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A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine to reduce the presence of free oxygen in the exhaust gas of the engine. The method and apparatus provides for the internal combustion engine to be operated with a fuel-to-air ratio in excess of the stoichiometric r

A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine to reduce the presence of free oxygen in the exhaust gas of the engine. The method and apparatus provides for the internal combustion engine to be operated with a fuel-to-air ratio in excess of the stoichiometric ratio such that the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine is devoid or substantially devoid of all free oxygen and excess unburned hydrocarbon fuel is expelled with the exhaust gas from the engine.

대표청구항 ▼

A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine to reduce the presence of free oxygen in the exhaust gas of the engine. The method and apparatus provides for the internal combustion engine to be operated with a fuel-to-air ratio in excess of the stoichiometric r

A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine to reduce the presence of free oxygen in the exhaust gas of the engine. The method and apparatus provides for the internal combustion engine to be operated with a fuel-to-air ratio in excess of the stoichiometric ratio such that the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine is devoid or substantially devoid of all free oxygen and excess unburned hydrocarbon fuel is expelled with the exhaust gas from the engine. brane on a surface of said first membrane facing said gas chamber.15. The medicament delivery device of claim 1 wherein said at least one of said first and second membranes has a burst pressure of between about 4.4 and 89.0 Newtons.16. The medicament delivery device of claim 1 wherein said at least one of said first and second membranes has a tensile strength of between about 10 and 50 MPascals.17. The medicament delivery device of claim 1 including a delivery tube communicating with said tube.18. The medicament delivery device of claim 17 wherein said delivery tube is foldable.19. The medicament delivery device of claim 17 wherein said delivery tube includes a plurality of telescoping portions.20. The medicament delivery device of claim 17 wherein said delivery tube includes an inner surface and at least one baffle extending radially inwardly from said inner surface.21. The medicament delivery device of claim 17 wherein said delivery tube includes an inner surface and at least one helical rib extending inwardly from said inner surface.22. The medicament delivery device of claim 17 wherein said delivery tube includes a screen mounted therein.23. The medicament delivery device of claim 1 including a medicament disposed in said reservoir.24. The medicament delivery device of claim 23 wherein said medicament is a dry powder.25. The medicament delivery device of claim 1 wherein said pressurizing mechanism includes a compressible blister defining said gas chamber and operable to pressurize said gas chamber to at least said prescribed pressure.26. The medicament delivery device of claim 25 comprising:a) a first sheet including said compressible blister formed therein;b) a second sheet defining said reservoir therein; andc) an intermediate layer disposed between said first and second sheets, said first and second membranes forming a part of said intermediate layer.27. The medicament delivery device of claim 26 wherein each of said first and second sheets is thermoformed.28. The medicament delivery device of claim 26 wherein said tube is integral with at least one of said first and second sheets.29. The medicament delivery device of claim 25 including a piercing member secured to said blister and disposed in said gas chamber, wherein, when said blister is compressed, said piercing member engages said first membrane.30. The medicament delivery device of claim 25 wherein, when said blister is compressed, the size of said entrance port increases to distort said first membrane.31. The medicament delivery device of claim 25 wherein said blister is bellowed.32. The medicament delivery device of claim 25 wherein said gas chamber has a volume of between about 0.2 and 10 milliliters.33. A medicament delivery device for administering an inhalable medicament to a user, said device comprising: a) a medicament reservoir;b) an entrance port and an exit port each disposed adjacent said reservoir;c) a compressible blister defining a gas chamber and operable to pressurize said gas chamber to at least a prescribed pressure;d) a frangible membrane extending across said entrance port and separating said reservoir from said gas chamber; ande) a tube disposed adjacent said exit port and defining a delivery opening opposite said exit port, said delivery opening being open prior to compression of said blister;f) wherein, when said blister is compressed, said membrane is responsive to said prescribed pressure in said gas chamber to burst to allow gas to flow through said entrance port and said reservoir and to carry the medicament through said exit port.34. A method for administering an inhalable medicament to a user, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing a medicament delivery device including:1) a medicament reservoir;2) an entrance port and an exit port each disposed a