Abstract: A distillation unit for producing potable water using solar radiation is disclosed. The distillation unit includes a heating chamber defining an interior chamber adapted to contain a non-potable liquid for distillation, and a dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the condensing portion disposed over the heating chamber such that the heating chamber and the inner surface of the condensing portion are provided in fluid-transfer communication. The distillation unit also includes a pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a second surface and an interior defined therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for distillation therein. The first surface is disposed adjacent the outer surface of the condensing portion, and the pre-heat jacket defines an access entry for introducing non-potable liquid for distillation into the interior of the heating chamber. The distillation unit also includes a trough adjacent for receiving a potable liquid therein.

Abstract: A distillation unit for producing potable water using solar radiation is disclosed. The distillation unit includes a heating chamber defining an interior chamber adapted to contain a non-potable liquid for distillation, and a dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the condensing portion disposed over the heating chamber such that the heating chamber and the inner surface of the condensing portion are provided in fluid-transfer communication. The distillation unit also includes a pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a second surface and an interior defined therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for distillation therein. The first surface is disposed adjacent the outer surface of the condensing portion, and the pre-heat jacket defines an access entry for introducing non-potable liquid for distillation into the interior of the heating chamber. The distillation unit also includes a trough adjacent for receiving a potable liquid therein.

Abstract: A piston includes an upper member having a crown and a combustion surface extending radially inward from the crown. The upper member includes concentrically oriented first and second upper connecting surfaces integrally formed on the bottom side of the upper member. At least one of the upper connecting surfaces includes a curvilinear and/or multi-arcuate cross-sectional profile. The piston also includes a lower member having a pair of opposing skirts, each skirt defining a bore. The lower member also includes concentrically oriented first and second lower connecting surfaces integrally formed on a top side of the lower member. The lower member is integrally connected to the upper member by friction welding. The curvilinear and/or multi-arcuate profile enables a shortened distance between the top surface of the crown and the bore centerline of the bore. Methods of manufacturing the piston are also disclosed.

Abstract: A piston includes an upper member having a crown and a combustion surface extending radially inward from the crown. The upper member includes concentrically oriented first and second upper connecting surfaces integrally formed on the bottom side of the upper member. At least one of the upper connecting surfaces includes a curvilinear and/or multi-arcuate cross-sectional profile. The piston also includes a lower member having a pair of opposing skirts, each skirt defining a bore. The lower member also includes concentrically oriented first and second lower connecting surfaces integrally formed on a top side of the lower member. The lower member is integrally connected to the upper member by friction welding. The curvilinear and/or multi-arcuate profile enables a shortened distance between the top surface of the crown and the bore centerline of the bore. Methods of manufacturing the piston are also disclosed.

Abstract: A piston and methods for constructing a piston for use in an internal combustion engine are presented wherein the piston includes a cylindrical body extending from the crown. The cylindrical body defines a ring groove, and a portion of the cylindrical body defines a non-circular cross-section below the ring groove. The ring groove is configured to correspond with an associated sealing ring. The non-circular cross-section creates a gap between the cylindrical body and an associated cylinder wall enabling a quantity of oil to pass from an annular region between the cylindrical body and the associated cylinder wall.

Abstract: A piston and methods for constructing a piston for use in an internal combustion engine are presented wherein the piston includes a cylindrical body extending from the crown. The cylindrical body defines a ring groove, and a portion of the cylindrical body defines a non-circular cross-section below the ring groove. The ring groove is configured to correspond with an associated sealing ring. The non-circular cross-section creates a gap between the cylindrical body and an associated cylinder wall enabling a quantity of oil to pass from an annular region between the cylindrical body and the associated cylinder wall.

Abstract: A piston and methods for constructing a piston for use in an internal combustion engine are presented wherein the piston includes a cylindrical body extending from the crown. The cylindrical body defines a ring groove, and a portion of the cylindrical body defines a non-circular cross-section below the ring groove. The ring groove is configured to correspond with an associated sealing ring. The non-circular cross-section creates a gap between the cylindrical body and an associated cylinder wall enabling a quantity of oil to pass from an annular region between the cylindrical body and the associated cylinder wall.

Abstract: A two-piece piston is formed by friction welding an upper member to a lower member, wherein the upper and lower members are precision cast to net final dimensions such that no post-casting machining is required prior to the friction-welding process. The upper member includes a substantially flat crown and combustion surface extending radially inward from the crown. The lower member includes a pair of opposing skirts, each having a bore formed therethrough for receiving a connecting rod pin. The upper member and lower member each include at least two corresponding connecting surfaces that form a welded joint therebetween when the upper and lower members are friction welded together. The finished piston includes an integral cooling oil reservoir adjacent to the combustion surface.

Abstract: A two-piece piston is formed by friction welding an upper member to a lower member, wherein the upper and lower members are precision cast to net final dimensions such that no post-casting machining is required prior to the friction-welding process. The upper member includes a substantially flat crown and combustion surface extending radially inward from the crown. The lower member includes a pair of opposing skirts, each having a bore formed therethrough for receiving a connecting rod pin. The upper member and lower member each include at least two corresponding connecting surfaces that form a welded joint therebetween when the upper and lower members are friction welded together. The finished piston includes an integral cooling oil reservoir adjacent to the combustion surface.

Abstract: A distillation unit for producing potable water using solar radiation is disclosed. The distillation unit includes a heating chamber defining an interior chamber adapted to contain a non-potable liquid for distillation, and a dome-shaped condensing portion having an inner surface and an outer surface, with the condensing portion disposed over the heating chamber such that the heating chamber and the inner surface of the condensing portion are provided in fluid-transfer communication. The distillation unit also includes a pre-heat jacket having a first surface and a second surface and an interior defined therebetween adapted to receive non-potable liquid for distillation therein. The first surface is disposed adjacent the outer surface of the condensing portion, and the pre-heat jacket defines an access entry for introducing non-potable liquid for distillation into the interior of the heating chamber. The distillation unit also includes a trough adjacent for receiving a potable liquid therein.