Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a first arm having a first arm contact surface and operatively connected to a valve actuation motion. A second arm having a second arm contact surface is operatively connected to the at least one engine valve. A discrete lost motion device is provided that is controllable between a first, motion conveying state and a second, motion absorbing state. The discrete lost motion devices comprises a plunger contact surface and a housing contact surface. The housing contact surface is configured to engage one of the first or second arm contact surfaces, and the plunger contact surface is configured to engage another of the first and the second arm contact surfaces. The first and second arm contact surfaces, the housing contact surface and the first plunger contact surface are configured to support the discrete lost motion device between the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: A discrete lost motion device for use in a valve train of an internal combustion engine comprises a housing having a housing bore extending longitudinally into the housing and a second end having a housing contact surface configured to engage a corresponding contact surface of a first valve train component. A plunger slidably is disposed in the housing bore is controllable between a first state in which the plunger rigidly extends out of the housing bore and a second state in which the plunger is permitted to reciprocate within the housing bore, the plunger further comprising an end having a plunger contact surface configured to engage a corresponding contact surface of a second valve train component. The housing contact surface and the plunger contact surface are configured to support the discrete lost motion device between the first and second valve train components.

Abstract: A system for controlling actuation of an engine valve comprises a pivot and a torsion spring having first and second legs operatively connected to the pivot. A lever arm is adjustably affixed to and extending away from the pivot, and is further rotatable about a pivot axis of the pivot between a retracted position and an extended position and vice versa relative to a motion conveying component. Furthermore, a housing is provided having a pivot bore formed therein with the pivot rotatably disposed in the pivot bore. The housing further comprises a first and second openings intersecting with the pivot bore such that the first and second legs extend out of the first opening and the lever arm extends out of the second opening. When a first force is applied by the motion conveying component to the lever arm, such first force maintains the lever arm in the extended position.

Abstract: A system for controlling actuation of an engine valve comprises a pivot and a torsion spring having first and second legs operatively connected to the pivot. A lever arm is adjustably affixed to and extending away from the pivot, and is further rotatable about a pivot axis of the pivot between a retracted position and an extended position and vice versa relative to a motion conveying component. Furthermore, a housing is provided having a pivot bore formed therein with the pivot rotatably disposed in the pivot bore. The housing further comprises a first and second openings intersecting with the pivot bore such that the first and second legs extend out of the first opening and the lever arm extends out of the second opening. When a first force is applied by the motion conveying component to the lever arm, such first force maintains the lever arm in the extended position.

Abstract: A valve bridge system comprises a valve bridge configured to extend between at least two engine valves of an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, a valve bridge guide is operatively connected to the valve bridge and configured to extend between at least two valve springs respectively corresponding to the at least two engine valves, the valve bridge guide defining a surface conforming to a valve spring of the at least two valve springs. In another embodiment, the valve bridge guide may comprise at least a first member maintained in a first fixed position relative to and at a predetermined distance from the valve bridge. In both embodiments, the valve bridge guide is configured to avoid contact with the valve bridge in a controlled state, but to permit contact with valve bridge to resist uncontrolled movement of the valve bridge.

Abstract: A valve bridge system comprises a valve bridge configured to extend between at least two engine valves of an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, a valve bridge guide is operatively connected to the valve bridge and configured to extend between at least two valve springs respectively corresponding to the at least two engine valves, the valve bridge guide defining a surface conforming to a valve spring of the at least two valve springs. In another embodiment, the valve bridge guide may comprise at least a first member maintained in a first fixed position relative to and at a predetermined distance from the valve bridge. In both embodiments, the valve bridge guide is configured to avoid contact with the valve bridge in a controlled state, but to permit contact with valve bridge to resist uncontrolled movement of the valve bridge.

Abstract: For controlling motion of a movable part, a device comprises a first chamber and a second chamber in fluid communication with each other via a variable orifice that is responsive to pressure within the first chamber. Movement of the movable part is thereby at least partially controlled by flow of a fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber via the variable orifice. An increase in pressure in the first chamber may cause an increase in orifice area, whereas a decrease in pressure may cause a decrease in the orifice area. Pressure-dependent elements that change geometries and/or the pressure-based opening/closing of one or more bypass channels may be used for this purpose. Where bypass channels are used, a valve may be opened/closed based on an operating parameter of a system in which the movable part is a component. Such a system may comprise an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve the selective deactivation of one or more engine valves. In one embodiment, a split-cycle internal combustion engine is provided in which a high-speed trigger valve is used to fill and drain a hydraulic tappet that forms part of a lost-motion system of an engine valve. A spool valve can be used to selectively disconnect the tappet from the trigger valve, thereby deactivating the associated engine valve (i.e., preventing the engine valve from opening). The devices and methods disclosed herein also have application in conventional internal combustion engines and can be used with inwardly-opening and/or outwardly-opening valves.

Abstract: For controlling motion of a movable part, a device comprises a first chamber and a second chamber in fluid communication with each other via a variable orifice that is responsive to pressure within the first chamber. Movement of the movable part is thereby at least partially controlled by flow of a fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber via the variable orifice. An increase in pressure in the first chamber may cause an increase in orifice area, whereas a decrease in pressure may cause a decrease in the orifice area. Pressure-dependent elements that change geometries and/or the pressure-based opening/closing of one or more bypass channels may be used for this purpose. Where bypass channels are used, a valve may be opened/closed based on an operating parameter of a system in which the movable part is a component. Such a system may comprise an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve the selective deactivation of one or more engine valves. In one embodiment, a split-cycle internal combustion engine is provided in which a high-speed trigger valve is used to fill and drain a hydraulic tappet that forms part of a lost-motion system of an engine valve. A spool valve can be used to selectively disconnect the tappet from the trigger valve, thereby deactivating the associated engine valve (i.e., preventing the engine valve from opening). The devices and methods disclosed herein also have application in conventional internal combustion engines and can be used with inwardly-opening and/or outwardly-opening valves.

Abstract: Devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve the selective deactivation of one or more engine valves. In one embodiment, a split-cycle internal combustion engine is provided in which a high-speed trigger valve is used to fill and drain a hydraulic tappet that forms part of a lost-motion system of an engine valve. A spool valve can be used to selectively disconnect the tappet from the trigger valve, thereby deactivating the associated engine valve (i.e., preventing the engine valve from opening). The devices and methods disclosed herein also have application in conventional internal combustion engines and can be used with inwardly-opening and/or outwardly-opening valves.

Abstract: Devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve the selective deactivation of one or more engine valves. In one embodiment, a split-cycle internal combustion engine is provided in which a high-speed trigger valve is used to fill and drain a hydraulic tappet that forms part of a lost-motion system of an engine valve. A spool valve can be used to selectively disconnect the tappet from the trigger valve, thereby deactivating the associated engine valve (i.e., preventing the engine valve from opening). The devices and methods disclosed herein also have application in conventional internal combustion engines and can be used with inwardly-opening and/or outwardly-opening valves.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation system to actuate and control the seating velocity of an internal combustion engine valve is disclosed. The system may comprise a rocker arm that includes first, second and third contact surfaces. The first contact surface may contact the engine valve. A hydraulic lost motion system may contact the rocker arm at the second contact surface, and a mechanical valve train element may contact the rocker arm at the third contact surface. The lost motion system may include a slave piston with a valve seating device incorporated therein. The lost motion system and the mechanical valve train element may be provided side by side at the end of the rocker arm opposite that of the engine valve.

Abstract: A system and method for actuating one or more engine valves is provided. In particular, systems and methods for providing variable valve actuation to improve engine performance are provided. Embodiments of the present invention may be used in conjunction with positive power, engine braking, and/or exhaust gas recirculation operation of an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, the system comprises: a valve train element; a housing disposed intermediate the valve train element and the engine valve; an outer piston slidably disposed in a bore formed in the housing, the outer piston having a cavity formed therein; an inner piston slidably disposed in the outer piston cavity; and a valve in communication with the outer piston cavity, the valve having more than one position, wherein the position of the valve determines the timing of the engine valve event.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation system to actuate and control the seating velocity of an internal combustion engine valve is disclosed. The system may comprise a rocker arm that includes first, second and third contact surfaces. The first contact surface may contact the engine valve. A hydraulic lost motion system may contact the rocker arm at the second contact surface, and a mechanical valve train element may contact the rocker arm at the third contact surface. The lost motion system may include a slave piston with a valve seating device incorporated therein. The lost motion system and the mechanical valve train element may be provided side by side at the end of the rocker arm opposite that of the engine valve.

Abstract: A system and method for actuating one or more engine valves is provided. In particular, systems and methods for providing variable valve actuation to improve engine performance are provided. Embodiments of the present invention may be used in conjunction with positive power, engine braking, and/or exhaust gas recirculation operation of an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, the system comprises: a valve train element; a housing disposed intermediate the valve train element and the engine valve; an outer piston slidably disposed in a bore formed in the housing, the outer piston having a cavity formed therein; an inner piston slidably disposed in the outer piston cavity; and a valve in communication with the outer piston cavity, the valve having more than one position, wherein the position of the valve determines the timing of the engine valve event.