Abstract: Air filter and silencers comprise an air filter element having an annular body with openings at opposed ends. A top is attached over one of ends, has an outer flange sealed to the element, and includes a central section extending across the air filter element end. The top central section has a convex-shaped geometry with a radius of curvature projecting outwardly and away from the air filter element. The top central section includes a sound deadening material directed towards the air filter element. The top central section has a radius of curvature greater than the radius of an inside diameter of the air filter element. The air filter and silencer is used with an air filter assembly that includes a housing removably attached to the air filter and silencer, and that has an internal chamber projecting axially into the air filter and silencer with a sound deadening material disposed therein.

Abstract: A turbocharger heat shield is disposed around a turbocharger turbine housing and comprises first and second heat shield members each having a wall structure that is generally semi-cylindrical in shape. The heat shield members are removably attached with one and include axially opposed openings, and a radial opening, to accommodate passage of other turbocharger components therethrough. A third heat shield member may be included to cover a further element of the turbocharger. One or more tabs project from an edge of the first or second heat shield member to register with an adjacent edge of the other member to facilitate alignment, engagement and/or attachment between the two members. An insulating material can be interposed between the heat shield and the turbocharger housing and, in a preferred embodiment, is attached to the heat shield.

Abstract: An air filter is provided having a filter body and a throat connected to a bottom of the filter body. The throat includes a plurality of throat sections. Each of the plurality of throat sections has a different inner diameter. The throat may further included molded trim guides for facilitating trimming of the throat at throat section interfaces.

Abstract: Air-oil separators of this invention comprise a housing having an internal chamber defined by a housing sidewall surface that extends axially from a housing base to a housing open end. The open end includes a removable lid disposed thereon. The housing includes an inlet for receiving an air-oil mixture into the internal chamber from an internal combustion engine, and an outlet for passing a separated air stream from the internal chamber and out of the housing. An oil coalescing filter element is removably disposed within the internal chamber and is positioned/interposed between the inlet and outlet. A vacuum control device is disposed onboard or off board of the separator to provide a vacuum regulated environment within the housing internal chamber between the inlet and outlet. Thus configured, air-oil separators of this invention provide improved air and oil separation efficiencies when compared to conventional air-oil separators.

Abstract: A vacuum relief valve for use with internal combustion engines is provided. The valve is connected to the breathing tubes of an engine on one side and to the air induction system of the engine on the opposite side. Under certain conditions during engine operation, the induction system has a tendency to reduce the pressure within the crankcase creating a partial vacuum. The vacuum relief valve is interposed between the induction system and the crankcase and control or limits the amount of partial vacuum thus created to a maximum of seven inches of vacuum or less. This is accomplished by providing means for limiting the size of a passageway through the valve and thereby limit the amount of suction that can be communicated by the induction system to the crankcase. In one embodiment, a spring biased piston is used to control the size of the passageway. Other valving mechanisms are also contemplated.