Abstract: Described herein are multi-leaf collimators that comprise leaf drive mechanisms. The leaf drive mechanisms can be used in binary multi-leaf collimators used in emission-guided radiation therapy. One variation of a multi-leaf collimator comprises a pneumatics-based leaf drive mechanism. Another variation of a multi-leaf collimator comprises a spring-based leaf drive mechanism having a spring resonator.

Abstract: A multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having a camshaft-driven valvetrain with a camshaft disposed within an engine block includes at least two intake and/or exhaust valves with a pair of valves operated by a common camshaft lobe and a cam follower. The valvetrain may include independently operable mechanical or hydraulic lash adjusters. The cam follower contacts the common camshaft lobe and at least two pushrods with each pushrod having an associated single plane rocker arm which couples to a fulcrum mounted to the cylinder head to actuate the at least two valves.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine with selectively deactivated intake and/or exhaust valves includes a fulcrum plate having a through hole with a slidable plunger supporting a pivot ball that engages an associated rocker arm. A solenoid positioned above the rocker arm cover is directly coupled to a latching mechanism that either allows or prevents sliding movement of the plunger to selectively deactivate associated intake/exhaust valves. When in the valve activated position, the rocker arm pivots about the pivot ball and opens the valve. When in the valve deactivated position, the plunger retracts at least partially into the fulcrum plate so that the rocker arm motion is insufficient to open the associated valve. A lost motion torsional spring acts on the plunger to provide an opposing force to the rocker arm and to return the plunger to the valve activated position during the base circle portion of camshaft rotation.

Abstract: A multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having a valvetrain with a camshaft disposed within an engine block and at least two valves operated by a common camshaft lobe includes a stationary shaft disposed generally parallel to the camshaft and a cam follower having a first end with an opening pivotally mounted on the stationary shaft, a second end adapted for coupling to at least two pushrods each associated with one of the at least two valves, and a roller mounted on a roller axle disposed generally between the first and second ends, the roller contacting the common camshaft lobe. The cam follower may include independently operable lash adjusters for pushrods driven by a common camshaft lobe.

Abstract: A multiple-cylinder internal combustion engine having a camshaft-driven valvetrain with a camshaft disposed within an engine block includes at least two intake and/or exhaust valves with multiple valves operated by a common lifter and pushrod that engages a follower having multiple independent lash adjusters coupled to associated rocker arms. The lifter contacts the common camshaft lobe and a corresponding pushrod that engages a reciprocating bucket follower with a compliant coupling to corresponding rocker arms.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine with selectively deactivated intake and/or exhaust valves includes a fulcrum plate having a through hole with a slidable plunger supporting a pivot ball that engages an associated rocker arm. A solenoid positioned above the rocker arm cover is directly coupled to a latching mechanism that either allows or prevents sliding movement of the plunger to selectively deactivate associated intake/exhaust valves. When in the valve activated position, the rocker arm pivots about the pivot ball and opens the valve. When in the valve deactivated position, the plunger retracts at least partially into the fulcrum plate so that the rocker arm motion is insufficient to open the associated valve. A lost motion torsional spring acts on the plunger to provide an opposing force to the rocker arm and to return the plunger to the valve activated position during the base circle portion of camshaft rotation.

Abstract: A multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having a valvetrain with a camshaft disposed within an engine block and at least two valves operated by a common camshaft lobe includes a stationary shaft disposed generally parallel to the camshaft and a cam follower having a first end with an opening pivotally mounted on the stationary shaft, a second end adapted for coupling to at least two pushrods each associated with one of the at least two valves, and a roller mounted on a roller axle disposed generally between the first and second ends, the roller contacting the common camshaft lobe. The cam follower may include independently operable lash adjusters for pushrods driven by a common camshaft lobe.

Abstract: A multiple-cylinder internal combustion engine having a camshaft-driven valvetrain with a camshaft disposed within an engine block includes at least two intake and/or exhaust valves with multiple valves operated by a common lifter and pushrod that engages a follower having multiple independent lash adjusters coupled to associated rocker arms. The lifter contacts the common camshaft lobe and a corresponding pushrod that engages a reciprocating bucket follower with a compliant coupling to corresponding rocker arms.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a fuel injector in an internal combustion engine include a clamp for securing adjacent injectors to a cylinder head. The clamp includes a central portion with a hole for receiving a fastener to secure the clamp to the cylinder head, and a pair of symmetrical crescent-shaped clamping forks forming a U-shaped opening to facilitate lateral sliding engagement with diametrically opposed flatted portions of corresponding fuel injectors. Each arm includes an arcuate pad that engages a corresponding shoulder of the fuel injector to provide an axial clamping force to the fuel injector. The distance between the distal ends of one fork and the semicircular portion of the opposite fork is selected to allow lateral sliding disengagement of the clamp from one of the adjacent injectors without rotation or removal of the other injector to facilitate servicing of individual injectors.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a plurality of intake and/or exhaust valves associated with each cylinder includes a valvetrain having a fulcrum with a plurality of pivot ball sockets each associated with a rocker arm and pivot ball disposed between the fulcrum and the rocker arm with the fulcrum extending through apertures of the rocker arms and having a plurality of slots, each slot having generally parallel opposing lateral surfaces for receiving and guiding both sides of an associated rocker arm so the rocker arm pivots about the pivot ball in a plane of the rocker arm. The fulcrum can accommodate at least two rocker arms that may operate in non-parallel planes relative to one another and can include bearing and locating surfaces integrally formed to finish dimensions to eliminate machining.

Abstract: A multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having a camshaft-driven valvetrain with a camshaft disposed within an engine block includes at least two intake and/or exhaust valves with a pair of valves operated by a common camshaft lobe and a cam follower. The valvetrain may include independently operable mechanical or hydraulic lash adjusters. The cam follower contacts the common camshaft lobe and at least two pushrods with each pushrod having an associated single plane rocker arm which couples to a fulcrum mounted to the cylinder head to actuate the at least two valves.