Patent Publication Number: US-11022075-B1

Title: Enhanced fuel delivery system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a system for use with a reciprocating engine and, more particularly, to an enhanced fuel delivery system for use with a reciprocating engine that is effective for improving fuel usage. 
     Standard reciprocating engines, such as internal combustion engines, rely upon a pressure differential to move a fuel/air mixture into a combustion chamber associated with each engine cylinder. During an intake stroke of a piston of a conventional engine, the piston recedes in the cylinder bore and an inlet valve is simultaneously opened at the inlet port to admit the fuel/air mixture. A receding piston creates a partial vacuum in the combustion chamber and throughout the intake manifold. This vacuum operates to draw air through into the combustion chamber were a fuel injector system (or carburetor system) operates to spray liquid fuel droplets into the air to create a misty fuel/air mixture. 
     The nature and quality of the combustion of the liquid fuel and air mixture in the combustion chamber depends on numerous factors. One of the most significant of these factors is the degree to which the liquid fuel droplets released by the fuel injectors (or carburetor) are atomized and vaporized on their way to or within the combustion chamber. Ideally, the fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber should be in a gaseous state. However, this is not currently achievable in conventional internal combustion engines. Accordingly, fuel in a liquid state, is typically suspended in the combustion chamber as a mist or droplets, and will often not ignite. Such un-vaporized fuel that does not burn completely during the combustion stroke of the cylinders is then expelled into the engine exhaust system where it continues to burn, heating the engine and requiring surplus pollution control devices or it is vaporized and exhausted into the atmosphere thereby wasting fuel and adds to air pollution. 
     Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a system whereby fuel can be stored in its liquid state and converted into a vapor state prior to being introduced into the combustion chamber of a reciprocating engine thereby increasing combustion efficiency and reducing fuel consumption and air pollution. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject invention is to an enhanced fuel delivery system for use with a reciprocating engine that is effective for improving fuel usage and reducing air pollution. The system comprises a fuel storage container for providing and storing a quantity of liquid fuel, a vaporization vessel connected to the fuel storage container through a fuel supply channel that operates to transfer liquid fuel stored in the fuel storage container to flow into the vaporization vessel. The vaporization vessel includes a central core structure and wicking material, whereby the wicking material operates to draw the liquid fuel entering the vaporization vessel to spread the liquid fuel to increase the surface area of the fuel exposed to air within the vaporization vessel thereby transforming the liquid fuel into vapor. The vapor is then directed through one or more openings in the central core structure to an inner core passage and out to a fuel line that operates to direct the vapor to a fuel intake of the reciprocating engine. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vaporization vessel has an upper vessel component, a bottom vessel end and a vaporization body having an outer vessel surface and an inner vessel surface and extends longitudinally from the top component to the bottom vessel end wall that together define an enclosed inner cavity. The top component includes a plurality of apertures that operate to direct air from outside the vaporization vessel (“atmospheric air”) to enter the enclosed inner cavity. The inner vessel surface of the vaporization body has a smooth continuous rounded configuration such that it is effective for maintaining a smooth air flow (laminar air flow) within the enclosed inner cavity (or minimizing the amount of turbulent air flow within the enclosed inner cavity). 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention the plurality of apertures formed along the upper vessel component are formed in a circular pattern along the upper vessel component and each are angled to direct the atmospheric air in a circular downward laminar air flow within the enclosed inner cavity. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention the plurality of apertures are angled about 10 degrees that operate to direct air flow along the inner vessel surface to promote a downward laminar air flow within the enclosed inner cavity. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention the plurality of apertures each have an inner diameter of about 0.093 in. (2.36 mm). 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention the inner vessel surface of the vaporization body has a circular cross section. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the vaporization vessel and the fuel storage container are formed from a material suitable for use with liquid fuel, such as, but not limited to a high-density polyethylene, or steel, aluminum or brass. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention the wicking material is formed from a material operates to draw liquid fuel through the wicking material using capillary action to spread the liquid fuel (increase the amount of surface area of the liquid fuel exposed to air within the inner cavity) and increase the rate of vaporization of the liquid fuel. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention the wicking material is formed from a material resistant to decomposition or deterioration by the liquid fuel and operates when in contact with the liquid fuel to draw the liquid fuel using capillary action through the wicking material to increase the rate of vaporization of the liquid fuel. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention the wicking material is formed from conventional fuel filter paper. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention the wicking material is formed from fuel filter material made from a mixture of hardwood and softwood. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention the wicking material is formed from conventional automotive engine paper air filter material. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention the vaporization vessel includes a warm air inlet that operates to direct external warm air (air from outside the vaporization vessel) into the enclosed inner cavity of the vaporization vessel. 
     In preferred embodiment of the invention the warm air inlet operates to direct warm air entering into the enclosed inner cavity in a downward circular direction thereby increasing the rate of the vaporization of the liquid fuel. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention the fuel supply channel has an inner diameter of about 0.040 to about 0.062 in (1.016 mm-1.575 mm). 
     Another preferred embodiment of the invention is an enhanced fuel delivery system for use with a reciprocating engine that is effective for improving fuel usage, the system comprises a fuel storage container for storing a volume of liquid fuel; a vaporization vessel connected to the fuel storage container through a fuel supply channel that operates to direct liquid fuel from the fuel storage container to the vaporization vessel; wherein the vaporization vessel has a upper vessel component, a bottom vessel end and a vessel body having an inner vessel surface that together define an enclosed inner cavity. The enclosed inner cavity contains a central core structure with one or more openings and wicking material positioned around the central core structure. The wicking material is formed from a material that operates to draw liquid fuel entering the vaporization vessel through the fuel supply channel using capillary action such that the liquid fuel is vaporized transforming the liquid fuel into vapor. The fuel vapor is then directed through the one or more openings in the central core to an inner core passage and to a fuel line that operates to direct the fuel vapor to a fuel intake of the reciprocating engine. The upper vessel component of the vaporization vessel includes a plurality of apertures that operate to direct air from outside the vaporization vessel into the enclosed inner cavity and wherein the plurality of apertures are each angled to produce a downward air flow within the enclosed inner cavity. The inner vessel surface of the vessel body has a smooth continuous rounded configuration that is effective for maintaining laminar air flow within the enclosed inner cavity (minimizing turbulent air flow within the enclosed inner cavity). 
     Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a reciprocating engine having an enhanced fuel deliver system comprising a fuel storage container for containing and storing a quantity of liquid fuel, a vaporization vessel connected to the storage container through a fuel supply channel that operates to direct liquid fuel from the fuel storage container to the vaporization vessel, wherein the vaporization vessel has a central core structure and wicking material positioned around the central core structure. The wicking material operates to draw the liquid fuel entering the vaporization vessel through the wicking material by capillary action to transform the liquid fuel into vapor and whereby the fuel vapor is directed through one or more openings in the central core structure to an inner core passage to a fuel line that operates to direct the vapor to a fuel intake of the reciprocating engine. 
     Another preferred embodiment of the invention is an article comprising a reciprocating engine and an enhanced fuel deliver system, the enhanced fuel delivery system having a fuel storage container for storing a quantity of liquid fuel, a vaporization vessel connected to the fuel storage container through a fuel supply channel that operates to direct liquid fuel to flow through the fuel supply channel from the fuel storage container into the vaporization vessel. The vaporization vessel includes a central core structure and wicking material positioned around the central core structure that operates to draw liquid fuel entering the vaporization vessel through the wicking material by capillary action to transform the liquid fuel into vapor. The fuel vapor is directed through one or more openings in the central core structure to a inner core passage to a fuel line that operates to direct the fuel vapor to a fuel intake of the reciprocating engine. 
     Other objects, advantages and embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following description, drawings and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To provide a more complete understanding of the present invention and further features and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration showing an article having a reciprocating engine and the enhanced fuel delivery system of the subject invention connected to the reciprocating engine showing fuel that was transformed into a vapor by the enhanced fuel system being directed to a fuel intake of the reciprocating engine; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective exploded illustration showing the enhanced fuel delivery system of  FIG. 1  having a fuel storage container with a removable container top component and a vaporization vessel having a removable upper vessel component, a primer pump and a mounting brace for attaching the enhanced fuel delivery system to a structure of the article or the reciprocating engine; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional exploded view of the fuel storage container having a removable container top component and a fuel supply channel that operates to permit liquid fuel to flow from the fuel storage container into the vaporization vessel; 
         FIG. 4  is a side schematic view of the container top component showing the upper top portion, the stem portion and a pressurization conduit having a lower portion vapor chamber and an upper vapor release channel for releasing pressure through a top opening; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic top view of the container top component of  FIG. 4  showing the top opening; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic cross-sectional exploded view of the vaporization vessel having an enclosed inner cavity with a central core structure with one or more openings and wicking material within the enclosed inner cavity of the vaporization vessel, a fuel supply channel that operates to direct liquid fuel from the fuel storage container to flow into the vaporization vessel and a removable vaporization upper vessel component; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic side view of the vaporization upper vessel component; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic top view of the upper vessel component of the vaporization vessel having a plurality of apertures that operate to direct air from outside the vaporization vessel to enter into the enclosed inner cavity; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic side cross-section view taken along section  9 - 9  of  FIG. 10  showing another embodiment of the invention showing a warm air inlet for directing warm air in a downward circular motion within the enclosed inner cavity of the vaporization vessel; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic top view of the vaporization vessel showing the warm air inlet creating a downward circular motion air flow within the enclosed inner cavity; 
         FIG. 11  is a flow diagram showing a preferred method of the subject invention whereby liquid fuel is vaporized and directed to the intake of a reciprocating engine. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an article having a reciprocating engine and, more particularly, to a new and novel enhanced fuel delivery system for use with a reciprocating engine. As used herein, the term “liquid fuel” refers to liquid fuels typically used with conventional reciprocating engines, such as gasoline, kerosene and other fuels having volatility sufficient to allow vaporization of the fuel as described below. It should be understood that as used herein “reciprocating engines” include various conventional internal combustion engines such as those used as portable engines for small electrical generators, home equipment such as lawn mowers, trimmers, cutting tools, and the like; and for use for small recreational vehicles such as small motorized vehicles, scooters, snowmobiles, outboard boat engines, and the like. In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention and as illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. It should be understood however that as used herein reciprocating engines do not include engines, such as conventional diesel engines, that require controlled ignition to minimize simultaneous combustion of the entire fuel spray immediately upon entry of the fuel in a cylinder unless systems are used to provide proper combustion within the combustion chamber. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an article  10  having a conventional reciprocating engine  12  and an enhanced fuel delivery system of the subject invention, generally designated  100 , is shown. The reciprocating engine  12  includes a fuel intake  14  that operates to receive fuel from a fuel line  16 . Typically, in a conventional reciprocating engine fuel within the fuel intake is sprayed (atomized) to create a fine mist, such as by use of one or more fuel injectors, and mixed with air in one or more combustion chambers  18  where it is subjected to a spark from a spark plug or other ignition means which begins combustion of the fuel/air mixture. Since the operation of such conventional reciprocating engines is well known it therefore requires no additional elaboration. The article  10  of the subject invention includes a reciprocating engine  12  having an enhanced fuel delivery system  100  that operates to transform liquid fuel LF into a vapor that is then directed into the fuel intake  14  where it is subjected to a spark S from a spark plug  20  to begin combustion. The transformation of the liquid fuel into a vapor by the enhanced fuel delivery system operates to increase combustion efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and air pollution. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , the enhanced fuel delivery system  100  is shown having a fuel storage container  102  for storing a quantity of liquid fuel LF and a vaporization vessel  104  for receiving liquid fuel from the fuel storage container  102  and promoting (cause) the vaporization of the liquid fuel and directing the vaporized fuel (fuel vapor) to the fuel intake  14  of the reciprocating engine  12 . The fuel storage container  102  and the vaporization vessel  104  are each formed from a fuel resistant material, such as a high-density polyethylene plastic, or a metallic material, such as steel, aluminum or brass. The fuel storage container  102  has a storage container body  106  with a top end  108  and a closed bottom end  110 , a container inner body surface  112  and a container outer body surface  114 . Preferably, the fuel storage container  102  further includes a container top component  116  removably attached to the top end  108  of the storage container body  106  wherein the container inner body surface  112 , the container top component  116  and the closed bottom end  110  cooperate together to form a container inner cavity  118  for containing a volumetric amount of fuel LF. 
     The container inner body surface  112  of the fuel storage container  102  preferably has a circular cross section with a container upper portion  120  of the top end  108  having an upper portion inner diameter CDU and a container lower portion  122  having a slightly smaller lower portion inner diameter CDL than that the container upper portion  120 . In a preferred embodiment, the container upper portion inner diameter CDU of the container inner body surface  112  has a diameter of about 2.625 in (63.5 mm) and the container lower portion  122  has a lower portion diameter CDL of about 2.5 in. (63.5 mm). As shown, in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the container top component  116  includes an upper portion  124  having an upper top surface  126  and a lower top surface  128  with a circular stem portion  130  integral with and extending perpendicular downwardly from the lower top surface  128 . The stem portion  130  has one or more fuel resistant O-rings  132  concentrically mounted along the outer stem surface  134  of the circular stem portion  130  and which are sized to nest the stem portion  130  within the container upper portion  120  of the top end  108  and to seal against the rim  136  formed at the junction of the container upper portion  120  and the container lower portion  122  thereby providing a removable frictional tight seal that operates to prevent fuel from leaking out from the top end  108  of the storage container body  106 . It should be understood that other systems for removably attaching the top component to the top end of the storage container body can be utilized, such as by screw threads projecting concentrically outwardly from the outer stem surface of the stem portion that operate to mate with corresponding inwardly projecting screw threads positioned along the inner body surface of the upper portion of the top end of the storage container body for releasably securing the top component to the top end of the storage container body. It should be understood that the removable container top component operates to allow a user to add additional liquid fuel into the fuel storage container when needed. As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the container top component  116  further includes a pressurization conduit  138  centrally positioned and longitudinally extending through the stem portion  130  and the upper top portion  124  of the container top component  116  that operates to allow vapor to escape outwardly through a top opening  140  in the container top component  116  to reduce pressure build-up in the container inner cavity  118  such as during periods of non-use or increased temperature or to allow outside air to flow into the container inner cavity  118  during use to permit fuel to flow smoothly out of the container inner cavity  118  through a fluid supply channel  146 . Preferably, the pressurization conduit  138  includes a lower portion vapor chamber  142  that operates to contain any fuel vapor that may be created by the liquid fuel contained within the container inner cavity  118  that may accumulate, and an upper vapor release channel  144  that extends from the lower portion vapor chamber  142  to direct accumulated fuel vapor to escape to the outside atmosphere through the top opening  140  in the container top component  116 . It should be understood that the diameter of the upper release vapor release channel  144  and the top opening  140  are sized to control the pressure within the container inner cavity  118  such that excessive pressure does not build within the container inner cavity while allowing pressure to help in directing liquid fuel to flow out of the fuel storage container  102  into the vaporization vessel  104  through the fuel supply channel  146 . In a preferred embodiment, the lower portion vapor chamber  142  has a circular cross-section with an inner diameter of about 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) and the upper vapor release channel  144  and the top opening  140  have a circular cross-section with an inner diameter of about 0.062 in (1.575 mm). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 6-8 , the vaporization vessel  104  includes a vaporization body  148  having an outer vessel surface  150 , an inner vessel surface  152 , an upper vessel component  154 , and a bottom vessel end  156 . The inner vessel surface  152 , the upper vessel component  154  and the bottom vessel end  156  cooperate together to define an enclosed inner cavity  158 . As illustrated, positioned along the lower end  160  of the container inner cavity  118 , just above the closed bottom end  110 , of the fuel storage container  102 , is the fuel supply channel  146  that operates to provide a conduit whereby liquid fuel stored within the container inner cavity  118  of the fuel storage container  102  flows into the vessel lower end  162  of the enclosed inner cavity  158  of the vaporization vessel  104 . The fuel supply channel preferably has a circular cross section that in combination of its length and its inner diameter are selected to provide the desire rate of fuel traveling through the fuel supply channel and entering into the enclosed inner cavity of the vaporization vessel. It was surprising found that the length of about 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) and an inner diameter of about 0.40 to about 0.062 in (1.016-1.575 mm) provides the optimum flow rate of fuel flow leaving the container inner cavity of the fuel storage container and flowing into the enclosed inner cavity of the vaporization vessel. 
     Positioned within the enclosed inner cavity  168  of the vaporization vessel  104  is a longitudinally extending central core structure  164  and wicking material  166  concentrically spaced around the central core structure  164 . The central core structure  164  includes an inner core passage  168  with one or more openings  170  that extend from the enclosed inner cavity  158  to the inner core passage  168 . As shown, the inner core passage  168  extends outwardly through the bottom vessel end  156  and connects to the fuel line  16  of the reciprocating engine  12 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention the wicking material is formed from conventional fuel filter paper. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the wicking material is formed from fuel filter material made from a mixture of hardwood and softwood. In another preferred embodiment of the invention the wicking material is formed from conventional automotive engine paper air filter material. It should be understood that other materials that are resistant to deterioration caused by exposure to liquid fuel and operate to draw the liquid fuel through the wicking material by capillary action to increase the surface area of the liquid fuel to air within the enclosed inner cavity thereby increasing the rate of vaporization of the liquid fuel can be utilized. 
     The inner vessel surface  152  of the vaporization vessel  104  preferably has a circular cross section with a vessel body upper end  184  having a vessel inner diameter VDU and a vessel body lower end  162  having a slightly smaller inner vessel diameter VDL than that the vessel body upper end  184 . In a preferred embodiment, the vessel inner diameter VDU of the vessel body upper end  184  has a diameter of about 2625 in. (66.675 mm) and the vessel body lower end  162  has a diameter VDL of about 2.5 in or 63.5 mm). In a preferred embodiment of the invention the upper vessel component  154  includes an upper section  172  having an upper section top surface  174  and a lower section top surface  176  with a circular vessel stem portion  178  integral with and extending perpendicularly downwardly from the lower section top surface  174 . The vessel stem portion  178  has one or more fuel resistant vessel O-rings  180  concentrically mounted along the outer vessel stem surface  182  of the circular vessel stem portion  178  and which are sized to nest within the upper section  172  of the vessel body upper end  184  against a vessel rim  183  formed between the vessel body upper end  184  and the vessel body lower end  162  to provide a removable frictional tight seal for preventing fuel or fuel vapor from leaking out from the vessel body upper end  184  of the vaporization vessel  104 . It should be understood that other systems for removably attaching the upper vessel component to vaporization body  148  can be utilized, such as by screw threads projecting concentrically outwardly from the outer vessel stem surface of the vessel stem portion that operate to mate with corresponding inwardly projecting screw threads positioned along the inner vessel surface of the vessel body upper end for releasably securing the upper vessel component to the vessel body upper end. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the upper vessel component  154  of the vaporization vessel  104  includes a plurality of apertures  186  arranged in a circular pattern that extend through the upper vessel component  154  and operate to direct air from outside the vaporization vessel  104  to the enclosed inner cavity  158 . The inner vessel surface  152  of the vaporization body  148  has a smooth continuous rounded configuration effective for producing a smooth air flow (laminar air flow) within the enclosed inner cavity  158  and minimizing the amount of turbulent flow. Preferably, the plurality of apertures  186  are each angled through the upper vessel component to direct the air flow downwardly along the inner vessel surface to enhance the smooth air flow within the enclosed inner cavity. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the plurality of apertures are angled such that the angle α is about 10 degrees and have an inner diameter of about 0.093 in. (2.362 mm) thereby directing air entering the enclosed inner cavity in a downward circular flow direction creating a laminar air flow within the enclosed inner cavity. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the vaporization vessel  104  includes a warm air inlet  188  that operates to direct warm air, such as air warmed by the operation of the reciprocating engine or air directed from the engine exhaust, in a generally downward circular direction towards the bottom vessel end  156  of the enclosed inner cavity  158 . Preferably, the warm air inlet  188  is angled such that the air is directed downwardly and cooperates with the inner vessel surface  152  to create smooth circular laminar (non-turbulent air flow) flow within the enclosed inner cavity  158 . In a preferred embodiment, the air entering the enclosed inner cavity  158  through the warm air inlet  188  is pressurized to create sufficient pressure within the enclosed inner cavity  158  to move fuel vapor mixed with air within the enclosed inner cavity to create a fuel/air mixture within the enclosed inner cavity  158  out through the one or more openings  170  in the central core structure  164  and through the fuel line  16  and to the fuel intake  14  of the reciprocating engine  12 . It should now be understood that the number of the plurality of apertures  172  and the size of the warm air inlet  174  can be adjusted to provide the proper fuel/air vapor ratio and pressurization for the particular reciprocating engine and the particular fuel being utilized. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the wicking material  166  is preferably positioned concentrically around the central core structure  164  and operates to draw liquid fuel, using capillary pressure, entering into the enclosed inner cavity  158  through the fuel supply channel  146  upwardly through the wicking material  166  to increase the surface area of the liquid fuel exposed to the air flow AF within the enclosed inner cavity  158  such that the liquid fuel is vaporized to create a fuel/air vapor FAV which is then directed through the one or more openings  170  of the central core structure  164  where it is then directed to the fuel intake  14  by the fuel line  16 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in a preferred embodiment of the invention, mounted to the container outer body surface  114  of the fuel storage container  102  is a conventional primer pump  190  that operates to force liquid fuel within the container inner cavity  118  by means of a one-way flow valve (not shown) to flow directly into the enclosed inner cavity  158  of the vaporization vessel  104  until operation of the reciprocating engine creates pressure within the enclosed inner cavity, such as by way of the warm air inlet. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fuel storage container  102  and the vaporization vessel  104  include a mounting brace  192  having one or more threaded holes  194  that can be placed in position to align with holes in a support structure (not shown) for receiving a screw, bolt or the like for securing attaching the enhanced fuel delivery system  100  to the article or to the reciprocating engine. It should be understood that the enhanced fuel delivery system of the subject invention can include various other attachment and support structures that can operate to position the enhanced fuel delivery system at various locations on the article or the engine structure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , in operation of the enhanced fuel delivery system of the subject invention, liquid fuel is provided by a user removing the container top component from its bested position on the storage container body and pouring fuel into the container inner cavity (Step  300 ) and reattaching the container top component into its nested position on the storage container body (Step  302 ). Once the container inner cavity is filled with liquid fuel, the liquid fuel flows from the container inner cavity to the enclosed inner cavity through the fuel supply channel (Step  304 ) by force of gravity or by pressure created by the fuel within the container inner cavity or induced into the container inner cavity by use of the primer pump. Atmospheric air (air from outside the vaporization vessel) is drawn into the enclosed inner cavity through the plurality of apertures in the upper vessel component and the warm air inlet creating a laminar air flow within the enclosed inner cavity (Step  306 ). Liquid fuel that has entered the enclosed inner cavity of the vaporization vessel contacts the wicking material within the enclosed inner cavity where it drawn upwardly through the wicking material by capillary action thereby increasing the amount of fuel surface exposed to the circulating air flow within the enclosed inner cavity (Step  308 ) and increasing the vaporization rate of the liquid fuel to its desired rate. The vaporized liquid fuel is mixed with air within the enclosed inner cavity forming a fuel/air vapor mixture which enters the inner core passage through the one or more openings where it is directed to the fuel intake of a reciprocating engine by a fuel line (Step  310 ). 
     It should now be apparent to one skilled in the art that an article having a reciprocating engine and the enhanced fuel delivery system of the subject invention operates whereby fuel can be stored in its liquid state and converted into a vapor state prior to being introduced into the combustion chamber of the reciprocating engine thereby increasing combustion efficiency and reducing fuel consumption and air pollution. It should also now be understood that the enhanced fuel delivery system can be easily utilized for use with small apparatus having reciprocating engines, such as emergency generators, that operate in limited space. By transforming the liquid fuel into a vapor and mixing the fuel vapor with the appropriate amount of air to create a desired fuel/air vapor mixture, operates to increase fuel utilization of the engine thereby allowing for a reduced amount of fuel to be stored or allows for increased time of operation of the engine for a given amount of stored liquid fuel. Further, by transforming the fuel from a liquid state to a vapor state and creating a desired fuel/air mixture allows for more efficient combustion thereby reducing the amount of un-burned fuel and pollutants that are expelled into the atmosphere.