Abstract: A vane-type camshaft phaser having a rotational authority between 40 crank degrees before TDC and 30 crank degrees after TDC. The phaser includes a stator seat formed at a rotation position intermediate between full advance and full retard. A locking pin in a vane of the rotor engages the seat, locking the rotor at the intermediate position. The pin is disengaged by pressurized engine oil independent of oil flows for advance and retard of the rotor. The oil is controlled by a dedicated valve. Preferably, the seat and the ends of the locking pin are vented by passages in the rotor and stator which are aligned when the rotor is at the selected locking angle to remove oil resistance to entry of the pin into the seat. To position the locking pin over the seat, phasing rate is reduced to allow time for the locking pin to engage the seat.

Abstract: A vane-type camshaft phaser for varying the timing of combustion valves in an internal combustion engine. The phaser includes a seat formed in the sprocket at the appropriate position of intermediate rotor rotation and a locking pin slidably disposed in a vane of the rotor for engaging the seat to lock the rotor to the stator at the intermediate position. A bias spring system disposed on a cover plate urges the rotor toward the intermediate locking position from any position retarded of the locking position but does not engage the rotor during valve timing-advance motion thereof from the intermediate locking position.

Abstract: Fixed-dried red blood cells (RBCs), and processes for preparing the same are disclosed. The red blood cells, upon reconstitution with distilled water or appropriate buffer: bind oxygen with native affinities, have partial deformability, present minimal thrombogenicity to platelets, and have oblated blood group antigens. The RBCs are preferably fixed by means of cross-linkers with aldehyde functions such as paraformaldehyde or glutaraldehyde either alone or in combination. Native oxygen kinetics are achieved by preparing the red blood cells with 1,6-diphosphofructose. Blood group antigens and chemical functions that render the lyophilized RBCs thrombogenic are occluded by chemically attaching polyoxyethylene glycol polymers to the surface membrane of the red blood cells. The cross-linked red blood cells are preferably died by lyophilization.

Abstract: A two-step roller finger follower having a high-lift follower portion that rotates relative to a low-lift follower portion about a pivot shaft, including a lost-motion compression spring disposed in a linear bore formed in the high-lift portion to exert force against an curved pad on the back side of the valve pallet of the low-lift portion. The spring is retained and guided in its bore by a spring retainer having a planar bottom for engaging the curved pad. Preferably the retainer is a cup positioned in the spring bore such that the stroke of the cup is limited, to prevent leak-down of the associated hydraulic lash adjuster. Driving the spring by a linear-acting retainer in a linear bore causes the spring to be compressed linearly, resulting in a highly stable and predictable spring rate.

Abstract: A vane-type camshaft phaser for varying the timing of combustion valves in an internal combustion engine includes a seat formed in the sprocket at the appropriate position of intermediate rotation and a locking pin slidably disposed in a vane of the rotor for engaging the seat to lock the rotor at the intermediate position. A bias spring system disposed on a cover plate urges the rotor toward the locking position from any position retarded of the locking position. A first spring system embodiment comprises a pair of compression spring assemblies. A second spring system embodiment comprises an internal torsion spring. In each embodiment, the phaser may be assembled without having the spring system coupled to the rotor, thereby overcoming a rotor cocking problem inherent in prior art phasers, assuring reliable mounting of an assembled phaser onto an engine camshaft.

Abstract: A vane-type camshaft phaser for varying the timing of combustion valves in an internal combustion engine. The phaser includes a seat formed in the sprocket at the appropriate position of intermediate rotor rotation and a locking pin slidably disposed in a vane of the rotor for engaging the seat to lock the rotor to the stator at the intermediate position. A bias spring system disposed on a cover plate urges the rotor toward the intermediate locking position from any position retarded of the locking position but does not engage the rotor during valve timing-advance motion thereof from the intermediate locking position.

Abstract: A system for bringing an internal combustion engine to a stop at a predetermined angular position of an engine shaft, such as a crankshaft or a camshaft, with respect to the engine's valves. The optimum shaft stop position is the point wherein the fewest lifters are collapsed the least amount. Exemplary methods and apparatus include using the engine starter motor to jog the stopped engine to the desired position; using the engine alternator to impose a variable electromagnetic load on the engine to bring the engine to a stop at the desired position; using variable firing of cylinders to control the deceleration profile to bring the engine to a stop at the desired position; and providing one or more detents formed in the shaft and using a shaft follower to control the stop position of the shaft by engaging the follower into a detent.

Abstract: A peristaltic piston pump driven by a dedicated pump cam disposed on a camshaft of an engine. A plurality of valve-opening cams are disposed along the camshaft. The pump cam has a plurality of lobes equal in number to the number of valve cams and each pump lobe is disposed at 180° from a valve cam lobe such that the camshaft valve torque and secondary oil pump camshaft torque partially cancel, reducing overall camshaft torque oscillation. The pump includes a lost-motion shuttle and spring to permit continuous response of the pump to the cam.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation mechanism includes a control shaft assembly and a body. The control shaft assembly is pivotable relative to a pivot axis. The body is pivotally disposed on the control shaft assembly, and includes an input cam follower and at least one output cam surface. The input cam follower engages an input cam lobe, and the output cam surface engages a corresponding output cam follower. A spring engages the body and biases the input cam follower into engagement with the input cam lobe.

Abstract: In a two-step roller finger cam follower, a slider arm for engaging a high-lift cam lobe is pivotally mounted to the body and can variably engage a latch pin slidably disposed in a latch pin channel. A second channel in the body opens onto the slider arm and contains a timing pin that rides on an eccentric surface of the slider arm to extend or retract the timing pin. A bore between the latch pin channel and the timing pin channel contains a ball controlled by the timing pin to lock the latch pin into an engaged or disengaged position. The cam lobe has an undercut region such that the latch pin is allowed to move between engaged and disengaged position only when the slider arm is in the undercut region of the cam lobe. The latch pin can move only when the timing pin permits.

Abstract: A compound valve assembly for controlling oil flow includes a first and a second valve. The first valve is a pressure relief valve including a spring-biased plunger in a side gallery opening off a primary oil supply gallery leading to a pressure-actuated device. The relief spring allows oil above a predetermined pressure to displace the plunger and to be returned to an oil sump. The side gallery is closable by a secondary valve seat and a solenoid-actuated valve head. A passage through the plunger leads to the second valve seat. When the solenoid is deactivated, oil flows through the passage, through the second valve, and is returned to the sump. When high pressure is desired at the device, the solenoid closes the second valve. Captive oil assumes the same pressure as the supply pressure, and the relief valve function is disabled, causing high pressure oil to flow to the device.

Abstract: A switchable fluid control valve assembly having a regulating spool and a pilot spool disposed within a common bore. A regulating spring urges the regulating spool toward a rest position wherein an oil supply port is fully uncovered. Supply oil entering the assembly causes the regulating spool to assume a position wherein oil flow is throttled to a downstream pressure insufficient to activate an associated valve deactivation mechanism but sufficient to provide lubrication to the engine. When activation of the mechanism is desired, a solenoid moves the pilot spool wherein oil at full pressure is engaged against the regulating spool, de-throttling the flow of oil to the mechanism. When the solenoid is again deactivated, a dump port is opened into the oil flow path, immediately reducing the pressure on the regulating spool which then moves to eclipse the supply port and open a path from the mechanism to drain.

Abstract: Fixed-dried red blood cells (RBCs), and processes for preparing the same are disclosed. The red blood cells, upon reconstitution with distilled water or appropriate buffer: bind oxygen with native affinities, have partial deformability, present minimal thrombogenicity to platelets, and have oblated blood group antigens. The RBCs are preferably fixed by means of cross-linkers with aldehyde functions such as paraformaldehyde or glutaraldehyde either alone or in combination. Native oxygen kinetics are achieved by preparing the red blood cells with 1,6-diphosphofructose. Blood group antigens and chemical functions that render the lyophilized RBCs thrombogenic are occluded by chemically attaching polyoxyethylene glycol polymers to the surface membrane of the red blood cells. The cross-linked red blood cells are preferably died by lyophilization.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation mechanism includes a control shaft and a rocker arm. A second end of the rocker arm is connected to the control shaft. The rocker arm carries a roller for engaging a cam lobe of an engine camshaft. A link arm is pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the first end of the rocker arm. An output cam is pivotally coupled to the second end of the link arm, and engages a corresponding cam follower of the engine. A spring biases the roller into contact with the cam lobe and biases the output cam toward a starting angular orientation.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation mechanism includes a control shaft assembly and a body. The control shaft assembly is pivotable relative to a pivot axis. The body is pivotally disposed on the control shaft assembly, and includes an input cam follower and at least one output cam surface. The input cam follower engages an input cam lobe, and the output cam surface engages a corresponding output cam follower. A spring engages the body and biases the input cam follower into engagement with the input cam lobe.

Abstract: A peristaltic piston pump driven by a dedicated pump cam disposed on a camshaft of an engine. A plurality of valve-opening cams are disposed along the camshaft. The pump cam has a plurality of lobes equal in number to the number of valve cams and each pump lobe is disposed at 180° from a valve cam lobe such that the camshaft valve torque and secondary oil pump camshaft torque partially cancel, reducing overall camshaft torque oscillation. The pump includes a lost-motion shuttle and spring to permit continuous response of the pump to the cam.

Abstract: A peristaltic piston pump driven by a dedicated pump cam disposed on a camshaft of an engine. A plurality of valve-opening cams are also disposed along the camshaft. The pump cam has a plurality of lobes equal in number to the number of valve cams and each pump lobe is disposed at 180° from a valve cam lobe such that the camshaft valve torque and secondary oil pump camshaft torque partially cancel, reducing overall camshaft torque oscillation. The pump includes a lost-motion shuttle and spring to permit continuous response of the pump to the cam.

Abstract: A switchable fluid control valve assembly having a regulating spool and a pilot spool disposed within a common bore. A regulating spring urges the regulating spool toward a rest position wherein an oil supply port is fully uncovered. Supply oil entering the assembly causes the regulating spool to assume a position wherein oil flow is throttled to a downstream pressure insufficient to activate an associated valve deactivation mechanism but sufficient to provide lubrication to the engine. When activation of the mechanism is desired, a solenoid moves the pilot spool wherein oil at full pressure is engaged against the regulating spool, de-throttling the flow of oil to the mechanism. When the solenoid is again deactivated, a dump port is opened into the oil flow path, immediately reducing the pressure on the regulating spool which then moves to eclipse the supply port and open a path from the mechanism to drain.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation mechanism includes a control shaft and a rocker arm. A second end of the rocker arm is connected to the control shaft. The rocker arm carries a roller for engaging a cam lobe of an engine camshaft. A link arm is pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the first end of the rocker arm. An output cam is pivotally coupled to the second end of the link arm, and engages a corresponding cam follower of the engine. A spring biases the roller into contact with the cam lobe and biases the output cam toward a starting angular orientation.

Abstract: Fixed-dried red blood cells (RBCs), and processes for preparing the same are disclosed. The red blood cells, upon reconstitution with distilled water or appropriate buffer: bind oxygen with native affinities, have partial deformability, present minimal thrombogenicity to platelets, and have oblated blood group antigens. The RBCs are preferably fixed by means of cross-linkers with aldehyde functions such as paraformaldehyde or glutaraldehyde either alone or in combination. Native oxygen kinetics are achieved by preparing the red blood cells with 1,6-diphosphofructose. Blood group antigens and chemical functions that render the lyophilized RBCs thrombogenic are occluded by chemically attaching polyoxyethylene glycol polymers to the surface membrane of the red blood cells. The cross-linked red blood cells are preferably died by lyophilization.