Abstract: A method of making an engine block for an internal combustion engine comprising making an engine block with cylinder bores, forming a spray-formed cylinder liner with a predetermined internal diameter and a predetermined external diameter, heating the cylinder block, inserting the cylinder liner in the bore, and permitting the cylinder block to cool such that the liner is locked in position in the bore by compressive forces. The spray-formed cylinder liner comprises a cylindrical body made of a material having predetermined thermal characteristics, wear resistant and scuff resistant materials. The cylindrical body has an external surface formed by spray forming and an internal surface formed by spray forming. The liner can have a single spray-formed layer or multiple spray-formed layers of different materials. The spray-formed liner is preferably heat treated in an inert atmosphere before being inserted in the block. In one form, the spray-formed liner has a radial flange at one end.

Abstract: A method of making an engine block for an internal combustion engine comprising making an engine block with cylinder bores, forming a spray-formed cylinder liner with a predetermined internal diameter and a predetermined external diameter, heating the cylinder block, inserting the cylinder liner in the bore, and permitting the cylinder block to cool such that the liner is locked in position in the bore by compressive forces. The spray-formed cylinder liner comprises a cylindrical body made of a material having predetermined thermal characteristics, wear resistant and scuff resistant materials. The cylindrical body has an external surface formed by spray forming and an internal surface formed by spray forming. The liner can have a single spray-formed layer or multiple spray-formed layers of different materials.

Abstract: A solenoid valve which includes a valve body having a central bore from which fluid passages radially extend. A valve spool is axially slidably captured within the valve body bore to control passage of fluid among the valve body passages. An electromagnetic variable force motor is mounted on the valve body and includes a housing of ferromagnetic construction with a pole piece of ferromagnetic construction coaxial with the valve spool and surrounded by an electrical coil. An armature comprising a ball of ferromagnetic construction is positioned coaxially with the pole piece in abutting engagement with the valve spool. A coil spring is positioned to engage the ball-armature and to urge the same axially away from the pole piece. The characteristic of magnetic attraction between the ball-armature and the opposing face of the pole piece as a function of separation therebetween is substantially identical with spring rate, both preferably being a linear function of ball-armature displacement.

Abstract: A solenoid valve which includes a valve body having a central bore from which fluid passages radially extend. A valve spool is axially slidably captured within the valve body bore to control passage of fluid among the valve body passages. An electromagnetic variable force motor is mounted on the valve body and includes a housing of ferromagnetic construction with a pole piece of ferromagnetic construction coaxial with the valve spool and surrounded by an electrical coil. An armature comprising a ball of ferromagnetic construction is positioned coaxially with the pole piece in abutting engagement with the valve spool. A coil spring is positioned to engage the ball-armature and to urge the same axially away from the pole piece. The characteristic of magnetic attraction between the ball-armature and the opposing face of the pole piece as a function of separation therebetween is substantially identical with spring rate, both preferably being a linear function of ball-armature displacement.

Abstract: A solenoid valve which includes a valve body having a central bore from which fluid passages radially extend. A valve spool is axially slidably captured within the valve body bore to control passage of fluid among the valve body passages. An electromagnetic variable force motor is mounted on the valve body and includes a housing of ferromagnetic construction with a pole piece of ferromagnetic construction coaxial with the valve spool and surrounded by an electrical coil. An armature comprising a ball of ferromagnetic construction is positioned coaxially with the pole piece in abutting engagement with the valve spool. A coil spring is positioned to engage the ball-armature and to urge the same axially away from the pole piece. The characteristic of magnetic attraction between the ball-armature and the opposing face of the pole piece as a function of separation therebetween is substantially identical with spring rate, both preferably being a linear function of ball-armature displacement.

Abstract: A solenoid valve which includes a valve body having a central bore from which fluid passages radially extend. A valve spool is axially slidably captured within the valve body bore to control passage of fluid among the valve body passages. An electromagnetic variable force motor is mounted on the valve body and includes a housing of ferromagnetic construction with a pole piece of ferromagnetic construction coaxial with the valve spool and surrounded by an electrical coil. An armature comprising a ball of ferromagnetic construction is positioned coaxially with the pole piece in abutting engagement with the valve spool. A coil spring is positioned to engage the ball-armature and to urge the same axially away from the pole piece. The characteristic of magnetic attraction between the ball-armature and the opposing face of the pole piece as a function of separation therebetween is substantially identical with spring rate, both preferably being a linear function of ball-armature displacement.