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 an exhaust heating assembly which is located adjacent to an exhaust manifold in the engine. The exhaust heat assembly permits the transfer of heat from the exhaust gases flowing in the exhaust manifold to the temperature control fluid. The heated temperature control fluid is then directed back to the engine for efficient heating. In one embodiment, the temperature control fluid is directed through a heat exchanger in the engine oil pan so as to maintain the temperature of the engine lubricating oil at or near its optimum operating temperature. In a second embodiment, the temperature control fluid is directed from the exhaust heat assembly to the intake manifold so as to increase the temperature of the intake air prior to combustion.

Abstract: A system for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid in lines leading to and from a solenoid injector which actuates a temperature control valve. The solenoid injector controls the actuation a temperature control valve between a first state for inhibiting flow of temperature control fluid and a second state for allowing flow of a temperature control fluid. The solenoid injector receives a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid along the hydraulic line from a fluid reservoir. In order to drain the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic line after engine shut-off, the hydraulic line is dithered in accordance with a predetermined schedule. An engine computer determines when the engine has been shut-off. After determining that the engine has been shut-off, the engine computer sends signals to the solenoid injector causing it to actuate between its open and closed positions in accordance with a predetermined schedule.

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, the temperature of the temperature control fluid, and the ambient air temperature. An engine computer receives signals from the sensors, produces control signals based on the sensor signals, and sends the control signals to the flow control valve to control the state of the valve. A set of predetermined values defining a temperature control curve are utilized to determine the desired state of the valve. An optimum engine oil temperature curve is utilized to determine the temperature state and load condition of the engine. The temperature control curve is adjusted based on the temperature state and/or the load condition of the engine.

Abstract: A valve is employed to control the flow of temperature control fluid to a radiator in an internal combustion engine. The valve is hydraulically actuated by a pair of hydraulic fluid injectors to move between a first position for preventing the flow to a second position for allowing the flow. The valve reciprocates within a valve housing. The fluid injectors cause pressurized hydraulic fluid to be delivered to and removed from a chamber in the valve housing. The fluid pressure in the chamber pushes against a valve diaphragm or piston to cause the diaphragm or piston to move from a first state to a second state, thereby causing a valve member or valve piston shaft to move from the first position to the second position. The valve can also control the flow of temperature control fluid through the oil pan and around the intake manifold.

Abstract: A temperature control system in an internal combustion engine includes a water pump which controls the channelling of temperature control fluid between the engine block and the cylinder head. The water pump includes at least one flow channel designed to direct the flow of temperature control fluid into the engine block. There is at least one flow restrictor valve located within the water pump which is adapted to control the flow of temperature control fluid along the flow channel. The flow restrictor valve is actuatable between a first position which permits flow of temperature control fluid along the flow channel and a second position which restricts or inhibits flow along the flow channel. In one embodiment of the invention, at least one the flow restrictor valves includes a bypass passageway which channels a flow of temperature control fluid to the cylinder heads when the flow restrictor valve is in its second position.

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 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 mathematical function of t1=.function.(t2) which forms a two-dimensional curve on an orthogonal coordinate system having axes t1 and t2. The curve divides the coordinate system into two regions, one on either side of the curve.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow includes a valve housing, a piston member which reciprocates within the housing between a first position and a second position, and a biasing member. The piston member includes a piston shaft having a longitudinal axis. The piston shaft has a proximal portion which recesses into the valve housing when the piston member is in the first position and extends out of the valve housing when the piston member is in the second position. The proximal portion includes a plurality of cut-outs therethrough. The cut-outs allow a restricted flow of fluid to flow through the piston shaft in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft when the piston member is in the second position. The piston shaft also has a rear surface which receives pressure thereagainst for causing the piston member to extend out of the housing. The biasing member biases the piston member towards the first position as a result of a biasing force.

Abstract: A valve is employed to control the flow of temperature control fluid to a radiator in an internal combustion engine. The valve is hydraulically actuated by a pair of hydraulic fluid injectors to move between a first position for preventing the flow to a second position for allowing the flow. The valve reciprocates within a valve housing. The fluid injectors cause pressurized hydraulic fluid to be delivered to and removed from a chamber in the valve housing. The fluid pressure in the chamber pushes against a valve diaphragm or piston to cause the diaphragm or piston to move from a first state to a second state, thereby causing a valve member or valve piston shaft to move from the first position to the second position. The valve can also control the flow of temperature control fluid through the oil pan and around the intake manifold.

Abstract: A transducer modifies a subatmospheric pressure signal to create an operating pressure which positions an exhaust gas recirculation control valve. A regulating unit senses subatmospheric induction passage pressure to provide the pressure signal and prevents the pressure signal from dropping below a lower limit to thereby establish the maximum exhaust gas recirculation area produced by the control valve.

Abstract: An air control valve for use in the exhaust emission control system of an internal combustion engine as used for example, in a vehicle, the air control valve, which is adapted to perform three functions, includes a divert timing switching diaphragm assembly which provides the standard diverter valve function during engine warmup and also controls port air injection during all mid-power conditions, a second diaphragm valve assembly that is operative to provide for secondary air by-pass during high engine load or power operating conditions and, a third diaphragm valve assembly adapted to provide secondary air by-pass during low engine load or vehicle cruise conditions.