Teledyne Industries, Inc.

Glen L Bowen

Albert M Karaba

Brian C Kauffman

A two part variable compression ratio (VCR) piston assembly having an outer member movable relative to an inner member to vary the compression ratio of an internal combustion engine and a hydraulic system utilizing oil from the lubrication system of the engine for automatically controlling the relative movement of the members to maintain a predetermined maximum combustion chamber pressure. A hydraulic circuit includes an upper and lower chamber which expand and contract conversely upon relative movement of the piston members and a system for supplying oil to the upper chamber and to the lower chamber via the upper chamber and for discharging the oil from the upper chamber in a manner which gradually changes the compression ratio of the piston until a predetermined maximum combustion chamber pressure has been achieved and which tends to maintain the maximum combustion chamber pressure after it has been achieved. A valve assembly for supplying lubricant to the upper chamber and for discharging lubricant from the upper chamber into the engine crankcase upon a predetermined maximum pressure includes a housing which is insertable into a bore formed on the piston inner member and detachably locked into position.

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Muskegon, MI, United States of America

Glen L Bowen