Abstract: A pollutant reducing exhaust manifold for an internal combustion engine incorporating a catalytic converter therein. The manifold has a plurality of header pipes connected to and receiving exhaust gases from respective ones of a plurality of exhaust ports of an internal combustion engine. The header pipes are connected to a single chamber with an outlet therefrom connected to an exhaust pipe as well as a catalytic converter structure having a catalyst disposed on a supporting substrate disposed in the chamber between the inlet(s) and the outlet so that all exhaust gases from the engine must pass through the catalytic converter structure. The catalytic converter operates at higher temperatures for increased efficiency and comes to operating temperature virtually immediately.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold for an engine is made of all fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite material so as to be light weight and high temperature resistant.

Abstract: An extractor (30) for removing string clamping plates (26) from Floyd Rose tremolos (20) has a tongue (36) with a pin (38) which can engage hole (27) in plate (26) so that threaded element (42) when rotated will engage saddle surface (23) and apply upward force on tongue (36) and pin (38) and thus pull plate (26) into cylindrical extension (46) during removal of the string clamping plate.

Abstract: A piston ring for use with ceramic matrix composite engine cylinders. In one embodiment, an extra-hard material is used for a conventional ring design. In another embodiment, a hardened edge employing Tungsten Carbide Cobalt is employed. The same edge treatment can also be employed for other seals such as that of a rotary engine.

Abstract: A ceramic cylinder head or cylinder head liner for an internal combustion engine. The cylinder head is made of a fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite material and includes a heat sink on the top surface to keep touch temperatures at a reasonable level. The preferred embodiment employs water cooling so as to reduce engine compartment temperatures and provide a supply of hot water for passenger compartment heating.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine of either two-cycle or four-cycle construction including a block having at least one cylinder bore therein having sidewalls carrying a liner of a structural fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite material disposed in sealed fiber reinforced sliding relationship within the cylinder bore, and a cylinder head sealing atop end of the cylinder bore to form a closed combustion chamber in combination with the piston. The cylinder head also has the structural fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite material disposed on an inner surface thereof facing the combustion chamber. The preferred engine is a two-cycle engine having an externally scavenged intake system and an oil sump lubricating system thereby eliminating the need to separately mix or inject lubricating oil. Higher operating temperatures and closer tolerances allow higher fuel efficiency and less pollutant production.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a skateboard or the like, the wheel assembly having a cylindrical hub with a central aperture having a bearing receiving end and an internally threaded end. A tire having a central aperture with a main portion and an enlarged recess adjacent one end thereof, the main portion and the outer surface of the hub being matingly configured to prevent relative rotation therebetween with the tire mounted on the hub. A hub cap is provided with a threaded body for matingly engaging the internally threaded end of the hub, and a cap portion configured for being received within the recess of the tire, the outer periphery of the cap portion and the inner periphery of the recess being matingly configured with coacting ridges and detents so that upon securing the wheel to the hub the hub cap is prevented from loosening.

Abstract: A skateboard truck having a cup-shaped housing with the axis thereof transverse to a mounting plate member secured adjacent the housing opening, the bottom of the housing having pivotally secured thereto a trunnion supporting a transversely extending axle and wheel assembly. An annular rubber cushion fits within the cup in alignment with the axis thereof, the inner surface of the cup and the cushion being matingly configured to restrain the cushion from rotating. A member is received within the cushion, the member having diametrically opposed outwardly extending flanges received within splits within the cushion, the member being secured for rotation with the trunnion whereby the surfaces of the flanges apply circumferential compressive forces to the adjacent surfaces of the cushion during pivoting of the triunnion. Means are provided for axially varying the volume or density of the cushion whereby to vary the circumferential compressive forces resulting from pivoting of the trunnion.