Abstract: A crankshaft may include first and second journals having circular cross-sections, and a crankpin, the crankpin extending between first and second crankpin journals. The crankpin may include first, second, and third cams including respective first, second, and third cam profiles, wherein the first, second, and third cam profiles differ from one another. At least one of the first, second, and third cam profiles may be configured to affect the stroke of a connecting rod coupled to the crankpin. A connecting rod may include first, second, and third followers including respective first, second, and third follower surfaces, wherein the first and second follower surfaces differ from one another. An internal combustion engine may include a crankshaft and a connecting rod configured to provide relative linear movement between a crankpin axis and a proximal end of the connecting rod.
Abstract: An internal combustion engine may include a cylinder block defining a cylinder, and a crankshaft defining a crankpin, wherein the crankshaft is rotatably received by the cylinder block and rotates about a longitudinal axis. The internal combustion engine may further include a piston configured to reciprocate within the cylinder, and a connecting rod operably coupled to the piston and the crankpin. The connecting rod may include a first rod element having a first distal end and a first proximate end, wherein the first distal end is operably coupled to the piston. The connecting rod may further include a second rod element having a second distal end operably coupled to the first proximate end of the first rod element, and a second proximate end operably coupled to the crankpin, wherein the first rod element and the second rod element are pivotally coupled to one another.
Abstract: A gear reduction assembly may include an input shaft, a first spur gear, and a second spur gear. The first and second spur gears may be coupled to one another. At least one of the first spur gear and the second spur gear may be associated with the input shaft such that the input shaft drives at least one of the first and second spur gears. The gear reduction assembly may further include a first internal gear engaged with the first spur gear, a second internal gear engaged with the second spur gear, and a hub associated with the first internal gear The first and second internal gears have a first number of teeth and a second number of teeth, respectively, and the first number of teeth differs from the second number of teeth by from one to five teeth. The gear reduction assembly may be included in a winch.