Abstract: A race track is disclosed having a tri-oval banked, racing surface surrounded by a barrier support material delineating a race barrier support surface at a level below the racing surface. A plurality of barrier modules are mounted on the support surface in longitudinally aligned relationship to delineate two crash barrier rings circumscribing the racing surface. Each of the modules includes a base mounted on the barrier support surface with the inner ring in juxtaposed relationship with the racing surface. Each base includes a top surface substantially in elevational alignment with a perimetral portion of the racing surface. Each module includes a vehicle impact energy absorbing means mounted on and connected to its base for cushioning energy absorption upon impact by an out of control race vehicle; and, each module base and a portion of the barrier support material upon which that module is mounted together forming a further vehicle energy absorbing means.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for testing internal combustion engines are disclosed. In the preferred arrangement the apparatus includes a test module supporting an electric motor for rotating an engine mounted on an engine module at speeds throughout the engine's normal operating speeds range. The engine module is mobile and releasably connectable to the test module. A torque sensor and speed sensor are coupleable to the output shaft of an engine under test. The torque sensor is connected to a display for indicating friction power. An optical measuring device is provided for measuring displacement and velocity of moving engine parts. The apparatus also includes a system for measuring air entrainment in engine lubricating oil. An air flow meter is provided for measuring air flow into and out of the engine and providing air flow readings adjusted to standard conditions.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine oil change system including an oil filter supplied with a check valve fill fitting. During an oil change, new oil is supplied to the engine through the check valve fitting, thus both filling the filter with oil and back flushing the engine's oil pump. An oil supply mechanism including a tank adapted to hold an appropriate pre-measured quantity of oil under air pressure is provided. A flexible hose with a quick disconnect female coupling connects the tank to the filter fitting for delivering oil from the tank through the filter into the engine. An alternative embodiment places the check valve fitting on a high pressure side of an oil supply conduit. Another embodiment places the check valve fitting on a loading ring located between the filter and the engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an electric ignition, internal combustion engine that substantially improves the fuel efficiency by utilizing heat normally discharged to the ambient to condition and prepare the fuel mixture prior to entry into the combustion chambers. The apparatus comprises a fuel vaporizer that transfers heat from the engine coolant system to the fuel mixture as it leaves a fuel introducing device such as a carburetor; a fuel mixture heater for heating the mixture above the vaporization temperature of the liquid fuel; and, a mixture homogenizer for thoroughly stirring the fuel mixture that is located in the fuel mixture flow path intermediate the vaporizer and heater. The homogenizer is operative to compress the fuel mixture under certain engine operating conditions and the heater forms the intake manifold for the engine and includes branch flow paths and associated conduits that communicate directly with each combustion chamber through a valve controlled port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an internal combustion engine that substantially improves the fuel efficiency by utilizing heat normally discharged to the ambient to condition and prepare the fuel mixture prior to entry into the combustion chambers. The apparatus comprises a fuel vaporizer, a fuel mixture heater and a mixture homogenizer located in a fuel mixture flow path intermediate the vaporizer and the heater. The fuel vaporizer includes structure defining an inner heat exchange chamber which receives air and entrained fuel discharged by a fuel introducing device such as a carburetor. The fuel mixture is heated and at least partially vaporized by engine waste heat derived from the engine cooling system or alternately the engine exhaust system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an electric ignition, internal combustion engine that substantially improves the fuel efficiency by utilizing heat normally discharged to the ambient to condition and prepare the fuel mixture prior to entry into the combustion chambers. The apparatus comprises a fuel vaporizer (50) that transfers heat from the engine coolant system to the fuel mixture as it leaves a fuel introducing device such as a carburetor (38); a fuel mixture heater (52) for heating the mixture above the vaporization temperature of the liquid fuel; and, a mixture homogenizer (54) for thoroughly stirring the fuel mixture that is located in the fuel mixture flow path intermediate the vaporizer and heater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an electric ignition, internal combustion engine that substantially improves the fuel efficiency by utilizing heat normally discharged to the ambient to condition and prepare the fuel mixture prior to entry into the combustion chambers. The apparatus comprises a fuel vaporizer that transfers heat from the engine coolant system to the fuel mixture as it leaves a fuel introducing device such as a carburetor; a fuel mixture heater for heating the mixture above the vaporization temperature of the liquid fuel; and, a mixture homogenizer for thoroughly stirring the fuel mixture that is located in the fuel mixture flow path intermediate the vaporizer and heater. The homogenizer is operative to compress the fuel mixture under certain engine operating conditions and the heater forms the intake manifold for the engine and includes branch flow paths and associated conduits that communicate directly with each combustion chamber through a valve controlled port.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a cylinder 16, a cylinder head 10, and a piston 12 slidably mounted within the cylinder for reciprocating movement towards and away from the cylinder head, together defining a reaction chamber 22. The piston and cylinder head include cooperating structure for inducing rotative movement in a fuel/air mixture within the cylinder before and after the combustion reaction. The structure comprises at least two projections 50, 51 rising upwardly from a top the surface of the piston and disposed symmetrically about a central axis in a side-by-side interfitting, "yin and yang" relationship. The projections are defined by respective inclined, lateral surfaces 50a, 51a that merge with horizontal surface portions 58, 59 of the piston, the horizontal extent of which taper from the base of the associated projection; the upper portion of the projections terminate in respective circular edge surfaces 56, 57.

Abstract: A valve is interposed between spaced valve seats of a conduit having end portions communicating with the ends of an internal combustion engine valve cover. The conduit has a vent port located between the valve seats. The valve, which is responsible to inertia and centrifugal forces, is disposed in the conduit between the valve seats for shutting off one or the other ends of said conduit to prevent the loss of upper engine lubricants from the valve cover during rapid acceleration, deceleration or sharp cornering of a vehicle driven by the engine.