Abstract: A connecting rod assembly includes a first end and a second end having bore extending therethrough and adapted to be aligned with a piston pin bore and receive a piston pin. The second end further includes a terminal end and has a reduced width configuration. The reduced width configuration is formed by machining a pair of channels that are formed on opposite sides of the second end between each channel and the terminal end. The bushing includes at least partially annular grooves disposed on the contact surface along at least a portion of opposed distal ends, where the grooves substantially eliminate the need for the small end to undergo a deburring process after the second end is machined to provide a reduced width configuration.

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 a connecting rod assembly and method of manufacturing same. The method includes defining a small end of a connecting rod having a terminal end and defining a pin bore extending through the small end. A pair of channels is forged on opposite sides of the small end, such that each of the channels is substantially perpendicular to the pin bore. A bushing having a contact surface including at least partially annular grooves and opposed distal ends is subsequently formed and installed into the pin bore of the small end. Following installation of the bushing, the connecting rod is machined to reduce the width of the small end between each channel and the terminal end to where at least a portion of the grooves are disposed along the distal ends to reduce the need to deburr the area adjacent the pin bore.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for protecting whole eukaryotes or parts thereof from an invasive attack from an invasive agent which comprises, selecting a prokaryotic bacterium which is capable of forming an L-form association with a host eukaryote and introducing an L-form bacteria into said host, wherein the bacteria is also selected to be antagonistic to the invasive agent. This process allows the protection of plants and plant parts against invasive organisms with which they have not already had contact.