Abstract: An intake manifold assembly for a V-type engine utilizes separate flange members that are resiliently connected to a manifold body through adherently secured resilient vibration absorbing isolators. The flanges and isolators combine with the body to define sealed resilient fluid conducting joints that provide the sole support for and resiliently isolate at least the adjacent portions of the manifold body. They also provide for connection of the manifold to the engine using conventional non-isolating connecting bolts or fastening means which are easily applied and removed and limit the number of special separate parts required at assembly.

Abstract: A valve seat insert of relatively hard (e.g. ferrous) material is positively retained in a recess around a gas flow port in the relatively softer (e.g. aluminum) wall of an engine combustion chamber by deforming a portion of the wall material against a chamfer provided at the outer edge of the insert. The deformation may be accomplished by machining or rolling the proud edge of the wall recess against the chamfer. The port flow may be improved by machining a shallow dished area about the valve seat at the end of the insert and the adjacent wall and the machining step may be used to also deform the wall material against the chamfer or it may follow the deforming step.

Abstract: A peak combustion pressure timing (LPP) sensor is disclosed for a spark ignited internal combustion engine comprising a probe fixed with respect to the stationary portion of the engine and disposed adjacent a detectable member moving longitudinally with the valve stem of a combustion chamber intake poppet valve as the valve closing portion of the poppet valve is distorted by combustion pressure. The probe may be a proximity probe which senses the longitudinal movement of the member and thus the valve stem and generates an electric output signal thereof. Further apparatus senses the signal peak value, which signifies peak combustion pressure, and references the peak value with the crankshaft rotational position of the engine so as to indicate the timing thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an engine operating parameter as a function of at least one engine operating condition by predicting the value of the engine operating condition at a predetermined time in the future, determining the control signal required to establish the corresponding engine operating parameter at the future time and applying the control signal to establish the desired value at a time preceding the future time by an amount of the known system time delay.

Abstract: A vacuum pump assembly which is driven by pulsating exhaust gases emanating from an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The pump assembly includes a double-acting pump means for pumping air from a vacuum source and having a reciprocable pumping member, an actuating means including a reciprocable actuating member drivingly connected to the pumping member and which is driven through first and second strokes to move the pumping member through first and second strokes, respectively, one side of the actuating member being in communication with the exhaust gases and with the actuating and pumping members being movable through their first strokes during the pressure increasing phase of each pressure pulsation and being moved through their second strokes by a nonlinear variable rate air spring means during each pressure decreasing phase of each pressure pulsation.

Abstract: A vacuum pump assembly which is driven by pulsating exhaust gases emanating from an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The pump assembly includes a staged pump means for pumping air from a vacuum source and having a reciprocable pumping member, an actuating means including a reciprocable actuating member drivingly connected to the pumping member and which is driven through first and second strokes to move the pumping member through first and second strokes, respectively, one side of the actuating member being in communication with the exhaust gases and with the actuating and pumping members being movable through their first strokes during the pressure increasing phase of each pressure pulsation and being moved through their second strokes by a nonlinear variable rate spring means during each pressure decreasing phase of each pressure pulsation whereby the pump assembly is operable to pump air from the vacuum source throughout a wide range of engine speeds and loads including high speeds and loads.

Abstract: A vacuum pump assembly which is driven by pulsating exhaust gases emanating from an internal combustion engine is disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve lifter for an internal combustion engine is provided with a thin flexible valve disc, with a sharp edge orifice therethrough, that is operative to sense the oil flow rate between a hydraulic supply chamber and a pressure chamber within the lifter whereby to regulate the volume capacity of the pressure chamber and therefore the axial extent of the valve lifter as a function of engine speed.

Abstract: Variable overlap of the intake and exhaust valve opening periods for an internal combustion engine is obtained by providing a speed responsive yieldable link in the valve actuating mechanism that varies the effective valve lift with engine speed. The variation is accomplished by flow responsive valves, preferably incorporated in hydraulic tappets for actuating the valves and arranged to begin valve lift only when a predetermined lift rate of the valve actuating cam is reached. Since this rate is reached earlier as the engine speed increases, a greater portion of the cam lift curve is utilized with increased speed, thus increasing the valve lift and extending the valve opening period relative to crankshaft rotation. In this way, angular overlap of the intake and exhaust valve opening periods is varied as a function of engine speed.

Abstract: In an emission control system having an air pump for delivering air to the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, a valve controls the air pump discharge pressure in a fixed relationship to exhaust pressure by diverting a portion of the air pump discharge air flow. As a result, the flow of air from the pump to the exhaust system is maintained as a constant proportion of the engine air flow.