Abstract: A pendulum damper fixed to a rotating element of an engine comprises a pendulum anchor, a pendulum, and a flexible metal strap attaching the pendulum and pendulum anchor. The strap is wound around the pendulum and pendulum anchor to define a bifilar pendulum. A pendulum clamp is attached to the pendulum such that part of the strap is captured between the pendulum clamp and the pendulum. A pendulum anchor clamp is attached to the pendulum anchor such that a portion of the strap is captured between the pendulum anchor clamp and the pendulum anchor. The pendulum includes a pendulum anchor-facing, flexible strap-supporting cam surface. The pendulum anchor includes a pendulum-facing, flexible strap-supporting cam surface. The surfaces of the pendulum and the pendulum anchor that face each other are mutually conjugant so that at all positions of normal pendulum motion there is only a small running clearance between the two surfaces.

Abstract: A pendulum damper fixed to a rotating element of an engine comprises a pendulum anchor, a pendulum, and a flexible metal strap attaching the pendulum and pendulum anchor. The strap is wound around the pendulum and pendulum anchor to define a bifilar pendulum. A pendulum clamp is attached to the pendulum such that part of the strap is captured between the pendulum clamp and the pendulum. A pendulum anchor clamp is attached to the pendulum anchor such that a portion of the strap is captured between the pendulum anchor clamp and the pendulum anchor. The pendulum includes a pendulum anchor-facing, flexible strap-supporting cam surface. The pendulum anchor includes a pendulum-facing, flexible strap-supporting cam surface. The surfaces of the pendulum and the pendulum anchor that face each other are mutually conjugant so that at all positions of normal pendulum motion there is only a small running clearance between the two surfaces.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio piston (26) and connecting rod (18) assembly for an internal combustion engine (14) includes an eccentric bushing (28) that carries a piston pin bushing (42) and contains a journaled portion (48) held in the rod bore (24) of the connecting rod (18). The eccentric bushing (28) can be selectively rotated between either of two angle adjusted positions to effect a change in the height of the piston (26) relative to the connecting rod (18), and thus change the compression ratio of the assembly. A latch (50) mechanism is actuated by oil jets (90, 91) external to the connecting rod (18). The latch (50) includes bolts (54, 56) with tapered tips that seat in oblong holes (60, 62) in a flange plate (58) to reduce destructive lash. A resilient stop post (80) bears the brunt of stresses associated with stopping the flange plate (58) during switching events to protect the latching bolts (54, 56).

Abstract: A variable output gerotor pump includes outer and inner driven and driving rotors and an annular output control ring which is rotatable within a bore mounted within the pump's body so as to change the amount of working fluid which is transferred from the inlet port to the outlet port of the pump. This is particularly useful for controlling the output flow of lubricating oil used in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A synchronized, dual crankshaft engine (10) uses a phase-shifting device (42) to alter the angular position of one crankshaft (12) relative to the other crankshaft (14) for dynamically varying the engine's developed compression ratio. Each crankshaft (12, 14) drives a respective connecting rod (16, 18) which, in turn, reciprocates a piston (24, 26) in a cylinder (28, 30). The center lines (C, D) of each cylinder (28, 30) are skewed relative to each other so that the pistons (24, 26) converge toward a common combustion chamber formed under a common cylinder head (34). Movable exhaust valves (36) are located above the piston (24) whose phase shifted orientation is retarded or lagging dead center conditions, whereas movable intake valves (38) are located above the piston (26) that is leading or advanced in its phase displacement relative to dead center conditions.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio piston (26) and connecting rod (18) assembly for an internal combustion engine (14) includes an eccentric bushing (28) that carries a piston pin bushing (42) and contains a journaled portion (48) held in the rod bore (24) of the connecting rod (18). The eccentric bushing (28) can be selectively rotated between either of two angle adjusted positions to effect a change in the height of the piston (26) relative to the connecting rod (18), and thus change the compression ratio of the assembly. A latch (50) mechanism is actuated by oil jets (90, 91) external to the connecting rod (18). The latch (50) includes bolts (54, 56) with tapered tips that seat in oblong holes (60, 62) in a flange plate (58) to reduce destructive lash. A resilient stop post (80) bears the brunt of stresses associated with stopping the flange plate (58) during switching events to protect the latching bolts (54, 56).

Abstract: A variable compression ratio piston (26) and connecting rod (18) assembly for an internal combustion engine (14) includes an eccentric bushing (28) that carries a piston pin bushing (42) and contains a journaled portion (48) held in the rod bore (24) of the connecting rod (18). The eccentric bushing (28) can be selectively rotated between either of two angle adjusted positions to effect a change in the height of the piston (26) relative to the connecting rod (18), and thus change the compression ratio of the assembly. A latch (50) mechanism is actuated by oil jets (90, 91) external to the connecting rod (18). The latch (50) includes bolts (54, 56) with tapered tips that seat in oblong holes (60, 62) in a flange plate (58) to reduce destructive lash. A resilient stop post (80) bears the brunt of stresses associated with stopping the flange plate (58) during switching events to protect the latching bolts (54, 56).

Abstract: A variable compression ratio piston (26) and connecting rod (18) assembly for an internal combustion engine (14) includes an eccentric bushing (28) that carries a piston pin bushing (42) and contains a journaled portion (48) held in the rod bore (24) of the connecting rod (18). The eccentric bushing (28) can be selectively rotated between either of two angle adjusted positions to effect a change in the height of the piston (26) relative to the connecting rod (18), and thus change the compression ratio of the assembly. A latch (50) mechanism is actuated by oil jets (90, 91) external to the connecting rod (18). The latch (50) includes bolts (54, 56) with tapered tips that seat in oblong holes (60, 62) in a flange plate (58) to reduce destructive lash. A resilient stop post (80) bears the brunt of stresses associated with stopping the flange plate (58) during switching events to protect the latching bolts (54, 56).

Abstract: A synchronized, dual crankshaft engine (10) uses a phase-shifting device (42) to alter the angular position of one crankshaft (12) relative to the other crankshaft (14) for dynamically varying the engine's developed compression ratio. Each crankshaft (12, 14) drives a respective connecting rod (16, 18) which, in turn, reciprocates a piston (24, 26) in a cylinder (28, 30). The center lines (C, D) of each cylinder (28, 30) are skewed relative to each other so that the pistons (24, 26) converge toward a common combustion chamber formed under a common cylinder head (34). Movable exhaust valves (36) are located above the piston (24) whose phase shifted orientation is retarded or lagging dead center conditions, whereas movable intake valves (38) are located above the piston (26) that is leading or advanced in its phase displacement relative to dead center conditions.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio piston (26) and connecting rod (18) assembly for an internal combustion engine (14) includes an eccentric bushing (28) that carries a piston pin bushing (42) and contains a journaled portion (48) held in the rod bore (24) of the connecting rod (18). The eccentric bushing (28) can be selectively rotated between either of two angle adjusted positions to effect a change in the height of the piston (26) relative to the connecting rod (18), and thus change the compression ratio of the assembly. A latch (50) mechanism is actuated by oil jets (90, 91) external to the connecting rod (18). The latch (50) includes bolts (54, 56) with tapered tips that seat in oblong holes (60, 62) in a flange plate (58) to reduce destructive lash. A resilient stop post (80) bears the brunt of stresses associated with stopping the flange plate (58) during switching events to protect the latching bolts (54, 56).

Abstract: A variable compression ratio piston (26) and connecting rod (18) assembly for an internal combustion engine (14) includes an eccentric bushing (28) that carries a piston pin bushing (42) and contains a journaled portion (48) held in the rod bore (24) of the connecting rod (18). The eccentric bushing (28) can be selectively rotated between either of two angle adjusted positions to effect a change in the height of the piston (26) relative to the connecting rod (18), and thus change the compression ratio of the assembly. A latch (50) mechanism is actuated by oil jets (90, 91) external to the connecting rod (18). The latch (50) includes bolts (54, 56) with tapered tips that seat in oblong holes (60, 62) in a flange plate (58) to reduce destructive lash. A resilient stop post (80) bears the brunt of stresses associated with stopping the flange plate (58) during switching events to protect the latching bolts (54, 56).

Abstract: A variable compression ratio piston (26) and connecting rod (18) assembly for an internal combustion engine (14) includes an eccentric bushing (28) that carries a piston pin bushing (42) and contains a journaled portion (48) held in the rod bore (24) of the connecting rod (18). The eccentric bushing (28) can be selectively rotated between either of two angle adjusted positions to effect a change in the height of the piston (26) relative to the connecting rod (18), and thus change the compression ratio of the assembly. A latch (50) mechanism is actuated by oil jets (90, 91) external to the connecting rod (18). The latch (50) includes bolts (54, 56) with tapered tips that seat in oblong holes (60, 62) in a flange plate (58) to reduce destructive lash. A resilient stop post (80) bears the brunt of stresses associated with stopping the flange plate (58) during switching events to protect the latching bolts (54, 56).

Abstract: A variable compression ratio piston (26) and connecting rod (18) assembly for an internal combustion engine (14) includes an eccentric bushing (28) that carries a piston pin bushing (42) and contains a journaled portion (48) held in the rod bore (24) of the connecting rod (18). The eccentric bushing (28) can be selectively rotated between either of two angle adjusted positions to effect a change in the height of the piston (26) relative to the connecting rod (18), and thus change the compression ratio of the assembly. A latch (50) mechanism is actuated by oil jets (90, 91) external to the connecting rod (18). The latch (50) includes bolts (54, 56) with tapered tips that seat in oblong holes (60, 62) in a flange plate (58) to reduce destructive lash. A resilient stop post (80) bears the brunt of stresses associated with stopping the flange plate (58) during switching events to protect the latching bolts (54, 56).

Abstract: A variable compression ratio piston (26) and connecting rod (18) assembly for an internal combustion engine (14) includes an eccentric bushing (28) that carries a piston pin bushing (42) and contains a journaled portion (48) held in the rod bore (24) of the connecting rod (18). The eccentric bushing (28) can be selectively rotated between either of two angle adjusted positions to effect a change in the height of the piston (26) relative to the connecting rod (18), and thus change the compression ratio of the assembly. A latch (50) mechanism is actuated by oil jets (90, 91) external to the connecting rod (18). The latch (50) includes bolts (54, 56) with tapered tips that seat in oblong holes (60, 62) in a flange plate (58) to reduce destructive lash. A resilient stop post (80) bears the brunt of stresses associated with stopping the flange plate (58) during switching events to protect the latching bolts (54, 56).

Abstract: A starter system for a reciprocating internal combustion engine includes an input gear journaled for rotation upon a crankshaft in the engine, and a starter motor which applies a starting torque to an outer periphery of the input gear. A speed-sensitive clutch is interposed between the crankshaft and the input gear. The clutch selectively transmits torque between the input gear and the crankshaft by means of a series of pawls which are responsive to centrifugal force.

Abstract: A starter system for a reciprocating internal combustion engine includes an input gear journaled for rotation upon a crankshaft in the engine, and a starter motor which applies a starting torque to an outer periphery of the input gear. A speed-sensitive clutch is interposed between the crankshaft and the input gear. The clutch selectively transmits torque between the input gear and the crankshaft by means of a series of pawls which are responsive to centrifugal force.

Abstract: A speed limiting accessory drive for use with an engine in a vehicle. A speed limiting drive pulley (16) is affixed to a crankshaft (14) via a hub (42) and includes a pulley member (24) which drives the accessory belt (18). A Clutch assembly (36) is operatively located between the hub and pulley member, with a piston (54) or bellows biased against and engaging the clutch assembly. Oil located throughout the clutch assembly is acted on by centrifugal force when the drive pulley is rotating and acts to push against the biases of the piston. This allows the clutch to slip at high engine speeds, thus limiting the speed of the pulley member. A heat compensating mechanism acts to counter the pushing force of the oil if the temperature of the oil rises too high due to the clutch slippage, thereby reducing clutch slip.

Abstract: A speed limiting accessory drive and crankshaft damper for use with an engine in a vehicle. A speed limiting drive pulley (16) is affixed to a crankshaft (14) via a hub (42) and includes a pulley member (24) which drives the accessory belt (18). A damper mass (40) is elastically attached to the hub via damper springs (44). A Clutch assembly (36) is operatively located between the damper mass and pulley member, with a piston (54) or bellows biased against and engaging the clutch assembly. Oil located throughout the clutch assembly is acted on by centrifugal force when the drive pulley is rotating and acts to push against the biases of the piston. This allows the clutch to slip at high engine speeds, thus limiting the speed of the pulley member. A heat compensating mechanism acts to counter the pushing force of the oil if the temperature of the oil rises too high due to the clutch slippage, thereby reducing clutch slip.

Abstract: A nonswitched power circuit energizes volatile memories of electronic devices in an automobile. When the main vehicle battery is present and providing power, the volatile memories are energized by the main battery through a diode. The main battery also maintains a rechargeable battery in a charged state. When the main battery voltage drops due to a discharged or disconnected main battery, the rechargeable battery maintains power to the volatile memories. The rechargeable battery may be included as part of a flashlight for providing a portable, rechargeable light source.

Abstract: A hill hold mechanism for use in a motor vehicle transmission. The mechanism includes a one-way clutch coupled to a transmission input shaft, a toggle link with a friction pad coupled to the transmission output shaft, and a friction band, coupled to the one-way clutch, for locking the one-way clutch when the toggle link and the friction pad react to a change in rotational direction of the output shaft. With this mechanism, when a vehicle is stopped on an incline and the vehicle attempts to roll down the incline, the one-way clutch is engaged and prevents rolling, but will not prevent the vehicle from moving in the driven direction when the vehicle engine begins to power it.