Abstract: A method of manufacturing a connecting rod assembly including the steps of defining a small end of a connecting rod assembly having a terminal end and then defining a pin bore extending through the small end of the connecting rod assembly. A pair of channels is formed on opposite sides of the small end of the connecting rod assembly wherein the axis of each of the channels is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the pin bore. At least partially annular grooves are formed within the pin bore adjacent the distal end of the pin bore. The connecting rod assembly is then machined to reduce the width of the small end between each channel and the terminal end to provide a small end having a reduced width configuration wherein the grooves are disposed along at least a portion of the distal end to reduce the need to deburr the area adjacent the pin bore.

Abstract: A vapor canister having an integrated evaporative emission canister purge actuation monitoring system. The vapor canister has a plurality of sidewalls defining a housing with a valve body formed integrally on the housing and a cover mounted to the valve body so as to define a vent chamber between the cover and the valve body. The integrated valve body has a main flow passage and a canister port. An air filter assembly is disposed adjacent to the valve body on the housing and provides fluid communication between the main flow passage and the ambient air. A first one-way umbrella valve mounted to the valve body that is responsive to predetermined positive pressure in the main flow passage to control flow of fluid from a vapor canister to ambient air as well as a second one-way umbrella valve that is responsive to a predetermined negative pressure in the main flow passage to control the flow of ambient air through an air filter assembly.

Abstract: A piston pin for connecting the small connecting rod eye of a connecting rod to a piston of a combustion engine and a method for manufacturing the piston pin. The piston has boss bores aligned with the small connecting rod eye for receiving the piston pin. The surface of the piston pin is provided with a coating comprising a resin containing suspended solid lubricant particles.

Abstract: A multi-part piston for a combustion engine having a piston upper part and a piston lower part, where the piston upper part has a piston crown and an attachment head on its side facing the piston lower part, and the piston lower part has an attachment element in which the attachment head is held, the attachment element being disposed on a side facing the piston upper part. The attachment head is held in the attachment element by a press fit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a connecting rod assembly having a stepped small end. The method includes defining a small end of a connecting rod assembly having a terminal end and defining a pin bore extending therethrough. A pair of channels are formed on opposite sides of the small end, perpendicular to the pin bore and a bushing is subsequently installed into the pin bore. Where a connecting rod assembly does not include a bushing the method includes defining a small end having a pin bore and forming pair of channels on opposite sides of the small end. A contact surface is then defined within the pin bore to engage a piston pin and the small end is machined to provide a stepped configuration. The connecting rod assembly is then machined to reduce the width of the small end to provide a stepped configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intake manifold including first and second plenums in fluid communication with the throttle body and a plurality of runners depending from the plenums to direct air into the cylinders of an engine. Each of the runners includes a vent to release pressurized air within the runner. The intake manifold tuning assembly further includes a tuning device disposed between the plenums, the tuning device includes a housing having a plurality of tuning ports aligned relative to the vents to receive pressurized air from the runners. An intermediate plenum is defined within the housing that directs pressurized air from one runner to another runner corresponding to the next cylinder in the firing sequence of the engine. Valves regulate the transfer of pressurized air between the runners for increased torque output over a predetermined range of engine speed.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine, which performs a sliding reciprocating motion in a cylinder, and a method for producing the piston. The piston has a piston head and a piston skirt having at least one bearing surface. The at least one bearing surface is provided at least in part with a first overlay, and a second overlay is applied at least to parts of the first overlay. The first overlay exhibits greater wear resistance than the second overlay.

Abstract: An intake manifold assembly includes a housing, a shaft assembly, and an intake insert. The shaft assembly has a metal shaft with bearings located at each end to provide hard mounting surfaces for the shaft assembly when assembled in the housing. The bearings support the shaft within the housing and allow the shaft to freely rotate. Bushings are spaced along the shaft to absorb vibrations and assist is providing a low friction surface for shaft assembly rotation. Journal pockets in the housing and in the intake insert surround the bushings. Isolators located within the journal pockets and housing surround the bushings and assist in dampening vibrations.

Abstract: An arrangement for attaching a blade to a shaft for use in intake manifolds, uses fasteners that create a load on the blade. Fasteners are inserted through fastener holes in the blade and through shaft holes in the shaft. Once inserted outward pressure by the fastener on the shaft and the blade places the assembly under a constant load. The load prevents the shaft and the blade from vibrating against each other during engine operation. The same attachment method can also be used to retain and bias a shaft locater to the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting rod and piston pin assembly for an internal combustion engine to improve wear of the piston/connecting rod pivot point and reduce deformation of the pin bore. To this end, the assembly includes a piston having a pin bore, a connecting rod having a bore adapted to be aligned with the piston pin bore and piston pin interconnecting the piston and the connecting rod through engaging their respective bores. The piston pin has a profiled outer circumference that is substantially circular in cross-section with a larger diameter at the distal ends than at the center portion. One end of the connecting rod includes a phosphatized coating and is adapted to facilitate movement between the connecting rod bore and the profiled piston pin.