Rotation Prevention Patents (Class 123/90.5)
  • Patent number: 7350492
    Abstract: In a guide gib for the valve operating mechanism of an internal combustion engine, having holding spaces (12, 13), which are arranged in the gib (8) at intervals one behind the other, for valve tappets, wherein to prevent a valve tappet from rotating about its central longitudinal axis in each case, flattened portions (14, 15) are formed within the associated holding space (12, 13) of the guide gib (8), it being possible for flattened portions of the valve tappet to bear against said flattened portions (14, 15), according to the invention, the guide gib (8) is formed by a plastic support (9) and a plurality of inlay parts (10, 11) which are provided with the holding spaces (12, 13), each of said inlay parts (10, 11) being made of a higher-strength material than the material of the plastic support (9) and being inserted into the plastic support (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Christian Barth, Henning Karbstein
  • Patent number: 7311074
    Abstract: A guide rail (1, 22) for valve tappets (2) of an internal combustion engine is provided. The guide rail (1, 22) has receptacle spaces (4), which are each used for receiving one of the valve tappets (2) and in which there are flattened sections (6) interacting in a positive-fit connection with key surfaces (7) of the valve tappets (2), such that each of the valve tappets (2) is protected from rotating about its longitudinal axis, with the flattened sections (6) permitting alignment of the valve tappet (2) parallel to the flattened sections (6). Here, the guide rail (1, 22) is formed as a metal carrier (3, 25) and rotational protection elements (8, 9, 23), which are fixed on this carrier, have the flattened sections (6) which also permit alignment of the valve tappet (2) orthogonal to the flattened sections (6), in that each flattened section (6) belonging to one of the receptacle spaces (4) can be displaced relative to the metal carrier (3, 25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Peter Sailer, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 7275507
    Abstract: A rail used as a torsional stop for the valve train of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The rail includes spaces (10) which are arranged in a row spaced apart at a distance from one another within the rail (8) and accommodate inserted valve lifters provided as roller tappets (9). Two parallel torsional stop areas (15) are configured on the outer surface of each roller tappet (9) in the form of planar flattened zones in order to secure the roller tappet (9) against rotation about the central longitudinal axis thereof. The torsional stop areas (15) rest against guide areas of the rail (8), which are located inside the associated accommodating space (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Hermann Keller, Roland Krapp
  • Patent number: 7263956
    Abstract: A valve lifter assembly for deactivating a cylinder in an internal combustion engine. The valve lifter assembly is provided with a plunger movably disposed within a bore of a main body member to controllably isolate the cam lift from the rocker arm and valve of the engine. The plunger is normally locked in an extended position to transmit cam lift to reciprocatingly operate the valve. At least one locking pin is moveably disposed within the plunger to engage an inner annular groove of the main body member. Pressurized oil is provided to dislodge the locking pins from the annular groove and allow the plunger to move within the main body member, thereby isolating the cam lift from the rocker arm and valve. The deactivating lifter is preferably disposed within the recess conventionally provided for hydraulic valve lifters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Spath, Nick J. Hendriksma, Michael J. Fox
  • Patent number: 7210439
    Abstract: The invention proposes a switching element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, particularly for valve deactivation, with a simple-to-implement measure for adjusting the coupling lash of its coupling means (8) in a receptacle (6) using two retaining rings (19, 20), one of which is stocked in a variety of thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Norbert Geyer, Peter Sailer, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 7210437
    Abstract: The invention proposes a periodically actuable tappet (1) for a valve train, said tappet (1) comprising a hollow cylindrical skirt (2) that can be arranged through an outer peripheral surface (3) in a guide bore (4) of a surrounding structure (5), said skirt (2) comprising a window-type aperture (6) in which a separate anti-rotation device (8) is arranged through a radially inner portion (7), a radially outer portion (9) of the anti-rotation device (8) extending beyond the skirt (2) for guidance in a longitudinal groove (10) that intersects the guide bore (4), wherein the anti-rotation device (8), as viewed in cross-section, is substantially mushroom-shaped, the inner portion (7) has a rectangular cross-section corresponding to a geometry of the aperture (6) of the skirt (2), into which cross-section, the outer portion (9) merges in the manner of a roof through a fractional cylindrical outer peripheral surface (11), inner legs (12) of the outer portion (9) extend beyond the aperture (6) in peripheral directio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Norbert Geyer
  • Patent number: 7207303
    Abstract: A switch element (1) is proposed for valve shut-off, fabricated as cam follower for a plunger rod valve drive of an internal combustion engine, having an outer part (2) and an inner element (4) axially movable in its bore (3) and with rotational security (15) relative to the guided inner element (4). The outer part (2), inside the bore (3), has an annular groove (6), and the inner element (4) has a radial bore (7) with two diametrically opposed pistons (8), which to couple the elements (2, 4) in their axially remote relative position achieved by a lost-motion spring (5) are displaceable towards the annular groove (6). On their cam-side under side, emanating from their radially outward, bulbous face, the pistons (8) segmentwise comprise a plane transverse surface as contact area for a facing under side (27) of the annular groove (6). The latter is intersected by two diametrically opposed oil ports (11) running offset 90° from the pistons (8) in circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Norbert Geyer, Peter Sailer, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 7159552
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cup tappet for an internal combustion engine, having a skirt which has a radial recess, into which an anti-rotation element (6) is inserted. The anti-rotation element protrudes from the skirt in the radial direction, in order to be accommodated in a corresponding groove of the cylinder head as an anti-rotation safeguard. According to the invention, the anti-rotation element (6) has an outer contour in longitudinal section with a head (20) and a stem (21). The stem has a reduced dimension compared with the head (20) and a thickened portion (32), and can be clipped into the recess of the skirt of the cup tappet under elastic deformation of the thickened portion (32). In this way, an anti-rotation safeguard is possible which can be assembled particularly simply, can be manufactured cheaply and is reliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Georg Backert, Michael Dotterweich, Matthias Reichel
  • Patent number: 7159553
    Abstract: The invention provides a valve train for an internal combustion engine, comprising an elongate anti-rotation bridge (16) acting as a retention device and a mounting aid and comprising receptions (18) for valve lash adjusters arranged spaced behind one another. A valve adjuster configured as a roller tappet (17) is arranged in each reception (18) while being directed through a tappet roller (22) toward a cam of a camshaft. The roller tappet (17) is retained for longitudinal displacement in the reception (18) and is secured against rotation through flat key surfaces arranged on its outer peripheral surface that bear against corresponding inner surfaces of the anti-rotation bridge (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Roland Krapp, Peter Sailer
  • Patent number: 7146952
    Abstract: A valve tappet system includes a base body, a lateral section, which forms a guide surface for guiding the base body along an oscillation axis. The anti-rotation element to suppress a rotational or swiveling movement about the oscillation axis. The anti-rotation element has a seat face which sits on the lateral section and a guide body which protrudes beyond the lateral section in the radial direction. Spaced first and second engagement protrusions are provided on the element, and the lateral section is provided with a first and second radial bores assigned to the respective first and second engagement protrusions, which are each engaged in the respective radial bore radially to the oscillation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz Kreil, Gunter Schroeter, Berthold Manke, Franz Bonauer
  • Patent number: 7143731
    Abstract: The invention proposes a cup tappet (1) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said cup tappet (1) comprising a hollow cylindrical skirt (3) closed at one end by a bottom (2), said bottom (2) comprising an outer end surface (4) and an inner end surface (6), said outer end surface (4) comprising a contact surface (5) for a cam and said inner end surface (6) comprising a central support (7) for a gas exchange valve, wherein the inner end surface (6) of the bottom (2) comprises a radially extending flat web (8), the support (7) is arranged symmetrically between edges (9, 19) of the web (8), a leg (11, 12) sloping away from the bottom (2) after the manner of a roof extends from each edge (9, 10) up to an inner surface (13) of the skirt (3), and the legs (11, 12) are situated axisymmetrically opposite each other. This cup tappet (1) thus possesses a particularly good rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Lutz Kirbach, Robert Kamm, Arndt Lhlemann
  • Patent number: 7137373
    Abstract: A valve lifter guide (100) includes a base (111) and at least one conduit (101) extending from the base (111). The conduit (101) has a first inwardly curved surface (103) opposed to a second inwardly curved surface (105) such that the conduit is capable of holding a valve lifter (200) between the first inwardly curved surface (103) and the second inwardly curved surface (105).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Seymour, II, Susan L. Lukasik, Sriram Balaraman
  • Patent number: 7121244
    Abstract: An anti-rotation guide for preventing rotation of a roller follower valve lifter in an internal combustion engine. The guide has an outer surface for engaging an engine bore and an inner surface for slidably receiving the lifter. One end of the guide includes an anti-rotation feature for cooperating with a mating feature on the lifter, preferably flats although other configurations are contemplated within the scope of the invention. The anti-rotation feature may take any of a plurality of shapes, including but not limited to an arm and tang, a flap, and an orifice flat. The guide is installed from an opening in the engine bore proximate a camshaft disposed in the engine block. The cooperating features prevent axial rotation of a lifter within the sleeve but do not inhibit axial or reciprocal motion of the lifter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Roe, Ralph L. Clayson
  • Patent number: 7086360
    Abstract: The invention concerns a mounting and anti-rotation device (mounting aid) (1) for roller tappets of a valve train of an internal combustion engine in which gas exchange valves are activated by roller tappets. The roller tappets comprising a substantially cylindrical tappet body are retained in receptions (7, 8) of the mounting aid (1) that is made of plastic. With the help of opposing parallel anti-rotation surfaces that are arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the roller tappet and are disposed on the end of the tappet body that is oriented away from a roller, the roller tappets are guided secured against rotation in the mounting aid during the operation of the internal combustion engine. This is achieved by the fact that the inner profile of the receptions (7, 8) is matched to the outer profile of the roller tappets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Oliver Schnell, Christof Faria, Peter Sailer, Matthew Evans
  • Patent number: 7007651
    Abstract: An anti-rotation guide for a deactivation hydraulic valve lifter for an internal combustion engine. The guide includes a through bore accommodating of a hydraulic valve lifter and is sized such that the outer end of the lifter may be inserted into the through bore of the guide. The guide is securable to the engine such that the lifter is reciprocable within the guide. The guide is provided with two opposing keepers for mating with corresponding flats on the lifter to prevent rotation of the lifter. Further, a keyway means is provided in the guide and lifter to prevent the lifter being inserted into the guide 180° from the correct orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Spath
  • Patent number: 6997154
    Abstract: A switch element (1) is proposed for valve shut-off, fabricated as cam follower for a plunger rod valve drive of an internal combustion engine, having an outer part (2) and an inner element (4) axially movable in its bore (3) and with rotational security (15) relative to the guided inner element (4). The outer part (2), inside the bore (3), has an annular groove (6), and the inner element (4) has a radial bore (7) with two diametrically opposed pistons (8), which to couple the elements (2, 4) in their axially remote relative position achieved by a lost-motion spring (5) are displaceable towards the annular groove (6). On their cam-side under side, emanating from their radially outward, bulbous face, the pistons (8) segmentwise comprise a plane transverse surface as contact area for a facing under side (27) of the annular groove (6). The latter is intersected by two diametrically opposed oil ports (11) running offset 90° from the pistons (8) in circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Nobert Geyer, Peter Sailer, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 6994064
    Abstract: In a guide rail for the valve train of an internal combustion engine, having receiving spaces disposed in an elongate body in spaced-apart relationship behind one another and accommodating valve lifters, flats are formed upon the outer surface area of each valve lifter to prevent the lifter from rotating about its central longitudinal axis. These flats are supported by flats of the guide rail which are located within the pertaining receiving space. An inlet bore is assigned to each receiving space of the elongate body for insertion of the valve lifter with an attached trumpet-like end in direction of its longitudinal axis. Subsequently the valve lifter is shifted in axis-parallel relationship to the flats of the guide rail, which act as rotation-inhibiting surfaces, and then is slightly displaced again in axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Michael Haas, Norbert Geyer
  • Patent number: 6978752
    Abstract: A hybrid valve lifter guide formed of metal and nonmetallic material for maintaining the angular position of a reciprocable valve lifter having a circumferential surface with at least one alignment flat. The guide includes a metal guide body having a longitudinal guide wall with at least one guide opening through the wall. The guide opening is adapted to receive a valve lifter. A nonmetallic insert is retained by the body adjacent the guide opening to engage at least one alignment flat of the valve lifter received in the guide opening to substantially maintain the angular position of the valve lifter and dampen angular oscillation of the lifter during engine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: William C. Albertson, Mark Stabinsky, Frederick J. Rozario, Jason E. Morehead
  • Patent number: 6976463
    Abstract: A valve deactivation lifter including means for restricting relative rotation between the pin housing and the lifter body. When used in a V-style or slant engine, a prior art deactivation lifter can be subject to oil drainage during engine shutdown if the oil supply port in the pin housing rests in the “down” position. In an improved lifter, relative rotation between the pin housing and the lifter body is limited and the pin housing is oriented such that the oil supply port is never on the underside of the pin housing. Rotation may be limited by any of several means, for example, a ball disposed in a dimple in the pin housing and extending into a longitudinal groove in the lifter body, and a flat on the pin housing and locking means installed in the lifter body to engage the flat and thus prevent rotation of the pin housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Spath, Nick J. Hendriksma, David J. Draeger, William D. Bauman
  • Patent number: 6953016
    Abstract: The invention proposes a tappet (1) in a valve train of an internal combustion engine having a bottom camshaft for acting on a tappet push rod, said tappet being arranged with a housing (2) for axial displacement, but secured against rotation, in a guide bore (3) of the internal combustion engine (3a) or of a component connected to the internal combustion engine, said housing (2) comprising on one front end (4), two cheek-like extensions (5) that are situated diametrically opposite each other and are connected by an axle (6) on which a rotary roller (7) extends for making direct contact with a cam, said front end (4) comprising a transverse region (8) that connects the extensions (5) axially inside and has a cylindrical shape in a length direction of the roller (7), and said guide bore (3) being intersected by two passages (12, 13) for routing hydraulic medium to the tappet (1), wherein a radius center point (M) of the transverse region (8) of the one front end (4) is situated with a lateral offset to a longi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Henning Karbstein, Mario Kuhl, Jason Morehead
  • Patent number: 6866014
    Abstract: An anti-rotation guide for a deactivation hydraulic valve lifter for an internal combustion engine. The guide includes a through bore accommodating of a hydraulic valve lifter and is sized such that the outer end of the lifter may be inserted into the through bore of the guide. The guide is securable to the engine such that the lifter is reciprocable within the guide. The guide is provided with two opposing keepers for mating with corresponding flats on the lifter to prevent rotation of the lifter. Further, a keyway means is provided in the guide and lifter to prevent the lifter being inserted into the guide 180° from the correct orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Spath
  • Publication number: 20040237915
    Abstract: A cold advance device for advancing the injection beginning in cold condition diesel engine with single plunger pumps, by means of which the injection onset is adjusted in cold conditions and also in normal conditions. A piston is provided in the roller tappet and the roller tappet moves up and down in response to lubricating oil pressure through a plate valve. The lubricating oil lifts the hydro tappet piston enabling the pump plunger to be in the advance position. The pump plunger is lifted an amount corresponds to 8° to 10° crank angle depending upon the cam profile. The stroke of the piston is limited by a stopper and is designed according to the cold advance requirements of the engine. The plate valve is provided with a throttle hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Kaidala Nanjunda Rao Subramanya
  • Publication number: 20040211375
    Abstract: An anti-rotation guide for a deactivation hydraulic valve lifter for an internal combustion engine. The guide includes a through bore accommodating of a hydraulic valve lifter and is sized such that the outer end of the lifter may be inserted into the through bore of the guide. The guide is securable to the engine such that the lifter is reciprocable within the guide. The guide is provided with two opposing keepers for mating with corresponding flats on the lifter to prevent rotation of the lifter. Further, a keyway means is provided in the guide and lifter to prevent the lifter being inserted into the guide 180° from the correct orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Mark J. Spath
  • Publication number: 20040194739
    Abstract: An anti-rotation guide for preventing rotation of a roller follower valve lifter in an internal combustion engine. The guide has an outer surface for engaging an engine bore and an inner surface for slidably receiving the lifter. One end of the guide includes an anti-rotation feature for cooperating with a mating feature on the lifter, preferably flats although other configurations are contemplated within the scope of the invention. The anti-rotation feature may take any of a plurality of shapes, including but not limited to an arm and tang, a flap, and an orifice flat. The guide is installed from an opening in the engine bore proximate a camshaft disposed in the engine block. The cooperating features prevent axial rotation of a lifter within the sleeve but do not inhibit axial or reciprocal motion of the lifter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Richard B. Roe, Ralph L. Clayson
  • Patent number: 6782858
    Abstract: In a valve drive for an internal combustion engine, an elongated securing device or anti-rotation bridge referred to as a mounting aid has receptacle spaces, arranged at intervals one behind the other, for receiving respective valve tappets. Each valve tappet can be displaced longitudinally in its receptacle space. The tappet is secured against rotation by two parallel planar keying faces formed on its outer surface which bear against corresponding inner surfaces in a receptacle space of the mounting aid. The mounting aid has receptacle spaces with a relatively small interval dimension between the two inner surfaces for bearing against the keying faces of standard roller tappets and has receptacle spaces with a relatively large interval dimension between the two inner surfaces for bearing against the keying faces of switchable roller tappets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Michael Haas, Henning Karbstein
  • Patent number: 6745737
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with a motor block (6) and a longitudinal extending anti-rotation guide (5), which includes receiving recesses situated at apportioned spatial distances, one from the other to receive valve tappets and is affixed in a receiving groove of the motor block (6). The guide (5) is constructed as an injection molded component with a one-piece, molded-on, elastically expanded or deformable clip, which engages in a complementary receiving contour on the motor block (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler-KG
    Inventors: Matthew Evans, David Groh, Norbert Nitz, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 6736097
    Abstract: In a variable phased valve lifter of an internal combustion engine, a roller lifter is allowed to move along a constraining member of a constraining mechanism, and the constraining mechanism is allowed to move freely in a direction substantially parallel to a line perpendicular to the flat surface machined onto the roller lifter. As the roller lifter moves through its arcuate path, the parallel flat surface(s) of the roller lifter will slide across the constraining member(s) of the constraining mechanism, and end members of the constraining mechanism slide fore-and-aft within stationary blocks. The roller lifter is thus prevented from rotating about its longitudinal axis as it moves in arcuate fashion in cooperation with the constraining mechanism, maintaining line contact between the roller and cam lobe of the camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Motive Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Michael Bernard Riley
  • Patent number: 6732692
    Abstract: A device for resisting rotation of a valve tappet, and in particular a roller valve tappet, is provided as part of a cylinder head gasket. The device includes a resilient portion having a flat face contacting a flat surface of a valve tappet to resist rotation thereof. The resiliency of the device urges the flat face against the flat surface of the valve tappet to resist rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E Cetnar, Robert A Perkins, Bruce L Raymond
  • Publication number: 20040079310
    Abstract: A full-type rolling bearing that can be used under the conditions of high-speed, heavy-load and lowered viscosity of lubricating oil is provided. The full-type rolling bearing is formed of an outer ring, an inner ring and rollers made of steel, at least one of the outer ring, inner ring and rollers has a carbonitrided layer in its surface layer, and the austenite crystal grain size number of the surface layer is larger than 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tadatoshi Suzuki, Kenichi Ichikawa, Kikuo Maeda, Yukio Fujii
  • Patent number: 6691658
    Abstract: Several embodiments of anti-rotation devices for precluding rotation of the valve actuating lifters or tappet bodies caused by the action of the cam lobe on the engaged surface of the lifter. In each embodiment, the anti-rotation function is achieved without adding to the reciprocating masses of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Fujita, Shigenobu Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 6688269
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roller tappet, with at least the shaft made from plastic. The aim of the invention is to achieve a weight-saving mounting of the roller. The aim is achieved, in that the axle carrying the roller may be clipped into the insert, which is of unitary construction with the shaft piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Mahle Ventiltrieb GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 6684838
    Abstract: A tappet (1) for the transfer of a lifting motion to a sliding part is provided having two parts, including a circular shaped section (2) with a base (5) connected to it as one piece and a separate dome-shaped socket (9) connected to the base (5) made of thin-walled material with a contact surface (10) for the sliding part. The tappet (1), whose socket (9) extends over a considerable length of the circular shaped section (2), can be economically manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Barbara Pluta, Stefan Dorn
  • Patent number: 6681734
    Abstract: Cylinder deactivation apparatus includes switching valve actuators controlled by rotary valve sleeves surrounding each of the actuators. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeves act to admit continuous pressurized oil to internal lash adjuster mechanisms and selectively control oil flow from a lash adjuster mechanism inlet to a deactivator switching mechanism and discharge of pressure oil from the deactivator switching mechanism. A single oil supply provides pressurized oil to both conventional and deactivation valve actuators for lubrication of associated valve mechanisms and operation of internal lash adjusters as well as for operation of the cylinder deactivation mechanisms. In a valve-actuating position, the rotary sleeve drains oil from the deactivating mechanism so that associated engine valves are operated normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: William Conrad Albertson
  • Patent number: 6679219
    Abstract: An intake and exhaust valve for an internal combustion engine is provided wherein the stem longitudinal axis is offset from the valve head center. Alternatively, the valve head may have an end having a planar surface wherein the axis and the surface are not perpendicular. Alternatively, the valve head may have an irregular perimeter having a straight edge, and another edge being rounded and generally radiused to the straight edge. Alternatively, the valve head may have a stepped, non-planar shape with respect to the plane of the face of the head. Alternatively, the valve head may have a shape that is pie-shaped. Alternatively, the stem longitudinal axis may be offset from the center point of the valve head, and the valve head may have an end having a planar surface, wherein the longitudinal axis and the planar surface are not perpendicular to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Louis A. Pacinelli
  • Patent number: 6672283
    Abstract: A four-cycle engine for a marine drive has an air induction device introducing air to a combustion chamber. The air induction device defines an intake port next to the combustion chamber. An intake valve is movable between open and closed positions of the intake port. A valve actuator is journaled on the engine body for rotation to actuate the intake valve at a set angular position. A setting mechanism is arranged to set the valve actuator to the angular position between advanced and delayed angular positions. A sensor is arranged to sense an amount of the air within the induction device. A control system is configured to control the setting mechanism based upon the signal of the sensor. The control system controls the setting mechanism to set the valve actuator to an angular position that is closer to the first angular position than a present angular position when the signal indicates that the amount of the air increases and a change rate of the amount is greater than a preset change rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Kanno
  • Patent number: 6668776
    Abstract: A deactivation hydraulic valve lifter includes an elongate lifter body having a substantially cylindrical inner wall. The inner wall defines at least one annular pin chamber therein. The lifter body has a first end configured for engaging a cam of an engine. An elongate pin housing includes a substantially cylindrical pin housing wall and pin housing bottom. The pin housing wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The pin housing bottom defines a radially directed pin bore therethrough. The pin housing is concentrically disposed within the inner wall of the lifter body such that the outer surface of the pin housing wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the inner wall of the lifter body. A deactivation pin assembly is disposed within the pin bore and includes two pin members. The pin members are biased radially outward relative to each other. A portion of each pin member is disposed within the annular pin chamber to thereby couple the lifter body to the pin housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick J. Hendriksma, Mark J. Spath
  • Patent number: 6659052
    Abstract: An engageable cam follower (1) for acting on a pushrod in the valve train of an internal combustion engine is provided. This cam follower (1) includes of a thin-walled hollow cylindrical housing (2) in whose borehole (3) is positioned an internal element (4) axially movable with respect to the housing (2). The housing (2) and the internal element (4) each possess a radial borehole (13, 10) aligned in a relative position to each other. Positioned in the radial borehole (10) of the internal element (4) is a piston (11) having a convex end (14) and movable toward the radial borehole (13) of the housing (2) for coupling the internal element (4) with the housing (2) in the relative position. According to the invention, the borehole (3) of the housing (2) is shaped in the area of the radial borehole (13) of the housing (2) as a flattening (15) extending in the longitudinal direction of the cam follower (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Mario Kuhl
  • Publication number: 20030177988
    Abstract: In a valve drive for an internal combustion engine, an elongated securing device or anti-rotation bridge referred to as a mounting aid has receptacle spaces, arranged at intervals one behind the other, for receiving respective valve tappets. Each valve tappet can be displaced longitudinally in its receptacle space. The tappet is secured against rotation by two parallel planar keying faces formed on its outer surface which bear against corresponding inner surfaces in a receptacle space of the mounting aid. The mounting aid has receptacle spaces with a relatively small interval dimension between the two inner surfaces for bearing against the keying faces of standard roller tappets and has receptacle spaces with a relatively large interval dimension between the two inner surfaces for bearing against the keying faces of switchable roller tappets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Michael Haas, Henning Karbstein
  • Patent number: 6615784
    Abstract: In a valve train of an internal combustion engine, which valve train comprises an elongate anti-rotation bridge (6) comprising receptions spaced behind one another for receiving valve tappets configured as roller tappets (4), one of which tappets is arranged in each reception and is directed with a tappet roller (3) toward a cam (2) of a camshaft (1), the roller tappet (4) of the invention comprises on an outer peripheral surface, raised tappet contours (10, 11) that engage into retention grooves of the bridge (6) within the reception.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Christof Faria, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 6578535
    Abstract: A valve-deactivation hydraulic valve lifter including a conventional hydraulic lash adjuster means disposed within a pin housing slidably disposed in a lifter body. A transverse bore in the pin housing contains opposed locking pins for selectively engaging a circumferential groove including a locking surface in the lifter body whereby the lifter body and the pin housing may be engaged or disengaged to activate or deactivate a pushrod controlling an engine valve. Ends of the locking pins are spherical so that the pins cannot become stuck in corners in the groove. The groove corner is rounded be either a positive radius or a negative radius to remove a sharp corner known to be an originating and propagating point for stress failure of the lifter body in prior art lifters. The edge of each pin and the edge of the locking surface are chamfered to prevent damage to these edges during locking and unlocking. A second surface intermediate an outer surface of the pin housing and the transverse bore is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Spath, Albert C. Stone, Carl R. Kangas
  • Publication number: 20030101953
    Abstract: A deactivation hydraulic valve lifter includes an elongate lifter body having a substantially cylindrical inner wall. The inner wall defines at least one annular pin chamber therein. The lifter body has a first end configured for engaging a cam of an engine. An elongate pin housing includes a substantially cylindrical pin housing wall and pin housing bottom. The pin housing wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The pin housing bottom defines a radially directed pin bore therethrough. The pin housing is concentrically disposed within the inner wall of the lifter body such that the outer surface of the pin housing wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the inner wall of the lifter body. A deactivation pin assembly is disposed within the pin bore and includes two pin members. The pin members are biased radially outward relative to each other. A portion of each pin member is disposed within the annular pin chamber to thereby couple the lifter body to the pin housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Nick J. Hendriksma, Mark J. Spath
  • Publication number: 20030075129
    Abstract: A valve lifter assembly for deactivating a cylinder in an internal combustion engine. The valve lifter assembly is provided with a plunger movably disposed within a bore of a main body member to controllably isolate the cam lift from the rocker arm and valve of the engine. The plunger is normally locked in an extended position to transmit cam lift to reciprocatingly operate the valve. At least one locking pin is moveably disposed within the plunger to engage an inner annular groove of the main body member. Pressurized oil is provided to dislodge the locking pins from the annular groove and allow the plunger to move within the main body member, thereby isolating the cam lift from the rocker arm and valve. The deactivating lifter is preferably disposed within the recess conventionally provided for hydraulic valve lifters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Mark J. Spath, Nick J. Hendriksma, Michael J. Fox
  • Publication number: 20030070636
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with a motor block (6) and a longitudinal extending anti-rotation guide (5), which includes receiving recesses situated at apportioned spatial distances, one from the other to receive valve tappets and is affixed in a receiving groove of the motor block (6). The guide (5) is constructed as an injection molded component with a one-piece, molded-on, elastically expanded or deformable clip, which engages in a complementary receiving contour on the motor block (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Matthew Evans, David Groh, Norbert Nitz, Oliver Schnell
  • Publication number: 20030041820
    Abstract: In a valve train of an internal combustion engine, which valve train comprises an elongate anti-rotation bridge (6) comprising receptions spaced behind one another for receiving valve tappets configured as roller tappets (4), one of which tappets is arranged in each reception and is directed with a tappet roller (3) toward a cam (2) of a camshaft (1), the roller tappet (4) of the invention comprises on an outer peripheral surface, raised tappet contours (10, 11) that engage into retention grooves of the bridge (6) within the reception.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Christof Faria, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 6513472
    Abstract: In a valve train (1) of an internal combustion engine (10), a tappet push rod (2) comprises on its first end (3), a tappet (5) and an uncoupling device (8) made as a single component, and on its second end (4), a hydraulic lash adjuster (15) that acts on a rocker arm. Due to this spatial separation of the lash adjuster (15) from the single component (5, 8), a component (5, 8) is obtained that has a reduced mass and a smaller diameter as well as a relatively simple structure. In addition, the lash adjuster (15) can now be supplied with hydraulic medium directly out of the rocker arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Ina-Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Walter Speil, Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 6513470
    Abstract: A deactivation hydraulic valve lifter includes an elongate lifter body having a substantially cylindrical inner wall. The inner wall defines at least one annular pin chamber therein. The lifter body has a first end configured for engaging a cam of an engine. An elongate pin housing includes a substantially cylindrical pin housing wall and pin housing bottom. The pin housing wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The pin housing bottom defines a radially directed pin bore therethrough. The pin housing is concentrically disposed within the inner wall of the lifter body such that the outer surface of the pin housing wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the inner wall of the lifter body. A plunger having a substantially cylindrical plunger wall with an outer surface is concentrically disposed within the pin housing such that the outer surface of the plunger wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface of the pin housing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick John Hendriksma, Mark James Spath
  • Publication number: 20030010298
    Abstract: Several embodiments of anti-rotation devices for precluding rotation of the valve actuating lifters or tappet bodies caused by the action of the cam lobe on the engaged surface of the lifter. In each embodiment, the anti-rotation function is achieved without adding to the reciprocating masses of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Hideo Fujita, Shigenobu Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 6497207
    Abstract: A deactivation hydraulic valve lifter includes an elongate lifter body having a substantially cylindrical inner wall. The inner wall defines at least one annular pin chamber therein. The lifter body has a first end configured for engaging a cam of an engine. An elongate pin housing includes a substantially cylindrical pin housing wall and pin housing bottom. The pin housing wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The pin housing bottom defines a radially directed pin bore therethrough. The pin housing is concentrically disposed within the inner wall of the lifter body such that the outer surface of the pin housing wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the inner wall of the lifter body. A plunger having a substantially cylindrical plunger wall with an inner surface and an outer surface is concentrically disposed within the pin housing such that the outer surface of the plunger wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface of the pin housing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Spath, Albert C. Stone, Carl R. Kangas, David M. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 6474281
    Abstract: A valve control mechanism is disclosed which permits either or both of (a) axial displacement of the camshaft of an internal combustion engine, and (b) phasing of the camshaft (and hence of the valve operation)—i.e. an advance/retard function. The mechanism preferably includes a piston housed within a cylinder, this arrangement itself being mounted within a front end camshaft pulley. The piston is under hydraulic control, preferably governed by a microprocessor. A mechanical coupling between the piston and the camshaft translates the axial movement of the piston into one or both of axial displacement of the camshaft and relative advancement/retardation of its rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher P. Walters
  • Patent number: 6474279
    Abstract: In a valve train of an internal combustion engine (18) comprising a switchable, rotationally symmetrical component (1) such as a cam follower, a first body (8) acting as an anti-rotation device and a second body (12) acting as a mounting safety device project beyond the component (1). Due to the additional, second body (12) that acts as a mounting safety device, said component (1) can no longer be installed in bores for non-switchable components, for example, in the same internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Christof Faria