The following description pertains to flexure structures, apparatuses comprising flexure structures, systems comprising flexure structures, methods of using flexure structures, methods of using apparatuses comprising flexure structures, and methods of using systems comprising flexure structures. The following description also pertains to methods, systems, and apparatuses for linear to rotary motion converters.

A method of manufacturing a highly insulating three-dimensional (3D) structure is provided. The method includes depositing a first layer of hollow microspheres onto a base. The hollow microspheres have a metallic coating formed thereon. A laser beam is scanned over the hollow microspheres so as to sinter the metallic coating of the hollow microspheres at predetermined locations. At least one layer of the hollow microspheres is deposited onto the first layer. Scanning by the laser beam is repeated for each successive layer until a predetermined 3D structure is constructed. The 3D structure includes a composite thermal barrier coating (TBC), which may be applied to a surface of components within an internal combustion engine, and the like. The composite TBC is bonded to the components of the engine to provide low thermal conductivity and low heat capacity insulation that is sealed against combustion gasses.

A method of manufacturing a highly insulating three-dimensional (3D) structure is provided. The method includes depositing a first layer of hollow microspheres onto a base. The hollow microspheres have a metallic coating formed thereon. A laser beam is scanned over the hollow microspheres so as to sinter the metallic coating of the hollow microspheres at predetermined locations. At least one layer of the hollow microspheres is deposited onto the first layer. Scanning by the laser beam is repeated for each successive layer until a predetermined 3D structure is constructed. The 3D structure includes a composite thermal barrier coating (TBC), which may be applied to a surface of components within an internal combustion engine, and the like. The composite TBC is bonded to the components of the engine to provide low thermal conductivity and low heat capacity insulation that is sealed against combustion gasses.

In one configuration, the present disclosure provides a cylinder including a first housing, a second housing, and an insert. The first housing includes a first body portion and a first collar portion. The first body portion has a first inner diameter, and the first collar portion has a second inner diameter that is greater than the first inner diameter. The second housing includes a second body portion and a second collar portion. The second body portion has a third inner diameter and the second collar portion has a fourth inner diameter that is greater than the third inner diameter. The second housing is coupled to the first housing such that the first and second collared portions cooperate to form an annular channel. The insert is disposed within the annular channel formed by the first and second collared portions.

A system for inspecting thermal spray coated cylinder bores of aluminum alloy cylinder blocks, the system includes a failure detection apparatus, a heating apparatus, a cooling apparatus, and a control unit in electronic communication with each of the failure detection apparatus, the heating apparatus, and the cooling apparatus, and wherein the control unit includes a memory and a control logic sequence for operating the system.

A system for inspecting thermal spray coated cylinder bores of aluminum alloy cylinder blocks, the system includes a failure detection apparatus, a heating apparatus, a cooling apparatus, and a control unit in electronic communication with each of the failure detection apparatus, the heating apparatus, and the cooling apparatus, and wherein the control unit includes a memory and a control logic sequence for operating the system.

Implementations are disclosed herein that relate to a cylinder occupying structure. An example provides a cylinder system comprising a mechanical cylinder including an internal space in which a fluid is introduced, and a piston configured for reciprocating motion in the internal space, and a cylinder occupying structure including an insertion rod acting as a second piston, wherein the insertion rod is variably inserted into, and retracted from, the internal space of the cylinder in correspondence with the reciprocating motion of the piston and where parts of the insertion rod and the piston may surround the combustion space, and where fluid compression and fluid combustion is conducted within separate spaces.

Implementations are disclosed herein that relate to a cylinder occupying structure. An example provides a cylinder system comprising a mechanical cylinder including an internal space in which a fluid is introduced, and a piston configured for reciprocating motion in the internal space, and a cylinder occupying structure including an insertion rod acting as a second piston, wherein the insertion rod is variably inserted into, and retracted from, the internal space of the cylinder in correspondence with the reciprocating motion of the piston and where parts of the insertion rod and the piston may surround the combustion space, and where fluid compression and fluid combustion is conducted within separate spaces.

A method of producing an enamel coating for a cylinder bore in a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine is provided. The method also provides for coating a cast iron gray cylinder block with an enamel coating.

A method of producing an enamel coating for a cylinder bore in a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine is provided. The method also provides for coating a cast iron gray cylinder block with an enamel coating.