Abstract: A turbocharger heat shield is disposed around a turbocharger turbine housing and comprises first and second heat shield members each having a wall structure that is generally semi-cylindrical in shape. The heat shield members are removably attached with one and include axially opposed openings, and a radial opening, to accommodate passage of other turbocharger components therethrough. A third heat shield member may be included to cover a further element of the turbocharger. One or more tabs project from an edge of the first or second heat shield member to register with an adjacent edge of the other member to facilitate alignment, engagement and/or attachment between the two members. An insulating material can be interposed between the heat shield and the turbocharger housing and, in a preferred embodiment, is attached to the heat shield.

Abstract: A protective cover for an engine filter having a cover upper portion and at least one cover sidewall attached to the cover upper portion, wherein the cover upper portion and the at least one cover sidewall form an enclosure, such that an inner perimeter of the enclosure has a size and a shape similar to a size and a shape of an outer perimeter of the engine filter.

Abstract: Air filter assemblies include an air filter housing with an air flow passageway extending therethrough, and a connection flange to facilitate attachment with an air filter member. The air filter member includes an annular air filter element disposed concentrically around the housing. The filter member has a closed top at one end and a retaining band at an opposite end that includes a connection base that is configured to attach with the housing connection flange. An attachment assembly is positioned over the housing connection flange and air filter member connection base to releasibly attach the air filter member to the air filter housing. An O-ring seal is interposed between the air filter housing and member to provide a leak-tight fit therebetween. A sound attenuating chamber is disposed within the assembly to control unwanted intake air noise therein. A vacuum monitor can be attached to the assembly to assess the remaining service life of the air filter element without need for visual inspection.

Abstract: An air filter/oil separator assembly comprises a housing having an outer wall and a channel disposed therein between a primary gas inlet and a primary gas outlet. An air filter is joined to the primary gas inlet for filtering air from the immediate environment for introduction into an engine intake system. The housing includes a secondary inlet port through the outer wall, for receiving an air-oil mixture taken from an engine crankcase breather, and a secondary outlet port through the channel wall. A baffle is disposed axially within the housing and extends axially between the outer wall and the channel wall. The baffle, outer wall, and channel wall together define a first and second air flow passageway between the secondary inlet and secondary outlet ports. A removable filter element is disposed within at least one of the first and second passageways to capture air-borne particulate matter and/or aid in the coalescence and separation of oil within the air-oil mixture.

Abstract: Air-oil separators of this invention comprise a housing having an internal chamber defined by a housing sidewall surface that extends axially from a housing base to a housing open end. The open end includes a removable lid disposed thereon. The housing includes an inlet for receiving an air-oil mixture into the internal chamber from an internal combustion engine, and an outlet for passing a separated air stream from the internal chamber and out of the housing. An oil coalescing filter element is removably disposed within the internal chamber and is positioned/interposed between the inlet and outlet. A vacuum control device is disposed onboard or off board of the separator to provide a vacuum regulated environment within the housing internal chamber between the inlet and outlet. Thus configured, air-oil separators of this invention provide improved air and oil separation efficiencies when compared to conventional air-oil separators.

Abstract: A restraint belt presenter assembly includes a restraint belt positioning member carried by a slidable member that is selectively driven by a track drive mechanism to move a restraint belt buckle assembly forward from its unused, storage position to a presentation position for easy grasping by a vehicle seat occupant. The slidable member is connected to a track that may optionally be pivotally mounted to elevate the restraint belt positioning member into the presentation position. Alternatively, the track member may include an inclined distal end, such that the slidable member moves upwardly into the presentation position. Another embodiment includes a pivoting shaft member that pivots the restraint belt buckle assembly forward for a starting position to the presentation position as the slidable member travel upwardly on an inclined track.

Abstract: The combination apparatus silences and filters air flow, separates air-contaminant mixtures, and maintains a regulated vacuum therein. An air filter joins an annular housing which has an outer wall and a channel defining a central axis, the channel having a primary gas inlet coupled to the air filter and a primary gas outlet and a channel wall. The apparatus has a secondary inlet port passing through the outer wall. A secondary outlet port defines an opening in the channel wall such that there is no straight line flow path between the secondary inlet and the secondary outlet. An air silencer is contained within the channel. A passageway between the secondary inlet and the secondary outlet is defined exteriorly by the outer wall and interiorly by the channel wall. A vacuum regulating means is disposed within the annular housing and is positioned next to an opening in the secondary outlet to regulate the amount of vacuum imposed within the passageway so that it does not exceed a determined maximum.

Abstract: The combination apparatus, preseparator, vacuum regulator and check valve silences and filters air flow and separates air-contaminant mixtures. The combination apparatus comprises an annular housing having an outer wall and a channel defining a central axis. The channel has a primary gas inlet coupled to an air filter, a primary gas outlet coupled to an engine induction system, and a channel wall therebetween. A secondary inlet port passes through the outer wall and a secondary inlet port defines an opening in the channel. A baffle is axially disposed within the housing defining a first and second flow passageway. Second baffles are disposed within the first and second passageways to effect serpentine flow through each flow passageway and filter material is disposed within each flow passageway. A preseparator is coupled between the secondary inlet and an engine breather and has an annular housing with preseperator baffles disposed therein for effecting serpentine flow therethrough.

Abstract: A vacuum relief valve for use with internal combustion engines is provided. The valve is connected to the breathing tubes of an engine on one side and to the air induction system of the engine on the opposite side. Under certain conditions during engine operation, the induction system has a tendency to reduce the pressure within the crankcase creating a partial vacuum. The vacuum relief valve is interposed between the induction system and the crankcase and control or limits the amount of partial vacuum thus created to a maximum of seven inches of vacuum or less. This is accomplished by providing means for limiting the size of a passageway through the valve and thereby limit the amount of suction that can be communicated by the induction system to the crankcase. In one embodiment, a spring biased piston is used to control the size of the passageway. Other valving mechanisms are also contemplated.