Abstract: An apparatus and method for alerting a driver that the keys have been left inside the vehicle with the doors locked uses a smart key. The smart key (10) has a built-in transmitter and receiver (12), a battery (11) and a mechanical switch (14) for deactivating the transmitter/receiver to conserve key battery power. The apparatus and method cover the four different situations that can exist after the vehicle doors are closed and locked. First the driver is inside the vehicle. Second, the driver is outside the vehicle and has the key. Third, the driver has left the key behind in the ignition (16). Fourth, the driver has left the key behind somewhere in the vehicle other than the ignition. Situations three and four merit alerting the driver, and the system activates an alarm (24) to notify the driver and temporarily unlock the doors.

Abstract: An electric propulsion system for a vehicle having an electric drive motor. A generator supplies electric current to the motor. A dual shaft turbine engine having a compressor and a gasifier coupled with a first shaft and a power turbine, flywheel and generator coupled to a second shaft provide electric current to the electric drive motor. The first and second drive shafts are uncoupled and are allowed to spin independently of one another. Exhaust gases from the gasifier turn the power turbine, thus the turning power turbine turns the generator and flywheel as a unit.

Abstract: An electric propulsion system for a vehicle having an electric drive motor. A generator supplies electric current to the motor. A dual shaft turbine engine having a compressor and a gasifier coupled with a first shaft and a power turbine, flywheel and generator coupled to a second shaft provide electric current to the electric drive motor. The first and second drive shafts are uncoupled and are allowed to spin independently of one another. Exhaust gases from the gasifier turn the power turbine, thus the turning power turbine turns the generator and flywheel as a unit.

Abstract: An electromechanically actuated valve (12) for use as an intake or exhaust valve in an internal combustion engine. The valve (12) is actuated by a electromechanical actuator assembly (18) which includes a first electromagnet (22), second electromagnet (30) and third electromagnet (32). A first disk (38) is slidably mounted to the valve (12) in a gap between the first and second electromagnets with first and second stop members (39, 41) limiting its travel along the valve stem (15). A third spring (52) biases the first disk (38) toward the first stop (39). The gap between the first and second stops (39, 41) is large enough to allow for manufacturing tolerances and temperature changes, with a third spring (52) acting to create soft landings. A second disk (44) is slidably mounted to the valve (12) above the third electromagnet (32) with a third stop member (40) limiting its travel toward the first disk (38).

Abstract: An electromechanically actuated valve (12) for use as an intake or exhaust valve in an internal combustion engine. The valve (12) is actuated by a electromechanical actuator assembly (18) which includes a first electromagnet (22), second electromagnet (30) and third electromagnet (32). A disk (38) is fixedly mounted to the valve (12) in a gap between the second and third electromagnets. The second electromagnet (30) is slidable between the first electromagnet (22) and a stop (42), allowing the gap between the second electromagnet (30) and the third electromagnet (32) to vary. This allows for multiple valve lifts. A second spring (50), mounted between the second electromagnet (30) and disk (38), and a third spring (32), mounted between the disk (44) and an actuator housing (20), create a balanced oscillatory system which drives most of the valve movement during engine operation, thus reducing power requirements to actuate the valves while increasing the responsiveness of the valves.

Abstract: An electromechanically actuated valve (12) for use as an intake or exhaust valve in an internal combustion engine. The valve (12) is actuated by a electromechanical actuator assembly (18) which includes a first electromagnet (22), second electromagnet (30) and third electromagnet (32). A first disk (38) is mounted to the valve (12) in a gap between the second and third electromagnets, and a second disk (44) is slidably mounted to the valve (12) between an insert (17) and the first electromagnet (22). An extension (42) on the second electromagnet (30) extends to the second disk (44), allowing the second disk (44) to move the second electromagnet (30) relative to the third electromagnet (32), thereby changing the gap and thus the valve lift.

Abstract: An electromechanically actuated valve (12) for use as an intake or exhaust valve in an internal combustion engine. The valve (12) is actuated by a electromechanical actuator assembly (18) which includes a first electromagnet (22) and a second electromagnet (30). A disk (38) is slidably mounted to the valve (12) in a gap between the first and second electromagnets, with a pair of stops (36, 40) limiting its travel along the valve stem (15). The gap between the stops (36, 40) is large enough to allow for manufacturing tolerances and temperature changes in the assembly, with a secondary spring (56) and spring stop (54) acting to create soft landings, reducing noise and wear concerns.