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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIAL FOR ABSORBING VIBRATIONS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/083458
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Applicant has discovered that mixtures comprising piezoelectric materials can be used for absorbing certain vibrations such as mechanical and electrical vibrations. Applicant therefore provides a vibration absorbing device comprising a piezoelectric material of a predetermined mesh size; a conductor material of a mesh size similar to the predetermined mesh size; and a capsule for packaging a mixture of the piezoelectric material and the conductor material; wherein mechanical vibrations do not cause substantial separation of the mixture.

Inventors:
MANCONI JOHN WILLIAM (CA)
MIAO HONG YAN
Application Number:
PCT/CA2011/050797
Publication Date:
June 28, 2012
Filing Date:
December 21, 2011
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
TPP ENERGY SOLUTIONS INC (CA)
MANCONI JOHN WILLIAM (CA)
MIAO HONG YAN
International Classes:
F16F15/02; F02B77/00; F16F7/00; H02N2/00
Foreign References:
US20020173573A12002-11-21
US5047162A1991-09-10
US4595515A1986-06-17
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
ANGLEHART ET AL. et al. (Montreal, Québec H3H 1K3, CA)
Download PDF:
Claims:
What is claimed is:

1 . A vibration absorbing device comprising: a piezoelectric material of a predetermined mesh size; a conductor material of a mesh size similar to said predetermined mesh size; and a capsule for packaging a mixture of said piezoelectric material and said conductor material; wherein mechanical vibrations do not cause substantial separation of said mixture.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said piezoelectric material comprises quartz.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said conductor material comprises copper.

4. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said

predetermined mesh size is between 4 and 400.

5. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said

predetermined mesh size is between 50 and 200.

6. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said

predetermined mesh size is approximately 150.

7. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said conductor material is between 1 and 50% by weight of said mixture.

8. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said

conductor material is approximately 15% by weight of said mixture.

9. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said capsule is made of a flexible thermoplastic.

10. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said capsule is adapted for receiving said mixture and further comprises a lid for sealing said mixture inside said capsule.

1 1 . The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said capsule is adapted for supporting a compression of said mixture of a

predetermined force into said capsule.

12. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , further comprising securing means for securing said device to an object.

13. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein said securing means

comprise one of an attachment and an adhesive.

14. The device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said adhesive comprises heat resistant two-sided tape.

15. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said mixture further comprises a binder for binding said materials, and wherein said capsule is a solid block of a bound mixture.

16. The device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said binder is plaster of Paris.

17. The device as claimed in claim 1 to 14, wherein said conductor material and said piezoelectric material are packaged without binders.

18. The device as claimed in claim 1 to 17, further comprising a dopant for doping said mixture.

19. The device as claimed in claim 18, wherein said dopant comprises

titanium.

20. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein said capsule is an electrical insulator.

21 . The device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising a conductive member having a first portion in contact with said mixture and a second portion external to said capsule.

22. The device as claimed in claim 21 , wherein said conductive member is copper.

23. The device as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein said conductive member is coil-shaped.

24. The device as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein one or more of said conductive members extend outward from a central core.

25. The device as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, further comprising outer rim for receiving and securing a second portion of said conductive member.

26. The device as claimed in claim 25, wherein said outer rim further

comprises hooks for securing said device to an object.

27. The device as claimed in any one of claims 21 or 22, wherein said

conductive member has a bent shape such that said first portion of said conductive member comprises two extremities and said second portion comprises a middle part of said conductive member.

28. The device as claimed in claim 27, wherein said conductive member is staple-shaped.

29. The device as claimed in claim 27 or 28, wherein said second portion of said conductive member is in contact with a surface of a fluid conduit.

30. The device as claimed in claim 29, wherein said capsule is composed of a series of interconnected smaller capsules.

31 . The device as claimed in claim 29, wherein said smaller capsules have a first end and second end; and wherein an interconnection is at a first end such that, when said capsule is fitted around said fluid conduit, said second end of successive smaller capsules become spaced apart.

32. The device as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 31 , wherein said

securing means comprises a hose clamp.

33. The device as claimed in claim 27 to 32, wherein said fluid conduit is for conducting one of gasoline, diesel, coolant and lube oil.

34. The device as claimed in any one of claims 21 , 22, 27 and 28, wherein said second portion of said conductive member is configured to be in contact with an electrical cable.

35. The device as claimed in claim 1 to 34, wherein said capsule further comprises one or more apertures for securing said device to an object.

36. A kit for increasing efficiency of a combustion engine comprising at least two devices selected from: a device according to claim 20 for installing in or on an engine cylinder for absorbing engine vibrations; a device according to any one of claims 21 to 26 for installing in an airstream of an air intake conduit for enhancing combustion efficiency; a device according to any one of claims 27 to 33 for capturing electrons from a fluid conduit; and a device according to any one of claims 34 to 35 for attenuating a Fleming force on an electrical cable.

37. A method for decreasing fuel consumption and noxious gas production of an internal combustion engine comprising: providing a vibration absorbing device according to any one of claims 1 to 35; and

installing said device on one or more engine part.

Description:
PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIAL FOR ABSORBING VIBRATIONS

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to vibration absorption devices. More specifically, this invention relates to materials and devices for absorbing vibrations using mixtures of piezoelectric material and electrically conducting material.

BACKGROUND

The "Piezoelectric Effect" was discovered by Jacques and Pierre Curie in Paris in 1880. The Curies demonstrated that certain crystals, such as quartz, La Rochelle salt, zircons, etc, emit electric current when subjected to external forces, e.g. pressure, radiation, etc. He also demonstrated that the reverse also occurred and that certain crystals when subjected to an electric current deform and subsequently release a form of kinetic energy from their crystal lattices, which is now referred to as 'activation energy'. As described by the Applicant in Thermoluminescence of ZrO 2 M , Journal of Chemical Physics, 1969, Vol 50, 3957-3961 , The thermoluminescence of ZrO 2 (zircon) samples, both pure and doped with titanium, irradiated with low doses of X-rays was studied and indicated that Titanium ions act as thermoluminescent centers. Activation energies were calculated by means of the initial rise method and also by using the shape of the isolated peaks. The build-up curves indicate that the vacancies, acting as trapping centers, exist prior to the irradiation and are probably of the same type for all of the thermoluminescent peaks.

Applicant also studied the thermal activation energy resulting from a state of deformation in quartz from shocked and strained quartz. The data resulting from an investigation of some of the electronic characteristics of shocked and strained quartz, as reported in Thermal Activation Energy of Shocked and Strained Quartz, The American Mineralogist, 1070, April 398-402, suggest that undeformed material from two widely separated sources have approximately equal eV values.

Lightning passing through the atmosphere can cause oxygen atoms to become ionized. This process occurs because kinetic energy from lightning is absorbed by free electrons in the air in the vicinity of the strike, providing the latter with enough excess energy to enable them to penetrate the atomic structure of oxygen atoms and attach themselves to the atom's outer orbit. When two electrons have succeeded in establishing themselves on the outer orbit of an oxygen atom, that atom becomes ionized and can no longer act as an agent of combustion. This substantially reduces the efficiency of an internal combustion engine.

Vibrations in an engine are caused by the kinetic energy released during combustion of fuel and oxygen in a cylinder, by friction between moving mechanical parts such as a piston, by the rotation of crankshafts, generators and alternators or by worn out mechanical parts of an engine. Vibrations in general cause additional wear and tear in an engine, consume fuel and reduce the efficiency of a diesel engine. Furthermore, internal combustion engines used to move motor vehicles, for example, have additional causes of vibrations such as friction during braking, friction between tires and road, road surface imperfections, etc. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any engine vibration will reduce engine efficiency due to loss of kinetic energy.

Wakino et al (US Pat No. 4,595,515) teach vibration-isolating article composed of a composite material comprising a powdered piezoelectric material and a high polymer, the composite material having electrical leakage paths formed by an electrically conductive powdered material incorporated into the composite material. Wakino et al teach using a piezoelectric material and a conductor material of different diameters or mesh size and uses a polymer to ensure structural integrity of the mixture.

Due to the drawbacks of the prior art methods and apparatuses for absorbing vibrations as well as the need to increase energy and environmental efficiency of internal combustion engines, it was desirable to develop new methods and apparatuses for increasing vibration absorption, to increase the efficiency of internal combustion engines and reduce the production of noxious gases such as COx, ΝΟχ and soot. Such methods and devices would be easy to manufacture, assemble, install and perform. SUMMARY

Applicant has discovered that mixtures of piezoelectric material and conductor material can be used for absorbing vibrations. Various types of vibrations, such as mechanical vibrations and electrical vibrations are generated, for example, in internal combustion engines, and absorption of such vibrations reduces the production of noxious gases such as CO x , NO x as well as soot.

Some embodiments of the invention involve various piezoelectric crystal devices (PCD) comprising a common "core" piezoelectric crystal mixture (PCM) having a conductor material as well as other ancillary elements such as conductive members and securing devices. The piezoelectric crystal mixture (PCM) can be adjusted for the optimal capture of parasitic electrons and ionic oxygen from air intake and fluid conduits as well as absorption of vibrations from various parts of combustion engines. The PCM comprises a capsule for housing the mixture which is adapted to fit onto a surface of an object requiring vibration absorption.

Applicant has discovered that parasitic electrons can be captured and vibrations can be absorbed by PCMs. PCMs act by 1 ) absorbing electrons and ionic oxygen from an airstream, absorbing electrons from pipes carrying fluids or liquids 2) absorbing vibrations from mechanical parts of a vibrating object to improve efficiency of that object.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vibration absorbing device comprising a piezoelectric material of a predetermined mesh size; a conductor material of a mesh size similar to the predetermined mesh size; and a capsule for packaging a mixture of the piezoelectric material and the conductor material; wherein mechanical vibrations do not cause substantial separation of the mixture. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a conductive member having a first portion in contact with the mixture and a second portion external to the capsule.

In other embodiments the conductive member is an elongated piece that is bent such that the first portion of the conductive member comprises two extremities and the second portion comprises a middle part of the conductive member.

In some embodiments, the capsule is made up of a bracelet of many smaller capsules having a first end and second end; and wherein an interconnection is at a first end such that, when the capsule is fitted around the fluid conduit, the second ends of successive smaller capsules become spaced apart.

In some embodiments, the PCD is composed of a flexible capsule, a piezoelectric crystal and an electrical conductor (either solid or powder form). PCDs are attached directly to various parts of an engine in a passive, non- intrusive and non-invasive way. It will be understood that any crystal displaying the piezoelectric effect could provide the performances required by the present technology. However, two piezoelectric crystals, quartz and zirconia, were chosen among the many available crystals that show the piezoelectric effect. Quartz proved to be the most effective at absorbing vibrations while zirconia proved to be the most effective at releasing activation energies at the level required to capture and liberate electrons from the outer orbit of ionized oxygen atoms.

PCDs can utilize industrial grade zirconia and quartz crystals, which exist naturally in many colors. The color of each crystal corresponds to its inherent trapped energy and crystallographic structure. Crystals of different colors emit energies at different frequencies. PC technology utilizes crystals that release activation energies that capture and release electrons from the outer orbit of an ionized oxygen atom prior to their entering the combustion chamber.

In some embodiments, the device comprises a piezoelectric crystal powder for receiving electrons and emitting an activation energy, a conductor material for influencing the movement of electrons with respect to the piezoelectric crystal powder, and a capsule for housing the piezoelectric crystal powder, wherein the capsule can be made of non-conducting material.

In some embodiments, the device also comprises securing devices for securing PCDs to the surface of an object using two-sided tape or to conduits using hose clamps. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that securing means as well as all other ancillary elements used in embodiments of the present invention, such as two sided tape should be heat resistant when the PCD is mounted to an engine part and maintain their intrinsic properties at temperatures typical of internal combustion engines.

In some embodiments, the conductive member is staple-shaped and in others, it is coil shaped the shape of the conductive member being chosen for the particular application. In some embodiments, the conductor material is in powder form and mixed with the piezoelectric material. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric material comprises quartz and the conductor material comprises copper. The conductor material can be approximate^ 5% by weight of a mixture comprising the piezoelectric material.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for decreasing fuel consumption and noxious gas production of an internal combustion engine comprising providing a piezoelectric device according to the present invention and installing the device on one or more engine parts.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a kit for increasing efficiency of a combustion engine comprising at least two devices selected from, a vibration attenuator device, a combustion enhancing filter device, a free electron suppressor device and a Fleming force attenuator, wherein each device comprises a piezoelectric mixture according to the present invention.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device for removing electrons and ionized oxygen from an airstream of a combustion engine air intake conduit to increase combustion efficiency. The device comprises a piezoelectric crystal mixture for receiving electrons and emitting an activation energy, a central capsule for housing the piezoelectric crystal, an outer rim with a plurality of conductive members (spokes) between the outer rim and the central capsule. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device for decreasing vibrations from the surface of a moving part of an internal combustion engine. The device comprises a piezoelectric crystal powder for receiving vibrations and emitting an activation energy, a conductor material mixed with the piezoelectric crystal powder for influencing the motion of electrons in the mixture, a capsule for housing the piezoelectric crystal powder and the conductor material and a securing device for securing the device to a surface of an object.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device for attenuating the Fleming force from an electrical cable. The device comprises a piezoelectric material for absorbing the Fleming force and emitting an activation energy, a conductive member having one end in contact with the cable and another end in contact with the piezoelectric crystal mixture, and a capsule for housing the piezoelectric crystal mixture.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device for removing electrons from a fluid conduit. The device comprises a piezoelectric material for capturing free electrons and emitting an activation energy, a capsule for housing the mixture of piezoelectric material and conductor material, a conductive member having one portion in contact with the conduit and another portion in contact with the piezoelectric crystal mixture and a securing mechanism for securing the device to the surface of an object. In some embodiments, the conductive member is an elongated metal piece having a mid portion and two extremities, the elongated metal piece is configured such that its two extremities are in contact with the piezoelectric mixture and its mid portion is located outside the capsule and in contact with the conduit. Features and advantages of the subject matter hereof will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of selected embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be realized, the subject matter disclosed and claimed is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive and the full scope of the subject matter is set forth in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood by way of the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of the working principle behind the combustion enhancing filter (CEF) device.

Figure 2 is a drawing of a combustion enhancing filter (CEF) device. Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of the working principle behind the Vibration Attenuator (VA) device.

Figure 4 is a drawing of a Vibration Attenuator (VA) device.

Figure 5 is a drawing of a Fleming Force Attenuator (FFA) device illustrated from the top view (Fig.5A) and a side view (Fig.5B) Figure 6 is a drawing of Free Electron Suppressor (FES) device illustrated from a front view (Fig.6A) and a side view (Fig.6B) and an unrolled side view (Fig.6C).

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of various internal combustion engine scenarios with and without PCDs installed.

Figure 8 is a highly schematic illustration of an internal combustion engine comprising the devices of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Combustion Enhancing Filter (CEF) Device

The combustion enhancing filter device of the present invention improves combustion efficiency of an engine. Figure 1 shows oxygen molecules (large empty circle 101 along with oxygen ions (circle with 2 dots) and free electrons (stars) entering the air intake of an engine or combustion chamber.

The filter device 5, located directly in front of or inside the air intake conduit of an internal combustion engine, capture and 'cleanse' negatively charged parasitic electrons and ionic oxygen atoms. Metal coils carry free electrons into the piezoelectric crystal mixture which then cause deformation of the piezoelectric crystals which then release activation energy. Ionic oxygen atoms absorb this 'activation energy' which is sufficient to liberate the 'extra' electrons from the outer orbit of ionic oxygen, allowing for the generation pure oxygen molecules in the process. In the schematic drawing shown, incoming electrons deform the converse piezoelectric crystals releasing activation energy 'E a ' in the process 102. This activation energy is subsequently absorbed by the passing oxygen ions converting them into pure oxygen. The electrons released by the oxygen ions are naturally attracted back into the electron traps created during deformation causing the crystals to return to their pre-deformation state. This process continues as long as oxygen ions and free electrons are present in the air.

As a result, air entering the combustion chamber is partially cleansed of oxygen ions and free electrons 103. The overall result is an increase in combustion efficiency and output power coupled with a decrease in CO2, NO x , CO, SO2 , and black carbon (soot) production and emissions. The combustion enhancing filter device 5 is used to collect and redirect free electrons, prior to their entering the air-intake of these same engines, into a filter device situated in the air intake conduit of the combustion chamber. This combustion enhancing filter device 5 is a device comprising piezoelectric crystals, conductive powders and conductive members. When this device is subjected to the influx of re-directed electrons, the piezoelectric crystals deform releasing activation energy from their deformed crystal lattices. This 'activation energy' is subsequently absorbed by ionized oxygen atoms (0 " ) as they pass through the filter device on their way to the combustion chamber, causing the latter to de-ionize. The quantity of pure oxygen molecules entering the combustion chamber after their passage through the combustion enhancing filter device 5 is enhanced in this way by up to 15%, creating more complete combustion and thus more energy without increasing fuel consumption. To de- ionize oxygen atoms the combustion enhancing filter device 5 is placed in front of the combustion chamber where it absorbs electrons and deionizes oxygen atoms from the air, pass them through and into the filter device 5 which in turn releases a cloud of activation energy in the vicinity of the filter device 5. This cloud serves to capture and release electrons from the outer orbit of ionized oxygen atoms thus creating pure oxygen molecules in the process.

The combustion enhancing filter device 5 shown in figure 2 is typically placed at the entrance of the air intake conduit (such as the front grill) leading to the combustion chamber where it attracts free electrons in the air and redirects them into the piezoelectric crystal powder located inside the combustion enhancing filter device 5 where they liberate activation energy because of the influx of free electrons into the piezoelectric crystal device; the activation energy so released is used to de-ionize oxygen atoms passing through the combustion enhancing filter device 5. The newly "de-ionized" oxygen atoms enter the combustion chamber as newly-formed pure oxygen molecules where they enter in the combustion process and produce up to 15% more energy without any increase in the amount of fuel consumed. CEFs serve to collect free electrons from the air entering the air-intake of an engine and de-ionize ionic oxygen atoms. The electrons thus collected create deformations in the crystallographic structure of the piezoelectric crystals embedded inside the core of the device. Deformation of these crystals releases a cloud of Activation Energy in the vicinity of the device. Ionic oxygen (inert ionized oxygen atoms) passing through the filter absorb this Activation Energy. In the process, a large portion of the ionic oxygen atoms lose their extra 2 electrons and become pure oxygen. The filter device 5 is therefore able to produce up to 5% more pure oxygen, thus enhancing combustion by a similar percentage.

In figure 2, the filter device 5 shown, which is one of many embodiments and used only for illustrative purposes, comprises an outer rim 1 made of a thermoplastic by techniques such as injection moulding. The outer rim 1 is designed to support the conductive members (copper coils 6) and the central capsule 7. The outer rim 1 and central capsule 7 are made of non-conducting material. The copper coils can have various lengths such as, for example, short medium and long copper coil 6. Projecting inward from the outer rim 1 are full spokes 4 and partial spokes 2. The full spokes 4 are designed to support the central capsule 7 whereas the partial spokes 2 serve to attach the various coils 6 to the outer rim 1. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the coil can be attached directly to the outer rim without the need for partial spokes 2. Hooks 3 allow the filter device 5 to be attached to a grill at the entrance of the air- intake of the engine. Ten copper coils 6 of different lengths are shown. The copper coils 6 are mounted to partial spokes 2 of the outer end but both conductor ends of the copper coil 6 (wire) are embedded inside the piezoelectric crystal mixture 8, as shown in figure 2. The central capsule 7 is also made of injection moulded thermoplastic and functions to house the piezoelectric crystal mixture which can be embedded inside the central core 7, packed tightly and then sealed hermetically. Piezoelectric crystal mixture 8 comprises various elements whose composition and function will be described in more detail below.

The Vibration Attenuator (VA) Device

The vibration attenuator device of the present invention relates to a mechanical function as it helps reduce vibrations of the engine. Using a piezoelectric crystal mixture, mechanical vibrations on the surface of an engine are attenuated resulting in improved mechanical performance, increased engine efficiency, and reduced fuel consumption and noxious gas production. Vibrations from mechanical sources are captured by the piezoelectric crystals. Figure 3 shows how initial vibrations 301 are absorbed first by the first layer of piezoelectric crystals 302 of the VA device causing electrons to be released into the piezoelectric crystal powder 303. This phenomenon is better known as the piezoelectric effect and occurs when quartz crystals are stressed or shocked by mechanical energy from incoming vibrations. The piezoelectric crystal powder 303 contains pure metallic powders that attract and collect electrons, discharging them immediately into the second layer 304 of 'converse' piezoelectric crystals.

Electrons penetrating the converse piezoelectric crystal 304 lattices cause the lattices to deform. Deformation of the crystal lattice has two effects: a) it releases activation energy Έ 3 ' which is absorbed by oxygen ions, creating more non- ionized oxygen in the process; and b) it creates positively charged electron traps that absorb free electrons thus causing the piezoelectric crystal lattices to revert back to their original non-deformed state. This process 301 to 304 has been proven to absorb up to 30% of the mechanical vibrations in the area contiguous to the absorber device, thus providing a final vibration 305 which is significantly less than the initial vibration 301. Vibrations are caused mainly by energy released during the explosion of fuel in the cylinders of an engine and by the friction between the mechanical parts of an engine. By reducing vibrations of an engine, fuel consumption and noxious gas production as well as wear and tear of the machines themselves are all consequently reduced. The VA device is used to reduce vibrations of an engine by absorbing and eliminating up to 30% vibrations on the metallic surface of working engines. VA devices are placed on the surface of the engine as close as possible to where the explosion of fuel takes place inside a cylinder and, as well, around all pumps and generators

VA devices 10 are installed wherever vibrations are created in or generated by a combustion engine. Vibrations in the vicinity of VA devices enable the latter to release activation energies which are used to liberate electrons on the surface of the engines parts to which the VA device is installed. VA devices in this way are capable of reducing vibrations from the surface of an engine by up to 30%.

The VA devices 10 are secured (glued) to surfaces of the engine or embedded in the engine/cylinder block close to where the combustion occurs inside the engine's cylinder heads and/or piston crowns. Their role is to absorb vibrations created by the combustion explosion.

The VA devices 10 shown in Figure 4 in both top view and side view projections, can comprise a capsule 7 made of injection moulded thermoplastic or any other suitable non-conducting material such as cellulose or non-thermal plastic. One important characteristic of this material is its malleability as it needs to take the shape of the surface to which it is attached, such as a cylinder head. The capsule 7 of the absorber device 10 should be kept clean to avoid the possibility that oil and grime absorbs some of the activation energy that is released from the piezoelectric crystals within. The capsule has one side which allows it to be filled with the piezoelectric crystal mixture 8. Engine vibrations near the capsules are absorbed by the quartz powder creating within the module a small electric current which in turn deforms the crystal powder, creating in the process a cloud of Activation Energy around the module. After the capsule 7 is filled with piezoelectric crystal mixture 8 and pressed into place, a capsule cover 11 is placed on top of the capsule 7 in order to seal off the capsule 7 and prevent piezoelectric crystal mixture from exiting the capsule 7. The capsule cover 11 can be made from plastic or any other suitable material and essentially acts as a lid for the capsule 7. Two-sided tape 12 can be used to secure the absorber device 10 to a surface of an engine. Securing the absorber device 10 to the engine can be performed using any appropriate two-sided tape, glue, or any other securing means as long as it allows to secure the absorber device 10 to an engine without preventing the passage of electrons or vibrations into the piezoelectric crystal mixture 8. In this case, Applicant used commercially available 2-sided sticky tape from the 3M Company. The outer layer 13 of the absorber device 10 is used to mask the two- sided tape 12 or glue used for securing an absorber device 10 to an engine. The outer layer 13 can be very thin sheet material such as the peel-away strip used to protect (prevent sticking) at least one side of a two-sided tape. The peel-away strip be stripped off, thus allowing the absorber device 10 to be attached (stuck) to the surface of the engine. The FLEMING FORCE ATTENUATOR (FFA) Device

The FFA device serves to attenuate losses from electrical cables. Fleming's Left Hand Rule states that when a current passes through wire or cable, a Force (or Thrust) is generated in its three dimensional space that acts at 90° to both the direction of the current and to the direction of its magnetic field. In Fleming's rule the thumb points in the direction of the Force, the index finger points in the direction of the Magnetic Field and the middle finger points in the direction of Current flow.

The formula for Fleming's Rule is F = IBL where:

F = the Force or Thrust in Newtons

I = the Current in Amperes

B = the Magnetic Field Strength in Tesla

L = the Length of cable in Meters.

The Force or Thrust generated by the current in a cable and its associated magnetic field can be attenuated by placing an appropriate FFA device 27 directly on top of the cables at the output of each generator or alternator.

In practical terms, the Fleming's Forces associated to the cable are absorbed initially by the first layer of piezoelectric crystals in the FFA device 27 causing them to emit tiny electric charges. These charges are subsequently discharged into the second layer of piezoelectric crystals causing the latter to deform. The deformation process absorbs much of the unwanted Fleming Forces which can distort both the phase and amplitude of current flowing through cables.

The FFA device 27 is used to reduce the effect of the "Fleming Force" acting on current produced by diesel-electric engines. FFA devices tactically placed on the surface of electric cables exiting the generator will absorb and reduce the effect the Fleming Force has on the phase and amplitude of the current produced by the generators themselves, thus improving both the quantity and quality of the electric power generated. Applicant used an oscilloscope and found that a net improvement existed in the quality of the current flowing through the cable "after" the device. Devices can be packaged in flat 'chocolate bar' shapes so as to ensure maximum contact with the surface of the cables carrying the current.

FFA devices, in the case of diesel-electric engines, are also placed on top of power cables exiting the generators or alternators where they minimize the disruptive effect of 'Fleming Forces' on the current flowing through the electric cables. FFA device 27 can absorb at least part of these Fleming Forces thus reducing phase and amplitude distortion of the current created by Fleming Forces thus increasing power output of the generator or alternator.

Figure 5 shows a top view (Fig.5A) and a side view (Fig.5B) drawings of an FFA device 27 where a capsule 7 is made of injection moulded thermoplastic. It will be understood that any other material can be used if it possesses the right characteristics (transparency to electrons, malleability, etc). The capsule 7 is for containing a piezoelectric crystal mixture 8 which can be inserted into the capsule 7 through an aperture 15 and then packed tightly inside by a press. The embodiment of figure 5, which should be understood as being for illustrative purposes only, contains twelve hexagonal shaped conductive members (copper staples 17) mounted to the surface of the device with the ends embedded into the piezoelectric crystal and metallic powder. The outer strips of copper are located at the bottom side of the capsule 7, the side which is in contact with the power cables. Apertures 18 are moulded into the capsule 7 on the sides used to attach the device to the cables using tie-wraps. Any method of securing the Attenuator device to a power cable will do, as long as it allows proper contact between the cable and the part of the staple 17 which is parallel to the horizontal surface of the "chocolate bar" and can advantageously be made of copper. This part of the staple resides outside capsule 14 whereas the ends of the two legs of staple 17 reside inside the capsule. It will be understood that the FFA device 27 is twisted around the cable and secured with tie-wraps. The result of installing FFA devices is an increase in the efficiency of electric generators and a reduction of losses in the cable The Free Electron Suppressor (FES) Device

The FES device is used to remove free and/or parasitic electrons from pipes carrying liquids such as fuel, luboil and coolant into the engines. Removing free electrons from the surface of pipes also reduces the number of electrons entering the engine via the fluids themselves. Free and/or parasitic electrons in the combustion chamber enhance the amount of pollutants produced during combustion because of their inherent ability to react with ionized oxygen, ionized carbon and ionic nitrogen thus producing more CO, NOx and soot. Removing these electrons from the surface of pipes and from inside fluids entering the engines is done simply by fixing FES devices around the pipes adjacent to where the pipes enter the engine. Metal pipes are natural conductors of free and parasitic electrons. FES devices attract and remove many of these electrons from the inner and outer surfaces of pipes. Free electrons interfere with the combustion process in a negative way. The FES device is designed as a bracelet that consists of a series of FES units attached together by a thermo plastic mould which can be cut to lengths equal to the circumference of the pipe to which it is attached. The bracelet is then fixed in place by a metallic pipe clamp which is tightened by a screw, for example. It will be appreciated that any means able to secure the FES to a fluid conduit will be sufficient. The copper strips or staples on the inside of the bracelet attract and collect free electrons from the surface of the pipe and drive them into the piezoelectric crystal powder where they deform the piezoelectric crystals. Indeed, electrons absorbed from the pipes, and therefore not permitted to enter the engine, are used to generate activation energy as the crystals deform. Free electrons in the air subsequently fill empty electron traps in the piezoelectric crystal lattice enabling the crystals to return to their natural undeformed state.

Figure 6 shows a drawing of an embodiment of the FES device 28 in front view (Fig.6A), side view (Fig.6B) as well as an unrolled side view (Fig.6C). In addition, the side view shows both the "installed" FES device 28 around pipe 19 and the uninstalled bracelet 29. Pipe 19 carries a fluid such as fuel, lubricating oil into the engine or cylinder. The bracelet 29 comprises a plurality of FES units 26 with each FES unit 26 comprising one or more staple 17 that can be made of copper. The capsule 7 is in fact a series of many smaller capsules units 26 that are individually packaged with the PCM 8. The bracelet 29 is attached to a pipe 19 using a clamping device 21 (the clamping device can be a hose clamp/clip or a screw clamp). A space 22 is provided between adjacent FES units 26 that allows to cut bracelet 29 do a desired length for fitting around a pipe 19. The individual FES units 26 are filled with piezoelectric crystal mixture 8. The outer edge of the staple 17 is located on the inner surface of bracelet 29 so that, when installed onto a pipe 19, the outer edge of the staple will contact the pipe 19. The legs (or ends) of staple 17 are located inside the FES unit 26 and make contact with the piezoelectric crystal mixture 8. Bracelet 29 has a plurality of FES units 26 separated by dividers 25 between the units and the thickness of the bracelet.

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of various scenarios for internal combustion engines with and without PCDs installed. The three scenarios are: an ideal scenario, a typical scenario and a typical scenario with the various devices installed. In the ideal scenario of Fig. 7, hydrocarbons burn in air to produce: Energy + Water vapour + C0 2 + N 2 . If carbon were to burn completely and efficiently it would produce100% energy and 100% C0 2 .

As shown in figure 7, in a typical and realistic scenario, up to 20% of the oxygen in the air can be ionized. There will also be large quantities of electrons in the air. At high flame temperatures (>1540°C) molecules and atoms of oxygen and nitrogen will combine to form NO + N and NO + O. Exhaust gases will include O 2 , CO 2 , CO, N 2 , NO, NO 2 , soot and small amounts of SO2.

When a CEF device is installed, electrons passing though the CEF device will be captured by copper coils and funnelled through to the crystal, causing them to deform. This deformation releases Activation Energy 'Ea' that is subsequently used to transform oxygen ions into neutral oxygen molecules. With CEF devices installed, up to 15% more oxygen is available for converting carbon into energy. Combustion becomes more efficient. Using CEF devices, levels of NOx and soot emissions can both be reduced by up to 25%. Soot is created when insufficient oxygen is available for combustion. CEF devices increase the amount of oxygen available for combustion by up to 15% thus reducing the amount of soot produced by the same amount, i.e. up to 15%. With CEF devices installed, the fuel requirement will be up to 15% less for the same amount of energy or heat produced.

Figure 8 shows a highly schematic illustration of an internal combustion engine 800 comprising the devices of the present invention. In a typical four stroke engine for example, a cylinder/engine block 820 receives an airstream 821 (comprising oxygen) through an air intake conduit 822 to provide oxygen for combusting with a fuel. The fuel is injected into the cylinder/engine block 820 after passing through a fuel conduit 823. The airstream and fuel combine in the cylinder and a spark ignites the combustion process to move a piston (not shown) downward, thus turning the crankshaft 824 and providing power to the wheels. An exhaust conduit 826 allows to remove hot gases from the cylinder/engine block. An alternator 825 can be connected to some moving part to cause a rotation and generate electricity. Such electricity is delivered to the various automobile components, including the battery for recharging, through electric cable 829. An internal combustion engine can be easily modified to add devices of the present invention. A combustion enhancing filter 805 is placed in contact with an airstream that is delivered to the cylinder to participate in the combustion process. The CEF 805 can be placed in front of or inside the air intake conduit 822, as long as the airstream 821 is in contact with the CEF, free electrons and ionic oxygen will react with the conductive member and be delivered to the piezoelectric mixture. A vibration attenuator device 810 is placed on an engine part that generates or is exposed to significant vibrations, such as a cylinder. The attenuator absorbs the mechanical vibrations and electrical vibrations resulting from the movement of electrons. A free electron suppressor device 828 can be placed on a fluid conduit, such as the fuel line, for collecting free electrons in the fuel passing through the conduit. A Fleming force attenuator device 827 can be placed on electrical wires 829, such as those from an alternator 825 to various engine components. Manufacture and installation of piezoelectric crystal devices

Many types of Piezoelectric materials can be used in the manufacture of PCD's according to the present invention. Piezoelectric crystal devices are designed and manufactured in relation to the function they perform on one hand and to the type, size and shape of an engine or generator where they are to be installed, on the other. All Piezoelectric crystal devices are flexible, malleable, heat resistant and self-adhesive. There is no need for glues or other installation materials to install PCD products on engines.

Piezoelectric crystal devices consist of a flexible and heat-resistant capsule 7, a powdered piezoelectric crystal mixture 8 such as quartz and zirconia, one or more conducting members 17 such as copper and gold and the powder mixture can be "doped" with catalysts such as titanium. Devices are placed inside a thermoplastic capsule, compressed with a predetermined force and then sealed. No pre-heating or any other chemical processes takes place during manufacture of piezoelectric crystal products. Assembly of PCD products takes place in a clean-air laboratory isolated from electromagnetic radiation.

Capsules used in PCD devices are produced from polymers that are heat- resistant, transparent to radiation and vibrations and flexible so they can be placed on a surface of any shape. Natural 99.5% pure quartz and zirconia crystals used are ground to a very fine powder. Copper and gold used in PCD devices can be 99.9% pure. Depending on the device, the metal used can be a powder, an elongated strip (staple) or a coil. In the latter case the metal coils are inserted directly into the piezoelectric crystal in such a way that electrons collected by the coils enter the mixture directly. Special polymer stickers are used to seal the piezoelectric crystal mixture (PCM) inside the capsule and to provide a sticky surface to the outside of the capsule which enables the PCDs to be stuck directly onto the engine wherever vibrations occur without the need for additional installation materials. In some embodiments of the piezoelectric crystal mixture, approximately 1 to 50% of the volume of the mixture can be composed of metallic powders which can be non-corrosive conducting metal powders. In order for PCDs to perform their function, they need to be installed: wherever vibrations are created or generated in an engine; in front of the air input to the combustion chamber; on the outside of the combustion chamber, on cables carrying electric power; and on pipes carrying fuel, luboil and coolant to engines. Applicant has produced a series of devices consisting of flexible polymer capsules containing a mixture of finely ground piezoelectric crystals (quartz and zirconia) and 99.9% pure metallic powders that have been tested and proven to: a) absorb vibrations from the surface of combustion engines - thus reducing fuel consumption; b) de-ionize oxygen atoms before they enter a combustion chamber - thus improving the efficiency of combustion; c) remove parasitic electrons both from the surface of pipes and from liquids such as fuel, luboil and coolant moving from the pipes into the engine - thus minimizing the creation of soot and carbon monoxide during combustion; and d) attenuate the effect of the Fleming Force on cables carrying electric energy from diesel-electric engines - thus improving the quantity and quality of electric power generated from diesel- electric engines.

Experiments described in table 1 were carried out on a Volvo - PENTA 500 KVA GENSET Diesel Generator between 01 .02.2010 and 15.02.2010. Trial 1 was the baseline or control trial with no PCDs installed. Trials 2-4 were performed with PCDs installed. Fuel reduction with PCDs was 5, 6 and 10% for trials 2, 3 and 4, respectively, as compared to trial 1 . C0 2 reduction was 0%, 7.5% and 10% for trials 2-4 with PCDs. NO x reduction with PCDs was 8%, 14% and 21 .9% on trials 2, 3 and 4, respectively. All engine tests results were measured at fixed load (ca 65kW) and at normal constant operating temperatures, irrespective of outdoor temperatures. PCD isolating pads were installed between the Genset's metal capsule and the ground to prevent ground forces from reaching the engine Table 1 .

Experiments described in table 2 were carried out on a Model DFEK 500KW Cummins Generator number 1305. Trial 1 is the baseline or control trial (without PCDs installed) whereas trial 2 is performed after installing all 4 PCDs described herein. The engine load was fixed at 380 kW and measurements were taken at ambient temperature (~60°F) for all experiments. The decrease in fuel consumption measured was 7.1 % with PCDs installed. NOx were reduced by 8.0% between the two trials. Average sound levels during the trial, as determined in dB, decreased from 78 to 68 dB.

Table 2.

Advantages of using piezoelectric crystal devices in an engine are that they can reduce vibrations and noise; they can reduce maintenance costs for wear & tear, they can reduce fuel and oil expenditures; they can reduce AC and DC current losses; they can reduce NOx, CO, CO 2 , SO 2 and Soot production and emissions; they can reduce operating expenses. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that some of the devices discussed above (CEF, FFA, FES, VA) provide small, yet non-negligible effects. In some cases, the small effect of a single device, whilst measurable in electron volts (eV), may not be "measureable" with commonly available equipment. For this reason, it can be advantageous to provide and install as many of the different devices as possible in order to ensure a measurable difference when using devices of the present invention. Synergy between devices can provide additional benefits, as, for example, a first device can capture electrons from a second device and thus allow the second device to capture additional electrons that it could not have been captured due to saturation of the crystals.

Piezoelectric crystals (PC) of the present invention apply the principles of the 'piezoelectric effect' discovered by Jacques and Pierre Curie in Paris in 1880 to create devices that are capable of reducing fuel consumption and noxious emissions from, amongst others, internal combustion engines. Piezoelectric crystal devices (PCDs) of the present invention are passive, preventive, non-intrusive and non-invasive. They combine the 'piezoelectric effect' with the electron trap theories from solid-state physics, quantum chemistry and mineralogy, including the effects of radiation on matter, to create devices that are capable of greatly increasing engine efficiency and reducing fuel consumption and the emission of soot, CO, CO2 and NO x from fossil fuel burning thermal combustion engines.

Research into the effects of radiation and vibrations on piezoelectric crystals such as quartz and zirconia was carried out by the applicant. The activation energies emitted by these crystals during shocks and stresses were found to be directly related to the amount of energy required to absorb vibrations from the surface of a vibrating engine or to extract ionizing electrons from the outer orbit of an ionized oxygen atom. The energy required in both these cases was of the order of 1 to 5 electron volts (eV) but more specifically in some cases, 2.5 eV.

Free and / or parasitic electrons as well as ionic oxygen have a negative effect on the combustion process. Free electrons in the combustion chamber may react with carbon under certain circumstances to produce soot or carbon monoxide, both of which are harmful to the environment and to public health. PCDs shaped in the form of clamps with an inner lining of copper strips, when attached to pipes carrying fuel, lubeoil and cooling water directly into en engine, have been proven to reduce pollution from combustion engines.

Applicant undertook research into the effects of radiation, shock and stress on piezoelectric crystals related to the amount of activation energy emitted by piezoelectric crystals when subjected to shock, stress, vibrations and pressure. Applicant's findings confirm that when piezoelectric crystals such as quartz are subjected to vibrations, electron traps are created. When these same crystals are heated up slowly, the trapped electrons are freed, liberating small but measureable amounts of thermal activation energy. When zirconia were subjected to electromagnetic radiation and subsequently heated, the same phenomenon occurred, when these same zirconia were doped with up to 1 % Titanium, the amount of activation energy liberated was in the order of 200 times higher.

By absorbing vibrations, the devices of the present invention can reduce simultaneously both fuel consumption and the production of noxious gases and soot from thermal combustion engines burning or utilizing fossil fuels such as methane, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, coal, and bunker fuel (heavy fuel oil). The invention covers compositions of matter, piezoelectric crystal mixtures and methods in which PCDs are prepared as a system for attracting, collecting, manipulating and re-directing electrons, in addition to absorbing vibrations and attenuating Fleming Forces. Applicant has previously shown that titanium doping could increase the thermoluminescence of x-ray irradiated Zr02 (Thermoluminescence of Zr0 2 , Journal of Chemical Physics, 1969, Vol 50, 3957-3961 ). Titanium can also be used to dope the piezoelectric crystal powder in order to modify/adjust the activation energies emitted the various powders compositions. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a dopant is synonymous with a doping agent, and is a trace impurity element inserted into a substance (in very low concentrations) in order to alter the electrical properties of a substance or mixture.

Engines designed to burn fossil fuels are discussed in this application as the combustible agent. It will be appreciated, however, that engines burning other types of combustible non-fossil fuels such as biodiesel, can also benefit from devices of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that the capsule can be substituted for any means of maintaining/containing/housing/binding the piezoelectric crystal powder. For example, in one embodiment, the capsule is "plaster of Paris" which is mixed in with the piezoelectric crystals in order to "bind" the crystals. It will be understood that any substance or material able to bind the piezoelectric crystals without affecting their function can be used. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art the piece of pure second conductor used to capture electrons and direct them to the mixture must have at least one portion of the conductor in contact with the mixture and another portion of the conductor in contact with something other than the mixture. These two portions can be ends of an elongated piece. In some cases, the second portion should be in contact with air and in other cases the second portion should be in contact with a hose for moving fluids or with an electrical wire for moving electricity, although direct contact in this case is not essential.

Vibration should be understood by those skilled in the art as comprising any type of mechanical vibration caused by pressure or force as well as electrical vibrations caused by electrons and ions. Applicant has found that a properly designed piezoelectric mixture comprising ancillary structures such as a conductive member, can absorb electrical vibrations (electrons) from an airstream or from a fluid conduit, deliver the electrons to the piezoelectric mixture and the convert electrical energy into pressure upon deformation of the piezoelectric material. Conversely, Applicants have found that the same piezoelectric mixture can absorb mechanical vibrations and convert them into movement of electrons or electrical charges inside the mixture.

Separation should be understood by those skilled in the art as comprising the passage from a homogenous mixture to a heterogeneous mixture. For example, submitting a box of rocks to a vibration of appropriate frequency and duration will cause separation of the rocks according to their size, with the small rocks ending up at the bottom.

The Tyler Equivalent Mesh size classification is a well-known mesh size classification system created by the W.S. Tyler screening company. Mesh size should be understood as being the number of openings per (linear) inch of mesh and is well known in the art. The Tyler scale is used for the purpose of describing the present invention.

In some embodiments of the present invention, it is useful to compress the mixture into the capsule prior to sealing the capsule. Increased compaction of the materials affects the properties of both the materials and the capsule. It will be understood that different forces can be used to compact the mixture in the capsule and that the force required is proportional to the amount of compaction desired. A binder, such as plaster of Paris, can be used for binding the piezoelectric and conductor materials together to form a block of solid material. In such cases, it will be understood that the binder is a capsule that is homogeneously mixed with the other materials to form a block of material. In other cases that do not use binders, the mixture is inside the capsule. One advantage of using a thermoplastic capsule "container" rather than a capsule "binder" is that the piezoelectric crystal powder is better protected as from the harsh environment of an engine compartment.

Conductor materials should be understood as being any material that can conduct electricity including, but not limited to gold, carbon, silver and other metals. Piezoelectric materials should be understood as being any material that shows piezoelectric activity including, but not limited to zirconia, quartz.

While preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from this disclosure. Such modifications are considered as possible variants comprised in the scope of the disclosure.