Abstract: A turbine housing for an engine turbocharger includes a turbine outlet port fluidly coupled to an expansion mechanism, a waste port fluidly coupled to a collector, and a valve assembly rotatable between a first position blocking the turbine outlet port and a second position blocking the waste port. The valve assembly directs exhaust gas through the waste port in the first position and directs exhaust gas through the turbine outlet port in the second position. The valve assembly is in the first position during engine start-up to direct exhaust gas from the engine through the collector and into a catalyst. The valve assembly is in the second position a predetermined time following engine start-up to direct exhaust gas from the engine to the expansion mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for charging a multiple-cell battery pack provides a balanced charge to each cell in a series by providing a cell charge monitor/regulator for (1) monitoring the charge (potential, for example) of each cell and, when a state is attained, defining a maximum cell charge, and (2) shunting further charge current to a next cell in the series via a shunt resistor that bridges the cell, and thereby bypasses further charging thereof, while directing shunted charge current to one or more next cells in the series as needed. Each of the cells is thereby charged to its fullest potential while the overall charging procedure is not unduly lengthened. The battery pack can be implanted as part of a life-saving system.

Abstract: A precision cooling system directs the flow of coolant to optimize coolant flow around the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. This results in lower temperatures in the upper portion of the cylinders, more uniform temperatures throughout the engine, and a lower average temperature. The precision cooling system is integrated into the construction of the water jacket distributing coolant throughout the engine and particularly around the combustion cylinders.

Abstract: An air filter system includes a housing having, for example, a rear panel and a side panel, each having a top edge formed to interface to the hood of a vehicle so that the housing incorporates the vehicle hood to provide thermal isolation of intake air from engine compartment heat. The air filter system connects to a stock air intake tract through an air intake tube. The housing has a diagonal panel that the air intake tube is attached to and passes through. The diagonal panel is disposed at an angle that provides positioning of the air intake tube so that an effluent end of the air intake tube matches the stock location of the stock air intake tract. A washable, reusable air filter supported by the air intake tube filters the intake air and passes it through the air intake tube into the stock air intake tract.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering air includes a filter housing having an end plate and an annular aperture defining the size and shape of the end plate; and a filter element having a lip at an open end and a base at a closed end. The lip seals the filter element to the filter housing and to an unmodified, stock air intake of a vehicle. The filter media comprises pleated natural fiber fabric supported between two structural mesh layers. The base has a mounting post attached to the base that fits into a mounting hole in the end plate of the filter housing to hold the filter element in the housing. The base matches the size and shape of the end plate. The base and annular aperture are sized to optimize the filter media and pleat spacing for achieving a required airflow and maximal effective area for filtration.

Abstract: A precision cooling system directs the flow of coolant to optimize coolant flow around the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. This results in lower temperatures in the upper portion of the cylinders, more uniform temperatures throughout the engine, and a lower average temperature. The precision cooling system is integrated into the construction of the water jacket distributing coolant throughout the engine and particularly around the combustion cylinders.

Abstract: Low profile, bioabsorbable, bone anchor protective covers are disclosed for isolating bone anchors to reduce accidents with the sharp bone anchor tip and/or edges before it is inserted into a target site. Protective covers with antimicrobial material to reduce contamination of the target site by insertion of the bone anchor therethrough are also disclosed herein. The protective covers of the present invention are adapted to reduce accidents, for example, puncture of a doctor's glove, abrasion of the patient's tissue or insertion of the bone anchor tip into tissue other than the target tissue.