Abstract: A pressure spike modulator for engagement to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The device provides for adjustment of engine cylinder pressures using a reciprocating piston which provides a temporary increase in engine combustion chamber volume. Pressure from combustion chamber gases is communicated by the device back into the combustion chamber during the downstroke of the engine piston. Engine compression and peak combustion pressure may be modulated by adjusting pressure supplied to the device to resist incoming engine gases. Fuels for the attached engine may thereby be varied or substituted by adjusting the engine peak pressure and compression to one adequate for the chosen fuel.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve actuation system has a hydraulic actuator connected with a valve in an engine. The hydraulic actuator has a boost pin enclosing a drive pin in a casing. The drive pin connects with and defines a valve lash with a valve stem of the valve. The hydraulic actuator applies and releases an actuating force through the drive pin to the valve stem that selectively opens and closes the valve during engine operation. The hydraulic actuator adjusts the valve lash during one or more rest periods. By adjusting the valve lash during the rest periods, the hydraulic actuator essentially adjusts the valve lash in response to one or more of the actual physical parameters of the valve during engine operation.

Abstract: A pressure spike modulator for engagement to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The device provides for adjustment of engine cylinder pressures using a reciprocating piston which provides a temporary increase in engine combustion chamber volume. Pressure from combustion chamber gases is communicated by the device back into the combustion chamber during the downstroke of the engine piston. Engine compression and peak combustion pressure may be modulated by adjusting pressure supplied to the device to resist incoming engine gases. Fuels for the attached engine may thereby be varied or substituted by adjusting the engine peak pressure and compression to one adequate for the chosen fuel.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for detecting stuck tools in automated machining operations. When a machining operation on a workpiece is finished, the tools are retracted from the workpiece. Prior to moving the workpiece to another machining operation, a stuck tool detector is moved along a plane of separation between the machine head and the workpiece. If a stuck tool is present, the detector senses the stuck tool and sends an alarm signal of the stuck tool condition so that the operator or controlling microprocessor based system is alerted to the stuck tool. Appropriate actions or repairs can then be carried out.

Abstract: A method is described for matching the lands in a spool valve (300) for a fuel injector. The spool valve (300) has a valve body (340) forming an inside surface (373) to receive the spool (310). The inside surface is measured to locate the position of contact points on the valve body (340). A starting contact point (514) is selected from the contact points on the valve body (340). The starting contact point (514) is transposed to the spool (310). The other contact points are transposed to the spool (300), preferably by using the distances between the other contact points and the starting contact point on the valve body. Grind areas are identified on the spool (310) based on the starting contact point, the other contact points, and specifications for the spool. The grind areas are ground to form lands on the spool (310) that match lands on the valve body (340).

Abstract: A plastic gasket assembly of substantially increased thickness, compared to present day elastomeric or composition gaskets, for use in sealing an engine valve cover to a cylinder head thereof, the gasket including a portion incorporating an electrical conductor for creating an electrical bridge through the sealing area between the cylinder head and valve cover by means of which exterior control circuitry can be electrically coupled to electrical or electronic devices disposed internally of the valve cover. In a first embodiment, the wires connecting the devices to the control unit are simply molded into the gasket whereas in a second embodiment, the gasket is drilled or molded to provide holes for inserting the wires, sealing of the wires being accomplished by clamping of the gasket and/or sealant disposed on the wire.

Abstract: A valve actuating mechanism for an internal combustion engine is provided including an integrally formed stop element to limit the axial travel of the valves toward the piston to a predetermined maximum extent in the event an adjacent associated valve becomes stuck and unmovable. The present invention further provides a valve actuating mechanism including a guideless valve bridge with specifically configured contact faces which prevents both the excess axial movement of the valve stem and the transfer of undesired loads to the valve stem or adjacent structures.

Abstract: A method of rebuilding fuel injection pumps which have become inoperative due to excessive wear or other damage. Damaged surfaces of parts of the fuel distribution assembly, e.g., head and rotor assemblies used in rotary distributor type diesel fuel injection pumps, as well as plunger and barrel assemblies of inline diesel injection distributor pumps, are restored by a method involving disassembling of the distributor assemblies, inspecting and categorizing of damaged surface areas, machining of the parts to return them to their proper degree of roundness and surface finish with selected areas of the rotor or plunger being plated with a hard material such as chrome.

Abstract: A thrust bearing and cone locking assembly for rotatably mounting the cutter cones on a rock drill bit is provided. The assembly includes a dual function thrust bearing and cone retainer capable of absorbing radial thrust and axial thrust in opposite directions. One end of the thrust bearing is received in a central channel in a journal leg mounted on the bit body and is secured to the journal leg by a circular cross-section snap ring. The other end of the thrust bearing is received in a corresponding confugured receptacle in the cone and is locked to the cone by a dual function rectangular cross-section snap ring which both secures the cone to the thrust bearing and absorbs axial thrust loads. A separate radial thrust bearing is additionally provided between the journal and the cone. A lubricant supply system contained within the assembly provides lubricant directly to all the bearing structures.

Abstract: In a method of assembling a roller cone type rock bit, on a body having a tool joint adjacent one end and at least one leg portion adjacent the other end, the leg portion is provided with a longitudinally outer surface which is inclined longitudinally inwardly from its radially outer extremity to its radially inner extremity; on a base for a cone assembly, an end surface is provided configured to mate with the outer surface of the leg portion of the body; a roller cone is rotatably mounted on the base distal the end surface to form a cone assembly, and the end surface of the base is mated with the outer surface of the leg portion; the base is then welded to the leg portion along the juncture of the mating surfaces to mount the cone assembly on the leg portion.

Abstract: Methods for the remanufacture and reconditioning of rock drill bits of the type which include rolling cone cutters are provided. One method includes the steps of separating the bit leg extensions, journals and cone cutters from the bit body along a line perpendicular to the center of rotation of the bit body, salvaging usable cutter teeth, forming new leg, journal and cone assemblies and attaching the new assemblies to the salvaged bit body, which has been suitably machined to accept the new assemblies. An alternate method includes removing separately each leg, journal and cone cutter from the bit body in a manner which forms a curved saddle bore in the bit body, forming a new leg, journal and cone assembly including a mating surface corresponding to the configuration of the saddle bore and attaching each new assembly to the bit body at a saddle bore.

Abstract: The disclosure illustrates a method and apparatus for precision balancing a rotatable element such as the turbine shaft assembly of a turbocharger. The turbine-shaft assembly is placed in a machine that detects the position and degree of unbalance. The material contributing to the unbalance is then removed from the wheel using electrochemical machining in which material is removed from the turbine through anodic dissolution of the turbine wheel material by passage of a current through a conductive work piece and electrolyte to the wheel. A means is provided to indicate the time integrated current flow of the electrochemical machining process. The time integrated current flow is related to unbalance units so that the electrochemical machining is terminated when the desired amount of mass is removed to achieve balance by reaching the determined time integrated current flow.