Abstract: An exhaust gas control system for controlling the flow of exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine to the turbine of a turbocharger can provide efficient engine operation over a full range of engine speeds and can be used to provide vehicle braking and reduced engine warm-up time. Such a system includes a combination valve upstream of a turbocharger turbine including diverter and restrictor sections, each section having a neutral position, the diverter and restrictor sections being independently operable from their neutral positions for concentrating the flow of exhaust gas to the turbine and for blocking the flow of exhaust gas to the turbine.

Abstract: In a unique turbocharger shaft bearing system, a thrust bearing is provided inboard of the compressor end shaft bearing. Removable parts of the turbocharger housing permit assembly of a first thrust bearing part with an outwardly extending flange forming at least one thrust bearing interface to be fastened to the rotating shaft for rotation therewith and a separate stationary thrust bearing part to be carried by the housing, providing thrust bearing interface for the thrust bearing interface of the rotating first thrust bearing part inboard of the compressor end of shaft bearing. The removable parts can include a separate supporting member for the compressor end shaft bearing. The remainder of the turbocharger housing supports the second shaft bearing adjacent its turbine end and, through the separate bearing supporting member, the first shaft bearing.

Abstract: Six sets of parallel-connected MOSFETs are gated to provide a 3-phase output. At least one of the MOSFETs in each of three sets of the six sets has a separately metallized current-sensing pad. The output from this pad represents the phase current. When phase current reaches a maximum permissible level, this signal controls the MOSFET gates to limit current.

Abstract: NOx emissions from gasoline engines are reduced by mixing water in the gasoline to reduce combustion temperatures. The water is dispersed in the gasoline as the gasoline is delivered to the cylinders. When the engine is not operating, the water separates from the gasoline and causes rusting. In accordance with this invention, the mixing of water into the gasoline is terminated before the engine is shut off so as to purge the system of the water/gasoline dispersion so that there no longer is water in the fuel supply system by the time the engine is stopped.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine cooling system incorporating a motor-assisted turbofan is disclosed. The turbine-driven fan is increased in rotational speed by energizing a motor attached to the turbine fan shaft from an outside power source to provide required cooling air flow. The cooling air system of the invention also includes a ducted fan for supplying cooling air for one or more heat exchangers, and is controlled via inputs from an engine speed sensor for providing a motor operating signal, a flow sensor downstream of the heat exchangers for providing a motor operating signal, and temperature sensors located throughout the cooling circuits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the time response of a turbo-compressor assisted internal combustion engine wherein the turbo-compressor is driven by an electric motor at a speed somewhat less than its full-load operating speed until such time as the turbo-compressor is driven at a higher speed by an exhaust gas turbine. The electric motor is provided to maintain the minimum rotational speed of the turbo-compressor when the engine load is low so that the turbo-compressor is ready for prompt response when driven by increasing exhaust gas as a result of additional load demand on the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A beverage container such as a can contains pressurized beverage together with a cartridge containing a refrigerant such as carbon dioxide. A cartridge holder holds the cartridge in place by engaging the inside of the can. A cartridge piercer is positioned between the cartridge and the can end. When the can is filled and the end installed, the pressurized beverage releases part of its gs which increases gas pressure within the can. The increasing gas pressure deflects the can ends which are resilient. The released beverage gas also arms and lengthens the cartridge piercer to engage substantially under the deflected can end. When the can pressure is released, the cartridge piercer pierces the cartridge to release the carbon dioxide therein to chill the beverage container and its contents.

Abstract: An exhaust gas-driven turbine drives a compressor to charge an internal combustion engine. An integral motor is positioned on the connecting shaft to add power to the turbocharging shaft, especially at low exhaust gas volume. Cooling for this motor includes circulation of engine oil therearound and may include insulation to limit heat inflow from the turbine and may include air flow through the motor to carry away heat inflow from the turbine.

Abstract: The motor-assisted variable geometry turbocharging system has a motor to add power to the turbocharging shaft, especially at low exhaust gas volume. Additionally, the turbocharger has control over compressor air inlet direction and/or control of exhaust gas to a two-volute expander. These are individually controlled directly or indirectly from an engine controller to enhance turbocharger performance. In a preferred embodiment, the motor is an electric motor, mounted directly on the turbocharger shaft intermediate the turbo expander and turbo compressor and within the main housing.

Abstract: A scooper for scooping ice cream and similar cold hardened material from a container including a scooping device with a handle which handle incorporates safety connected electrical device connected to and capable of activating heating elements buried within the scooper itself, and alternately a coating of teflon or the like on the scooping device, wherein the most preferred embodiment incorporates the heated, metallic, heated leading edge.