Abstract: A modular system for constructing a coolant core/cylinder head structure, is described. The system comprises a modular coolant core having an inlet and an outlet, a plurality of passageways within an interior space of the coolant core, the passageways fluidly connecting, which create a specific coolant flow pattern between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the coolant core has a single pattern geometry for assembling into the cylinder head core box. Use of the individual modular coolant cores permits construction of customized cylinder heads, which use the same tooling across multiple engine platforms, while providing more uniform coolant velocity and heat rejection from cylinder to cylinder and improved structure with more uniform clamping load between head bolts around the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A gravity-activated valve for use in supplying an uninterrupted supply of fluid is disclosed. The valve includes a housing having an outlet, an inlet positioned below the outlet, and a sleeve disposed within the housing. The valve also includes a buoyant piston disposed within the sleeve, which is adapted to move between an open position and a closed position. The piston is positioned above the outlet when the piston is in the open position to allow fluid flow through the outlet and positioned proximate the outlet in the closed position to prevent fluid flow through the outlet. The piston is in the open position when the fluid level exceeds a predetermined fluid level and in the closed position when the fluid level is at or below the predetermined fluid level. The valve further includes a plurality of gaskets, which are adapted to create a seal between the piston and the sleeve.

Abstract: An oil pan (200) for an internal combustion engine includes a body (201) that defines a reservoir cavity (202). A collector cavity (222) is defined by at least one wall of the body (201) and is in fluid communication with the reservoir cavity (202). An oil supply passage (220) is defined by at least one wall of the body (201) and is in fluid communication with the collector cavity (222).

Abstract: A lift bracket (300) includes a topmost portion (304) having an opening (302) arranged for engagement with an engagement portion of a lifting apparatus. The topmost portion (304) is substantially flat and defines a first plane (A-A). A base portion (320) of the lift bracket (300) has at least one fastener opening (322) for fastening the base portion to the engine. The base portion (320) also lies in the first plane (A-A). A yield structure (305) is disposed between the topmost portion (304) and the base portion (320), and includes a mid-portion (312) that defines at least one second plane (B-B) that is spaced and parallel to the first plane (A-A). When a tensile force is applied to the topmost portion (304), the yielding structure (305) yields, the topmost portion displaces away from the base portion (320), and the second plane (B-B) displaces towards the first plane (A-A).

Abstract: An engine cover (400), such as a valve cover (700) or an oil pan (400), includes a skeleton structure (402) that may have a plurality of ribs (406) and at least one opening. At least one panel (404) is configured to fit in the at least one opening, and is operably connected to the skeleton structure (402). A seal (424) is located between the at least one panel (404) and the skeleton structure (402). The plurality of ribs (406) defines a plurality of channels (802) located around the at least one or more openings. Each panel (404) is held to the skeleton structure (402) by the plurality of channels (802).

Abstract: An engine cover (400), such as a valve cover (700) or an oil pan (400), includes a skeleton structure (402) that may have a plurality of ribs (406) and at least one opening. At least one panel (404) is configured to fit in the at least one opening, and is operably connected to the skeleton structure (402). A seal (424) is located between the at least one panel (404) and the skeleton structure (402). The plurality of ribs (406) defines a plurality of channels (802) located around the at least one or more openings. Each panel (404) is held to the skeleton structure (402) by the plurality of channels (802).