The subject matter described herein relates to the technical field of reduction of emissions from combustion of hydrocarbon fuels in an internal combustion engine.
It has been estimated that there are about 1.1 billion light-duty vehicles (cars and pickups) and 100 million medium and heavy-duty trucks on global roadways. Total new vehicle sales in 2015 were 88.8 million with annual sales projected to rise to 123 million by 2035—bringing the global vehicle total to 2 billion or more. Just 2.5 percent are expected to be battery electric, plug-in hybrid, or fuel-cell vehicles; the balance of the vehicles would rely upon hydrocarbon fuels fully or partially.
Many cities throughout the world are suffering severe health effects from the emissions output from vehicles that burn hydrocarbon fuels. The leader in emission control is Europe, where the emission standard Euro 5 requires NOx emissions to be reduced by 25% for gasoline passenger vehicles. In the rest of the world, similar standards are also gradually being adopted.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in 2012 around 7 million people died (12% of all deaths) because of air pollution exposure. This finding more than doubles previous estimates and confirms that air pollution is now one of the world's largest environmental health risks. Reducing air pollution has the potential to save millions of lives around the world and improve living conditions around the world.
In one aspect, the present disclosure describes devices and methods for reducing emissions from the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels in an internal combustion engine. A first embodiment is directed to devices for reducing hydrocarbons, NOx, carbon monoxide (CO), or carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from an internal combustion engine as the internal combustion engine is combusting a hydrocarbon fuel. The devices include a non-metallic housing containing: tourmaline; quartz; and a holographic film, wherein the tourmaline, quartz, and the holographic film have been treated by a means for altering the state of at least one or more of the tourmaline, quartz, and the holographic film so combustion in an internal combustion engine of a hydrocarbon fuel exposed to the treated tourmaline, quartz, and the holographic film produces less hydrocarbons, NOx, carbon dioxide (CO2) or carbon monoxide (CO) emissions than combustion in the internal combustion engine of the hydrocarbon fuel not exposed to the treated tourmaline, quartz, and the holographic film.
A second embodiment disclosed is directed to the devices of the first embodiment further including a binder in the housing.
A third embodiment disclosed is directed to the devices of the second embodiment, wherein the binder is an epoxy resin.
A fourth embodiment disclosed is directed to the devices of the first through third embodiments, wherein the tourmaline is in a powder form having a particle size ranging from about 40 microns plus or minus 20%.
A fifth embodiment disclosed is directed to the devices of the first through fourth embodiments, wherein the quartz has a particle size ranging from about 1/128 to about 1/32 of an inch.
A sixth embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to methods for reducing hydrocarbons. NOx, carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from an internal combustion engine as the internal combustion engine is combusting a hydrocarbon fuel. Methods under the sixth embodiment includes exposing a hydrocarbon fuel to a mixture of tourmaline, quartz, and a holographic film treated with a means for altering the state of at least one or more of the tourmaline, quartz, and the holographic film so combustion in an internal combustion engine of a hydrocarbon fuel exposed to the treated tourmaline, quartz, and a holographic film produces less hydrocarbons, NOx, carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions than combustion in the internal combustion engine of the hydrocarbon fuel not exposed to the treated tourmaline, quartz, and holographic film. Methods under this sixth embodiment include combusting in an internal combustion engine the hydrocarbon fuel exposed to the treated tourmaline, quartz, and the holographic film.
A seventh embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to methods wherein the mixture of tourmaline, quartz, and a holographic film includes a binder.
An eighth embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to methods wherein the binder is an epoxy resin.
A ninth embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to methods in accordance with the sixth and seventh embodiments wherein the binder is an epoxy resin.
A tenth embodiment is directed to methods for manufacturing a device for reducing hydrocarbons, NOx, carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from an internal combustion engine as the internal combustion engine is combusting a hydrocarbon fuel. Methods under this embodiment combines tourmaline, quartz, and a holographic film, placing the combined tourmaline, quartz, and holographic film in a non-metallic housing, treating the mixture of tourmaline, quartz, and the holographic film in the housing with a means for altering the state of at least one or more of the tourmaline, quartz, and holographic film so combustion in an internal combustion engine of a hydrocarbon fuels exposed to the treated tourmaline, quartz, and the holographic film in the housing produces less hydrocarbons, NOx, carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions than combustion in the internal combustion engine of the hydrocarbon fuel not exposed to the treated tourmaline, quartz, and holographic film.
An eleventh embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to methods wherein the combining step further includes combining the tourmaline, quartz, and a holographic film with a binder.
A twelfth embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to methods wherein the binder is an epoxy resin.
A thirteenth embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to methods wherein tourmaline is in a powder form and has a particle size ranging from about 40 microns plus or minus 20%.
A fourteenth embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to methods wherein the quartz has a particle size ranging from about 1/128 inches to about 1/32 inches.
In the drawings, the sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements and have been selected solely for ease of recognition in the drawings.
It will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the subject matter of this application have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. The subject matter of this application is not limited except as by the appended claims.
In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc.
Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as “including, but not limited to.”
The use of ordinals such as first, second and third does not necessarily imply a ranked sense of order, but rather may only distinguish between multiple instances of an act or structure.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. The particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Also, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content dictates otherwise.
The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.
Generally described, the present disclosure is directed to examples of devices and methods of making devices capable of reducing emissions from internal combustion engines fueled by hydrocarbon fuels. Under exemplary embodiments described, emissions of one or more noxious gases, such as hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO2) from an internal combustion engine burning a hydrocarbon fuel are reduced by utilizing devices in accordance with embodiments described. Emissions of other noxious gases, such as volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM), from an internal combustion engine burning a hydrocarbon fuel may be reduced by utilizing devices under embodiments described.
The present disclosure also describes methods of making devices capable of reducing emissions from internal combustion engines fueled by hydrocarbon fuels and methods for reducing emissions from an internal combustion engine as the internal combustion engine combusts a hydrocarbon fuel.
As used herein, “hydrocarbon fuel” refers to fuels consisting of molecules containing hydrogen and carbon atoms, e.g., fossil fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, methane, propane and natural gas.
As used herein, “holographic film” refers to security holographic films or holographic film stickers. Exemplary holographic films consist of two or more images stacked in such a way that each is alternately visible depending upon the angle of perspective of the viewer. Holographic films (and therefore the artwork of these holographic films) may be of two layers (i.e., with a background and a foreground) or three layers (with a background, a middle ground and a foreground). With the two-layer holographic films, the matter of the middle ground is usually superimposed over the matter of the background of the holographic film. These holographic films display a unique multilevel, multi-color effect. These images have one or two levels of flat graphics “floating” above or at the surface of the holographic film. The matter in the background appears to be under or behind the holographic film, giving the illusion of depth. The holographic films useful in accordance with embodiments described are also referred to as 2D/3D holographic films, dot matrix holographic films and flip flop holographic films.
Under methods and fire devices described, emissions of at least one of hydrocarbons, NOx, carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), from an internal combustion engine burning a hydrocarbon fuel are reduced by exposing the fuel to devices formed in accordance with embodiments described herein. In some embodiments, a reduction in hydrocarbons, NOx, carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is achieved by placing a device formed within about 10 feet or less of the hydrocarbon fuel to be combusted in the internal combustion engine. For example, a device can be placed within about 10 feet of the hydrocarbon fuel in a fuel tank storing the hydrocarbon fuel or the device can be placed near a fuel line carrying the hydrocarbon fuel to the internal combustion engine.
As used herein, “tourmaline” refers to a crystalline boron silicate mineral that may be compounded with elements such as aluminum, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium or potassium. As used herein “tourmaline” refers to all species and varieties of the mineral, including the schorl, dravite and elbaite species. Tourmaline can be represented by the general formula: XY3Z(T6O18)(BO3)3V3W where X═Ca, Na, K, vacancy; Y═Li, Mg, Fe2+, Mn2+, Zn, Al, Cr3+, V3+, Fe3+, Ti4+, vacancy; Z═Mg, Al, Fe3+, Cr3+, V3+; T=Si, Al, B; B═B, vacancy; V═OH, O; and W═OH, F, O.
As used herein, “quartz” refers to all varieties of the crystal oxide mineral which has a continuous framework of SiO4 (silicon-oxygen tetrahedral), with each oxygen being shared between two tetrahedral giving an overall technical formula of SiO2. Included varietals include, but are not limited to, rock crystal, amethyst, rose quartz, chalcedony, carnelian, aventurine, agate, onyx, jasper, milky quartz, smoky quartz, tiger's eye, cintrine, vermarine, rutilated quartz and dumortierite quartz. As used in embodiments of the present disclosure, foe quartz can be provided as quartz sand comprising primarily quartz or it can be combined with other contents of sand that include quartz.
As used herein, “hydrocarbon” (HC) refers to hydrocarbon components of a fuel not combusted.
In accordance with examples described, foe device for reducing hydrocarbons, NOx, carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions can be maintained within 10 feet or less of foe fuel to be burned in foe internal combustion engine. However, reduction in hydrocarbons, NOx, carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions has also been observed when foe feel has been exposed when foe device is moved over 10 feet from the fuel to be burned in foe internal combustion engine. When the devices are manufactured and used in the manner described, the achieved reduction in hydrocarbons, NOx, carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from an internal combustion engine burning hydrocarbon fuel has shown to last at least for 12 to 36 months, and possibly longer.
Referring to
In exemplary device 10 illustrated in
In foe mixture 30, the tourmaline and quartz can be present in equal amounts (50:50). It should be understood other proportions of tourmaline and quartz may be used.
An exemplary binder includes an epoxy resin; however, the present disclosure is not limited to a binder that is an epoxy resin. For example, binders other than an epoxy resin can be utilized. Alternatively, compacting the tourmaline, quartz, and the holographic film(s) together may obviate the need for a binder provided the compacted mixture has sufficient integrity such that the mixture once compacted retains its compacted form and can be inserted in the housing.
Tourmaline mixed with the quartz can be in a powder form; however, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to utilizing tourmaline in a powder form, and that tourmaline can be used in non-powder form. In powder form, tourmaline has a grain size that ranges between about 0.95 nanometers to about 60 micrometers, or grain sizes similar silt, clay or colloid according to the Wentworth classification of aggregate. Tourmaline in a non-powder form includes particles having a grain size that is larger than the grain size of powdered tourmaline.
Quartz mixed with tourmaline can have a grain size that ranges between about 1/128 inch to about 1/32 inch; however, embodiments described are not limited to utilizing quartz having a grain size that falls within this grain size range. For example, quartz having a grain size that is greater than or less than the above grain size range can be employed and mixed with tourmaline. The source of quartz can also be processed to isolate quartz having a specific grain size or a grain size that falls within a specific range.
At least one holographic film 40 is placed inside the housing 12. In the embodiment shown in
Embodiments described are also not limited to requiring the use of an epoxy resin binder. Other types of resins different from the epoxy resins can be a binder. In addition, compacting of the tourmaline, quartz, and the holographic film in a press may provide the structural integrity or consistency needed to dispense the compacted mixture into the housing. After the housing is sealed at step 210, the device is ready to be treated at step 212 to alter the state of at least one of the tourmaline, quartz, and the holographic film within the housing 12, such that combustion in an internal combustion engine of a hydrocarbon fuel exposed to the treated tourmaline, quartz, and the holographic film produces less hydrocarbons, NOx, carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions than combustion in the internal combustion engine of the hydrocarbon fuel which has not been exposed to the treated tourmaline, quartz, and the holographic film. Altering the state of at least one of the tourmaline, quartz, and the holographic film 40 within the sealed housing 12 in accordance with embodiments described herein refers to the results of treating the mixture 30 of tourmaline, quartz, and the holographic film 40 with a means for altering the state of at least one of the tourmaline, quartz, and the holographic film 40 within the housing 12, with an intrinsic data field analyzer (generally indicated by reference number 300). One type of analyzer 300 that may be used is known as SE-5 1000 available from Living From Vision, P.O. Box 1530, Stanwood, Wash., 98292, www.se-5-com. It is postulated that the state of at least one or more of the components (tourmaline, quartz) and/or the holographic film 40 is altered by executing the program code reproduced below on a personal computer connected via USB to the intrinsic data field analyzer 300 which executes the following program code.
Referring to
After treatment, the housing 12 containing the tourmaline, quartz, epoxy resin and the holographic film mixture 30 can be stored in a static free environment such as static free package as illustrated at 214 in
Reductions in the hydrocarbons, NOx, carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) content of emissions from an internal combustion engine burning a hydrocarbon fuel can be achieved by utilizing devices and methods carried out in accordance with the present disclosure. Such reductions are achieved by exposing a hydrocarbon fuel to be burned in the internal combustion engine to devices formed in accordance with the present disclosure for 1 to 30 minutes. Suitable exposure is accomplished by bringing the device within 10 feet or less of the hydrocarbon fuel which is to be combusted in the internal combustion engine. Examples of suitable exposure include positioning the device close to a fuel line or the feel tank containing the hydrocarbon fuel to be combusted in the internal combustion engine. Other examples of suitable exposure include positioning the device 10 within 10 feet or less from a fuel tank that is remote from the internal combustion engine before delivery of fuel from the remote fuel tank to a fuel tank specifically associated with the internal combustion engine, e.g., a fuel tank on the vehicle powered by the internal combustion engine.
It is expected that devices 10 formed under the present disclosure can be used to treat hydrocarbon fuels and achieve a reduction in hydrocarbons, NOx and carbon monoxide emissions from an internal combustion engine burning hydrocarbon feel exposed to the device in accordance with embodiments described herein for periods of at least one year. Upon observation that the effectiveness of the device 10 in reducing hydrocarbons, NOx and carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from an internal combustion engine burning hydrocarbon fuel exposed to the device has diminished, the device 10 can be regenerated by treating it with the intrinsic data analyzer 300. as described above.
Prior to using the holographic film 40, the holographic film 40 must be charged using a holographic film charging system 50. The charging system 50 uses the optical fiber probe 335 from the Intrinsic Data Field Analyzer 300 to transmit and electromagnetic energy to the holographic film 40.
The holographic film 40 is distributed individually or as a pair mounted on a rectangular, adhesive sticker 42 as shown in
The charging system 50 includes a closed, hollow cylindrical tube 60 with two end caps 62, 64. The cylindrical tube 60 and two end caps 62,64 are made of rigid, non-transparent material, such as cardboard, plastic, of nylon. Attached to the inside surface of the cylindrical tube 60 are a plurality of film sheets 44. In the embodiment shown, enough film sheets 44 are used to cover the entire inside surface of the cylindrical tube 60. The film sheets 44 are arranged inside surface of the cylindrical tube 60 so the holographic films 40 face inward.
In the embodiment shown in
The SE-51000 Intrinsic Data Field Analyzer 300 includes an optical fiber port 330 that connects to an optical fiber 335 configured to transmit electroluminescent light. The electroluminescent light is emitted at an impulse rate of 1/sec. During assembly, the optical fiber 335 is axially aligned with the cylindrical tube 60 by inserted into one end cap 62 and extending the opposite end through the opposite end cap 64. The Analyzer 300 is then activated continuously for approximately 8 hours. After charging, the film sheets 44 containing the holographic film stickers 42 are removed from the cylindrical tube 60.
One device containing equal amounts of tourmaline, quartz, and an epoxy resin/hardener was prepared according to the following description. For one device, 28 grams of tourmaline, 28 grams of quartz, and 28 grams of an epoxy resin/hardener were used. The tourmaline had a particle size of about 40 microns, the quartz had a particle size of about 350 microns. The epoxy resin/hardener used was Model 103 epoxy with Model 207 hardener available from West Marine. The tourmaline, and quartz were mixed for about one minute using a hand type mixer. After the dry mixture of tourmaline and quartz were adequately mixed, the epoxy resin/hardener mixture was added. A hand type mixer was used to incorporate the epoxy resin/hardener into the dry components by mixing for two minutes.
After mixing of the epoxy resin/hardener into the mixture of tourmaline, and quartz, the total mixture 30 was deposited into a nonmetallic housing 12 formed of nylon 66. The housing 12 shown in
These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the foil scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.
This utility patent application is based on and claims the filing date benefit of U.S. provisional patent application (Application No. 62/818,906) filed on Mar. 15, 2019.
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