Abstract: The present invention is a valve opening mechanism which has been designed so as to be able to open an actuator pin (30), on which a stop (31) is provided that is through-mounted to slide freely facing in a vertical direction in relation to the top of a rocker arm (7) and which is restrained by the bottom of the rocker arm (7) tip at a specified uppermost position, and the engine valves (4), by pushing downward during the exhaust stroke of a rocker arm (7).

Abstract: In a valve-operating assembly of a driven rotation member and a cam, including a hub rotatably carried on a support shaft, a cam formed on an outer periphery of one end of the hub, and a driven rotation member coupled to one end of the cam; the cam and the hub are integrally formed of a sintered alloy; the cam has a recess defined in one end face thereof; and the driven rotation member is made of a synthetic resin, and mold-coupled to the cam and the hub so that the recess is filled with the synthetic resin of the driven rotation member and an outer periphery of the hub is wrapped with the synthetic resin. Thus, it is possible to provide the valve-operating assembly of the driven rotation member and the cam, which is lightweight and excellent in lubrication of the cam and the hub.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus for an engine. Presence/absence of a torque demand (xtq) is estimated upon starting of a lock pin release control to thereby alter a change rate (&bgr;) of a target phase angle in dependence on presence/absence of the torque demand (xtq). Unless torque demand is issued, the change rate is set to a small value (&bgr;2) for suppressing the change of the target phase angle (&thgr;t) after detection of release of the lock pin in order to avoid a shock unexpected by a driver. When the torque demand is issued, the change rate is set to a large value (&bgr;1) for allowing the target phase angle to approach speedily to a base target phase angle (&thgr;map) for thereby minimizing a delay in response involved in the phase angle detection through the lock pin release control.

Abstract: A device that can be used for dispersing a liquid is disclose. The device comprises a container, a capillary device, and a housing. The container has an open end that is connected to the capillary device and comprises a liquid. The capillary device comprises a substantially tubular member having one end secured to the open end of the container and the opposing end extended therethrough a substantially tubular capillary structure, which is coaxially aligned with the substantially tubular member. The capillary structure is in fluid communication with the liquid in the container. The housing comprises a first end having an opening attached thereon the container, a low voltage supplier attached to one wall, a high voltage converter attached to another wall, a voltage contact and a counter electrode, optionally a heat and/or lighting source, a wicking material, and further optionally electronics for voltage regulation. Also disclosed is a process for dispensing liquid using the device.

Abstract: A variable valve lift device according to the present invention includes a tappet case, a sway member and a sliding member. The tappet case makes contact with one of cams arranged at a camshaft driven rotationally due to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and which is driven reciprocally due to the rotation of the cam. The sway member is so supported in the tappet case as to allow sway of the sway member and has a sliding face displacing a valve stem in an axial direction of the valve stem. The sliding member is so arranged in the tappet case as to allow sliding of the sliding member and sways the sway member when the sliding member is slid.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve controller estimates a dead time based on predetermined parameters. A dead time for the current cycle is determined based on the estimated dead time. The controller measures a dead time in the previous cycle. The controller determines a deviation between the dead time measured in the previous cycle and the dead time estimated in the previous cycle. The deviation is added to the dead time estimated in the current cycle to determine the dead time for the current cycle. The controller further determines a target de-energization timing indicating when to execute a valve timing command. The dead time determined for the current cycle is offset or subtracted from the target de-energization timing to determine an actual de-energization timing. An electromagnet of the valve is de-energized in accordance with the actual de-energization timing.

Abstract: The present invention controls the position of a center mounted spool valve (192) with an externally mounted vacuum controlled actuator (301). The actuator position is preferably controlled by a pulse width modulated or variable force solenoid (302), which modulates the amount of vacuum going to the actuator (301). A microprocessor (208) reads the phase angle and adjusts the duty cycle or current based on the error signal of the control loop (450). In a preferred embodiment, a position sensor (304) further controls the position of the spool valve (192). The position sensor (304) creates an inner loop (400) with position feedback on the position of the actuator (301) and spool valve (192), while the outer loop controls the phase angle. Added to the spool valve position is an offset to move the spool valve (192) to its steady state or null position (410).

Abstract: A variable phase drive mechanism is described for providing drive from an engine crankshaft to two sets of cams. The drive mechanism comprises a drive member 32 connectable for rotation with the engine crankshaft and two driven members 38 and 40, each connectable for rotation with a respective one of the two sets of cams. Each of the driven members 38, 40 is connected by a vane-type hydraulic coupling for rotation with the drive member 32. The hydraulic coupling between the drive and driven members is such as to enable the angular position of each of the driven members 38 and 40 to be varied relative to the drive member 32 independently of the other driven member.

Abstract: In an alternate energization process for alternately energizing a valve closing electromagnet and a valve opening electromagnet periodically, one of the valve opening electromagnet and the valve closing electromagnet is de-energized and thereafter the other electromagnet is de-energized at a time delayed by a predetermined time Toff. The alternate energization process is finished when the displaced position of a valve head which is detected by a displacement sensor has reached a predetermined position Vinit while the valve opening electromagnet is being energized. Thereafter, the valve opening electromagnet is continuously energized to seat the valve head in a closed position (initial position) from the time when the displaced position of the valve head has reached a predetermined position Vstart.

Abstract: In a device for actuating at least one gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine, comprising at least one pivoting armature, which is operatively connected to the gas exchange valve, and at least one first and at least one second electromagnetic units for actuating the pivoting armature, the pivoting armature is included in a first functional group with an armature housing and at least one of the two electromagnetic units is included in a second functional group and the functional groups are interconnected by connection means.

Abstract: A valve driving apparatus includes a magnetic flux generating element in which an electromagnetic coil is wound to generate magnetic flux, a magnetic field generating element which has at least two poles to distribute magnetic flux and form at least one magnetic field region, a drive means which includes a magnetic path member, and a magnetized member arranged in accordance with the magnetic field region and having two magnetized faces with mutually different polarity to be connected and moved together with a valve rod united with a valve element. A current supply means supplies driving current to the electromagnetic coil whereby the current has polarities corresponding to either a valve closing direction or a valve opening direction of the valve element. The apparatus reduce impact of valve seating with a simple structure and controls the valve with less power consumption and with precision.

Abstract: In an apparatus for, controlling a variable valve timing mechanism that variably controls valve timing of an engine by changing a rotation phase of a camshaft relative to a crankshaft due to friction braking of an electromagnetic brake, the rotation phase is controlled while limiting a change rate of the rotation phase.

Abstract: To provide a high performance four-stroke internal combustion engine wherein an increase in a side of a cylinder head is prevented and a valve resting mechanism is provided for a valve lifter. In a four-stroke internal combustion engine with a valve resting mechanism includes a valve lifter having a valve resting mechanism interposed between a valve motion cam and a stem of a poppet valve and a valve lifter spring is provided for biasing the valve lifter in a direction in which the valve lifter is normally held in contact with the valve motion cam. A slide pin holder is pressed against the valve lifter by a spring force of the valve lifter spring that is provided on the valve lifter while a shim portion having a predetermined thickness for controlling a relative positional relationship with the valve lifter is formed integrally with a valve lifter top wall.

Abstract: An engine temperature and an engine start are detected, and if a lower temperature engine start of a predetermined temperature or lower is detected, while controlling the closing timing of an intake valve to the vicinity of the intake bottom dead center with respect to a reference valve operation characteristics to be normally set, valve overlapped amount is controlled to be equal to or less than a valve overlap amount in said reference valve operation characteristics.

Abstract: A rocker arm (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine which is pivoted on a support pin (10) about its axis (9), whereby a push rod (7) contacts one end section (5), and the valve shaft (8) of a gas exchange valve contacts the other end section (6). The mounting of the rocker arm (1) on the support pin (10) takes place through two radial roller bearings (16) spaced at a distance from each other, whereby in a manner in accordance with the invention, an additional axial roller bearing (17, 18) is incorporated into the rocker arm bearing arrangement to prevent sliding friction.

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.

Abstract: An engine valve operating system of an electromagnetic type is arranged to locate a movable member between two electromagnets through a distance block and to connect the two electromagnets through side walls. By alternately energizing the electromagnets, the movable member is reciprocated against spring forces of two springs. An engine valve is interlocked with the movable member and operates according to the reciprocal movement of the movable member. The side wall and/or distance block is made of soft magnetic material and forms a magnetic circuit penetrating a side surface of the movable plate. This new magnetic circuit increases the attracting force of the electromagnet when a clearance between the movable member and the electromagnet is greater than a predetermined clearance. This arrangement decreases energy consumption for the initializing operation of the valve operating system from a neutral position between the electromagnets.

Abstract: A valve-lash adjuster equipped valve operating device for an internal combustion engine includes a biasing device biasing an engine valve in a valve-closing direction, and a valve drive mechanism opening the engine valve against the spring bias of the biasing device. A hydraulic zero lash adjuster is disposed between the engine valve and the valve drive mechanism to provide zero valve lash. A restriction device is provided to restrict a compressive force applied from each of the engine valve and the valve drive mechanism to the zero lash adjuster, when the engine is stopped.

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.

Abstract: A valve actuator assembly for an engine includes a movable engine valve. The valve actuator assembly also includes a movable roller finger follower contacting the engine valve, a rotatable cam, and first and second intermediate finger followers for contact with the roller finger follower and the cam. The valve actuator assembly also includes at least one first actuator operatively cooperating with the first intermediate finger follower to position the first intermediate finger follower relative to the cam to move the roller finger follower to position the engine valve at either one of a desired lift and phasing for a primary opening of the engine valve and at least one second actuator operatively cooperating with the second intermediate finger follower to position the second intermediate finger follower relative to the cam to move the roller finger follower to position the engine valve at either one of a desired lift and phasing for a secondary opening of the engine valve.