Abstract: A differential assembly with at least a first gear ratio and a second gear ratio that can be integrated with an automatic transmission system thereby increasing the total number of available gear ratios is presented. A method of shifting to improve engine efficiency is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a differential assembly with at least a first gear ratio and a second gear ratio. The differential assembly of the present disclosure can be integrated with an automatic transmission system thereby increasing the number of available gear ratios. A method of shifting to improve engine efficiency is also provided.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly includes first and second rocker arms defining a pivot location. The first rocker arm includes, toward a first axial end thereof adjacent the pivot location, a fulcrum surface and, toward a second axial end thereof, a latch assembly including a latch member moveable between latched and unlatched conditions relative to a latch surface defined by an adjacent portion of the second rocker arm. The latch assembly further including a spring biasing the latch member toward one of the latched and unlatched conditions, and a pressure chamber operable to bias the latch member toward the other of the latched and unlatched conditions. The first rocker arm further includes a fluid passage having a first end in open fluid communication with the fulcrum surface and a second end in open fluid communication with the pressure chamber of the latch assembly.

Abstract: A valve control system including a camshaft having first and second cam profiles, the valve control system comprising a rocker arm assembly (11) including a first rocker arm (13) having a first cam follower (15) in engagement with the first cam profile, and a second rocker arm (17) having a second cam follower (23,25) in engagement with the second cam profile. The engine includes a fulcrum location (P) operable to provide a source of pressurized fluid, and the first rocker arm includes a latch member (47) moveable between latched (FIG. 6) and unlatched conditions. The latch member is biased toward the latched condition by a fluid pressure in a chamber (51), and the first rocker arm defines a fluid passage (55) having a first end (57) in open fluid communication with the pressure source, and a second end (59) in open fluid communication with the pressure chamber (51).

Abstract: A valve control system for an engine having a camshaft with first and second cam profiles, the valve control system comprising a rocker arm assembly including a first rocker arm having a first cam follower in engagement with the first cam profile, and a second rocker arm having a second cam follower in engagement with the second cam profile. The first rocker arm includes a latch member biased toward a latched condition by a fluid pressure in a chamber, and the first rocker arm defines a fluid passage having a first end in open fluid communication with the pressure source, and a second end in open fluid communication with the pressure chamber. An alignment feature cooperates with the latch member to ensure proper alignment with a latch surface.

Abstract: A cylinder head (10) for an internal combustion engine has hydroformed port liners (18) positioned within selected ports, either exhaust and/or intake ports (14, 16). The hydroformed port liner (18) includes an air gap (24) for an insulation layer within the selected port (14, 16) between an outer surface (19) of the hydroformed port liner (18) and the wall of the port (14, 16). A cylinder head (12) with a predetermined port configuration has selected ports (14, 16) cast with protrusions (22). The selected ports (14,16) have a larger diameter than a standard size port diameter for that cylinder head to provide a predetermined port configuration by a preset amount based on the thickness of the hydroformed port liner (18) and a desired air gap (22). Protrusions (22) in the wall of the selected ports (14, 16) or on the insert sleeves (17) facilitate formation of the air gap during the hydroforming process.

Abstract: A spring-energized cylinder head combustion seal for positioning in an inwardly opening annular groove in a cylinder liner for sealing the interface between the cylinder liner and cylinder head so as to prevent leakage of combustion gases includes a C-shaped annular sheath which is disposed in contact with the bottom surface of the annular groove and the lower surface of the cylinder head. The second component of the seal assembly is a helically wound spring which is of an annular ring shape and disposed within the C-shaped sheath. The sheath and spring are positioned such that the opening in the C-shaped sheath opens directly into the cylinder and the seal assembly is exposed directly to the combustion gases and the higher or elevated temperatures which are present. The spring and C-shaped sheath are constructed of superalloy materials and the exterior of the sheath may be plated with soft metal so as to provide an enhanced metal to metal seal between the liner and cylinder head.