Abstract: A mechanism for operating one or more valves of a piston device, in particular an intake or exhaust valve of an internal-combustion engine, which valve can move between an open position and a closed position and is provided with associated restoring means for returning the valve to the closed position. The mechanism comprises a hydraulic valve actuator for operating the valve of the piston device, which valve actuator has a variable chamber which is delimited by a piston which can be coupled to the valve, in such a manner that when hydraulic fluid is supplied to the said chamber the valve opens. Furthermore, there are rotatable first and second cams, each having an associated cam follower, the relative angular position of the first cam and the second cam with respect to one another being adjustable.

Abstract: A mechanism for operating one or more valves of a piston device, in particular an intake or exhaust valve of an internal-combustion engine, which valve can move between an open position and a closed position and is provided with associated restoring means for returning the valve to the closed position.