Abstract: An electromagnetically operated valve assembly (28) has a first solenoid (58) and a second solenoid (60). An armature (56) having a valve stem (54) coupled thereto is positioned between the first solenoid (58) and second solenoid (60). A controller (12) is coupled to the first solenoid (58), the second solenoid (60). A current sensor (49) is coupled to the first solenoid and generated a signal corresponding to the induced current in the first solenoid. The controller (12) changes a voltage applied to the first solenoid from a first polarity to a second polarity. The controller (12) is further configured to hold the voltage at the second polarity for a predetermined time period and a predetermined amplitude to decrease the induced current. The predetermined time period or the predetermined amplitude is determined based on the first signal.

Abstract: An intake valve phase shift in multi-valve engines to enhance air-fuel mixing and optimum combustion at all operating conditions. The intake valve members are independently operated by electro-mechanical actuators or the like, and activated and deactivated by the electronic controller of the engine. A channel or passageway in a diverter member positioned between the two intake ports in the cylinder head allows air and fuel from a closed intake port to be diverted to an open intake port and thus into the combustion chamber. The passageway preferably has a configuration with a certain curvature, orientation and position relative to the diameter of the inlet ports. The curvature is about one-half the diameter D of the inlet port, the passageway is symmetrical from port to port and directs the fuel toward the opposite sides of the ports, and the passageway is positioned about D/4 from the valve seats.

Abstract: A system (12) and method for controlling an armature (20) of an electromagnetic actuator (10) are provided. The system (12) includes a circuit (46) for providing current to the coils (32, 34) of electromagnets (16, 18) disposed on either side of the armature (20). The system (12) also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) (50). The ECU (50) is configured to determine the neutral position of a virtual spring corresponding to the combination of forces acting on the armature 20 including the magnetic force of the attracting electromagnet (16 or 18) and the force of a restoring spring (22 or 24) opposing movement of the armature (20) towards the attracting electromagnet (16 or 18). The ECU (50) is further configured to control the current in the coil (32 or 34) of the attracting electromagnet (16 or 18) responsive to the determined neutral position so as to minimize the velocity of the armature as it reaches the pole face (36 or 38) of the attracting electromagnet (16 or 18).

Abstract: A method for controlling movement of an armature for an electromagnetic valve actuator. The armature moves between pole faces of juxtaposed solenoid coils. Voltage applied to armature capturing coil is varied in a closed-loop fashion as the armature moves through a flux initialization phase, followed by an armature landing phase whereby a soft landing of the armature is achieved during valve opening movement and valve closing movement.

Abstract: A system (12) and method for controlling an armature (20) of an electromagnetic actuator (10) are provided. The system (12) includes a circuit (46) for providing current to the coils (32, 34) of electromagnets (16, 18) disposed on either side of the armature (20). The system (12) also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) (50). The ECU (50) is configured to determine the neutral position of a virtual spring corresponding to the combination of forces acting on the armature 20 including the magnetic force of the attracting electromagnet (16 or 18) and the force of a restoring spring (22 or 24) opposing movement of the armature (20) towards the attracting electromagnet (16 or 18). The ECU (50) is further configured to control the current in the coil (32 or 34) of the attracting electromagnet (16 or 18) responsive to the determined neutral position so as to minimize the velocity of the armature as it reaches the pole face (36 or 38) of the attracting electromagnet (16 or 18).

Abstract: An electromagnetically operated valve assembly (28) has a first solenoid (58) and a second solenoid (60). An armature (56) having a valve stem (54) coupled thereto is positioned between the first solenoid (58) and second solenoid (60). A controller (12) is coupled to the first solenoid (58), the second solenoid (60). A current sensor (49) is coupled to the first solenoid and generated a signal corresponding to the induced current in the first solenoid. The controller (12) changes a voltage applied to the first solenoid from a first polarity to a second polarity. The controller (12) is further configured to hold the voltage at the second polarity for a predetermined time period and a predetermined amplitude to decrease the induced current. The predetermined time period or the predetermined amplitude is determined based on the first signal.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator 10 for opening and closing a cylinder valve 14. The actuator includes an opening coil 20, a closing coil 22, a magnetic armature 26 which is disposed between coils 20, 22 and which is fixedly attached to the stem or shaft portion 28 of valve 14, a pair of conventional valve springs 30, 32, and a pair of pneumatic dampers or air cushioning assemblies 34, 36. Pneumatic dampers 34, 36 are effective to selectively decelerate the moving components of the actuator as they approach their respective seats during valve opening and valve closing events, thereby substantially reducing noise and vibration harshness (“NVH”).

Abstract: A method for controlling movement of an armature for an electromagnetic valve actuator. The armature moves between pole faces of juxtaposed solenoid coils. Voltage applied to armature capturing coil is varied in a closed-loop fashion as the armature moves through a flux initialization phase, followed by an armature landing phase whereby a soft landing of the armature is achieved during valve opening movement and valve closing movement.

Abstract: Two intake valves are independently operated by electro-mechanical actuators and activated by the engine electronic controller. One tumble-type intake valve and one conventional intake valve are provided in each cylinder. The valve members are individually opened and closed to achieve a desired air flow pattern in the combustion chamber to optimize combustion which increases fuel economy and reduces undesirable emissions. The opening and closing of the valve members depends on the engine speed, engine load, and other factors.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve actuator (EVA) for actuating movement of a valve in a vehicle engine includes a valve assembly operatively connected to the valve for movement therewith. The valve assembly includes a shaft connected to the valve. Two armature plates are operatively associated with the shaft, and each armature plate includes a permanent magnet. An electromagnetic coil is positioned between the two armature plates for selectively electromagnetically pushing and pulling the armature plates. Two springs are engaged with the two armature plates, respectively, for biasing the armature plates in opposing directions. The permanent magnets are operative to assist the electromagnetic coil in holding the valve in a desired position to reduce power consumption or assisting in repelling the armature for accelerating valve opening or closing.

Abstract: An intake valve phase shift in multi-valve engines to enhance air-fuel mixing and optimum combustion at all operating conditions. The intake valve members are independently operated by electro-mechanical actuators or the like, and activated and deactivated by the electronic controller of the engine. A channel or passageway in a diverter member positioned between the two intake ports in the cylinder head allows air and fuel from a closed intake port to be diverted to an open intake port and thus into the combustion chamber. The passageway preferably has a configuration with a certain curvature, orientation and position relative to the diameter of the inlet ports. The curvature is about one-half the diameter D of the inlet port, the passageway is symmetrical from port to port and directs the fuel toward the opposite sides of the ports, and the passageway is positioned about D/4 from the valve seats.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator 10 for opening and closing a cylinder valve 14. The actuator includes an opening coil 20, a closing coil 22, a magnetic armature 26 which is disposed between coils 20, 22 and which is fixedly attached to the stem or shaft portion 28 of valve 14, a pair of conventional valve springs 30, 32, and a pair of pneumatic dampers or air cushioning assemblies 34, 36. Pneumatic dampers 34, 36 are effective to selectively decelerate the moving components of the actuator as they approach their respective seats during valve opening and valve closing events, thereby substantially reducing noise and vibration harshness (“NVH”).

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine in response to a transient load includes the steps of providing an air charge quantity required to produce a commanded air-fuel mixture within the combustion chamber, providing a fuel quantity required to produce a commanded air-fuel mixture within the combustion chamber, and displacing a quantity of the air-fuel mixture from the combustion chamber in response to the transient load. The method is especially advantageous for rapidly affecting engine response to transient loads resulting from sudden load change events, such as traction control, transmission shift and driver demand events.

Abstract: A system and method for the control and preparation of the combined fuel and air mixture in a camless internal combustion engine. The system and method provide increased engine operating efficiency and lower exhaust emissions during low speed and cold engine conditions.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve actuator (EVA) for actuating movement of a valve in a vehicle engine includes a valve assembly operatively connected to the valve for movement therewith. The valve assembly includes a shaft connected to the valve. Two armature plates are operatively associated with the shaft, and each armature plate includes a permanent magnet. An electromagnetic coil is positioned between the two armature plates for selectively electromagnetically pushing and pulling the armature plates. Two springs are engaged with the two armature plates, respectively, for biasing the armature plates in opposing directions. The permanent magnets are operative to assist the electromagnetic coil in holding the valve in a desired position to reduce power consumption or assisting in repelling the armature for accelerating valve opening or closing.

Abstract: Two intake valves are independently operated by electro-mechanical actuators and activated by the engine electronic controller. One tumble-type intake valve and one conventional intake valve are provided in each cylinder. The valve members are individually opened and closed to achieve a desired air flow pattern in the combustion chamber to optimize combustion which increases fuel economy and reduces undesirable emissions. The opening and closing of the valve members depends on the engine speed, engine load, and other factors.

Abstract: A method of controlling valve landing in a camless engine including a valve movable between fully open and fully closed positions, and an electromagnetic valve actuator for actuating the valve is provided. The method includes providing at least one discrete position measurement sensor to determine when the valve is at a particular position during valve movement. The velocity of the valve is calculated at the particular position based upon current and rate of change of current in the electromagnetic valve actuator when the valve is at the particular position. Valve landing is controlled based upon the calculated velocity.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically controlling the torque output of the various cylinders of a camless internal combustion engine. The system and method selectively alter the timing profiles of the engine's valves, effective to balance the torque outputs of the engine's cylinders.

Abstract: A method for starting a camless internal combustion engine in response to a start signal, the internal combustion engine having a crankshaft and multiple cylinders each having one or more actuators for electronically actuating corresponding intake and exhaust valves, the internal combustion engine being mechanically coupled via the crankshaft to a starter motor, the starter motor being activated in response to the start signal, the method including the steps of: positioning each of the valves in accordance with a predetermined valve initial position, the valves being positioned so as to allow the flow of air in and out of each of the cylinders; rotating the crankshaft via the starter to a target idle speed for the engine; activating each of the valves in accordance with a predetermined valve activation sequence when the rotational speed of the crankshaft equals or exceeds the target idle speed; and activating each of the cylinders in accordance with a predetermined cylinder activation sequence after the valve

Abstract: Two intake valves are independently operated by electromechanical actuators and activated by the engine electronic controller. One tumble-type intake valve and one conventional intake valve are provided in each cylinder. The valve members are individually opened and closed to achieve a desired air flow pattern in the combustion chamber to optimize combustion which increases fuel economy and reduces undesirable emissions. The opening and closing of the valve members depends on the engine speed, engine load, and other factors.