Abstract: Support members for a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine are disclosed. Embodiments include an engine block with support members extending between portions of the cylinder cavity and/or enhancing coolant flow for cooling the combustion cylinders. Also disclosed are support members for connection to the side walls of the cylinder cavity and support members with ears and/or holes to enhance combustion cylinder cooling. Further disclosed are methods for modifying an internal combustion engine to increase its internal support and/or cooling.

Abstract: The disclosed multi-cylinder, poppet-valved engine, has replacement cylinder sleeves larger than the original sleeves, and laterally supported near their upper ends by an aluminum alloy plate having a continuous flange or boss projecting into the cylinder block. The flange has an inner perimeter surface having a profile fittingly engaging upper exterior cylindrical surfaces of the sleeves providing lateral support to the sleeves and heat transfer from the sleeves to coolant and to the block.

Abstract: The disclosed multi-cylinder, poppet-valved engine, has replacement cylinder sleeves larger than the original sleeves, and laterally supported near their upper ends by an aluminum alloy plate having a continuous flange or boss projecting into the cylinder block. The flange has an inner perimeter surface having a profile fittingly engaging upper exterior cylindrical surfaces of the sleeves providing lateral support to the sleeves and heat transfer from the sleeves to coolant and to the block. The flange further provides a coolant groove that circulates coolant around the perimeter of the cylinder sleeves to further the heat transfer from the sleeves to the coolant and to the block. The plate is sealed to the block and head with a spacing and gasketing to accommodate thermal expansion while avoiding combustion gas leakage at the cylinder sleeve tops.

Abstract: The disclosed multi-cylinder, poppet-valved engine, has replacement cylinder sleeves larger than the original sleeves, and laterally supported near their upper ends by an aluminum alloy plate having a continuous flange or boss projecting into the cylinder block. The flange has an inner perimeter surface having a profile fittingly engaging upper exterior cylindrical surfaces of the sleeves providing lateral support to the sleeves and heat transfer from the sleeves to coolant and to the block.

Abstract: A safety relief valve is provided for use in association with a liquid storage tank. The safety relief valve generally includes a valve base, a valve seal plate, a hinge mechanism and a lever mechanism. The valve seal plate is pivotally coupled to the valve base by the hinge mechanism which is adapted to allow pivotal movement of the valve seal plate between a closed position and an open position. The lever mechanism is pivotally coupled to the valve base and is adapted to control the pivotal movement of the valve seal plate. In one embodiment, the hinge mechanism includes an adjustment device adapted to adjust the valve opening set point. In another embodiment, the lever mechanism includes a rod pivotally coupled to the valve base and a guide rotatably coupled to the valve seal plate, with the rod being displaceable through the guide during pivotal displacement of the valve seal plate.

Abstract: The disclosed multi-cylinder, poppet-valved engine, has replacement cylinder sleeves larger than the original sleeves, and laterally supported near their upper ends by an aluminum alloy plate having a continuous flange or boss projecting into the cylinder block. The flange has an inner perimeter surface having a profile fittingly engaging upper exterior cylindrical surfaces of the sleeves providing lateral support to the sleeves and heat transfer from the sleeves to coolant and to the block.

Abstract: A breakaway safety shut-off valve including a valve housing and a detachable end portion connected thereto by a region of reduced strength. The housing includes an axial passage and the detachable portion includes an annular shoulder positioned adjacent the region of reduced strength. A ball is guidably displaceable along a circumferential surface of the axial passage between an open position and a closed position, with a spring engaged between the valve housing and the ball to urge the ball toward the closed position. An insert having a plurality of arm segments is engaged between the ball and the annular shoulder to initially maintain the ball in the open position. At least partial detachment of the detachable portion along the region of reduced strength causes at least one of the arm segments to disengage the annular shoulder to permit the spring to displace the ball toward the closed position.

Abstract: A safety relief valve is provided for use in association with a liquid storage tank. The safety relief valve generally includes a valve base, a valve seal plate, a hinge mechanism and a lever mechanism. The valve seal plate is pivotally coupled to the valve base by the hinge mechanism which is adapted to allow pivotal movement of the valve seal plate between a closed position and an open position. The lever mechanism is pivotally coupled to the valve base and is adapted to control the pivotal movement of-the valve seal plate. In one embodiment, the hinge mechanism includes an adjustment device adapted to adjust the valve opening set point. In another embodiment, the lever mechanism includes a rod pivotally coupled to the valve base and a guide rotatably coupled to the valve seal plate, with the rod being displaceable through the guide during pivotal displacement of the valve seal plate.

Abstract: A breakaway safety shut-off valve including a valve housing and a detachable end portion connected thereto by a region of reduced strength. The housing includes an axial passage and the detachable portion includes an annular shoulder positioned adjacent the region of reduced strength. A ball is guidably displaceable along a circumferential surface of the axial passage between an open position and a closed position, with a spring engaged between the valve housing and the ball to urge the ball toward the closed position. An insert having a plurality of arm segments is engaged between the ball and the annular shoulder to initially maintain the ball in the open position. At least partial detachment of the detachable portion along the region of reduced strength causes at least one of the arm segments to disengage the annular shoulder to permit the spring to displace the ball toward the closed position.