Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which intake and exhaust valve timing is varied to improve cold-start performance and emissions and to increase cylinder-out temperatures under certain operating conditions. Valve timing is controlled to modify in-cylinder conditions to enhance certain physical and chemical processes. Valve timing is preferably determined based on measurement and calculation of engine operating parameters.

Abstract: A third light is added above the lower two rear turn signal lights of an automotive vehicle Detection hardware is included which senses when both lower lights begin flashing simultaneously due to activation of the vehicle's 4-way hazard warning system. Such detection also introduces current pulses to the third light which flashes simultaneously with the lower two lights to generate a triangular configuration of the three flashing lights. Retrofit circuitry is described to enable installing the modified triangular signal into existing vehicles.

Abstract: Vehicle 4-way emergency flasher circuits are modified by circuit branches which enable flashing selected pairs of emergency lamps at a higher frequency or in other discernible different ways. These selected lamps become visible and recognizable as right or left turn signals while the 4-way flasher circuit is operating.

Abstract: Potential disadvantages of the enhanced emergency hazard warning lights set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7,352,278 are overcome by adding a lamp that beams its light rearward toward approaching traffic, is located approximately midway between and above the horizontal alignment of the rear turn signal lamps, thereby forming a triangular flashing emergency hazard warning signal that cannot be discontinued or otherwise disturbed when the vehicle's brakes and brake lights are simultaneously operated.

Abstract: A vehicle hazard warning system and method are provided wherein a center high mounted rear stop light (“CHMSL”) is connected to the vehicle's 4-way emergency flasher circuit so that it flashes simultaneously with at least the vehicle's rear turn signal lights, and preferably with the front turn signal lights as well. This creates a more effective warning signal that the vehicle is a potential hazard to other vehicles approaching from the rear. The CHMSL can also be connected to automatically commence such flashing simultaneously with activated steady back up lights of the vehicle, whenever the vehicle is moving rearward.