Abstract: In the field of cooling of internal combustion engines a known characteristic of thermostatic flow control valves is their lagging control response to variable rates of internal heat generation in the engine. Further, there is a thermal inertia effect due to engine mass and internal fluids masses which masks imbalances between instantaneous internal heating and cooling rates, in many cases allowing internal temperatures to rise excessively and pre-ignition damage or other heat-related component damage to occur to the engine system. The invention seeks to overcome these known characteristics using simple apparatus with a method to effect improved operation of the cooling system.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving the operation of a water-cooled internal combustion engine system which may include at least an internal combustion water-cooled engine, a radiator with interconnecting supply and return passageways, a water circulating pump means and means to regulate the temperature of the water; said apparatus enabling selectably controlling the cooling water temperature regulation, said improved operation including at least improved fuel economy, increased power output and/or increased heat output of a vehicle's interior heater.

Abstract: A simple bypass valve device for carrying a winter thermostat in an automotive cooling system obviates the need for seasonal thermostat changes. The valve device includes a casing defined by identical end portions and a ring rotatably mounted between the end portions for carrying the winter thermostat. The end portions and ring contain passages which can be placed in fluid communication in spring or summer by rotating the ring so that the winter thermostat is bypassed, and, in autumn or winter, removed from fluid communication by reverse rotation of the ring so that the winter thermostat is in the flow path of the coolant, which cannot flow therearound.