Abstract: A method for controlling coolant flow and cooling of a heater core to be used as a cold storage device or “heater core cold storage” (HCCS) cooling of a vehicle to extend an engine auto-stop period includes determining if at least one predetermined condition is met for HCCS cooling, and charging a heater core for a predetermined charge period in preparation for HCCS cooling when the at least one predetermined condition is met. The charge is held in the heater core until a trigger event occurs and HCCS cooling is initiated. HCCS cooling is then performed until a predetermined use period expires.

Abstract: A system according to the present disclosure includes a start-stop module, a bypass valve control module, and a flapper valve control module. The start-stop module is configured to stop an engine of a vehicle independent of an ignition system of the vehicle. The bypass valve control module is configured to adjust a bypass valve to a bypass position to prevent engine coolant from flowing from the engine to a heater core of the vehicle when the engine is stopped independent of the ignition system. The flapper valve control module is configured to control a flapper valve to adjust an amount of airflow from an evaporator of the vehicle to a cabin of the vehicle through the heater core.

Abstract: A method for controlling coolant flow and cooling of a heater core to be used as a cold storage device or “heater core cold storage” (HCCS) cooling of a vehicle to extend an engine auto-stop period includes determining if at least one predetermined condition is met for HCCS cooling, and charging a heater core for a predetermined charge period in preparation for HCCS cooling when the at least one predetermined condition is met. The charge is held in the heater core until a trigger event occurs and HCCS cooling is initiated. HCCS cooling is then performed until a predetermined use period expires.

Abstract: A system according to the present disclosure includes a start-stop module, a bypass valve control module, and a flapper valve control module. The start-stop module is configured to stop an engine of a vehicle independent of an ignition system of the vehicle. The bypass valve control module is configured to adjust a bypass valve to a bypass position to prevent engine coolant from flowing from the engine to a heater core of the vehicle when the engine is stopped independent of the ignition system. The flapper valve control module is configured to control a flapper valve to adjust an amount of airflow from an evaporator of the vehicle to a cabin of the vehicle through the heater core.

Abstract: A diffuser plate for a vehicle exhaust system comprises a body having a primary opening and a plurality of secondary openings circumferentially spaced apart from each other about the primary opening. In one example, the diffuser plate is positioned between an exhaust manifold and a catalytic converter. Exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold flows through the primary and secondary openings in the diffuser plate to provide a thorough mixed flow that is evenly distributed across an inlet to a catalyst substrate, and also enable an oxygen sensor to accurately measure engine cylinder exhaust gas chemistry.

Abstract: A diffuser plate for a vehicle exhaust system comprises a body having a primary opening and a plurality of secondary openings circumferentially spaced apart from each other about the primary opening. In one example, the diffuser plate is positioned between an exhaust manifold and a catalytic converter. Exhaust gas from the exhaust manifold flows through the primary and secondary openings in the diffuser plate to provide a thorough mixed flow that is evenly distributed across an inlet to a catalyst substrate, and also enable an oxygen sensor to accurately measure engine cylinder exhaust gas chemistry.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a windage tray assembly is mounted to crankshaft bearing caps which connect with oil passages in the windage tray. The passages carry the oil through nozzles directed toward the interior of associated pistons. The arrangement utilizes the windage tray and bearing caps as carriers for piston cooling oil obtained from the bearing caps, which are already supplied with oil for lubricating the bearings. Thus, modifications of an engine design to install a piston cooling system are limited to redesign of the windage tray to a sandwich-like assembly and modification of the bearing caps to conduct oil from the bearings to the windage tray passages. To limit oil pumping energy, oil distribution holes in the bearing caps connect intermittently with crankshaft journal feed passages so the oil is distributed in individually timed streams or sprays directed toward the pistons for a short interval once every revolution of the engine crankshaft.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a windage tray assembly is mounted to crankshaft bearing caps which connect with oil passages in the windage tray. The passages carry the oil through nozzles directed toward the interior of associated pistons. The arrangement utilizes the windage tray and bearing caps as carriers for piston cooling oil obtained from the bearing caps, which are already supplied with oil for lubricating the bearings. Thus, modifications of an engine design to install a piston cooling system are limited to redesign of the windage tray to a sandwich-like assembly and modification of the bearing caps to conduct oil from the bearings to the windage tray passages. To limit oil pumping energy, oil distribution holes in the bearing caps connect intermittently with crankshaft journal feed passages so the oil is distributed in individually timed streams or sprays directed toward the pistons for a short interval once every revolution of the engine crankshaft.

Abstract: An engine mounts an air compressor for supplying pressurized air to air-assist fuel injectors. The compressor is driven by an engine camshaft already utilized for actuating valve gear. The air compressor is mounted on an end of the engine, preferably adjacent the rear end of the camshaft, which in turn is driven directly by the crankshaft through a chain or gear train. In certain embodiments, the air compressor has an input shaft mounting a driven gear that engages a drive gear on the rear end of the camshaft, the camshaft and the air compressor drive shaft being rotatable on spaced parallel axis. Alternative external, internal and conical gear drive arrangements are disclosed. Direct drive of a compressor connecting rod by a crankpin on the camshaft is also disclosed. The simplified drives minimize added components and costs for the compressor attachment.

Abstract: A drum brake assembly as provided with a rack and pinion actuator. The rack and pinion actuator includes a pinion gear driving a pair of racks, with the racks driving the brake shoes into engagement with the brake drum. The pinion gear is provided with an adjustment thread which transmits rotation to an adjustment member. The adjustment member monitors the amount of rotation of the pinion gear during actuation, and a mechanism drives the adjustment member and the pinion gear back to its non-actuated position after completion of the braking cycle. The mechanism limits the amount of return movement of the pinion gear as necessary to provide adjustment of the brake stroke.