Air intake cleaner and distribution mechanism

Abstract

A device for cleaning an intake system of an engine includes a pressure-resistant container having a reservoir and a discharge hole, wherein the reservoir can be filled with an engine detergent component, and the discharge hole is used to discharge the engine detergent component from the reservoir. The device also includes a distribution component, which includes a component inlet, which can be connected to the discharge hole of the pressure-resistant container for receiving the engine detergent component discharged from the pressure-resistant container. The distribution component also includes a component outlet and a section of pipe, which is used to receive the engine detergent component from the distribution component. The device also includes a timer, which is configured to control a timing valve, and the timing valve allows the engine detergent component to be discharged from the pressure-resistant container when it is opened. The timer is configured to delay the timing valve for a predetermined period of time before opening after the actuation of the timer.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 845,522, filed on May 9, 2019. The contents of that provisional application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for cleaning an air intake system of an automotive internal combustion engine having an intake manifold. Background Art

[0004] Gas direct injection ("GDI") engines are extremely susceptible to carbon deposits on their intake valves. Due to the combustion of fuel in a GDI engine, large amounts of carbon may be deposited on the intake valves. This results in a decrease in performance, horsepower, and gas mileage. Cleaning these deposits is not only time consuming and complicated, but also requires more than one person to perform the cleaning process. In addition, it is desirable to clean a gas direct injection engine frequently, for example, as frequently as every 10,000 miles.

[0005] Intake valves need to be cleaned regularly to maintain engine performance. However, known methods of cleaning intake valves are time consuming, not user friendly, and require more than one person to perform the cleaning. For example, cleaning the intake valves may require one person to be in a vehicle with a GDI engine, and that person must start the GDI engine and spin it up, or throttle it. A second person may be required to open the hood of the vehicle while the first person is spinning up the engine, and manually deliver the cleaning formulation to the intake valves. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention discloses a device for cleaning the intake system of an engine. The device includes a pressure-resistant container having a reservoir and a discharge hole, the reservoir can be filled with an engine detergent component, and the discharge hole is used to discharge the engine detergent component from the reservoir. The device also includes a distribution component, which includes a component inlet, which can be connected to the discharge hole of the pressure-resistant container for receiving the engine detergent component discharged from the pressure-resistant container. The distribution component also includes a component outlet, and a section of pipeline including a pipeline inlet, a pipeline outlet and a central hole extending from the pipeline inlet to the pipeline outlet. The pipeline inlet is in fluid communication with the component outlet for receiving the engine detergent component from the distribution component. The device also includes a timer, which is configured to control a timing valve, allowing the engine detergent component to be discharged from the pressure-resistant container when the timing valve is opened. The timer is configured to delay the timing valve for a predetermined period of time before opening after the actuation of the timer.

[0007] A method for using an apparatus for cleaning an engine having an intake manifold is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid dispensing device having a pressure-resistant container having a reservoir and a discharge hole. The reservoir is filled with an engine cleaning agent component. The apparatus also includes a dispensing assembly having a timer for controlling a timing valve, an assembly inlet connected to the discharge hole, and an assembly outlet. The apparatus also includes a section of pipe having a pipe inlet connected to the assembly outlet, a pipe outlet, and a center hole extending from the pipe inlet to the pipe outlet. The method includes inserting the pipe outlet into the intake manifold of the engine and actuating the timer so that the timing valve is delayed for a predetermined period of time before opening after the actuation of the timer. The method also includes automatically opening the timing valve after a predetermined period of time after the actuation of the timer, the timing valve allowing the engine cleaning agent component to be discharged from the pressure-resistant container through the timer and through the section of pipe. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this application, illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the written description, are used to explain some embodiments of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one suitable embodiment of a dispensing device for cleaning an air intake system of a GDI engine having an intake manifold;

[0010] Figure 2 is a perspective view of another suitable embodiment of a dispensing assembly of a dispensing apparatus for cleaning an air intake system of a GDI engine having an intake manifold;

[0011] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a distribution assembly of a distribution device for cleaning an air intake system of a GDI engine having an intake manifold;

[0012] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pressure vessel of a dispensing device for cleaning an air intake system of a GDI engine having an intake manifold.

[0013] Figure 5 is a simplified flow chart illustrating an exemplary cleaning process utilizing a dispensing device for cleaning an intake system of an engine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Instead, the purpose of the selected and described embodiments is to promote the recognition and understanding of the principles and practices of the present disclosure by those skilled in the art.

[0015] Now turning to the attached figure, Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of one suitable embodiment of a dispensing apparatus, generally designated 100, for cleaning the air intake system of a GDI engine. For example, the GDI engine may be an automotive internal combustion engine having an intake manifold (not shown). The dispensing apparatus 100 includes a pressure-resistant container, generally designated 110, which includes a reservoir 112 and a discharge port 414 (at Figure 4 1 ). In some embodiments, the reservoir 112 is filled with an engine cleaning agent component. The dispensing device 100 also includes a dispensing assembly 120, which is configured to receive the fluid discharged from the reservoir 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure-resistant container 110 and the dispensing assembly 120 are in a coupled state, characterized in that the dispensing assembly 120 is in fluid communication with the pressure-resistant container 110.

[0016] The dispensing assembly 120 includes a housing 121, an assembly inlet 150, and an assembly outlet 140 in fluid communication with the assembly inlet 150. The assembly inlet 150 includes an interior region configured to accommodate the drain hole 414 when the dispensing assembly 120 and the pressure container 110 are in a coupled state.

[0017] The dispensing assembly 120 includes a section of conduit 130 including a conduit inlet 332 received within the housing 121 near the discharge opening 414 (at Figure 3332) and a conduit outlet 134 at the distal end of the conduit 130. The conduit 130 includes a central hole extending from the conduit inlet 332 to the conduit outlet 134. The conduit 130 may have an outer diameter (OD) and an inner diameter, for example, an outer diameter in the range of about 1 mm to about 15 mm and an inner diameter of about 0.5 mm to 10 mm. For example, in embodiments, the OD may be about 1 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 12 mm, or about 15 mm. For example, in embodiments, the ID may be about 0.5 mm, about 1 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, or about 10 mm. In some embodiments, the pipe 130 includes a flexible material, such as rubber, silicone, a flexible polymer, or any material that enables the dispensing device 100 to operate as described herein. The pipe inlet 332 is fluidly coupled to the assembly outlet 140 for receiving the fluid discharged from the pressure-resistant container assembly 110 by the dispensing assembly 120. In some embodiments, the pipe 130 is transparent enough to achieve visual observation of the fluid in or through the pipe 130. In an embodiment, the pipe 130 is formed by a material that is chemically resistant to the engine detergent composition described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the pipe 130 includes a pipe outlet 134, which is configured to be inserted into the intake manifold of the GDI engine. In some embodiments, the pipe outlet 134 (e.g., the pipe outlet end) includes a rigid pipe section 133, so that the outlet 134 of the pipe 130 is inserted into the intake manifold of the GDI engine. In some embodiments, the rigid pipe section 133 is a rigid member attached to the pipe 130, such as a metal guide, a rigid rod, a pipe or a partial pipe. In some embodiments, the rigid pipe section 133 includes a sleeve covering a portion of the pipe 130. In some embodiments, the rigid pipe section 133 is made of a material selected from metal and plastic. In other embodiments, the rigid pipe section 133 is a portion of the pipe 130 and is formed of a material that is more rigid than the pipe 130.

[0018] In some embodiments, dispensing assembly 120 includes at least one valve (not shown) configured to regulate the flow rate of the engine cleaner composition through conduit 130. A variety of valves may be positioned in dispensing assembly 120 to regulate the flow of the engine cleaner fluid through conduit 130. In some embodiments, a valve, such as a ball valve, may be positioned in conduit 130 (e.g., near the middle of conduit 130) to allow a user to manually adjust the valve, thereby regulating the flow of the engine cleaner fluid through conduit 130.

[0019] In certain embodiments, engine cleaning agent composition includes cleaning fluid and propellant.Exemplary cleaning fluid may include amine, amino ester, xylene, butyl cellosolve, ethylbenzene, and combination thereof.The example of cleaning fluid is described in such as US5,885,942, US6,541,435, US8,632,638, US8,809,248, U.S. Patent Application No. 2018 / 0002645, etc., and its disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.In certain embodiments, propellant may be selected from one or more hydrocarbon propellants (e.g., a mixture of butane and propane), carbon dioxide, nitrogen, R134a, R1234ze, HFO-1234yf, or any propellant that can make dispensing device 100 operate as described herein.

[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective view of another suitable embodiment of a dispensing assembly 220, which may be equivalent to Figure 1 The distribution assembly 120 is used to clean the intake system of an engine having an intake manifold. In the illustrated embodiment, the distribution assembly 220 includes a housing 221 and a section of pipe 230. The distribution assembly 220 also includes an inlet 250 and an outlet 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the distribution assembly 220 is in a non-coupled state, characterized in that the distribution assembly 220 is not in fluid communication with the pressure container 110. In other embodiments, the distribution assembly 220 can be provided separately to a product assembler, or provided separately to a user without the pressure container 110 or the section of pipe 130. In other embodiments, the distribution assembly 220 can be provided as a kit with the pressure container 110 and / or the section of pipe 130.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, a section of pipe 230 (which may be equivalent to Figure 1 The duct 130 shown in FIG. 1 includes a rigid duct section 233 to facilitate insertion of the duct outlet 234 into the intake manifold of the engine. In some embodiments, the duct outlet 234 can be biased in a direction that generally causes the duct outlet 234 (e.g., the duct outlet end) to tend to remain in a desired position. For example, the duct outlet 234 can be biased so that when the engine cleaning agent components are discharged into the intake manifold through the duct outlet 234, the duct outlet 234 remains from moving out of the air intake manifold.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, a section of pipe 230 includes a curved portion 232, which is configured to orient the pipe outlet 234 in a desired direction. In some embodiments, the curved portion 232 is configured to prevent the undesirable movement of a section of pipe 230, which may cause a section of pipe 230 to move out of the air intake manifold when the engine cleaning agent components are discharged into the intake manifold through the section of pipe 230. In the illustrated embodiment, the rigid pipe section 233 includes a curve that substantially corresponds to a hook shape. In other embodiments, a section of pipe 230 may include an L-shaped curved portion, a U-shaped curved portion, a V-shaped curved portion, or any other curved portion or curved shape that enables the distribution assembly 220 to operate as described herein.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing assembly 220 includes a timer 222 configured to control a timing valve (in Figure 3 ), the timing valve regulates the flow of fluid through the dispensing assembly 220. When in the open position, the timing valve allows fluid to flow from the pressure-resistant container 110 (in Figure 1 20 and discharged through a section of tubing 230. In some embodiments, the timing valve includes a plunger, a bisecting cylinder, a diaphragm, or any other structure that enables the dispensing assembly 220 to operate as described herein.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the timer 222 includes a winding mechanism 238 configured to control a timing valve housed within the housing 221. The winding mechanism 238 enables a user to activate the timing valve so that the timing valve opens after a predetermined length of time. In the illustrated embodiment, the winding mechanism 238 includes a rotatable dial switch 239 and an indicator 241. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined length of time is determined by clockwise rotation of the rotatable dial switch 239 between the "O" and "I" markings of the indicator 241. In other embodiments, the winding mechanism 238 includes a vertical shift switch, a horizontal shift switch, or any other switch that enables the dispensing assembly 220 to operate as described herein.

[0025] In some embodiments, the timer 222 comprises an electrical timer having a control mechanism that activates a timing valve to open the timing valve after a predetermined length of time. In some embodiments, the electrical timer is powered by a battery. In some embodiments, the electrical timer operates a switch that releases the timing valve, wherein the timing valve is positioned by a biasing member (e.g., a spring). In some embodiments, the electrical timer operates a timing valve that includes a solenoid circuit on-off valve.

[0026] The predetermined length of time (or time delay) can be set to any desired length of time. For example, the predetermined length of time can be 15 seconds, 30 seconds, one minute, two minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, or any other length of time that enables the dispensing assembly 220 to operate as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined length of time begins after actuation of the winding mechanism 238. In some embodiments, the winding mechanism 238 is configured to delay the opening of the timing valve by 15 seconds to one minute after actuation of the winding mechanism 238. In some embodiments, the predetermined length of time can be adjusted based on the average time it takes for a user to activate the winding mechanism 238 and proceed to enter a vehicle housing a GDI engine that needs to be cleaned, start the GDI engine, and accelerate the GDI engine.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the distribution assembly 220 includes a solenoid circuit, which is configured to start or stop the flow of the engine detergent composition. For example, the user device can be used to remotely (for example, when sitting in a vehicle) actuate the solenoid circuit to the on position or the off position by transmitting a wireless signal to the receiver in the distribution assembly 220 via a transmitter. In certain embodiments, the wireless signal is a Bluetooth signal, or other short-range wireless signals. In certain embodiments, the user can continuously actuate the solenoid circuit in the open position for a desired time period, and then stop the flow of the engine detergent composition when the cleaning is completed. Alternatively, when the engine is running, the user can drive the solenoid circuit on and off in a pulsed manner, so that the corresponding pulse flow of the engine detergent composition is provided to the manifold.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing assembly 220 includes a shut-off valve assembly 224, which includes a shut-off valve actuator 225. When actuated by a user, the shut-off valve actuator 225 engages a drive shaft (e.g., actuated by actuating the actuator 225) contained within the housing 221. Figure 3 221 is engaged with the stop valve actuator 225. When engaged by the stop valve actuator 225, the drive shaft is configured to raise the distal end of the lever contained in the housing 221. When the distal end of the lever is in the raised position, the stop valve assembly 224 is in the closed position. In the closed position, when the dispensing assembly 220 is connected to the pressure-resistant container, the stop valve assembly 224 seals the pressure-resistant container with the pipeline inlet of the dispensing assembly 220. The stop valve assembly 224 is configured to prevent the accidental discharge of the engine detergent composition. In addition, if it is necessary to stop the cleaning process, the stop valve assembly 224 that can be operated separately allows the operator to stop the flow of the engine detergent composition. The stop valve assembly 224 can be used to start or stop the flow at any time point. When in the closed position, the stop valve assembly 224 enables the actuation of the winding mechanism 238 to start a predetermined length of time.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing assembly 220 includes an attachment device 236 configured to facilitate attachment of the dispensing assembly 220 to a support structure. For example, the attachment device can include a hook, a magnet, a suction cup, an adhesive, or other structure capable of facilitating attachment of the dispensing assembly 220 as described herein. For example, during a cleaning process of a vehicle engine, the attachment device 236 can facilitate attaching (such as by hanging) the dispensing assembly 220 to a portion of the vehicle so that the dispensing assembly 220 maintains an optimal position or orientation during the cleaning process.

[0030] It should be noted that distribution assembly 220 as described herein can be used for various fluids, rather than engine cleaning agent compositions. The non-limiting examples of this fluid include pesticides, fragrances, paints, foams, etc. This fluid can be used in combination with a propellant. In addition, the equipment comprising an on-off valve and a timer as described herein can be modified according to expectations according to the fluid being discharged. For example, the assembly outlet may not be connected to a hose and / or may be connected to the nozzle that disperses the fluid into the surrounding environment.

[0031] Figure 3 3 is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing assembly 320 including a timer 322 and a shutoff valve assembly 324. The dispensing assembly 320 may be equivalent to Figure 1 The distribution assembly 120 of the embodiment of the present invention is shown. The distribution assembly 320 also includes a housing 321 and a section of pipe 330. The section of pipe 330 includes a pipe inlet 332 in the housing 321, and a pipe outlet 334. In the illustrated embodiment, the distribution assembly 320 can be included in a distribution device for cleaning the intake system of a GDI engine, wherein the distribution assembly 320 is coupled to a pressure-resistant container at an assembly inlet 350. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly inlet 350 is fluidly coupled to the pipe inlet 332. The section of pipe 330 leaves the distribution assembly 320 at an assembly outlet 340.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, a section of duct 330 includes a rigid duct section 333 to facilitate insertion of a duct outlet 334 into an intake manifold of an engine. In some embodiments, duct outlet 334 can be biased in a direction that generally causes duct outlet 334 (e.g., duct outlet end) to tend to remain in a desired position. For example, duct outlet 334 can be biased so that when engine cleaning agent components are discharged into the intake manifold through duct outlet 334, duct outlet 334 remains from moving out of the air intake manifold.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing assembly 320 includes a timer 322 configured to control a timing valve 380 within the housing 321 that regulates the flow of fluid through the dispensing assembly 320. When in the open position, the timing valve 380 allows the fluid to pass through the dispensing assembly 320 and be discharged from the pressure-resistant container through a section of pipe 330. In the illustrated embodiment, the timing valve 380 includes a biasing member 326 to bias the timing valve 380 to a desired position. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 326 is a spring. In other embodiments, the timing valve 380 includes a plunger, a bisecting cylinder, a diaphragm, or any biasing member that enables the dispensing assembly 320 to operate as described herein.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the timer 322 includes a winding mechanism 338 configured to control a timing valve 380 housed within the housing 321. The winding mechanism 238 enables a user to activate the timing valve 380 so that the timing valve 380 opens after a predetermined length of time. In the illustrated embodiment, the winding mechanism 338 includes a rotatable dial switch 339. In other embodiments, the winding mechanism 338 includes a vertical shift switch, a horizontal shift switch, or any other mechanical, electronic, or digital switch that enables the dispensing assembly 320 to operate as described herein.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing assembly 320 includes a shutoff valve assembly 324 that can be operated separately, and the shutoff valve assembly 324 includes a shutoff valve actuator 325. When actuated by a user, the shutoff valve actuator 325 engages with a drive shaft 327. When engaged by the shutoff valve actuator 325, the drive shaft 327 is configured to engage with the proximal end 328 of a lever 335 so that the distal end 329 of the lever 335 rises. When the distal end 329 of the lever 335 is in an elevated position, the shutoff valve assembly 324 is in a closed position. In the closed position, when the dispensing assembly 320 is coupled to a pressure-resistant container, the shutoff valve assembly 324 seals the pressure-resistant container with the pipeline inlet 332 of the dispensing assembly 320. The shutoff valve assembly 324 is configured to prevent the accidental discharge of the engine detergent composition. In addition, if it is necessary to stop the cleaning process, the shutoff valve assembly 324 allows the operator to stop the flow of the engine detergent composition. The shutoff valve assembly 324 can be used to start or stop the flow at any time point. When in the closed position, the shut-off valve assembly 324 enables actuation of the winding mechanism 338 to begin for a predetermined length of time.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing assembly 320 includes an attachment device 336 configured to facilitate attachment of the dispensing assembly 320 to a support structure. For example, during a cleaning process of an engine of a vehicle, the attachment device 336 can facilitate attachment of the dispensing assembly 320 to a portion of the vehicle such that the dispensing assembly 320 maintains an optimal position or orientation during the cleaning process.

[0037] During the cleaning operation, the engine cleaning agent composition is discharged from the pressure-resistant container into the assembly inlet 350, and the engine cleaning agent composition flows through the shut-off valve assembly 324. As shown, the shut-off valve assembly 324 is actuated by the shut-off valve actuator 325. In the illustrated embodiment, the shut-off valve actuator 325 includes a rotatable knob. When the shut-off valve actuator 325 is in the "off" position, the drive shaft 327 is pressed downward, and the distal end 329 of the lever 335 is moved upward. At this time, the timing valve is closed, and the winding mechanism 338 of the timer 322 can be rotated to start the predetermined length of time.

[0038] After the shutoff valve assembly 324 is opened, the flow of the engine cleaning agent composition is determined by the timer 322 that controls the timing valve 380. The timing valve 380 includes a valve structure that blocks the flow of the flow through the dispensing assembly 320 and, when opened, allows the engine cleaning agent composition to be discharged from the pressure-resistant container through the dispensing assembly 320 and through the section of flexible tube 330. When a predetermined length of time has passed (while the shutoff valve assembly 324 is in the open position), the distal end 329 of the lever 335 is forced downward by the biasing member 326, which actuates the aerosol valve structure in the pressure-resistant container, allowing the engine cleaning agent composition to flow through the assembly 320, as described herein.

[0039] In use, any of the fluid dispensing devices as described herein is provided and a user opens the bonnet of a vehicle and locates the vehicle's engine air intake. The pressure-resistant container comprising the cleaning agent composition is preferably secured so that it does not need to be held by a person during the cleaning process.

[0040] In one embodiment, the pressure vessel may be fixed under the hood, or it may be suspended using an attachment device, such as attachment device 236. In one embodiment, the pressure vessel is fixed, and in its fixed orientation, the on-off valve and timer are positioned below the pressure vessel (i.e., the pressure vessel is inverted).

[0041] Figure 4 An embodiment of a pressure-resistant container 410 is shown, which has a reservoir 412 and a valve 413 including a discharge hole 414. The pressure-resistant container 410 may be equivalent to Figure 1 4. The pressure container 110 shown in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the valve 413 is an aerosol valve and the discharge hole 414 is a valve stem. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve 413 is adapted to contain the fluid contents in the reservoir 412 until the valve 413 is actuated to allow the engine cleaning agent component to flow from the discharge hole 414 due to the relatively high pressure of the fluid in the reservoir 412. In some embodiments, the pressure container 410 has an attachment device 416 for mounting the pressure container 410 in an inverted position during use.

[0042] In some embodiments, the pressure container 410 is secured in an orientation in which the timer is positioned above the pressure container 410 such that the pressure container is upright so that the discharge hole 414 is positioned upright.

[0043] Figure 5 is a simplified flow chart showing an example cleaning process using an apparatus for cleaning an intake system of an engine. For example, the end of a flexible conduit (e.g., Figure 1 The duct outlet 134 of the duct section 133 shown in FIG. 1 is placed at an appropriate distance inside the intake manifold 502 and fixed so that it remains in place throughout the cleaning process. In some cleaning processes, the engine can be run for several minutes before starting the cleaning process, which can be before, during or after preparing the fluid distribution device as described above.

[0044] To perform the cleaning process, the user opens the individually operable shut-off valve 504 (if present) to enable the engine cleaning agent component to be delivered to the intake manifold. The user then activates the timer 506.

[0045] After actuation of the timer 506, the timer provides a short delay of two minutes to reopen the on-off valve 508, thereby providing the user with sufficient time to enter the vehicle, start the engine (if not already running), and spin up the engine to the desired rpm 510 (e.g., from about 1500 rpm to about 2500 rpm) for proper cleaning. Thus, incorporating the timer delay greatly facilitates the cleaning process by a single person without assistance.

[0046] The user continues to operate the automobile engine at the desired rpm rate 510 until the flow of the engine detergent composition has stopped 512. The completion of the delivery of the engine detergent composition can be determined by waiting for a period of time (usually associated with the delivery of the engine detergent composition for the specific fluid dispensing device being used). Alternatively, the delivery of the engine detergent composition can be confirmed by visually ensuring that the flow from the pressure-resistant container into the intake manifold has stopped. In certain embodiments, the transparent nature of the hose greatly facilitates visual confirmation that the flow of the engine detergent composition has been completed.

[0047] It has been discovered that the apparatus and method as described herein greatly facilitates the delivery of engine detergent components to the intake system of an automotive internal combustion engine in a precise, controlled manner, and that the resulting method is particularly effective in chemically cleaning the engine of undesirable carbon deposits.

[0048] In one embodiment, the method is performed on an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, the method is performed on a fuel injected internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, the method is performed on a gas direct injected internal combustion engine.

[0049] Throughout this specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated integers or steps, or groups of integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other integers or steps, or groups of integers or steps. When used herein, "consisting of excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim elements. When used herein, "consisting essentially of does not exclude materials or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claim. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, any of the terms "comprising", "consisting essentially of", and "consisting of" used in the description of the embodiments may be replaced with either of the other two terms.

[0050] Unless otherwise stated, all percentages and ratios used herein are weight percentages and ratios. All patents, patent applications (including provisional applications) and publications cited herein are incorporated herein by reference as if they were individually incorporated for all purposes. Many features and advantages of the embodiments intended to be described by this document have been set forth in the foregoing description. However, it should be understood that although specific forms or embodiments have been shown, various modifications may be made, including modifications to the shape and arrangement of components, etc., without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A device for cleaning an intake system of an engine, comprising: A pressure container, comprising: a reservoir filled with an engine cleaning agent composition under pressure; a drain hole extending through the reservoir for providing draining of the engine cleaning agent component under pressure from the reservoir; and an aerosol valve within the discharge aperture adapted to contain the engine cleaner component under pressure within the reservoir; and A distribution assembly comprising: an assembly inlet coupled to the discharge port of the pressure vessel for receiving a discharge of the engine cleaning agent component under pressure from the pressure vessel; Component export; A section of pipeline comprising: Pipeline inlet; Pipeline outlets; and a central bore extending from the conduit inlet to the conduit outlet, wherein the conduit inlet is in fluid communication with the assembly outlet for receiving the engine cleaner component under pressure from the dispensing assembly; a lever configured to selectively engage the aerosol valve to discharge the engine cleaner composition under pressure from the pressure container; a shutoff assembly coupled to the lever and switchable between a closed position preventing the lever from engaging the aerosol valve to discharge the engine cleaning agent composition under pressure from the pressure container and an open position enabling the lever to engage the aerosol valve to allow the engine cleaning agent composition under pressure to discharge from the pressure container; and a time switch coupled to the lever and including a user-actuated timer, wherein actuation of the timer and setting of the shutoff assembly to the open position initiates a cleaning operation by the device, and a predetermined period of time after actuation of the timer prevents the lever from engaging the aerosol valve to cause an initial release of the engine cleaning agent composition under pressure discharged from the device.

2. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a biasing member configured to position the lever to actuate the aerosol valve when the cutoff assembly is in the open position and the predetermined time period after activation of the timer has elapsed.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the timer comprises a winding mechanism coupled to a control mechanism configured to activate the lever after the predetermined period of time.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The timer is powered by a battery.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the timer comprises an electrical timer having a control mechanism configured to activate the lever after the predetermined period of time.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the lever is positioned by a biasing member to actuate the aerosol valve.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shutoff assembly includes a drive shaft that compresses the lever in the closed position, thereby preventing the lever from engaging the aerosol valve.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the section of tubing is sufficiently transparent to allow visual observation of the engine detergent composition flowing through the tubing.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressure vessel further comprises an attachment arrangement configured for mounting the pressure vessel in an inverted position or an upright position above the engine during use.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a metal guide configured to direct the flow of the engine cleaning agent composition in a desired direction, Wherein, the section of pipeline further includes a casing covering at least a portion of the pipeline.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the predetermined period of time is from 15 seconds to 80 seconds after actuation of the timer.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one valve within said conduit to regulate the flow of said engine cleaning agent composition through the length of said conduit.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The dispensing assembly includes a solenoid circuit in communication with an actuator, wherein the solenoid circuit is configured to receive a wireless signal from a user device to actuate the actuator from an off position to an on position, wherein no engine cleaner components are discharged from the pressure-resistant container by the aerosol valve in the off position, and wherein the engine cleaner components are discharged from the pressure-resistant container by the aerosol valve in the on position.

14. A method of using an apparatus for cleaning an engine having an intake manifold, wherein the apparatus comprises: a fluid dispensing device comprising a pressure-resistant container having a reservoir, a discharge aperture through the reservoir, and an aerosol valve within the discharge aperture, wherein the reservoir is filled with an engine cleaner component under pressure and the aerosol valve is adapted to contain the engine cleaner component within the reservoir; a dispensing assembly having a lever, a shutoff assembly coupled to the lever, a time switch coupled to the lever and including a user-actuated timer, an assembly inlet coupled to the discharge aperture, and an assembly outlet, wherein the shutoff assembly, when in a closed position, prevents the lever from engaging the aerosol valve to discharge the engine cleaner composition under pressure from the pressure container and, when in an open position, enables the lever to engage the aerosol valve to allow the engine cleaner composition under pressure to discharge from the pressure container; a section of pipe having a pipe inlet connected to the assembly outlet, a pipe outlet, and a central hole extending from the pipe inlet to the pipe outlet; The method comprises: actuating a count by the timer to initiate a cleaning operation by the device and causing the lever to engage the aerosol valve to cause an initial release of the discharge to be delayed for a predetermined period of time after the count is actuated by the timer; placing the cutoff assembly in the open position; maintaining the lever in a position to delay initial release of the engine cleaning agent composition under pressure from the device for the predetermined period of time; and The aerosol valve is automatically actuated by the time switch and the lever after the predetermined period of time and allows the engine cleaner composition under pressure to be discharged from the pressure container through the length of conduit.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the engine is operated before the engine detergent component is exhausted through the conduit and into an intake manifold of the engine.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the engine is started after the count is initiated by the timer.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The engine's revolutions per minute (RPM) is operated to be increased from idle.

18. The method of claim 14 further comprising operating the engine to run at 1500 RPM to 2500 RPM.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the engine is operated to run at an increased RPM above idle until exhaust of the engine detergent component through the conduit and into an intake manifold of the engine is substantially complete.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising maintaining a timing valve in a closed state for 15 seconds to 80 seconds after the count is initiated by the timer.

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