Abstract: This invention describes an engine valve control responsive to electrical signals from a controller to open and close a valve. Power to move the valve comes from a camshaft. A disabler spring is compressed by a cam lobe and held compressed by its solenoid while the valve is held from opening by its solenoid. When the valve solenoid releases the valve, a half oscillation between the disabler spring and valve spring opens the valve and the valve solenoid than holds it open. The disabler solenoid then releases the disabler spring. When the valve solenoid releases its spring, a half oscillation of the two springs closes the valve with a soft landing. The valve operation is very fast, independent of engine speed, and can be controlled over 630 crankshaft degrees. The camshaft may run at crankshaft speed with valve disablement during compression and expansion strokes for 4 stroke operation. 2 stroke operation may be used for compressor and air motor operation as a pneumatic hybrid engine.

Abstract: A method for improving efficiency and reducing emissions of an internal combustion engine. Variable displacement engine capabilities are achieved by disabling engine valves during load changes and constant load operations. Active cylinders may be operated at minimum BSFC by intermittently disabling other cylinders to provide the desired net torque. Disabling is begun by early closing of the intake valve to provide a vacuum at BDC which will result in no net gas flow across the piston rings, and minimum loss of compression energy in the disabled cylinder; this saving in engine friction losses is significant with multiple disablements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving efficiency and reducing emissions of a vehicle's multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. The engine runs at best BSFC by intermittently disabling cylinders for torque control. The engine runs as an air compressor for braking, and after braking, runs as an air motor driven by the stored compressed air. The air motor capability permits stopping all fuel flow when the accelerator is released at any engine speed. Variable engine valve control eliminates the conventional throttle and EGR valve, and is utilized for maximum thermodynamic efficiency during air operation. A camshaft retard is utilized to minimize the pressurized components and to prevent cooling the catalyst during air motor operation.

Abstract: A method for improving efficiency and reducing emissions of an internal combustion engine. Variable displacement engine capabilities are achieved by disabling engine valves during load changes and constant load operations. Active cylinders may be operated at minimum BSFC by intermittently disabling other cylinders to provide the desired net torque. Disabling is begun by early closing of the intake valve to provide a vacuum at BDC which will result in no net gas flow across the piston rings, and minimum loss of compression energy in the disabled cylinder; this saving in engine friction losses is significant with multiple disablements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving efficiency and reducing emissions of an internal combustion engine coupled to an inertial load. Means are provided for controlling the energy exchange between engine and load so that the maximum conversion efficiency is obtained for both directions of energy flow. Valve controls make the engine a variable displacement expander or compressor so that kinetic energy received from the load by the engine may be stored as compressed air and returned to the load by the engine. These controls eliminate all fuel consumption and emissions when power is not required by the load, and utilize the stored energy in powering the engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving efficiency and reducing emissions of an internal combustion engine coupled to an inertial load. An apparatus is provided for controlling the energy exchange between engine and load so that the maximum conversion efficiency is obtained for both directions of energy flow. Valve controls make the engine a variable displacement expander or compressor so that kinetic energy received from the load by the engine may be stored as compressed air and returned to the load by the engine. These controls eliminate all fuel consumption and emissions when power is not required by the load, and utilize the stored energy in conventional engine operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the fuel economy and reducing emissions of an internal combustion engine. A device is provided for controlling the energy conversion function of the engine by computer control of engine valves and distribution valves. This control provides for the normal engine operation by providing intake air and fuel and exhausting the products of combustion; it also provides for operating the engine as an air compressor and storing the compressed air in a reservoir; it also provides for operating the engine as an air motor utilizing the stored compressed air; it also provides a supercharged engine function by utilizing the stored compressed air.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system includes primary and auxiliary heating means for vaporizing a liquid fuel, vapor storage means, carburetor means including metering venturi means for mixing the vaporized liquid fuel with atmospheric air to provide a combustible air/fuel mixture and means for controlling the delivery of vaporized fuel to the carburetor means. The carburetor means may be connected to a conventional internal combustion engine intake manifold for eventual delivery of the combustible mixture to the combustion chambers of the engine. The vaporized liquid fuel delivery means of the system includes a variable orifice vapor delivery nozzle for modulating the vaporized fuel content of the air/fuel ratio of the combustion mixture.The auxiliary heating means are operative to provide an initial supply of vapor to a vapor reservoir upon start-up of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a combustion engine. Means are provided for controlling the energy conversion function of the engine. Adjustments of these control means are obtained by sensing at least one engine operating condition, developing an electrical signal indicative of such condition, and, with a digital computer, calculating repetitively values corresponding to settings of the means used to control the energy conversion function of the engine. The digital computer is programmed to calculate these values or settings arithmetically from an algebraic function or functions describing a desired relationship between settings of the energy conversion control means and the sensed condition.