System for improving performance of an internal combusion engine

Abstract

A system for improving performance of an internal combustion engine is provided. The system may include an exhaust pipe and a leading edge member attached at one end of the exhaust pipe. In one aspect, the leading edge member may be attached to a windward side of the exhaust pipe to define a drawtube arranged to lower a pressure at the end of the exhaust pipe. A device for lowering a pressure at the end of a vehicular exhaust pipe to improve performance of an internal combustion engine may also be provided. The device may include a substantially planar leading edge member and a sleeve configured to be secured to a vehicular exhaust pipe. A bottom edge of the leading edge member may be attached to the sleeve.

1 . A system for improving performance of an internal combustion engine comprising:
 an exhaust pipe; and   a leading edge member attached at one end of the exhaust pipe.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the leading edge member attached to a windward side of the exhaust pipe defines a drawtube arranged to lower a pressure at the end of the exhaust pipe. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the exhaust pipe comprises a tubular member. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the leading edge member is substantially planar. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the leading edge member is slightly curved. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the leading edge member cants backward at approximately 33 degrees from perpendicular to a direction of wind. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a width of the leading edge member is about 13/16 of a diameter of the exhaust pipe. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the exhaust pipe comprises an exposed vertical exhaust stack of a diesel tractor trailer. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a sleeve  21  secured around the exhaust pipe, wherein a bottom edge of the leading edge member is attached to the sleeve. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising a pair of support members extending from the sleeve to an upper portion of the leading edge member. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , further comprising a set screw securing the sleeve and the leading edge member to the exhaust pipe. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the leading edge member and the exhaust pipe define a 6:1 aspect ratio. 
     
     
         13 . A device for lowering a pressure at the end of a vehicular exhaust pipe to improve performance of an internal combustion engine, the device comprising:
 a substantially planar leading edge member; and   a sleeve configured to be secured to a vehicular exhaust pipe, wherein a bottom edge of the leading edge member is attached to the sleeve.   
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the leading edge member is slightly curved. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein, when mounted on the exhaust pipe, the leading edge member cants backward at approximately 33 degrees from perpendicular to a direction of wind. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein a width of the leading edge member is about 13/16 of an inner diameter of the sleeve. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 13 , further comprising a pair of support members extending from the sleeve to an upper portion of the leading edge member. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 13 , further comprising a set screw configured to secure the sleeve and the leading edge member to the exhaust pipe. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein, when mounted on the exhaust pipe of a vehicle, the leading edge member and the exhaust pipe define a 6:1 aspect ratio.