Abstract: In a two-cycle, opposed-piston internal combustion engine, opposed pistons disposed in a cylinder are coupled to a pair of side-mounted crankshafts by connecting rods that are subject to substantially tensile forces acting between the pistons and the crankshafts. This geometry reduces or eliminates side forces between the pistons and the bore of the cylinder. The cylinder and the pistons are independently cooled to reduce cylindrical deformation caused by thermal expansion during engine operation.

Abstract: An engine having a cylinder with a bore opposed pistons disposed for reciprocation in the bore includes compliant members that allow for angular adjustment of piston structure with respect to the cylinder in response to an imbalance in forces coupled to the pistons by connecting rods.

Abstract: In a two-cycle, opposed-piston internal combustion engine, opposed pistons disposed in a cylinder are coupled to a pair of side-mounted crankshafts by connecting rods that are subject to substantially tensile forces acting between the pistons and the crankshafts. This geometry reduces or eliminates side forces between the pistons and the bore of the cylinder. The cylinder and the pistons are independently cooled to reduce cylindrical deformation caused by thermal expansion during engine operation.

Abstract: An engine having a cylinder with a bore opposed pistons disposed for reciprocation in the bore includes compliant members that allow for angular adjustment of piston structure with respect to the cylinder in response to an imbalance in forces coupled to the pistons by connecting rods.

Abstract: A two-cycle, opposed piston engine with side-mounted crankshafts and cylinders isolated from mechanical stresses of the engine includes tailored cooling of cylinders and symmetrical cooling of the interior surfaces of piston crowns. Each opposed piston includes a compliant member that permits movement of an axially-centered rod mounted in the piston in order to maintain axial alignment with the bore of a cylinder in which the piston is disposed during engine operation. A single wristpin is disposed externally of the piston to connect the piston with connecting rods that run between the piston and the crankshafts.

Abstract: A flotation device for rescue of individuals in distress in static or swift water or under icy conditions. A preferred embodiment includes a throwable disk having an annular groove wherein the disk is divisible into a pair of separate, positively buoyant subassemblies. A web-like harness is stowed in a recess within each subassembly and a line is fixed at one end to the harness. In the nondeployed condition, the line is wrapped, spool-like, about an annular groove in the disk, thereby holding the subassemblies together. In use, a rescuer holds the free end of the line in one hand and, with the other, throws the disk in the direction of the person to be rescued. During flight, the line unwinds from the disk. Desirably, the disk is thrown beyond the person in distress to be subsequently drawn by the rescuer toward that person. When the line has been unwound from the disk, the subassemblies separate and the harness is pulled out of the storage recesses in the subassemblies.