Abstract: An injection molded component having at least one structural layer of material and at least one fuel vapor barrier layer carried by the structural layer, and a method of making it utilizing separately injection molded structural and fuel vapor barrier layers. The vapor barrier layer may be trapped between two other interconnected layers, or may be bonded to a structural layer by an adhesive. In one form, a fuel vapor barrier layer and a structural layer are separately molded onto a preformed adhesive layer. Desirably, the heat generated during the steps of molding both the vapor barrier layer and the structural layer onto the adhesive layer is sufficient to activate the adhesive and bond the layers together. In another form, a fuel vapor barrier layer is bonded to a layer comprised of a blend of structural and adhesive materials. In yet another form, a fuel vapor barrier layer is disposed and captured between two interconnected structural layers.

Abstract: A piston insertion machine for inserting piston assemblies into respective cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The piston insertion machine eliminates the need for individually lifting and inserting the piston assemblies into the respective cylinders. The piston insertion machine includes a barrel assembly for holding the piston assembly. A first set of components pivot the piston barrel assembly (and thus the piston assembly) from an upright position to a horizontal position. Another component inserts the piston assembly into the cylinder of the engine block.

Abstract: A piston ring compressor having position sensors for aligning a piston assembly with a cylinder of an engine block. The position sensors enable a piston assembly to be properly aligned with the cylinder prior to inserting the piston assembly into the cylinder without damaging either the piston assembly or the cylinder. The position sensors are linear variable distance transducer which are used to align the centerline of the piston ring compressor with the centerline of the cylinder.

Abstract: A piston insertion machine for inserting piston assemblies into respective cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The piston insertion machine eliminates the need for individually lifting and inserting the piston assemblies into the respective cylinders. The piston insertion machine includes a barrel assembly for holding the piston assembly. A first set of components pivot the piston barrel assembly (and thus the piston assembly) from an upright position to a horizontal position. Another component inserts the piston assembly into the cylinder of the engine block.

Abstract: A transfer control system for enabling technicians to insert a piston assembly into a cylinder of an engine block. The transfer control system ensures that only one technician at a single time is capable of controlling the insertion of the piston assembly into the cylinder of the engine block. The transfer control system has a proximity sensor and a first control system in communication with the proximity sensor. A second control system is in communication with the first control system.

Abstract: An injection molded component having at least one structural layer of material and at least one fuel vapor barrier layer carried by the structural layer, and a method of making it utilizing separately injection molded structural and fuel vapor barrier layers. The vapor barrier layer may be trapped between two other interconnected layers, or may be bonded to a structural layer by an adhesive. In one form, a fuel vapor barrier layer and a structural layer are separately molded onto a preformed adhesive layer. Desirably, the heat generated during the steps of molding both the vapor barrier layer and the structural layer onto the adhesive layer is sufficient to activate the adhesive and bond the layers together. In another form, a fuel vapor barrier layer is bonded to a layer comprised of a blend of structural and adhesive materials. In yet another form, a fuel vapor barrier layer is disposed and captured between two interconnected structural layers.

Abstract: A control system and method of use for aligning a piston assembly with a cylinder of an engine block. The control system enables the piston assembly to be properly aligned with the cylinder prior to inserting the piston assembly into the cylinder. The control system includes an apparatus which compares positional information associated with the piston assembly and an apparatus which instructs movement of the piston assembly with respect to the cylinder in response to the positional information.

Abstract: A piston ring compressor for compressing a piston ring about a circumference of a piston so that the piston can be inserted into a cylinder. The piston ring compressor includes a wall forming a hollow shaped member and an inner compression surface formed about the interior portion of the hollow shaped member. The inner compression surface has a diameter which gradually decreases from a second end to a first end. The piston ring compressor applies an even compressive force about the piston ring as the piston ring and piston are slid through the piston ring compressor from the second end to the first end.

Abstract: A method of inserting a piston assembly into a cylinder of an engine block. The method eliminates the need for a technician to individually lift and insert the piston assemblies into the respective cylinders. The method for inserting the piston assembly into the cylinder aligns the piston assembly with the cylinder and inserts the piston assembly into the cylinder by pivoting the piston assembly from an upright position to a horizontal position, and inserting the piston assembly into the cylinder of the engine block.