Abstract: A check valve assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a cup-shaped check valve housing having a cylindrical wall, an open end, and an upstream closed end, to define a chamber. An inlet passage extends through the closed end to introduce flow to the chamber. A filter assembly is received in the chamber, adjacent the upstream closed end of the check valve housing. A valve seat member is received in the chamber, downstream of the filter assembly, and has an annular ring slidingly received in the cylindrical wall and a valve seat extending radially inward from the annular ring with a central opening. A circular valve disk is oriented in the chamber, downstream of the valve seat member, and operates to close the central opening to prevent flow upstream through the check valve assembly and to flex allowing flow downstream through the central opening.

Abstract: An improved anti-coking air injection reaction system in which individual air passages in the engine cylinder head are provided with electrical resistance heating elements that are periodically activated to develop radiant energy that bums off coke deposits formed on the passage side-walls. The heating elements are conveniently implemented with conventional glow plugs. A controller monitors engine operating parameters to identify conditions likely to result in the formation of coke deposits, and schedules activation of the heating elements in relation to the frequency of the identified conditions or the cumulative time of engine operation. The heating elements may be activated sequentially or in banks to reduce electrical loading, and the activation is preferably scheduled during non-critical operating conditions defined by specified ranges of coolant temperature and engine speed and/or load.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system provides four distinct steering modes, including a first steering mode for steerage of front wheels with rear wheels neutral, a second steering mode for steerage of rear wheels with front wheels neutral, a third steering mode for coincidence-phase steerage of front wheels and rear wheels, and a fourth steering mode for reverse-phase steerage of front wheels and rear wheels. In the first embodiment, a specially elongated pinion shaft includes two groups of pinion gears. One of the first group pinion gears meshes with a gear on a steering rack for front wheels; and, simultaneously, one of the second group pinion gears meshes with a gear on a steering rack for the rear wheels. A vehicle user can shift the steering shaft to one of four operating positions, each operating position providing a distinct steering mode.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system for vehicles with steerable front wheels and steerable rear wheels. A specially elongated pinion steering shift includes two groups of pinion gears. One of the first group of pinion gears meshes with a gear on a steering rack for the front wheels; and, simultaneously, one of the second group of pinion gears meshes with a gear on a steering rack for the rear wheels. A vehicle user can selectively shift the steering shaft to four distinct operating positions. Each operating position provides a specific steering mode, including: a first steering mode for steerage of front wheels with rear wheels neutral, a second steering mode for steerage of rear wheels with front wheels neutral, a third steering mode for coincidence-phase steerage of front wheels and rear wheels, and a fourth steering mode for reverse-phase steerage of front wheels and rear wheels. This invention can be similarly applied to a steering system with worm shaft and ball nut, or other types of steering systems.