Abstract: An oil filter and oil-additive dispensing device comprising an oil filter and oil additive replenishment system further comprising: a full-flow oil filter; a by-pass oil filter; an oil additive dispensing system; and an on-vehicle controller to dispense additive as required, track additive consumption and signal the need for a replacement system is described. Also a method of using such oil filter and oil-additive dispensing device to extend the useful life of lubricating oil in a vehicle engine is described.

Abstract: One embodiment includes an automotive powertrain component and a bearing. The automotive powertrain component has a first surface and moves during use thereof. The bearing assists movement of the automotive powertrain component and has a second surface that opposes the first surface of the automotive powertrain component. Multiple micropores are located on a portion or more of the first surface, of the second surface, or of both the first and second surfaces. The micropores retain lubricant therein. In use, the lubricant can be lifted above respective openings of the micropores and into a space located between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a tubular valve stem guide and a valve having a valve stem slidable in the bore of the valve stem guide. A lower valve stem seal has an annular body surrounding the valve stem and a skirt sealing with the valve stem guide. An upper valve stem seal has an annular body sealingly mounted on the valve stem and a skirt portion overlapping with the annular body of the lower valve stem seal during the reciprocating movement of the valve stem so that the upper and lower valve stem seals cooperate to prevent flow of oil to the bore of the valve stem guide. The valve stem is coated with a diamond-like carbon coating or a hard nitride coating, and the valve stem guide is of powered metal construction with approximately 1% by weight solid lubricant such as molybdenum disulfide or tungsten disulfide.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a tubular valve stem guide and a valve having a valve stem slidable in the bore of the valve stem guide. A lower valve stem seal has an annular body surrounding the valve stem and a skirt sealing with the valve stem guide. An upper valve stem seal has an annular body sealingly mounted on the valve stem and a skirt portion overlapping with the annular body of the lower valve stem seal during the reciprocating movement of the valve stem so that the upper and lower valve stem seals cooperate to prevent flow of oil to the bore of the valve stem guide. The valve stem is coated with a diamond-like carbon coating or a hard nitride coating, and the valve stem guide is of powered metal construction with approximately 1% by weight solid lubricant such as molybdenum disulfide or tungsten disulfide.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for initiating oil injection into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine prior to engine start-up, the oil injection protecting the engine from damage caused by insufficient lubrication during the start-up. The method includes processing data to modulate a lubrication initiation modifier and initiating the oil injection on the basis of the lubrication initiation modifier.

Abstract: A crankshaft has spaced-apart cheeks and a cylindrical surface between the cheeks. A split ring bearing assembly has first and second bearing parts that join to encircle the cylindrical surface. First and second split ring seal assemblies each have first and second seal parts that join to encircle and sealingly contact with the cylindrical surface on each side of the split ring bearing assembly. A journal includes a first and second journal halves having cylindrical recesses receiving the crankshaft so that the split ring bearing assembly bears upon the journal and the first and second split ring seal assemblies sealingly contact with the journal halves. A lube fill fitting is provided in the journal for the introduction of lubricant which is permanently sequestered between the first and second split ring seal assemblies to provide sealed lubrication of the split ring bearing assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes rolling elements, such as balls or rollers acting as bearings carried in openings in the skirt or equivalent portion of a piston, to engage the cylinder walls and replace the sliding bearings of the skirt with the roller elements in the skirt. The rolling elements then absorb all or some of the thrust loads conventionally absorbed by the skirt walls sliding along surfaces of an associated cylinder and thereby reduce the friction forces developed by the reciprocating action of the piston skirt.

Abstract: An oil filter and oil-additive dispensing device comprising an oil filter and oil additive replenishment system further comprising: a full-flow oil filter; a by-pass oil filter; an oil additive dispensing system; and an on-vehicle controller to dispense additive as required, track additive consumption and signal the need for a replacement system is described. Also a method of using such oil filter and oil-additive dispensing device to extend the useful life of lubricating oil in a vehicle engine is described.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for initiating oil injection into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine prior to engine start-up, the oil injection protecting the engine from damage caused by insufficient lubrication during the start-up. The method includes processing data to modulate a lubrication initiation modifier and initiating the oil injection on the basis of the lubrication initiation modifier.

Abstract: A crankshaft has spaced-apart cheeks and a cylindrical surface between the cheeks. A split ring bearing assembly has first and second bearing parts that join to encircle the cylindrical surface. First and second split ring seal assemblies each have first and second seal parts that join to encircle and sealingly contact with the cylindrical surface on each side of the split ring bearing assembly. A journal includes a first and second journal halves having cylindrical recesses receiving the crankshaft so that the split ring bearing assembly bears upon the journal and the first and second split ring seal assemblies sealingly contact with the journal halves. A lube fill fitting is provided in the journal for the introduction of lubricant which is permanently sequestered between the first and second split ring seal assemblies to provide sealed lubrication of the split ring bearing assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes rolling elements, such as balls or rollers acting as bearings carried in openings in the skirt or equivalent portion of a piston, to engage the cylinder walls and replace the sliding bearings of the skirt with the roller elements in the skirt. The rolling elements then absorb all or some of the thrust loads conventionally absorbed by the skirt walls sliding along surfaces of an associated cylinder and thereby reduce the friction forces developed by the reciprocating action of the piston skirt.