AU2004218609B2

AU2004218609B2 - A fuel conditioning assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2004218609B2
Application number: AU2004218609A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Joel S Ratner; Lee Ratner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-10-05
Filing date: 2004-10-05
Publication date: 2010-07-01
Anticipated expiration: 2024-10-05
Also published as: AU2004218609A1

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant(s): JOEL S RATNER Invention Title: FUEL CONDITIONING ASSEMBLY The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: IP Australia SYD R C O 5 OCT 200 D B :tch: -2 A FUEL CONDITIONING ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to a fuel conditioning assembly for use in a fuel combustion system. Background of the Invention 10 The natural inefficiency inherent in internal combustion engines is well documented. Specifically, internal combustion engines utilizing fossil fuels typically emit unburned or under-burned fuel from the exhaust as well as the undesirable by-products of combustion. This under 15 burning of fuel causes severe environmental problems as the resultant pollutants, some of which are thought to be cancer causing, are emitted directly into the atmosphere. In addition to being emitted directly into the atmosphere through the exhaust, many by-products of fuel combustion 20 simply accumulate on internal engine components, with often 30% of the exhaust being directed into the engine. This causes those engine components to wear out sooner and require frequent maintenance and repairs which can lead to shortened total engine life. Furthermore, the incomplete 25 combustion of fuel within an engine substantially under utilizes the energy capacity of the fuel. Specifically, in addition to the environmental concerns due to pollution attributed to the under-utilization of the energy capacity of fuel, there are also resultant losses in economic 30 efficiency due to higher fuel and maintenance expenses as well as a generally shorter engine life.

-3 Others in the art have developed various fuel conditioning assemblies in an attempt to alleviate some of the above mentioned problems. For example, in the past various types of heating devices were incorporated into a fuel 5 conditioning assembly so as to raise the temperature of the fuel and thereby improve the combustion properties of the fuel. Specifically, such devices include a heating element which comes into contact with the fuel so as to raise it's temperature and consequently reduce the density 10 of the fuel. Of course, such a procedure can also raise the engine temperature and can prove quite hazardous. Additionally, others in the art have attempted to add various types of additives to the fuel in an attempt to positively effectuate improvement in the fuel's combustion 15 properties. Such additives have included the addition of minute quantities of Cupric salts, for example, to the fuel supply. Unfortunately, however, it can be difficult to obtain and consistently add those additives in an efficient manner. Also, if the additives are not 20 completely soluble in the fuel, they may be quite harmful to the engine. Accordingly, none of these devices have actually been successfully and practically incorporated with a combustion engine in a simple, economical, and maintenance free manner. 25 In addition to the above-referenced approaches, others in the art have sought to introduce various metals, in combination, within a flow of fuel in an attempt to generate a chemical reaction which effects the combustion 30 properties of the fuel. Although some of these devices do improve the combustion properties of the fuel somewhat, those skilled in the art have not been successful in substantially increasing the combustion properties in a -4 practical and effective manner. In particular, such devices have been unable to effectuate a substantial improvement such as would be necessary to offset the price of purchase and installation of the device into existing 5 engines. Indeed, the improved combustion properties provided by existing fuel conditioning assemblies are so slight that a user may find it more economical to increase the combustion properties of the fuel simply by switching to a higher octane rated fuel or by mixing the fuel with 10 an additive. Accordingly, there is still a need in the art for a practical and cost-effective fuel conditioning assembly which reduces visible smoke as well as other pollutants 15 being discharged through the exhaust. Other potential needs include increased fuel efficiency (as quantified in kilometres per litre), a cleaner running engine requiring less maintenance, extension of the useful life of engine components, substantially reducing maintenance, and ease 20 and safety to implement with existing engine designs. Furthermore, it is also desirable to have a fuel conditioning system that could be effectively employable in other combustion systems and applications, such as a fuel burning furnace, wherein the efficiency and nature of 25 the combustion is significant for the ultimate output to be achieved. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 30 The present invention is directed towards a fuel conditioning assembly that is structured to be positioned between a fuel supply and a fuel combustion assembly. In particular, the fuel conditioning assembly of the present -5 invention includes a preferably rigid housing having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a flow through passage extending from the inlet end to the outlet end. 5 In a first aspect the invention provides a fuel conditioning assembly comprising a housing, said housing including an inlet end, an outlet end, and a flow through passage; said inlet end being coupled with a fuel supply so as to receive fuel flow there through into said flow 10 through passage; a plurality of metallic elements structured to come into contact with said fuel flow and cause a catalytic effect in said fuel flow so as to at least temporarily condition the fuel and substantially increasing a fuel burn efficiency thereof; and 15 said metallic elements which cause said catalytic effect including at least two selected from the group consisting of: copper, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, magnesium, barium, calcium, iron, cerium, lanthanum, zirconium, platinum and/or palladium. 20 In a further aspect the invention provides a fuel conditioning assembly comprising a housing, said housing including an inlet end, an outlet end, and a flow through passage; said inlet end being coupled with a fuel supply 25 so as to receive fuel flow there through into said flow through passage; a plurality of metallic elements structured to come into contact with said fuel flow and cause a catalytic effect in said fuel flow so as to at least temporarily condition the fuel and substantially 30 increasing a fuel burn efficiency thereof; and said metallic elements which cause said catalytic effect including copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and at least one secondary element selected from the group consisting -6 of: titanium, magnesium, barium, calcium, iron, cerium, lanthanum, zirconium platinum and/or palladium. Moreover, the fuel conditioning assembly is disposed 5 inside the flow through passage and is structured to chemically condition the fuel as it travels through the flow through passage. At least one embodiment of the conditioning assembly of the present invention is structured to rearrange the molecular bonds of the fuel 10 with a catalytic effect and separate the fuel particles into a plurality of subatomic particles, thereby reducing the density of the fuel and substantially increasing a fuel burn efficiency. As used herein, the term subatomic particles is intended to describe the atomization of the 15 fuel, which leads to turbulence and the subsequent formation of separated molecules of fuel with a lower vapour density resulting in better combustion. Further, the construction and resulting performance characteristics of at least one embodiment of the present invention 20 results in an "atomization" or dispersion of any of a variety of fuels which may be utilized when practicing the present invention. As set forth in greater detail herein the fuel may include, but not be limited to, gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel, etc. As a result of the 25 aforementioned atomization or dispersion, the fuel is transformed into small droplets having a high surface area thereby lowering the fuel vapour density and increasing the completeness of fuel combustion. 30 In the use of at least some embodiments of the invention, the inlet end of the housing is coupled with the fuel supply so as to receive fuel there through into the flow through passage. As such, a generally continuous flow of -7 fuel passes into the housing when the fuel system is operational. Similarly, the outlet end of the housing is coupled with the fuel combustion assembly so as to receive the flow of conditioned fuel exiting the housing. As also 5 described in greater detail hereinafter structural features of the housing, in at least one embodiment thereof, may include a screen structure formed of a stainless steel, aluminum composite or other predetermined material. The screen is disposed in interruptive relation 10 with the flow of fuel through the housing and is structured to produce additional turbulent mixing of the fuel. As a result, the treated fuel mixture has a lowered fuel vapour density, as set forth above, which further facilitates a more efficient burn of the fuel. 15 It would be advantageous if at least one embodiment of the invention provided a fuel conditioning assembly which rearranges the molecular bonds of a fuel with a catalytic effect and separates fuel particles into a plurality of 20 subatomic particles so as to reduce the density of the fuel and thereby increase the completeness of a burn of the fuel. Again for purposes of clarity and emphasis, subatomic particles is a term used to describe the atomization of the fuel which leads to its turbulence and 25 subsequent formation of separated molecules of fuel with a lower vapour density, resulting in better combustion. It would also be advantageous if at least one embodiment of the invention provided a fuel conditioning assembly 30 which provides for more complete combustion of fuel and thereby reduces the emission of fuel from the exhaust as well as the emission of smoke, fumes, etc, as part of the exhaust.

-8 It would be advantageous if at least one embodiment of the invention provided a fuel conditioning assembly which provides for more complete combustion and cleaner burning 5 of fuel so as to provide a cleaner running engine requiring less maintenance. It would be advantageous if at least one embodiment of the invention provided a fuel conditioning assembly which 10 increases the fuel efficiency of a vehicle, as measured in kilometres per litre, for example. It would be advantageous if at least one embodiment of the invention provided a fuel conditioning assembly which is 15 substantially rugged and durable for heavy duty use and does not contain any moving parts or electrical connections which can be damaged or wear out over time. It would be advantageous if at least one embodiment of the 20 invention provided a fuel conditioning assembly which is substantially maintenance free. It would be advantageous if at least one embodiment of the invention provided a fuel conditioning system which 25 recognizes and utilizes an ideal combination of elements in order to maximize the effectiveness of the chemical reaction which conditions the fuel. These and other features, and advantages of the present 30 invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of embodiments, which follow: -9 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of the nature of embodiments of the present invention, reference should be had to the 5 following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the fuel conditioning assembly; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a first 10 embodiment of the fuel conditioning assembly; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2; and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of the fuel conditioning assembly. 15 Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 20 Shown throughout the figures, the embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a fuel conditioning assembly, generally indicated as 10. The fuel conditioning assembly 10 is structured to be connected in line with an engine or other combustion based system's 25 fuel system in order to effectively treat and condition the fuel prior to its combustion therein, thereby ensuring that a more effective, more efficient burn is achieved. In particular, the fuel conditioning assembly 10 includes a housing 20, as shown in the figures. The housing 20, 30 which includes an inlet end 30, an outlet end 40, is preferably rigid in construction, and includes a generally tubular configuration. The inlet and outlet ends 30 and 40 may be defined by separate elements fitted onto a main - 10 body, or a single cast element generally defining the entire housing 20 may be utilized. Moreover, extending from the inlet end 30 of the housing to its outlet end 40 is a flow through passage 25, as best shown in Figures 2 5 and 3. As such, fuel is able to pass through the housing 20 where it can be effectively conditioned as a result of the present invention. In one embodiment, the housing 20 is formed of Copper, for reasons to be described subsequently. However, other, preferably rigid, materials 10 including metal and/or plastic materials may also be utilized effectively. Furthermore, the housing 20 includes a generally elongate tubular configuration, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, so as 15 to facilitate a desired residence time in which the fuel is within the flow through passage 25 of the housing 20 and is being conditioned. Of course, the length of the housing 20 may be altered to suit particular situations in which more or less conditioning is desired, and also so as 20 to accommodate for the capacity and size requirements of specific engine types and combustion systems. For example, by increasing the length of the housing 20, and therefore the flow through passage 25, the average residence time of a given quantity of fuel is increased 25 and the fuel conditioning reaction which takes place is maximized. Looking specifically to the inlet end 30 of the housing 20, it is coupled, either directly or indirectly, with a 30 fuel supply of the engine or other combustion system. As such, the inlet end 30 of the housing 20 receives a consistent flow of fuel there through, wherein the fuel is directed into the flow through passage 25 during normal - 11 operation of the combustion fuel system. In order to facilitate a substantially tight and leak-proof connection with the fuel supply, the inlet end 30 is preferably outfitted with an inlet nozzle member 35. The inlet 5 nozzle member 35 will preferably be threaded so as to securely, yet removably, engage a fuel line of the fuel supply of the engine. As such the fuel line may be removably secured to the housing 20 and define a substantially tight, fluid impervious connection with the 10 inlet end 30. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the inlet nozzle member 35 is snap-fitted onto the housing 20. However, other means of securing the inlet nozzle member 15 35 to the housing 20 may be utilized without departing from the intended scope of the present invention. Alternatively, the inlet portion 30 may be integrally formed on the housing 20, in communication with the flow through passage 25, or otherwise permanently secured 20 thereto. Furthermore, the inlet end 30 of the housing 20 is preferably structured to permit fuel to flow into and through the flow through passage 25 of the housing 20 at an inlet pressure of between 40 and 60 psi, thereby maintaining a consistent and sufficient flow of fuel 25 therethrough for use in the combustion process. Additionally, in one embodiment, a fuel filter 60 is provided and coupled in fluid flow communication with the inlet end 30 of the housing 20, as shown in Figure 2. As such, prior to the fuel's entry into the housing 20 where 30 it will be conditioned, the fuel is filtered to remove a variety of particle impurities.

- 12 Looking now to the outlet end 40 of the housing 20, it is coupled with the fuel combustion assembly (not shown for purposes clarity) of the engine or other combustion system so as to provide for the flow of conditioned fuel thereto 5 for its subsequent combustion. Like the inlet end 30, the outlet end 40 can be removably secured to the flow through passage 25 of the housing 20. Moreover, an outlet nozzle member 45 may be provided so as to further define the outlet end 40 of the housing 20. The outlet nozzle member 10 45 is preferably secured to the housing 20 by a substantially tight and leak-proof connection similar to the snap-fit connection preferably utilized in securing the inlet nozzle member 35 of the inlet end 30 to the housing 20. Alternatively, however, the outlet end 40 may 15 be integrally formed with the housing 20 in communication with the flow through passage 25, and/or be otherwise permanently secured thereto. In the embodiment, the outlet nozzle member 45 of the outlet end 40 is externally threaded and is structured to be coupled in direct fluid 20 flow communication with the fuel combustion assembly by a segment of tubing, thereby assuring that the conditioned fuel is combusted substantially in a conditioned state and does not have sufficient time to begin to return to a normal un-conditioned state. Indeed, a separation of only 25 approximately six inches is required. The fuel conditioning assembly 10 further includes a conditioning assembly. Specifically, the conditioning assembly is disposed within the flow through passage 25 30 and is structured to at least temporarily chemically condition the fuel flowing through the flow through passage 25. In particular, the conditioning assembly is structured and disposed so as to rearrange the molecular - 13 bonds of the fuel with a catalytic effect, and separate the fuel particles into a plurality of subatomic particles. The term subatomic particles, as used herein, is meant to describe the atomization of the fuel, which 5 leads to its turbulence and subsequent formation of separated molecules of fuel with a lower vapour density and a better combustion. Therefore, as a result of this conditioning of the fuel, the fuel's density is reduced and the burning efficiency of the fuel is substantially 10 increased. More particularly, as the fuel is treated by the conditioning assembly during its passage through the housing 20 the less dense, more dispersed fuel is able to more completely burn, as a majority of the fuel molecules are subjected to the combustion reaction. As a result of 15 a more complete burn of the conditioned fuel, energy output and efficiency is increased prior to exhaust. More specifically, conditioning of the fuel in use with at least one embodiment of the present invention, has the two-fold effect of increasing the energy that results from 20 the burn, thereby increasing the fuel efficiency, and reducing the harmful particulate materials or other contaminants that are normally present in the exhaust emissions. Therefore, the combustion system operates on a cleaner basis and is maintained in operating condition 25 longer, while reducing the environmental pollutants present in the exhaust fumes. In particular, the conditioning assembly can also include a turbulence assembly, which is structured to create a 30 turbulent flow of the fuel within the flow through passage 25. The turbulence assembly is structured to substantially agitate the fuel flowing through the flow through passage 25 and thereby substantially enhance the - 14 effects of the conditioning by ensuring that the fuel particulate are substantially dispersed and are fully influenced by the conditioning elements present within the flow through passage 25 and responsible for the S conditioning to be achieved. In the one embodiment, the turbulence assembly includes a plurality of particulate disposed within the flow through passage 25 and structured to create turbulence in the fuel as it flows there through from the inlet end 30 to the outlet end 40 of the housing 10 20, as best shown in Figure 2. Moreover, it is possible that the plurality of particulate include metal shavings 50. Specifically, the entangled, random and dense configuration of an agglomeration of metallic shavings achieves a maximum turbulent effect as the fuel is pushed 15 there through and is continuously re-routed. In this embodiment, the plurality of metal shavings 50 are formed of stainless steel. Moreover, in one embodiment, the metal shavings 50 are enclosed within mesh 55 or screen, as best shown in Figures 2 and 3. 20 Specifically, the mesh 55 is structured in a generally net-like configuration so that it effectively retains the metal shavings 50 therein and provides a substantially large surface area for contacting the fuel. Moreover, the 25 mesh 55 is oriented inside the housing 20 so as to permit the fuel to flow freely there through, and through the plurality of metal shavings 50, without allowing any of the metal shavings 50 to exit the housing 20 with the conditioned fuel. In the one embodiment, the mesh 55 is 30 formed of Aluminum, although other materials may also be utilized. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of wire loops 52 or like fasteners are disposed with the mesh 55, so as to facilitate conditioning and turbulence of the - 15 fuel as well as help keep the mesh 55 disposed around the metal shavings 55. In addition to the turbulence assembly, the conditioning 5 assembly further includes a plurality of metallic elements structured to come into contact with the turbulent flow of fuel through the flow through passage 25 of the housing 20 and cause a catalytic effect in the fuel flow. In particular, the metallic elements of this embodiment cause 10 the catalytic effect include copper, aluminum and stainless steel, which when all are present and come into contact with a flow of fuel, and preferably a turbulent flow of fuel, initiate the aforementioned chemical conditioning and catalytic reaction that effectuates the 15 conditioning of the fuel. Unlike alternative combinations of elements, these specific preferred elements, present so as to influence the fuel flow, provide significantly .enhanced and unexpected results in the extent to which the chemical composition of the fuel is modified and enhanced. 20 Furthermore, these particular metallic elements could be incorporated into the assembly 10 embodiment of the present invention in a variety of manners, such as by providing a plurality of differing metal shavings formed of the various metallic elements. 25 Also, as will be described hereinafter with regard to the embodiment of Figure 4, one embodiment the various components of the fuel conditioning assembly 10 are formed such that the necessary combination of metallic elements 30 are disposed to influence the fuel. In this one particular embodiment, all or part of the housing 20 is formed of copper such that as the fuel flows through the flow through passage 25 it contacts the housing and is - 16 influenced by the copper composition thereof. Moreover, the metallic shavings 50, in this embodiment, are stainless steel metal shavings. As a result, as the fuel flows in its turbulent fashion through the metal shavings 5 50, it comes into contact with the shavings 50 and is influenced by the stainless steel composition thereof. Also, in one embodiment, the mesh 55 is formed of aluminum. Accordingly, as the fuel flows through the mesh 55 and into the metal shavings 50, it comes into contact 10 with the aluminum composition of the mesh 55 and is influenced thereby. It is the influence of that combination of elements, in the preferred embodiment, that substantially leads to the enhanced chemical and catalytic reaction which conditions the fuel. 15 Turning to Figure 4, in yet another embodiment at least one, but preferably a plurality of screen elements 70, 70' are provided in operative association with the housing 20. Preferably, the screen elements 70, 70' are disposed at 20 both the inlet end 30 and the outlet end 40 of the housing 20 so as to define inlet screen elements 70 and outlet screen elements 70'. As such, the fuel flow into and out of the housing 20 must necessarily pass through the screens 70 and 70'. Screens 70 and 70' could be formed of 25 a material which does not cause a catalytic effect but merely filters the fuel. However, in the preferred embodiment of Figure 4, at least one and preferably both the inlet and outlet screen elements 70, 70' at least partially comprise and thereby define a part of the 30 conditioning assembly. In addition, it is advantageous in particular embodiments if at least three screen elements are associated with each - 17 of the inlet and outlet screen elements 70 and 70'. As represented, each of the screen elements 71, 72, 73 and 74, 75, 76, which respectively comprise the inlet and outlet screen elements 70 and 70' are preferably formed of 5 a different one of the metallic elements which cause the catalytic effect. Such elements include copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. For example, it is advantageous if the three screen elements 71, 72 and 73 comprise the inlet screen elements 70 and be formed of a different material 10 from one another, while three screen elements 74, 75, and 76 formed of different materials from one another define the outlet screen elements 70'. As a result the catalytic effect in the fuel, and therefore the fuel conditioning, if not entirely achieved at the inlet end 30 of the 15 housing 20, can be further enhanced at the outlet end 40 of the housing 20. Of course, other embodiments of the present invention comprise the turbulence assembly and other elements within 20 the housing 20 being formed of other metallic or non metallic materials, with the copper, aluminum, and stainless steel elements being the primary elements that treat the fuel by causing a catalytic effect. As a result, other treatment elements may be provided for 25 alternative or additional treatment of the fuel in other or increased ways, or other material elements used merely to generate turbulence and define the various components of the housing 20 may be included. 30 Accordingly, the structural features of the turbulence assembly particularly, but not exclusively, including the inlet and outlet screen elements 70 and 70' additionally serve to create an "atomization" and dispersion of the - 18 fuel, regardless of its category. Such atomization, caused by the additional turbulence, results in the fuel being dispersed into small droplets having high surface areas. This additional turbulent mixing of the fuel 5 produces a lowered fuel vapour density thereby providing a more complete combustion. As indicated above, a more complete combustion of the fuel prior to exhaust reduces the formation of contaminants in the exhaust and aids in a reduction of toxic, volatile organic compounds (VOC) such 10 as, but not necessarily limited to benzene, toluene, xylene acetone, etc. Such VOC materials are of course recognized as typical byproducts of fuel combustion. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the 15 elements that come into contact with the fuel and thereby cause a catalytic effect may include any combination of the elements: copper, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, magnesium, barium, calcium, iron, Cerium, Lanthanum, Zirconium platinum and/or palladium. As such, one or more 20 of the above elements may define the screens, the metal shavings, the housing, the mesh, the wires, welds, etc., so long as conditioning contact with the fuel is at least minimally achieved. For example, looking further to Figure 4, one or more pellets 81 are defined within the 25 flow through passage. These pellets 81 may be between 1 to 4 ounces in size, and between three to five pellets may be disposed at each end of the flow through passage, generally near the inlet and outlet ends, and possibly in the middle of the flow through passage. In this regard, 30 however, it is recognized that larger, smaller, fewer number or greater number of pellets 81 may be employed and/or spaced throughout the flow through passage 25 so - 19 long as sufficient quantities of the elements are present to react with the fuel. By way of further example, in the illustrated embodiment 5 of Figure 4, the screens 71, 72, 73 are formed from the copper, aluminum, stainless steel. As a result, one or more of the remaining elements, namely titanium, magnesium, barium, calcium, iron, Cerium, Lanthanum, Zirconium, platinum and/or palladium may define secondary 10 elements that comprise the pellets and/or remaining structural aspects of the assembly 10. Of course, some interchangeability of the elements between the various components, and/or combinations of elements within a certain component, such as each pellet 81, are also 15 considered to be included within the intended scope of the present invention. Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment 20 of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and within the scope and spirit of this invention, and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be 25 determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. It is to be understood that a reference herein to a prior art publication does not constitute an admission that the 30 publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia, or any other country.

- 20 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as 5 "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A fuel conditioning assembly comprising: a housing, said housing including an inlet end, an outlet end, and a flow through passage; said inlet end being coupled with a fuel supply so as to receive fuel flow there through into said flow through passage; a plurality of metallic elements structured to come into contact with said fuel flow and cause a catalytic effect in said fuel flow so as to at least temporarily condition the fuel and substantially increasing a fuel burn efficiency thereof; and said metallic elements which cause said catalytic effect including at least one of: copper, aluminum and stainless steel; and at least one selected from the group consisting of platinum and palladium.

2. A fuel conditioning assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said metallic elements which cause said catalytic effect include copper, aluminum and stainless steel; and at least one selected from the group consisting of platinum and palladium.

3. A fuel conditioning assembly as recited in claim I further comprising at least one screen element disposed in covering relation to at least said inlet end of said housing, said screen element being structured to receive said fuel flow there through for passage into said flow through passage. 2136266_2 (GHMattes) - 22

4. A fuel conditioning assembly as recited in claim 3 comprising at least three screen elements, each of said screen elements being formed of a different one of said metallic elements which cause said catalytic effect.

5. A fuel conditioning assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one screen element disposed in line with said fuel flow through said flow through passage of said housing.

6. A fuel conditioning assembly as recited in claim 5 comprising at least three screen elements, each of said screen elements being formed of a different one of said metallic elements which cause said catalytic effect.

7. A fuel conditioning assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising: at least three inlet screen element disposed in covering relation to at least said inlet end of said housing, said inlet screen elements being structured to receive said fuel flow there through for passage into said flow through passage; and at least three outlet screen element disposed in covering relation to at least said outlet end of said housing, said outlet screen elements being structured to receive said fuel flow there through for passage out of said flow through passage.

8. A fuel conditioning assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein each of said inlet screen elements is formed of a different one of said metallic elements which cause said catalytic effect.

9. A fuel conditioning assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein each of said outlet screen elements is formed of a different one of said metallic elements which cause said catalytic effect.

10. A fuel conditioning assembly as recited in claim 1 further including a turbulence assembly structured and disposed to create a turbulent flow of the fuel through said flow through passage.

11. A fuel conditioning assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein at least some of said metallic elements are formed into at least one pellet disposed in said flow through passage.

12. A fuel conditioning assembly as recited in claim 11 including a plurality of said pellets disposed generally at said inlet end and said outlet end.

13. A fuel conditioning assembly comprising: a housing, said housing including an inlet end, an outlet end, and a flow through passage; said inlet end being coupled with a fuel supply so as to receive fuel flow there through into said flow through passage; a plurality of metallic elements structured to come into contact with said fuel flow and cause a catalytic effect in said fuel flow so as to at least temporarily condition the fuel and substantially increasing a fuel burn efficiency thereof; and said metallic elements which cause said catalytic effect including copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and at least one secondary element selected from the group consisting of platinum and/or palladium. 23 2136265 2 (GHMaters) - 24

14. A fuel conditioning assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said secondary element is disposed in said flow through passage.

15. A fuel conditioning assembly as recited in claim 14 wherein said secondary element is formed into at least one pellet disposed in said flow through passage.

16. A fuel conditioning assembly as recited in claim 15 wherein said pellet is generally between about 1 to 4 ounces.

17. A fuel conditioning assembly as recited in claim 15 including a plurality of said pellets disposed generally at said inlet end and said outlet end.

18. A fuel conditioning assembly as recited in claim 17 including generally between 3 to 5 of said pellets.

19. A fuel conditioning assembly as recited in claim 13 comprising at least three screen elements, each of said screen elements being formed of a different one of said metallic elements which cause said catalytic effect.