Abstract: The present invention provides a piston for a diesel engine that reduces emissions generated during the combustion of fuel in a combustion chamber and a head that allows more air to flow into and out of the combustion chamber. The piston includes an igniter that ignites fuel injected into the combustion chamber and a piston bowl. The piston bowl agitates air in the combustion chamber to quickly mix the fuel and air before the igniter ignites the fuel and to reduce carbon build-up from unburned fuel in the combustion chamber. By igniting the fuel shortly after it is injected into the combustion chamber, the igniter reduces the time between injection and combustion of the fuel in the combustion chamber. Thus, the amount of NOx produced during combustion is reduced. Furthermore, injection of the fuel can commence when the piston is closer to top dead center and thus more power can be generated.

Abstract: Grip apparatus for tensile strength testing of geosynthetic materials includes a pair of opposing first and second grip bars slidably mounted in a frame. Selectively operable locking elements carried on the frame and the first grip bar enable selective fixation of the first grip bar at a desired position with respect to the second grip bar when inserting or removing or loading test specimens. Various constructions of grip bars, and grip jaws mounted on the bars, are provided, including replaceable high friction surface rods, grip surfaces with alternating grooves and shoulder surfaces, and easily replaceable L-shaped grip jaws that do not require disassembly of the apparatus. A plurality of actuating shafts impart movement and grip forces to each grip bar, with the actuating pumps for the shafts being operable simultaneously, separately, synchronously or asynchronously.

Abstract: Improvements in test specimen grip apparatus for tensile stress testing machines includes replaceable grip inserts that are able to accommodate wider than usual test specimens, particularly textile test specimens. The specimen grip means or grip inserts are threadedly retained on and may be substantially wider than their supporting jaw members. The grip housing, moreover, is provided with apertures for access to the threaded retainers for ease of grip insert removal and replacement. In addition, fluid actuation is preferably provided for the jaw members of the improved grip apparatus and a thumb screw is also disclosed for temporarily locking the jaw members in a selected open position, when mounting test specimens or removing and/or replacing grip inserts.

Abstract: Grip apparatus for use with tensile stress testing apparatus includes a housing having connecting means on the top of the housing for connecting the grip apparatus to the tensile stress testing apparatus. A first elongated bore extends from the bottom of the housing through a portion of the housing parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing to form a receptacle for a test piece. A pair of second elongated bores extend from the top surface of the housing, converging toward the bottom surface of the housing, with the lower end of each second bore opening into the first bore. Each of said second bores contains a slidable grip bar extending into the first bore and having a grip insert secured on the lower end of the grip bar. A spring loaded release mechanism normally retains the grip bars and grip inserts in a closed position and can be manually operated to release the inserts and grip bars by sliding the grip bars upwardly through the second bores.

Abstract: Grip apparatus for use with tensile stress testing apparatus includes a housing having connecting means on the top of the housing for connecting the grip apparatus to the tensile stress testing apparatus. A first elongated bore extends from the bottom of the housing through a portion of the housing parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing to form a receptacle for a test piece. A pair of second elongated bores extend from the top surface of the housing, converging toward the bottom surface of the housing, with the lower end of each second bore opening into the first bore. Each of said second bores contains a slidable grip bar extending into the first bore and having a grip insert secured on the lower end of the grip bar. A spring loaded release mechanism normally retains the grip bars and grip inserts in a closed position and can be manually operated to release the inserts and grip bars by sliding the grip bars upwardly through the second bores.