Abstract: An electronically actuated valve assembly for an internal combustion engine is disclosed, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve stem, and a plurality of shape memory alloy segments in operative communication with the valve stem, wherein each shape memory alloy segment is individually actuatable, and wherein actuation of different shape memory alloy segments is configured to cause different valve lifts.

Abstract: A mode-switching cam follower is disclosed, wherein the follower includes a body, a cam contact movably coupled to the body, and a latch member movably coupled to the body. A shape-memory alloy in communication with the latch member couples and decouples the latch member with the cam.

Abstract: A cylinder valve operating system for an internal combustion engine includes a camshaft driving a number of intake and exhaust valve operators which may be selectively disabled through the operation of a valving system including a hydraulic phase shifter integrated with the camshaft and connected between a source of high pressure oil and at least the intake valve operators. The hydraulic phase shifter allows one group of valves, such as the exhaust valves, to be disabled before the other group of valves, typically the intake valves.

Abstract: An electronically actuated valve assembly for an internal combustion engine is disclosed, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve stem, a shape memory alloy actuator in operative communication with the valve stem, a coolant passage through which at least a portion of the shape memory alloy actuator extends, and a cooling fluid source in communication with the coolant passage.

Abstract: A cylinder valve operating system for an internal combustion engine includes a camshaft driving a number of intake and exhaust valve operators which may be selectively disabled through the operation of a valving system including a hydraulic phase shifter integrated with the camshaft and connected between a source of high pressure oil and at least the intake valve operators. The hydraulic phase shifter allows one group of valves, such as the exhaust valves, to be disabled before the other group of valves, typically the intake valves.

Abstract: A flexibly-jointed, fluid-tight cover for enclosing a portion of an internal combustion engine includes generally rigid structural cover panels which are joined by fluid-tight flexible joints formed from elastomeric material which is either inserted into the rigid structural cover panels after the joint has been molded, or molded in place by inserting the cover parts within a mold and injecting material into the mold to form the flexible fluid-tight joints.

Abstract: An electronically actuated valve assembly for an internal combustion engine is disclosed, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve stem, and a plurality of shape memory alloy segments in operative communication with the valve stem, wherein each shape memory alloy segment is individually actuatable, and wherein actuation of different shape memory alloy segments is configured to cause different valve lifts.

Abstract: An electronically actuated valve assembly for an internal combustion engine is disclosed, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve stem, a shape memory alloy actuator in operative communication with the valve stem, a coolant passage through which at least a portion of the shape memory alloy actuator extends, and a cooling fluid source in communication with the coolant passage.

Abstract: An oil supply system for an internal combustion engine camshaft includes an oil distribution block configured for attachment to an engine structure adjacent to and above a camshaft, with attachment of the oil distribution block occurring after the camshaft has been installed in the engine. Fixed and movable ring segments, which are mounted to the oil distribution block, cooperate to provide the camshaft with oil under pressure, which may be used for controlling auxiliary devices such as a camshaft phaser or camshaft profile switching mechanism.

Abstract: A mode-switching cam follower is disclosed, wherein the follower includes a body, a cam contact movably coupled to the body, a latch member movably coupled to the body, wherein the latch member is movable between a coupled position in which the cam contact is held in a fixed relation to the body by the latch member and a decoupled position in which the cam contact is decoupled from the latch member and movable relative to the body, and an actuator in communication with the latch member, wherein the actuator comprises a shape memory alloy member

Abstract: A flexibly-jointed, fluid-tight cover for enclosing a portion of an internal combustion engine includes generally rigid structural cover panels which are joined by fluid-tight flexible joints formed from elastomeric material which is either inserted into the rigid structural cover panels after the joint has been molded, or molded in place by inserting the cover parts within a mold and injecting material into the mold to form the flexible fluid-tight joints.

Abstract: An oil supply system for an internal combustion engine camshaft includes an oil distribution block configured for attachment to an engine structure adjacent to and above a camshaft, with attachment of the oil distribution block occurring after the camshaft has been installed in the engine. Fixed and movable ring segments, which are mounted to the oil distribution block, cooperate to provide the camshaft with oil under pressure, which may be used for controlling auxiliary devices such as a camshaft phaser or camshaft profile switching mechanism.