Abstract: Various embodiments (20; 50; 50; 120) of variable length piston and connecting rod assemblies for imparting a variable compression ratio to an internal combustion engine. The embodiments incorporate novel arrangements of relatively movable parts (32, 34; 60, 62; 84, 86; 124, 126) related by various elastomeric elements (38; 58; 96, 104; 136) and oil passages (42; 116, 118; 140, 142) to change compression ratios.

Abstract: An acoustic suppression arrangement 7 for a component undergoing induced vibration is provided. The arrangement 7 includes a component body 8 having an interior surface 9 and an exterior surface 11 having a panel portion 20. A containment plate 24 is provided having a spaced relationship from the panel portion. A first projector 25 is connected to the component body panel portion 20 and extends toward the containment plate 24. A second projector 30 is connected to the containment plate. A connector system 39, 45 is provided to connect the containment plate 24 to the component body 8 while placing the first and second projectors 25, 30 in an interference fit. Vibratory energy of the component body 8 is dissipated by frictional contact between the projectors 25, 30.

Abstract: A desmodromic drive (30) for imparting reciprocal translation to a valve (32) has a cam ring (52) that rotates about an axis (42), a follower (50) that reciprocates with axial motion as the ring rotates, an endless cam track (69) on the ring, and rollers (76, 78) on the follower that ride along the cam track as the ring rotates. A follower guide (48) guides the follower for axial. Rollers (60, 62) constrain the follower against rotation on the follower guide.

Abstract: Method of rapidly making casting, comprising: designing a computer graphic model of the casting; sectioning the graphic model into graphic members which are at least one of blocks and slabs; carving a solid member for each of the graphic members, the solid members being (i) constituted of a meltable or evaporative solid material (i.e. wax or polystyrene), (ii) proportional to and enveloping its corresponding graphic member, and the carving being carried out by accessing two or more sides of each solid member to at least essentially duplicate the corresponding graphic member; forming a mold around the pattern, and casting metal within the mold while removing the pattern from such mold either by evaporation during pouring of the molten metal thereinto or by melting prior thereto.

Abstract: A variable length connecting rod assembly for imparting a variable compression ratio to an internal combustion engine. The assembly contains a first part (22; 72), a second part (20; 74), and a third part (34; 70) assembled together to form the large end of the connecting rod assembly and provide a variable length for the connecting rod assembly. The first part is a semi-circular cap. One (20; 74) of the second and third parts is fastened tight to the first part (22; 72). Guides (36, 38, 48; 88, 90, 92) disposed at opposite sides of the large end operatively relate the other (34; 70) of the second and third parts and the fastened parts to provide for relative sliding motion between the other of the second and third parts and the fastened parts over a limited adjustment range to change the length of the connecting rod assembly.