WO1986005552A1

WO1986005552A1 - Heat transfer bracket device

Info

Publication number: WO1986005552A1
Application number: PCT/US1985/001788
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Manolis
Original assignee: John Manolis
Priority date: 1985-03-21
Filing date: 1985-09-19
Publication date: 1986-09-25
Also published as: EP0215798A1; GR852571B

Abstract

A heat transfer device comprising at least one hollow bracket (26) having an inlet port (25) and an outlet port (27) for passing a liquid heating or cooling medium into and through said bracket. The bracket is used to extract or dissipate heat according to whether a heating or cooling effect is desired. The bracket is preferably adapted to dissipate heat to the fuel line (24) of an internal combustion engine (10) or to extract heat from the liquid refrigerant line of a refrigeration or air conditioning unit.

Description

HEAT TRANSFER BRACKET DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a heat transfer device in which a liquid medium is used as a source of heating or cooling.

The present invention is directed, more particularly, to a hollow bracket device for preheating fuel prior to its mixture with air in the combustion chamber of the. carburetor of an internal combustion ejigine. The present invention may also be used for simultaneous cooling of crankcase oil vapors, thereby minimizing the transfer of oil vapors to the air-fuel intake manifold of an internal combustion engine or as a heat exchanger in a refrigeration or air conditioning device.

During the operation of an internal combustion engine (e.g., a gasoline or diesel powered automobile engine) , the fuel and air are mixed in a prescribed ratio for combustion. Prior to combustion the fuel is vaporized to form a homogeneous air-fuel mixture. A small portion of the air-fuel mixture introduced into the combustion chamber escapes into the crankcase of the engine block by passing around the piston rings during the compression stroke, just before combustion. In a like manner, immediately after combustion, a small amount of the gases resulting from the combustion is forced passed the piston rings and into the engine crankcase. These gases, commonly known as blow-by-gases, collect in the crankcase and are subsequently directed into the intake manifold.

In order to conserve gasoline and improve gas mileage, many fuel preheating devices have been proposed. For example, preheaters have been used to preheat diesel fuel before it is transferred to the - engine to prevent wax buildup and melt the wax before the fuel gets to the fuel filter. These preheaters generally include- a housing divided into several chambers such that fuel can be passed through an inner chamber while a heated liquid medium is passed through a larger outer chamber which surrounds the inner chamber. The heated liquid medium in the outer chamber is in heat exchange relationship with the fuel in the inner chamber and heats the fuel as it passes therethrough.

Although conventional preheaters have been effective in vaporizing fuel prior to its mixing with air for combustion, they have the disadvantage of having to be directly connected to the fuel line to allow the fuel to pass through the inner chamber to. be heated. This type of preheater system has proven to be expensive and dangerous because the fuel line must be cut and the device inserted in the flow path of the fuel to preheat the fuel. It. is also possible that the chemistry of the fuel may be altered by coming in contact with the inner jacket of such a preheater device.

As noted above, immediately after combustion, a small amount of the gases resulting from combustion is forced passed the piston rings and into the engine crankcase. These gases collect in the crankcase and are subsequently directed into the intake manifold. The presence of such crankcase vapors in the crankcase can cause the formation of various deposits and acids which adversely affect engine life and performance if allowed to remain in the crankcase for extended periods of time. In addition, if the crankcase vapors are improperly vented, not only can they cause poor engine performance but they can also have an adverse impact on the environment. In -order to eliminate the crankcase vapors safely and efficiently, modern internal combustion engines incorporate a positive crankcase ventilation ("PCV") system which directs the crankcase vapors from the crankcase to the intake manifold for introduction into the combustion chambers. The PCV systems generally include a hose which communicates the crankcase with the intake manifold with an air flow control valve, or PCV valve, in the flow path of the hose for regulating the flow of air into the intake manifold according to either the amount of the intake manifold vacuum or the amount of pressure or vacuum in the engine crankcase. Although conventional PCV systems have been effective in removing crankcase vapors and introducing them into the intake manifold for combustion, they have the disadvantage of also allowing the introduction of certain liquid vapor contaminants (particularly the heavier, non-combustible oil vapors) contained in the crankcase vapors, into the combustion chambers. The liquid contaminants can interfere with the combustion process causing poor engine performance and creating exhaust emissions which have undesirable effects on the environment.

Many crankcase emission control devices have been proposed for preventing the liquid contaminant from reaching the intake manifold and the combustion chambers during engine performance. Such devices, however, utilize filters or valve means which are^' expensive to produce, and difficult and cumbersome to use, or, which interfere with the vapor flow in such a way as to be undesirable for use in an internal combustion engine. In addition to preheating fuel, the present invention may be used for simultaneously cooling and condensing crankcase emissions and vapors. As a result of the crankcase vapors being cooled, oil vapors in the crankcase emissions condense and form oil droplets which accumulate and are returned to the oil crankcase by gravity.

In a like manner, heat exchange devices have been used in compression refrigeration systems to sub-cool liquid refrigerant. In general, the heat exchange takes place between the refrigerant in the liquid line and any liquid present in the suction line of the refrigeration system.

In refrigeration, there are generally two types of heat exchangers. One is commonly referred to as the fountain-type heat exchanger, which is a double tube device in which the liquid refrigerant passes through the space between the inner and outer tubes. Heat exchange is effected as the liquid refrigerant passes through the outer shell in heat exchange relation with the cool suction gas passing through the inner tube. The other type of heat exchange device commonly used is a coil type heat exchanger, which has a coil made of small diameter tubing within a large copper tube shell. It is also possible to solder together lengths of the liquid refrigerant and suction gas lines to effect heat exchange.

Although such heat exchange systems have been effective in lowering the temperature of the liquid refrigerant, they have the disadvantage of being limited in the length of the suction line surface which can be used to effect heat exchange. Such a limitation hinders the subcooling of the liquid refrigerant and the evaporation of any liquid present in the suction line. The present invention provides a safe and efficient means of effecting complete heat exchange, without being limited to the suction line surface.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to facilitate the preheating of fuel prior to its mixture with air for combustion. A related object is to achieve proper vaporization of the fuel while minimizing any disruption to the fuel line. Another related object is to provide an improved preheater for either diesel or gasoline fuel which increases the efficiency of such fuel in both the fluid and gaseous state.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an apparatus which comprises at least one elongated hollow bracket which has a semicircular shape such that it may be clamped around a pipe or tubing by being joined to either another hollow bracket member or a clamping plate.

It is still a further object of this invention to achieve vaporization of fuel for combustion with mitigation of the disadvantages that characterize prior systems. In particular, it is an object of this invention to preheat fuel without inserting the preheater in the flow path of the fuel line but, rather,^' have one bracket member connected to the closed crankcase oil/vapor circuit through which heated crankcase emissions flow so that oil vapors are cooled and condensed in the bracket chamber which is in heat exchange relation with the fuel line. A related object is to simultaneously cool heated crankcase oil vapors flowing through the bracket chamber and transfer heat to fuel passing through the fuel line.

A still further object of this invention is to enhance the performance of the preheater by connecting a second bracket member to a car heater system or to the closed liquid coolant circuit through which liquid coolant flows, so that as hot air or hot coolant water flows through the bracket heat is imparted to the fuel line.

It is another object of this invention to provide a heat transfer bracket device for enclosing and holding a section of fuel line in thermal contact with the bracket so that heat is transferred from both crankcase emissions and engine coolant to the fuel line for preheating fuel prior to combustion. A further object of this invention is to provide a heat transfer bracket which may be placed on either a fuel line or refrigerant line and which may be locked in thermal contact with such a line without the necessity of cutting or disconnecting the engine fuel line or the refrigerant line. It is also an object of this invention to sub-cool liquid refrigerant prior to its entry into the evaporator of a refrigeration unit by providing a first bracket member connected to the suction line of a refrigeration system through which low pressure gas flows and a second bracket member connected to a source of cool water, both bracket members being in heat exchange relation with the refrigerant line through which the liquid refrigerant flows. The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a heat transfer bracket device for preheating fuel prior to combustion in an internal combustion engine or for subcooling liquid refrigerant in refrigeration or air conditioning equipment. Briefly described, the device comprises at least one hollow bracket member which forms a chamber for circulating a heat transfer fluid therethrough so that heat can either be transferred from the heat transfer fluid circulated within the bracket chamber to the fuel line of an internal combustion engine or removed from the refrigerant circulated within the liquid line of a refrigeration or air conditioning system. According to one embodiment, the device comprises curved bracket meπfbers having inlet and outlet ports on the outer convex surface of the bracket. Each bracket member also includes an outwardly extending flange for clamping the bracket members around the line in a heat exchange relationship. The inlet and outlet ports include a cylindrical tube or other suitable member for connection to the heating or cooling medium. Advantageously and as preferably embodied, when the heat transfer device is used to preheat fuel, one bracket member may be connected to the PCV hose and heat transferred from the crankcase emissions circulating through the bracket member to the fuel line.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the objects and advantages specifically enumerated herein are achieved by the invention as disclosed and embodied herein. Thus, it will be found that by clamping the heat transfer bracket members disclosed herein around a fuel line of an internal combustion engine, fuel may be preheated and vaporized prior to combustion without cutting or disconnecting the engine fuel line. In addition, it will be found that the introduction of harmful liquid contaminants into the fuel is eliminated.

It will also be found that the heat transfer device according to the present invention is relatively easy to install, safe, inexpensive to fabricate and essentially it requires no maintenance.

It will be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof. The accompanying drawings, referred- to- herein and constituting a part hereof, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings of preferred embodiments in which : Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional internal combustion engine showing an υ embodiment of the present invention communicating with a fuel line.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a conventional compression refrigeration system showing an embodiment of the present invention communicating ^ with the liquid refrigerant line.

Figure 3 is a sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention showing the use of only one bracket member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate similar parts throughout the various views. Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary internal combustion engine (designated generally by reference number 10) in which the present invention will have particularly advantageous utility. It will be understood that the present invention is not limited to use with a V-type gasoline-powered engine, but may be used in connection with various internal combustion engines such as diesel engines, etc. Since familiarity with internal combustion engines is assumed, operation of engine 10 will be briefly described only to the extent believed necessary to facilitate a complete understanding σf the present invention.

In operation of engine 10 air flows into air filter 11 through air intake duct 12. Some of the air entering duct 12 is directed via conduit 35 into crankcase 18. Oil pan 19 provides a reservoir of lubrication oil for circulation through crankcase 18. Thus, as engine 10 is operated, the lubricating 5 oil is heated and emits oil vapors which are trapped in crankcase 18. Also a small portion of the air-fuel mixture introduced into combustion chambers 14 escapes into crankcase 18 just before combustion. These gases, commonly known as blow-by-gases, collect

10 in crankcase 18. When PCV valve 21 is open, the blow-by-gases which collect in crankcase 18 flow through the first segment of PCV hose 20 into inlet port 25 and thence through bracket 26 and outlet port 27 from which they are introduced into combustion

15 chambers 14.

In Figure 1, it is seen that bracket 26 is clamped to a second bracket 30 so as to form a heat exchange relationship between brackets 26 and 30 and fuel line 24.

20 The coolant fluid of engine 10 is contained in an area referred to as the water jacket (not shown) . When engine 10 is first started, the thermostat (not shown) is closed and the coolant in the jacket cannot circulate. As soon as the coolant

2 in engine 10 reaches a temperature of approximately 190°F. , the thermostat will open and allow the coolant to flow from the engine through upper coolant hose 15 into radiator 16. The coolant is then pumped through lower coolant hose 17 back into engine 10.

~Λ The circulation of the coolant through engine 10 and radiator 16 is controlled by the car heating system. Hose 34 is connected to the car heater hose (not shown) for using the controls of the car heater (also not shown) to open and close coolant conduit 31. It will be understood that the present invention is not limited to use with any particular type coolant, but may be used with various coolants and mixtures thereof, such as water, ethylene glycol, etc.

As indicated in Figure 1, the hot coolant which circulates through engine 10 and radiator 16 flows through hose 31 into inlet port 28 through bracket 30 and out through outlet port 29 for circulation through hose 34 and back into upper coolant hose 15. Consequently, when the coolant is at the desired temperature, it is introduced into bracket 30 which is clamped adjacent to fuel line 24 so as to preheat fuel flowing within the line. ^'

When engine 10 is cold, the coolant will also be cold. At this point no heat may be imparted to the fuel until the coolant temperature reaches approximately 190°F, which is the normal operating temperature for many engines. Advantageously, upon starting a cold engine the fuel in line 24 is preheated for combustion utilizing only hot crankcase vapors flowing through bracket 26 until the coolant is heated to the desired temperature.

As shown in Figure 3, brackets 26 and 30 include outwardly extending rectangular flange members 40 and 41, respectively. Each flange 40 and 41 comprises a central opening 43 which is adapted to receive a nut and bolt assembly (not shown) . As υ preferably embodied, brackets 26 and 30 are clamped in thermal contact around fuel line 24 by joining flanges 40 and 41 using a nut and bolt assembly. It will be understood that the present invention is not limited to use with any particular joining member, but may be used with various joining members, such as a hinged clamp.

Referring again to Figure 3, the device is shown in its open position according to the present invention. The heat transfer device of the invention comprises a pair of elongated semi-circular shaped hollow brackets 26 and 30 each having a longitudinal chamber which permits a liquid heating or cooling medium to pass therethrough according to whether a heating or cooling effect is desired. For example, when the present invention is used to preheat fuel, bracket 26 is attached to the crankcase emission line thus allowing crankcase vapors to pass therethrough ^■ while at the same time allowing heated oil vapors to condense therein for return to the crankcase. As shown in Figure 3, brackets 26 and 30 each include an outer semi-circular shaped housing wall 44 having an inner wall 45 parallel thereto, with inlet port and outlet port means formed in outer wall 44. The inlet port means for bracket 26 comprises an opening (not numbered) and a cylindrical inlet tube 25a extending outwardly from wall 44. The outlet port means for bracket 26 comprises a similar opening (also not numbered) with a cylindrical outlet tube 27a extending outwardly from wall 44. As preferably embodied, the inlet and outlet port means of bracket 30 have the same structural shape as the inlet and outlet port means of bracket 26.

In operation of the invention, the inner walls of brackets 26 and 30 are positioned against a straight line segment of fuel line 24 such that brackets 26 and 30 are in thermal contact with fuel line 24. With PCV valve 21 open to allow flow through PCV hose 20, crankcase vapors are forced out of crankcase 18, through the first segment of the PCV hose 20 and then through inlet tube 25a of bracket 26. Once passed inlet tube 25a, the- vapors enter the interior chamber of bracket 26 wherein the vapors dissipate heat through bracket 26 to fuel line 24 and condense as a film of liquid on the interior walls of bracket 26. The liquid collected on the interior bracket walls will return to crankcase 18 by virtue of gravitational forces either during operation^' of the engine or after the engine stops. The -continuing pressure generated by further incoming crankcase vapors will force the remaining gaseous portion of the crankcase vapors out through outlet tube 27a into combustion chambers 14. It will be understood that the inner wall of bracket 26 provides a surface for thermal contact with fuel line 24 so that heat is transferred from bracket 26 to the fuel in line 24. When additional heat is needed to preheat fuel and the engine coolant is at the desired temperature, the coolant fluid, using the car heater controls, is allowed to flow through hose 31 and then through inlet tube 28a of bracket 30. Once past inlet tube 28a, the coolant enters the interior chamber of bracket 30 wherein the coolant dissipates heat energy with respect to fuel line 24. The cool fuel flowing through line 24 absorbs the energy dissipated by the coolant and is energized prior to its combustion. The coolant which is cooled during the heat exchange then flows through outlet tube 29a and hose 34 for return to radiator 16. It will be understood that in some applications of the invention the use of engine coolant can be eliminated and the fluid circulated in bracket 30 can be hot air from a car's heating system.

As is apparent from the foregoing description, the present invention provides a heat transfer bracket device which can utilize either hot crankcase vapors or hot engine coolant, or both, to preheat fuel prior to combustion. In this manner, this embodiment of the present invention provides a safeguard against the bracket device failing for if one of the two heat transfer fluid systems fails, the other will work. It should also be understood that both heat transfer fluids may be circulated through brackets 26 and 30 at the same time, or they may be used intermittently at different time intervals. Advantageously, either heat transfer fluid may be used initially with the other heat transfer fluid in reserve.

Figure 4 illustrates yet another embodiment using only one bracket member. In this embodiment bracket 26' comprises a pentangular shaped housing 44' having a concave inner wall 45' extending parallel thereto. Inlet port 25a' is located at the lateral end of bracket 26' opposite outlet port 27a¹. As in the case of bracket 26, bracket 26' has a longitudinal chamber extending between inlet port 25a' and outlet port 27a' to receive a heating or cooling medium to effect heat transfer. Unlike bracket 26 which is joined to a second bracket 30, bracket 26' is clamped in thermal contact around fuel line 24 by clamping plate 70. As preferably embodied, bracket 26' and plate 70 are clamped in thermal contact around fuel line 24 by joining flanges 40* and 71 using a nut and bolt assembly.

Advantagously and as preferably embodied, bracket 26' is constructed from a suitable heat conducting material such as stainless steel or aluminium and has a thickness of greater than one inch. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the thickness of bracket 26' will contribute . to the heat transfer effect as the heat conducting material from which^' bracket 26' is constructed will absorb heat energy from the surrounding atmosphere during engine operation. The heat energy so absorbed by bracket 26' will enhance the heat transfer effect. As in the case of bracket 26, when bracket 26' is used to preheat fuel it is connected to the PCV hose and heat is transferred from the crankcase emissions circulating through bracket 26' to the fuel line.

As shown in Figure 4, clamping plate 70 may ^' be provided with heating element 72 which is adapted for use with an automobile's electrical system. This embodiment is particularly useful in diesel engines to preheat diesel fuel before it enters the engine fuel filter. The use of heating element 72 will raise the temperature of the diesel fuel so as to melt any paraffin particles that may have formed in the fuel.

The following fuel economy data was obtained in gas mileage tests conducted on an eight cylinder internal combustion engine operating with and without the heat transfer bracket of the present invention. Using two heat transfer brackets, one of which was connected to the PCV system, the fuel line temperature increased causing more efficient combustion and improved gas mileage.

WITH WITHOUT GAS HEAT TRANSFER HEAT TRANSFER MILEAGE BRACKET BRACKET INCREASE

*Gas Mileage Per Gallon: § 40-45 MPH 20.09 17.55 14.5% @ 50-55 MPH 18.79 16.38 14.7%

Fuel Line

Temperature, °F 104.0 78.0

*Ambient Temperature: 80°F

Gas mileage is also improved when the same test is repeated using only one heat transfer bracket connected to the PCV system and clamped in thermal contact with the fuel line. WITH WITHOUT GAS

HEAT TRANSFER HEAT TRANSFER MILEAGE

BRACKET BRACKET INCREASE

*Gas Mileage Per Gallon:

Q 40-45 MPH 19.95 17.50 14.0%

@ 50-55 MPH 18.55 16.35 13.5%

Fuel Line

Temperature, °F 92.0 80.0

*Ambient Temperature: 84°F

Relative Humidity: 70%

The above data demonstrates that gas mileage significantly increases when fuel is preheated using the heat transfer bracket of the present invention. Further, it is seen that the use of one heat transfer bracket to preheat fuel significantly improves gas mileage. Gas mileage can increase as much as 14.0% using one heat transfer bracket in thermal contact with the fuel line.

The above data was gathered using an external gasoline container holding only one gallon of fuel. Since more fuel would be consumed during initial operation of the engine when the fuel is at it lowest temperature, the test was somewhat biased, implying that actual operating results may be better.

Referring now to Figure 2 , there is shown another embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3. As here embodied, brackets 26 and 30 act as a heat exchanger in a refrigeration or air conditioning device. It will be understood that the present invention is not limited to use with any particular ^u refrigeration system, but may be used in connection with various refrigeration systems such as compression refrigeration systems. The operation of compression refrigeration system 50 will be briefly described only to the extent believed necessary to facilitate a complete understanding of the present invention.

In operation of refrigeration system 50, liquid refrigerant is circulated by compressor 60 through liquid line 52. The liquid refrigerant is passed through flow control device 58 to evaporator

54. The liquid refrigerant expands, absorbs heat and vaporizes, changing to a low-pressure gas at the outlet of evaporator 54. Refrigeration results from ^"the absorption of heat during vaporization in evaporator 54. Compressor 60 then pumps this suction gas from evaporator 54 through suction gas line 55 and increases its pressure. The high-pressure suction -gas is compressed. by compressor 60 and then discharged to condenser 56 where heat is removed from the gas causing it to condense to a warm, high-pressure liquid. This cycle is then repeated. The overall efficiency of the refrigeration system is increased by lowering the temperature of the liquid refrigerant before it reaches flow control device 58. It is, therefore, a principal purpose of the present invention to provide a heat exchange bracket device which sub-cools the liquid refrigerant prior to its circulation through flow control device

58 and evaporator 54 while at the same time heating the gas present in suction line 55. Turning now to Figure 2, brackets 26 and 30, which have the same structural shape as described above, are placed against a straight segment of liquid line 52 of at least six inches in length. Brackets 26 and 30 are preferably clamped around liquid line 52 near condenser 56. As preferably embodied, brackets 26 and 30 are clamped in thermal contact around liquid line 52 by joining flanges 40 and 41 using a nut and bolt assembly.

Inlet port 25 of bracket 26 is connected to a first segment of suction line 55 to receive low-pressure gas from evaporator 54. Outlet port 27 is connected to a second segment of suction line 55 which carries the heated gas to compressor 60 where the gas is cooled. It will be understood that bracket 30 may be disconnected from the refrigeration system and merely serve as the counterpart to which bracket 26 is joined. If, however, additional cooling of the liquid refrigerant is desired, then inlet port 28 of bracket 30 may be connected to a source of cold water so that a heat exchange relationship is formed between liquid line 52 and bracket 30 as cold water circulates through the interior chamber of bracket 30 and outlet port 29. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to use with any particular type of cooling medium, but may be used with various coolants and mixtures thereof.

As an alternative, bracket 26' and plate 70 may be used in place of brackets 26 and 30 when additional cooling is not desired. In this manner only bracket 26' is used to effect a heat exchange with the liquid refrigerant.

In operation of the invention, low-pressure gas is discharged from evaporator 54 and flows through the first segment of suction line 55 into

5 inlet tube 25a of bracket 26. Once past inlet tube

25a, the low-pressure gas enters the interior chamber of bracket 26 wherein the gas, which is in thermal contact with the liquid refrigerant, expands and absorbs heat causing any liquid remaining in suction

10 line 55 to be evaporated. The continuing suction generated by compressor 60 forces the gas out through outlet tube 27a into the second segment of suction line 55. It will be understood that as the low-pressure gas flows through bracket 26 and absorbs

15 heat from the liquid refrigerant, cold water is circulated through bracket 30 to effect a simultaneous heat exchange with the liquid . refrigerant. Consequently, the liquid refrigerant dissipates heat to both the cold water and the

2o low-pressure gas simultaneously.

Since the construction and the advantages of the present invention may be readily understood from the foregoing embodiments, further explanation is believed to be unnecessary. However, since numerous

25 modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art from the foregoing specification and accompanying drawings, it is not intended that the invention be limited to -any particular embodiment disclosed herein, but variations, modifications and

--. equivalents may be made therefrom which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

U WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A heat transfer device comprising: (i) a plurality of hollow bracket members each of said hollow bracket members forming a chamber for circulating a first heat transfer fluid therethrough; (ii) a line for circulating a second heat transfer fluid therethrough, - said line communicating with said bracket members to form a heat exchange relationship between said line and said bracket members so that said bracket members transfer heat- from said first heat transfer fluid circulated within said bracket members to said second heat transfer fluid circulated within said line; (iii) inlet and outlet means connected to said bracket members and interconnected with conduit means for circulating said first heat transfer fluid through said bracket members; and

(iv) means for circulating said first heat transfer fluid through said bracket members.

2. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 1 wherein said line is a fuel line.

3. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 2 which further includes means for securing said bracket members to said fuel line for transferring heat from said first heat transfer fluid circulated within said bracket members to said second heat transfer fluid circulated within said fuel line.

4. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 1 wherein said first heat transfer fluid is water.

5. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 1 wherein said first heat transfer fluid is a mixture of ethylene glycol and water.

6. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 1 wherein said first heat transfer fluid is hot air.

7. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 1 wherein said first heat transfer fluid is crankcase gases and vapors.

8. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 1 wherein said bracket members are steel.

9. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 1 wherein said bracket members are aluminum. ⁰ 10. A heat transfer device as defined in

Claim 1 wherein said circulating means associated with said bracket members controls the flow of said first heat transfer fluid through said bracket members for a prescribed interval of time.

5

11. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 1 wherein said conduit means is rubber tubing.

12. A heat transfer device as defined in 0 Claim 3 wherein said means for securing said bracket members to said fuel line comprise a pair of cooperating flanges.

13. A heat transfer device as defined in 5 Claim 11 wherein said flanges of said bracket members are joined together by a nut and bolt.

14. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 2 wherein said second heat transfer fluid is o gasoline.

15. A heat transfer device for preheating fuel prior to combustion comprising:

(i) a plurality of hollow bracket _ members each of said hollow bracket members forming a chamber for circulating a heat transfer fluid therethrough; (ii) a fuel line communicating with said bracket members to form a heat exchange relationship between _ said fuel line and said bracket members so that said bracket members transfer heat from said heat transfer fluid circulated within said bracket members, to said fuel line; (iii) inlet and outlet means connected to said bracket members and interconnected with conduit means for circulating said heat transfer fluid through said bracket members; and (iv) means for circulating said heat transfer fluid through said bracket members.

16. A heat- transfer device as defined in Claim 15 which further includes means for securing said bracket members to said fuel line so that heat ^an be transferred from said heat transfer fluid circulated within said bracket members to said fuel line.

17. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 15 wherein said heat transfer fluid is water,

18. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 15 wherein said heat transfer fluid is a mixture of ethylene glycol and water. «

19. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 15 wherein said heat transfer fluid is hot air. -

20. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 15 wherein said heat transfer fluid is crankcase gases and vapors.

21. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 15 wherein said bracket members are steel.

22. A heat transfer device as defined in

Claim 15 wherein said bracket members are aluminum.

23. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 15 wherein said circulating means associated with said bracket members controls the flow of said heat transfer fluid through said bracket members for a prescribed interval of time.

24. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 15 wherein said conduit means is rubber tubing.

25. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 16 wherein said means for securing said bracket members to said fuel line comprise a pair of cooperating flanges.

26. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 25 wherein said flanges of said bracket members are joined together by a nut and bolt.

° 27. A heat transfer device for cooling liquids comprising:

(i) a plurality of hollow bracket members each of said hollow bracket members forming a chamber 5 for circulating a first heat transfer fluid therethrough; (ii) a line for circulating a second heat transfer fluid therethrough said line communicating with said 0 bracket members to form a heat exchange relationship between said line and said bracket members so that said bracket members remove heat from said second heat 5 transfer fluid circulated within said line and transfer it to. said first heat transfer fluid ^' circulated within said bracket members; o (ϋi) inlet and outlet means connected to said bracket members and interconnected with conduit means for circulating said first heat transfer fluid through said ~ bracket members; and

«

28. A heat transfer device as defined in ° Claim 27 wherein said line is a refrigerant line.

29. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 28 which further includes means for securing said bracket members to said refrigerant line so that heat can be removed from said second heat transfer fluid circulated within said refrigerant line and transferred to said first heat transfer fluid circulated within said bracket members.

30. A heat transfer device as defined in

Claim 27 wherein said bracket members are steel.

31. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 27 wherein said bracket members are aluminum.

32. A heat transfer device as defined in

.Claim 27 wherein said circulating means associated 'with said bracket members controls the flow of said first heat transfer fluid through said bracket members for a prescribed interval of time.

33. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 27 wherein said conduit means is rubber tubing.

34. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 29 wherein said means for securing said bracket members to said refrigerant line comprise a pair of cooperating flanges.

35. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 34 wherein said flanges of said bracket members are joined together by a nut and bolt.

36. A heat transfer device as defined in

Claim 27 wherein said first heat transfer fluid is 5 low-pressure gas.

37. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 27 wherein said first heat transfer fluid is water. 0

38. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 28 wherein said second heat transfer fluid is liquid refrigerant.

5 39. A heat transfer device for sub-cooling liquid refrigerant comprising:

(i) a plurality of hollow bracket members each of said hollow bracket members forming a chamber o for circulating a heat transfer fluid therethrough;

(ii) a refrigerant line communicating with said bracket members to form a heat exchange relationship 5 between said refrigerant line and said bracket members so that said bracket members remove heat from ^• said refrigerant line and transfer it to said heat transfer fluid _Q circulated within said bracket ° members;

(iii) inlet and outlet means connected to said bracket members and interconnected with conduit means for circulating said heat transfer fluid through said bracket members; and (iv) means for circulating said heat transfer fluid through said bracket members.

40. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 39 which further includes means for securing said bracket members to said refrigerant line so that heat can be removed from said refrigerant line and transferred to said heat transfer fluid circulated within said bracket members.

41. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 39 wherein said bracket members are steel.

42. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 39 wherein said bracket members are aluminum.

43. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 39 wherein said circulating means associated with said bracket members controls the flow of said heat transfer fluid through said bracket members for a prescribed interval of time.

44. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 39 wherein said conduit means is rubber tubing.

45. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 40 wherein said means for securing said bracket members to said refrigerant line comprise a pair of cooperating flanges.

46. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 45 wherein said flanges of said bracket members are joined together by a nut and bolt.

10

47. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 39 wherein said heat transfer fluid is low-pressure gas.

15 48. A heat transfer device as defined in

Claim 39 wherein said heat transfer_fluid is water.

49. A heat transfer device comprising: (i) at least one hollow bracket 20 member, said bracket member forming a chamber for circulating a first heat transfer fluid therethrough;

(ii) a line for circulating a second 2₅ heat transfer fluid therethrough, said line communicating with said bracket member to form a heat exchange relationship between said line and said bracket member so -₅Λ that said bracket member transfers heat from said first heat transfer fluid circulated within said bracket member to said second heat transfer fluid circulated within said line; (iii) means for holding said bracket member in thermal contact with said line; (iv) inlet and outlet means connected to said bracket member and interconnected with conduit means for circulating said first heat transfer fluid through said bracket member; and (v) means for circulating said first heat transfer fluid through .said bracket member.

50. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 49 wherein said line is a fuel line.

51. A heat transfer' device as defined in Claim 50 which further includes means for securing said bracket member and said holding means to said fuel line for transferring heat from said first heat transfer fluid circulated within said bracket member to said second heat transfer fluid circulated within said fuel line.

52. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 49 which further includes an electrical heating element mounted on said holding means.

53. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 49 wherein said first heat transfer fluid is water.

54. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 49 wherein said first heat transfer fluid is a mixture of ethylene glycol and water.

55. A heat transfer device as defined in

Claim 49 wherein said first heat transfer fluid is hot air.

56. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 49 wherein said first heat transfer fluid is crankcase gases and vapors.

57. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 49 wherein said bracket member is made of stainless steel.

58. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 49 wherein said bracket member is made of aluminum.

59. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 49 wherein said circulating means associated with said bracket member controls the flow of said first heat transfer fluid through said bracket member for a prescribed interval of time. - 60. A heat transfer device as defined in

Claim 49 wherein said conduit means is rubber tubing.

61. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 51 wherein said means for securing said bracket member and said holding means to said fuel line comprise a pair of cooperating flanges.

62. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 61 wherein said flanges are joined together by a nut and bolt.

63. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 50 wherein said second heat transfer fluid is gasoline.

64. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim -52 wherein said second heat transfer fluid is diesel fuel. «

65. A heat transfer device for cooling liquids comprising:

(i) at least one hollow bracket member, said hollow bracket member forming a chamber for circulating a first heat transfer fluid therethrough;

(ii) a line for circulating a second heat transfer fluid therethrough, said line communicating with said bracket member to form a heat exchange relationship between said line and said bracket member so that said bracket member removes heat from said second heat transfer fluid circulated within said line and transfers it to said first heat transfer fluid circulated within said bracket member; (iii) means for holding said bracket member in thermal contact with said line; (iv) inlet and outlet means connected to said bracket member and interconnected with conduit means for circulating said first heat transfer fluid through said bracket member; and (v) means for circulating said first heat transfer fluid through said bracket member.

66. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 65 wherein said line is a refrigerant line.

67. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 66 which further includes means for securing said bracket member and said holding means to said refrigerant line so that heat can be removed from said second heat transfer fluid circulated within said refrigerant line and transferred to said first heat transfer fluid circulated within said bracket member.

68. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 65 wherein said bracket member is made of stainless steel.

69. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 65 wherein said bracket member is made of aluminum.

70. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 65 wherein said circulating means associated with said bracket member controls the flow of said first heat transfer fluid through said bracket member for a prescribed interval of time.

71. -A hea transfer device as defined in Claim 65 wherein said conduit means is rubber tubing.

72. A heat transfer device as defined in

Claim 67 wherein said means for securing said bracket member and said holding means to said refrigerant line comprise a pair of cooperating flanges.

73. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 72 wherein said flanges are joined together by a^' nut and bolt.

74. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 65 wherein said first heat transfer fluid is low-pressure gas.

75. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 65 wherein said first heat transfer fluid is water.

76. A heat transfer device as defined in Claim 66 wherein said second heat transfer fluid is liquid refrigerant.