Abstract: A novel flow control valve for metering a fluid flow between a pressure chamber and a discharge space, and a fuel metering device utilizing this flow control valve are disclosed. The flow control valve is a tapered toroid, rotating about a fixed axis. A seal means, fixedly mounted to the valve, fluidically isolates the pressure chamber from the discharge space when the valve is in its closed position. The fuel metering device utilizes said tapered toroidal flow control valve to deliver a precisely metered amount of a preferably gaseous fuel to an internal combustion engine. The fuel metering device comprises a rotary actuator capable to move the toroidal valve about a fixed fulcrum. Means, including springs, are provided to close the valve when the rotary actuator is de-energized. The device further comprises a rotary position sensor, which, in co-operation with said rotary actuator enable accurate angular positioning of the valve.

Abstract: An electronic ignition timing control system including a mechanism for retarding the ignition timing for all or a predetermined subset of the cylinders in a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine during cold starts. Spark timing is reduced for a balanced subset of the cylinders for a short time after the engine is started in order to transfer additional heat to the exhaust system to more quickly raise the temperature of the catalyst and thereby reduce undesired emissions.

Abstract: An integrated hydraulic system for an automotive vehicle includes a hydraulic pump (16) coupled with and driven by an internal combustion engine (12) and internal and external hydraulic circuits for operating hydraulically powered engine accessories and hydraulically powered chassis components. An electronic controller (18)) sensing a variety of operating parameters controls the output of the hydraulic pump (16) so as to assure that adequate hydraulic fluid is provided to the various components and accessories.

Abstract: An integrated hydraulic system for controlling an engine valve control system wherein each of the reciprocating intake and/or exhaust valves is hydraulically controlled and selectively connected to a source of high pressure fluid and a source of low pressure fluid, and a hydraulically assisted turbocharger selectively connected to a high pressure source of fluid by a solenoid valve, with the turbocharger including a nozzle jet and an impulse type turbine.