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: An electromagnetic actuator having a coil, stator and an armature where dual parallel channels are formed in the stator for receiving the coil and where the armature is hinged to the stator for movement toward the stator upon application of an electrical current to the coil. The stator has a length, a width and a height where its length is at least 1.6 times its width and its width is at least 2.0 times its height.

Abstract: A non-hydraulic direct acting tappet in the form of a cup-shaped body and a replaceable, cylindrical insert retained within a support formed inside the body. In a preferred embodiment, the support is in the form of a cylindrical boss formed on the inner end wall of the body and the insert is retained by press fitting. In other embodiments, the insert is retained by an O-ring on the insert, the boss and insert are of a non-circular shape, or the boss is on an axis offset from the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated chain or belt tensioner is provided which in a preferred embodiment (500) features a piston or dynamic plunger (56) slidably received within a bore (54) of a housing (52) that includes a fluid chamber (65) that is vented by at least one air vent (76) extending through housing (52) that is oriented relative bore (54) such that tensioner (500) can be rotated a predetermined angular amount alpha relative horizontal with vent (76) maintaining a slope (B) greater than zero enabling entrapped air to escape from chamber (64) and preventing a substantial amount of fluid to drain therefrom by gravity when unpressurized.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster which is mounted in a rocker arm of an internal combustion engine. The plunger of the lash adjuster has a socket formed therein which receives a cylindrical member having a ball end in contact with the socket and a flat surface engageable with a poppet valve of the engine. The ball and socket connection is lubricated by engine oil flowing from the leakdown clearance space between the plunger and the lash adjuster body through a passage which intersects the socket surface. The plunger and the cylindrical member are retained within the body by a single, dish-shaped member which is positioned over the body.

Abstract: A means for selecting one of a plurality of predetermined amounts of the lost-motion lash in the valve gear of an engine while the engine is running. A latchable mechanism in the valve gear is movable from a first position providing predetermined normal low level lash to a second position providing a predetermined substantially greater lash for reducing the effective lift of the cam and shortening of the valve event. A unique cam profile provides a period of linear lift of substantially constant low velocity, both during lash take-up on valve opening to prevent high velocity clash of valve gear components and during valve closing to prevent high velocity seating of the valve.