Abstract: Niobium chromium low allow carbon steel for automotive chain link plates has improved wear resistance. In one preferred embodiment, the steel composition includes niobium, chromium, carbon, iron, and any impurities. One preferred composition including these components includes, by weight percentage, approximately 0.25% to 0.75% carbon, approximately 0.20% to 2.0% chromium, approximately 0.26% to 1.5% niobium, and the remaining component of the composition is iron. Trace amounts of impurities may also be present. In another embodiment, a steel composition includes, by weight percentage, approximately 0.25% to 0.75% carbon, approximately 0.2% to 1.0% manganese, approximately 0.05% to 0.60% silicon, approximately 0.26% to 1.5% niobium, approximately 0.20% to 2.0% chromium, up to approximately 0.30% aluminum, up to approximately 0.03% phosphorus, up to approximately 0.03% sulfur, and a remainder of the composition being iron and any other impurities.

Abstract: A method of applying a wear resistant surface to chain links and pins of a chain by the application of an electroless nickel coating containing hard particles. The coating reduces the friction on the chain links and associated chain components, such as pins, bushings, rockers and other components. The hard particles contained in the coating may be a carbide or nitride formed using the following elements: silicon, boron, chromium or vanadium. The coating may contain a combination of carbide or nitrides. The hard particles may additional include natural diamond and/or synthetic diamond like carbon (DLC) particles.

Abstract: A hybrid chain belt which includes a toothed rubber belt and a pair of chains comprising a plurality of interleaved or laced sets of inner chain links and a plurality of interleaved outer or external links immediately adjacent the inner links mounted to the sides of the toothed belt. Each of the inner links and outer links has a pair of spaced apertures for receiving at least one pin which passes through the apertures of the links. The pins extend through the teeth of the rubber belt. Alternatively, the pair of chains may be replaced with outer links with either two apertures or a single aperture.

Abstract: A hybrid chain belt which includes a toothed rubber belt and a pair of chains comprising a plurality of interleaved or laced sets of inner chain links and a plurality of interleaved outer or external links immediately adjacent the inner links mounted to the sides of the toothed belt. Each of the inner links and outer links has a pair of spaced apertures for receiving at least one pin which passes through the apertures of the links. The pins extend through the teeth of the rubber belt. Alternatively, the pair of chains may be replaced with outer links with either two apertures or a single aperture.

Abstract: A decompression assembly (12) and method can include a linkage mechanism (20), a biasing assembly (38) for normally biasing the linkage mechanism toward a locked position when an internal combustion engine (10) is in an unpowered state, and an actuating piston (44) for driving the linkage mechanism from the locked position toward the unlocked position when the engine (10) is in a powered state. The engine can include a cam lobe (70) for driving pivotal oscillation of a rocker arm (36) engageable with a valve (16) in the engine for movement between open and closed positions. The linkage mechanism allows a full range of movement of the rocker arm when in an unlocked position, and restricts movement of the rocker arm to less than a full range of movement when the linkage mechanism is in a locked position for maintaining the valve in a partially open position.

Abstract: A method for controlling an actuator, such as the type used to drive valves, vanes, and other variable position devices. In one exemplary embodiment, a method may improve the accuracy of actuator feedback by periodically or dynamically resetting the position of a lower hard stop, which can then be used as a future point of reference.

Abstract: A method for controlling an actuator, such as the type used to drive valves, vanes, and other variable position devices. In one exemplary embodiment, a method may improve the accuracy of actuator feedback by periodically or dynamically resetting the position of a lower hard stop, which can then be used as a future point of reference.

Abstract: A solenoid valve system, wherein the valve member is provided with a seal member disposed thereabout. The solenoid valve is especially suitable for use with exhaust gas recirculation systems. The seal member is operable to slide axially relative to the valve member, including the stem portion thereof. An optional lubricant is provided between the valve member and the seal member so as to provide a relatively low friction environment therebetween when the valve member is in motion. An optional biasable member, in operable association with the seal member, is provided so as to maintain proper positioning of the seal member, e.g., during operation of the solenoid valve system.