Utah Patent of the Month – September 2023
In the world of compression-ignition internal combustion engines, innovation is a driving force that constantly seeks to enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and expand the range of compatible fuels. American CNG, LLC was initially founded to meet the growing demand for CNG cylinders in the U.S. market. They have since grown to supply new vehicle conversions kits, OEM system elements, replacing expired parts, and maintaining CNG fleets – all while developing new technologies for the industry.
Compression-ignition engines, such as diesel engines, have long been known for their adaptability to a variety of fuels due to their high operating temperatures. Among the alternative fuels that have been explored, natural gas and other gaseous fuels have gained attention. However, existing conversion kits in the market are often specific to particular engine models or vehicles, leading to installation challenges and potential engine damage.
American CNG has unveiled a versatile supplemental fuel system designed to work seamlessly with compression-ignition engines. The system incorporates a fuel mixer featuring a specially designed nozzle and stem. This nozzle, positioned within the engine’s air supply system, has a unique non-uniform profile that optimizes the mixing of air and supplemental fuel. The stem extends through the conduit, efficiently delivering the supplemental fuel to the nozzle, ensuring a clean and effective combustion process.
American CNG’s innovation goes a step further by incorporating electronic lock-off valves. These valves are controlled by a sophisticated controller, which monitors the engine’s power supply voltage. When the voltage falls below a threshold, the system intelligently prevents the supplemental fuel from being delivered, safeguarding the engine from potential issues during low-power conditions.
American CNG has also considered the impact of exhaust gas temperature. Temperature sensors integrated into the system provide real-time data to the controller. When the exhaust gas temperature exceeds a predefined threshold, the controller acts decisively, closing the electronic lock-off valve to protect the engine from overheating while running on supplemental fuel.
American CNG’s groundbreaking supplemental fuel system offers a flexible, efficient, and intelligent solution for compression-ignition engines. With features like the innovative nozzle design, electronic lock-off valves, and temperature monitoring, this invention is poised to play a pivotal role in expanding the use of alternative fuels, reducing emissions, and making compression-ignition engines more adaptable and eco-friendly than ever before.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
Who We Are:
Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.
Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.
Are you eligible?
Why choose us?
Pass an Audit?
What is the R&D Tax Credit?
The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
Never miss a deadline again
Stay up to date on IRS processes
Discover R&D in your industry
R&D Tax Credit Preparation Services
Swanson Reed is one of the only companies in the United States to exclusively focus on R&D tax credit preparation. Swanson Reed provides state and federal R&D tax credit preparation and audit services to all 50 states.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call or email our CEO, Damian Smyth on (800) 986-4725.
Feel free to book a quick teleconference with one of our national R&D tax credit specialists at a time that is convenient for you.
R&D Tax Credit Audit Advisory Services
creditARMOR is a sophisticated R&D tax credit insurance and AI-driven risk management platform. It mitigates audit exposure by covering defense expenses, including CPA, tax attorney, and specialist consultant fees—delivering robust, compliant support for R&D credit claims. Click here for more information about R&D tax credit management and implementation.
Our Fees
Swanson Reed offers R&D tax credit preparation and audit services at our hourly rates of between $195 – $395 per hour. We are also able offer fixed fees and success fees in special circumstances. Learn more at https://www.swansonreed.com/about-us/research-tax-credit-consulting/our-fees/
Choose your state
