Abstract: An internal combustion engine has at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve. A first spring biases the at least one intake valve to a closed position. A second spring biases the at least one exhaust valve to a closed position. At least one of the first and second springs is an air spring. An air compressor is disposed inside the cylinder head and fluidly communicates with the air spring to supply air to the air spring. The air compressor being disposed between a crankshaft and a cylinder head cover in a direction parallel to a cylinder axis is also disclosed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve. A first spring biases the at least one intake valve to a closed position. A second spring biases the at least one exhaust valve to a closed position. At least one of the first and second springs is an air spring. An air compressor is disposed inside the cylinder head and fluidly communicates with the air spring to supply air to the air spring. The air compressor being disposed between a crankshaft and a cylinder head cover in a direction parallel to a cylinder axis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular family of internal combustion engines is described. The family includes at least two engine configurations selected from a single cylinder, V-type, inline, opposed, W-type, and radial configurations. Each of the engines in the family includes at least one cylinder with identical top end packages. A method for designing such a family of engines is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular family of internal combustion engines is described. The family includes at least two engine configurations selected from a single cylinder, V-type, inline, opposed, W-type, and radial configurations. Each of the engines in the family includes at least one cylinder with identical top end packages. A method for designing such a family of engines is also disclosed.

Abstract: A snowmobile with arrangement of a four cycle engine is disclosed providing a relatively low center of gravity for improved handling and maneuverability. The engine comprises a cylinder unit slanted to the back of the snowmobile and an improved packaging of auxiliary components in order to optimize the location of the center of gravity on the snowmobile. The engine has a balancer shaft rotatably coupled to the crankshaft and the balancer shaft axis is positioned above the crankshaft axis.

Abstract: A modular family of internal combustion engines is described. The family includes at least three engine configurations selected from a single cylinder, V-type, inline, opposed, W-type, and radial configurations. Each of the engines in the family includes at least one cylinder with identical top end packages. A method for designing such a family of engines is also disclosed. A family of recreational vehicles and method for designing a family of recreational vehicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A snowmobile with an arrangement of a four cycle engine is disclosed providing a relatively low center of gravity for improved handling and maneuverability. The engine comprises a cylinder unit slanted to the back of the snowmobile and an improved packaging of auxiliary components in order to optimize the location of the center of gravity on the snowmobile.

Abstract: An arrangement of a four cycle engine is disclosed for use in a vehicle providing a relatively low center of gravity for improved handling and maneuverability. The engine components are located on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and behind the axis of the crankshaft to move the center of gravity to the middle of the vehicle.

Abstract: An arrangement of a four cycle engine is disclosed for use in a vehicle providing a relatively low center of gravity for improved handling and maneuverability. The engine components are located on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and behind the axis of the crankshaft to move the center of gravity to the middle of the vehicle.

Abstract: A four stroke internal combustion engine having a flexible arrangement is disclosed such that the engine can be easily configured for supercharged or normally aspirated operation. The engine includes a cooling system that includes both closed loop and open loop cooling systems for improved cooling efficiency. A power take off housing located on one end of the crankcase. Various engine components are operatively coupled to the crankshaft within the power take off housing including a cam shaft for a valve actuation assembly, a generator, an engine starting mechanism, a balance shaft, and a supercharger. The engine contemplated in accordance with the present invention also includes a dry sump lubrication system having lubricant separator for separating lubricant from blow-by gas within the engine.

Abstract: A modular family of internal combustion engines is described. The family includes at least three engine configurations selected from a single cylinder, V-type, inline, opposed, W-type, and radial configurations. Each of the engines in the family includes at least one cylinder with identical top end packages. A method for designing such a family of engines is also disclosed. A family of recreational vehicles and method for designing a family of recreational vehicles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A four stroke internal combustion engine having a flexible arrangement is disclosed such that the engine can be easily configured for supercharged or normally aspirated operation. The engine includes a cooling system that includes both closed loop and open loop cooling systems for improved cooling efficiency. A power take off housing located on one end of the crankcase. Various engine components are operatively coupled to the crankshaft within the power take off housing including a cam shaft for a valve actuation assembly, a generator, an engine starting mechanism, a balance shaft, and a supercharger. The engine contemplated in accordance with the present invention also includes a dry sump lubrication system having lubricant separator for separating lubricant from blow-by gas within the engine.

Abstract: An inlet pipe system for a multicylinder internal combustion engine, especially with two rows of cylinders in a V-configuration, has a tubular inlet distributor 2, from which first individual inlet pipes 4 through 9 proceed which extend in an arc around the inlet distributor and which lead to the individual cylinders of the two rows of cylinders. Second, shorter individual inlet pipes 12 likewise proceed from the inlet distributor and discharge into the pertinent individual inlet pipes. The inlet distributor and the first and second individual inlet pipes are formed by a one-piece part 1 which has a longitudinal hole 14 which cuts the second individual inlet pipes 12 for the cylinders of the two rows of cylinders. Into longitudinal hole 14 a drum controller 15 is inserted which for each second individual inlet pipe 12 has an opening 16 which can be brought into alignment or out of alignment with the pertinent second individual inlet pipe by turning the drum controller 15.

Abstract: An intake pipe system for a multicylinder internal combustion engine, in particular one with two cylinder banks arranged to form a V, has a tubular intake distributor 2 from which extends a first set of individual intake pipes 4 to 9 which extend through an arc around the intake distributor and lead to the individual cylinders of the two cylinder banks. A second set of shorter individual intake pipes also extend from the intake distributor and discharge into the associated individual intake pipes. The intake distributor and the first and second sets of individual intake pipes are made up of an integral casting 1 having a longitudinal bore 16 intersecting the second set of individual intake pipes. There is introduced into each longitudinal bore 16 a casing having openings 17 aligned with the second set of individual intake pipes, in which bore a pivoting valve 14 is mounted on a common shaft 20 which is embedded in the casing 15.

Abstract: In a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine to be installed horizontally in a motor vehicle the cylinder block (2), the cylinder head (4), one half (8) of the crankcase and the oil sump (9) are formed from a single casting, the oil sump being positioned below the cylinder block and having an opening (13) in the same plane as a flat surface (12) on the cylinder head which locates a camshaft case (14).The camshaft case (14) and the oil sump cover (17) are formed as one unit, and a stay between the camshaft case and the oil sump cover accommodates the drive shaft (21) of an oil pump (22) located in the oil sump and driven by the camshaft. A second stay (19) between the camshaft case and the oil sump cover contains a duct (25) for conveying oil from the camshaft case back into the oil sump.