Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders, comprising a movably mounted distribution element, wherein the distribution element in a first configuration fluidly couples an intake portion of a first cylinder of the plurality of cylinders with a combustion chamber of the first cylinder, and wherein the distribution element in a second configuration fluidly couples the combustion chamber of the first cylinder with an exhaust portion of the first cylinder.

Abstract: A heat converter engine comprising a crank shaft, an actuator assembly coupled to the crank shaft, and a heating means. The actuator assembly includes a plurality of shape memory elements that are malleable when below a critical temperature and return to their original shape when above the critical temperature. The heating means raises the temperature of a first portion of the shape memory elements above the critical temperature and a cooling means lowers the temperature of a second portion of the shape memory elements below the critical temperature. This action of heating and cooling the shape memory elements causes rotation of the crank shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method warn drivers of a hazardous condition experienced by another driver. The apparatus generally includes a warning indicator, such as for example a strobe light, coupled to a vehicle warning controller. The vehicle warning controller is connected between a power source and a plurality of vehicle detecting circuits which detect the activation of a safety device. Vehicle detecting circuits can include an antilock braking system (ABS) detecting circuit, an airbag deployment detecting circuit, a rollover protection detecting circuit and an obstacle detector detecting circuit. When at least one of the vehicle's detecting circuits detects the activation of a safety device due to a hazardous condition, a signal is sent to the vehicle warning controller. The warning indicator is activated in response to a signal from the vehicle's warning controller. Therefore, driver intervention is alleviated in warning other motorists of potential danger.

Abstract: An apparatus and method warn drivers of a hazardous condition experienced by another driver. The apparatus generally includes a warning indicator, such as for example a strobe light, coupled to a vehicle warning controller. The vehicle warning controller is connected between a power source and a plurality of vehicle detecting circuits which detect the activation of a safety device. Vehicle detecting circuits can include an antilock braking system (ABS) detecting circuit, an airbag deployment detecting circuit, a rollover protection detecting circuit and an obstacle detector detecting circuit. When at least one of the vehicle's detecting circuits detects the activation of a safety device due to a hazardous condition, a signal is sent to the vehicle warning controller. The warning indicator is activated in response to a signal from the vehicle's warning controller. Therefore, driver intervention is alleviated in warning other motorists of potential danger.