No more turbo lag?

US Patent No. 7,043,916 to Kei Masud issued on 16 May 2006. This patented invention describes a method for controlling an electric motor coupled to a turbocharger.

I believe such a combination would make turbo lag a thing of the past. Commonly, turbos use exhaust gases to drive a turbine coupled by a common shaft to an intake impellor. The escaping exaust gases rotate the intake impellor creating boost. This traditional method results in appreciable lag or spool up. Of course lag can be minimized by reducing the rotating mass. Yet, even small turbos still have lag. By coupling an electric motor to the turbo, it is possible to pre-spool the turbine and therefore eliminate lag.

Interesting...

US PAT 7,047,128: Dudel will be wealthy.

Mark my words, the issuance of U.S. Patent Number 7,047,128 on 16 May 2006 will make the Assignee RTK Technologies Lmtd of the UK and Mr. Frank Dudel wealthy.

This patent invention claims a system for securing "chip tuning" on an ECU. The method enables a stock engine control program and a chipped program to co-exist on the same ECU and adds a security feature preventing unauthorized copying of the "tuned" software.

Speaking as an automotive enthousiast with a "chip tuned" VW Gti - let me tell you - this is all the rage. Significant torque and hp gains by simpling plugging the car's ecu into a laptop! The OEM community as well as aftermarket modding houses need to read the 22 claims closely to avoid infringement - or be ready to pay royalties!