Coates International Ltd. (fka COTE)

[AKfree]

It has been a while since I read this and I might have been wrong to say ceramic bearing instead of seal, but I do recall coates mentioning in a PR years ago that he was having trouble finding a manufacturer that could produce the ceramic bearing to the correct tolerances.

https://www.leagle.com/decision/2001550137fsupp2d4131516

"The Coates System was evaluated by two third parties, Harley-Davidson, Inc. ("Harley") and Chrysler. See Pl.'s R. 56.1 Stmt. ¶¶ 52, 68. Under a July 1991 prototype manufacturing agreement between CIL and Harley, CIL tried to retrofit the Harley motorcycle engine with the Coates System. Harley conducted dynamometer tests of two prototype motorcycle engines modified with Coates System technology.
[137 F.Supp.2d 420]
On or about November 1991, Harley notified Coates of the test results on the Harley modified engines. See id. ¶ 53. The test results indicated that the prototype engines had experienced mechanical durability problems. See id. ¶ 52; see also Pl.'s Ex. 11, Tuttle Dec. Ex. B, Harley November 18, 1991 Letter to Coates ("Harley Letter"). Specifically, the Harley tests revealed several problems with the modified Harley engines, including "valve train failure" of one engine and deep score marks on the rear exhaust rotary valve and seal of the second engine. See Pl.'s R. 56.1 Stmt. ¶ 54; see also Harley Letter. The Harley engineers offered the following conclusions as to the two prototype engines equipped with the Coates System in their November 18, 1991 letter to Coates:

1. The reliability /durability of the current rotary valve trains systems for both engines is inadequate.
2. The exhaust valve to seal clearance appears to be insufficient.
3. The durability of the valve seal itself is questionable.
4. The engine power potential of the 1340 is far less than required, probably due to the insufficient flow through the ports and valves."