Abstract: A method for making a printing plate including a step of forming a hydrophobic image area on at least a part of a hydrophilic surface of a plate. The plate surface contains a photocatalyst and the image area is formed by using an organic compound which is decomposed and removed by the irradiation of light having a higher energy than the band gap energy of the photocatalyst.

Abstract: A firing device, in which electrostatic chargings do not lead to an unintentional triggering of the firing element, is composed of a module housing in which a firing element and a circuit means arrangement are arranged, and which has terminal posts that, on the one side, are contacted to the circuit arrangement, and on the other side, are brought out from the module housing for the connection to a plug connector. The firing device includes at least one conductive member that is contacted to the firing capsule and that has a defined distance to the individual terminal posts, such that, in response to an electrical charging, a voltage sparkover occurs between the terminal posts and the conductive member.

Abstract: A fiber-optically-and-pneumatically-controlled firing set for explosive-bridgewire detonators. The firing set consists of a detonation-controlling module and a battery-operated firing module that are interconnected by fiber-optic signal conductors and a pneumatic conduit. The firing set provides high voltage isolation between the control module and the firing module while employing redundant safety features including fail-safe pneumatic crowbar shunting of the firing module output, frequency-selective fiber-optic signal communication, controlled battery life and explosive material detonation enablement and multiple, fail-safe serial switching to control the energy transfer sequence in the firing module. Both high voltage and low potential uses of the invention are included.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a soft point bullet and the bullet resulting there from. The method comprises forming a bullet core of a first material plated with a second material; providing a cavity in one end of the plated core of preferably polygonal shape and positioning a shaped blank of plating material into the cavity; and forming the core into the final bullet size and shape by extruding the core into the cavity to form the bullet nose and encapsulate the shaped blank within the bullet.

Abstract: A method of propelling a transit vehicle steered by a centerline electrified structural guidebeam located between two special steel load-bearing rollway beams, using magnetic linear motors suspended between each pair of steerable load-bearing wheels, to react inductively on the rollway beams, to produce tractive effort by four linear motors mounted under an eight wheel car.

Abstract: The hanging shelf system is a device suitable for hanging in closets to provide shelf and bin storage. The hanging shelf system comprises at least one shelf unit. A shelf unit comprises a top panel, a bottom panel and a longitudinally extending side panel having at least one longitudinal opening for access. A plurality of fasteners are used to adjustably attach at least one shelf panel and at least one front panel to the side panel. The fasteners comprise double buttons with button holes, pin with clasp, snaps, hook and eyelet and cloth hook and loop fasteners. Structure for attaching the shelf system to a support is connected to the top panel.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a workstation kit includes a support column having a partially open end, an easily accessible interior cavity, and a number of openings in the column's outer surface allowing utilities to be run within the column to the workstation. The support column has a plurality of holes around its periphery allowing the easy addition of a variety of workstation components in a number of different configurations providing a workstation with high modularity. Another component of the workstation kit is a cap defined by a vertical cavity and attaching to a partially open end of the support column allowing utilities to be run into the column and additionally providing a handle. An accessory includes a retractable privacy screen which attaches to the column. Methods for reconfiguring a workstation kit and for wiring a workstation are provided. Additionally, methods for attaching and detaching a retractable privacy screen are provided. Finally, a method of moving a workstation is provided.

Abstract: A movable table flap that which can be integrated into a work surface of a table, wherein in a closed position the upper side of the table flap is flush with the work surface of the table and a device for connecting various electric appliances and communication facilities is arranged underneath the table flap, wherein in the open position, the table flap can be both inclined and recessed simultaneously. The position of the table flap is changed by use of a compression spring, which is movable in an arched guide slot.

Abstract: A tray includes a compartment with a bottom surface and perimeter sidewalls, and a passive stop arrangement is provided in the compartment. The passive stop arrangement includes at least a first notch in one of the sidewalls and a stop disposed proximate to the first notch. The tray is especially useful in a tray support system including a chassis having at least two laterally-spaced and vertically oriented racks each having spaced rungs in a mirror-image relationship.

Abstract: A foldable table includes a tabletop and a table supporting frame substantially supporting the tabletop thereon. The tabletop has an upper utilizing portion which has a top resting edge peripherally encircling therearound, and a bottom bottom supporting surface for the table supporting frame to be mounted thereon. The tabletop further has an engaging rim downwardly protruded from the bottom supporting surface to form an outer edge thereof and to define a storage cavity within the engaging rim, wherein the engaging rim has an engaging edge groove formed thereon which is shaped and sized to fittedly receive the top resting edge. Whereby, one foldable table is capable of securely stacking on another foldable table by making the top resting edge of the lower foldable table to receive in the engaging edge groove of the upper foldable table.

Abstract: The locking mechanism described herein is for use in an enclosure, which is part of a product delivery system. The locking mechanism uses existing locks and latches, and configures them using linkages into a mechanism that is not currently available. The mechanism has a latch that holds the door of the enclosure closed. This latch stays in a normally unlocked state until deliberate acts are taken to lock the latch. When a delivery is made, the delivery person opens the unlocked door, makes the delivery, and then closes the door and turns the rotary latch counter clockwise until it latches in the locked position. There are three independent and distinct ways to unlock the mechanism: (1) a key can be used to unlock the mechanism; (2) a combination lock can be used to unlock the mechanism; or (3) an emergency release paddle, for child safety is located on the lower back cover of the lock, and can be pushed to unlock the mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for utilizing small-grained oilseeds, preferably rapeseed, without the need for prior processing of the seeds such as expressing the oil, in which a pressure of at least 2 bar is maintained in the combustion space (2) of a combustion chamber (1). In this combustion space, an oil or gas burner (8) is provided, which preheats the combustion space (2) to a temperature of at least c. 1000° C., causing the initial seeds fed into the combustion space (2) through a feed line (3) to ignite, if the required combustion air is supplied at the same time through a combustion air supply line (6). The seeds fed in subsequently through the feed line bum explosively in a chain reaction if the combustion air is supplied in controlled amounts, and if the required pressure is maintained in the combustion space. The resulting flame exits through a flame exit opening (9) and can be used for heating purposes.

Abstract: A plant border assembly includes a plant tray defining a cavity and a top opening communicating with the cavity. The cavity has a width and a length that is greater than the width. The plant border assembly further includes a plant border including a growing medium disposed in the cavity and a strip of plants disposed in the growing medium in the cavity. The plant tray is adapted to allow removal of the plant border from the plant tray without lifting the plant border through the top opening.

Abstract: The present invention is a grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for indicating stitching position in a stitching machine. The apparatus includes a laser assembly which emits laser light. The laser assembly is mounted to an upper arm assembly of the stitching machine, and is operable to indicate a location of at least a portion of a pattern to be stitched using the stitching machine. The laser assembly is mounted such that the laser light is unobstructed prior to hitting fabric which is to be stitched. The stitching machine may include a user interface which can be used to activate the laser assembly. The stitching machine may also trace an outline of a pattern to be stitched while the laser assembly is activated in order to verify that the pattern does not overlap a hoop which holds the fabric.

Abstract: Support members are mounted to move between two separations, respectively less than and greater than the open end of a two-panel cover otherwise seamed together around its edges. Flaps sized to define a desired closure hemm can be in-turned manually along short opposed portions of the panel ends and then positioned over the lesser spaced support members to mount the cover thereon. The support members when at the greater separation will tension the open panel edges and extend the flaps accurately in-folded between the support members. The support members can have a first size defining a large edge opening for receiving a nozzle suited for blowing unwanted materials from between the flaps, and a smaller size for minimally gapping the flaps. A sewing machine can then automatically stitch through the panels and hidden flaps, for closing the cover end edge. Clamps can grip spaced cover locations for added cover support.

Abstract: A sailing craft including a hull assembly (1,2), keel (3) and turret assembly (5) connected to the hull assembly (1, 2), for rotation about an axis. Turret assembly (5) is adapted to carry the craft's crew. The craft further includes mast (7) connected to and projecting from turret assembly (5) and sail assembly (8, 9, 10) connected to mast (7) in spaced relation to turret assembly (5). Sail assembly (8, 9, 10) includes sail member (8) which is movable relative to mast (7) for propelling the craft. Sail assembly (8, 9, 10) further includes wind vane (10) operable to position sail member (8) with respect to the wind direction. Sail member (8) may comprise an aerofoil shaped body. The combined center of mass of turret assembly (5), sail assembly (8, 9, 10) and the crew is designed to lie close to the rotational axis of turret bearing (6) while sailing.

Abstract: A tool to dislodge and clear weeds and debris from grates on personal water craft and from platforms, inboard and outboard propellers and anchors on boats either from along side or onboard the aquatic vehicle. It also allows for the user to rotate and manipulate the tool with ease in order to dislodge, loosen and remove weeds and/or debris wrapped around grates, anchors, platforms and/or propellers. The tool consists of an elongated slightly curved handle that has a ridged grip with a hole through the end at one end of the handle and a pronged means at the opposite end.

Abstract: A trimaran type WIG (Wing-In-Ground) effect ship with a minimum waterplane area is disclosed. This WIG ship comprises a main hull and two half-submerged sub-hulls each having a minimum waterplane area capable of minimizing the wave resistance and appendage resistance of the ship, thus reducing speed loss on rough water. The WIG ship also has main and sub-wings and an effective propelling mechanism, designed such that they produce a strong lift force allowing a take-off of the ship sailing on water even at a low speed. The WIG ship is thus excellent in its seakeeping and maneuverability on the rough water. In the WIG ship, the main hull is intermediately positioned between the main wings and comprises a slender and half-submerged body, and bears 60% of the total displacement of the ship. The sub-hulls are respectively provided under the outer ends of the main wings, and each bear 20% of the total displacement, and act as an end plate.

Abstract: An anchor system for flexible marker posts comprises an anchor that receives a post before the anchor is driven into the ground. In one version of the anchor system, a V-shaped configuration folded along two longitudinal side axes and one lower lateral axis. This version has front and rear plates, and the rear plate has and combines with two flanges to define a narrow pocket that receives the post. The post is secured in the pocket by deforming the pocket with punches. The anchor is retained in the earth by mechanical interference and friction. Additional embodiments include plates that are pre-bent into a V-shape, tabs for maintaining separation of the plates, and a one-piece anchor having a V-shaped lower portion and coplanar, horizontal, upper surfaces connected to the upper edges of the lower portion.

Abstract: Watering trough for animals provided at the base of its tank with an emptying opening. The emptying opening is of large diameter (between 90 and 120 mm) and is closed by a monobloc plug in two portions, a first portion which closes the emptying opening and a second screw-threaded portion, which engages in a screw-thread disposed in the wall of a recess hollowed out in the wall of the tank; the height of the portion being equal to the depth of the recess.

Abstract: A protein foam remover of an aquarium comprises a water pump, a protein foam removing means, and a water flow buffer; when the water pump is turned on, the water pump with an air mixing function converts the filthy water containing protein impurities in an aquarium into a water flow with numerous tiny air bubbles, and flows such water into the protein foam remover; the water flow further produces a turbulent whirl in the protein foam remover and moves the foams containing protein impurities to the top of the protein foam remover where a foam collecting cylinder is located for the removal of the foams, and the processed water will flow into a backflow pipe disposed at the bottom of the protein foam remover, and the water flows into a water flow buffer through a diversifying pipe to attain the effect of returning the water without air bubbles to the aquarium.

Abstract: An integrated pet storage crate and grooming table. The integrated table includes a structure having a pet storage area covered by an openable gate, an equipment storage area for storing equipment, a horizontal surface resting on a top portion of the pet storage area and the equipment storage area, and a grooming surface rotatably connected to the horizontal surface. The grooming surface, which may be optionally covered with a material, covers the equipment storage area in a vertical orientation and is rotated upwardly to a horizontal orientation against the horizontal surface to provide an area for grooming a pet. The structure also includes a plurality of wheels mounted on a bottom surface of the structure allowing mobility of the structure. In addition, a telescopic ramp is mounted under the bottom surface of the structure to facilitate movement of the structure.

Abstract: A bracket for use in mounting a safety switch in series with a thermocouple provides improved positioning of the switch to detect conditions causing safety concerns. The bracket includes adjustable support members for providing connection of the safety switch to a thermocouple and maintaining the position of the safety switch for improved detection. The bracket provides for mounting the safety switch connected in series to the thermocouple within a water heater for detection of overheat conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reproducing energy in an engine driving system, the driving system has an engine with several cylinders and an cooling device connected to the engine, the cooling device has at least one water tank for outputting cooling water to the engine and inputting heated cooling water from the engine. A separator chamber connected to the engine and the water tank. When the heated water flows into the separator chamber from the engine, part of the heated water is decomposed into oxygen and hydrogen. The oxygen and hydrogen is delivered to the water tank from the separator chamber. A storage chamber store the oxygen and hydrogen from the water tank and deliver them to the cylinders of the engine as a reproduced fuel in order to enhance combustion and reduce the emitting of the exhaust of the engine.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with cylinders and a crankshaft, coolant discharged from a coolant circulating pump is supplied to a coolant jacket formed in a cylinder block via a coolant jacket formed in a cylinder head. An inlet port through which the coolant discharged from the coolant circulating pump flows into the coolant jacket is provided at one end portion of the cylinder head on an intake side thereof in a cylinder-head center line direction, whereas an outlet port through which the coolant in the coolant jacket is allowed to flow out into a heater core is provided at the other end portion of the cylinder head on an exhaust side thereof.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a coolant pump having an axially directed rotary pumping element which is functionally housed between upstream and downstream stators which function to straighten the flow and recover fluid velocity, both before and after work has been performed on the fluid by the rotary pumping element.

Abstract: A modular cooling plant for an internal combustion engine and accessory equipment installed on a motor vehicle provides a joint external frame supporting several heat exchangers and a centrally positioned centrifugal blower. The centrally positioned centrifugal blower is driven by a hydraulic motor through an impeller drive shaft, clutch and impeller. The hydraulic motor and dependent drive assembly are also mounted to the joint external frame to avoid risk of damage to the heat exchangers from the impeller should the vehicle engine shift.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The engine includes a compression ratio control mechanism and an ignition timing control system. The control system comprises an engine control for controlling the compression ratio control mechanism and the ignition timing control system so that when the engine is cold, the ignition timing is retarded largely from an MBT point and the compression ratio is set higher than that obtained when the engine is cold and operated at corresponding engine rpm and engine load. A method for controlling such an internal combustion engine is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a crankshaft (1) for a reciprocating internal combustion engine, in which the connecting rods are mounted, with an eccentric sleeve (4) connected in between, on the crankshaft journal (3) of a crankshaft (1). A rotation of the eccentric sleeve (4) with respect to the crankshaft journal (3) therefore leads to a change in the effective length of the connecting rod. The rotation of the sleeve (4) is brought about via an electric or hydraulic motor (7) which drives a worm (6) which engages in an outer toothing (5) of the sleeve (4). By means of the active drive, rotation of the sleeve (4) is ensured even if the auto-rotation is impaired due to the occurrence of wear. Furthermore, a self-locking design of the worm gear has the effect of the sleeve (4) being retained in its set position when the drive (7) is switched off.

Abstract: There is provided a solenoid-type valve actuator for an internal combustion engine, having an inexpensive and single construction which is capable of maintaining stability of operation of a valve and reducing sliding resistance to the valve at the same time, thereby achieving improved response of the valve and reduced power consumption of electromagnets. The solenoid-type valve actuator electromagnetically opens and closes a valve. Two electromagnets are arranged in a manner opposed to each other with a space therebetween. An armature is arranged between the two electromagnets, for reciprocating motion by energization and deenergization of the two electromagnets. Two shafts project from respective opposite sides of the armature and extend through the two electromagnets, respectively, one of the shafts being connected to the valve.

Abstract: An engine with a lockable valve actuator and method of controlling an engine with such an actuator are disclosed. The actuator may include an actuator cylinder with an actuator piston reciprocatingly disposed therein. The actuator piston may be moved by directing pressurized fluid into the actuator cylinder, and locked into a given position by maintaining the pressurized fluid in the actuator cylinder. The actuator may be used in conjunction with a mechanically driven actuator used to move a valve, with the fluidically driven actuator being used to maintain the valve into a desired position.

Abstract: The present invention is a valve opening mechanism which has been designed so as to be able to open an actuator pin (30), on which a stop (31) is provided that is through-mounted to slide freely facing in a vertical direction in relation to the top of a rocker arm (7) and which is restrained by the bottom of the rocker arm (7) tip at a specified uppermost position, and the engine valves (4), by pushing downward during the exhaust stroke of a rocker arm (7).

Abstract: A generally conventional lash adjuster is modified by incorporating a coaxially oriented hydraulic control piston assembly within the guide body. The control piston normally fixes latch means, such a plurality of hard spheres, in multiple detents loaded in compression with the other components, to provide a rigid stop, but when the control piston is hydraulically pressurized, the detents are overcome and the piston assembly provides a resilient or soft stop that accommodates extended displacement (retraction) of the lash adjuster within the guide. The hydraulic actuation is preferably implemented with a three-way solenoid valve or the like, for controlling high-pressure oil to a gallery and associated inlet ports for the control piston assembly. In the typical implementation of the invention, the piston need have only two operational positions-denergized to establish the detent or hard stop condition, or fully energized to establish the valve deactivation position.

Abstract: A valve timing control system includes a driving plate, a lever provided to a camshaft, a radial slot formed in the driving plate, an intermediate rotator arranged rotatable with respect to the driving plate and the camshaft and having a spiral slot, and a link having a base end pivotally coupled to the lever and a front end arranged swingably and including a ball engaged with the spiral slot and a block member engaged with the radial slot. The ball has a center of engagement located on a swinging axis of the front end of the link, producing no moment.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus for an engine. Presence/absence of a torque demand (xtq) is estimated upon starting of a lock pin release control to thereby alter a change rate (&bgr;) of a target phase angle in dependence on presence/absence of the torque demand (xtq). Unless torque demand is issued, the change rate is set to a small value (&bgr;2) for suppressing the change of the target phase angle (&thgr;t) after detection of release of the lock pin in order to avoid a shock unexpected by a driver. When the torque demand is issued, the change rate is set to a large value (&bgr;1) for allowing the target phase angle to approach speedily to a base target phase angle (&thgr;map) for thereby minimizing a delay in response involved in the phase angle detection through the lock pin release control.

Abstract: A torque bias coil spring for a camshaft phaser disposed on the outside of a cover plate for the rotor chamber and connected between the stator and rotor for angularly biasing the rotor. A rotor extension, such as a sleeve for a locking pin mechanism or a target wheel unit, extends from the rotor chamber through an opening in the cover plate for engaging a first spring tang. The second tang of the spring is engaged by a phaser binder bolt. The spring thus is able to follow the rotary motion of the rotor within the rotor chamber and to bias the rotor toward a predetermined rotational extreme.

Abstract: A camshaft phaser control system including a camshaft target wheel, the target wheel having first and second teeth for measuring camshaft oscillatory instability. The trailing edge of the first tooth coincides with the negative camshaft oscillation peak, and the trailing edge of the second tooth coincides with the positive camshaft oscillation peak. During each camshaft rotation, each tooth initiates an input signal to generate first and second input signals in known fashion. During crankshaft rotation, a third input signal is generated corresponding to the rotational position of the crankshaft. From these signals, operational camshaft oscillatory instability is computed by an engine monitoring system (EMS). Any deviation from the operational instability while the engine is operating is a direct measurement of oscillatory instability of the camshaft about its nominal holding position. A change in oscillatory instability is inferred as system malfunction, permitting defensive action to be taken by the EMS.

Abstract: A device for resisting rotation of a valve tappet, and in particular a roller valve tappet, is provided as part of a cylinder head gasket. The device includes a resilient portion having a flat face contacting a flat surface of a valve tappet to resist rotation thereof. The resiliency of the device urges the flat face against the flat surface of the valve tappet to resist rotation.

Abstract: In a valve-operating assembly of a driven rotation member and a cam, including a hub rotatably carried on a support shaft, a cam formed on an outer periphery of one end of the hub, and a driven rotation member coupled to one end of the cam; the cam and the hub are integrally formed of a sintered alloy; the cam has a recess defined in one end face thereof; and the driven rotation member is made of a synthetic resin, and mold-coupled to the cam and the hub so that the recess is filled with the synthetic resin of the driven rotation member and an outer periphery of the hub is wrapped with the synthetic resin. Thus, it is possible to provide the valve-operating assembly of the driven rotation member and the cam, which is lightweight and excellent in lubrication of the cam and the hub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a starting device (2), for a twin cylinder internal combustion engine (1) with cylinders (4, 5) in a V-format, comprising an electrical starter motor (19) and a gear assembly (20), coupled thereto for transmission of the output torque from the starter motor (19) to a crankshaft (14) in the motor (1) and an overrunning clutch (21) arranged between the gear assembly (20) and the crankshaft (14), such that the starter motor (19) and the gear assembly (20) are arranged in the V-shaped space (3) between the cylinders (4, 5) and above the crankshaft (14).

Abstract: An intake manifold (10) for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine includes a tubular intake distributor (12) from which a plurality of long intake tubes (13) extend and lead to the individual cylinders. Short intake tubes (14) likewise extend from the intake distributor and open into the respective associated long intake tubes (13). The intake distributor (12) and the long and short intake tubes (13, 14) are formed from a one-piece housing (11) which has a cavity (21) which intersects the short intake tubes (14). In this cavity (21) a control element (15) is installed, which includes flaps (16), flap frames (17), a shaft (19) and a control element frame (18). By moving the shaft (19) either rotationally or translationally, the short intake tubes (14) can be opened or closed. In contrast to arrangements known in the prior art, the control element (15) has no sealing elements which can catch or jam during assembly.

Abstract: An air intake duct system for internal combustion engines, and in particular for V-engines, comprises a plurality of air intake ducts (10, 12). Each air in-take duct is formed by two duct portions (18), and (20) and (22), respectively. The second duct portions (20, 22) are arranged to swivel about a swivelling axis (34) and (36), respectively, for varying the length of the air intake duct. According to the invention the two swivelling axes (34, 36) are supported in a common bearing part (44) which comprises two swivelling axis bearings each provided for one of the two swivelling axes (34, 36).

Abstract: A reciprocating internal combustion engine balancing system includes multiple reciprocating balancers attached to the cylinder block at the front and rear ends of the crankshaft. The balancers are driven by cams integrated with the crankshaft cheeks which reciprocate the balancers at 180 crankshaft degrees out of phase with each other so that the pitching couple associated with an engine such as an inline 5 cylinder engine will be cancelled.

Abstract: A cylinder liner for high temperature, high performance engine applications is cast from gray iron material and thereafter austempered for a time sufficient to achieve a substantially bainitic microstructure that is stable against excessive thermal growth when the liner is exposed to extreme operating temperatures of about 450° F. for an extended period of time of about 20 hours.

Abstract: A cast iron cylinder liner for an engine has a body with a radial upper flange and a generally cylindrical wall extending axially from an inner portion of the flange. An arcuate fillet is formed at a juncture between the upper flange and an exterior of the cylindrical wall. To strengthen the juncture of thin wall liners, for example with wall thickness less than 2.5 mm, a portion adjacent the fillet is laser hardened to a selected depth of the wall, thus increasing resistance to stresses created in the wall when the liner is installed and operating in an engine.

Abstract: An oil pump unit for an engine includes an improved construction. The pump unit includes a housing. A scavenge pump assembly is disposed in series with the feed pump assembly to be driven by the pump shaft. The feed and scavenge pump assemblies each defines end portions spaced apart from each other along the shaft axis. The housing defines a first inlet port and at least one outlet port at one of the end portions of the feed pump assembly, a second inlet port and a second outlet port at one of the end portions of the scavenge pump assembly, and at least a third inlet port at the other end portion of the scavenge pump assembly.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, and method of distributing lubricant within an internal combustion engine, are disclosed. The internal combustion engine includes a crankcase having a floor, a pump supported by the floor, and a camshaft. The pump includes an inlet and an outlet. The camshaft has a cam, first and second camshaft ends, and an internal channel extending within the camshaft between the ends. The first end is supported by the pump or the floor. Rotation of the camshaft causes the pump to draw in lubricant via the inlet and to pump out at least some of the lubricant via the outlet. The outlet is positioned in proximity to the internal channel at the first camshaft end, so that at least some of the lubricant is pumped into the channel.

Abstract: A combustion chamber assembly for use in a diesel engine includes a combustion chamber defined in a crown of a piston, the combustion chamber having a center portion, the center portion being defined at least in part by a portion of a convex sphere, the sphere having a radius and an origin, the origin of the radius lying on a piston central axis and the combustion chamber further having an outwardly radially disposed bottom margin, the bottom margin being defined in part by a portion of an annulus, the annulus having a radius and an origin. The combustion chamber further has a plurality of curved surfaces having smooth transitions between adjacent smooth surfaces, the smooth surfaces including the spherical center portion and the annular bottom margin. A piston incorporating the aforementioned combustion chamber and a method of forming the combustion chamber are further included.

Abstract: An engine is provided which includes various precise configuration parameters, including dimensions, shape and/or relative positioning of the combustion chamber features, resulting in a combustion process minimizing NOx emissions and particulates. The combustion chamber includes a spray angle relative to an inner bowl floor angle that maximizes the amount of fuel in contact with the inner bowl, in combination with one or more of the following: a vertical distance from the tip of the piston bowl to the injection orifices; a number of injection orifices; a swirl ratio; a vertical distance from the injection orifices to an inner face of the cylinder head; a distance from the piston top surface to the cylinder head; a radius of curvature of an outer bowl section; a radius of curvature at an edge of the piston bowl; a ratio of the piston bowl diameter to the cylinder diameter; and the cylinder diameter.