Abstract: An automotive engine cover is provided that at least partly covers an automotive engine in an automotive engine compartment. The engine cover, includes, but is not limited to cooling fins that are made of a metallic or ceramic material. The automotive engine cover is provided with improved cooling effect as compared to known automotive engine covers. The improved cooling effect prolongs the life-time of the automotive engine cover. The improved cooling effect also help to increase the life-time of other components in the engine compartment, which otherwise may degrade, deform or even melt due to heat transfer from heat-generating components in the engine. In turn, this paves the way for the design of engines which may generate even more heat than today.

Abstract: Cast-in-place cylinder bore liners are disclosed for use in casting of engine cylinder blocks, wherein a plurality of the cylinder bore liners are joined to form a cassette, and wherein an accuracy in positioning of each of the bore liners with respect to each other is maximized and a weight thereof is minimized.

Abstract: Additions of small but effective amounts of one or more of bismuth, indium, lead and/or tin to an aluminum casting alloy markedly improved the dry machinability of a casting made from the modified alloy. The added elements, which are softer and lower melting than the matrix alloy form as small globules dispersed in the microstructure of the aluminum casting. These globules do not adversely affect the strength or hardness of the casting but enable the casting to be machined without the use of a cooling and lubricating machining fluid.

Abstract: Additions of small but effective amounts of one or more of bismuth, indium, lead and/or tin to an aluminum casting alloy markedly improved the dry machinability of a casting made from the modified alloy. The added elements, which are softer and lower melting than the matrix alloy form as small globules in the microstructure of the aluminum casting. These globules do not adversely affect the strength or hardness of the casting but enable surfaces of the casting to be machined without the use of a cooling and lubricating machining fluid.

Abstract: Method of making a subcutaneous melt flow-channel in the surface of a fugitive foam pattern used in lost-foam casting process. After a refractory skin has been formed on the surface of a foam pattern, a strip of the skin is treated so as to cause the foam underlying the strip to recede from the strip and leave a groove in its stead. Suitable treatments include (1) heating the strip, or (2) applying a foam solvent thereto that soaks through the skin. In each case, the treatment is such as to cause the foam underlying the treated strip to soften and recede from the strip.

Abstract: Processes for providing rapid release of a hook and loop type releasable fastener system comprise preconditioning the releasable fastener system to effect rapid release. In this manner, minimal energy and time is required for disengagement of the releasable fastener system.