Patents by Inventor Clive Dopson

Clive Dopson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5351662
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve control system for a push-rod internal combustion engine. The valve control system includes a cam including a rotatable cam shaft having a first cam member and a second cam member having a different profile from the first raised portion. A reciprocating movement is transmitted by a rocker arm engaging the valve and a push-rod connected to a first cam follower in engagement with a push-rod operating a rocker arm and a second follower capable of movement relative to the first cam follower with locking device to enable the cam follower members to be linked so as to be moved together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Group Lotus Plc
    Inventors: Clive Dopson, Jeffrey Allen
  • Patent number: 5345904
    Abstract: The invention relates to valve control for an internal combustion engine. The valve control includes a valve, a first camshaft having a first cam member and a second cam member having a different profile from the first cam member and a cam follower assembly for transmitting reciprocating movement to the valve from the cam. The cam follower assembly includes a first cam follower member in engagement with the valve and a second cam follower member movably relative to the first cam follower member, and locking means to enable the follower members to be linked to move together. When the follower members are not linked the valve means is controlled by the first cam follower member in engagement with and following the profile of the first cam member and when the follower members are linked the valve is controlled by the second cam follower member in engagement with and following the profile of the second cam member. One of the cam members having a circular axial cross-section to enable valve deactivation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Group Lotus
    Inventors: Clive Dopson, Jeffrey Allen
  • Patent number: 5287830
    Abstract: The valve control means for an internal combustion engine comprises valve means (10), cam means comprising a camshaft (30) having a first cam member (23) and a second cam member (26) having a different profile from the first cam member (23) and means (18) for transmitting reciprocating movement to the valve means (10) from the cam means (23 or 26). The means (18) for transmitting reciprocating movement comprises a first cam follower member (20) in engagement with the valve means (10) and a second cam follower member (21) movable relative to the first cam follower member (20), and locking means (27) to enable the follower members (20 and 21) to be linked to move together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Group Lotus
    Inventors: Clive Dopson, Jeffrey Allen
  • Patent number: 5253621
    Abstract: The invention relates to valve control means for a push-rod internal combustion engine. With reference to FIG. 8 of the drawings, the valve control means comprises valve means, cam means comprising a camshaft having a first cam member and a second cam member having a different profile from the first cam member, and means for transmitting reciprocating movement to the valve means from the cam means. The means for transmitting reciprocating movement comprises a first cam follower member in engagement with the push-rod and a second cam follower member movable relative to the first cam follower member, and locking means to enable the follower members to be linked to move together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Group Lotus PLC
    Inventors: Clive Dopson, Jeffrey Allen