Abstract: For charging the salt space of a latent heat storage means the salt is heated to a charging temperature. The temperature is so near the maximum temperature occurring during production and during operation of the heat storage means that any temperature difference present between the charging temperature and the maximum temperature will at the most only cause a negligible expansion in volume and consequent stressing of the wall of the salt space.

Abstract: A vehicle heating system supplied with coolant from the engine and in the case of which there is a bypass connecting limbs of the heating circuit extending downstream from the engine and, respectively, upstream therefrom, is provided in the heating circuit with a heat storage means, which is arranged on the heating side separately from the bypass and preferably in series with the vehicle heating system.

Abstract: In the case of a heat storage means, more especially a latent heat storage means (10) for motor vehicle heating systems run on waste engine heat there is a load bearing insulation (26 28) between an inner housing (14) enclosing a storage core (16) and an outer housing (12) surrounding the inner housing with a clearance, such insulation being divided up into separate support members, which are preferably divided in support zones separated by intermediate spaces from each other.

Abstract: More particularly for the catalytic treatment of the exhaust gas of an IC engine, such as the IC engine of a motor vehicle, in the case of which the gases of combustion flow through a converter, the latter is provided with an emission buffer designed for the cold start state. It is capable of storing noxious emissions, more particularly those produced during a cold start, such as unburned hydrocarbons and to release them into the exhaust gas again.

Abstract: A heat storage means with an inner container, an outer container surrounding the inner container with clearance and with the formation of a preferably evacuated insulating space has two ducts leading through the insulating space into the inner container, one of such ducts serving as a supply duct and the other serving as a return duct for a heat transport vehicle fluid. The duct sections passing through the insulating space pass from the lower side of the outer container through the insulating space as far as the upper part of the insulating space and then via a bend into the upper part of the inner container and the part, adjacent to the outer container and the bend of the duct sections are deformable and are preferably like bellows.

Abstract: In order to monitor a sealed or sealable space filled more particularly with a liquid for corrosion, more particularly in a heating and cooling circuit comprising a heat storage device in a motor vehicle the pressure in the sealed space is measured and a pressure dependent indication, more particularly in the form of an alarm signal, is produced when a threshold value is exceeded.

Abstract: For the treatment of exhaust gases, more particularly the catalytic treatment of exhaust gases from IC engines, and more especially the exhaust gases of an automobile, the exhaust gases are passed through a preconverter associated with a main converter and designed for cold start conditions, as long as the engine is in a first operating condition thereof, in which the exhaust gas temperature is not sufficient to activate the main converter. As soon as a second operating state is attained, in which the exhaust gas temperature activates the main converter, the exhaust gases are passed in parallel via the preconverter and the main converter.

Abstract: In an IC engine of the piston type comprising at least one engine inlet valve placed between an inlet duct and each combustion chamber and a swing type check valve, which is arranged in the inlet duct upstream from the inlet valve, is adapted to shut against the direction of inlet flow and in the shut position engages an electromagnet, said check valve having an opening threshold able to be adjusted with respect to its time lag in relation to the start of inlet by the engine inlet valve, the power supply circuit of the electromagnet includes an interrupter actuated in accordance with the operating parameters of the engine.

Abstract: For the catalytic treatment of exhaust gases continuously flowing through a catalytic converter (14) from an IC engine, more particularly the IC engine of a vehicle, during operation at moderate temperatures the exhaust gases are heated by a heat storage means prior to their entry into the catalytic converter in a heating zone.

Abstract: In the context of a latent heat storage means for vehicle heating systems run on waste engine heat, comprising an inner container accommodating a storage core, an outer containing surrounding the inner one with a clearance to constitute a preferably evacuated insulating space, two ducts running from the outside through the insulating space to the inner container, of which one functions as a supply duct for a heat vehicle fluid and the other functions as a return duct therefor, and the inner container is suspended at two end walls, via a respective group of ribs with a low thermal conductivity, on the outer container, between a first end wall of the inner container and the outer container at least one spring is so arranged that it tends to change the distance apart of the opposite end walls of the inner container and of the outer container and between the container wall connecting the two end walls of the inner container and the adjacent container wall of the outer container the insulating space has its minimu

Abstract: A method of heating an internal combustion engine during cold start-up and also for maintaining an optimum development of the temperature of the combustion gas during other operational conditions is disclosed. Heat stored in a heat storage means is released to the combustion air prior to the entry of same into the combustion chamber of the engine.

Abstract: A heat storage means, and more particularly to a latent heat storage means for motor vehicle heating systems supplied by engine waste heat, comprises an inner container (10) with a storage core within it, an outer container (12) surrounding the inner container with a clearance with the formation of a preferably evacuated insulating space (14) and two ducts (16 and 18) extending through the insulating space (14), of which one duct serves as a supply duct and of which the other serves as a return duct for a heat vehicle fluid and both are arranged adjacent to the insulating space (14) in such a manner that they have a straight section (16b and 18b) which is as long as possible. The cross section of such duct sections has such a dense arrangement of permanently fitted elements running in the direction of flow that the periphery contacted by the fluid is, in comparison with the flow cross section, so large that convection is substantially prevented.

Abstract: The compression ratio of an IC engine is reduced to the lowest value desired in the warmed-up operating state. Taking into account a given optimum combustion gas temperature function the combustion air is acted upon prior to its entry into the combustion chamber of the engine in accordance with the respective operations situation as regards temperature and/or quantity flow.

Abstract: In the context of an IC engine of the piston type comprising an inlet duct leading to at least one combustion chamber of the engine, at least one inlet valve which is placed between the inlet duct and each combustion chamber and determines the end of inlet of the combustion chamber, and an additional valve placed upstream from the inlet valve, the additional valve is open on opening of the inlet valve, closes shortly thereafter and opens again before the inlet valve closes.

Abstract: For the disconnection of a heat transfer circuit placed in the exhaust gas flow path of an IC engine and containing a flowable heat vehicle liquid connecting with a heat absorbing means, the said vehicle fluid is withdrawn from the heat exchanger and transferred to a storage means, whence it may be transferred back to the heat exchanger when same is to be reconnected.

Abstract: In an IC engine of the piston type a control valve (22) is arranged upstream from the engine inlet valve (16) in the inlet duct (14). This control valve is in the form of a directional valve with an adjustable opening threshold and preferably in the form of a check flap (26) closing in a direction opposite to the flow direction, whose release force may be adjusted and which is opened in accordance with the selected operational parameters of the IC engine and with a freely set retardation in relation to the engine inlet valve (16).

Abstract: In the case of an IC engine of the piston type a further valve (22) is placed upstream from the engine inlet valve (16) in the inlet duct (14) and such valve is designed as a directional valve with an adjustable opening threshold, preferably a check flap (26) closing against the direction in inward flow and having an adjustable unsticking force.

Abstract: In the case of a heat storage means, more especially a latent heat storage means (10) for motor vehicle heating systems run on waste engine heat there is a load bearing insulation (26 28) between an inner housing (14) enclosing a storage core (16) and an outer housing (12) surrounding the inner housing with a clearance, such insulation being divided up into separate support members, which are preferably divided in support zones separated by intermediate spaces from each other.

Abstract: In order to postcharge an IC engine of the piston type during the piston motion in the vicinity of the lower dead center position in addition to the charge drawn in from an individual duct (17) via an induction valve (42) charge compressed by a charger is introduced from a pressure duct (19) via a pressure valve (28) from a charger into an inlet duct (21) leading to the inlet valve (11) of the combustion chamber, the opening phase of the pressure valve (28) and the closing phase of the induction valve (42) overlap and then a pulse exchange takes place towards the combustion chamber between the induction and pressure flows. For this purpose the connection between the induction and the pressure ducts is preferably designed in the manner of a suction jet pump pumping into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A heat storage means, mor especially a latent heat storage means for motor vehicle heating systems running on engine waste heat comprises an inner housing (10) enclosing a storage core, and an outer housing (12), between which housings there is thermal insulation (14), which has a supply duct (16) leading to the inner housing (10) and a drain duct (16) extending from the inner housing, running through it. The inner housing (10) is suspended at two remote end sides (20 and 50) by means of a respective group of ribs with a small cross section on the outer housing (12), and between one end wall (20) of the inner housing (10) and the outer housing (12) there is at least one spring (36) so placed that it tends to change the distance between oppositely placed end walls (20, 26; 50 and 28) of the inner and of the outer housings.