Abstract: The invention is based on an electromagnetic actuator for activating a gas exchange valve. The latter has both an opening magnet and a closing magnet, between which an armature which is connected to a valve stem is arranged in a coaxially displaceable fashion. The armature is held in a position of equilibrium between the magnets by means of an upper and a lower prestressed valve spring when the magnets are in a currentless state. In order to be able to control the actuator better, a plunger coil is connected to a valve stem of the gas exchange valve and is arranged coaxially with respect to said valve stem. Said plunger coil dips into a radially magnetized air gap of an annular, axially magnetized permanent magnet.

Abstract: In a reversible-type internal combustion engine including electromagnetically operated gas change valves and a control unit for controlling actuation of the gas change valves, a direction of rotation switch is actuated to reverse engine rotation whereupon the engine is slowed down and uncoupled from the associated drive line and, when the engine speed falls below a predetermined value rotation of the engine in opposite direction is initiated while the timing of the electromagnetically controlled valves is adjusted to the opposite direction of rotation of the internal combustion engine.