Abstract: An internal combustion engine including a low thermal capacity, low thermal conductivity insulating liner is provided. The insulating liner may be positioned to line the combustion chamber and a portion of the cylinder wall. The insulating liner may comprise a high aspect morphology sintered ceramic material and may further include a surface coating. The internal combustion engine may be a four-stroke diesel engine with variable valve timing operating using an asymmetric cycle. Through the asymmetric cycle and insulative properties of the insulating liner, the heat loss of the disclosed internal combustion engine is significantly less than that of a similar conventional internal combustion engine, resulting in significant efficiency improvements.

Abstract: Safety apparatus for use at the exit portion of a moving conveyor, such as that used by novice skiers, wherein at least one plate is pivotally mounted adjacent to the exit portion and is resiliently urged to an upper position so that when a sufficient force is applied to the plate, the plate moves and the pivotal movement actuates a control switch to stop the conveyor. The exit end of the plate has a plurality of spaced apart teeth located in arcuate grooves in the arcuate front surface of an egress platform so that the arcuate pivotal movement of the teeth is concentric to the arcuate grooves and arcuate front surface. A roller may be located between the plate and the exit portion of the moving conveyor.