Abstract: A normally-engaged clutch is provided having a friction-element with a first side and an opposing second side, a first plate configured for pressing against the friction-element on the first side, and a second plate configured for pressing against the friction-element on the second side. The clutch also includes a biasing device configured to apply a first force to the second plate for pressing the second plate against the friction-element to engage the clutch. Additionally, the clutch includes an apply piston for applying a second force to the first plate, and a release piston for applying a third force to the second plate. The clutch is disengaged when the second plate is pushed away from the friction-element by the third force in the absence of the second force, and is engaged when the first plate is pressed against the friction-element by the second force.

Abstract: A normally-engaged clutch is provided having a friction-element with a first side and an opposing second side, a first plate configured for pressing against the friction-element on the first side, and a second plate configured for pressing against the friction-element on the second side. The clutch also includes a biasing device configured to apply a first force to the second plate for pressing the second plate against the friction-element to engage the clutch. Additionally, the clutch includes an apply piston for applying a second force to the first plate, and a release piston for applying a third force to the second plate. The clutch is disengaged when the second plate is pushed away from the friction-element by the third force in the absence of the second force, and is engaged when the first plate is pressed against the friction-element by the second force.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a plural rocker arm valve train assembly is provided. The locking mechanism is adapted for use with a camshaft having a plurality of different cam lobes having a plurality of different profiles, which result in variable valve displacement and duration. A plurality of rocker arms are located on a pivot shaft which runs parallel to the camshaft, each rocker arm having structures configured to be acted upon by respective lobes of the camshaft. An active rocker arm has structure configured to act upon an engine valve or valves. A movable locking element is fully enclosed by the rocker arms and is capable of selectively moving along the pivot shaft to allow the active rocker arm to selectively engage one or more of the other rocker arms for common pivoting, resulting in varied displacement of the engine valve or valves.

Abstract: A valve operating system includes a cam and a roller follower. An input piston is spring-biased to follow motion of the roller follower. A hydraulic chamber filled with fluid selectively transfers motion from the input piston to an output piston operatively engaged with a poppet valve. A variable-bleed valve is in fluid communication with the hydraulic chamber and an outlet channel and configured to selectively vary a bleed rate between the hydraulic chamber and outlet channel. Displacement of the input piston into the hydraulic chamber causes movement of the output piston, depending on the bleed rate. A pushrod may transfer motion from the roller follower to the input piston. A hydraulic damping shoulder may restrict the closing velocity of the output piston. The system may be further characterized by an absence of a rocker arm. An auxiliary piston may replace the variable-bleed orifice in the lost-motion hydraulic linkage.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a plural rocker arm valve train assembly is provided. The locking mechanism is adapted for use with a camshaft having a plurality of different cam lobes having a plurality of different profiles, which result in variable valve displacement and duration. A plurality of rocker arms are located on a pivot shaft which runs parallel to the camshaft, each rocker arm having structures configured to be acted upon by respective lobes of the camshaft. An active rocker arm has structure configured to act upon an engine valve or valves. A movable locking element is fully enclosed by the rocker arms and is capable of selectively moving along the pivot shaft to allow the active rocker arm to selectively engage one or more of the other rocker arms for common pivoting, resulting in varied displacement of the engine valve or valves.