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: A direct acting hydraulic tappet and a method for making same in which an oil groove and interior structure defining a weld interface are formed in a cup-shaped 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. In accordance with the invention, the weld interface is formed to a specific shape to enhance the integrity of the weld. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a baffle member can be assembled to the web and hub structure prior to its positioning within the body member.

Abstract: Engine manifold vacuum is inverted by an in-line vacuum inverter which provides a power source for an EGR valve actuator for providing desired EGR flow in a predetermined range of engine power loading and EGR flow is cut off outside the range. The invention utilizes a vacuum inverter employing a pair of spaced diaphragms for controlling an atmospheric air bleed valve to a vacuum chamber powered by manifold vacuum. The diaphragms are spring loaded so as to seek equilibrium positions as vacuum in the chamber varies force. The inverter produces a vacuum output signal which changes inversely with changes in engine manifold vacuum.

Abstract: An improved valve disabler and disabler control for a multi-cylinder engine having individually pivoted rocker arms and an intake and exhaust valve pair for each cylinder. Each intake and exhaust valve of half of the valve pairs is associated with a selectively operable valve disabler. Each disabler includes slideable fulcrum means, a spring biasing the fulcrum into engagement with the rocker arm, a stop for limiting sliding movement of the fulcrum in the biased direction, a sleeve slideable with the fulcrum, latch means rotatable between a valve enabling position which prevents sliding movement of the sleeve and valve disabling position which allows sliding movement of the sleeve.

Abstract: An improved valve selector assembly for selectively enabling and disabling the intake and exhaust valves of one cylinder of an internal combustion engine of the type having individually pivoted rocker arms for opening and closing the valves. Each selector assembly includes two valve disablers (one associated with the intake valve rocker arm and one associated with the exhaust valve rocker arm), and control means for orienting and switching the disablers between valve enabling and valve disabling. Each valve disabler is a spring capsule subassembly of the selector assembly and includes a slideable sleeve defining a fulcrum at one end, a cap slideably connected to the other end of the sleeve, and a spring reacting against the cap and biasing the fulcrum into engagement with its respective rocker arm.

Abstract: A motor vehicle speed control system which, upon activation by the vehicle operator, maintains the vehicle at a predetermined set speed. The system utilizes a duty-cycle type pneumatic servoactuator responsive to an electrical control signal for controlling movement of the vehicle throttle. Control means responsive to deviation of vehicle speed from the predetermined set speed, is operable to vary the control signal characteristics in accordance with a predetermined governing equation and the electrical control signal is utilized to operate the servoactuator. Vehicle speed is sensed by a generator providing an electrical signal output and a control means is of the electronic type responsive to the electrical speed signal and the predetermined set speed. In one embodiment both analog-digital circuit techniques are employed for the control means and, in another embodiment, substantially all-digital circuitry is utilized.