Abstract: An internal combustion engine valve deactivator mechanism including a pair of reciprocable cylindrical members and a movable piston therein which together function as a normal tappet when pressurized fluid is fed to a chamber defined between the piston and a first cylindrical member but when the pressurized fluid is exhausted from the chamber the engine valves of the engine remain seated by their respective valve springs while the two cylindrical members are allowed to reciprocate with respect to each other by the piston. Engine oil pressure may be used as the operating fluid for the valve deactivator. An inlet passage formed in the cylinder block feeds pressurized fluid to the chamber in a first position of a control valve located within the cylinder block to move the piston away from the first member to prevent the second member from reciprocating with respect to the first member and thereby enable normal operation of an engine cylinder intake or exhaust valve by its pushrod.

Abstract: An engine valve operating mechanism for operating the poppet valves controlling the intake and exhaust ports of each cylinder independently of each other and independently of the crank shaft speed. The mechanism includes an extendable and retractable fluid actuator having first and second members telescopically engaged with each other, one of which members is rotatable with respect to the other. An expansible and contractable fluid chamber is defined between the members, and the flow of fluid into and out of the chamber is controlled in accordance with the angular position of the members with respect to each other. When fluid flows into the chamber, the chamber expands causing the actuator to extend. When fluid is exhausted from the chamber, the actuator contracts. The actuator is mounted on a support member and engages a poppet valve operator to cause a poppet valve engaged by the operator to move in opening and closing directions in response to extension and retraction of the actuator.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine control system in which intake and exhaust valve deactivators are controlled in response to both engine throttle position and output speed in order to affect split engine operation. Voltages responsive to both throttle position and engine output speed are compared to generate a variable signal that controls the valve deactivators. Each deactivator includes a rotatable first cylindrical member axially fixed on an elongated engine support and also includes a second cylindrical member defining an enclosed cavity with the first member while positioned on the support between the engine and the first member. A helical spring of each deactivator encircles the cylindrical members thereof and has a first end axially fixed relative to the support and a second end that biases a rocker arm bearing toward the engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine control system in which intake and exhaust valve deactivators are controlled in response to both engine throttle position and output speed in order to affect split engine operation. Voltages responsive to both throttle position and engine output speed are compared to generate a variable signal that controls the valve deactivators. Each deactivator includes a rotatable first cylindrical member axially fixed on an elongated engine support and also includes a second cylindrical member defining an enclosed cavity with the first member while positioned on the support between the engine and the first member. A helical spring of each deactivator encircles the cylindrical members thereof and has a first end axially fixed relative to the support and a second end that biases a rocker arm bearing toward the engine.

Abstract: A valve deactuator for an internal combustion engine is disclosed that utilizes a body of trapped liquid to permit a rocker arm to actuate its associated valve. When the liquid is released the rocker arm no longer makes its normal valve-opening excursion in response to movement of its associated pushrod.

Abstract: A method for molding a wire insert in the body of a plastic article to reinforce a bolt-receiving opening. The wire insert is formed of a wire coil in which each convolution of the coil is in contact with its neighboring convolution. The coil has openings between adjacent convolutions to permit liquid plastic to flow between the convolutions as the article is being molded so that the coil is embedded within the plastic.