Patents Assigned to Alto Automotive, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5970934
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine of the valve-in-head type having a low profile cylinder head which requires minimal head-room in the engine compartment of an automotive vehicle The cylinder head has a rectilinear configuration with the valve trains disposed on horizontal axes extending transversely of the cylinder head. Each valve train in the cylinder head is provided with precise axial support at both ends of the train. The engine has a relatively thin upstanding combustion chamber over each cylinder and one or more pairs of poppet valves per cylinder each having a sealing surface adjacent its outer edge for engagement with respective seats defined by axially aligned header tubes. Each valve has a relatively short neck extending through the combustion chamber during the intake and compression strokes and when the fuel-air mixture is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Alto Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony E. Vallejos
  • Patent number: 5738057
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine of the valve-in-head type having a low profile cylinder head which requires minimal head-room in the engine compartment of an automotive vehicle. The cylinder head has a rectilinear configuration with the valve trains disposed on horizontal axes extending transversely of the cylinder head. Each valve train in the cylinder head is provided with precise axial support at both ends of the train. The engine has a relatively thin upstanding combustion chamber over each cylinder and one or more pairs of poppet valves per cylinder each having a sealing surface adjacent its outer edge for engagement with respective seats defined by axially aligned header tubes. Each valve has a relatively short neck extending through the combustion chamber during the intake and compression strokes and when the fuel-air mixture is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Alto Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony E. Vallejos
  • Patent number: 4846138
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine of the valve-in-head type having a low profile cylinder head which requires minimal headroom in the engine compartment of an automotive vehicle. The cylinder head has a rectilinear configuration with the valve trains disposed on horizontal axes extending transversely of the cylinder head. Each valve train in the cylinder head is provided with precise axial support at both ends of the train. The engine has a relatively thin upstanding combustion chamber over each cylinder and one or more pairs of poppet valves per cylinder each having a sealing surface adjacent its outer edge for engagement with respective seats defined by axially aligned header tubes. Each valve has a relatively short neck extending through the combustion chamber during the intake and compression strokes and when the fuel-air mixture is fired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Alto Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony E. Vallejos
  • Patent number: 4201174
    Abstract: A rotary valve system for a motor and the like includes a flow conduit and rotary valve means interposed in the flow conduit. Intermittent sealing means are provided for preventing flow through the flow conduit, comprising a sealing surface intermittently positionable in stationary, sealing relationship across the conduit. Means are also provided for moving the sealing surface into such stationary sealing relationship with the flow conduit, and out of sealing relationship with the flow conduit in a manner correlating with the operation of the rotary valve means, to facilitate sealing as the valve operates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1980
    Assignee: Alto Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony E. Vallejos
  • Patent number: 4119077
    Abstract: A rotary valve system for a motor and the like includes a flow conduit and rotary valve means interposed in the flow conduit. Intermittent sealing means are provided for preventing flow through the flow conduit, comprising a sealing surface intermittently positionable in stationary, sealing relationship across the conduit. Means are also provided for moving the sealing surface into such stationary sealing relationship with the flow conduit, and out of sealing relationship with the flow conduit in a manner correlating with the operation of the rotary valve means, to facilitate sealing as the valve operates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1978
    Assignee: Alto Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony E. Vallejos
  • Patent number: 4098238
    Abstract: A rotary valve system for a motor and the like includes a flow conduit and rotary valve means interposed in the flow conduit. Intermittent sealing means are provided for preventing flow through the flow conduit, comprising a sealing surface intermittently positionable in stationary, sealing relationship across the conduit. Means are also provided for moving the sealing surface into such stationary sealing relationship with the flow conduit, and out of sealing relationship with the flow conduit in a manner correlating with the operation of the rotary valve means, to facilitate sealing as the valve operates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1978
    Assignee: Alto Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony E. Vallejos
  • Patent number: 4078450
    Abstract: An engine is disclosed having at least one piston in operative connection with a crankshaft. A bearing member which defines an elongated, curved bearing surface, is pivotally attached at one end to an eccentrically-mounted member on the crankshaft. The bearing surface of the bearing member is positioned to be intermittently in power-transmitting, sliding relationship with a connection to the piston such as a piston rod. The bearing member is adapted to be rotatable about said pivotal attachment, for transverse displacement by the piston rod relative to the crankshaft, to absorb any shock generated against the piston and the crankshaft, such as by "engine knock." The bearing member is also adapted to return to its pre-displacement position after absorbing the shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1978
    Assignee: Alto Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Tony E. Vallejos
  • Patent number: 3985114
    Abstract: An engine is disclosed having pistons in operative connection with a crankshaft. A bearing member, defining a curved periphery, is carried on the crankshaft for eccentric rotation thereabout in a direction transverse to the major axis of the crankshaft, with the periphery of the bearing member being positioned to be in power-transmitting, sliding relationship with a connection to the piston. The bearing member is adapted for transverse displacement by the piston rod relative to the crankshaft, while transmitting power to the crankshaft, to absorb any shock generated against the piston and the crankshaft, such as by "engine knock." The bearing member is also adapted for return to its predisplacement position after absorbing the shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1976
    Assignee: Alto Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony E. Vallejos