Abstract: An active engine mount assembly for counteracting resultant forces in active fuel management systems, wherein resultant forces are transmitted to a frame of a motorized vehicle generated by the deactivation of at least one cylinder in an internal combustion engine. The active engine mount assembly is fluidly connected to a hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit is operatively connected to an engine crankshaft and operable to actively generate pressure pulses having frequencies self-synchronized with the rotational speed of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a plural rocker arm valve train assembly is provided. The locking mechanism is adapted for use with a camshaft having a plurality of different cam lobes having a plurality of different profiles, which result in variable valve displacement and duration. A plurality of rocker arms are located on a pivot shaft which runs parallel to the camshaft, each rocker arm having structures configured to be acted upon by respective lobes of the camshaft. An active rocker arm has structure configured to act upon an engine valve or valves. A movable locking element is fully enclosed by the rocker arms and is capable of selectively moving along the pivot shaft to allow the active rocker arm to selectively engage one or more of the other rocker arms for common pivoting, resulting in varied displacement of the engine valve or valves.

Abstract: A multi-step valve actuation system is provided to selectively open a poppet valve of an internal combustion engine having a camshaft rotatably supported by a cylinder block. The multi-step valve actuation system includes a rocker arm operable to selectively open the poppet valve and a pushrod operable to bias the rocker arm. A first follower arm is engageable with a first cam of the camshaft and operates to selectively bias the pushrod. A lash adjuster is disposed between the first follower arm and the pushrod. A second follower arm is engageable with a second cam of the camshaft and selectively latchable with respect to the first follower arm, while a third follower arm is engageable with a third cam of the camshaft and selectively latchable with respect to the first follower arm. An internal combustion engine incorporating the multi-step valve actuation system of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An engine includes a crankshaft, a first noncircular gear operatively connected to the crankshaft to be driven thereby, a second noncircular gear meshingly engaged with the first noncircular gear, a cam operatively connected to the second noncircular gear to be driven thereby, and a valve operatively connected to the cam for movement between open and closed positions. The noncircular gears enable the speed of the cam to vary cyclically with constant rotation of the crankshaft speed. Valve lift timing and duration may be variable by moving the second noncircular gear with respect to the first noncircular gear while maintaining meshing engagement therebetween.

Abstract: A multi-step valve actuation system is provided to selectively open a poppet valve of an internal combustion engine having a camshaft rotatably supported by a cylinder block. The multi-step valve actuation system includes a rocker arm operable to selectively open the poppet valve and a pushrod operable to bias the rocker arm. A first follower arm is engageable with a first cam of the camshaft and operates to selectively bias the pushrod. A lash adjuster is disposed between the first follower arm and the pushrod. A second follower arm is engageable with a second cam of the camshaft and selectively latchable with respect to the first follower arm, while a third follower arm is engageable with a third cam of the camshaft and selectively latchable with respect to the first follower arm. An internal combustion engine incorporating the multi-step valve actuation system of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanism and method is provided for preventing instantaneous unlatching of a driving and a driven member upon an accidental drop in the hydraulic-holding pressure. One embodiment of the mechanism includes a housing having an inlet port connectable to a substantially sustained high pressure fluid source; and a configured locking pin axially displaceable to an engaged position with respect to the inlet port in response to high pressure fluid entrapped in the housing. The locking pin is spring-biasingly axially displaceable to a disengaged position when the pressure is low. The axial displacement of the locking pin sufficiently overlaps the inlet port to form a variable orifice so that the rate of exhausting of entrapped fluid is variable. In another embodiment, the entrapped fluid is slowly exhausted until a seal length is reduced to zero by the retraction of the locking pin. In another embodiment, latching and unlatching is controlled by pressure pulses.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accessory drive system for a vehicle. The accessory drive system includes a planetary gear set having a first, second, and third planetary member. A torque transfer device operatively connects an engine with the first planetary member. A motor/generator is operatively connected to the second planetary member, and a plurality of accessories are operatively connected to the third planetary member. Engine output is transferable through the planetary gear set to drive the accessories, and the speed at which the accessories are driven is selectable by controlling the speed of the motor/generator.

Abstract: The invention provides a valvetrain configuration in an internal combustion engine in which a plurality of two-step rockers enable the engine poppet valves to switch between two lift profiles. In addition, a lost-motion stationary lash adjuster enables the deactivation of the engine poppet valve. The integration of a two-step rocker with a deactivating stationary lash adjuster yields a better control of the combustion process, under different engine operating conditions than what is achievable with either one of these actuators acting alone. Preferably, the locking and unlocking of the two-step rocker arm and deactivating stationary lash adjuster is controlled by two on/off hydraulic valves in a hydraulic circuit, and a piloted check valve prevents hard landings between stationary and moving components within the stationary hydraulic lash adjuster.

Abstract: A valve deactivator latching assembly for selective hydraulic pressure actuation of engine cylinder valves, where the valve actuator is received by and positionable within a bore formed in an engine block with an outer body having an annular latching groove formed on its interior surface, an inner body member insertable in the outer body, a plunger, a lost motion spring, and a latch assembly including a semi-collar member of a radially displacable cooperating axial-position locking element and a second semi-collar member of a radially displacable cooperating axial-position locking element spring biased to extend radially and compressible to contracted position by hydraulic pressure, where each of the semi-collar members include a female alignment guide and a male alignment guide that continuously maintain the alignment thereof.

Abstract: A valve deactivator latching assembly for selective hydraulic pressure actuation of engine cylinder valves, where the valve actuator is received by and positionable within a bore formed in an engine block with an outer body having an annular latching groove formed on its interior surface, an inner body member insertable in the outer body, a plunger, a lost motion spring, and a latch assembly including a semi-collar member of a radially displacable cooperating axial-position locking element and a second semi-collar member of a radially displacable cooperating axial-position locking element spring biased to extend radially and compressible to contracted position by hydraulic pressure, where each of the semi-collar members include a female alignment guide and a male alignment guide that continuously maintain the alignment thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a valvetrain configuration in an internal combustion engine in which a plurality of two-step rockers enable the engine poppet valves to switch between two lift profiles. In addition, a lost-motion stationary lash adjuster enables the deactivation of the engine poppet valve. The integration of a two-step rocker with a deactivating stationary lash adjuster yields a better control of the combustion process, under different engine operating conditions than what is achievable with either one of these actuators acting alone. Preferably, the locking and unlocking of the two-step rocker arm and deactivating stationary lash adjuster is controlled by two on/off hydraulic valves in a hydraulic circuit, and a piloted check valve prevents hard landings between stationary and moving components within the stationary hydraulic lash adjuster.

Abstract: A hybrid clamping mechanism for a belt continuously variable transmission (CVT) is disclosed. A pulley having adjustable belt-engagement surfaces allow for a variable effective diameter of the belt when about the pulley. A clamping spring disposed to bias the belt-engagement surfaces closer together exert a clamping force on the belt. A first hydraulic drive is disposed to assist the clamping force of the clamping spring, and a second hydraulic drive is disposed to oppose the clamping force of the clamping spring. The total clamping force at the belt results from the clamping spring, the first hydraulic drive, the second hydraulic drive, or any combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.

Abstract: A valve actuator assembly for an engine includes a movable engine valve. The valve actuator assembly also includes a movable finger for contact with the engine valve and a rotatable cam for contact with the finger. The valve actuator assembly further includes a finger-support element assembly for contact with the finger having a first piston and a second piston. The first piston and second piston are axially aligned and independently movable in the same direction to provide lift of the engine valve in an activated mode and lost motion of the engine valve in a de-activated mode. In the activated mode, one end of the second piston is the stationary pivot for the finger, and the other end contacts the first piston. The first piston rests on a fluid column. In the de-activated mode, fluid is exhausted hydraulically, yielding lost motion, and the two pistons are displaced away from each other by their biasing springs. The first piston remains stationary, and the second piston undergoes a reciprocating motion.

Abstract: A valve actuator assembly for an engine includes a movable engine valve. The valve actuator assembly also includes a movable finger for contact with the engine valve and a rotatable cam for contact with the finger. The valve actuator assembly further includes a finger-support element assembly for contact with the finger having a first piston and a second piston. The first piston and second piston are axially aligned and independently movable in the same direction to provide lift of the engine valve in an activated mode and lost motion of the engine valve in a de-activated mode. In the activated mode, one end of the second piston is the stationary pivot for the finger, and the other end contacts the first piston. The first piston rests on a fluid column. In the de-activated mode, fluid is exhausted hydraulically, yielding lost motion, and the two pistons are displaced away from each other by their biasing springs. The first piston remains stationary, and the second piston undergoes a reciprocating motion.

Abstract: A lost motion assembly for a valve of an internal combustion engine includes a cam, a cam piston which is spring biased to follow motion of the cam, a valve piston operatively engaged with a poppet valve, and an auxiliary piston. The cam piston, valve piston and auxiliary piston are in continuous contact with a fluid in an enclosed control chamber having a fixed volume, such that rotation of the cam causes displacement of the cam piston into the control chamber, which causes a corresponding displacement of at least one of the valve piston and auxiliary piston while the volume of fluid in the control chamber remains substantially constant.