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 method for producing carbon foam utilizing a particulate pore stabilizer is described. The method provides for an increase in the uniformity of the pore structure and distribution of pores throughout the carbon foam, as well as an increase in volume of the resultant carbon foam. A pore stabilized carbon foam prepared by the method is also described.

Abstract: A method for producing carbon foam utilizing a particulate pore stabilizer is described. The method provides for an increase in the uniformity of the pore structure and distribution of pores throughout the carbon foam, as well as an increase in volume of the resultant carbon foam. A pore stabilized carbon foam prepared by the method is also described.