Abstract: This invention relates to fuel cells. A fuel cell 10 defines a space 11 having an air/ethanol inlet 12 and an outlet source 13. The operative part of the fuel cell, 14, includes a pvc substrate 15, a working electrode 16 and a counter electrode 17. A working electrode current collector 20 extends over the working electrode 16, whilst a counter electrode current collector 21 extends across the counter electrode 17. The electrodes formed from tantalum. At least one of the current collector electrodes 20, 21 are non-conformably depressed into their associated electrode to define a channel for containing electrolyte whereby charge can be transferred to the current collector by ionic exchange.

Abstract: This invention relates to fuel cells. A fuel cell 10 defines a space 11 having an air/ethanol inlet 12 and an outlet source 13. The operative part of the fuel cell, 14, includes a pvc substrate 15, a working electrode 16 and a counter electrode 17. A working electrode current collector 20 extends over the working electrode 16, whilst a counter electrode current collector 21 extends across the counter electrode 17. The electrodes formed from tantalum. At least one of the current collector electrodes 20, 21 are non-conformably depressed into their associated electrode to define a channel for containing electrolyte whereby charge can be transferred to the current collector by ionic exchange.

Abstract: An engine having an oil circuit and method of communicating oil within an engine are disclosed. The engine includes a crankcase, a pump, and a camshaft having a first channel extending between first and second ends of the camshaft, where lubricant is provided from the pump to the first channel at the first end and communicated by way of the first channel to the second end. The engine also includes a crankshaft, a second channel communicating at least some of the lubricant delivered to the second end of the first camshaft to a crankshaft bearing, and a third channel within the crankshaft that receives at least some of the lubricant communicated by the second channel and communicates at least some of the lubricant to a crankpin bearing on the crankshaft. In some embodiments, lubricant is communicated by the third channel to an eccentric bearing configured to support a balance weight.

Abstract: An engine having an oil circuit and method of communicating oil within an engine are disclosed. The engine includes a crankcase, a pump, and a camshaft having a first channel extending between first and second ends of the camshaft, where lubricant is provided from the pump to the first channel at the first end and communicated by way of the first channel to the second end. The engine also includes a crankshaft, a second channel communicating at least some of the lubricant delivered to the second end of the first camshaft to a crankshaft bearing, and a third channel within the crankshaft that receives at least some of the lubricant communicated by the second channel and communicates at least some of the lubricant to a crankpin bearing on the crankshaft. In some embodiments, lubricant is communicated by the third channel to an eccentric bearing configured to support a balance weight.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a cross-flow cylinder head with improved cooling. The cylinder head includes a pivotally mounted intake rocker arm which engages an intake push rod located proximal a first side of the cylinder head, and includes a pivotally mounted exhaust rocker arm which engages an exhaust push rod located proximal a second side of the cylinder head which is opposite to the first side of the cylinder head.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, and method of distributing lubricant within an internal combustion engine, are disclosed. The internal combustion engine includes a crankcase having a floor, a pump supported by the floor, and a camshaft. The pump includes an inlet and an outlet. The camshaft has a cam, first and second camshaft ends, and an internal channel extending within the camshaft between the ends. The first end is supported by the pump or the floor. Rotation of the camshaft causes the pump to draw in lubricant via the inlet and to pump out at least some of the lubricant via the outlet. The outlet is positioned in proximity to the internal channel at the first camshaft end, so that at least some of the lubricant is pumped into the channel.

Abstract: An automatic compression release mechanism for implementation in an internal combustion engine, and a method of assembling such a mechanism, are disclosed. The mechanism includes a camshaft assembly including a cam gear, a cam lobe with a notch positioned along a first side of the gear, a tube passing through the gear and aligned with the notch, and a support on a second side of the gear. The mechanism additionally includes an arm including a weight and shaft coupled to one another, where an end of the shaft includes a recess, and where the shaft is rotatably positioned within the tube and the end of the shaft with the recess extends into the notch. The mechanism further includes a retaining member positioned onto the support so that the weight is positioned between the retaining member and the tube and retained with respect to the gear.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, and method of distributing lubricant within an internal combustion engine, are disclosed. The internal combustion engine includes a crankcase having a floor, a pump supported by the floor, and a camshaft. The pump includes an inlet and an outlet. The camshaft has a cam, first and second camshaft ends, and an internal channel extending within the camshaft between the ends. The first end is supported by the pump or the floor. Rotation of the camshaft causes the pump to draw in lubricant via the inlet and to pump out at least some of the lubricant via the outlet. The outlet is positioned in proximity to the internal channel at the first camshaft end, so that at least some of the lubricant is pumped into the channel.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a cross-flow cylinder head with improved cooling. The cylinder head includes a pivotally mounted intake rocker arm which engages an intake push rod located proximal a first side of the cylinder head, and includes a pivotally mounted exhaust rocker arm which engages an exhaust push rod located proximal a second side of the cylinder head which is opposite to the first side of the cylinder head.

Abstract: A coolant pump housing for an internal combustion engine includes a cover having integral supports for an ignition module. Each ignition module support projects outwardly to define an elongated member having a mounting end defining a bore sized to receive fasteners for securing an ignition module. Preferably, the coolant pump cover is cast of aluminum. The cover further a pump cavity in fluid communication with inlet and outlet passageways having respective ports for communication of coolant through the coolant pump and the rest of the cooling system.