Abstract: A centrifugal compressor (10/110) or a centripetal turbine (76) having coaxially aligned, relatively rotatable rotors (12,112,212/14,114,214) mounting a plurality of blades (30,32,34,36,38/130/230) having variable radial extension from a central axis (15). The blades closer to the center of rotation of the rotors are operated at high speeds so to maximize their gas treating effect while rotating the larger diameter blades (40,42,44/132,232) at lower speeds commensurate with their stress capabilities.

Abstract: A varible rate spring for use in a combustion engine has a lower spring rate at high valve lifts than at low valve lifts to reduce contact stresses in the valve train assembly (24) at maximum valve lift. In one embodiment, the varible rate spring includes a cantilevered spring (70) having a free end (80) for engagement with a valve (12), a fixed end secured to a cylinder head (18) and an intermediate portion (88) which engages a pair of stops (90/92). As the valve moves between the seated position to an intermediate lift position only that portion of the spring (70), from its free end (80) to the intermediate portion (88) engaging the stops (90/92) is active. At the intermediate lift position the spring (70) disengages the stops (90/92) and the entire length of the spring (70) becomes active thereby decreasing the spring rate. In another embodiment two coil springs (94/96) are connected in series having a separator (110), which acts as a spring damper, disposed therebetween.

Abstract: Prior art roller followers have generally been relatively expensive to produce and provisions have had to be made to deliver pressurized lubricant to bushings which have been used as bearings for the roller. Such roller followers have also been made with partially open apertures for bearings, thus eliminating the need for pressurized lubrication, but in such roller followers there is a tendency for the rollers to fall out of the open apertures. These probelms are solved herein by forming the body (16) and bearing surfaces (26,28) of a roller follower (10) in two parts, an inner structure (20) which supports the bearing surfaces (26,28) and an outer structure (18) which surrounds the inner structure (20) and fastens the entire assembly (10) together. Preferably, the inner structure (20) comprises a pair of half tubular shells (22,24) which fit together and include flanges (40,41) for keeping the roller (12) in contact with the bearing surfaces (26,28).

Abstract: A tappet (10) for an internal combustion engine having a main body (12) and an annular rim (17) extending therefrom with a ceramic wear resisting insert (20) flush therewith and maintained therein by means of an interference fit. This tappet (10) need have a wear face (14) not as great in diameter as the distance of potential contact between a cam (16) and a wear face of infinitely extended surface. The tappet (10) yielded has a very long life and a low incidence of failure.

Abstract: A low stress heat exchanger (50) and method for making the same is provided wherein thin heat exchange members (18, 20, 64, 66) are joined to thicker support members (44, 84) by causing the thin members (18, 20, 64, 66) to extend tangentially from a radiused surface (84) of the support member (44, 84). The thin members (18, 20, 64, 66) are then secured to the support member (44, 84) in an area (42, 88) remote from the area (46, 48) where the thin members (18, 20, 64, 66) extend tangentially from the support member (44, 84).The heat exchanger (50) includes closure tabs (14, 16) for bridging a space at the ends of fluid passages (36) defined by spaced wall members (18, 20).

Abstract: A low profile heat exchanger module (46) and method for forming the same wherein the heat exchanger module (46) is formed from one or more compact, single sheet primary surface heat exchanger core units (38a and 38b). Each single sheet primary surface core unit (38a and 38b) is made from a rectangular sheet of a suitable heat exchange material (10) which has been serrated along the longitudinal edges (18) to provide entrance ramps (20) and to minimize flow blockage. Fluid flow is controlled by closures (42, 44) in the ends of alternate flow passages (58, 64) which serve to isolate the fluid in one passage from the fluid in an adjacent passage.

Abstract: Fuel injection apparatus often uses valves which rapidly move in a start and stop motion for the purpose of starting and stopping injection. Undesirable inertial forces result from such start-stop movement of the valves. To limit such undesirable forces, a pair of valves (72,92) are provided for continuous rotation for starting and stopping injection.

Abstract: A rotating fluidized bed heat exchanger particularly adaptable as a heat exchange unit in the recuperator section of conventional gas turbine engines comprising an annular fluidized bed, defined by inner and outer spaced apart coaxial cylindrical, perforated walls, which rotates about the longitudinal axis of the cylinders. The bed is comprised of pulverulent inert particulate material and includes fluid-containing heat exchange tubes passing substantially longitudinally therethrough. Hot gases, such as turbine exhaust gases, enter the bed through the outer perforated wall, heat and fluidize the bed particles, heat the fluid, usually compressed air, in the tubes, and exit the bed through the inner perforated wall. The heat exchange tubes direct the fluid flowing therein from an inlet adjacent the inner perforated wall to an outlet adjacent the outer perforated wall such that the fluid flows substantially countercurrently to the hot fluidizing gas.

Abstract: Idler gears (14) which transmit power from crankshaft gears (12) to camshaft gears (16) may have helical teeth thus producing a tilting or cocking force on the idler gears (14). Past attempts to solve this problem have led to bulky and expensive structures, or to structures which are subject to failure. The problem is solved herein by a sleeve bushing (38, 54 or 54') having an axially extending bearing surface (42, 58 or 88') and being located between the bore (26,52) of an idler gear (14) or other rotary member and a stub shaft (30 or 56), the sleeve bushing (38,54 or 54') including construction (51 or 60) which maintains an extended area (44,46 or 58,88) of the bearing surface (42 or 58 or 88) in fitted mating relation against an extended area (49, 52 or 97) of a respective one of the shaft (30,56) and the bore (26,52) as the bearing surface (42,58,88') is worn down.

Abstract: A rotating drive wheel which drives a pair of output shafts. The driving of each of the output shafts proceeds via a mechanical transmission which delivers rotary motion from the drive wheel to the output shafts. A drive ratio delivered by each of the transmissions can be selectively varied.

Abstract: Power output of a compound engine is increased and fuel consumption per unit of output power is reduced by eliminating the blowdown losses heretofore associated with opening of exhaust valves or ports. Exhaust gases of a positive displacement engine stage drive a turbine or other gas-expansion stage, the two stages being mechanically coupled to jointly contribute to power output. The turbine stage may also drive a compressor to supercharge the positive displacement stage. Flow-regulating means in the exhaust gas passage between the two stages maintain exhaust gas passage pressure at a level corresponding to that which exists in the combustion chambers of the positive displacement stage at the time that exhaust valves or ports open. This avoids exhaust gas expansion between stages and reduces or eliminates the blowdown losses which would otherwise occur.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00929 Sec. 371 Date Nov. 1, 1979 Sec. 102(e) date Nov. 1, 1979 PCT Filed Nov. 1, 1979 PCT Pub. No. WO81/01295 PCT Pub. Date May 14, 1981A rotating fluidized bed gasifier system especially useful in compound engines comprising an annular fluidization chamber containing a bed of carbon containing pulverulent solid materials. The chamber, which is defined by inner and outer spaced apart coaxial, cylindrical, perforated walls, rotates about the longitudinal axis of the cylinders. Steam enters the bed, which is maintained at about 1800.degree. F., through the outer perforated wall and fluidizes the particles. The steam reacts endothermically with the carbon to produce reaction product gas which exits the bed, together with unreacted steam, through the inner perforated wall. In a preferred form of the invention the bed is maintained at approximately 1800.degree. F. by combining a rotating fluidized bed combustor with the gasifier.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00883 Sec. 371 Date Oct. 22, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Oct. 22, 1979 PCT Filed Oct. 22, 1979Pilot injection of a high cetane fuel (16) and main injection of a relatively lower cetane fuel (16a) is accomplished by providing dual fuel, rotary controlled, pilot and main injection including a first rotating valve (32) for starting and stopping pilot injection of the high cetane fuel (16) through a first nozzle (46) and for starting main injection of the lower cetane fuel (16a) through a second nozzle (46a). A second rotating valve (32a) stops main injection of the lower cetane fuel (16a).

Abstract: Flow of viscous molten metal (12) to thin sections (48) of mold cavities (14) is difficult to attain thus resulting in inferior molded products. This problem is solved herein by generating waves (20) in the molten metal (12), sensing the waves (20) in the molten metal (12) at a thin section (48) of the mold cavity (14) spaced from the generating position of the waves (20), and controlling the generating responsive to the waves (20) sensed. Basically, a control circuit (56) increases the amplitude, and/or changes the frequency, of the waves (20) generated, if the waves (20) sensed are not sufficiently strong. The invention is useful for flowing other liquids besides molten metal in other cavities than in molds, although this is its prime contemplated use.

Abstract: An engine valve comprises an elongated stem having a head secured on an end thereof. A tube is disposed in the stem to terminate at an outlet to communicate a liquid coolant, such as oil, to an annular chamber defined in the head. An agitator ring is loosely mounted in the chamber for moving therein during valve operation. A plurality of circumferentially disposed and radially extending ribs are preferably secured between the head and a cap secured thereon to define a plurality of inlet and outlet passageways therebetween.

Abstract: A rotary engine housing having an improved inner surface structure for preventing scuffing and wear such as during break-in and heavy load operation of the engine. The housing is defined by a wall having an inner surface provided with a crosshatch topography. The cross-hatching lines are preferably arranged at a substantial angle to the line of intersection of a plane perpendicular to the axis of the piston chamber and the wall surface.

Abstract: An engine valve, reciprocally mounted in an engine, comprises a hollow stem having a head secured thereon and an annular face defined on the head adapted to engage an annular seat defined on an insert secured in the engine. A first tube is disposed in the stem to define a first passage therethrough and a fluted second tube is disposed between the stem and the first tube to define a plurality of second passages therethrough. A lower end of the first tube is open whereas a lower end of the second tube is closed by a cap whereby a coolant, such as oil, may be circulated through the first and second passages. A plurality of third passages are defined between the second tube and the stem to communicate with a chamber defined in the head of the valve, adapted to contain a vaporizable liquid coolant, such as water, therein. The insert has an annular passage defined therearound for circulating water about the seat and face for cooling purposes.

Abstract: An engine valve comprises an elongated hollow stem having a hollow head secured on an end thereof. A tube is disposed in the stem to define an inlet passage therethrough and an outlet passage between the tube and the stem. An annular oil distributor and heat conducting member, exhibiting a relatively high thermal conductivity, is secured to the tube and is disposed adjacent to an annular face defined on the head of the valve to conduct heat therefrom. The member defines a chamber along with an annular cap secured to the head of the valve. The chamber communicates with the inlet passage and the cap and the member function to direct oil radially outwardly to ports formed through the member to communicate oil to the outlet passage. The tube is preferably bent intermediate its ends to engage the stem in bearing contact to dampen vibration of the tube during operation.

Abstract: In a friction type transmission two substantially rigid members are in frictional engagement at respective contact portions to provide a longitudinally extending contact zone therebetween. In some such transmissions the relative velocities of the members at a first end of the contact zone are different than at a second end thereof. This creates slippage problems. To solve these problems a plurality of generally parallel plates are aligned in a pack and are arranged whereby an edge of the aligned plates forms the aforementioned contact portion of at least one of the inelastic members. Slippage is thereby prevented.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including at least one cylinder defining a combustion chamber, a piston reciprocal within the cylinder, at least one port in the combustion chamber, a valve within the port and movable between positions opening and closing the port, a camshaft, a valve train operated by the camshaft for moving the valve between the positions, the valve train including a hydraulic valve lifter, an oil supply line for providing oil to the hydraulic valve lifter and a device for at least partially interrupting the supply of oil to the hydraulic valve lifter for predetermined operational conditions of the engine to thereby intentionally induce valve lash into the system at the predetermined operational conditions.