The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 28, 2002
Filed:
Aug. 10, 2001
V. Durga Nageswar Rao, Bloomfield Hills, MI (US);
Yash Andrew Imai, Troy, MI (US);
Michael Zaitz, High Point, NC (US);
Pravin Sashidharan, Inkster, MI (US);
Daniel James Baraszu, Plymouth, MI (US);
Ford Global Technologies, Inc., Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A variable length connecting rod for changing a compression ratio of an engine is provided. The connecting rod includes a first locking assembly for locking the connecting rod in a first effective length setting corresponding to a high compression ratio. The connecting rod further includes a second locking assembly for releasably locking the connecting rod in a second effective length setting corresponding to a low compression ratio. When a length change is initiated, hydraulic fluid unlocks one of the locking assemblies allowing inertial force to effect the length change during an engine cycle. At completion of a length change, the other locking assembly automatically locks. The locking assemblies are self-contained units that are assembled to a bearing retainer