Cam-to-valve Relationship Patents (Class 123/90.16)
  • Patent number: 11982211
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and control systems for a switching rocker arm assembly are disclosed. A switching rocker arm (10) engages a valve (29), the switching rocker arm (10) is movable by contact with a cam (60) having a lift portion (59) and a base circle (58). The switching rocker arm (10) comprises an inner arm (20), an outer arm (12) pivotably secured to the inner arm (20) and having a latch bore, and a latch pin (28) selectively movable between a first position where the latch pin (28) does not contact the inner arm (20), and a second position wherein the latch pin (28) contacts the inner arm (20). A solenoid assembly (500) is energized while the rocker arm is in contact with the lift portion (59) of the cam. The solenoid assembly is direct-acting and overhead and is calibratable with respect to the rocker arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Andrei D. Radulescu, Andrew Lee
  • Patent number: 11946827
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided to test valves. The apparatus includes a support structure and a plurality of engagement members coupled to the support structure. Each member of the plurality of engagement members is coupled with a valve of a valve train associated with an engine head. The apparatus further includes a camshaft, which includes a plurality of lobes coupled to the support structure. Each lobe of the plurality of lobes are equally spaced from each other and coupled to a member of the plurality of engagement members. The apparatus further includes a driving mechanism coupled to the camshaft, which is configured to rotate the camshaft and control each member of the plurality of engagement members to further control an activation of each valve of the valve train associated with the engine head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaleb Stephens, John Michael Scelsi
  • Patent number: 11898470
    Abstract: A rocker assembly for a type III center pivot valvetrain comprises a rocker arm having a cam end, a center pivot bore, and a valve end which includes a first actuator bore and a second actuator bore. The rocker assembly further comprises a cylinder deactivation actuator arranged in the first actuator bore. The cylinder deactivation actuator comprises a hydraulically actuated latch assembly configured to selectively switch between a latched configuration and an unlatched configuration and a mechanical lash-setting sleeve distanced from a travel stop defined within the first actuator bore. The cylinder deactivation actuator further comprises a latch step disposed below the mechanical lash-setting sleeve and extending into the first actuator bore. The hydraulically actuated latch assembly is configured to selectively travel between the travel stop and the latch step when the hydraulically actuated latch assembly is in the latched configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Pritam Gopal Edke, Nikhil Saggam, Nicola Andrisani
  • Patent number: 11828205
    Abstract: A latch assembly comprises a latch pin configured to reciprocate in a latch bore. The latch pin comprises a main body comprising a first plug end, a second plug end, and a clearance between the first plug end and the second plug end. The latch pin is configured to selectively move in the latch bore. A rocker arm assembly can comprise the latch assembly. An outer arm can be configured to rotate about a rocker shaft and comprise the latch bore. An inner arm can at least be partially disposed within the outer arm and configured to rotate. When the latch pin is in the activated position, the inner arm is configured to transfer force to the outer arm via the latch pin. When the latch pin is in the deactivated position, the inner arm is configured to move in the clearance and in the lost motion gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventor: Santosh Patil
  • Patent number: 11795883
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an engine includes: an engine with a cylinder; a throttle valve to adjust a flow rate of intake air supplied to the cylinder; a supercharger to supply supercharged air to the cylinder; an intake valve to supply intake air by selectively opening and closing the cylinder; a variable valve timing device to adjust opening and closing timings of the intake valve; a variable valve duration device to adjust an opening duration of the intake valve; and a controller to adjust the amount of air inside of the cylinder by fixing an intake valve opening (IVO) timing and adjusting an intake valve closing (IVC) timing through the variable valve timing device and the variable valve duration device from a time at which a demanded torque is input to a time at which the demanded torque is followed by the throttle valve or the supercharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hyeon Woo Kim, Back Sik Kim, Jinyoung Jung
  • Patent number: 11761360
    Abstract: A control method for a continuously variable valve lift mechanism includes: controlling a continuously variable valve lift mechanism to enter a limp mode when the continuously variable valve lift mechanism fails and disables an automatic valve lift changing function; driving and forcing the continuously variable valve lift mechanism to move to a maximum lift position; and triggering a self locking function to self lock the continuously variable valve lift mechanism at the maximum lift position when the continuously variable valve lift mechanism reaches the maximum lift position. A control system for a continuously variable valve lift mechanism, and a vehicle are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: GREAT WALL MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Tao Liu, Fabao Yang, Liming Xu, Ji Yin, Jiajia Hu, Luping Liu, Song Zhang, Yanlong Fang
  • Patent number: 11686224
    Abstract: A rocker assembly for a type III center pivot valvetrain comprises a rocker arm comprising a cam end, a center pivot bore, and a valve end. The valve end comprises a first actuator bore and a second actuator bore. A cylinder deactivation actuator is in the first actuator bore. An engine brake actuator is in the second actuator bore. The rocker assembly can be part of a valve assembly and can impart an engine braking function, a cylinder deactivation function, and a main lift function to first and second valves. It is also possible to impart an early exhaust valve opening, a main lift function, and a late exhaust valve closing to the engine braking valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Pritam Gopal Edke, Nikhil Saggam, Nicola Andrisani
  • Patent number: 11668366
    Abstract: A damping force adjustable shock absorber in2cludes an electromagnetic damping force adjustment device (17) having a damping force adjustment valve (18), and a solenoid (33) configured to variably adjust the damping force. The solenoid includes a coil (39) configured to generate a magnetic force by power supply, a movable iron core (43) located on an inner peripheral side of the coil, an anchor member (40) configured to attract the movable iron core. The movable iron core includes a thick cylindrical portion (43A) and a taper cylindrical portion (43B). The thick cylindrical portion includes a fixation hole (43A1) in which a shaft portion (44) is fixed. The taper cylindrical portion has an inner peripheral surface flaring so as to define a taper shape. A recessed portion (43A2) is formed around the fixation hole. The recessed portion allows hydraulic fluid to flow in an axial direction of the movable iron core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Shunsuke Mori, Hiroshi Murakami
  • Patent number: 11578625
    Abstract: A combined exhaust and engine brake rocker arm assembly configured to selectively open first and second exhaust valves, includes a rocker arm body, an exhaust rocker arm assembly formed in the rocker arm body, and an engine brake rocker arm assembly formed in the rocker arm body and configured to operate in a collapse mode and a rigid mode. The exhaust rocker arm assembly is configured to selectively engage a valve bridge to open the first and second exhaust valves, and the engine brake rocker arm assembly is configured to selectively engage the valve bridge to open only the first exhaust valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, Jr., Douglas J. Nielsen, Kshamta Bishnoi
  • Patent number: 11578679
    Abstract: An exhaust valve system for a two-stroke internal combustion engine having: at least one exhaust valve movable between open and closed positions; an actuator for moving the at least one exhaust valve; a valve position sensor; a controller communicating with the actuator and the valve position sensor. The controller being programmed for: controlling the actuator to attempt to move the at least one exhaust valve to a desired one of the open and closed positions; determining if the at least one exhaust valve has failed to reach the desired position based on the position of the at least one exhaust valve sensed by the valve position sensor; and controlling the actuator to move the at least one exhaust valve to an intermediate position when the at least one exhaust valve has failed to reach the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: BRP US INC.
    Inventors: Justin Johnson, Nathan Blank, Jeremiah Gillis
  • Patent number: 11549406
    Abstract: Valve clearance adjustment systems and related methods that can be used to quickly and easily establish and accurately fix a desired and consistent and replicable valve clearance gap in internal combustion engines with shaft mounted rocker arms where a manual valve lash adjustment is required. In some examples, valve adjustment systems include valve adjustment members that are movably disposed in rocker arms and that can be easily and selectively fixed in place in the rocker arm. Aspects also include indexing mechanisms (734, 822, 838) for quickly and easily setting a desired position of a valve adjustment screw in a rocker arm without needing to use a feeler gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventor: R. Bradford Fawley
  • Patent number: 11549404
    Abstract: An exhaust valve rocker arm assembly operable in a combustion engine mode and an engine decompression mode, the exhaust valve rocker arm assembly selectively opening first and second exhaust valves and including a rocker shaft, exhaust valve rocker arm assembly and a ball engine decompression mechanism. The exhaust valve rocker arm assembly has an exhaust rocker arm that receives the rocker shaft and is configured to rotate around the rocker shaft. The ball engine decompression mechanism is configured on the exhaust rocker arm and selectively actuates a valve plunger causing an exhaust valve to perform engine decompression. The ball engine decompression mechanism includes a capsule assembly having a capsule, a biasing member and a ball. The capsule has a cylindrical body that extends between a first end having an actuation face and a second end having a spring return face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventor: Mark VanWingerden
  • Patent number: 11542841
    Abstract: A rocker arm assembly operable in an engine drive mode and at least one of a late intake valve closing (LIVC) mode and an internal exhaust gas recirculation (iEGR) mode, the rocker arm assembly selectively opening first and second engine valves. The rocker arm assembly includes a rocker arm configured to rotate about a rocker shaft, and a reverse reset capsule assembly movable between (i) a locked position configured to perform one of an LIVC operation and an iEGR operation, and (ii) an unlocked position that does not perform the LIVC operation or the iEGR operation. An actuator assembly is configured to selectively move the reverse reset capsule assembly between the locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Pritam Edke, Nikhil Saggam, Nicola Andrisani
  • Patent number: 11466596
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reciprocating-piston machine, comprising a valve actuation device for at least one gas exchange valve, at least one valve stroke transmission device, which has at least one valve stroke transmission element, which is arranged between the gas exchange valve and the camshaft and which is mounted for movement between a first Position associated with a closed Position of the gas exchange valve and a second Position associated with an open position of the gas exchange valve, at least one halting device having a halting element mounted for movement between an actuation position and a release position in a machine housing or a housing-fixed component parallel to a guiding surface of the first valve stroke transmission element that the halting element at least shows the displacement motion of the first valve stroke transmission element and releases said displacement motion in the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Gelter, Andreas Zurk
  • Patent number: 11448105
    Abstract: A valve mechanism includes a valve, a camshaft, an intermediate swing arm located between a cam and the valve, a lift regulating mechanism and a roller assembly. The cam drives the valve to move by means of the intermediate swing arm. The roller assembly is supported by the cam, an eccentric wheel of the lift regulating mechanism and an intermediate swing arm roller. A peripheral surface of the eccentric wheel includes a lift regulating section having a start point and an end point, a maximum lift point of the lift regulating section is located between the start point and the end point, and the lift regulating section is divided into a first section which is convex and a second section having at least a part thereof concave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: GREAT WALL MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Tao Liu, Ji Yin, Luping Liu, Liming Xu, Jiajia Hu, Fabao Yang, Song Zhang, Yanlong Fang, Lei Wang
  • Patent number: 11448104
    Abstract: A Type II valvetrain and engine brake arrangement includes a hydraulic brake housing mountable to a valve block of the engine. A brake piston is coupled to a brake rod and a brake cam lobe and is movable between an activated position and a non-activated position. A finger follower is disposed relative to the brake housing so that the brake rod engages the finger follower at least when the brake piston is in the activated position. When the brake piston is in a non-activated position, the finger follower is configured to pivot about a pivot as the finger follower follows a valve cam lobe to effect lifting and seating of a cylinder valve of an engine cylinder. When the brake piston is in the activated position, the finger follower, at least in part, pivots from about the pivot and the brake rod engages an end of the finger follower to lift the cylinder valve and release compression from the engine cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Neil S. Erickson
  • Patent number: 11441494
    Abstract: A bi-fuel internal combustion engine system includes a first fuel system, a second fuel system, and a bi-fuel internal combustion engine. The bi-fuel internal combustion engine is configured to selectively consume one of a first fuel received from the first fuel system and a second fuel received from the second fuel system. The bi-fuel internal combustion engine includes a camshaft and a valve assembly. The camshaft has a cam. The valve assembly is positioned adjacent the camshaft and configured to interface with the cam. The valve assembly is selectively repositionable between a first position and a second position. The bi-fuel internal combustion engine has a first dynamic compression ratio when the valve assembly is in the first position and a second dynamic compression ratio when the valve assembly is in the second position. The second dynamic compression ratio is greater than the first dynamic compression ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Kyle Perfetto
  • Patent number: 11396832
    Abstract: A valve timing adjusting device includes an intake variable valve mechanism and an exhaust variable valve mechanism. The exhaust variable valve mechanism includes an exhaust electric driving portion and an exhaust phase shifting portion including an input shaft. The exhaust phase shifting portion is disposed in a rotation transmission path between an exhaust camshaft and a crankshaft and configured to shift a rotation phase of the exhaust camshaft. The input shaft rotates in a rotational direction opposite to a rotational direction of the crankshaft when advancing the rotation phase. A phase of the exhaust phase shifting portion is configured to be shifted to a most advanced angle phase when the exhaust electric driving portion is de-energized or fails and when the exhaust phase shifting portion receives a torque in a forward rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuaki Nemoto, Akio Imai
  • Patent number: 11377984
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling device for a valve-actuating device for actuating at least one valve of a reciprocating machine having variable valve lift, in particular for a valve-actuating device of a reciprocating internal combustion engine, to a valve-actuating device and to a reciprocating machine, the coupling device comprising a first coupling element, a second coupling element and a blocking means. The first coupling element and the second coupling element can be displaced relative to one another at least within defined boundaries along a first axis, it being possible for the blocking means to block the relative displacement of the two coupling elements with respect to one another along the first axis at least in a first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Klampfer, Andreas Zurk, Thomas Salmutter, Jürgen Gelter
  • Patent number: 11371396
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a switchable actuation device (100) for a gas exchange valve. The switchable actuation device (100) comprises a two-piece rocker arm (10). Said rocker arm comprises a first rocker arm portion (1a), which is mounted pivotably about a rocker arm shaft (2) and to which a bearing sleeve (1a1) is fastened concentrically with the rocker arm shaft (2), and a second rocker arm portion (1b) mounted pivotably on the bearing sleeve (1a1). Furthermore, both the first and the second rocker arm portions (1a, 1b) each comprise a cut-out (3a, 3b), wherein a locking element (4a) of a coupling device (4) of the switchable actuation device (100) can optionally be brought into and out of engagement with the two cut-outs (3a, 3b). An actuation of the poppet valve, preferably a change between a closed position and an open position of the poppet valve, is interrupted if the locking element (4a) is not in engagement with the two cut-outs (3a, 3b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
    Inventors: Johannes Hollweck, Thorsten Bachmann
  • Patent number: 11333098
    Abstract: An engine controller calculates a pulsation correction value based on actuation states of an air bypass valve (ABV) and a wastegate valve (WGV) that change the shape of intake and exhaust flow passages of an exhaust turbocharger. The pulsation correction value is used to compensate for an output error of an airflow meter caused by intake pulsation. The engine controller also calculates a fuel injection amount of an injector, based on an output of the airflow meter that has been corrected based on the pulsation correction value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akito Uchida, Koji Aso
  • Patent number: 11326482
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a valve system for actuating two cylinder valves in an engine. In one example, the valve system may include a single pump and a solenoid valve capable of non-concurrently actuating the two cylinder valves coupled to separate cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Shelby
  • Patent number: 11319840
    Abstract: A rocker arm assembly comprises a valve side rocker arm portion, a cam side rocker arm portion configured to selectively rotate relative to the valve side rocker arm portion, and a latch pin assembly disposed in the valve side rocker arm portion and in the cam side rocker arm portion. Portions of the latch pin assembly are configured to move so that when the cam side rocker arm portion selectively rotates, the valve side rocker arm portion switches among a full lift mode, a partial lift mode, and a lost motion lift mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Mark Van Wingerden, Douglas J. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 11313288
    Abstract: A method of two-step variable valve lift (VVL) malfunction avoidance learning control may include: in a two-step VVL system which is operated with a main lift and a secondary lift, verifying, by an electronic control unit (ECU), an operation avoidance area based on locking of a lock pin of a cam follower ; performing VVL operation learning, in which a failure of occurrence of the second lift is determined on the basis of a locking failure of the cam follower due to an initially set value of the operation avoidance area; and reflecting the operation avoidance area to the two-step VVL system with a corrected set value which is obtained through the VVL operation learning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jae-Hyeok Song
  • Patent number: 11313259
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, a linkage is provided between an auxiliary motion source and a main motion load path, such that motions received by the linkage from the auxiliary motion source result in provision of a first force to at least one engine valve and a second force to the main motion load path in a direction toward a main motion source. Where an automatic lash adjuster is associated with the main motion load path, the second force may be selected to aid in the control of lash adjustments made by the automatic lash adjuster. In various embodiments, the linkage may be embodied in an mechanical linkage, whereas in other embodiments, an hydraulic linkage may be employed. The linkage may be incorporated into, or otherwise cooperate, a valve bridge or a rocker arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Jo, Justin Baltrucki, David Ferreira, Neenad Wamane
  • Patent number: 11313258
    Abstract: A continuous variable valve duration apparatus includes a cam unit, a cam formed on the cam unit, a camshaft inserted into the cam, a guide bracket, a guide shaft mounted on the guide bracket and disposed perpendicular to the camshaft, wherein a guide screw thread is formed on the guide shaft, a wheel housing disposed within the guide bracket, an inner wheel rotatably inserted into the wheel housing and movable perpendicular to the camshaft, a worm wheel disposed within the wheel housing, wherein an inner screw thread configured to engage with the guide screw thread is formed inside the worm wheel and an outer screw thread is formed on the worm wheel, a control shaft, a control worm formed on the control shaft, and a wheel elastic portion mounted to the wheel housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: You Sang Son, In Sang Ryu, Kyoung-Pyo Ha, Dongheon Park, Back Sik Kim, Seung Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 11313253
    Abstract: A rocker arm can comprise a cam arm, a valve arm, a lost motion spring, and a pair of deactivatable latches configured to impede travel of the cam arm with respect to the lost motion spring and configured to enable the cam arm to collapse the lost motion spring. The cam arm can comprise a cam interface, a spring pressing area, a cam arm body, and a pivot axle connection. The valve arm can comprise a valve arm body, a rocker shaft bore, a latch socket, and lost motion spring mount. A pivot axle can connect the valve arm body to the cam arm body. Alternatively, a latch socket in a valve arm neck comprises a latch assembly whereby a deactivatable latch is configured to impede motion of the cam arm and to collapse so the cam arm can collapse the lost motion spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Mark Van Wingerden, Ryan Krieger
  • Patent number: 11300014
    Abstract: A switching finger follower for an engine valve train utilizes an adjustable support assembly that eliminates potential for partial engagement during operation. A lever engagement member or latch is disposed for movement on the follower body and interacts with a lever to provide a constant contact geometry. The finger follower may be configured as a lost motion device and may include a biasing assembly and a travel limiter. The latch may support the lever in at least one precise position and may support the lever in a second position for partial lost motion, or permit the lever to pivot free of the latch for complete lost motion, as in cylinder deactivation applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Mandell, Justin D. Baltrucki, Gabriel S. Roberts, Robb Janak
  • Patent number: 11300015
    Abstract: A valvetrain for a type II engine comprises a valve bridge, a switching rocker arm, a center capsule, a first auxiliary rocker arm, and a first auxiliary capsule. The selectively switching rocker arm is configured to switch configurations to transfer a first valve actuation profile from a first overhead cam lobe to the valve bridge center point and to transfer a second valve actuation profile from a second overhead cam lobe to the center point. The center capsule is configured to switch between an active state and a lost motion state. The first auxiliary rocker arm is configured to transfer a first auxiliary valve actuation profile from a third overhead cam lobe to the valve bridge first valve mounting area. The valvetrain can further comprise a second auxiliary rocker arm and a second auxiliary capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, Jr., Mihai Dorobantu
  • Patent number: 11286818
    Abstract: A modular exhaust valve rocker arm assembly system comprising first and second rocker arm assemblies configured to each selectively receive a hydraulic lash adjustment assembly or a mechanical lash adjustment assembly. A main lifter assembly operably associated with the first and second rocker arm assemblies. An added motion lifter assembly operably associated with the first rocker arm assembly and configured to selectively provide one of an early lift profile and an extended lift profile, which can comprise at least one of an engine braking feature, a late intake valve closing (LIVC) feature, and an early exhaust valve opening (EEVO) feature. The main lifter can be configured as a fixed lifter or as a deactivating lifter for cylinder deactivation (CDA) configured to selectively move to a deactivated state configured to absorb motion of a normal lift profile cam into lost motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, Jr., Mark Van Wingerden
  • Patent number: 11286817
    Abstract: A rocker arm assembly comprises a valve side rocker arm portion, a cam side rocker arm portion configured to selectively rotate relative to the valve side rocker arm portion, and a latch pin assembly disposed in the valve side rocker arm portion and in the cam side rocker arm portion. A latch pin assembly is disposed for selective switching in the valve side latch bore and in the cam side latch bore. At least a portion of the latch pin assembly is configured so that when the latch pin assembly is selected to switch from a latched condition to the unlatched condition, and when the cam side rocker arm portion selectively rotates, the latch pin assembly is configured to retract from the forces of the rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Andrei D. Radulescu, Mark Van Wingerden, Douglas J. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 11280229
    Abstract: An actuation apparatus for actuating one or more components of a respective one or more switchable valve train devices of a first group of switchable valve train devices, and for actuating one or more components of a respective one or more switchable valve train devices of a second group of switchable valve train devices, the actuation apparatus including: a body rotatable by an actuation source about a rotation axis; a first shaft including a first set of one or more levers for actuating the one or more components of the first group of switchable valve train devices, the first shaft including a first element for contacting the body and moveable by the body in use to cause the first shaft to rotate; and a second shaft including a second set of one or more levers for actuating the one or more components of the second group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Mirko Guaschino, Nicola Andrisani, Jan Kindermann, Yuriy Mysak
  • Patent number: 11274576
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a preassembled module of a variable-lift valve train for an internal combustion engine. The module includes an electric linear actuator that lies on a top side of a base plate of the module. A slide plate, movable by the electric linear actuator by means of a linear guide, also lies on the top side of the base plate. A retaining wall extends under a bottom side of the base plate and has two actuation fingers. A free end of each actuation finger includes a contact surface for moving a coupling slide of a switchable rocker arm. In a region of an outer transverse side of the slide plate, a contact wall arranged in front of the electric linear actuator extends upward. The contact wall contacts an actuation pin of the electric linear actuator to move the slide plate in a longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Benedikt Noe
  • Patent number: 11261818
    Abstract: A vehicle control system for a powertrain including an internal combustion engine having an intake valve and an exhaust valve in a vehicle includes an electronic control unit (ECU) operable to control a continuously variable valve duration (CVVD) of the intake and exhaust valves in the engine, a communicator operable to receive an input data from at least one input system, and a storage device having predetermined calibration value. The ECU of the vehicle control system is configured to reference the predetermined calibration values based on a received input data, determines to adjust the CVVD of the intake and exhaust valves, and send a signal to the engine for changing an overlap area of the CVVD. The vehicle control system operates a process for controlling the CVVD of the engine as a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, KIA Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Dean Schlingmann
  • Patent number: 11261764
    Abstract: A rocker arm assembly constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes an outer rocker arm and an inner rocker arm. The outer rocker arm has a first roller configuration that rotates around a first axis. The inner rocker arm has a second roller configuration that rotates around a second axis. The inner rocker arm is configured to move between a latched and unlatched position relative to the outer rocker arm. One of the first and second axes is positioned for alignment over an engine valve. The other of the first and second axes is offset from the engine valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, Jr., Dale Arden Stretch
  • Patent number: 11236643
    Abstract: An actuation apparatus for actuating a component of a switchable valve train device of an internal combustion engine including: a shaft; an actuation lever mounted on the shaft for pivotal motion of the actuation lever between a first position for actuation of the component and a second position for de-actuation of the component; and a biasing means for urging the actuation lever from the second position towards the first position. In use, the biasing means is biased when an actuation source attempts to cause the actuation lever to be in the first position when the component is non-actuatable, such that the biasing means causes the actuation lever to pivot from the second position to the first position, thereby to actuate the component when the component becomes actuatable again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Nicola Andrisani, Jan Kindermann, Mirko Guaschino, Yuriy Mysak
  • Patent number: 11236642
    Abstract: An engine valve actuation system includes a rotatable camshaft, a first valve lifter, and a second valve lifter, structured to actuate valves in an engine in response to rotation of cams of the camshaft. The engine valve actuation system includes an anti-rotation device having a collar with a sleeve portion and a boss portion, and a bridge connector structured to couple with one of the valve lifters. Another one of the valve lifters is slidably received in the sleeve portion. The anti-rotation device reciprocates with the one of the valve lifters, and each of the valve lifters is restricted from rotation during service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence Lee Szmania, Kshitij Anilkumar Shah, Vikram Kulkarni, Sivakumar Dharmaraj
  • Patent number: 11215088
    Abstract: A preassembled module for a variable-lift valve drive of an internal combustion engine is provided for installation into a cylinder head. The module has a base plate with an electric linear actuator which lies on an upper side of the base plate. A guide plate, which lies on the upper side, has an outer side wall arranged to guide a slide piece. The guide piece extends below the base plate two downwardly pointing actuating fingers. Each respective actuating finger has a contact surface for moving a transverse coupling slide of a switchable rocker arm. The slide piece has a bracket which protrudes over the guide plate with a contact landing arm which runs transversely relative to the electric linear actuator. An actuator-side end of the contact landing arm is in contact with an actuating pin of the electric linear actuator to move the slide piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Biermann, Benedikt Noe, Martin Steigerwald, Michael Pribek, Frank Himsel
  • Patent number: 11208921
    Abstract: A switching finger may operate in two or three states or positions and cooperate with a single motion source to achieve methods of operating an engine in corresponding two or three modes. The modes may include cylinder deactivation, main event or auxiliary modes, including lost motion braking, LIVC and EEVO. A follower for an engine valve train utilizes an adjustable support assembly that eliminates potential for partial engagement during operation. A lever engagement member or latch is disposed for movement on the follower body and interacts with a lever to provide a constant contact geometry. The latch may support the lever in one or more precise positions, or permit the lever to pivot free of the latch for complete lost motion, as in cylinder deactivation applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Mandell, Gabriel S. Roberts, Robb Janak
  • Patent number: 11208922
    Abstract: An actuation transmission apparatus for actuating a latching arrangement for latching and unlatching a first body and a second body of a switchable valve train component of an internal combustion engine, the latching arrangement being biased from an unlatched position where the first body and the second body are unlatched towards a latched position where the latching arrangement latches the first body and the second body together, the actuation transmission apparatus including: a shaft rotatable by an actuation source; a contacting element for contacting the latching arrangement; and a biasing device for biasing the contacting element rotationally with respect to the shaft. In use, the biasing device becomes biased by the shaft when the actuation source rotates the shaft when the actuation source attempts to actuate the latching arrangement to the unlatched position, via the contacting element, when the latching arrangement is in an un-actuatable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventor: Matthew Vance
  • Patent number: 11203953
    Abstract: A switchable finger follower, including an inner lever and an outer lever. The outer lever includes a pocket defined by two outer arms that extend along longitudinal sides of the inner lever. The outer lever is mounted for pivoting movement at the first end of the inner lever by a pivot axle, and a respective outer roller is separately mounted on an outer side of each of the two outer arms. A coupling device is located on one of the inner or outer levers and has a coupling pin arranged to move between a locking position, in which the inner and outer levers are connected together for movement in an activation direction, and an unlocked position, in which the inner lever is pivotable relative to the outer lever. A method of assembling a finger lever with outer rollers connected to the two outer arms is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Faheem Ahmed, Sumukha Nagaraj
  • Patent number: 11193396
    Abstract: A pre-assembled module for a variable-stroke valve drive of an internal combustion engine is provided. The module includes a base plate having at least one projecting guide plate, an e-linear actuator positioned on the projecting guide plate, and a longitudinally guided push rod with two adjusting fingers extending along a wall of the guide plate. Each respective adjusting finger has a contact surface for displacement of a transverse coupling slide of a switchable cam follower. A rocker arm, having first and second arms, is suspended on an underside of the base plate; the first arm in contact with an adjusting pin of the linear actuator; and, the second arm in contact with the push rod for displacement thereof in a first direction. A spring means for displacement of the push rod in a second direction is arranged between the push rod and the guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Biermann, Benedikt Noe, Martin Steigerwald, Michael Pribek, Frank Himsel
  • Patent number: 11193401
    Abstract: A valve gear includes a lost motion mechanism including a lost motion spring. A pillar is inserted into the lost motion spring, and a seat supports a lower end portion of the lost motion spring. A protrusion is provided on an opposite side of the seat from the lost motion spring. When viewed from an axial direction of the lost motion mechanism, the protrusion does not project out of the seat. By fitting the protrusion into the recess of the cylinder head, the seat, i.e., the lost motion mechanism is attached to the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuo Okamoto
  • Patent number: 11187119
    Abstract: Shown is a latch pin for use in a valve lifter and a valve lifter including the same. The latch pin for selectively latching within a pin chamber provided in the valve lifter is configured as a whole as a cylindrical pin with one end in the shape of a spherical crown, wherein a stepped flat is formed on radially one side of said one end and is dimensioned to be received within the pin chamber to engage with an axial latching surface thereof. On the top side of said one end, a first relief is formed by beveling the spherical crown, and on the radially other side opposite to the stepped flat across said first relief, a second relief is formed by beveling the spherical crown, wherein the second relief radially adjoins the first relief and circumferentially adjoins a remaining pin face in the shape of the spherical crown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Jason M. Jensen, Matthew A. Vance, Douglas R. Cornett
  • Patent number: 11187118
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a charge changing control device for a reciprocating engine, comprising at least one cam follower configured for being pivotably actuated around a pivot axis (P) upon rotational movement of a camshaft, and an adjustment unit configured for setting at least three different charge-changing modes of the device by translationally displacing the pivot axis relative (P) to a rotational axis (R) of the camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Carsten Rickert, Eike Sixel, Pay Brodersen, Heiner Otte
  • Patent number: 11181018
    Abstract: A Type II valvetrain and engine brake arrangement includes a brake housing defining a hydraulic circuit and a follower piston chamber and a brake piston chamber. A follower piston in the follower piston chamber is configured to follow a rotating brake cam lobe. A brake piston in the brake piston chamber is in pressure responsive relation with the follower piston to move. A finger follower is disposed so that a brake rod coupled to the brake piston engages the finger follower at least when the brake piston is in an activated position. When the brake piston is the activated position, the finger follower pivots from a first end about a pivot as the finger follower follows a valve cam lobe to effect lifting and seating of a cylinder valve. When the brake piston is activated, the finger follower, at least in part, pivots from the first end about the pivot and the brake rod lifts the cylinder valve and released compression from the engine cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Neil S. Erickson, John Mandell
  • Patent number: 11181013
    Abstract: A novel cylinder head arrangement for an in-line four cylinder or eight cylinder engine. A modified arrangement allows additional space for installation of wider rocker arm assemblies used for variable valve lift (VVL), cylinder deactivation (CDA) and other types of variable valve actuation (VVA). In one embodiment, cam towers adjacent the end two cylinders are not used. At least one end support is used, which may be an outboard bearing on a camshaft for each end. The wider rocker assemblies may then be installed. In another embodiment, cam towers adjacent the inner two cylinders are eliminated and a single camshaft support piece with a support bearing is installed between the inner cylinders to provide support for the camshafts. The wider rocker assemblies may then be installed on at least one of the middle cylinders. A novel oil control valve operates latches in switching rocker arm assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: David Gerard Genise, Andrei Dan Radulescu
  • Patent number: 11162398
    Abstract: A cam having at least two part cams are arranged axially behind one another along a longitudinal axis includes an undercut between the cam parts. The part cams have running faces which lie radially on the outside of the part cams and have different variable running face contours. The undercut has a profile with a variable contour which is dependent in each case on that adjacent running face contour which is at a smaller radial spacing from the longitudinal axis than the other running face contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Neumayer Tekfor Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Daniel Schoener
  • Patent number: 11162392
    Abstract: A valve operating device, in particular for an internal combustion engine, has a camshaft, a cam unit mounted in an axially moveably manner on the camshaft, and an actuator unit which has an actuator for displacing the cam unit on the camshaft. The actuator is periodically mechanically forcibly decoupled during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Thomas Stolk, Alexander Von Gaisberg-Helfenberg
  • Patent number: 11143064
    Abstract: In an electromagnetic latch assembly of a type that includes an armature, an electromagnet operative to actuate the armature, a latch pin, and a rigid metal structure that supports both the electromagnet and the latch pin, the latch pin is attached to the armature through a bendable connection. The electromagnet may be mounted to or housed within the metal structure. The latch pin may protrude from the rigid metal structure and may be guided by the metal structure. The bendable connection couples translation of the armature to translation of the latch pin while allowing the two parts to move independently to some degree. The bendable connection may reduce forces on the armature that could cause the armature to bend or stick. Those forces may result from misalignment between the latch pin and the armature or from the latch pin being driven off axis under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Austin Robert Zurface, Dale Arden Stretch, Brian Karl Vandeusen