Abstract:
An alternative fuel combustion engine enhancer for the vast improvement of combustion engines through a greener environment with lowered emissions, decreased fuel consumption, increased engine life and increased power. The alternative fuel combustion engine enhancer generally includes Copper Pipes, Stainless Steel Rods, Stainless Steel Wire, Silver Solder, Machined Acrylic End Caps, Copper Wire, a Water Supply, a Wiring Harness, and a Control Panel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This non-provisional patent application claims priority from and the benefit of the filing date of co-pending Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/656,679 filed Jun. 7, 2012 titled “ALTERNATIVE FUEL COMBUSTION ENGINE ENHANCER” by Michael W. Archer in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §§119(e) and 120. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to hydrolysis units for combustion engines. More specifically, the invention relates to open loop hydrolysis units for internal combustion engines. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The use of hydrogen and/or oxygen gas as a fuel component for internal combustion engines is well known. In such applications, the production of hydrogen and/or oxygen gas for combustion purposes is often produced through electrolysis of water. As is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, pure water can be broken down into hydrogen and oxygen gas (H 2 , O 1 ) by placing electrodes in water and providing a voltage potential across the electrodes. Hydrogen gas will accumulate around the cathode while oxygen gas will accumulate around the anode, according to the well known formulas: 
         [0000]      Cathode: 2H 2 O(1)+2e − →H 2 (g)+2OH − (aq); and
 
         [0000]      Anode: 2H 2 O(1)→O 2 (g)+4H + (aq)+4e − .
 
         [0004]    The overall reaction for both electrodes when the formulas are combined and reduced leads to the well known formula: 
         [0000]      2H 2 O(1)→2H 2 (g)+O 2 (g)
 
         [0005]    In the context of internal combustion engines, electrolyzed hydrogen gas or oxygen gas or both can be and have been applied to an internal combustion engine. Systems of this type generally constitute closed cycle/closed loop systems, or open cycle/open loop systems. 
         [0006]    Published U.S. Patent Application Nos. US2002/0117125 A1 and 0074680 A1 by McMaster, et al. describe a typical closed loop or closed cycle hydrogen or oxygen gas fuel system for use with an internal combustion engine. In the applications filed by McMaster, et al., hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are separated through electrolysis and then stored in accumulators through one-way check valves. The oxygen and hydrogen gas are then introduced to an internal combustion engine and the exhaust is passed through a condenser which recycles the condensed water back into the electrolytic chamber. Thus, water, in general is not lost to the atmosphere and the system is essentially closed loop. 
         [0007]    Published U.S. Patent Application US2011/0290201 A1 by Owens discloses a hydrogen supplemental system for on-demand hydrogen generation for internal combustion engines which operates in an open loop mode. In the system described by Owens, oxygen is vented to the atmosphere while hydrogen gas is directed to the engine air intake for combustion purposes. 
         [0008]    Mosher, et al. describe in U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,175 an oxygen and hydrogen generator apparatus for internal combustion engines in which oxygen from an electrolytic cell is fed into the intake manifold of the internal combustion engine, while the hydrogen gas is fed directly into the pre-ignition combustion chambers. Water in the system described by Mosher, et al. used by the generator apparatus is replenished from a reservoir. The water used in the generator apparatus is accordingly kept at a desired level. 
         [0009]    Thus, a variety of systems are contemplated in the prior art which generate either oxygen or hydrogen gas or both for combustion in an internal combustion engine in either open or closed loop modes. Nevertheless, such prior art devices suffer from various practical problems including excess heating and high corrosion, particularly where a catalyst or electrolyte is introduced into the water prior to electrolysis. Some prior art devices extract hydrogen and oxygen gas from water by force which produces excess heat and steam, other units have very high power consumptions as they are adapted to produce all or substantially all of the combustion gasses needed to operate the internal combustion engine. Other prior art devices have a short life because of corrosion or have complex electrical systems to make their units operate properly. 
         [0010]    Therefore a need exists to provide an alternative fuel combustion engine enhancer that significantly lowers emissions on combustion engines, is safe for the environment, provides an increase in power in a combustion engine and that provides a balanced production of hydrogen oxygen gas. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide for an alternative fuel combustion engine enhancer for the vast improvement of combustion engines through a greener environment with lowered emissions, decreased fuel consumption, increased engine life and increased power. 
         [0012]    Another object is to provide an Alternative Fuel Combustion Engine Enhancer that significantly lowers emissions on internal combustion engines. 
         [0013]    Another object is to provide an Alternative Fuel Combustion Engine Enhancer that is safe for the environment. 
         [0014]    Another object is to provide an Alternative Fuel Combustion Engine Enhancer that provides a significant increase in power (varies with different types of engines). 
         [0015]    Another object is to provide an Alternative Fuel Combustion Engine Enhancer that A PADLE has a balanced production of hydrogen and oxygen. 
         [0016]    Another object is to provide an Alternative Fuel Combustion Engine Enhancer that produces very pure hydrogen that is extremely powerful and clean. When properly installed, A PADLE should yield between 10% and 50% improvement in fuel economy depending on the engine size and the “A PADLE” size. 
         [0017]    The present invention relates generally to, Archer&#39;s A PADLE (Archer&#39;s petroleum alternative duel life energy) and more specifically it relates to an alternative fuel combustion engine enhancer for the vast improvement of combustion engines through a greener environment with lowered emissions, decreased fuel consumption, increased engine life and increased power. 
         [0018]    The invention achieves the above objects, and other objects and advantages which will become apparent from the description which follows, by providing an open loop, catalyst free pure water hydrolysis unit for use with a combustion engine. The hydrolysis unit includes a plurality of concentric, spaced apart tubular cathodes having continuous side walls and upper and lower ends forming closed surfaces. The cathodes are electrically interconnected to one another and to a direct current power source for generating hydrogen gas. The unit also includes a plurality of anodes in the form of elongated, conductive rods having upper and lower ends including interconnections between the anodes as well as to the direct current source for generating oxygen gas. Upper and lower substantially nonconductive end caps having concentric circular grooves for receipt of the cylindrical cathodes as well as a plurality of receptacles for receiving the upper and lower ends of the anodes are provided. Preferably, the end caps define a plurality of apertures for permitting convention flow of water from the lower to the upper end caps and return flow across the anodes and cathodes for cooling purposes and to dislodge gas generated in and around the electrodes. The unit is preferably connected to the intake of an internal combustion engine to combust and recombine the hydrogen and oxygen gas for generating power, reducing emissions and to render a clean air and more stochastically correct combustion cycle. 
         [0019]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the anode and cathode of the unit are connected to a conventional automotive battery through an ignition switch and an under—on/off switch through a conventional relay. The unit is preferably contained in a container having a water manifold and a water reservoir to replenish water which is depleted from the unit through the hydrolysis process. The electrical system may also be connected in series with an oil pressure switch connected to the internal combustion engine such that upon failure of the engine either due to a decrease in oil pressure or through normal operation when the engine is switched off the unit will not generate any combustible gasses. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of an electrolysis unit of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a sectional perspective view of the electrolysis unit of the present invention illustrating the anodes, cathodes and end caps of the electrolysis unit. This is the view of three copper pipes and the end pieces. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is an upper perspective view of an end cap of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a schematic representation of fluid flow in the hydrolysis unit of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a schematic representation of the present invention installed in an internal combustion engine environment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0026]    An alternative fuel combustion engine enhancer hydrolysis unit in accordance with the principles of the invention is generally indicated at reference numeral  10  in the various Figures of the attached drawings wherein numbered elements in the figures correspond to like numbered elements herein. 
         [0027]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the unit  10  generally produces free hydrogen and oxygen gas through a hydrogen oxygen outlet  12  which may be used as combustion gasses in an internal combustion engine or the like as will be described herein below in greater detail. The unit  10  has upper and lower end caps  14 ,  16  preferably manufactured from a nonconductive polymer such as machined acrylic.  FIG. 2  illustrates the unit  10  in section so as to illustrate the end caps  14 ,  16  and the concentrically arranged, tubular cathodes  18  and elongated rod-like anodes  20  which are received in the end caps  14 ,  16 . The lower end cap  16  is best seen in  FIG. 3  in which concentric grooves are machined in the end caps  14 ,  16  for receipt of upper and lower ends, respectively of the cathode side walls. The end caps further define receptacles into which upper and lower ends of the anodes are also received such that the end caps  14 ,  16 , anodes  20  and cathodes  18  together form a structurally cohesive unit. The end caps  14 ,  16  further define fluid apertures  24  through which water undergoing electrolysis (not shown) may flow vertically so as to cool the unit through convention currents set up in the water inside the unit as well as off-gassing of oxygen and hydrogen which contribute to the fluid dynamics of the unit. The three sets of concentric, tubular cathodes  18  are provided with insulated conductors  29 ,  30  and  31  for connecting the cathodes in a conventional manner to a source of direct current, such as an automotive battery as will be described herein below. The anode rods  20  are also similarly electrically interconnected by wires (not shown) to the opposite polarity of the direct current power supply. 
         [0028]      FIG. 4  illustrates that the lower end cap  16  includes the cathodes  18 , anodes  20 , apertures  24  all received or defined by the lower end cap  16 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the upper end cap is identical to the lower end cap. 
         [0029]    When assembled as shown in  FIG. 2 , the unit  10  permits fluid as best see in  FIG. 4  to circulate in a vertical pattern about the electrodes. When the unit  10  is fully assembled, upper and lower manifolds  36 ,  38  permit water to flow vertically along the sides of the outermost cathodes  18  and down through the inside of the innermost cathode through the fluid apertures  24  due to convection caused by temperature differentials and the vertical orientation of the unit  10 . A drain  40  may be provided at a bottom end of the lower manifold  38  to empty the unit such as for removal from a vehicle and servicing. 
         [0030]      FIG. 5  illustrates the hydrolysis unit  10  installed in an automotive environment including an engine of the internal combustion type having an exhaust manifold  52  and an intake manifold  54  connected to a throttle body  56 . The throttle bottle  56  is connected by a gas conduit  58  to the outlet  12  of the unit  10  so that the generated hydrogen and oxygen gasses may be introduced to the engine through the intake manifold  54  for combustion along with any fossil fuel/air mixture normally used by the engine. The unit  10  is preferably received in a fluid impermeable container  60  connected to a water manifold  62  at an upper end thereof to be in fluid communication with a water tank  64  and valve  66  which maintains the water in the manifold  62  at a desired level so that the hydrolysis unit  10  does not run dry as gas is produced. As previously stated, the cathodes and anodes of the unit  10  may be connected to an automotive battery  68  to power the unit when the engine  50  is running. To this end, the cathode is interconnected through a conventional automotive relay  70  to an under—on/off switch  72  and the automotive ignition switch  74  as well as an oil pressure sensing switch  76  all in series such that the electrolysis unit  10  only generates combustible gasses when the engine is running. 
       A. Overview 
       [0031]    Turning now descriptively to the specific elements described above, in which similar reference numerals denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate Copper Pipes (cathodes  18 ), Stainless Steel Rods (anodes  20 ), Machined Acrylic End Caps ( 14 ,  16 ), Copper Wire ( 29 ,  30 ,  31 ), a Water Supply ( 64 ) and a Wiring Harness ( 80 ). 
       B. Copper Pipes 
       [0032]    There are three copper pipes  18 . The exterior copper pipe is 7¾″ long by 3″ diameter and 0.065″ wall thickness. The two interior copper pipes are 7¼″ long and 2″ and 1″ diameter respectively. They also are 0.065″ wall thickness. The function is to create hydrogen. 
         [0033]    One, 1″ diameter copper pipe by 0.065″ thick. 
         [0034]    One, 2″ diameter copper pipe by 0.065″ thick. 
         [0035]    One, 3″ diameter copper pipe by 0.065″ thick. 
         [0036]    All three copper pipes can be lengthened or shortened to adjust hydrogen output, and the number of copper pipes can be increased or decreased according to need. The copper pipes can be round, flat, or shaped according to need. 
       C. Stainless Steel Rods 
       [0037]    There are twenty stainless steel rods  20 . Nineteen rods are the same length and one rod is 4″ longer. The stainless is 316L. The diameter is 0.125″. All twenty rods create oxygen. The 4″ longer rod also provides a platform for a positive connection to the other nineteen rods and connects to the A PADLE control circuit (A PADLE wiring harness  80 ). 
         [0038]    The rods can be lengthened or shortened to coincide with various size cores, and the number of rods may vary according to need. 
       D. Machined Acrylic End Caps 
       [0039]    The two acrylic end caps  14 ,  16  are 2 ⅞″ in diameter by ½″ thick and machined to hold the two internal copper pipes  18  and stainless steel rods  26  in position. 
         [0040]    The acrylic end caps can be increased or decreased in diameter to match the core if the core size is changed. 
       E. Copper Wire 
       [0041]    There are three copper wires  29 ,  30 ,  31 . The shielded copper wire is 10″ long and 12-gauge, soldered to each of the three copper pipes with lead-free silver solder. This copper wire makes a negative connection to the power source. 
         [0042]    The three shielded copper wires are 2″ long and 12-gauge, soldered to the three copper pipes with lead-free silver solder. This copper wire makes a negative connection to the power source. 
         [0043]    The copper wire may be lengthened or shortened depending on the needs of the core. 
       F. Water Supply 
       [0044]    The water supply reservoir  64  can be from different containers of different sizes. G. Wiring Harness 
         [0045]    The wiring harness  80  (see  FIG. 5 ) provides the connection from the A PADLE to the various points on the vehicle. 
         [0046]    The wiring harness connects the A PADLE unit  10  to the engine  50 . 
         [0047]    The wiring harness can be lengthened or shortened depending on the engine application. 
       H. Connections of Main Elements and Sub-Elements of Invention 
       [0048]    The copper pipes  18  are connected by the copper wires  29 ,  30 ,  31  and then to the battery  68  negative. 
         [0049]    The stainless steel rods  20  are connected by the stainless steel wire (not shown) which connects to the A PADLE control circuit relay  70 . 
       I. Alternative Embodiments of Invention 
       [0050]    The A PADLE can be lengthened or shortened to alter hydrogen output. 
       J. Operation of Preferred Embodiment 
       [0051]    When A PADLE unit  10  is active, the oxygen and hydrogen bubbles produced by electrolysis in the water rise to the surface through the centers of the copper pipes  18 . A small amount of heat is produced. When the oxygen and. hydrogen bubbles reach the top surface, they are drawn into the engine through the air intake  54  to the engine  50 . 
         [0052]    The inside pipe  18  flow of warm water forces the cooler water on the outside of the pipe to descend causing the flow of water. See  FIG. 4 . An absence of water only stops the production of hydrogen and has no other effect on the gasoline, diesel, or propane engine. The standard water supply holds variable amounts of water. The A PADLE unit  10  is easily serviced by replacing the water in the A PADLE reservoir  64 . Two or more units  10  would be used for large trucks and large equipment. The life expectancy before main element service or replacement is expected to be 100k-plus consecutive miles. 
         [0053]    Hydrogen and oxygen gas are not stored. The success of the A PADLE unit  10  is the result of the unique flow of H 2 O from which the gas is gradually extracted from the H 2 O for combustion in the engine. A PADLE unit  10  will not work properly with the use of salt water or sea water or with any additive catalyst in the water. 
         [0054]    What has been described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention in which all terms are meant in their broadest, reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect. 
         [0055]    Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art will conceive of other alternate embodiments of the invention upon reviewing this disclosure. Thus, the invention is not to be limited to the above description, but is to be determined in scope by the claims which follow.