Abstract: A novel combustion chamber configuration locates the stems of all four of its valves in a parallel with the axis of the engine cylinder closed by the chamber. In this variation which is especially well suited for a barrel-stratified mode of engine operation, the spark plug can readily be offset a moderate distance from the axis of the cylinder into the fueled side of the combustion chamber because the pair of intake valves is separated from the pair of exhaust valves by an extra amount. The associated overlapping of the intake valve faces outside of a projection of the cylinder bore is utilized to form two symmetric flow masks which in turn function as the primary means for generating strong barrel swirl during the intake stroke.

Abstract: A representative version of a combustion system for spark-ignition engines adapts the classic four-valve pentroof combustion chamber to stratified charge operation by (1) restricting fuel delivery to one of the two intake passages serving each combustion chamber and (2) initiating combustion at an offset spark plug location with a sufficient lead in spark timing for fueled mixture to be pushed into the vicinity of a central spark plug before it is fired according to a second spark timing schedule with less advance. In a wide range of higher BMEP which makes a transition to homogeneous charge operation, central fuel metering components become active and the engine throttle stays at least effectively wide open.

Abstract: A representative version of a combustion system for spark-ignition engines adapts the classic four-valve pentroof combustion chamber to stratified charge operation by (1) restricting fuel delivery to one of the two intake passages serving each combustion chamber and (2) initiating combustion at an offset spark plug location with a sufficient lead in spark timing for fueled mixture to be pushed into the vicinity of a central spark plug before it is fired according to a second spark timing schedule with less advance. In a wide range of higher BMEP which makes a transition to homogeneous charge operation, central fuel metering components become active and the engine throttle stays at least effectively wide open.

Abstract: A preferred combustion chamber configuration for a piston engine includes two intake valves and one exhaust valve. The two identical intake valves and their associated induction system are arranged to promote separation of the two barrel swirl layers as established in the engine cylinder through the two valves. Further included, in a location containing the intake valves, is a large squish area for providing a fast burn rate in spite of spark ignition in just the richer one of the two barrel swirl layers. Such ignition therefore remains reliable and consistent even when no fuel is injected into the intake passage feeding the leaner swirl layer. Also included in the invention is an engine operating strategy which refrains from injecting fuel into the leaner intake passage until a central engine throttle valve is first at least effectively wide open. Drive-by-wire control coordinates the resulting throttled and unthrottled ranges of engine brake torque output.

Abstract: A suspension system includes a long-travel suspension configuration for the seat of a bicycle. For instance, this long-travel arrangement could take the form of either a spring-loaded telescoping seat tube mechanism or a single-leaf spring extending horizontally from the seat to a forward attachment point fairly near the steering head. In order to prevent the constant bobbing up and down that this type of suspension usually causes when the rider is pedaling, the suspension also includes a second suspension mechanism which allows the pedal-and-crank assembly to move substantially in unison with the seat. However, this coordinated suspension movement occurs only over bumps and obstacles of relatively moderate size because the total suspension travel of the pedal-and-crank assembly, on a sort of reversed swingarm arrangement, is only about half the overall travel of the seat.

Abstract: A powertrain for passenger cars includes a high specific output engine coupled to an automatic transmission which is expanded from four to five forward speed ratios by a novel two-speed torque converter assembly within the transmission. Both of hydrodynamic action and an integral planetary gearset contribute to torque multiplication provided by the high-stall-speed torque converter when it is in its lower speed ratio, and engagement of a lockup clutch simultaneously deactivates both sources of torque multiplication to thereby establish a 100% efficient one-to-one speed ratio across the converter. Also included in the powertrain in a control system which secures high transmission efficiency early during vehicle acceleration by employing lockup of the torque converter as the first of the four upshifts for the five-speed transmission.

Abstract: A manually-shifted transmission for use in passenger cars and trucks includes a number of constantly-meshed pairs of gears for coupling one shaft to another through a dog clutch on the power output gear of each gear pair. Also included in this basic configuration of the invention are a motorcycle-style shift drum which controls engagement of the dog clutches, a sprag clutch on the power input side of the gear pairs and a wet, multi-disc clutch on the power output side. Since the multi-disc clutch is disengaged for gearshifting, the total gearshift load accelerated or decelerated by the dog clutches is very low and includes none of the gear pairs. The resulting very rapid change from engagement of one gear pair to engagement of another, in conjuction with automatic engagement and disengagement action of the sprag clutch, allows full-power downshifting of the transmission.

Abstract: Engine control apparatus for use in passenger cars and other applications includes a special calibration of the intake mixture preparation system. Although this calibration duplicates the optimum calibration for use with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the apparatus instead includes, for reasons of practicality, a discrete-ratio powershift transmission. Also included is a feedback control system which dispenses with the conventional mechanical connection between accelerator pedal and engine throttle valve. This drive-by-wire control system operates the engine as closely as is practical to the optimum CVT engine operating schedule, a predominantly wide-open-throttle engine operating schedule. The overall combination of special engine calibration and drive-by-wire control with a discrete-ratio transmission can offer the majority of the fuel economy advantage available with a CVT.

Abstract: Engine and transmission control apparatus for use in passenger cars and other applications includes a throttle-and-gear-ratio control system and a special calibration of the engine fuel metering system, both being oriented toward maximum fuel economy. Although the engine calibration was originated for use with the continuously variable type of transmission, the apparatus is instead intended for use with discrete-ratio transmissions. The throttle-and-gear-ratio control system makes only small sacrifices in fuel economy in order to significantly reduce the number of gearshifts executed by the transmission.

Abstract: Engine control apparatus for use in passenger cars and other applications includes a special calibration of the engine intake mixture preparation system. Although this calibration duplicates the optimum calibration for use with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the apparatus instead includes, for reasons of practicality, a discrete-ratio powershift transmission. Also included is a feedback control system which dispenses with the conventional mechanical connection between accelerator pedal and engine throttle valve. This drive-by-wire control system operates the engine as closely as is practical to the optimum CVT engine operating schedule, a predominantly wide-open-throttle engine operating schedule. The overall combination of special engine calibration and drive-by-wire control with a discrete-ratio transmission can offer the majority of the fuel economy advantage available with a CVT.

Abstract: An automotive powertrain includes a basically conventional piston engine, a continuously variable ratio transmission, engine speed and power sensors and a feedback control system. The control system adjusts both the transmission ratio and the throttle valve in the engine carburetor or fuel metering system in response to the position of the accelerator pedal and in response to engine power output and crankshaft speed as measured by the engine sensors. The transmission provides extreme overdrive gear ratios which allow the engine to be operated at wide open throttle even during moderate cruising, and, in addition, the engine carburetor or fuel metering system is calibrated to deliver to the engine a stoichiometric air-fuel mixture which is combined, before combustion, with a special proportion of recirculated exhaust gas.

Abstract: An automotive powertrain includes a basically conventional piston engine, a continuously variable ratio transmission, engine speed and power sensors and a feedback control system. The control system adjusts both the transmission ratio and the throttle valve in the engine carburetor or fuel metering system in response to the position of the accelerator pedal and in response to engine power output and crankshaft speed as measured by the engine sensors. The transmission provides extreme overdrive gear ratios which allow the engine to be operated at wide open throttle even during moderate cruising, and, in addition, the engine carburetor or fuel metering system is calibrated to deliver to the engine a stoichiometric air-fuel mixture which is combined, before combustion, with a special proportion of recirculated exhaust gas.

Abstract: A feedback control system includes an actuator for selecting engine throttle position and another actuator for adjusting the ratio setting of an infinitely variable transmission through which the engine delivers its output power. Also included are sensors for measuring engine crankshaft speed and engine power output. When the control system is used in a passenger car, the accelerator pedal position is employed to command engine power output according to a predetermined relationship. The throttle actuator then adjusts throttle opening until the actual output as measured by the power sensor equals the commanded power output. Similarly, the transmission ratio is adjusted to establish a specific relationship between accelerator pedal position and engine crankshaft speed, but the commanded crankshaft speed is usually low enough to require full throttle engine operation to achieve the correspondingly commanded power output.

Abstract: An automotive powertrain includes a conventional piston engine, a continuously variable ratio transmission, an engine speed sensor and a feedback control system. The control system adjusts both the transmission ratio and the throttle valve in the engine carburetor or fuel metering system in response to the position of the accelerator pedal and in response to the crankshaft speed as measured by the engine sensor. The transmission provides extreme overdrive gear ratios which allow the engine to be operated at wide open throttle even during moderate cruising, and, in addition, the engine carburetor or fuel metering system is calibrated to deliver to the engine a stoichiometric air-fuel mixture which is combined, before combustion, with a special proportion of recirculated exhaust gas. As a result of extensive wide open throttle engine operation with the above mentioned intake charge composition, combustion variables are optimized to produce exceptional fuel economy.

Abstract: A suspension damping system for motorcycles and four-wheeled vehicles includes interconnected shock absorbers. As a result of fluid transfer between the shock absorbers, the resultant of compression damping forces is applied relatively close to the vehicle center of gravity, to thereby reduce undesirable side-to-side pitching of a four-wheeled vehicle and fore-and-aft pitching of a motorcycle.

Abstract: A vehicular powertrain includes a conventional gasoline internal combustion engine, a continuously variable ratio transmission, and a feedback control system and engine speed sensor for regulating the power produced by the engine to a value selected by the vehicle operator. The feedback control system operates the engine at wide open throttle and a lean burn air-fuel ratio over a wide range of operating conditions of the vehicle, with the control system adjusting the transmission ratio to regulate the engine speed to a value corresponding to the power selected by the operator. As a result of the extensive engine operation at wide open throttle and a lean burn air-fuel ratio, exhaust emissions are held to a low level while fuel economy is significantly increased.