Abstract: A tube clamp having first and second opposed jaws (1012, 1014) joined by a hinge (1016), the jaws (1012, 1014) movable between open and closed positions, the tube clamp adapted to attach to a flexible plastic tube (1024) so that the tube (1024) passes between the jaws (1012, 1014), whereby the flow of fluid through the tube (1024) is permitted when the jaws are open but is blocked when the jaws are brought together to the closed position to pinch closed the tube there-between, and locking means (1048, 1036, 1042) to effect substantially permanent and irreversible locking of the jaws (1012, 1014) in the closed position.

Abstract: A Huber needle assembly (10) has a base (12) with hinged guide members (20) about a needle aperture (28). A needle assembly (14) has a Huber needle (40) mounted between two hinged wings (54). The guide members (20 ) are movable between a parallel arrangement in which the needle may move vertically between the guide members (20) and a horizontal arrangement in which the needle (40) is locked in the in use position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for boosting the pressure of the air charge to an internal combustion engine, which has an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and a turbocharger. The EGR system is arranged to recirculate exhaust gas from an engine exhaust outlet passage to the engine air inlet passage. An exhaust gas bypass passage is arranged to divert exhaust gas that would otherwise reach the turbocharger's impeller. The engine has a single, unitary control valve with a valve inlet arranged to receive exhaust gas from the engine exhaust outlet passage, and three valve outlets. A first of the valve outlets provides exhaust gas to the EGR system for recirculation to the engine air inlet passage, a second of the valve outlets provides exhaust gas to the exhaust gas bypass passage and a third of the outlets provides exhaust gas to the impeller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for cooling intake air prior to entry into a combustion chamber of a boosted internal combustion engine. The invention provides an air intake system comprising a cooler disposed in an intake passage downstream of a charger; a bypass passage for communication between a portion of said intake passage located upstream of said cooler and a portion of said intake passage located downstream of said cooler so as to allow a flow of air discharged from the charger to bypass the cooler; a bypass control valve disposed in said bypass passage to open and close the bypass passage and a flow restriction disposed in the bypass passage limiting the flow in the event that the bypass control valve remains in an open position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for boosting the pressure of the air charge to an internal combustion engine, which has an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and a turbocharger. The EGR system is arranged to recirculate exhaust gas from an engine exhaust outlet passage to the engine air inlet passage. An exhaust gas bypass passage arranged to divert exhaust gas that would otherwise reach the turbocharger's impeller. The engine has a single, unitary control valve with a valve inlet arranged to receive exhaust gas from the engine exhaust outlet passage, and three valve outlets. A first of said valve outlets provides exhaust gas to the EGR system for recirculation to the engine air inlet passage, a second of said valve outlets provides exhaust gas to the exhaust gas bypass passage and a third of said outlets provides exhaust gas to the impeller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for cooling intake air prior to entry into a combustion chamber of a boosted internal combustion engine. The invention provides an air intake system comprising a cooler disposed in an intake passage downstream of a charger; a bypass passage for communication between a portion of said intake passage located upstream of said cooler and a portion of said intake passage located downstream of said cooler so as to allow a flow of air discharged from the charger to bypass the cooler; a bypass control valve disposed in said bypass passage to open and close the bypass passage and a flow restriction disposed in the bypass passage limiting the flow in the event that the bypass control valve remains in an open position.

Abstract: An engine thermal management system and method for a vehicle engine that allows for reduced coolant flow and energy consumption by the system, while avoiding excessive critical metal temperatures in the engine. The engine includes a coolant inlet in a head and a coolant outlet in a block. A variable speed pump pushes the coolant into the head inlet. A multi-port valve receives the coolant exiting the engine block and selectively routes it to various system components. The speed of the pump and the valve are electronically controlled by a control module, based upon various engine and vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of cooling an internal combustion engine, to an internal combustion engine assembly. The invention provides an internal combustion engine which has a primary and a secondary flow of coolant together with a method of cooling such and engine. The secondary flow of coolant is injected into the primary flow of coolant in dependence upon a variable provided by a sensor, which provides an indication of the temperature of the engine body in the region where the secondary flow of coolant mixes with the primary flow of coolant.

Abstract: An engine thermal management system and method for a vehicle engine that allows for reduced coolant flow and energy consumption by the system, while avoiding excessive critical metal temperatures in the engine. The engine includes a coolant inlet in a head and a coolant outlet in a block. A variable speed pump pushes the coolant into the head inlet. A multi-port valve receives the coolant exiting the engine block and selectively routes it to various system components. The speed of the pump and the valve are electronically controlled by a control module, based upon various engine and vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of cooling an internal combustion engine, to an internal combustion engine assembly. The invention provides an internal combustion engine which has a primary and a secondary flow of coolant together with a method of cooling such and engine. The secondary flow of coolant is injected into the primary flow of coolant in dependence upon a variable provided by a sensor, which provides an indication of the temperature of the engine body in the region where the secondary flow of coolant mixes with the primary flow of coolant.