Abstract: A flanged half bearing for motor vehicle engine applications. The flanged half bearing is of the type having a semi-cylindrical shell provided with half thrust washers. The thrust washers are connected to the shell through the coacting of appendages on the thrust washers and recessed portions on the curved edge of the shell. Upon the insertion of the appendages into the recessed portions, the appendages are swaged to retentively engage the washer along the edge of the shell. After swaging, the dimensions of the recessed portion and appendages are such that the washer is capable of axially floating fore and aft relative to the shell, but is incapable of being disengaged from the shell. This provides a flanged half bearing which remains assembled during installation and allows for the accommodation of axial forces and thermal influence of the engine.

Abstract: A full round bushing is formed by laser welding opposed edges of a bimetal member deformed into a generally cylindical configuration. The laser beam parameters are closely controlled so as to limit any adverse affect on a bearing metal layer. The weld only reaches a depth approximately 20% to 75% of a steel reinforcing layer. The beam approaches the seam between opposed edges at an angle of incidence approximately 10.degree. to 45.degree. and at a laser focal point offset 5% to 70% of the spot diameter of the laser beam. An overlap of the pulse spot-welding approximately 50% to 75% is preferable. A machine vision control system is used to locate the seam, moving the bushing to position the seam as desired relative to the laser and to trigger the laser to perform the welding operation.

Abstract: A gasket comprising a perforated steel body and a rubber sealing member disposed thereon. The gasket body has a plurality of bolt holes therethrough and at least one rubber compression limiter, disposed upon the body, so as to limit compression of the sealing member. The limiter has a relatively large area and small height in comparison to the sealing member and serves to protect the sealing member from overcompression.

Abstract: A reinforced lightweight metal piston having fibers within the piston crown to reinforce the crown surface to improve the thermal properties and wear resistance of the crown surface. The reinforcing fibers are embedded in the piston metal using a pressure casting process used to manufacture the piston. The fibers are selected from the group of aluminum silicate, alumina, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, boron, boron carbide and graphite. The fibers can be orientated in the preform in several various directions. The wear resistance of the piston crown can be further increased by the addition of a ferrous heat plug. The fiber reinforced portion is located around the heat plug and provides improved physical and mechanical properties of the piston crown to reduce cracking of the crown around the heat plug and loosening of the heat plug due to metal creep.