Abstract: An electrically-actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly, comprises a sun gear configured to receive input from an electric motor and one or more planet gears having radially-outwardly-extending gear teeth that engage the sun gear; a first ring gear, having radially-inwardly extending gear teeth that engage the radially-outwardly-extending gear teeth of the sun gear, configured to receive rotational output provided by a crankshaft; a second ring gear, having radially-inwardly extending gear teeth that engage the radially-outwardly-extending gear teeth of the sun gear, configured to couple to a camshaft; one or more planet gear pins that carry the planet gear(s) and engage a planetary gear set to prevent the relative rotation of the planet gear pin(s) relative to the planetary gear set; and one or more springs that bias the planet gear pin(s) and the planetary gear(s) toward the first ring gear and the second ring gear.

Abstract: An electrically-actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly, comprises a sun gear configured to receive input from an electric motor and one or more planet gears having radially-outwardly-extending gear teeth that engage the sun gear; a first ring gear, having radially-inwardly extending gear teeth that engage the radially-outwardly-extending gear teeth of the sun gear, configured to receive rotational output provided by a crankshaft; a second ring gear, having radially-inwardly extending gear teeth that engage the radially-outwardly-extending gear teeth of the sun gear, configured to couple to a camshaft; one or more planet gear pins that carry the planet gear(s) and engage a planetary gear set to prevent the relative rotation of the planet gear pin(s) relative to the planetary gear set; and one or more springs that bias the planet gear pin(s) and the planetary gear(s) toward the first ring gear and the second ring gear.

Abstract: An electrically-actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser is employed for use with an internal combustion engine (ICE). The electrically-actuated VCT phaser includes a gear set assembly and a fixture. The gear set assembly has an input gear and an output gear, among other possible components. The input gear receives rotational drive input from an engine crankshaft, and the output gear transmits rotational drive output to an engine camshaft. The fixture is secured in the gear set assembly. Amid installation of the electrically-actuated VCT phaser on the ICE, the fixture constrains rotational movement of the gear set assembly. After installation, the fixture can be removed from the gear set assembly.

Abstract: An electrically-actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser is employed for use with an internal combustion engine (ICE). The electrically-actuated VCT phaser includes a gear set assembly and a fixture. The gear set assembly has an input gear and an output gear, among other possible components. The input gear receives rotational drive input from an engine crankshaft, and the output gear transmits rotational drive output to an engine camshaft. The fixture is secured in the gear set assembly. Amid installation of the electrically-actuated VCT phaser on the ICE, the fixture constrains rotational movement of the gear set assembly. After installation, the fixture can be removed from the gear set assembly.

Abstract: An electrically-actuated variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser is employed for use with an internal combustion engine (ICE). The electrically-actuated VCT phaser includes a gear set assembly and a fixture. The gear set assembly has an input gear and an output gear, among other possible components. The input gear receives rotational drive input from an engine crankshaft, and the output gear transmits rotational drive output to an engine camshaft. The fixture is secured in the gear set assembly. Amid installation of the electrically-actuated VCT phaser on the ICE, the fixture constrains rotational movement of the gear set assembly. After installation, the fixture can be removed from the gear set assembly.

Abstract: Hydraulic tensioner device including a tensioner arm and a hydraulic tensioner. The tensioner arm comprising: a body having a first end, a second end, a chain sliding surface and a surface opposite the chain sliding face; a pivot at the first end or the second end of the body; and a banjo bolt feed at the other of the first end or second end of the body. The hydraulic tensioner being pivotably attached to the pivot and the banjo bolt and adjacent the surface opposite the chain sliding face, wherein the hydraulic tensioner receives supply fluid from the banjo bolt, the hydraulic tensioner comprising: a housing with a bore; a hollow piston having a first end and a second end, slidably received within the bore; and a spring received within the bore of the housing and the hollow piston biasing the hollow piston outwards from the bore of the housing.

Abstract: A crankshaft driven valve actuation system (30), and methods of operation and assembly, for controlling opening and closing at least one hydraulically actuated engine valve (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d) associated with a cylinder of an internal combustion engine can include a crankshaft (50) driven by the engine, at least one fluid piston pump (36a, 36b) mounted for rotation on the crankshaft (50) for generating a reciprocating fluid flow in response to rotation of the crankshaft (50), a fluid passage providing fluid communication of the reciprocating fluid flow with one of the at least one hydraulically actuated valves to be controlled, and at least one control valve (56a, 56b, 56c, 56d) providing fluid flow between at least one accumulator (46, 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d) and the at least one fluid piston pump (36a, 36b) for modifying a valve timing actuation curve of the hydraulically actuated engine valve (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d) during reciprocal fluid flow.

Abstract: A tensioner (10) for an endless loop power transmission member can include the assembly of a plunger (12) operably engageable with an endless loop power transmission member, and a piston (14) guiding the plunger (12) for sliding coaxial movement in a direction of the endless loop power transmission member and defining an oil reservoir (26) for receiving hydraulic fluid. A bearing (28) can have bearing balls (30) located in a counter bore (32) coaxial with piston bore (34). The counter bore (32) can have a steep taper (36) on which the bearing balls (30) ride, such that as the plunger (12) moves in an extending direction, the bearing balls (30) move out of the counter bore (32) allowing free extending movement of the plunger (12), and as the plunger (12) moves in a retracting direction, the bearing balls (30) are driven down into the steep taper (36) preventing the plunger (12) from retracting.

Abstract: A tensioner (10) for an endless loop power transmission member can include the assembly of a plunger (12) operably engageable with an endless loop power transmission member, and a piston (14) guiding the plunger (12) for sliding coaxial movement in a direction of the endless loop power transmission member and defining an oil reservoir (26) for receiving hydraulic fluid. A bearing (28) can have bearing balls (30) located in a counter bore (32) coaxial with piston bore (34). The counter bore (32) can have a steep taper (36) on which the bearing balls (30) ride, such that as the plunger (12) moves in an extending direction, the bearing balls (30) move out of the counter bore (32) allowing free extending movement of the plunger (12), and as the plunger (12) moves in a retracting direction, the bearing balls (30) are driven down into the steep taper (36) preventing the plunger (12) from retracting.

Abstract: A variable cam timing assembly (10) and method for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle includes a cam phaser (22) connected between an inner camshaft (12a) and an outer camshaft (12b) of a concentric camshaft (12). A torsional drive mechanism (14) connects between the cam phaser (22) and the inner camshaft (12a) for transmitting rotational torque. The torsional drive mechanism (14) permits adjustment for perpendicularity and axial misalignment of the inner and outer camshafts (12a, 12b), while maintaining a torsionally stiff coupling between the cam phaser (22) and one of the inner and outer camshafts (12a, 12b) of the concentric camshaft (12). The torsional drive mechanism (14) can be formed from one of a flexible shaft coupling (40), a transversely split driven gear (140), a transversely split sprocket ring gear (240), a transverse face spline gear (340), and a pin and slot combination drive (440).

Abstract: A variable cam timing phaser (10) includes a fluid transfer assembly with at least one of a fluid transfer sleeve (72) having a plurality of pressurized fluid passages (74a, 74b, 74c, 74d), and a fluid transfer plate (60) having a plurality of pressurized fluid passages (62a, 62b, 62c, 62d). Each passage (74a, 74b, 74c, 74d) extends in fluid communication with a corresponding circumferentially spaced annular groove segment portion (74f, 74g, 74h, 74i) for selective communication with first and second vane-type hydraulic couplings (40, 50) depending on an angular orientation of the fluid transfer sleeve (72) during rotation. Each passage (62a, 62b, 62c, 62d) extending from a corresponding centrally located port (64a, 64b, 64c, 64d) in fluid communication with a radially extending passage portion (66a, 66b, 66c, 66d) and with an arcuately extending passage portion (68a, 68b, 68c, 68d).

Abstract: A cam torque actuated variable cam timing phaser can include a rotor (20) enclosed by an endplate (64) within a housing (10). The housing (10) can have at least one cavity (10a) to be divided by a vane (22) rigidly attached to the rotor (20). The vane (22) can divide the cavity (10a) into a first chamber (16) and a second chamber (18). Passages (26, 28, 56, 58) can connect the first and second chambers (16, 18) facilitating oscillation of the vane (20) within the cavity (10a). A detent valve (50) can move between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, the detent valve (50) can connect portions of a detent passage (56, 58) extending through the rotor (20) and through the endplate (64) allowing pressurized actuating fluid flow with respect to the first and second chambers (16, 18) in response to a relative angular position of the rotor (20) with respect to the endplate (64). A lock pin (60) can move between a locked position and a released position.

Abstract: A variable cam timing phaser for an internal combustion engine includes a housing (10) and a rotor (20) connected coaxially with respect to a camshaft for rotation relative to one another. The housing (10) and the rotor (20) can define at least one cavity (10a) with a vane (22) dividing each cavity (10a) into a first chamber (16) and a second chamber (18). A control valve (24) can have a longitudinally reciprocal spool (36). The spool (36) can move between an advance timing position and a retard timing position within a Cam Torque Actuated mode of operation, an advance timing position within a Torsional Assist mode of operation, and at least one null position. The spool (36) can connect the first chamber (16), the second chamber (18), a check valve (40) and an actuating fluid supply source (46) with respect to one another, and can connect a passage (62) associated with a lock pin (60) between an exhaust vent (48a, 48b) and the actuating fluid supply source (46).

Abstract: A variable cam timing phaser for an internal combustion engine having a concentric camshaft can include a stator (14) having an axis of rotation. An outer rotor (20) can rotate independently relative to the axis of rotation of the stator (14). A combination of an outer vane (22) and cavity (20a) can be associated with the outer rotor (20) to define first and second outer variable volume working chambers (20b, 20c). A radially inner located rotor (30) can rotate relative to the axis of rotation and independently of both the stator (14) and the outer rotor (20). A combination of an inner vane (32) and a cavity (30a) can be associated with the inner rotor (20) to define first and second inner variable volume working chambers (30b, 30c). When the first and second, outer and inner chambers (20b, 30b, 20c, 30c) selectively communicate with a source of pressurized fluid, phase orientation of the outer and inner rotors (20, 30) with respect to one another and with respect to the stator (14) is facilitated.

Abstract: A variable cam timing phaser (10) includes a fluid transfer assembly with at least one of a fluid transfer sleeve (72) having a plurality of pressurized fluid passages (74a, 74b, 74c, 74d), and a fluid transfer plate (60) having a plurality of pressurized fluid passages (62a, 62b, 62c, 62d). Each passage (74a, 74b, 74c, 74d) extends in fluid communication with a corresponding circumferentially spaced annular groove segment portion (74f, 74g, 74h, 74i) for selective communication with first and second vane type hydraulic couplings (40, 50) depending on an angular orientation of the fluid transfer sleeve (72) during rotation. Each passage (62a, 62b, 62c, 62d) extending from a corresponding centrally located port (64a, 64b, 64c, 64d) in fluid communication with a radially extending passage portion (66a, 66b, 66c, 66d) and with an arcuately extending passage portion (68a, 68b, 68c, 68d).

Abstract: A variable cam timing assembly (10) and method for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle includes a cam phaser (22) connected between an inner camshaft (12a) and an outer camshaft (12b) of a concentric camshaft (12). A torsional drive mechanism (14) connects between the cam phaser (22) and the inner camshaft (12a) for transmitting rotational torque. The torsional drive mechanism (14) permits adjustment for perpendicularity and axial misalignment of the inner and outer camshafts (12a, 12b), while maintaining a torsionally stiff coupling between the cam phaser (22) and one of the inner and outer camshafts (12a, 12b) of the concentric camshaft (12). The torsional drive mechanism (14) can be formed from one of a flexible shaft coupling (40), a transversely split driven gear (140), a transversely split sprocket ring gear (240), a transverse face spline gear (340), and a pin and slot combination drive (440).

Abstract: A variable cam timing phaser for an internal combustion engine having a concentric camshaft can include a stator (14) having an axis of rotation. An outer rotor (20) can rotate independently relative to the axis of rotation of the stator (14). A combination of an outer vane (22) and cavity (20a) can be associated with the outer rotor (20) to define first and second outer variable volume working chambers (20b, 20c). A radially inner located rotor (30) can rotate relative to the axis of rotation and independently of both the stator (14) and the outer rotor (20). A combination of an inner vane (32) and a cavity (30a) can be associated with the inner rotor (20) to define first and second inner variable volume working chambers (30b, 30c). When the first and second, outer and inner chambers (20b, 30b, 20c, 30c) selectively communicate with a source of pressurized fluid, phase orientation of the outer and inner rotors (20, 30) with respect to one another and with respect to the stator (14) is facilitated.

Abstract: A camshaft assembly for extending duration of a valve event including a hollow outer shaft, an inner shaft received within the hollow outer shaft, a plurality of cam lobes, and a phaser located between the plurality of cam lobes approximately in the middle of the inner and outer shaft.

Abstract: A cam torque actuated variable cam timing phaser can include a rotor (20) enclosed by an endplate (64) within a housing (10). The housing (10) can have at least one cavity (10a) to be divided by a vane (22) rigidly attached to the rotor (20). The vane (22) can divide the cavity (10a) into a first chamber (16) and a second chamber (18). Passages (26, 28, 56, 58) can connect the first and second chambers (16, 18) facilitating oscillation of the vane (20) within the cavity (10a). A detent valve (50) can move between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, the detent valve (50) can connect portions of a detent passage (56, 58) extending through the rotor (20) and through the endplate (64) allowing pressurized actuating fluid flow with respect to the first and second chambers (16, 18) in response to a relative angular position of the rotor (20) with respect to the endplate (64). A lock pin (60) can move between a locked position and a released position.

Abstract: A variable cam timing phaser for an internal combustion engine includes a housing (10) and a rotor (20) connected coaxially with respect to a camshaft for rotation relative to one another. The housing (10) and the rotor (20) can define at least one cavity (10a) with a vane (22) dividing each cavity (10a) into a first chamber (16) and a second chamber (18). A control valve (24) can have a longitudinally reciprocal spool (36). The spool (36) can move between an advance timing position and a retard timing position within a Cam Torque Actuated mode of operation, an advance timing position within a Torsional Assist mode of operation, and at least one null position. The spool (36) can connect the first chamber (16), the second chamber (18), a check valve (40) and an actuating fluid supply source (46) with respect to one another, and can connect a passage (62) associated with a lock pin (60) between an exhaust vent (48a, 48b) and the actuating fluid supply source (46).