Abstract: A cam-follower rocker arm is provided comprising a flat single plate body containing an axle that extends perpendicular from the vertical wall area for making contact with a valve and a second pivot point axle. The pivot point for the cam-follower rocker arm may be located centrally or at the end of the cam-follower rocker arm that is opposite the cam-follower rocker arm valve arm. An external cam-follower bearing is mounted on the axle and extends on each side of the flat plate wall. The cam-follower rocker arm of the invention is characterized by a relatively reduced mass and has a stiffness that exceeds limits achieved by known prior art designs for an overhead cam and cam-follower valve train; the gain in stiffness being attributed to the body's flat plate cross-section relative to conventional prior art cam-follower rocker arms that have a U-shape or a dual wall cross-section.

Abstract: A rocker arm is provided that includes a body which is comprised of a single vertical wall having an I-shape cross section and an axle that extends perpendicular from the vertical wall area for making contact with a valve and a pivot point. The pivot point for the rocker arm may be located centrally or at the end of the rocker arm that is opposite the rocker arm valve arm. An external cam follower bearing is mounted on the axle on each side of a single vertical wall. The rocker arm of the invention is characterized by a relatively reduced mass and has a stiffness that exceeds limits achieved by known prior art designs for an overhead cam and cam follower valve train; the gain in stiffness being attributed to the body's I-shape cross-section relative to conventional prior art rocker arms having a U-shape or dual vertical wall cross-section.