Abstract: A gasket (20) is provided with a uniform thickness spacer layer (66) between two metal upper active layers (78, 80) and two lower active layers (82,84). Each of the layers has aligned openings. A first tab (158, 140) is formed from one of the upper active layers and is located in a first slot (168) in the spacer layer. A second tab (132, 150) is formed in a flange of one of the upper active layers and is located in a second slot (174) located in the spacer layer. A third tab (190, 208) is formed from one of the lower active layers and is located in a third slot (212) located in the spacer layer. A fourth tab (176, 194) is formed in a flange of one of the lower active layers and is located in a fourth slot (218) located in the spacer layer.

Abstract: A gasket (20) is provided with a uniform thickness spacer layer (66) between two metal upper active layers (78, 80) and two lower active layers (82,84). Each of the layers has aligned openings. A first tab (158, 140) is formed from one of the upper active layers and is located in a first slot (168) in the spacer layer. A second tab (132, 150) is formed in a flange of one of the upper active layers and is located in a second slot (174) located in the spacer layer. A third tab (190, 208) is formed from one of the lower active layers and is located in a third slot (212) located in the spacer layer. A fourth tab (176, 194) is formed in a flange of one of the lower active layers and is located in a fourth slot (218) located in the spacer layer.

Abstract: A multi-layer steel (MLS) cylinder head gasket containing fully integrated pressure sensors includes first and second metal layers with inner facing surfaces, and a spacer layer interposed between the facing surfaces. Outer (non-facing) surfaces of the first and second metal layers each include an elastomeric seal coating; the inner surfaces of the layers each include a friction reducing coating. Combustion apertures extend fully between the outer surfaces of the gasket, and are adapted to circumscribe cylinder bores of an engine. The spacer layer includes protective slots positioned adjacent each of the combustion apertures. Each slot wall contains a pressure sensor in form of a strain gauge to measure deflection of the wall resulting from pressure changes within engine combustion chambers. The measured deflections are correlated to actual pressures within the chambers. In the protective slots, the strain gauges are not exposed to combustion gases that could otherwise foul the sensors.

Abstract: A multi-layered cylinder head gasket for positioning between a cylinder head and a cylinder block of an engine includes a spacer layer and a stopper layer. The stopper layer includes either a wave or rigid stopper positioned at a periphery of an aperture of the stopper layer. A sealing bead is positioned adjacent the stopper. Overall, the stopper layer has a generally uniform thickness. The spacer layer, however, has first and second thicknesses with the second thickness being generally less than the first thickness. The second thickness of the spacer layer mates with the stopper and sealing bead when the stopper layer and spacer layer are joined together. A transition area is positioned between the first and second thicknesses. The variable thickness of the spacer layer permits the gasket to provide generally equal sealing stresses while subjected to variable compression forces.

Abstract: A multi-layered cylinder head gasket for positioning between a cylinder head and a cylinder block of an engine includes a spacer layer and a stopper layer. The stopper layer includes either a wave or rigid stopper positioned at a periphery of an aperture of the stopper layer. A sealing bead is positioned adjacent the stopper. Overall, the stopper layer has a generally uniform thickness. The spacer layer, however, has first and second thicknesses with the second thickness being generally less than the first thickness. The second thickness of the spacer layer mates with the stopper and sealing bead when the stopper layer and spacer layer are joined together. A transition area is positioned between the first and second thicknesses. The variable thickness of the spacer layer permits the gasket to provide generally equal sealing stresses while subjected to variable compression forces.

Abstract: A multi-layer steel (MLS) cylinder head gasket containing fully integrated pressure sensors includes first and second metal layers with inner facing surfaces, and a spacer layer interposed between the facing surfaces. Outer (non-facing) surfaces of the first and second metal layers each include an elastomeric seal coating; the inner surfaces of the layers each include a friction reducing coating. Combustion apertures extend fully between the outer surfaces of the gasket, and are adapted to circumscribe cylinder bores of an engine. The spacer layer includes protective slots positioned adjacent each of the combustion apertures. Each slot wall contains a pressure sensor in form of a strain gauge to measure deflection of the wall resulting from pressure changes within engine combustion chambers. The measured deflections are correlated to actual pressures within the chambers. In the protective slots, the strain gauges are not exposed to combustion gases that could otherwise foul the sensors.

Abstract: A joint for mating exhaust pipes includes an exhaust pipe flange gasket with a metallic body having a planar portion extending laterally inwardly from an outer edge of the body, the planar portion having at least one bolt hole, and a shielding grommet integrally connected to an inner edge of the planar portion. The shielding grommet defines an outer periphery of an aperture, and a sealing element is retained within the grommet. The gasket is disposed between two mating exhaust pipes each pipe having a flange with an aperture and a planar clamping face, at least one of the flanges including a recess adjacent the clamping face. The planar portion of the gasket is disposed between the faces such that when the apertures of the members are aligned with the bolt hole, the shielding grommet is received in the recess.

Abstract: An improved multi-layer gasket comprises only three metal plates and incorporates a dual coating system with different coatings applied to specific layers of the gasket. Through the orientation of the layers, a high temperature coating is used to enhance a combustion gas seal while an elastomer seal coating enhances a fluid seal. Through the selection of base metal thicknesses and coating thicknesses, an increased thickness area can be achieved to obtain an optimum load balance between the combustion seal and the fluid seal.

Abstract: A method of forming a multiple density gasket is disclosed which includes the steps of moving both a first gasket material having a first lateral thickness, and a second gasket material having a second lateral thickness less than the first lateral thickness, along a path. Typically, a third gasket material is used, with the second material sandwiched between the first and third layers. The materials are compressed and gaskets are stamped from the compressed gasket material. The second material selectively forms higher density portions in the gasket. A unique gasket is formed by the above method wherein a higher density portion extends to the periphery of the gasket. In one embodiment the gasket is generally rectangular, with axial ends and lateral sides. The higher density portion extends between the axial ends of the gasket over a portion of the lateral width.

Abstract: A dual coating system is utilized for a cylinder head gasket of an internal combustion engine. A lubricous, high temperature coating is located at the combustion seals while an elastomeric coating is located at fluid flow openings. The coatings are applied to entire sides of plates in such a manner that the coatings do not have to be selectively applied to, or masked off from any one particular layer. The thickness of the various gasket components can be adjusted by shims to obtain an optimum load balance between seals.