Abstract: Crankshaft main bearing failure in variable compression ratio engines having eccentric main bearing supports is prevented by rigidly supporting the bearings in a crankshaft cradle. The crankshaft cradle is rotatably mounted in the engine on a first axis, and the crankshaft is mounted in the crankshaft cradle on a second axis off-set from the first axis. The crankshaft cradle comprises eccentric members that support the bearing elements, and structural webbing that rigidly hold the eccentric members in alignment with one another at all times. Bearing caps and fasteners rigidly and removably secure the crankshaft in the crankshaft cradle. An actuator rotates the crankshaft cradle and adjusts the position of the crankshaft axis of rotation and the compression ratio of the engine. The crankshaft cradle rigidly holds the main bearings in precise alignment at all times and provides long bearing life.

Abstract: Poor full power engine performance in variable compression ratio engines resulting from small valve overlap periods, necessary for preventing piston-to-valve strike at high compression ratio, is prevented by phase shifting of the intake and exhaust valves with change of compression ratio. The crankshaft is rotatably mounted in eccentric main bearing supports for adjusting the position of the crankshaft rotational axis relative to the engine housing. A drive gear is mounted on the crankshaft and a first driven gear is mounted on a secondary shaft mounted in the engine housing. The secondary shaft drives the intake camshaft drive. The mesh direction between the drive gear and the first driven gear points generally away from the cylinder head of the engine. A second driven gear is mounted on a third shaft, the second driven gear being in mesh with a drive gear mounted on the crankshaft. The third shaft drives the exhaust camshaft drive.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine exhaust gas, passing unreacted through an exhaust gas catalytic or thermal reaction device during the warm-up period of the device, are directed to a rigid conduit that retains the entire flow. The conduit retains the unreacted gas in sequential alignment with a second non-harmful gas occupying the conduit prior to inflow of the unreacted gas. The second gas blocks flow of the unreacted gas out of the downstream end of the conduit and into the atmosphere. The length and diameter of the conduit minimizes mixing of the unreacted gas and the second gas, and minimizes the volume of the conduit required to retain the unreacted gas. After warm-up of the reaction device, the retained unreacted gas is recirculated to the engine induction system or the reaction device. This approach supplements the emission control of the reaction device by preventing emission of undesirable exhaust gas constituents during starting of the engine and warm-up of the reaction device.

Abstract: The efficiency of a spark-ignition internal-combustion engine having an adjustable fuel-to-air mixture ratio is improved significantly by reducing the fuel-to-air mixture ratio and increasing compression ratio. The increase in compression ratio and the reduction in fuel-to-air mixture ratio causes the engine to operate at higher efficiency and with lower air pollution levels, and without detrimental engine knock or misfire.