Abstract: A connecting rod fracture machine for fracture separating the caps and bodies of integrally formed connecting rod workpieces includes a cryogenic cooling station for embrittling the large ends, a fracture station for fracture separation of the embrittled cap and body portions, a warming station for returning fractured assemblies to ambient temperature and transfer mechanism for moving the workpieces between stations. The fracture station includes separable pilots for receiving the large end bores of the pieces to be fractured, an impact separation ram for rapidly separating the pilots to effect fracture separation and anti-rotation clamp means movable with the respective pilots and requiring linear separating motions of the caps from the connecting rod bodies.

Abstract: Arrangements of four-axis adjustable connecting rod grinding machines are disclosed having four separately driven and adjustable grinding wheels carried in opposed pairs on opposite sides of a moving work support to grind simultaneously the opposite sides of both ends of a connecting rod or the like with sequential feeding of plural workpieces. Adjustable means supporting the grinding wheel pairs provide flexibility for setting up to process connecting rods of differing lengths in sequential batches or runs.

Abstract: Split bearing assemblies are disclosed having separable bearing caps for both single applications, such as connecting rods, and multiple applications, such as engine crankshaft supports, together with methods and apparatus for making such assemblies by integrally forming the caps with the main body and separating them by fracture separation. A two step separation method is disclosed with bore starter notches and semicircular die expanders that minimize split plane and bore distortion.

Abstract: A reciprocating piston machine, such as an internal combustion engine, includes a modular power transmission subassembly including a built-up crankshaft, integral unsplit crankshaft journal supports and bolt-less connecting rods to provide a lightweight low cost engine construction. A built-up crankshaft with improved oil lubrication means is also disclosed.

Abstract: Split bearing assemblies are disclosed having separable bearing caps for both single applications, such as connecting rods, and multiple applications, such as engine crankshaft supports, together with methods and apparatus for making such assemblies by integrally forming the caps with the main body and separating them by fracture separation. A two step separation method is disclosed with bore starter notches and semicircular die expanders that minimize split plane and bore distortion.