Method of heating and retaining heat in an internal combustion engine to improve fuel economy
First Claim
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1. A method of increasing the fuel economy of an engine by heating the engine, the steps of the method comprising:
- activating a heating member attached to the engine;
heating the engine to an operating temperature; and
maintaining the engine at the operating temperature.
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Abstract
A method improving fuel economy by the retention of heat in or heating a liquid cooled, internal combustion engine is provided wherein insulation, a heating member, or both are attached to the engine and used to reduce heat loss from the engine or keep the engine at an operating temperature. The engine is subsequently maintained at the operating temperature or a temperature substantially close thereto for either a period of time determined by a user or for a time period that is longer than time periods obtained by following standard practices.
51 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of increasing the fuel economy of an engine by heating the engine, the steps of the method comprising:
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activating a heating member attached to the engine; heating the engine to an operating temperature; and maintaining the engine at the operating temperature. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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- 13. A method of retaining heat in a deactivated engine which had been at an operating temperature prior to deactivation, the steps of the method comprising providing insulation over at least a portion of the engine.
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