Abstract: In one form, a turbocharger component, such as a compressor wheel or an impeller, formed of a cast material or a material made using a powder metal process, includes a surface having at least a portion thereof treated by a thermo-mechanical treatment process, such as friction stir processing. At the treated portion, the material forming the component includes a microstructure that is different than the microstructure of the material throughout the rest of the component. For example, in one form the material at the treated portion includes a homogenous microstructure while the material throughout the rest of the component includes a cast microstructure. In one or more forms, the treated portion exhibits at least one of increased strength, ductility and fatigue-resistant properties. In another form, a method is directed to providing components for a turbocharger which exhibit enhanced structural properties. However, other embodiments, forms and applications are also envisioned.

Abstract: A fuel leakage prevention system for preventing undesired leakage of fuel into the combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine equipped with a pressure/time, cam actuated unit fuel injection system. The system includes a main housing containing an evacuatable chamber adapted to be connected by a first fluid conduit to a source of sub-atmospheric pressure by a check valve and manual shut off valve. The evacuatable chamber is also adapted to be fluidically connected to a common rail supplying fuel to the injectors by a solenoid controlled valve which is open during engine shutdown and closed during engine operation whereby fuel is withdrawn from the injectors by the vacuum upon engine shutdown.

Abstract: An air fuel control system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The control system includes an air pressure responsive device for modulating mechanically the flow of fuel into the engine in response to the pressure of air within the intake manifold. The pressure-responsive device includes first and second chambers, separated by a diaphragm being attached to a piston, with the first chamber which is connected to the intake manifold by an air line. The air fuel control system further includes a fuel metering device for controlling the flow of fuel into the air-fuel control in response to intake manifold air pressure including a barrel and plunger assembly with the barrel inlet port being specifically configured to accommodate both the no-air and transition-curve fuel rail pressures. The barrel profile is designed to meter fuel quickly and precisely in response to changes in manifold air pressure.

Abstract: A unitary seal device having a dual seal system for sealing around a rotatable shaft between the rotatable shaft and its housing to separate a region of higher pressure from a region of lower pressure is disclosed. The unitary seal device includes an annular outer housing which forms the outer periphery of the unitary seal device. The outer housing has a through bore located substantially axially centrally thereon which divides the annular outer housing into an axially inner portion and an axially outer portion. First and second seal elements having an L-shaped cross-section, including a radially extending leg and an axially extending leg are disposed in the outer housing. The axially extending legs are spaced-apart from each other to form a central channel and the radially extending legs sealingly engaging the rotatable shaft around the entire circumference of the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A throttle lever assembly for an internal combustion engine including a reliable substantially failure-proof dual acting--double breakover throttle lever is provided to maintain control over engine throttling in the event of certain types of failure of the vehicle throttle control or related structures. The throttle lever assembly is operatively positioned between an operator-actuated throttle control and the engine fuel supply system. A throttle link lever mounted for pivotal movement relative to the throttle lever is actuated by the throttle control to cause the throttle lever to rotate a throttle shaft between preset full throttle and idle positions. The throttle lever and the link lever include integrally formed tabs which hold a coiled torsion spring positioned to resist breakover, thereby normally maintaining the assembly in an axially aligned operating position.