communication from a first fluid container  36  to the first fluid-supply aperture  5 . 
   A first fluid-injection conveyance  37  is formed and positioned for fluid communication from the first fluid-delivery aperture  8  to a predetermined mixing nozzle  38 . 
   A second fluid-supply conveyance  39  is formed and positioned for fluid communication from a second fluid container  40  to the second fluid-supply aperture  10 . 
   A second fluid-injection conveyance  41  is formed and positioned for fluid communication from the second fluid-delivery aperture  13  to the predetermined mixing nozzle  38 . 
   An actuation-fluid conveyance  42  is formed and positioned for fluid communication from an actuation-pressure source  43  to the actuator cylinder  27 . 
   An actuation on/off solenoid valve  44  is positioned predeterminedly in timing communication intermediate the actuation-pressure source  43  and the actuator cylinder  27 . 
   The actuation-pressure source  43  can include structure for pre-pressured containment of a gas for light-weight and quick-supply needs for racing and other predetermined engine uses. 
   The actuation on/off solenoid valve  44  can include a low-power electrical system for timed release of gas pressure from the actuation-pressure source  43 . 
   The actuation-pressure source  43  can include structure for onboard pressurization of a gas for heavy-duty needs that include transportation, industrial, working and other predetermined engine uses. 
   A new and useful nitrous oxide injection valve having been described, all such foreseeable modifications, adaptations, substitutions of equivalents, mathematical possibilities of combinations of parts, pluralities of parts, applications and forms thereof as described by the following claims and not precluded by prior art are included in this invention.