Abstract: Presented in the present disclosure are nanocomposites and rechargeable batteries which are resistant to thermal runaway and are safe, reliable, and stable electrode materials for rechargeable batteries operated at high temperature and high pressure. The nanocomposites include a plurality of transition metal oxide nanoparticles, a plurality of ultrathin sheets of a first two-dimensional (2D) material, and a plurality of ultrathin sheets of a different 2D material, which act in synergy to provide an improved thermal stability, an increased surface area, and enhanced electrochemical properties to the nanocomposites. For example, rechargeable batteries that include the nanocomposites as an electrode material have an enhanced performance and stability over a broad temperature range from room temperature to high temperatures.

Abstract: Presented in the present disclosure are nanocomposites and rechargeable batteries which are resistant to thermal runaway and are safe, reliable, and stable electrode materials for rechargeable batteries operated at high temperature and high pressure. The nanocomposites include a plurality of transition metal oxide nanoparticles, a plurality of ultrathin sheets of a first two-dimensional (2D) material, and a plurality of ultrathin sheets of a different 2D material, which act in synergy to provide an improved thermal stability, an increased surface area, and enhanced electrochemical properties to the nanocomposites. For example, rechargeable batteries that include the nanocomposites as an electrode material have an enhanced performance and stability over a broad temperature range from room temperature to high temperatures.

Abstract: Presented in the present disclosure are nanocomposites and batteries which are resistant to thermal runaway and may be used as cathode materials in batteries that tolerate operation at high temperatures. The nanocomposites include a nonconducting polymer and a carbon filler which includes a plurality of ultrathin sheets of a porous carbon material. The nonconducting polymer and carbon filler act in synergy to provide improved thermal stability, increased surface area, and enhanced electrochemical properties to the nanocomposite. For example, a battery that includes the nanocomposite as a cathode material was shown to have an enhanced performance and stability over a broad temperature range from room temperature to high temperatures (for example, of 100° C. or more). These batteries fill an important need by providing a safe and reliable power source for devices that are operated at high temperatures such as the downhole equipment used in the oil industry.

Abstract: Presented in the present disclosure are nanocomposites and rechargeable batteries which are resistant to thermal runaway and are safe, reliable, and stable electrode materials for rechargeable batteries operated at high temperature and high pressure. The nanocomposites include a plurality of transition metal oxide nanoparticles, a plurality of ultrathin sheets of a first two-dimensional (2D) material, and a plurality of ultrathin sheets of a different 2D material, which act in synergy to provide an improved thermal stability, an increased surface area, and enhanced electrochemical properties to the nanocomposites. For example, rechargeable batteries that include the nanocomposites as an electrode material have an enhanced performance and stability over a broad temperature range from room temperature to high temperatures.

Abstract: A nanocomposite including a metal oxide and two-dimensional nanosheets. The metal oxid includes at least one of zirconia and titania, and the two-dimensional nanosheets include at least one of reduced graphene oxide and boron nitride. A weight ratio of the metal oxide to the two-dimensional nanosheets is in a range of 2:1 to 19:1, or in a range or 2:1 to 9:1. Making the nanocomposite includes forming a first aqueous dispersion including zirconia nanoparticles and graphene oxide powder, combining a reducing agent with the first aqueous dispersion, irradiating the first aqueous dispersion with microwave radiation, thereby yielding a second aqueous dispersion including zirconia and graphene, and separating the nanocomposite from the second aqueous dispersion, wherein the nanocomposite comprises zirconia and graphene.

Abstract: A switchable valve train assembly including a carrier housing defining a hydraulic circuit, a supply assembly, a plurality of rocker shafts, a plurality of separators, and a plurality of rocker arm assemblies is provided. Each one of the plurality of separators divides the rocker shafts into (1) a first chamber extending between a first chamber axial end and the separator, and (2) a second chamber extending between a second chamber axial end and the separator. The plurality of separators each include an orifice defined between the first chamber and the second chamber that provides fluid connection between the first chamber and the second chamber. Locking assemblies of the rocker arm assemblies are selectively actuated based on the supply assembly. The separators ensure that hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic fluid is de-aerated and that the second chambers remain primed with hydraulic fluid for faster actuation of the locking assemblies.

Abstract: A hydraulic support element including a housing with a central bore and a bottom face that is provided on one axial end of the housing, a piston that is arranged in the bore of the housing, the piston is connected to a bottom closure so as to define a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber is defined between the bottom face and the bottom closure. A valve is provided between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber to regulate a fluid connection between the pressure chambers, and a seal formed between the piston and the bottom closure with the bottom closure being affixed to the piston in a detachable manner.

Abstract: A switchable roller finger follower including an improved valve stem pallet formed by a rotatable body is disclosed. The switchable roller finger follower includes an axle extending through first aligned holes of an outer body and second aligned holes of an inner body to pivotally attach the inner body to the outer body at a valve stem end. The rotatable body is mounted on the axle and adapted to contact a valve stem.

Abstract: A switchable roller finger follower includes an inner lever, an outer lever pivotably mounted to the inner lever by a pivot axle, and a coupling device. The coupling device includes a coupling pin configured to move between a locked position in which the inner lever and the outer lever are connected together for movement in at least one direction and an unlocked position in which the inner lever is movable relative to the outer lever in the at least one direction. The coupling device also includes a spring configured to bias the coupling pin in the locked or unlocked position. A de-aeration flow path is formed between an oil passage and an opening for allowing air to move out of the oil passage, past the coupling pin, and exit through the opening. The de-aeration flow path switches between being open and closed based on a position of the coupling pin.

Abstract: A facile approach is described to prepare monodisperse Fe3O4 and Co3O4 nanoparticles on chemically reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to form nanocomposites by low temperature solution route and MWI method, respectively. These processes are environmentally friendly and convenient compared with previously reported methods. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using x-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy. XRD patterns revealed the high crystalline quality of the nanocomposites. SEM micrographs showed the morphology of the rGO nanosheets decorated by Co3O4 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles. UV/Vis study revealed the formation of Fe3O4/rGO and Co3O4/rGO nanocomposites with characteristics absorption maxima. Finally, preliminary results of using the Fe3O4/rGO and Co3O4/rGO composites for efficient killing of Human hepatocytes cancer (HepG2) cell are reported.

Abstract: A clip for a switchable roller finger follower that includes a retainer for a hydraulic lash adjuster, and an anti-rotation feature that prevents rotation of a coupling pin is provided. The clip includes a first leg arranged adjacent to a dome-shaped recess on a bottom surface of an outer lever of the switchable roller finger follower that includes a retainer for the hydraulic lash adjuster, and a second leg of the clip includes an anti-rotation bar that extends laterally across a part of the coupling pin and prevents rotation of the coupling pin. A switchable finger follower with the clip is also provided.

Abstract: A roller finger follower includes a housing and a roller assembly. The roller assembly includes a roller positioned between a pair of sidewalls of the housing, an axle extending through opposing holes in the sidewalls of the housing and the roller, and preferably includes a plurality of needles positioned between the axle and the roller for rotatably mounting the roller on the axle. The roller assembly also includes a first bearing sleeve positioned in the first hole and a second bearing sleeve positioned in the second hole. Ends of the axle are respectively positioned in and rotatable relative to the first bearing sleeve and the second bearing sleeve such that the axle is rotatable relative to the housing.

Abstract: A switchable finger follower is provided having an inner lever with a sliding pad located between first and second inner lever ends. The sliding pad has at least one of an anti-friction coating or a surface finish of Ra 0.05 or better forming a cam contact surface. An outer lever supports the inner lever, and includes a first outer lever end mounted for pivoting movement at the first end of the inner lever by a pivot axle. A coupling pin is arranged on one of the inner or outer levers on an end opposite from the pivot axle. The coupling pin has a coupling projection with a first locking surface, and is moveable from a first, locked position with the first locking surface engaged with a second locking surface located on the other of the inner lever or the outer lever, to a second, unlocked position. A lost motion element is arranged between the inner lever and the outer lever.

Abstract: A hydraulic support element including a housing with a central bore and a bottom face that is provided on one axial end of the housing, a piston that is arranged in the bore of the housing, the piston is connected to a bottom closure so as to define a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber is defined between the bottom face and the bottom closure. A valve is provided between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber to regulate a fluid connection between the pressure chambers, and a seal formed between the piston and the bottom closure with the bottom closure being affixed to the piston in a detachable manner.

Abstract: A clip for a switchable roller finger follower that includes a retainer for a hydraulic lash adjuster, and an anti-rotation feature that prevents rotation of a coupling pin is provided. The clip includes a first leg arranged adjacent to a dome-shaped recess on a bottom surface of an outer lever of the switchable roller finger follower that includes a retainer for the hydraulic lash adjuster, and a second leg of the clip includes an anti-rotation bar that extends laterally across a part of the coupling pin and prevents rotation of the coupling pin. A switchable finger follower with the clip is also provided.

Abstract: A switchable valve train assembly including a rocker shaft is provided. The rocker shaft includes a first chamber extending between a first axial end and a second axial end of the rocker shaft and a second chamber extending between the first axial end and the second axial end of the rocker shaft. A seepage orifice is defined between the first chamber and the second chamber and provides a fluid connection between the first chamber and the second chamber. The first chamber includes a first actuator port in fluid connection with a first intake port for a hydraulic lash adjuster. The second chamber includes a second actuator port in fluid connection with a second intake port for a locking assembly.

Abstract: A hollow rocker shaft including a central opening defined by a radially inner surface and a separator secured in the central opening of the rocker shaft is provided. A radially outer surface of the separator engages the radially inner surface of the rocker shaft via a press-fit. The separator divides the central opening of the rocker shaft into (1) a first chamber extending between a first chamber axial end and the separator, and (2) a second chamber extending between a second chamber axial end and the separator. The separator includes an orifice defined between the first chamber and the second chamber that provides fluid connection between the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A switchable roller finger follower includes an inner lever, an outer lever pivotably mounted to the inner lever by a pivot axle, and a coupling device. The coupling device includes a coupling pin configured to move between a locked position in which the inner lever and the outer lever are connected together for movement in at least one direction and an unlocked position in which the inner lever is movable relative to the outer lever in the at least one direction. The coupling device also includes a spring configured to bias the coupling pin in the locked or unlocked position. A de-aeration flow path is formed between an oil passage and an opening for allowing air to move out of the oil passage, past the coupling pin, and exit through the opening. The de-aeration flow path switches between being open and closed based on a position of the coupling pin.

Abstract: A roller finger follower includes a housing and a roller assembly. The roller assembly includes a roller positioned between a pair of sidewalls of the housing, an axle extending through opposing holes in the sidewalls of the housing and the roller, and preferably includes a plurality of needles positioned between the axle and the roller for rotatably mounting the roller on the axle. The roller assembly also includes a first bearing sleeve positioned in the first hole and a second bearing sleeve positioned in the second hole. Ends of the axle are respectively positioned in and rotatable relative to the first bearing sleeve and the second bearing sleeve such that the axle is rotatable relative to the housing.

Abstract: A switchable rocker arm for valve deactivation is provided for a valve train of an internal combustion engine. The switchable rocker arm includes a cam lever assembly, a valve lever assembly, and a hydraulically actuated coupling assembly that is radially arranged between the cam lever and valve lever assemblies. The coupling assembly includes a shuttle pin, a locking pin with a round or flat locking interface, and optional shuttle pin and locking pin sleeves. In a first, locked position, the rotational motion of a camshaft is translated to linear motion of an engine valve. In a second, unlocked position, the cam lever assembly rotates about the valve lever assembly, facilitating valve deactivation. A pivot joint arranged between the cam lever and valve lever assemblies facilitates an arcuate lost motion of the cam lever assembly. An integrated arrangement for one or more lost motion springs offers packaging and functional advantages.