Abstract: An actuator for actuating a linearly translatable member, such as an engine valve includes a unit trigger actuator, the unit trigger actuator having a trigger being electrically actuatable, a hydraulic cartridge having a selectively translatable component and being operably coupled to the trigger for receiving actuation commands therefrom, the unit trigger actuator being an open loop system. A pivot element is operably coupled to the translatable component and to the engine valve, the pivot element amplifying motion imparted to the pivot element by translatory motion of the piston at the engine valve. A lash adjuster is operably coupled to the pivot element for decoupling the hydraulic cartridge from lash inherent in a plurality of components and assembly of an engine valve arrangement. A method of actuation is further included.

Abstract: Valve actuating devices may include a pivot lever (8) having an abutment element (21) displaced from a bearing pin (6). The pivot lever is pivotable by a reciprocating push rod (54). An intermediate lever (26) is pivotably disposed on the pivot lever. A valve lever (40) is pivotably disposed in the intermediate lever and has an abutment surface (44) for contacting the abutment element. A locking device (14, 16) is capable of fixedly coupling the intermediate lever to one of the pivot lever or the valve lever. When the intermediate lever is fixedly coupled to the pivot lever or the valve lever, the valve is actuated according to a first valve stroke function. When the intermediate lever is pivotable relative to the pivot lever and the valve lever, the valve is actuated according to a second valve stroke function.

Abstract: A valve control system (13) for an internal combustion engine including a cylinder head (11), and a poppet valve (15). A camshaft (21) has a first cam profile (25) and a second cam profile (27), and a rocker arm assembly (29) includes a first cam follower (49) and a second cam follower (61) engageable with the second cam profile (27). The poppet valve (15) is disposed toward a first axial end of said rocker arm assembly (29), and there is a first fulcrum surface (39) toward a second axial end of the rocker arm assembly. The first and second axial ends of the rocker arm assembly are oppositely disposed about the first (49) and second (61) cam followers, and a first lash compensation device (83) is operably associated with the cylinder head and includes a first plunger (97) in engagement with the first fulcrum surface (39).

Abstract: A valve stroke control for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle has a control device for adjusting a valve stroke. It interacts with a camshaft and a control shaft. The control device is actuated by a hydraulic medium and has a first control element and a second control element movable relative to one another. The first control element is sleeve-shaped and the second control element is received in the first control element. A rocker lever is acted on by the camshaft. The first control element is supported on the rocker lever and the second control element is supported on the control shaft.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly includes an inner rocker arm and an outer rocker arm. The outer rocker arm includes two rail portions spaced a distance apart and forming an open space therebetween. The inner rocker arm is pivotably connected to the outer rocker arm such that it is at least partially within the open space. The inner rocker arm includes a locking pin housing containing two locking pins selectively engageable with holes in each of the rail portions to selectively prevent relative movement between the inner rocker arm and the outer rocker arm. The rocker arm assembly enables two-step valve operation and has a design characterized by compact size and improved manufacturability.

Abstract: A generally conventional lash adjuster is modified by incorporating a coaxially oriented hydraulic control piston assembly within the guide body. The control piston normally fixes latch means, such a plurality of hard spheres, in multiple detents loaded in compression with the other components, to provide a rigid stop, but when the control piston is hydraulically pressurized, the detents are overcome and the piston assembly provides a resilient or soft stop that accommodates extended displacement (retraction) of the lash adjuster within the guide. The hydraulic actuation is preferably implemented with a three-way solenoid valve or the like, for controlling high-pressure oil to a gallery and associated inlet ports for the control piston assembly. In the typical implementation of the invention, the piston need have only two operational positions-denergized to establish the detent or hard stop condition, or fully energized to establish the valve deactivation position.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper for an automotive engine electromechanical cylinder valve 20 is provided. The hydraulic damper includes an inner piston 130 which is slidably mounted within an outer piston 110. The outer piston is slidably mounted within an interior hydraulic filled cavity 82 of a damper body 80. Movement of the valve body 20 along extreme positions causes the inner piston 130 to move the outer piston 110 within the interior cavity 82 to effectuate hydraulic damping of the valve body 20.

Abstract: A valve system for an internal combustion engine has first rocker arms supported by a rocker shaft such that they rock when driven by first cams; a second rocker arm supported by the rocker shaft such that it rocks when driven by a second cam, the second rocker arm being disposed adjacent to the first rocker arms; a connection switching mechanism that switches the first rocker arms between a state of being connected to the second rocker arm and a state of being disconnected from the second rocker arm; a forcing member that forces the second rocker arm toward the second cam while the second rocker arm is rocking; a supporting member rotatably supported by a support shaft provided on a cylinder head to support the forcing member; and a locking structure that inhibits the supporting member from rotating about the support shaft.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly for a valve train includes a hydraulic lash adjuster for accommodating slack in the valve train. There is also a lost-motion connection preferably between the axle of a roller which is operated upon by a cam and the rocker arm itself. Excessive expansion of the lash adjuster will not prevent closing of the valve because the closing movement is accommodated by the lost-motion connection. A spring is provided to maintain the lost-motion connection despite the tendency of the hydraulic lash adjuster to expand. Greater tolerance in the cam base circle radius is allowed, permitting the use of net-shaped cams.

Abstract: The rocker arm (2), obtained from a shaped element (30) made of metallic material, comprises surfaces (15,18) for engagement with a tappet (3) and with a stem (20) of a valve, respectively, and a portion (7) for mounting of a rotatable roller (8) able to co-operate with a cam-type actuating member (4). According to the invention, the surface (15) is formed in an insert (25) produced separately and fixed to the rocker arm. This constructional solution is particularly advantageous when the design constraints, determined by the position of the other elements of the valve train, require a substantial alignment between the center (A) of the surface (15) engaging the tappet, the center (B) of the roller and the contact (C) surface engaging the valve stem (20).

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster has a plunger assembly the outer end of which can be moved inwardly until the inner end abuts a seal and closes a high pressure chamber, thus preventing further movement. This accommodates any necessary movement of a valve towards its closing position to ensure proper closure. Consequently, net-shaped cams wherein the base circle is not necessarily accurately concentric may be used. A leaf spring ensures opening of the chamber when the base circle of the cam is next reached.

Abstract: A lash adjuster and a method for adjusting lash in an engine valve train are provided. A first component of the lash adjuster is formed from a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion. A second component of the lash adjuster is formed from a second material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion greater than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The second component has an exterior dimension that is greater than or equal to a corresponding interior dimension of the first component when the lash adjuster is heated to an operating temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an innovative, economical method or system disclosing a captive volume in a hydraulic circuit which can be selectively hydraulically or pneumatically locked, or vented in order to correspondingly maintain, or increase the total volume of the hydraulic circuit. The structural elements of an embodiment of the present invention may include an accumulator with or without a fixed solid stop, which limits its travel. The accumulator can either be a separate entity, or as an assembly within the master or slave pistons.

Abstract: A valve control system including a valve actuating camshaft (A), having a high lift cam (B) and a low lift cam (C), and an outer rocker arm (2) engaging the high lift cam, and an inner rocker arm (3) engaging the low lift cam. The ends of the rocker arms adjacent the engine poppet valve (V) are fixed to each other by a connector pin (37). The system includes a latching mechanism disposed at the ends of the rocker arms opposite the connector pin (37). Latching of the rocker arms is accomplished by a compound pin (8) moved between latched (FIG. 14A) and unlatched (FIG. 14B) conditions in response to movement of an actuator (9). The system also includes a rocker ratio varying device, such that, during operation in the low lift mode, the lift can be gradually increased, and gradually phase-shifted, as the engine speed increases.

Abstract: A lost motion engine valve actuation system and method of actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The system may comprise a valve train element, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic actuator for operating an engine valve, which includes a means for controlling the seating velocity of the valve. The design allows for free, unrestricted movement of the actuator piston during opening of the engine valve, and an unrestricted return of the piston and valve until the valve is within a predetermined distance of the valve seat. Once within this predetermined range, the return velocity of the actuator piston and engine valve are limited by the rate at which a fluid may escape through a restriction. The restriction is calibrated to provide the desired maximum valve seating velocity. The invention also provides for automatic lash adjustment.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for intake or exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine, in which an oscillating arm has an end in abutment on the upper end of the stem of the intake or exhaust valve; two electromagnets being provided to move the oscillating arm so as axially to displace this valve; a frame supporting the arm being connected to the head of the engine so as to be able to oscillate about an axis perpendicular to the axis of movement of the intake or exhaust valve and the electromagnetic actuator being provided with a device for adjusting the position of the frame with respect to the head to rotate the frame so as to maintain the mechanical play between the end of the oscillating arm and the stem of the valve at a predetermined value.

Abstract: A retainer clip includes a U-shaped body, first and second legs, and a resilient segment interconnecting first ends of the legs. The legs are adapted to resiliently engage opposite sides of a wall of a rockable actuator member. A second end of the first leg includes a guide recess having a clip edge. A second end of the second leg includes a gripping recess and opposing resilient edges adapted to frictionally grip opposite sides of a cylindrical member engaged with a socket in a second side of the wall. The resilient edges frictionally grip the cylindrical member at points on an axis intersecting and normal to the axial center line of the cylindrical member. The retainer clip is adapted to frictionally retain the cylindrical member in the socket to thereby form a subassembly for installation in a valve train.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster includes a leak down land and a support land that are substantially cylindrical. The support land is substantially coaxial relative to the leak down land, and at least a portion of the support land is disposed radially opposite the leak down land.

Abstract: A multiple lift position rocker arm 307 is provided which includes a body 10 and a pivotally mounted lost motion arm 44. A latch 120 is connected on one end of the body to prevent pivotal movement of the arm 344 with respect to the body 10 in a first given angular direction. The latch 120 has a second position to allow the arm 344 to pivot relative to the body to activate a valve stem 18 in a second state of activation. Preferably a roller 356 is connected with the arm 344 and rollers 162 are connected with the body 10. Roller 356 makes contact with a cam lobe in the first state of activation of the rocker arm assembly 307. The rollers 162 make contact with a cam lobe when the rocker arm assembly is in a second state of activation.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly for a valve train includes a hydraulic lash adjuster for accommodating slack in the valve train. There is also a lost-motion connection preferably between the axle of a roller which is operated upon by a cam and the rocker arm itself. Excessive expansion of the lash adjuster will not prevent closing of the valve because the closing movement is accommodated by the lost-motion connection. A spring is provided to maintain the lost-motion connection despite the tendency of the hydraulic lash adjuster to expand. Greater tolerance in the cam base circle radius is allowed, permitting the use of net-shaped cams.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated, electrically controlled linear motor includes a trigger that is electrically controllable. A hydraulic cartridge has a needle and a piston, the needle being operably coupled to the trigger and the piston being operably fluidly in communication with a source of high pressure actuation fluid, translation of the needle effected by the trigger acting to selectively port high pressure actuation fluid to the piston and to vent actuation fluid from the piston. A method of linear actuation is also included.

Abstract: A system for controlling the seating of an engine valve is disclosed. The system is designed to bring a hydraulically actuated engine valve to a soft landing on its valve seat. The velocity of the engine valve is reduced as it approaches its seat by progressively throttling the escape of hydraulic fluid from a chamber. The chamber is pressurized as a result of the valve approaching its seat. Accordingly, as the valve approaches its seat, the pressure in the chamber increases, causing the force that opposes the closing motion of the engine valve to increase.

Abstract: A valve actuation device for an internal combustion engine having at least one combustion cylinder, a piston positioned within said cylinder for reciprocal motion therein; a pressurized hydraulic fluid gallery in a closed lubrication system; at least one valve in gas exchange communication for either intake or exhaust, said valve equipped with a valve spring and a seat and moveable between an open and closed position as controlled by said valve actuation device, a cam shaft with a cam for actuating said valve synchronously with said piston motion, said valve actuation device comprising: a cam configured for primary and secondary valve motion; a cam follower to transmit cam movement through a hydraulic circuit in fluid communication with said hydraulic fluid gallery into the valve between an open and closed position, and a fixed stroke accumulator selectively hydraulically controlled in said hydraulic circuit for loosing a portion of cam follower motion and to effect valve motion; an electro-hydraulic control

Abstract: Electromagnetic actuator of an improved type for controlling the valves for induction or exhaust of an internal-combustion engine, wherein an oscillating arm has a first end which is pivoted on a support frame which is secured to the head of the engine, and a second end which abuts the upper end of the stem of the valve for induction or exhaust; two electromagnets being provided to move the oscillating arm by command, such as to displace the said valve axially, between a position of closure and a position of maximum opening; the frame being pivoted on the head of the engine, such as being able to rotate around an axis of rotation, which is perpendicular to the axis of movement of the valve for induction or exhaust, and the electromagnetic actuator also being provided with a device to regulate the position of the frame relative to the head, which device can rotate the said frame by command around the said axis of rotation, such as to be able to maintain at a pre-determined value the mechanical play which exist

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for operating at least one exhaust valve of an engine. The engine has at least two engine operating conditions. The system in accordance with the present invention includes an energy supply assembly for supplying energy to operate the at least one exhaust valve during one of the at least two engine operating conditions. The system may further include an energy transfer assembly for transferring the energy from the energy supply assembly to operate the at least one exhaust valve. A valve actuating assembly is also included for actuating the at least one exhaust valve in response to operation of the energy transfer assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an innovative, economical method or system disclosing a captive volume in a hydraulic circuit which can be selectively hydraulically or pneumatically locked, or vented in order to correspondingly maintain, or increase the total volume of the hydraulic circuit. The structural elements of an embodiment of the present invention may include an accumulator with or without a fixed solid stop, which limits its travel. The accumulator can either be a separate entity, or as an assembly within the master or slave pistons.

Abstract: A valve actuating mechanism includes opening and closing rotary cams rotatable together about a primary axis and a rocker pivotable about a first pivot axis spaced from the primary axis. The rocker includes first and second rocker arms connected to actuate a valve by oscillating motion about the pivot axis. The first and second rocker arms respectively carry opening and closing cam followers operable by the opening and closing cams for positively oscillating the rocker in either direction. The closing cam follower has a pad engagable with the closing cam and carried by a hydraulic lash control piston slidable in a cylinder of the second rocker arm. The cylinder is connected with a pressure oil supply having a check valve preventing reverse oil flow. A bleed orifice in the pad is sized to allow restricted oil flow from the cylinder to avoid excessive loading of the mechanism. The orifice may be blocked by the cam to limit oil flow during operation of the pad on the cam base circle.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster (11) disposed within a bore (14) defined by an internal combustion engine (16), the hydraulic lash adjuster (11) comprising a ball plunger (12) including a body portion (13), whereby the body portion (13) is reciprocable in the bore (14) as said ball plunger (12) reciprocates between a relatively retracted position and a relatively extended position. The hydraulic lash adjuster (11) further comprising a leakdown plunger assembly (17) disposed within the body portion (13) and disposed downward in response to downward movement of the ball plunger (12) and said body portion (13). The leakdown plunger assembly (17) has a bottom portion (34) disposed toward a bottom (20) of the bore (14), to define a high pressure chamber (28). In the lash adjuster (11) of the invention, the ball plunger (12) and the body portion (13) comprise a single, integral, formed member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic valve-play compensation element. The aim is to prevent any change in the length from taking place when the engine is at a standstill. To this end, the leakage oil is guided into the space between the high pressure valve (4) and the valve (5), where it then reinforces the sealing effect of valve (5). When the engine is in operation, the valve (4) is kept open irrespective of the direction of throughflow by means for producing a defined force, for example, a pressure-loaded piston or by electromagnetic means.

Abstract: A valve control apparatus is provided for an internal combustion engine having a valve and a camshaft. The camshaft has an axis of rotation, a first lobe and a second lobe adjacent to the first lobe. The second lobe is angularly spaced-apart about the axis from the first lobe. The apparatus includes a follower operatively engagable with the camshaft and the valve. The follower has a first operational mode where the first lobe operatively engages the follower on each revolution of the camshaft to open the valve a first time on each revolution. There is a mechanism for selectively putting the follower in a second operational mode where the second lobe operatively engages the follower to open the valve a second time on each revolution of the camshaft. The mechanism puts the follower in the second operational mode on each revolution of the camshaft before the second lobe is fully aligned with the follower.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting the travel of a slave piston (110) in a slave piston cylinder (100) in a compression release engine brake is disclosed. The apparatus provides stroke-limiting means and independent lash adjustment means which may be installed in a common rail, variable valve actuation system. The independent lash adjustment means comprises a sleeve (300) around the slave piston (110), threadably mounted in the brake housing (40). The stroke-limiting means comprises a slave piston (110) in a slave piston cylinder (100), a trigger valve (90) and a hydraulic circuit connected thereto. The slave piston stroke is limited when a lower flow port (130) in the slave piston cylinder (100) is opened to drain (81) slightly before high-pressure flow is cut off through an upper flow port (120) in the slave piston cylinder (100).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has electrically controlled hydraulic linkages between engine cams and engine cylinder valves. If it is desired to skip a cam lobe or to modify the response of an engine cylinder valve to a cam lobe, hydraulic fluid is selectively released from the associated hydraulic linkage to permit lost motion between the cam and the engine cylinder valve. Electrically controlled hydraulic fluid valves are used to produce the selective release of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic linkages. The mode of operation of the engine can be changed (e.g., from positive power mode to compression release engine braking mode or vice versa), or more subtle changes can be made to modify the timing and/or extent of engine cylinder valve openings to optimize engine performance for various engine or vehicle operating conditions (e.g., different engine or vehicle speeds). The valves can be controlled to produce an exhaust gas recirculation event during various operating modes of the engine.

Abstract: A C-clip retainer is provided in a groove of a piston, such as for an engine hydraulic valve lash adjuster, to allow installation and removably retain the piston in a cylinder of an associated assembly. The groove has a novel shape including an inner surface that is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the piston to provide a larger groove diameter at a first axial end surface and a smaller diameter at an opposite second axial end surface of the groove. Upon installation, the clip is urged into the smaller diameter, allowing easier installation, but upon removal the clip is expanded by forcing it to the larger diameter, thereby increasing the retention force on the piston. The first axial end surface may also be formed with a back angle that reduces forces of the associated cylinder edge that tend to compress the retainer into the groove, thus further increasing the piston retention force.

Abstract: A resilient retainer is disclosed for a rocker arm coupling joining a valve assembly to a rocker arm assembly in an internal combustion engine. The rocker arm coupling includes a first coupling member having a socket for receiving a ball extending from a second coupling member. The resilient retainer consists of unitary polymeric material including a resilient mounting portion and a resilient restricting portion. The resilient mounting portion is engageable with a recess delineated within the first coupling member for resiliently securing the resilient retainer. The resilient restricting portion permits insertion of the ball into the socket upon deformation of the resilient restricting portion with the resilient restricting portion inhibiting removal of the ball from the socket.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster (1) having a plunger assembly (3) including an upper plunger (4) and a lower plunger (5), the plungers being disposed within a body (2) defining a bore (2b,7), and in conventional leakdown plungers, cooperating with the bore to define a nominal diametral clearance. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the plungers and the bore are provided with a reduced diametral clearance, substantially less than the nominal clearance, thus substantially improving the consistency of leakdown times. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the upper plunger element (4) includes a center land (25) which defines a fluid passage (33), such as by having a flat (31) ground into the land, to insure the proper amount of lubrication fluid flowing out of the ball plunger (20).