A cross rod for use in a toggle mechanism including a first section, a second section and a midsection between the first section and the second section. The midsection includes a flange having a through hole. The first section has a first diameter, the second section has a second diameter, and the midsection has a third diameter. The third diameter being larger than at least one of the first diameter and the second diameter.

A cross rod for use in a toggle mechanism including a first section, a second section and a midsection between the first section and the second section. The midsection includes a flange having a through hole. The first section has a first diameter, the second section has a second diameter, and the midsection has a third diameter. The third diameter being larger than at least one of the first diameter and the second diameter.

Internal combustion engines that operate in an inverted orientation in which the piston is closer to the local gravitationally dominant terrestrial body's center of gravity at top dead center position than at bottom dead center position are disclosed. The engines may have non-circular, preferably rectangular, cross-section pistons and cylinders, and the pistons may include a skirt with a field of pockets that provide a ringless, non-lubricated, seal equivalent. The pistons also may have a domed piston head with depressions thereon to facilitate the movement of air/charge in the cylinder. The engines also may use multi-stage poppet valves in lieu of conventional poppet valves, and a split crankshaft. The engines may use the pumping motion of the engine piston to supercharge the cylinder with air/charge.

Internal combustion engines that operate in an inverted orientation in which the piston is closer to the local gravitationally dominant terrestrial body's center of gravity at top dead center position than at bottom dead center position are disclosed. The engines may have non-circular, preferably rectangular, cross-section pistons and cylinders, and the pistons may include a skirt with a field of pockets that provide a ringless, non-lubricated, seal equivalent. The pistons also may have a domed piston head with depressions thereon to facilitate the movement of air/charge in the cylinder. The engines also may use multi-stage poppet valves in lieu of conventional poppet valves, and a split crankshaft. The engines may use the pumping motion of the engine piston to supercharge the cylinder with air/charge.

A piston unit for coupling to a crosshead piston rod with a crosshead piston pin includes a piston crown member and an integrated crosshead pin support and skirt member. The piston crown member consists essentially of forged steel. An integrated crosshead pin support and skirt member consists essentially of forged steel. The integrated pin support and skirt member is affixed to the piston crown member and is configured to support the crosshead piston pin. In a method of making a crosshead piston, a piston crown member is forged from steel. An integrated crosshead pin support and skirt member is forged from steel. The piston crown member is welded to the integrated crosshead pin support and skirt member.

A piston unit for coupling to a crosshead piston rod with a crosshead piston pin includes a piston crown member and an integrated crosshead pin support and skirt member. The piston crown member consists essentially of forged steel. An integrated crosshead pin support and skirt member consists essentially of forged steel. The integrated pin support and skirt member is affixed to the piston crown member and is configured to support the crosshead piston pin. In a method of making a crosshead piston, a piston crown member is forged from steel. An integrated crosshead pin support and skirt member is forged from steel. The piston crown member is welded to the integrated crosshead pin support and skirt member.

A linear drive assembly configured for use within a power end assembly. The linear drive assembly is configured to interconnect a crankshaft and a pony rod and comprises a crosshead assembly attached to a connecting rod assembly. In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the connecting rod assembly is configured to attach to opposite sides of the crosshead assembly so that no portion of the connecting rod assembly is disposed within an interior of a crosshead included in the crosshead assembly.

A linear drive assembly configured for use within a power end assembly. The linear drive assembly is configured to interconnect a crankshaft and a pony rod and comprises a crosshead assembly attached to a connecting rod assembly. In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the connecting rod assembly is configured to attach to opposite sides of the crosshead assembly so that no portion of the connecting rod assembly is disposed within an interior of a crosshead included in the crosshead assembly.

A method and apparatus for a reciprocating pump assembly, including a crosshead and a connecting rod. The crosshead includes a main body having a cylindrical bore formed therethrough and defining a bearing surface, and a window formed through the main body and into the cylindrical bore. The connecting rod includes a small end disposed within the cylindrical bore and a beam portion extending through the window and being connected to the small end. In an exemplary embodiment, a bearing including a tubular body and a cutout is disposed within the cylindrical bore. In another exemplary embodiment, a clamp engages both the main body of the crosshead and the respective opposing end portions of the small end, thus reducing axial displacement of the small end relative to the crosshead.

A method and apparatus for a reciprocating pump assembly, including a crosshead and a connecting rod. The crosshead includes a main body having a cylindrical bore formed therethrough and defining a bearing surface, and a window formed through the main body and into the cylindrical bore. The connecting rod includes a small end disposed within the cylindrical bore and a beam portion extending through the window and being connected to the small end. In an exemplary embodiment, a bearing including a tubular body and a cutout is disposed within the cylindrical bore. In another exemplary embodiment, a clamp engages both the main body of the crosshead and the respective opposing end portions of the small end, thus reducing axial displacement of the small end relative to the crosshead.