Abstract: A dual event valve control system for an internal combustion engine. The system includes an inner rocker arm in engagement with a valve and with a first cam, an outer rocker arm in engagement with a second cam, and a latch member which is insertable between the rocker arms, whereupon when the rocker arms do not engage the latch member, the rocker arms are free to pivot independently of one another and the valve is actuated by the first rocker arm in accordance with the lift profile of the first cam, and when the rocker arms are engaged by the latch member, the rocker arms rotate in unison and the valve is actuated by the second rocker arm in accordance with the lift profile of the second cam. A stop acting between the inner and outer rocker arms limits relative pivoting movement between the rocker arms and is effective to provide clearance between the base circle portion of its second cam and the outer rocker arm.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster which includes a seal element acting between the body and the plunger. The check valve of the lash adjuster is normally open, and effective leakdown to compensate for negative lash is provided by controlling the distance traveled by the check valve in moving from its open to its closed position.

Abstract: An ultra light popper valve for an internal combustion engine. The valve is formed by cold forming a blank into an elongated cup having an extremely thin wall and a flared open end onto which a cap is welded, the bosom end of the cup which defines the tip end of the valve having a wall section which is substantially of the thickness of the original blank. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a keeper groove is formed adjacent the tip end as part of the cold forming process.

Abstract: A latch assembly for an engine valve control system wherein first and second rocker arms are selectively latched together to rotate in unison to open the valve in response to the force applied by a cam, or are allowed to rotate independently of one another. The latch assembly includes a slide assembly which is received in surrounding relation to one of the rocker arms and which retains a latch member engageable by the rocker arms. In a preferred embodiment the slide assembly includes a force application surface located along the longitudinal axes of the rocker arms remote from the latch member.

Abstract: An improved mounting for a latchable rocker arm assembly. A pivot bar is received transversely through a first rocker arm and is engageable with the output member of a hydraulic lash adjuster or other pivot member. The pivot bar has a convex arcuate upper surface engageable with a concave bearing surface formed on the second arm and a spherical socket formed in its bottom surface, the spherical socket being engageable with a spherical end formed on the pivot member. In accordance with other aspects of the invention the pivot bar serves as an anchor point for ends of a torsion spring biasing the rocker arm assembly in a latched position and has a hole formed therein which in combination with a hole formed in the second rocker arm and an oil port formed in the pivot member provides a conduit directing lubricating oil to an area of the second rocker arm which receives a roller bearing assembly.

Abstract: A roller cam follower for an internal combustion engine. The cam follower includes a roller assembly consisting of an insert member formed of a conformable plastic material and an axleless roller received in a cavity formed in the insert, the material of the insert closely conforming to the contour of the roller. Various adaptations of the inventive cam follower structure are shown; including a light weight mechanical valve lifter, a hydraulic lash adjuster, a rocker arm and a mechanical direct acting tappet; all of which include means for conducting oil from the exterior of the cam follower to the roller cavity.

Abstract: A self-contained rotary hydraulic belt tensioner. The tensioner includes a housing mounted for eccentric rotation about a shaft and biased in a first angular direction to apply tension to a timing belt, and a hydraulic element within the housing which is operable to resist rotation of the housing in a direction opposite the first angular direction. The hydraulic element acts against a cam which is received within the housing, a rotary seal acting between the shaft and the housing being effective to contain the oil supply for the hydraulic element within the housing.

Abstract: A valve control system for an internal combustion engine. The system includes an outer rocker arm which is engageable with an engine poppet valve, and an inner rocker arm which is engageable with a cam lobe formed in the engine camshaft. The rocker arms are moveable axially relative to one another between a first position wherein the inner rocker arm engages the outer rocker arm to transmit a valve opening force from the camshaft to the poppet valve, and a second position wherein the inner and outer rocker arms are out of engagement and free to rotate relative to one another. The system is adapted for use in a valve train wherein the poppet valve remains closed when the inner and outer rocker arms are in their second position or in a valve train wherein the popper value is opened in response to a first cam lobe profile when the inner and outer rocker arms are in their first position and in response to a second cam lobe profile when they are in their second position.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for a valve control system of the type which includes a first rocker arm engageable with a poppet valve, a second rocker arm mounted for pivotal movement relative to the first rocker arm and engageable with a cam lobe, means for selectively interconnecting the rocker arms, and means biasing the first rocker arm into engagement with the valve and the second rocker arm into engagement with the cam lobe, wherein the adjusting mechanism limits the extent of relative pivoted movement between the rocker arms. In a preferred embodiment the biasing means is a compression spring acting between the first and second rocker arms and the adjusting mechanism includes a threaded member coaxial with the spring and acting on the arms to control the spacing of the arms along the axis of the spring.

Abstract: A mechanical valve lifter for racing applications. A very light weight valve lifter is formed by a structure which includes a thin-walled tubular outer member and a solid core member having spaced apart flanges or disks formed integral therewith to support the outer member. A plasma transferred arc welded cam-contacting surface is formed on one end of the lifter and a pushrod-contacting surface is formed on the other end.

Abstract: An ultra light weight poppet valve which includes elements for controlling the temperature of the valve during operation. The valve is of the type which is formed as an elongated cup having a flared open end to which a cap is fixed and in which an extremely thin-wall section is maintained all the way to a closed tip end. Temperature control elements include multiple thin-walled elements in nesting relationship to define multiple interior chambers, and a plug member received within the stem portion of the valve and maintained in place by inwardly deflecting the stem portion.

Abstract: A method for making a direct acting tappet in which an oil groove and interior structure defining a weld interface are formed in a cupshaped body by a rolling process, the body is heat treated, a web and hub structure is positioned against the weld interface and the resulting assembly is subjected to a localized, capacitive discharge welding process in the weld interface area. The weld interface is formed to a specific shape to enhance the integrity of the weld. Further, a baffle member can be assembled to the web and hub structure prior to its positioning within the body member.

Abstract: An ultra light poppet valve for an internal combustion engine. The valve is formed by cold forming a blank into an elongated cup having an extremely thin wall and a flared open end onto which a cap is welded, the bottom end of the cup which defines the tip end of the valve having a wall section which is substantially of the thickness of the original blank. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a keeper groove is formed adjacent the tip end as part of the cold forming process.

Abstract: An improved scan and tilt apparatus for an ion implanter wherein a wafer-receiving platen assembly is received on the end member of a multiple axis arm system which is operable to effect scanning motion of the wafer along a straight line which intercepts the wafer tilt axis in any tilt position of the platen assembly. The arm system includes a rail and linear bearing system which interconnects an input member with the end member of the arm system to restrict the scanning motion to a straight line.

Abstract: An overspeed brake mechanism for a storage and retrieval vehicle (SRV). The brake mechanism includes wedges acting between a brake block attached to the load carriage of the SRV and the mast of the SRV. The wedges are biased into engagement with the mast and are held out of engagement under normal operating conditions by electromagnets which apply an attractive force to the wedges, the electromagnets being de-energized by a control system responsive to an overspeed signal from a tachometer generator on the load carriage and having its input member in engagement with the mast. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, permanent magnets imbedded in the wedges bias the wedges into light contact with the mast to insure that there will be no lost motion between the wedges and the mast when the brake is activated.

Abstract: A hydraulic roller tappet for an internal combustion engine wherein the tappet body is formed of hardenable cast iron, the roller axle is formed of a through hardened steel and wherein the axle bores in the body and the axle are dimensioned such that the axle is in floating relationship with the bores. In a preferred embodiment the axle is axially retained by retaining rings received in grooves formed in the body.

Abstract: A hydraulic belt tensioner operating on pressurized lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine. The tensioner includes a ratchet mechanism which locks the output member of the tensioner in a fixed position when the engine is not operating and which is disengaged when the engine is operating and the lubricating oil is pressurized. A seal is provided to prevent oil from escaping from the unit. The invention further includes slots formed in a plunger element of the tensioner which are effective to dissipate air which tends to become entrapped under the plunger when the engine is initially started.

Abstract: An overspeed brake mechanism for a storage and retrieval vehicle (SRV). The brake mechanism includes wedges acting between a brake block attached to the load carriage of the SRV and a rail fixed to the mast of the SRV. The wedges are biased into braking engagement with the mast and are held out of braking engagement under normal operating conditions by a solenoid acting through a linkage system, the solenoid being de-energized by a control system responsive to an overspeed signal from a tachometer generator on the load carriage and having its input member in engagement with the mast. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, permanent magnets embedded in the wedges bias the wedges away from contact with the rail to prevent inadvertent engagement of the brake system while maintaining the wedges in position for rapid engagement.

Abstract: An article handling system which essentially consists of a spiral slipsheet. To load articles, the slipsheet is rotated and deflected upward so that incoming articles are inserted into the space thus created between the coils of the spiral. As the articles spiral upward on the slipsheet, the upper articles are supported by the articles which have been fed in below them. To unload articles, the entire assembly is rotated 180 degrees and the rotation of the slipsheet reversed to reverse the above process.

Abstract: A planar plasma etcher (10) wherein a plurality of projections (36, 136, 236) extend from one electrode (18), with each projection aligned with a wafer (22) placed on the second electrode (20) to provide uniform etching across the surface of each wafer. The surface of the projection facing the wafer can take several forms depending on etching conditions, including convex, concave or frusto-conical.