Abstract: A lock mechanism for a phaser of a variable cam timing system is actuated by an electromagnetic force. Since the lock mechanism is not dependent upon engine oil pressure, it is actuatable at any time from engine startup to engine shutdown. A lock solenoid is preferably used to actuate a lock pin, which is otherwise urged toward a lock hole and a locked position by a spring force, to an unlocked position. The lock solenoid preferably acts on a pin lock plate that is coupled to the lock pin. A preferred startup method and a preferred shutdown method are also described.

Abstract: A VCT system having a housing, a rotor, a locking pin, and a spool valve. The spool valve has a spool slidably located in a bore with a plurality of ports. The spool has a plurality of lands that block the ports. When the spool is in the advance position, the plurality of lands allow fluid through the ports from the retard chamber to the advance chamber. When the spool is in the retard position, the plurality of lands allow fluid through the ports from the advance chamber to the retard chamber. When the spool is in the null position, the plurality of lands allow fluid from a source to the advance and retard chambers. When the spool is in the locked position, the plurality of lands allow fluid supplied to one of the advance chamber or the retard chamber to move the locking pin to a locked position.

Abstract: A variable camshaft timing phaser for an internal combustion engine having at least one camshaft comprising a plurality of vanes in chambers defined by a housing and a spool valve. The vanes define an advance and a retard chamber. At least one of the vanes is cam torque actuated (CTA) and at least one of the other vanes is oil pressure actuated (OPA). The spool valve is coupled to the advance and retard chamber defined by the CTA vane and the advance chamber defined by the OPA vane. When the phaser is in the advance position, fluid is routed from the retard chamber defined by the OPA vane to the retard chamber defined the CTA vane. When the phaser is in the retard position, fluid is routed from the retard chamber defined by the CTA vane to the advance chamber defined by the CTA vane.

Abstract: A phaser comprising a housing, a rotor, and first and second passages. The housing has at least one chamber defined by an advance wall, an arcuate outer wall, and a retard wall. The rotor has at least one vane projecting from an outer circumference, separating the chamber in the housing into advance and retard chambers. The first passage facilitates fluid communication to a first port in the advance or retard chamber and a second passage to a second port in the other advance or retard chambers. Each port is spaced apart form the first wall or second wall of the vane, such that when the vane is moved towards the advance or retard wall of the chamber far enough, the passages are obstructed by the housing and fluid flow to the passages is restricted, such that impact of the vane with the walls of the chamber is cushioned.

Abstract: A variable cam timing phaser for an internal combustion engine having at least one camshaft comprising a housing, a rotor, and a driving element. The housing is has an outer circumference for accepting drive force, a circular notched groove, and is made of a first material. The notched groove may be axially centered between the leading and trailing edges of the housing or adjacent to either of the leading or trailing edges of the housing. The rotor connects to a camshaft coaxially located within the housing. The driving element is made of a second material and is coaxially located around the outer circumference of the housing. The first material is aluminum or magnesium and the second material is steel. The driving element may be a gear or a sprocket. The driving element may be axially centered on the housing.

Abstract: In a VCT system, the rotor of a phaser is integral to a shaft such as a camshaft. The lobes on the camshaft are also integral to the camshaft. The axial dimension and the radial dimension of the resultant rotor-cam shaft-cam lobes combination is reduced.

Abstract: A VCT phaser for an engine having a housing, rotor and a spool valve. The rotor having a bore comprising an open outer end, an inner surface, and inner end having a vent port and arranged along the bore, an advance port, a common port, a retard port, and a lock port. The spool valve comprises a spool with a first land, a first groove, a second land, a second groove, and a third land, with the area between the inner surface of the bore and the first groove defining a first chamber, the area between the bore and the second groove defining a second chamber, and the area between the bore and the inner end of the spool defining a third chamber. A passage between the first groove and the second groove for fluid passage provides fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber and lock pin.

Abstract: A subsoil implement is disclosed that utilizes a horizontally rotatable disc that is moved beneath the surface of the ground for the purpose of cultivating or for producing a sub-surface bed for placing flowable material such as seed or soil treating gas along the prepared bed. A hollow delivery tube or rigid shaft leads to the disc and rotates about an axis defined by a bearing directly adjacent the disc. Seed or chemicals may be directed through the hollow tube form to the ground surface below the cultivator disc. Therefore, cultivating, planting or soil treatment can be accomplished with minimal effort. Trash clearing elements are provided on the rotating tube or shaft to eliminate trash build-up and minimize disruption of the soil surface.