Abstract: A variable length connecting rod (12) has a first locking mechanism (36) for releasably locking connecting rod parts in a first effective length setting (FIG. 7) for the rod, and a second locking mechanism (38) for releasably locking the connecting rod parts in a second effective length setting to change the compression ratio for an engine cylinder. When a length change is to be made, hydraulic fluid unlocks a locked one of the locking mechanisms, allowing inertial force to effect the length change during an engine cycle. At completion of a length change, the other locking mechanism automatically unlocks.

Abstract: A feedforward control system for an electrically operated fuel injection pump for an internal combustion engine includes a controller for determining required fuel pressure and flow rate to be delivered by the pump and for using the determined fuel pressure and flow rate to determine a variable operating voltage for the pump. The variable operating voltage may be delivered as a pulsewidth modulated voltage, with the system being used to operate the pump in an open loop fashion.

Abstract: A self-locking connector for pivotably interconnecting a carburetor throttle valve member to a cable connected vehicle accelerator pedal member includes a nailhead-like pin projecting from the one member for insertion through a keyhole slot in the other member, the other member having a movable retainer/cover normally biased to a position overlying the slot prior to assembly of the two members, the retainer/cover being retractable to uncover the slot and permit passage of the pinhead through the slot, return movement of the retainer/cover engaging the ends of the retainer/cover with the pinhead moving it into the smaller diameter portion of the keyhole slot and engaging the end of the retainer/cover under the head of the pin preventing withdrawal of the pin from the slot and locking the two members pivotably together.

Abstract: A camshaft (16) is described for operating the primary and secondary inlet or exhaust valves (12) of an internal combustion engine having multiple valves in each cylinder, the camshaft having cams (18a, 18b) of substantially the same cam profile and phase for operating the primary and secondary valves of each cylinder. In accordance with the invention, in order to reduce valve train noise at least the trailing ramps of the cams (18a, 18b) are offset by between 1.degree. and 3.degree. relative to one another.