Abstract: An engine component assembly is disclosed having a bi-material wrist pin which secures a piston rotatably to an associated connecting rod. The bi-material wrist pin includes a cylindrical ceramic core. Surrounding the cylindrical core is a tubular shell which fixedly secures the core in relation to the shell. The shell rotatably cooperates with the piston and is fixed in relation to the connecting rod.

Abstract: A locating pin for positioning weld nuts relative to sheet metal pieces. The locating pin includes a heat and wear resistant ceramic base having a central opening. The locating pin also includes a heat and wear resistant elastomeric tip attached to the base by a shaft depending from the tip into the central opening of the base. The ceramic and elastomeric materials provide the locating pin with an electrically non-conducting characteristic.

Abstract: A rocker arm of the cam follower type has a rocker arm body formed of a metal matrix composite material comprising a lightweight metal, preferably aluminum, having ceramic material mixed therein. The rocker arm may take the form of a "slider" arm which included a pad for slideably engaging a cam on a rotating cam shaft for pivotally moving the rocker arm to operate an associated valve. For a slider rocker arm, the cam engaging pad comprises a wear resistant ceramic material which may be integrally formed into the rocker arm or otherwise secured thereto after forming. Alternately, the rocker arm may take the form of a "roller" rocker arm wherein a roller formed of a first ceramic material is rotatably mounted on an axle formed of a second ceramic material and mounted between sidewalls of the rocker arm body. One or both ceramic materials may be porous and self-lubricating when impregnated with a solid or liquid lubricant. A variety of hardening techniques, coatings and inserts may be provided as required.

Abstract: A compression linkage is disclosed for use between a first swivel pin having a first thermal expansion characteristic and a second swivel pin of a second and differing thermal expansion characteristic, comprising: (a) a first shaft comprised of substantially the same material as the first pin and having a mateable end and another end adapted for swivel connection to said first pin; (b) a second shaft comprised of substantially the same material as the second pin and having a mateable end and another end adapted for swivel connection to said second pin; and (c) means providing a rigid compression joint between the mateable ends of said first and second shafts. Preferably, the first pin is adapted to operate in a high temperature environment, such as 400.degree.-500.degree. F., and is comprised of a ceramic effective to have a flexural strength of at least 100,000 psi (500 MPa) in such temperature range.