Abstract: The present invention relates to novel sulfoperoxycarboxylic acid compounds, and methods for making and using them. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds of the invention are storage stable, water soluble and have low to no odor. Further, the compounds of the present invention can be formed from non-petroleum based renewable materials. The compounds of the present invention can be used as antimicrobials, and bleaching agents. The compounds of the present invention are also suitable for use as coupling agents.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a valve guide that is pressed into an opening in the cylinder head. An exhaust valve is slidably mounted in the bore of the valve guide. The exhaust valve has a head which is sized to cover the exhaust port, a stem which is slidably mounted in the valve guide so that the stem moves axially within the bore of the guide to open and close the valve head over the exhaust port, and a shank which extends between the valve stem and the valve head. The valve stem includes a recessed portion adjacent the valve shank. Except for the recessed portion, the valve stem is coated with a solid lubricant coating which is not capable of surviving repeated exposure to the hot exhaust gas passing through the exhaust port. The valve stem including the recessed portion remains located within the internal bore of the valve guide whenever the valve is opened or closed in such a manner that the recessed portion does not contact the bore of the valve guide.

Abstract: A low-friction, extended-life exhaust valve has a coating on the valve stem that is protected from hot exhaust gases. The valve stem slides axially in a valve guide pressed into the cylinder head, and the coating on the valve stem is receded away from the end of the valve guide exposed to the hot exhaust gases passing through the exhaust port. Protecting the coating from the hot exhaust gases allows the use of coatings that cannot normally withstand the harsh environment to which the exhaust valve is exposed. The preferred coating is a molybdenum oxide coating, which not only retains lubricating oil because of its porous nature, but also has solid lubricity which is useful in case of hydrostatic breakdown of the lubricant between engine cycles.