Abstract: An engine oil filtration system including a pump operable to provide pressurized oil to the system is provided. A filter is in pressurized fluid communication with the pump and an engine lubrication network is in pressurized fluid communication with both the filter and an inlet of a balance shaft module. The balance shaft module also includes an outlet in pressurized fluid communication with the oil pump so that contaminated, pressurized oil may flow from the balance shaft module to the pump and filter for cleaning before being recycled to the engine's lubrication network.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling backlash comprising an intermediate gear capable of adjustably meshed engagement between a first driving gear and a second driven gear, and a body rotatably supporting the intermediate gear and capable of movement in a direction that reduces the center distance between the intermediate gear and either the first gear, the second gear, or both. The movement of the body utilizes both resilient urging and hysteretic damping to supply appropriately light resilient biasing while being fortified against rapid retraction or repulsion.

Abstract: A hollow tubular balance shaft member having bobweights of minimal mass. The tubular member is preferably made by a deep drawn process. One or more bobweights is positioned in the tubular member during formation thereof. The invention can be used for all vehicle engines which need counterbalancing mechanisms, such as 90° V-6 engines and inline four cylinder engines. Various mechanisms can be used to secure and hold the bobweights in position in the tubular member, such as welding, adhesive bonding, staking, brazing, and the like. One end of the balance shaft member has a drive member on which a drive gear is positioned and used to rotate the balance shaft by the engine.

Abstract: A locator bushing member for assembling a damper/pulley member to a crankshaft as part of a modular housing assembly. The locator bushing temporarily secures a damper member to a housing assembly until the housing assembly is secured to the front of a vehicle engine and the damper member is subsequently secured to the nose of the crankshaft. A seal member is typically provided in order to seal the joint between the damper member bushing and housing member. Mating ridge and groove mechanisms, or equivalent mechanisms, can be provided to more securely affix the damper member, locator bushing member and housing member together.