Abstract: A continuously variable runner length manifold is provided for an internal combustion engine. The continuously variable runner length manifold includes a housing having an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports defined by a plurality of stacked manifold sections. A plurality of runner members are rotatably mounted within the housing. The runner members include wall portions which combine with the housing to define a plurality of runners in communication with a plenum and a respective one of the outlet ports. The runners have a length which is continuously variable upon rotation of the runner members relative to the housing.

Abstract: A plastic throttle body valve including a valve body having an interior passage way connecting an inlet and an outlet of the valve body. The valve body includes an arcuate surface through which the inlet is provided, and a closure member pivotally attached to the valve body for selectively opening and closing the inlet. The valve has the advantage that there is no obstruction in the air stream when the valve is wide open.

Abstract: A stacked snail-type manifold design is provided including a plurality of plastic manifold sections which are engageable with one another. The stacked design provides a simple process for manufacturing a snail-type manifold. The use of plastic manifold sections reduces the weight of the manifold. Furthermore, the plastic manifold sections can be fabricated by an inexpensive and relatively simple molding process.

Abstract: A plastic throttle body valve including a valve body having an interior passage way connecting an inlet and an outlet of the valve body. The valve body includes an arcuate surface through which the inlet is provided, and a closure member pivotally attached to the valve body for selectively opening and closing the inlet. The valve has the advantage that there is no obstruction in the air stream when the valve is wide open.

Abstract: An air intake manifold for use with an internal combustion engine is provided with a labyrinth configuration in order to reduce the amount of space consumed by the manifold. The manifold is preferably made from a plastic material for reducing the weight of the manifold and for providing an inexpensive and relatively simple molding process.

Abstract: A plastic valve cover, having an inner shell for use with an internal combustion engine. The inner shell provides a first noise shield while the valve cover body and a cap define a second noise shield.

Abstract: An integral skin polyurethane steering wheel is prepared by reacting (a) a mixture of a graft polymer dispersion in a polyol or a polyol mixture (b) an organic polyisocyanate selected from the group consisting of an isocyanate prepolymer prepared by reacting 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate with a mixture of dipropylene glycol and a polyoxypropylene glycol having a molecular weight of about 420, a polymeric polymethylene polyphenylene polyisocyanate containing about 55 weight percent diphenylmethane diisocyanate, a 1:1 mixture of 2,4'and 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and mixtures thereof, (c) a blowing agent, (d) a chain extender, and (e) a catalyst, surfactant and optionally flame retardants, fillers U.V. adsorbers and other additives.