Air intake system for an internal combustion engine

Abstract

An apparatus for supplying combustion gas to an internal combustion engine. The apparatus generates negatively-charged molecules of the formula [MO.sub.x ].sup.-, where M is a positive ion, O is oxygen and x is a number at least equal to 3, and means for mixing the molecules with combustion gas and fuel supplied to the engine. Molecules [MO.sub.x ].sup.- are produced in an ion generator that comprises a specially shaped anode and cathode spaced apart from each other in a non-conducting housing. When a substantially constant voltage is applied across the anode and cathode, a plasma forms between and around them that in turn forms a magnetic field around the plasma and the anode. Diatomic oxygen molecules enter the housing and are polarized by the magnetic field and the resulting oxygen ions accelerated toward the plasma. The plasma excites and confines the oxygen ions long enough for them to strike the materials forming the cathode and anode, releasing positive ions of the cathode and anode materials which bind together and form charged molecules [MO.sub.x ].sup.-. Upon exiting the ion generator, the charged molecules are mixed with air or other combustion gas supplied to the engine. The charged molecules produce a denser, oxygen-enriched air charge, resulting in longer and hotter burns, creating more torque and horsepower for the same percentage of throttle.