Abstract: An apparatus is provided, comprising a plurality of memory devices and a buffering device that permits memory devices with a variety of physical dimensions and memory formats to be used in an industry-standard memory module format. The buffering device includes memory interface circuitry and at least one first-in first-out (FIFO) or multiplexer circuit. The apparatus further comprises a parallel bus connecting the buffering device to the plurality of memory devices. The parallel bus includes a plurality of independent control lines, each coupling the memory interface circuitry to a corresponding subset of a plurality of first subsets of the plurality of memory devices. The parallel bus further includes a plurality of independent data channels, each coupling the at least one FIFO circuit or multiplexer circuit to a corresponding subset of a plurality of second subsets of the plurality of memory devices.

Abstract: A valve includes a body having an interior and defining at least one inlet passageway and discharge passageway. The valve also includes a flow diverter disposed within the body between the inlet and discharge passageways to receive a fluid from the inlet passageway in an inlet direction. The diverter is adapted to discharge the fluid to at least one discharge passageway in a direction that differs from the inlet direction. The diverter is rotatable to vary the discharge direction. According to one embodiment, the discharge direction is substantially perpendicular to the inlet direction. In another embodiment, a series of fluid passages are formed between the diverter and the interior of the valve body to permit a small firm or thickness of fluid to extend between portions of the diverter and the valve body, thereby forming a fluid bearing.

Abstract: A valve includes a body having an interior and defining at least one inlet passageway and discharge passageway. The valve also includes a flow diverter disposed within the body between the inlet and discharge passageways to receive a fluid from the inlet passageway in an inlet direction. The diverter is adapted to discharge the fluid to at least one discharge passageway in a direction that differs from the inlet direction. The diverter is rotatable to vary the discharge direction. According to one embodiment, the discharge direction is substantially perpendicular to the inlet direction.

Abstract: A valve includes a body having an interior and defining at least one inlet passageway and discharge passageway. The valve also includes a flow diverter disposed within the body between the inlet and discharge passageways to receive a fluid from the inlet passageway in an inlet direction. The diverter is adapted to discharge the fluid to at least one discharge passageway in a direction that differs from the inlet direction. The diverter is rotatable to vary the discharge direction. According to one embodiment, the discharge direction is substantially perpendicular to the inlet direction. In another embodiment, a series of fluid passages are formed between the diverter and the interior of the valve body to permit a small firm or thickness of fluid to extend between portions of the diverter and the valve body, thereby forming a fluid bearing.

Abstract: A vehicle thermal management system includes an exhaust gas cooler configured to receive exhaust gas from the engine and to cool the exhaust gas before it is recirculated back into the engine. A valve is located downstream from the exhaust gas cooler, and is operable to control the amount of exhaust gas passing through the exhaust gas cooler. Intake air mixes with the exhaust gas downstream from the first valve. The mixed gas is then cooled by a mixed gas cooler before it enters the engine intake manifold. A coolant is circulated through the mixed gas cooler and a heat exchanger. The mixed gas rejects heat to the coolant via the mixed gas cooler, and the coolant rejects heat to the ambient air via the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A vehicle thermal management system includes a temperature control fluid for controlling the temperature of at least a portion of a vehicle system. A pump is configured to pump the temperature control fluid through a heat exchanger to facilitate the transfer of heat between the temperature control fluid and ambient air. A fan is operable to move the ambient air across the heat exchanger to facilitate increased heat transfer. A control system is used to control operation of the pump and the fan. The control system is provided with operation data that includes optimized operating speeds for the pump and the fan to minimize power consumption, while maximizing heat transfer.

Abstract: A water pump assembly for controlling the flow of temperature control fluid in an internal combustion engine. The water pump assembly includes a housing with an inlet, an outlet and an electric motor assembly for causing fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet. A housing includes a mounting flange for mounting the water pump to an engine. The mounting of the water pump permitting direct flow into or out of the engine from the water pump.

Abstract: A water pump assembly for controlling the flow of temperature control fluid in an internal combustion engine. The water pump assembly includes a housing with an inlet, an outlet and an electric motor assembly for causing fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet. A housing is mounted to the inlet of the water pump and an outlet of a radiator. A valve member is located within the housing and reciprocatable between a first and second position. The valve member permits fluid flow from the radiator to the inlet in the first position and inhibits fluid flow in the second position. The valve member is positioned within the inlet of the water pump. A bypass inlet is formed in the inlet and channels a flow of fluid into the inlet. An electronic control system controls the actuation of the valve between the first and second position.

Abstract: A pressurization system for controlling actuation of flow control valves in a temperature control system is disclosed. The pressurization system includes a housing mounted to an internal combustion engine. A three-way solenoid valve is mounted to the housing and is adapted to control flow of pressurized fluid into and out of an electronic engine temperature control valve for controlling flow of temperature control fluid. The fluid flow out of the solenoid valve is channeled either along an external line to the electronic engine temperature valve or through internal channels in the engine to an oil reservoir.

Abstract: A water pump assembly for controlling the flow of temperature control fluid in an internal combustion engine. The water pump assembly includes a housing with an inlet, an outlet and an electric motor assembly for causing fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet. A housing is mounted to the inlet of the water pump and an outlet of a radiator. A valve member is located within the housing and reciprocatable between a first and second position. The valve member permits fluid flow from the radiator to the inlet in the first position and inhibits fluid flow in the second position. The valve member is positioned within the inlet of the water pump. A bypass inlet is formed in the inlet and channels a flow of fluid into the inlet. An electronic control system controls the actuation of the valve between the first and second position.

Abstract: A pressurization system for controlling actuation of flow control valves in a temperature control system is disclosed. The pressurization system includes a housing mounted to an internal combustion engine. A three-way solenoid valve is mounted to the housing and is adapted to control flow of pressurized fluid into and out of an electronic engine temperature control valve for controlling flow of temperature control fluid. The fluid flow out of the solenoid valve is channeled either along an external line to the electronic engine temperature valve or through internal channels in the engine to an oil reservoir.

Abstract: A radiator pressure relief valve is disclosed for transferring fluid from a radiator to an overflow bottle to relieve pressure in the radiator. The valve includes a housing with an internal chamber and an inlet and outlet communicating with the chamber. A valve member is located within the housing adjacent to the inlet. The valve member is movable with respect to the inlet and adapted to prevent fluid flow from the inlet into the chamber when the valve member is positioned against the inlet. A support pin is located within the housing and movable with respect to the valve member. The support pin has a first position where the support pin is in contact with the valve member and inhibits movement of the valve member and a second position where the support pin is spaced apart from the valve member. A spring is mounted within the housing and biases the valve member away from the support pin.

Abstract: A temperature control system in a liquid cooled internal combustion engine including an electronically assisted thermostat for controlling flow of a temperature control fluid through the engine. The electronically assisted thermostat has a first state for inhibiting said flow and a second state for allowing said flow. The thermostat includes a housing with a valve member that reciprocates within the housing between the first state and the second state. A return spring biases the valve member into the second state. A wax pellet is attached to the valve member and has a solid state and a liquid state. The wax pellet maintains the valve member in its first state when the wax pellet is in its solid state, and allows the return spring to bias the valve member into its second state when the wax pellet is in its liquid state. A heating element is mounted within the housing and adapted to transfer heat to wax pellet.

Abstract: A system for displaying engine temperature information for a temperature control system in an internal combustion engine. A first temperature sensor senses the temperature of ambient air. A second temperature sensor senses the temperature of an engine oil. A third temperature sensor senses the temperature of a temperature control fluid. The sensors provide signals indicative of the sensed temperatures to an engine computer. The engine computer compares the sensed ambient air temperature to a first set of predetermined values to determine a desired engine oil temperature. The engine computer also compares the sensed ambient air temperature to a second set of predetermined values to determine a desired temperature control fluid temperature. A signal indicative of the desired engine oil temperature and/or the desired temperature control fluid temperature is output from the engine computer to a display system. The display system displays the desired and the sensed temperature signals.

Abstract: A temperature control system is provided for an internal combustion engine having an engine block, a water pump, and an exhaust manifold and a radiator. The system includes a first sensor for sensing an engine operation parameter indicative of engine oil temperature and provides an engine operation parameter signal indicative thereof. A second sensor senses an ambient condition and provides an ambient condition signal indicative of the ambient condition. An exhaust heat assembly is positioned adjacent to the exhaust manifold and is adapted for receiving a flow of temperature control fluid. The exhaust heat assembly permits heat conduction from the exhaust manifold to the temperature control fluid. A first control valve controls flow of temperature control fluid between the engine and radiator. A second control valve controls flow of temperature control fluid between the engine and the exhaust heat assembly.

Abstract: A valve for controlling flow of temperature control fluid between a radiator fluid overflow container and a water pump. The valve includes a housing which is in communication with the fluid overflow container and adapted to receive a flow of temperature control fluid therefrom. The housing has a chamber formed in it for channeling a flow of temperature control fluid. The housing is also in communication with the water pump and adapted to channel a flow of temperature control fluid between the chamber and the water pump. In one embodiment, the valve includes a cap attached to the housing and having a channel formed in it which conducts fluid between the fluid overflow container and the valve chamber. A ball is slidably disposed within the valve chamber and is adapted to seal the channel in the cap to prevent fluid flow when the valve housing receives a flow of pressurized fluid from the water pump.

Abstract: A temperature control system, in a liquid cooled internal combustion engine equipped with a radiator, controls the state of a flow control valve for controlling flow of a temperature control fluid through a passageway leading to the radiator. Sensors detect the engine operation temperature, the temperature of the temperature control fluid, t1, and the ambient air temperature, t2. An engine computer receives signals from the sensors, produces control signals based on both of the sensor signals, and sends the control signals to the flow control valve to control the state of the valve. The values t1 and t2 define a plurality of mathematical functions of t1=f(t2) which form a plurality of two-dimensional curves on an orthogonal coordinate system having axes t1 and t2. Each of the curves divide the coordinate system into two regions, one on either side of the curve.

Abstract: A temperature control system, in a liquid cooled internal combustion engine equipped with a radiator, controls the state of a flow control valve for controlling flow of a temperature control fluid through a passageway in the engine. Sensors detect the engine oil temperature and the temperature of the temperature control fluid. An engine computer receives signals from the sensors and compares the signals to one or more predetermined values. In one embodiment, the engine computer compares the engine oil temperature signal to a predetermined value to control actuation of the valve. In another embodiment, the engine computer compares the engine oil temperature signal to a predetermined engine oil temperature value. The engine computer adjusts a predetermined temperature control fluid temperature value based on the comparison of the engine oil temperature signal to the predetermined engine oil temperature value.

Abstract: A temperature control system in an internal combustion engine includes a heating arrangement which channels a flow of temperature control fluid from an engine to and from a heat exchanger used to preheat intake air flowing to an engine intake manifold when the ambient air temperature is relatively cold (e.g., below 20.degree. F.). In one embodiment, the heat exchanger is mounted upstream from a throttle body. The heat exchanger consists of a panel of high capacity heat transferring fins, which are heated by heat conductive tubes wrapped around the periphery of the panel. Flow of temperature control fluid to and from the heat exchanger is regulated by a control valve which is controlled by an engine computer unit in accordance with a set of predetermined values which define a curve that is a function of engine oil temperature and ambient air temperature.

Abstract: A pressurization system for controlling actuation of flow control valves in a temperature control system is disclosed. The pressurization system includes a housing which has a chamber formed in it. An input injector is in communication with the housing and is adapted to channel a flow of pressurized fluid into the chamber. An output injector is also in communication with the housing and is adapted to channel a flow of pressurized fluid out of the chamber. Fluid flow control means is connected to the housing and has at least one fluid outlet. The fluid outlet is adapted to direct a flow of pressurized fluid to a flow control valve to control actuation of the valve. The fluid flow control means has an open position for allowing a flow of pressurized fluid out of the fluid outlet and a closed position for preventing fluid flow out of the fluid outlet.