Abstract: A high compression internal combustion engine is provided wherein corresponding ends of the cylinder liners mounted within cylinder bores formed in the engine block are secured to the cylinder head by a first set of fastening elements threaded into the corresponding ends so as to provide a seal between the head and each liner which is capable of withstanding the combustion pressures generated within each liner, when the engine is in operation. A second set of fastening elements, independent of the first set, secures the cylinder head to the engine block so as to provide a seal between complementary surfaces thereof which is capable of withstanding pressures generated by the circulating cooling medium during operation of the engine.

Abstract: A throttle stop assembly for an internal combustion engine is provided to return the throttle shaft to an idle position from a full throttle position in the event a loose throttle level mounting bolt occurs. The throttle stop assembly is designed to for the throttle shaft stop element from the full throttle position to the idle position if the throttle lever mounting bolt assembly fails, thereby preventing the engine from continuing to run in an advanced throttle condition. The stop assembly of the present invention includes a spring-biased piston contained within a threaded, hollow shaft. The spring biased piston has no effect on throttle shaft position except when the normal throttle shaft operating system fails in which case the spring biased piston will cause the throttle shaft to return to its idle position.

Abstract: A fuel injector train having a variable injection rate includes a fuel injector having a plunger and a plunger biasing device having a predetermined spring rate for controlling the injection rate of the injector. A cam assembly is mounted to impart force through a push rod to a rocker arm which communicates the force of the cam assembly to the fuel injector plunger. In some embodiments, the push rod collapses axially a short distance in response to axial force applied thereto. The push rod has an inherent bias against collapsing that is less than the total bias of the injector biasing device so that during a portion of the injection cycle, part of the force imparted to the push rod collapses the push rod to operate the injector at a reduced rate. In another embodiment, the rocker arm is formed with a closable gap between its first and second ends, and the gap has an inherent bias against closing that is less than the total bias of the fuel injector biasing device.

Abstract: A lubrication system for an earth boring drill bit having a pressure compensator for minimizing the pressure differential between the drill bit lubricant and the well bore fluid is improved in a manner to prevent sharp edges in the lubricant reservoir wall from damaging the flexible diaphragm and for enabling the lubricant space available in the lubricant reservoir to be maximized. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the pressure compensator is positioned on a shoulder ring in the lubricant reservoir and the shoulder ring retains the open end of a pressure diaphragm within an interior recess of a compensator cap, the diaphragm sealing against a perimetric wall of the recess. Methods of filling the lubrication system with the pressure compensator installed or removed are provided which avoid stretching or damage to the diaphragm while still maximally filling of the lubrication system with lubricant.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is disclosed with a modified four stroke cycle which takes place during a single crankshaft revolution, wherein a reciprocating piston moves through a compression stroke and power expansion stroke, each having a short duration, and an exhaust stroke and intake stroke, each having a relatively long duration compared to the intake and power strokes. The piston stroke distance for each of the aforementioned strokes is equal, defined by, in the preferred embodiment, a first and second cam lobe on the crankshaft, wherein one lobe extends over less of the crankshaft, radial periphery than the other lobe. Preferably, the lobe defining the compression and power strokes act during only 90.degree. of crankshaft revolution while the other lobe act during the remaining 270.degree. of revolution.

Abstract: The disclosure illustrates a range improvement feature for a compressor wheel in which a chamber adjacent the inlet is separated from the outer periphery of the impeller wheel vanes by a wall through which communication is established between the chamber and the impeller wheel. Communication is provided by either an annular slot or a series of radial holes. The feature may be used on single stage or multistage compressors. The area of the communication is such that at high rpm, and/or high flow, flow is from the chamber inward and at lower flows the flow is from the impeller wheel outward. This bidirectional flow improves the range over twhich the compressor may operate without encountering surge.

Abstract: A throttle lever assembly for an internal combustion engine including a reliable substantially failure-proof dual acting--double breakover throttle lever is provided to maintain control over engine throttling in the event of certain types of failure of the vehicle throttle control or related structures. The throttle lever assembly is operatively positioned between an operator-actuated throttle control and the engine fuel supply system. A throttle link lever mounted for pivotal movement relative to the throttle lever is actuated by the throttle control to cause the throttle lever to rotate a throttle shaft between preset full throttle and idle positions. The throttle lever and the link lever include integrally formed tabs which hold a coiled torsion spring positioned to resist breakover, thereby normally maintaining the assembly in an axially aligned operating position.

Abstract: A valve actuating mechanism for an internal combustion engine is provided including an integrally formed stop element to limit the axial travel of the valves toward the piston to a predetermined maximum extent in the event an adjacent associated valve becomes stuck and unmovable. The present invention further provides a valve actuating mechanism including a guideless valve bridge with specifically configured contact faces which prevents both the excess axial movement of the valve stem and the transfer of undesired loads to the valve stem or adjacent structures.

Abstract: A three stage beam welding method is provided which is particularly useful for reliably joining two bulky, irregularly configured workpieces requiring a deep weld. The method is especially well suited for joining a piece to replace a broken or damaged portion of a tool to the tool body. In accordance with the present method, a first high energy beam is applied to the joint between the workpieces to penetrate the joint and to produce at least one undercut on the workpiece exterior surface, an optional second high energy beam is substantially simultaneously applied to the joint to smooth and flatten the undercut, and a third high energy beam is applied to the joint to heat treat the welded joint, thereby improving its metallic microstructure and mechanical properties. The three stages of this beam welding process may be repeated sequentially for the number of times required to produce a mechanically optimal, reliable joint between two particular workpieces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel injector for an internal combustion engine, which utilizes a fuel supply control valve and pilot or servo-valve to control the supply and drain of fuel to and from a main fuel chamber. More particularly, the pilot valve separates and isolates the main fuel chamber from the control valve which controls the fuel supply to the main fuel chamber. In this manner, the control valve can operate without interference from the fuel pressure fluctuations created in the main fuel chamber by a reciprocating plunger.

Abstract: A hydromechanical fuel pump system of supplying timing fluid and fuel to high pressure fuel injectors utilizing a hydromechanical fuel control circuit to control the flow of fuel that is withdrawn from a fuel reservoir by a pump and delivered to the fuel injectors which includes a speed signal generator that produces a fuel pressure in a speed signal branch line of the fuel control circuit that is a function of engine rpm, and a torque shaping module that is provided in a fuel delivery branch of the fuel control circuit.

Abstract: A cam follower assembly for mechanically connecting a cam on a camshaft to a push rod assembly is disclosed. The cam follower assembly includes a cam follower link rotatably mounted to a pivot at a first end. At a second end the cam follower link has a substantially semicylindrical recess having a thin axial wall formed at each end of the recess. The cam follower link contacts a push rod adjacent its second end on a surface opposite the surface having the substantially semicylindrical recess. A pinless roller is mounted within the substantially semicylindrical recess and is restrained from axial movement by the thin axial walls. The pinless roller is held in rolling contact with a corresponding cam by imposition by the link of restraining force directly on the cam engaging surface of the roller. The roller may include an annular groove to facilitate lubrication of the cam follower assembly.

Abstract: A valve stroke adjustment locking mechanism comprising a valve seat having an axially extending bore therethrough and a seating surface. A valve operator is provided having an elongated member which is extended through the axial bore and is reciprocatable between a first open position and a second closed position. The elongated member includes a threaded end portion which extends from the valve seat for accommodating a valve assembly which is provided with a top portion forming a sealing face and a bottom portion having a central opening adapted to receive the threaded end portion of the elongated member. A closed end nut threadingly engages the threaded end portion of the elongated member and contacts the valve assembly for positioning the sealing surface a predetermined spacing from the seating surface.

Abstract: A system is provided for increasing the efficiency of internal combustion engines operating at high loads and more particularly to a multi-cylinder engine in which at least one cylinder is used as the power recovery device. The waste heat generated during operation of the engine is utilized for producing an amount of energy to perform the work by means of a Rankine cycle.

Abstract: A method for forming extremely strong ceramic-to-metal joints is provided which is particularly applicable to the formation of components for internal combustion engines. The present method simultaneously brazes a ceramic to a metal and creates a normallized microstructure and desired mechanical in the metal in a single heating step. The ceramic is metallized, a suitable alloy is applied, and the ceramic-alloy-metal composite is first heated to about 160.degree. F. to 1750.degree. F. for about one hour and then gas quenched in nitrogen or argon, or a gas with similar heat transfer capabilities.

Abstract: A self-venting valve apparatus using a valve stem rotatably and slidably mounted to a vessel by a collar is disclosed. The stem includes threads at the top and base of the stem which matingly engage internal threads of the collar to hold the stem open or closed. A single gasket seals the gas inlet and liquid outlet in the closed configuration. To drain the fluid, the valve stem is unscrewed so the bottom threads disengage from the collar, the valve stem lowers until the top threads of the valve stem engage the collar, and the top threads are screwed to the collar to secure the valve in the open position. Fluid begins draining through the central passage of the valve stem before gas enters the vessel through the groove in the sidewall of the valve steam to allow proper siphoning. The lower end of the liquid drain passage is placed below the lower end of the air inlet groove, thereby insuring that the liquid drain passage is opened first as the valve stem is lowered.

Abstract: A gear train housing of an engine of the type having an internal gear space located within housing parts which include at least one housing body part and at least one cover part. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the lower end of the gear space is substantially embodiment, the lower end of the gear space is substantially of a V-shape defined laterally on opposite sides by a radially facing sloping walls of the housing body part. In order to minimize oil related problems, bosses on the upwardly facing sloping walls have a wedge-like shape with a downwardly inclined, inwardly facing surface and are free of upwardly sloping surface portions which can collect fluid flowing over the bosses in proximity to a gasket seal between edge faces of the housing parts, and a splash shield is formed for preventing excessive quantities of oil from being splashed, by a crankshaft gear, into the area of other gears of the gear train, so as to reduce associated frictional losses.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for rotatably mounting and retaining a rock bit roller cone on a journal of a drill bit is disclosed. The bit body has at least one depending leg with an outer free end and an inner end continuous with the remainder of the bit body, and the cone surrounds the leg adjacent the outer end, forming an annular space between the leg and the cone. At least two retention bearing sleeves are disposed in the space: a first fixed to the leg and rotatable relative to the cone; and a second, disposed longitudinally inwardly of the first, fixed to the cone and rotatable relative to the leg. The retention bearing sleeves cooperate to prevent relative movement of the second sleeve longitudinally past the first.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for actuating a cam follower shaft to permit variable timing of the valving events or the unit injectors of an internal combustion engine. A rotatable cam follower shaft is subjected to continuous, alternating, oscillating torques. A clutch is disposed adjacent the shaft and is translatable to move from a disengaged position to an engaged position in which the clutch engages the shaft either directly or through roller bearings and separate inclined surfaces. When the clutch engages the shaft, it prevents rotation in a first direction while permitting rotation in a second direction until a positive stop is reached. When the clutch is disengaged from the shaft, the overall torques acting on the shaft rotate the shaft in the first direction until the shaft reaches another positive stop. The clutch is activated by a compression spring which is resisted by fluid pressures.

Abstract: A tamper-proof dual spring controlled air fuel control for a compression ignition type internal combustion engine is provided wherein fuel is supplied to the engine cylinders in response to the pressure of the air in the intake manifold. A pair of oppositely biased springs controls the movement of a stem valve in response to intake manifold air pressure exerted on a flexible diaphragm located between the oppositely biased springs. The stem valve includes a plunger within a barrel in the air fuel control housing in the engine fuel pump. The cross-sectional profiles of the plunger and barrel are designed to meter precisely a controlled amount of fuel to the engine fuel supply system as the intake air pressure increases and to reduce this metered flow as the intake air pressure decreases. Two plunger and barrel assembly embodiments having different profiles are provided. A class fit between the barrel and plunger of the present air fuel control wherein the clearance must not exceed 0.000075 to 0.