Abstract: A reinforcing insert for an engine block formed of an engine block material is provided which is positioned in the bearing saddle area of the block for increasing the strength and stiffness of the bearing saddle area to ensure a secure connection of the main bearing cap throughout engine operation thereby ensuring proper crankshaft support and operation. The reinforcing insert is formed of a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than a modulus of elasticity of the engine block material. The insert includes a lower transverse surface for positioning at a lowermost position in the engine block, an upper surface positioned farthest from the crankshaft, a first and second linear side surfaces for positioning on opposite sides of the crankshaft. The linear sides extend from the lower surface along respective planes in nonparallel relation to each other. The linear sides may extend either in a converging or a diverging manner from the lower surface.

Abstract: A combustion face insert is provided for connection to a bottom wall of an aluminum cylinder head adjacent a combustion chamber in an internal combustion engine which includes an insert body formed of a material having a predetermined hardness. The insert body includes a lower surface facing the combustion chamber and extending radially outwardly to form an outer peripheral extent having a predetermined size necessary to cause the lower surface to be positioned for engagement with an annular combustion seal to effectively seal the combustion chamber. This design allows a greater power density to be achieved in a heavy duty diesel engine utilizing an aluminum cylinder head, increases the thermal fatigue resistance of the valve bridge area and increases the resistance of an aluminum cylinder head to indentation by the combustion seal of the head gasket during deflection of the aluminum cylinder head.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a component formed of parts capable of being separated for reassembly around another component. The process starts by taking separate, e.g., rod and cap, forgings and coining or forging them together prior to machining. The mating surfaces of the forgings are formed with a ridge-groove or a dimple/lug-recess configuration giving them a self-locating ability. After machining, the forgings are fractured along the original division to obtain two uniquely matched surfaces that need no further processing before being reassembled, e.g., to form a connecting rod for an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A reinforcing insert for an engine block formed of a lightweight material is provided which is positioned in the bearing saddle area of the block for increasing the strength and stiffness of the bearing saddle area to ensure a secure connection of the main bearing cap throughout engine operation thereby ensuring proper crankshaft support and operation. The reinforcing insert is formed of a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than a modulus of elasticity of the lightweight engine block material. The insert includes a lower transverse surface for positioning at a lowermost position in the engine block, an upper surface positioned farthest from the crankshaft, a first and second linear side surfaces for positioning on opposite sides of the crankshaft. The linear sides extend from the lower surface along respective planes in nonparallel relation to each other. The linear sides may extend either in a converging or a diverging manner from the lower surface.

Abstract: A heated resistive type sensor (20) for detecting the oxygen content in an exhaust gas is connected to an electronic control unit (22) for regulating the air/fuel ratio used to operate an internal combustion engine (10). The sensor (20) has a heater (70) which provides a constant thermal energy level to a titania sensing element (76) whose resistance to the flow of electrical current is directly related to the percentage of oxygen in the exhaust gas. The electrical resistance is used as a control signal to maintain the air/fuel ratio within set limits. The resistive portion consists of three resistive elements, one that senses O.sub.2 that is made of titania - TiO.sub.2, the other two resistors are thick film type connected in series thereto. Finally, the gas sensing layer and electrode leads attached thereto are covered by a protective glass layering to prevent contamination of the sensor element.