Abstract: A signal is received (201, 301) via a wireless communication channel, which signal requests initiation of pre-cycle warm-up for one or more components of an internal combustion engine. It is determined (203, 303) whether at least one of the one or more components requires pre-cycle warm-up. When at least one of the one or more engine components requires pre-cycle warm-up, the at least one of the one or more components is warmed up (205, 207, 305, 307).

Abstract: A valve lifter guide (100, 900, 1100) includes at least one conduit (101, 901, 1101). The conduit (101, 901, 1101) has a first inwardly-curved surface (103) opposed to a second inwardly-curved surface (105) such that the conduit is capable of holding a valve lifter (200) between the first inwardly-curved surface (103) and the second inwardly-curved surface (105). The valve lifter guide (100, 900, 1100) may optionally include inwardly-curved alignment surfaces 1103.

Abstract: A system isolates fluid that enters a high-pressure fluid reservoir (116) from fluid in other components of an engine (100). The high-pressure fluid reservoir (116) has an entrance (120) in which a plug assembly (128) is disposed. A fluid source or case-to-head tube (114) is connected to the plug assembly (128). Fluid circulates from the case-to-head tube (114), through a supply conduit (130) formed by the plug assembly (128), and into the high-pressure fluid reservoir (116). A check valve (115) is disposed in the supply conduit (130). The check valve (115) essentially stops the flow of fluid from the high-pressure fluid reservoir (116) into the case-to-head tube (114) when the pressure of fluid in the case-to-head tube (114) is less than the pressure of fluid in the high-pressure fluid reservoir (116).

Abstract: A valve lifter guide (100) includes a base (111) and at least one conduit (100) extending from the base (111). The conduit (100) has a first inwardly curved surface (103) opposed to a second inwardly curved surface (105) such that the conduit is capable of holding a valve lifter (200) between the first inwardly curved surface (103) and the second inwardly curved surface (105).

Abstract: A signal is received (201, 301) via a wireless communication channel, which signal requests initiation of pre-cycle warm-up for one or more components of an internal combustion engine. It is determined (203, 303) whether at least one of the one or more components requires pre-cycle warm-up. When at least one of the one or more engine components requires pre-cycle warm-up, the at least one of the one or more components is warmed up (205, 207, 305, 307).

Abstract: A valve includes a valve body (100) disposable within a chamber (103) of a housing (101) and capable of being fluidly sealed with respect to the housing (101) when the valve is closed. At least one radial passage (117) is disposed in the valve body (100). At least one axial passage (119) is disposed in the valve body (100) in fluid communication with the at least one radial passage (117). When the valve at least partially opens, a fluid path opens between the valve body (100) and the housing (101), which fluid path (301) in is fluid communication with the at least one radial passage (117), and fluid from within the housing (101) is capable of passing out of the at least one axial passage (119).

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of aligning rocker arms (401 and 403) with push rods (611) during the assembly of an internal combustion engine utilizes an installation tool (100). The tool (100) includes a plurality of alignment members (101) that engage and constrain the rocker arms (401 and 403) to facilitate installation of the rocker arms (401 and 403) in alignment with the push rods (611) during engine assembly.

Abstract: A seal (301) has a first surface capable of contacting a valve cover (101) over a first fluid while a second surface, opposed to the first surface, is capable of contacting a seal seat (303). The seal (301) also has a third surface capable of contacting a sensor housing (201) disposed in a second fluid, while a fourth surface, opposed to the third surface, is capable of contacting the seal seat (303). The seal (301) is capable of separating the first fluid from the second fluid while preventing the first fluid and the second fluid from leaking out of the valve cover (101).

Abstract: A fluid rail for conveying an actuating fluid under pressure from an actuating fluid source to a respective fuel injector of an internal combustion engine includes a rail assembly being disposable in a space defined in part by a rocker arm carrier of the engine and having; a. a first rail portion having a substantially cylindrical inside diameter defining a first substantially cylindrical flow passage; b. a second rail portion having a substantially cylindrical inside diameter defining a second substantially cylindrical flow passage; c. having a volume of between 15 cubic inches and 60 cubic inches. A method of conveying an actuating fluid under pressure from an actuating fluid source to a respective fuel injector of an internal combustion engine is further included.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of reliably separating the male and female members of a coupling may be used in high pressure conditions. A release collar (201) has an actuator (301), a release sleeve flange (303), and a ring (305). The actuator (301) described is thinner than those utilized in known release sleeves, and may be advantageously located in closer proximity to the male member (101) than to the female member (103), such that the actuator may radially expand between the male and female members. The actuator (301) may be comprised of a cylindrical annulus and/or fingers disposed in a circular pattern. The ring (305) may have a lip (307) that allows the release collar (201) to remain with the female member (103).

Abstract: An arrangement for the application of topical substances to base products. A rotatable star-shaped reel structure is rotated, in which a flowable base product is tumbled while being coated with the topical substance so as to ensure an appropriate uniform distribution of the topical substance on the surfaces of the base product while inhibiting the formation of clump-like agglomerates of coated base product on the internal surfaces of the reel.