Abstract: An engine block 10 of an engine 11 has an imbalance therein. The engine 11 is balanced by a balance shaft alternator assembly 20 having a balance shaft 24 that rotates synchronously with the crankshaft. The balance shaft 24 is located at an exterior portion 22 of engine block 10. The balance shaft 24 has a rotor 36 that rotates relative to a stator 42 held in a fixed position relative to engine block 10 and balance shaft 24. Weights 50 may be applied to the balance shaft alternator assembly on balance shaft 24 or on rotor 36 or a combination of the two. The weights 50 balance an imbalance in the engine to smooth out the operating feel of the engine.

Abstract: A system for varying a compression ratio of an internal combustion engine includes: at least one sensor for measuring an operating condition of the internal combustion engine; a variable compression ratio apparatus for varying the effective length of a connecting rod, the compression ratio apparatus itself comprising a bearing retainer disposed between the connecting rod and a crank pin, the bearing retainer having an inner surface in communication with the crank pin and an outer surface in communication with the connecting rod, the connecting rod being axially movable relative to the bearing retainer along a longitudinal axis of the connecting rod to effect a selective displacement of the connecting rod relative to the bearing retainer, the displacement thereby causing a change in the effective length of the connecting rod and a desired compression ratio of the internal combustion engine; and an engine controller coupled to the internal combustion engine, the sensor and the variable compression ratio apparat

Abstract: A reciprocating internal combustion engine includes a variable compression ratio system for adjusting the compression ratio of an engine in a first compression range located about a first predetermined compression ratio in the event that the engine is operating at a first predetermined load range, with the variable compression ratio adding a fixed clearance volume to the volume of the combustion chamber in the event that the engine is operating in a knocking condition beyond the range of the first compression range.

Abstract: A reciprocating internal combustion engine has at least one camshaft for actuating intake and exhaust valves and a camshaft drive for rotating the camshaft and for adjusting the rotational timing of the camshaft with respect to the crankshaft. A charge motion control valve and the variable camshaft timing mechanism are both used to selectively impart angular momentum to charge entering the engine's cylinder(s).