Abstract: Systems and methods of supplying hydraulic fluid are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system comprises a rocker arm shaft having an axis and an outer surface; a rocker arm pivotally mounted on the rocker arm shaft; a bore formed in the rocker arm shaft parallel to the rocker arm shaft axis, the bore having an inner surface; a fluid supply source in communication with the bore; and a divider assembly operatively connected to the bore, wherein at least one hydraulic passage is formed between the rocker arm shaft and the divider assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for actuating engine valves are disclosed. The systems may include primary and auxiliary rocker arms disposed adjacent to each other on a rocker arm shaft. A rocker arm coupling assembly may be disposed between the auxiliary rocker arm and the primary rocker arm. The coupling assembly may include a piston having a curved surface disposed in a bore formed in the primary rocker arm, and a slot having a second radius of curvature formed in the auxiliary rocker arm. The piston may be selectively hydraulically locked into an extended position between the primary and auxiliary rocker arms so as to selectively transfer one or more auxiliary valve actuation motions from the auxiliary rocker arm to the primary rocker arm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effectuating multi-cycle engine braking is disclosed. The present invention controls the operation of the engine valves to permit more than one compression release event during a single engine operating cycle. The apparatus includes an assembly for operating at least one exhaust valve of an engine cylinder during a positive power operation. The apparatus further includes an assembly for operating at least one intake valve of the engine cylinder. The apparatus further including an assembly for operating the at least one exhaust valve during an engine braking operation.

Abstract: A camless internal combustion engine has electronically or computer controlled, electrically operated hydraulic actuators for selectively opening the engine cylinder valves. The engine is capable of operating in either positive power mode or compression release engine braking mode. The pressure of the hydraulic fluid available for application to the hydraulic actuators is automatically adjusted from a relatively low pressure during positive power mode to a relatively high pressure during compression release engine braking mode. The stroke lengths of the engine cylinder valves may be automatically adjusted for various engine operating conditions using feedback loops that include sensors for detecting the amount of opening of each engine cylinder valve whose stroke length is to be controlled in this manner. The shapes of the valve opening and closing trajectories as a function of engine crank angle may similarly be varied in many other respect.

Abstract: In engine brakes of the type in which a master piston is reciprocated by an associated internal combustion engine part to hydraulically pressurize hydraulic fluid in a plenum, after which a trigger valve is opened to apply that hydraulic pressure to a slave piston which opens an exhaust valve in the engine to produce a compression release event, an electronically controlled trigger valve is used in place of the conventional mechanically operated trigger valve. The electronically controlled trigger valve can be much simpler and cheaper than the mechanical trigger valve it replaces, and it can also be readily controlled to automatically vary the timing of the compression release events if desired.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effectuating multi-cycle engine braking is disclosed. The present invention controls the operation of the engine valves to permit more than one compression release event during a single engine operating cycle. The apparatus includes an assembly for operating at least one exhaust valve of an engine cylinder during a positive power operation. The apparatus further includes an assembly for operating at least one intake valve of the engine cylinder. The apparatus further including an assembly for operating the at least one exhaust valve during an engine braking operation.