Housings Patents (Class 123/90.38)
  • Patent number: 6860010
    Abstract: A method of forming a valve cover suitable for attachment to an engine head is disclosed. The valve cover is molded from a plastic material to include at least one structure of a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system. Additionally, the design of the valve cover includes various advantages including, for example, structural integrity, ease of installation or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart R. Jones, Daryl J. Hertema, Ravi Ramanathan, Sam L. Crabtree
  • Patent number: 6832587
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a valve cover for internal combustion engines with at least one overhead camshaft, wherein bearings for the camshaft(s) are embedded in a polymeric plastic material constituting the valve cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Dipl. -Ing Torsten Wampula, Ralf Göttel, Josef Ludwig
  • Patent number: 6830021
    Abstract: Several embodiments of simplified structures for internal combustion engine timing drives that limit undesirable degrees of movement of a flexible transmitter pivotal arm by providing one or more projections on a removable component of the engine such as the cylinder head gasket that provide contacting edges that cooperate with the tensioner arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Y.E.D.
    Inventor: Shinji Higashide
  • Patent number: 6823825
    Abstract: An oil supply structure for an engine cylinder head is disclosed. In an engine having a variable valve timing apparatus utilizing oil pressure as an operational power source to smoothly supply lubricating oil for the cylinder head and an operational oil for the variable valve timing apparatus in a clean state, the arrangement of passages allows for ease of installation and maintenance of the components of the oil temperature sensor and oil control valve comprising the variable valve timing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Gyu-Han Hwang, Bong-Sang Lee, Seung-Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 6805083
    Abstract: A cam cover gasket 207 is provided which includes a generally compliant first material 210 having an upper surface for contact with a cover 200 and a lower surface for contact with an engine head 2, a generally rigid bracket frame of a second material 222 connected with the first material 210, and a solenoid actuator 232 connected with the second material 222.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Kaczmarek, Deborah M. Bjorge, Keith David Gosdzinski, Kim Ku, Mark Alan Zagata
  • Publication number: 20040144349
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a valve cover for internal combustion engines with at least one overhead camshaft, wherein bearings (2) for the camshaft(s) are embedded in a polymeric plastic material constituting the valve cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Dipl. - Ing Torsten Wampula, Ralf Gottel, Josef Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20040069258
    Abstract: A cam cover gasket 207 is provided which includes a generally compliant first material 210 having an upper surface for contact with a cover 200 and a lower surface for contact with an engine head 2, a generally rigid bracket frame of a second material 222 connected with the first material 210, and a solenoid actuator 232 connected with the second material 222.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Kaczmarek, Deborah M. Bjorge, Keith David Gosdzinski, Kim Ku, Mark Alan Zagata
  • Patent number: 6705263
    Abstract: In a handheld type four-cycle engine, a valve operation mechanism includes a camshaft rotatably supported in a cylinder head so as to open and close an intake valve and an exhaust valve and a timing transmission placed on one side outside an engine main body and providing association between a crankshaft and the camshaft, and a centrifugal clutch for power output is mounted on the crankshaft on the opposite side outside the engine main body. The timing transmission and the centrifugal clutch being positioned at the two ends of the crankshaft improves the weight balance, the centre of gravity of the engine can be made as close to the central part of the crankshaft as possible, which, together with the reduced weight, can enhance the operability of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keita Ito, Koji Kasai, Takao Nishida, Yasuhiro Shimizu, Takeshi Maeda, Yasutake Ryu
  • Publication number: 20040031460
    Abstract: An air cleaner, intake manifold, and valve cover are integrated together for attachment to a vehicle engine. The air cleaner is positioned directly between the intake manifold and valve cover to provide a compact induction module. The induction module is mounted to the engine as a single unit. A throttle body is also incorporated into the intake manifold. A tube interconnects the air cleaner and the throttle body. An air filter is installed within the air cleaner to remove contaminants from air prior to entry into the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Vanderveen, Vlad Negrut
  • Patent number: 6691667
    Abstract: A casing cover (1, 10, 22) for an internal-combustion engine, particularly valve covers or oil pans, to be mounted detachably and fluid-tight to an engine block (5, 13, 23), having an elastomer seal profile (3, 12, 28) disposed at the peripheral edge (2, 11) of the casing cover (1, 10, 22), and an inside (6, 17), axial extension (7, 14, 26) oriented in the direction of the engine block (5, 13, 23) disposed at the edge (2, 11) of the casing cover (1, 10, 22). The extension projects axially beyond the sealing surface (4, 15) of the engine block when the cover is installed, and a seal (20, 29) is disposed at least between the axial extension (7, 14, 26) and the engine block (5, 13, 23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Sealing Systems Bretten GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ralf Salameh
  • Patent number: 6688265
    Abstract: In a camshaft adjustment device for an internal combustion engine, with at least one sensor unit and one actuator unit, at least two functional units are supported on a common carrier unit and combined into a module for mounting on the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Thomas Gramkow, Kai Lehmann, Georg Leipner
  • Patent number: 6684836
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided which comprises a variable valve timing mechanism provided at an end of a camshaft and actuated by oil pressure for varying a valve timing, an oil pressure control valve that controls the oil pressure, and an oil passage fluidly connecting between the oil pressure control valve and the variable valve timing mechanism, wherein the oil pressure control valve is installed on a head cover, and wherein the oil passage includes a first oil passage section formed in the camshaft and in communication with the variable valve timing mechanism, a second oil passage section formed in the head cover and in communication with the oil pressure control valve, and a third oil passage section formed in the cam bracket and provides communication between the first oil passage section and the second oil passage section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahito Inoue
  • Patent number: 6609487
    Abstract: A composite o-ring seal enables a wiring harness to extend from an exterior of the valve cover to an interior portion of the valve cover. The composite o-ring seal has at least one wire and an outer casing molded about the at least one wire. An entry opening extends from the outer casing at a first location and an exit opening extends from the outer casing at a second location. The entry and exit openings allow the wire to extend from the outer casing so that it may be connected between components on opposing sides of the valve cover without having to modify the engine block or other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Daniel C. Morris
  • Patent number: 6591801
    Abstract: A sealed cover, such as an engine valve or rocker cover, is mounted on an engine with balanced grommets which support the cover through equal compression loads on inner and outer sides of the cover. A sealing surface of the cover is positioned with a fixed gap from a facing sealing surface of a cylinder head or other engine component. The gap is sealed by a liquid RTV seal material that is vulcanized in place at room temperature after installation of the cover. The arrangement separates the function of noise isolation from the sealing function performed by the RTV material so that the specifications of the sealing material and the noise isolating grommet material can be varied as desired to perform their separate functions without a change in one affecting the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Carl Eric Fonville
  • Patent number: 6591930
    Abstract: A motorcycle engine capable of being supported within a frame. The engine includes a cylinder head having an upper peripheral edge and a valve cover having an assembled width and a lower peripheral edge substantially corresponding in shape to the upper peripheral edge of the cylinder head. The valve cover includes first and second portions coupled together along an engagement surface that does not extend across the entire assembled width of the valve cover. The second portion is separable from the first portion along the engagement surface to facilitate removal of the first portion from the engine. In one aspect of the invention, the first and second portions are separate castings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Coughlin, Brent Lincoln Reid Thompson, Brian Scott Kennedy, Andreas Schneider, Klaus Fuoss
  • Publication number: 20030089323
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided with at least two cylinder banks whose cylinder heads are sealed by cylinder head covers. To ventilate the crankcase from the blow-by gases, ventilation lines are connected to the cylinder head covers and communicate with a negative pressure source, e.g., an intake pipe. The inside of the cylinder head cover is provided with structure for pre-separating the oil from the blow-by gases. An oil separation chamber is equipped with an inlet and an outlet opening, each as a part of the crankcase ventilation in the cylinder head covers. The oil separation chambers communicate with the respective camshaft space through their inlet openings. This arrangement ensures reliable crankcase ventilation in which a portion of the oil carried along by the blow-by gases can already be separated in the cylinder head cover and returned to the camshaft spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Werner Gschwindt, Thomas Wasserbaech
  • Publication number: 20030084862
    Abstract: The invention concerns a magnet actuator for a camshaft controller, comprising a housing base body with receiving sections provided on the housing base body for receiving at least one magnetic body, wherein the magnetic body is provided for driving an actuating means which is disposed coaxially to the camshaft and which controls the camshaft. The invention is characterized in that the housing base body is made from plastic material, in particular fiber glass reinforced plastic material and that conductor paths are provided on the plastic material or injected into the plastic material which connect a central electric connection to the at least one magnet body and/or to the sensor elements detecting adjustment or motion of the camshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Pachmann, Jens Nicolai, Harald Barth, Kai Elmering, Ludwig Freund
  • Patent number: 6550440
    Abstract: An acoustic suppression arrangement 7 for a component undergoing induced vibration is provided. The arrangement 7 includes a component body 8 having an interior surface 9 and an exterior surface 11 having a panel portion 20. A containment plate 24 is provided having a spaced relationship from the panel portion. A first projector 25 is connected to the component body panel portion 20 and extends toward the containment plate 24. A second projector 30 is connected to the containment plate. A connector system 39, 45 is provided to connect the containment plate 24 to the component body 8 while placing the first and second projectors 25, 30 in an interference fit. Vibratory energy of the component body 8 is dissipated by frictional contact between the projectors 25, 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Allan Vrsek, Bruce Joseph Tobis, Furqan Zafar Shaikh, Ken Steven Fedeson, Kevin V. Tallio, Alexander Slocum
  • Patent number: 6539904
    Abstract: In a valve-operating mechanism in a 4-cycle engine, a timing transmitting device is disposed on one side of an engine body. A cam device includes a cam coupled to a driven pulley of the timing transmitting device on one side of a cylinder head, intake and exhaust rocker shafts rotatably carried in the cylinder head, intake and exhaust cam followers secured to one ends of the rocker shafts with their tip ends in sliding contact with the cam, and intake and exhaust rocker arms secured to the other ends of the intake and exhaust rocker shafts with their tip ends abutting against the intake and exhaust valves. Thus, the cam of the cam device can be disposed on one side of the cylinder head to effectively reduce the entire height of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keita Ito, Takao Nishida, Takeshi Maeda, Yasuhiro Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20030051680
    Abstract: In a system for lubricating a valve-operating mechanism in an engine including a head cover coupled to an upper end of a cylinder head, and a valve-operating chamber defined between the cylinder head and the head cover. An oil mist transfer means for transferring an oil mist in an oil tank, an oil recovery chamber for recovering the oil accumulated in the valve-operating chamber by suction and a breather chamber into which a blow-by gas is introduced from the valve-operating chamber lead to the valve-operating chamber. In the lubricating system, a gas-liquid separating chamber for separating oil drops from the oil mist fed from the transfer means to guide the oil mist containing no oil drops to the valve-operating chamber is disposed between the transfer means 61 and the valve-operating chamber. Thus, the oil mist containing no oil drops can be supplied to the valve-operating chamber to lubricate the valve-operating mechanism without a resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Keita Ito, Go Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20030037743
    Abstract: A casing cover (1, 10, 20) for an internal-combustion engine, particularly valve covers or oil pans, for being mounted detachably and fluid-tight to the engine block (5, 13, 21), having a peripheral edge that is profiled to receive an elastomer seal (3, 12) at the edge (2, 11) of the casing cover (1, 10, 20. The cover is provided with an axial extension (7. 14) that is oriented in the direction of the engine block (5, 13, 21) and is disposed at an inner portion of the edge (2, 11) of the casing cover (1, 10, 20). The extension is position to project axially beyond the sealing surface (4, 15), an engine lock wherein the casing cover is instructed so the casing cover is at least positioned correctly on the engine block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Ralf Salameh
  • Patent number: 6520134
    Abstract: A baffle for use in an interior of a cam cover and a method of making the baffle are disclosed. The baffle includes a structural layer, which is made of metal, and an isolation layer that is made of a resilient foam. The isolation layer is disposed on a surface of the structural layer in a pattern that leaves uncovered a portion of the surface of the structural layer. When the baffle is installed in the cam cover, the isolation layer provides an interface between the structural layer and the cam cover, which isolates the baffle from vibrations in the cam cover. Since the isolation layer is applied only where it is needed, the disclosed baffle and process use less material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. Plunkett, Thomas E. Staab, Kanu G. Shah
  • Patent number: 6505588
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine with two camshafts (4, 5) arranged side by side in the cylinder head (1), each having a mechanism (8, 9) for varying the control timing of gas exchange valves is provided. The feeding and discharge of the hydraulic pressure medium to and from the mechanisms (8, 9) takes place through electromagnetic control valves (15, 16), each including a cartridge which can be inserted into a valve holder (19, 20) and an attached electromagnet (23, 24) which has an electrical socket (27, 28) located on its clear front side (25, 26). The valve holders (19, 20) are constructed as separate flanged connectors which are situated directly above the bearings of the camshafts (4, 5) on the cylinder head of the engine in such a way that the control valves (15, 16) are situated beside each other with their cartridges facing away from each other and with their electromagnets (23, 24) facing each other along a common longitudinal axis running transverse to the longitudinal axis of the camshafts (4, 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: INA- Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Joachim Dietz
  • Patent number: 6499451
    Abstract: A control system for variable activation of valves in an internal combustion engine. A solenoid is disposed on the outer surface of the valve cam cover to avoid exposure to the hot-oil environment within the valve activation chamber. The solenoid armature extends through the cam cover into the valve activation chamber. A bellcrank is mounted between the solenoid armature and the latching pin of a latchable cam finger follower such that energizing and de-energizing of the solenoid causes corresponding actuation and deactuation of the finger follower, which may be suitable for high-lift and low-lift activation. Preferably, the bellcrank is compliant such that when the solenoid is actuated during the lift portion of the valve cycle the pin is placed under compression so that the pin is subsequently actuated into latching position when the follower moves to the base circle portion of the valve cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick J. Hendriksma, Wayne S. Harris
  • Publication number: 20020185094
    Abstract: An assembly to secure an engine camshaft is provided that includes: a cylinder head provided with a plurality of concave parts into which the camshafts are placed, the concave parts allowing for rotation of the camshafts; and a full cam carrier mounted to the cylinder head over the camshafts and allowing for the rotation of the camshafts, the full cam carrier including a plurality of ribs corresponding to positions of the concave parts and integrally formed to the full cam carrier at predetermined intervals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Ji-Min Yoon
  • Patent number: 6484679
    Abstract: In an engine valve operation mechanism, opposite ends of a support shaft that supports a cam in a rotatable manner are supported in a first support hole of a first support wall formed in a cylinder head and a second support hole of a second support wall placed inwardly from the first support wall relative to the cylinder head, thereby allowing the support shaft to be inserted into the first support hole and the second support hole from outside the cylinder head, and an inner face of a head cover prevents the support shaft from becoming detached from the first support hole. The axial movement of the cam support shaft can thereby be restricted without employing a special stopper member, and the leakage of lubricating oil for the support shaft can be prevented without using a special sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keita Ito, Takeshi Maeda, Takao Nishida
  • Patent number: 6484681
    Abstract: An outboard motor, which is improved for higher output energy, lower fuel consumption, and also simplified in layout of oil paths and facilitating maintenance of hydraulic control valves, includes an engine with a crank shaft, an engine body mounted to a mount case, and a valve driving mechanism for opening and closing intake valves and exhaust valves. The valve driving mechanism includes a valve operating characteristics variable mechanism of an hydraulic type, which changes operating characteristics of the intake and/or exhaust valves in accordance with the revolution speed of the engine. A hydraulic oil path for supplying the valve operating characteristics variable mechanism with hydraulic oil branches from a lubricant oil path for supplying bearing portions of a crank shaft and the valve driving mechanism with lubricant oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tatsuya Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20020129782
    Abstract: An over-head cam type V-type engine comprises a crank shaft provided to penetrate through a crank chamber, a cam shaft provided in a head portion of each of two cylinders provided above the crank chamber, an intermediate shaft provided to penetrate through the crank chamber, a chain chamber for accommodating a chain to transmit a rotation of the crank shaft to the intermediate shaft, a first chain tunnel for accommodating a chain to transmit a rotation of the intermediate shaft to the cam shaft of one of the first and second cylinders, a second chain tunnel for accommodating a chain to transmit the rotation of the intermediate shaft to the cam shaft of the other cylinder, forcible oil supply means for supplying a lubricating oil from an oil sump to the head portion of each of the first and second cylinders, a first lubricating oil feedback path formed to reach the oil sump from the head portion of one of the first and second cylinders through the first chain tunnel and the crank chamber, and a second lubricat
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Yuichi Kawamoto, Kiyohito Takano
  • Patent number: 6439176
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for controllably directing pressurized engine oil to deactivation valve lifters to activate or deactivate the associated engine intake and exhaust valves. Passages to the lifters are controllably opened or closed by a solenoid control valve responsive to signals from a computerized engine control system. Preferably, the hydraulic control system includes a top plate having a first pattern of channels and bores formed in its underside, and a bottom plate having a second such pattern formed in its upper surface. The top and bottom plates are joined to form a hydraulic distribution manifold mounted on the engine. In a presently preferred embodiment, a gasket plate having bores and patterns of resilient gasketing material is provided between the top and bottom plates to simplify fabrication of the top and bottom plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Natalie Payne, David McCarthy, Tammy Stewart (Petronis)
  • Publication number: 20020112684
    Abstract: A valve cover assembly comprising a valve cover (21) wherein the valve cover has a mating surface (26) adapted to be attached to a cylinder head (20) of an internal combustion engine having a continuous bead of adhesive (22) disposed on the mating surface (25). An engine assembly comprising one or more valve covers (21), which has a mating surface (26) and one or more cylinder heads (20) having mating surfaces (25) adapted to fit to the mating surfaces (26) of the valve covers (21) wherein each valve cover (21) is adhesively bonded to a cylinder head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Bart R. Jones, Eugene J. Nykyforiak, David H. Bank, Ravi Ramanathan, David W. Recktenwald
  • Patent number: 6435154
    Abstract: A front cover for an internal combustion engine comprises variable cam timing (VCT) controls integrated into the cover, including a variable force solenoid (VFS) and a cam position sensor located in front of and operably connected to a cam phaser. In an embodiment of the invention, the engine cover, once assembled, comprises a single unit having an electronic interface module (EIM), VFS and position sensor integrated within said cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Roger T. Simpson, Danny R. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6382158
    Abstract: A two piece valve cover with a removable top cover is constructed of thin gauge material for use on an internal combustion engine having an engine cylinder head and a plurality of valve rocker arms. The cover includes an elongated dome like upper portion which acts as a cover over the rocker arm and cylinder head area of the engine whose external continuous surface does not conform dimensionally with those of a peripheral base flange. A separate peripheral flange portion includes a sealing groove adapted for sealing engagement to the cylinder head through the use of a sealing gasket member. A plurality of apertures through the cover portion can be inserted to secure the cover to rigid flange portion. The outer rim of the top cover is forced into the O-ring groove by the downward action of the cover being attached to the base flange and an outward action of a tapered wedge design of a primary groove, thus forming a seal and the structural rigidity of a one piece product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Michael R Durnen
  • Patent number: 6378491
    Abstract: A hollow-cylindrical heat conduction portion is formed on a throttle body in such a way as to protrude outwardly therefrom in the radial direction. The throttle body and the heat conduction portion are integrally formed using metal material such as aluminum having excellent heat conductivity or resin material containing such a metal material. A vent hole communicating the interior with the exterior of a head cover is formed in the head cover. Through the vent hole there is inserted the heat conduction portion, and the clearance between an outer-peripheral wall thereof and an inner wall of the vent hole is sealed by means of a seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Ino, Katsuya Torii, Yuichiro Miura
  • Patent number: 6325033
    Abstract: A hydraulic tensioner for use on an internal combustion engine provided with a timing mechanism including a wrapping connecting member extended in a timing mechanism chamber defined by an end wall of a cylinder block provided with a main gallery opening into the timing mechanism chamber, and a timing mechanism covering structure, to transmit the rotation of a crankshaft to a camshaft. The hydraulic tensioner exerts pressure to the wrapping connecting member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the running direction of the wrapping connecting member. The hydraulic tensioner comprises a shoe held in direct contact with the wrapping connecting member, and a hydraulic tensioning device for biasing the shoe toward the wrapping connecting member. The hydraulic tensioning device is disposed in the timing mechanism chamber so as to cover the open end of the main gallery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Iwata
  • Patent number: 6308673
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine having a hydraulic valve characteristic control mechanism for altering phase of a cam driving a suction valve and an oil pressure control valve for controlling pressure of working oil supplied to the valve characteristic control mechanism, a chain chamber comprising a case formed by an engine main body and a cover closing the case. The oil pressure control valve is attached to the engine main body surrounded by a timing chain. In order to position the oil pressure control valve outside of the chain chamber, the cover has an opening for inserting the oil pressure control valve and the case has an attachment section around the oil pressure control valve to which a whole marginal edge of the opening is touched in liquid-tight and fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tosihiki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6308672
    Abstract: A modular vane cam phaser assembly for controllably and continuously varying the rotational phase between a camshaft and the crankshaft of a reciprocating internal combustion engine. The module includes a housing mountable to the front of an engine head, the housing supporting on an outer surface thereof a programmably-controllable spool valve for directing pressurized oil to an oil commutator extending into both the housing and a vane phaser wherein a rotor is bolted to the camshaft and a stator is bolted to a timing sprocket. The oil is distributed by the spool valve to opposite sides of the rotor vanes in response to signals generated by an induction cam rotation sensor and by other engine components and processed by a powertrain control module to advance or retard the opening of intake and/or exhaust valves in the engine. The housing is provided with internal passages for supplying oil from an engine port to the spool valve. Preferably, the oil is filtered by a thimble screen as it enters the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Howard Lichti, Michael James Fox
  • Patent number: 6302074
    Abstract: An intake manifold assembly and a valve cover is pivotally supported by the intake manifold assembly for rotational movement relative thereto. Preferably, a hinge assembly pivotally supports and connects the valve cover to the intake manifold assembly. During assembly of the engine, the intake manifold assembly is secured to a portion of a base engine assembly such as the cylinder head. Specifically, threaded fasteners may secure a flange of the intake manifold assembly which is adjacent to the hinge assembly to the cylinder head. The valve cover is rotated relative to the intake manifold assembly and into engagement with the cylinder head so that a valve cover gasket sealingly engages the cylinder head. Fasteners on a side of the valve cover opposite the hinge assembly secure the valve cover to the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventors: Graham Bolsover, Stephen E. Brackett
  • Patent number: 6302071
    Abstract: In an oil passage system of a valve moving control apparatus for an internal combustion engine having a hydraulic valve phase variable mechanism and a hydraulic valve characteristic changing mechanism, an oil pressure changing valve for changing operation of the valve characteristic changing mechanism is attached to a rear surface on exhaust side of a cylinder head, and a working oil supply passage is disposed at the exhaust side of the cylinder head. A phase operating oil passage leading to an oil pressure control valve for controlling operation of the valve phase variable mechanism is connected with the working oil supply passage at a downstream position of a branching portion where a change operating oil passage leading to the oil pressure changing valve branches from the working supply passage. In the phase operating oil passage formed in the cylinder head, flow of the phase operating oil is reversed by a cover which is provided at a front surface on suction side of the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tosihiki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6298814
    Abstract: A sectionalized rocker arm cover assembly (10) is utilized for diesel engine (14) applications having overhead high pressure fuel lines (26). The fuel lines (26) connect to fuel injectors (20) that protrude through a primary member (16) of the rocker arm cover assembly (10). The rocker arm cover assembly (10) is sectionalized longitudinally. Sectionalizing the cover assembly (10) obviates the need to dismantle the fuel lines (26) and permits easy access to service the rocker arms (29). The injectors (20) are disposed longitudinally and provide vertical support to the rocker arm cover assembly (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Pearlman, Jared Keyes
  • Patent number: 6289861
    Abstract: Three embodiments of twin overhead camshaft internal combustion engines employing variable valve timing mechanisms for each camshaft. In each embodiment, the variable valve timing mechanisms are supplied with hydraulic fluid from the engine lubricating system through a common supply passage that is formed in the cylinder head and disposed between the variable valve timing mechanism control valves. These control valves are, in turn, disposed between the camshafts at the front of the engine to provide a very compact assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6263844
    Abstract: An oil passage for an internal combustion engine having a timing chain entrained around a crank sprocket and a cam sprocket, the crank sprocket being mounted on a crankshaft of the engine, and the cam sprocket being positioned on a camshaft. A timing case is disposed on one side of the engine for enclosing the timing chain. The oil passage for supplying the engine oil to the actuator is connected at an upstream side thereof to a downstream side of an oil pump, while a downstream side of the oil passage is positioned inside the timing case and around the cam sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Ozeki, Kentaro Kondo
  • Patent number: 6257188
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine 1 in which an outer peripheral edge of a cylinder head cover 25 abuts against a cylinder head 2, and the cylinder head cover 25 is mounted on the cylinder head 2, a recessed portion 26 is formed in a central portion of the cylinder head cover as viewed in a widthwise direction perpendicular to a crankshaft, a coil spring 32 is loosely fitted over a connecting member 28 which is passed through the recessed portion 26 and has one end fixed to the cylinder head. The coil spring 32 in a compressed state is clamped by a bottom surface of the recessed portion 26 of the cylinder head cover 25 and a spring receiving portion 33 at another end of the connecting member 28. The coil spring 32, the connecting member 28, and the spring receiving portion 33 are accommodated within the recessed portion 26 of the cylinder head cover 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noriaki Fujii, Kouta Yoshiura
  • Patent number: 6250273
    Abstract: A crankcase includes first and second case halves which are coupled to each other at a parting plane extending to obliquely intersect the axis of first and second bearing portions. A cylinder barrel and the first bearing portion are formed by molding integrally on the first case half to form an engine block. The second bearing portion is formed by molding integrally on the second case half and a side cover is coupled to an outer side surface of the engine block to define a valve operating chamber for accommodation of a valve operating mechanism. Thus, the distance between the first and second bearing portions for supporting opposite ends of a crankshaft can be reduced without being interfered by the valve operating mechanism, thereby enhancing the durability of the crankshaft. The valve operating mechanism can be assembled after coupling of the first and second case halves forming the crankcase, whereby the assemblability of the valve operating mechanism can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasutake Ryu, Takao Nishida, Keita Ito
  • Patent number: 6247436
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is described having a crankshaft (14) and a camshaft, the ends of which project from a front end of the engine. A hydraulically operable variable valve actuation mechanism is mounted on the camshaft at the front end of the engine for driving the camshaft. A front cover (10) that overlies the end of the camshaft projecting from the front end of the engine, includes passages (40, 42) that are connected to supply oil under pressure from an engine driven pump (16) to the variable valve actuation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Mechadyne PLC
    Inventors: Timothy Mark Lancefield, Ian Methley
  • Patent number: 6247435
    Abstract: In an arrangement for providing electrical connections between an engine control unit and electric power consumers disposed on a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, particularly an electromagnetic valve control arrangement, wherein the cylinder head comprises a first housing part and a second housing part consisting of a frame structure mounted onto the first housing part. The second housing part includes electrical components with receptacles which are connected outside the second housing part to the engine control unit and the power consumers have communication lines provided with plugs plugged into the receptacles within the second housing part for electrical connection to the engine control unit. A cylinderhead cover is mounted onto the frame structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Dietmar Munz, Wolfgang Renz, Thomas Stolk, Steffen Walter
  • Patent number: 6213073
    Abstract: A hydraulic tensioner for use on an internal combustion engine provided with a timing mechanism including a wrapping connecting member extended in a timing mechanism chamber defined by an end wall of a cylinder block provided with a main gallery opening into the timing mechanism chamber, and a timing mechanism covering structure, to transmit the rotation of a crankshaft to a camshaft. The hydraulic tensioner exerts pressure to the wrapping connecting member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the running direction of the wrapping connecting member. The hydraulic tensioner comprises a shoe held in direct contact with the wrapping connecting member, and a hydraulic tensioning device for biasing the shoe toward the wrapping connecting member. The hydraulic tensioning device is disposed in the timing mechanism chamber so as to cover the open end of the main gallery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Iwata
  • Patent number: 6213074
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine including an engine block having a pair of cylinder banks arranged in a V-shaped configuration such that each of the pair of cylinder banks presents a top wall disposed at an acute angle relative to the horizontal. Each cylinder bank includes a plurality of cylinders. A pair of cylinder heads are associated with each pair of cylinder banks. Each of the cylinder heads includes upper and lower walls disposed at an angle relative to each other such that each cylinder head is substantially wedge-shaped in cross-section. Each cylinder head is mounted to the engine block such that the upper wall of each cylinder head is substantially parallel to the horizontal. A pair of exhaust manifolds are mounted to each pair of cylinder heads. A single, integrated intake manifold and rocker cover is mounted to the horizontal upper wall of the pair of cylinder heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Charles Edwin Freese
  • Patent number: 6190745
    Abstract: A product made by the process for powder coating selected portions of a substrate comprises the steps of electrostatically applying a controlled thickness of a powder to an entire surface of a transfer member to form a powder coating thereon, the powder having a gel point, the temperature at which the powder turns into a gel, heating a substrate to a temperature above the gel point of the powder, pressing the heated substrate against the powder coating of the transfer member to melt the powder coating on the transfer member and cause the melted powder to stick to the substrate and coat selected portions of the substrate, and polymerizing and curing the coated portions of the substrate to fix the melted powder to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: C. L. Breazeale
  • Patent number: 6182624
    Abstract: A hydraulic control valve mounting structure in an engine wherein a chain cover is attached to both a cylinder block and a cylinder head so as to cover a timing chain which transmits the rotation of a crank shaft to both intake and exhaust cam shafts. An oil pump is driven by the crank shaft, and a hydraulic control valve which supplies oil discharged from the oil pump to a hydraulic-actuated device in a hydraulic controller is attached to the chain cover. The hydraulic control valve mounting structure is such that the hydraulic control valve is attached to an outer surface of the chain cover while being positioned so that an upper portion thereof is covered at least partially with a mount installing boss portion of the chain cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Hisashi Ozeki
  • Patent number: 6176211
    Abstract: A push rod operated multi-valve V-type engine particularly adapted for use in motorcycles or like vehicles and which engine is air cooled. The engine employs a very simplified construction and overhead valve actuating mechanism utilizing push rods. The push rods are contained within push rod tubes formed at one side of the engine that provide a neat appearance and ease of servicing without adversely affecting the air cooling. A composite cylinder head construction is employed, as well as an improved lubricating system for the pair of driven camshafts. Furthermore, a decompression system is incorporated in the valve actuating mechanism so as to facilitate starting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Masaki Takegami