Abstract: A cylinder head gasket seals combustion chamber openings with two exterior active sealing layers and a central spacer layer. In web areas between adjacent combustion openings, each opening beginning of the active layers has a land, where a circumferential main stopper is formed with the central spacer layer between the lands. Each active layer further has longitudinal waves formed with the active layer which, when compressed, form a longitudinal support wave stopper(s) in the web areas. Each web area active layer further has a full bead(s) in contact with the central spacer layer. For each exterior layer, in one case, two beads come together to form a single central web area bead that separates two wave stoppers. In another case, the two outer bead portions come together upon entering the central web area while a single wave stopper is formed between the two inner bead portions.

Abstract: A gasket system is described and depicting having a gasket located between and sealing a cylinder head and a cylinder block. The gasket has a first metal layer and a second metal layer adjacent said first metal layer. The second metal layer has a bead region and a stopper region. At least a portion of the bead region has a predetermined tensile strength and a predetermined range of yield strength.

Abstract: A gasket system is described and depicting having a gasket located between and sealing a cylinder head and a cylinder block. The gasket has a first metal layer and a second metal layer adjacent said first metal layer. The second metal layer has a bead region and a stopper region. At least a portion of the bead region has a predetermined tensile strength and a predetermined range of yield strength.

Abstract: Sensor apparatus for a multiple layer steel (MLS) cylinder head gasket measures combustion pressures for detecting engine conditions. A membrane is positioned at one end of an elongated metal tube, and the membrane end of the tube engages a cylinder bore boundary. A fiber optical sensor apparatus is fixed within the tube, and communicates with cyclic combustion events via the membrane. In one disclosed embodiment, optical wires from sensor apparatus situated at each engine bore are bundled into a common groove machined into an extended spacer layer radially outwardly of the conventional boundary of the gasket. The tube protects the sensor apparatus from damage of sealing stress on the gasket, and particularly at the bore perimeter. Each tube lies in a separate groove in the spacer layer that terminates at the bore boundary. A converter changes optical signals received from the apparatus into electrical signals for transmittal to a controller.

Abstract: A gasket having a layer including at least one combustion opening and a wave area located on the layer is disclosed. The wave area includes a first wave and a second wave. The first wave is proximate the combustion opening. A flat portion near the second wave includes a first end and a second end. A full bead is located next to the second end of the flat portion whereby a lower surface of the flat portion is above the lower projecting surfaces of the wave area.

Abstract: A seal of an annular shape comprising a top bead and a side bead that are tilted inwardly at predetermined angles. The top bead and side bead are integrally formed such that a force exerted on the side bead allows the side bead to cooperate with the top bead to properly seal an intake pipe within a cylinder head. This abstract submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A multi-layer steel (MLS) cylinder head gasket containing fully integrated pressure sensors includes first and second metal layers with inner facing surfaces, and a spacer layer interposed between the facing surfaces. Outer (non-facing) surfaces of the first and second metal layers each include an elastomeric seal coating; the inner surfaces of the layers each include a friction reducing coating. Combustion apertures extend fully between the outer surfaces of the gasket, and are adapted to circumscribe cylinder bores of an engine. The spacer layer includes protective slots positioned adjacent each of the combustion apertures. Each slot wall contains a pressure sensor in form of a strain gauge to measure deflection of the wall resulting from pressure changes within engine combustion chambers. The measured deflections are correlated to actual pressures within the chambers. In the protective slots, the strain gauges are not exposed to combustion gases that could otherwise foul the sensors.

Abstract: An improved heat shield provides for reduced noise transmission of vehicular engine components is disclosed. The heat shield has three layers; a first sheet layer, a center insulation layer, and a second sheet layer. The insulation layer is positioned between the first and second sheet layers. The first sheet layer is defined by a variable shaped periphery that is folded over the periphery of the second sheet layer to form a hem having a variable length around the heat shield. The variable length serves to reduce uneven strain in the hem area experienced during crush forming the heat shield into the final shape. Further, the variable length of the hem also serves to alter the resonate frequency of the heat shield in specific areas to reduce vibration and improve acoustical properties.

Abstract: An improved fluid flow sensor for measuring changes in temperatures of fluids flowing through apertures of a multiple-layered gasket is embedded between layers of the gasket. A thermal resistor type of sensor based upon hotwire anemometer technology in a preferred embodiment is responsive to changes in fluid temperature and flow velocity. A primary resistance with external current leads and separate auxiliary leads for voltage sensing are employed, wherein changes in resistance are virtually linearly proportional to changes in temperature. A four-point probe measurement method provides a most accurate reading of the temperature data to the extent that resistance associated with lead and contact resistances are minimized. The thermal resistor sensor is constructed of relatively thin layers of dielectric and electrically conducting materials having a low thermal mass, wherein the dielectric layers serve as support and electrical insulation to protect the sensor from environmental deterioration.

Abstract: A seal of an annular shape comprising a top bead and a side bead that are tilted inwardly at predetermined angles. The top bead and side bead are integrally formed such that a force exerted on the side bead allows the side bead to cooperate with the top bead to properly seal an intake pipe within a cylinder head. This abstract submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Methods and materials for sealing and insulating a fuel cell plate are disclosed. The disclosed process includes applying a coating precursor on at least one surface of the fuel cell plate, and curing the coating precursor by exposure to radiation. Disclosed coating precursors include those containing an acrylated oligomer and a photoinitiator, which can polymerize in response to ultraviolet or electron beam radiation. Other disclosed coating precursors are those that can polymerize in response to exposure to infrared radiation or heating, and include epoxy nitrile resins and organopolysiloxane resins. The disclosed processes and coating precursors provide certain advantages over conventional methods and designs for insulating and sealing fuel cell plates since the disclosed coating precursors can be quickly and precisely applied to fuel cell plates by, for example, screening printing.

Abstract: Methods and materials for sealing and insulating a fuel cell plate are disclosed. The disclosed process includes applying a coating precursor on at least one surface of the fuel cell plate, and curing the coating precursor by exposure to radiation. Disclosed coating precursors include those containing an acrylated oligomer and a photoinitiator, which can polymerize in response to ultraviolet or electron beam radiation. Other disclosed coating precursors are those that can polymerize in response to exposure to infrared radiation or to heating, and include epoxy nitrile resins and organopolysiloxane resins. The disclosed processes and coating precursors provide certain advantages over conventional methods and designs for insulating and sealing fuel cell plates since the disclosed coating precursors can be quickly and precisely applied to fuel cell plates by, for example, screening printing.

Abstract: An improved fluid flow sensor for measuring changes in temperatures of fluids flowing through apertures of a multiple-layered gasket is embedded between layers of the gasket. A thermal resistor type of sensor based upon hotwire anemometer technology in a preferred embodiment is responsive to changes in fluid temperature and flow velocity. A primary resistance with external current leads and separate auxiliary leads for voltage sensing are employed, wherein changes in resistance are virtually linearly proportional to changes in temperature. A four-point probe measurement method provides a most accurate reading of the temperature data to the extent that resistance associated with lead and contact resistances are minimized. The thermal resistor sensor is constructed of relatively thin layers of dielectric and electrically conducting materials having a low thermal mass, wherein the dielectric layers serve as support and electrical insulation to protect the sensor from environmental deterioration.

Abstract: An improved heat shield offers thermal insulation and reduced noise transmission for vehicular engine components, including exhaust manifolds. The structure has three layers: an outer structural metal layer, a center insulation layer to isolate heat and dampen noise, and an inner metal layer directly adjacent the shielded component for reflecting heat back to the shielded component. As disclosed, the shield has at least one edge portion defined by outwardly flared undulations or waves. The waved edge minimizes impact of plastic deformation of the metal edges during manufacture of the shield, which tends to produce wrinkling at the edges, and creates undesirable stiffness. Finally, the edge boundary of the outer metal heat shield layer is folded over the edges of the insulation and inner metal layers to avoid any sharp edges, thus preventing injury to installers and reinforcing the heat shield structure to enhance useful life under vibration and heat conditions.

Abstract: Methods and materials for sealing and insulating a fuel cell plate are disclosed. The disclosed process includes applying a coating precursor on at least one surface of the fuel cell plate, and curing the coating precursor by exposure to radiation. Disclosed coating precursors include those containing an acrylated oligomer and a photoinitiator, which can polymerize in response to ultraviolet or electron beam radiation. Other disclosed coating precursors are those that can polymerize in response to exposure to infrared radiation or to heating, and include epoxy nitrile resins and organopolysiloxane resins. The disclosed processes and coating precursors provide certain advantages over conventional methods and designs for insulating and sealing fuel cell plates since the disclosed coating precursors can be quickly and precisely applied to fuel cell plates by, for example, screening printing.

Abstract: A spring back fire ring is provided in a gasket assembly that is used for sealing combustion openings. In addition to the spring back fire ring, the gasket assembly includes a main gasket body and upper and lower gasket layers. The spring back fire ring has first and second ends. The first end is biased upwardly around the periphery of the combustion openings. The second end is positioned proximate to the main gasket body. In one embodiment, the second end is integral with the main gasket body.

Abstract: Sensor apparatus for a multiple layer steel (MLS) cylinder head gasket measures combustion pressures for detecting engine conditions. A membrane is positioned at one end of an elongated metal tube, and the membrane end of the tube engages a cylinder bore boundary. A fiber optical sensor apparatus is fixed within the tube, and communicates with cyclic combustion events via the membrane. In one disclosed embodiment, optical wires from sensor apparatus situated at each engine bore are bundled into a common groove machined into an extended spacer layer radially outwardly of the conventional boundary of the gasket. The tube protects the sensor apparatus from damage of sealing stress on the gasket, and particularly at the bore perimeter. Each tube lies in a separate groove in the spacer layer that terminates at the bore boundary. A converter changes optical signals received from the apparatus into electrical signals for transmittal to a controller.

Abstract: A multi-layer steel cylinder head gasket includes a spacer layer between two beaded mirror image outer layers. A wire ring stopper extends about the boundary of a combustion opening in the stopper layer; the ring is radially spaced from the mirror image beaded outer layer extremities. The ring is covered by a flange folded thereover; the flange extends radially outwardly to overlie the boundary edge of the stopper layer at the combustion opening. The stopper ring pre-stresses the gasket interface at the combustion opening upon securement of a cylinder head to an engine block. Because the stopper ring is spaced from the beaded outer layers, the stresses imposed on the wire ring are decoupled from the beaded outer layers, and lower incidences of bead cracking are realized. In addition, the wire ring diameter is greater than the thickness of the stopper layer, reducing unnecessary compression loads on the stopper layer.

Abstract: A cylinder head gasket has a multi-layered steel body that includes a unitary metallic stopper layer interposed between beaded outer layers. The interposed stopper layer has an asymmetrically formed bead defining at least one raised structure that circumferentially and closely surrounds a combustion aperture. Specifically, the bead defines a trough having a series of variations of thickness or widths about its circumferential dimension. An epoxy resin material substantially fills the volume of the trough about its circumferential extent, irrespective of the variable trough depth or width. In the disclosed embodiment, a metal/epoxy hard coating material is placed in and cured in the trough.

Abstract: A spring back fire ring is provided in a gasket assembly that is used for sealing combustion openings. In addition to the spring back fire ring, the gasket assembly includes a main gasket body and upper and lower gasket layers. The spring back fire ring has first and second ends. The first end is biased upwardly around the periphery of the combustion openings. The second end is positioned proximate to the main gasket body. In one embodiment, the second end is integral with the main gasket body.

Abstract: A replaceable lagging structure, for a conveyor pulley, and specifically to a flexible lagging structure useable and adaptable on different size pulley drums. The structure preferably has a pair of parallel, elongated, arc shaped metal plates which are connected together by a flexible traction rubber pad. The outer elongated arc plate edges are adapted to be spot-welded to the periphery of a pulley drum surface. The arc shape of each metal section is such that the lagging structure is adapted to fit different sized drum pulleys. The thickness of the metal sections does not restrict or hinder the required flexibility of the lagging structure.