Internal combustion engine kit with electrolysis cell

• US 6,209,493 B1
• Filed: 07/27/1999
• Issued: 04/03/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 07/27/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Canadian Hydrogen Energy Co. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Global Tech Environmental Products, Inc.
• Inventors: Ross, Bill
• Primary Examiner(s): Argenbright, Tony M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Harris, Katrina B.
• Application Number:
  US09/361,138
• Time in Patent Office: 616 Days
• Field of Search: 123/DIG. 12, 123/3
• US Class Current: 123/3
• CPC Class Codes: C25B 9/00 Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 43/10 Engines or plants characterised by use of other specific gases, e.g. acetylene, oxyhydrogen
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/30 Use of alternative fuels, e.g. biofuels
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 123/12 Hydrogen

Abstract

An electrolysis cell and internal combustion engine kit including an electrolysis cell is disclosed. The cell includes a sealed plastic body having an inlet and an outlet. The plastic body includes a first terminal located at the top of the body, a second terminal located adjacent to the first terminal and insulated conductors associated with each terminal extending through the body and towards the bottom end thereof. Each terminal ends in a respective anode and cathode which are operatively connected to the terminals. The anode and cathode are spaced apart from one another within the body. When an electrolysis solution is placed in the body, and a current provided across the electrodes, water is caused to decompose into hydrogen and oxygen. These combustible gases are then passed into the internal combustion engine to increase the efficiency and power thereof. In one embodiment a reservoir is provided to ensure that the level is maintained in the cell. Safety features include a low level sensor switch and low level shut off, a temperature sensor and high temperature cut off, and a pressure sensor and high pressure cut off.

Claims

1. An internal combustion engine kit for producing a combustible gas to enhance combustion of an internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine kit comprising:

at least one electrolysis cell, to produce a combustible gas, said at least one electrolysis cell having a cathode and an anode, wherein said cathode and said anode are in the form of spaced apart rings within said body, each ring having a plurality of fingers extending therefrom. the fingers of the anode being adjacent to the fingers of the cathode to promote electrolysis;

a power conditioning means, to provide appropriate electrical power to said at least one electrolysis cell;

a water reservoir, to provide water to said at least one electrolysis and

an electronic controller, for controlling the supply of electrical power to the electrolysis cells, so that the electrolysis cells can perform electrolysis, and for controlling the supply of water from the water reservoir to the electrolysis cells.

2. An internal combustion engine kit according to claim 1, further including a high liquid level sensing means for sensing a high liquid level in said one or more electrolysis cells.

3. An internal combustion engine kit according to claim 1, wherein said combustible gas flowing from said electrolysis cells is connected to a moisture trap.

4. An internal combustion engine kit according to claim 1, further including a temperature sensor for sensing the ambient temperature adjacent to said power conditioning means.

5. An internal combustion engine kit according to claim 1, further including a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of the combustible gas emanating from the electrolysis cells.

6. An internal combustion engine kit according to claim 1, further including an oil pressure sensor for sensing the pressure of oil in said internal combustion engine.

7. An internal combustion engine kit according to claim 1, wherein said electrolysis cell is housed in an enclosure, the interior of said enclosure being accessible through a removable cover, further including a cover switch for detecting whether the cover is properly closed.

8. An internal combustion engine kit according to claim 1, further including an inertia switch for detecting whether said electrolysis cell is maintained in a proper spatial orientation.

9. An internal combustion engine kit according to claim 4, 5, 6, or 7, wherein upon the activation of any or all of said temperature sensor, pressure sensor, oil pressure sensor, or cover switch, a warning signal is generated for an operator.

10. An internal combustion engine kit according to claim 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, wherein upon the activation of any or all of said temperature sensor, pressure sensor, oil pressure sensor, cover switch, or inertia switch, a power shut off of the cell power supply is directed by the electronic controller, to prevent the electrolysis cells from performing electrolysis.