Abstract: A switchable valve train assembly including a rocker shaft is provided. The rocker shaft includes a first chamber extending between a first axial end and a second axial end of the rocker shaft and a second chamber extending between the first axial end and the second axial end of the rocker shaft. A seepage orifice is defined between the first chamber and the second chamber and provides a fluid connection between the first chamber and the second chamber. The first chamber includes a first actuator port in fluid connection with a first intake port for a hydraulic lash adjuster. The second chamber includes a second actuator port in fluid connection with a second intake port for a locking assembly.

Abstract: A coupling pin anti-rotation arrangement is provided for a switchable roller finger follower within a valve train of an internal combustion engine. The coupling pin, located on one of the levers, has a first locking surface, and includes at least one coupling pin-side anti-rotation flat; the other lever, with a second locking surface, is configured with at least one lever-side anti-rotation flat. The at least one lever-side anti-rotation flat slidably guides the at least one coupling pin-side anti-rotation flat such that the first locking surface is aligned with the second locking surface throughout longitudinal displacement of the coupling pin within a coupling pin bore. The coupling pin anti-rotation arrangement is adaptable to various switchable roller finger follower designs that incorporate different valve lift strategies and lever configurations.

Abstract: A switchable valve train assembly including a carrier housing defining a hydraulic circuit, a supply assembly, a plurality of rocker shafts, a plurality of separators, and a plurality of rocker arm assemblies is provided. Each one of the plurality of separators divides the rocker shafts into (1) a first chamber extending between a first chamber axial end and the separator, and (2) a second chamber extending between a second chamber axial end and the separator. The plurality of separators each include an orifice defined between the first chamber and the second chamber that provides fluid connection between the first chamber and the second chamber. Locking assemblies of the rocker arm assemblies are selectively actuated based on the supply assembly. The separators ensure that hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic fluid is de-aerated and that the second chambers remain primed with hydraulic fluid for faster actuation of the locking assemblies.

Abstract: A hollow rocker shaft including a central opening defined by a radially inner surface and a separator secured in the central opening of the rocker shaft is provided. A radially outer surface of the separator engages the radially inner surface of the rocker shaft via a press-fit. The separator divides the central opening of the rocker shaft into (1) a first chamber extending between a first chamber axial end and the separator, and (2) a second chamber extending between a second chamber axial end and the separator. The separator includes an orifice defined between the first chamber and the second chamber that provides fluid connection between the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A switchable rocker arm for valve deactivation is provided for a valve train of an internal combustion engine. The switchable rocker arm includes a cam lever assembly, a valve lever assembly, and a hydraulically actuated coupling assembly that is radially arranged between the cam lever and valve lever assemblies. The coupling assembly includes a shuttle pin, a locking pin with a round or flat locking interface, and optional shuttle pin and locking pin sleeves. In a first, locked position, the rotational motion of a camshaft is translated to linear motion of an engine valve. In a second, unlocked position, the cam lever assembly rotates about the valve lever assembly, facilitating valve deactivation. A pivot joint arranged between the cam lever and valve lever assemblies facilitates an arcuate lost motion of the cam lever assembly. An integrated arrangement for one or more lost motions springs offers packaging and functional advantages.

Abstract: Disclosed are computer-implemented methods and systems for providing remote access control to residential or office buildings. The disclosed methods allow employing virtual doorman functions in non-doorman buildings. An example method may comprise: receiving a call signal of an intercom station, the call signal comprising a resident identifier which indicates a resident with whom a visitor is trying to communicate, receiving a video stream generated by at least one camera, the video stream comprising one or more images of the visitor, retrieving visitor data associated with the resident identifier, the visitor data comprising one or more visitor profiles, and providing access to the building for the visitor based upon one or more predetermined criteria.

Abstract: Disclosed are computer-implemented methods and systems for providing remote access control to residential or office buildings. The disclosed methods allow employing virtual doorman functions in non-doorman buildings. An example method may comprise: receiving a call signal of an intercom station, the call signal comprising a resident identifier which indicates a resident with whom a visitor is trying to communicate, receiving a video stream generated by at least one camera, the video stream comprising one or more images of the visitor, retrieving visitor data associated with the resident identifier, the visitor data comprising one or more visitor profiles, and providing access to the building for the visitor based upon one or more predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A networked public multimedia kiosk based on a personal computer compares key codes resulting from user input with a table. If a key code, or key code sequence, matches an entry in the table, the user input is ignored. This restricts use of the computer by the public. Different levels of access to the computer may be provided by modifying the table through a password controlled security program. For enhanced security, gamma tables (which control the brightness of the screen output) may be set to zero while the operating system of the computer is loading.

Abstract: A closure assembly and strut for a pivoting closure which automatically operates to close the closure when rain begins to fall. The closure assembly is provided with two pivoting arms which, when pivoted to their extreme positions, would allow a slot provided on a hinge portion of each arm to align into which a soluble restraining element is placed. The extremity portions of each arm are used to support the closure in an opened position. When it begins to rain, water would hit the soluble element directly or would indirectly be directed to this soluble element through capillary action which would soften the soluble restraining element, allowing a spring to trip the pivot out of alignment with the ends, thereby precipitating the collapse of the closure element. Once the closure element collapses, the closure would close due to the force of gravity.