Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing having a first port, a second port, and a third port. A valve member within the valve housing is moveable therein to alter fluid communication between the first and second ports. The valve housing includes a first annular groove such that a first sealing ring is provided in the first annular groove, thereby sealing the first port from the second port when installed in a receiving bore. The valve housing also includes a second annular groove such that a second sealing ring is provided in the second annular groove, thereby sealing the second port from the third port in the receiving bore. The valve housing also includes a first anti-tip flange extending radially outward to a greater extent than the first annular groove and a second anti-tip flange extending radially outward to a greater extent than the second annular groove.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing having a first port, a second port, and a third port. A valve member within the valve housing is moveable therein to alter fluid communication between the first and second ports. The valve housing includes a first annular groove such that a first sealing ring is provided in the first annular groove, thereby sealing the first port from the second port when installed in a receiving bore. The valve housing also includes a second annular groove such that a second sealing ring is provided in the second annular groove, thereby sealing the second port from the third port in the receiving bore. The valve housing also includes a first anti-tip flange extending radially outward to a greater extent than the first annular groove and a second anti-tip flange extending radially outward to a greater extent than the second annular groove.

Abstract: A three-port flow control valve comprising a valve body having two opposite-facing valve seats disposed along a central bore terminating in an exhaust port. A supply port communicates with the first valve seat, and a common port communicates with the second valve seat. A pintle shaft connected to an actuating linear solenoid extends along the central bore. A first valve head actuated by the pintle shaft mates with the first valve seat. A second valve head disposed colinearly with the pintle shaft mates with the second valve seat. Opening of the first valve closes the second valve and vice versa. While the solenoid is de-energized the supply pressure keeps the first valve closed. A spring may be disposed between the second valve head and the exhaust port to urge the second valve head to close with the second valve seat.

Abstract: A three-port control valve assembly comprising a valve body having two valve seats facing in a common direction and disposed along a central bore terminating in an exhaust port and communicating with a supply port and a common port. A pintle shaft connected to a solenoid actuator extends into the central bore. A first valve head mounted on the pintle shaft mates with the first valve seat to connect the supply port to the common port. While the solenoid is de-energized, supply pressure keeps the first valve closed. A second valve head mates with the second valve seat to connect the common port to the exhaust port. Opening of the first valve closes the second valve via supply oil pressure. When the first valve closes, the second valve is opened by a spring disposed between the second valve head and the exhaust port.

Abstract: A three-port flow control valve comprising a valve body having two opposite-facing valve seats disposed along a central bore terminating in an exhaust port. A supply port communicates with the first valve seat, and a common port communicates with the second valve seat. A pintle shaft connected to an actuating linear solenoid extends along the central bore. A first valve head actuated by the pintle shaft mates with the first valve seat. A second valve head disposed colinearly with the pintle shaft mates with the second valve seat. Opening of the first valve closes the second valve and vice versa. While the solenoid is de-energized the supply pressure keeps the first valve closed. A spring may be disposed between the second valve head and the exhaust port to urge the second valve head to close with the second valve seat.

Abstract: A switchable valve assembly is provided with a housing having a longitudinal bore with a spool disposed therein. The spool is selectively positioned within the longitudinal bore for controlling the flow of working fluid between a supply port and a control port and between the control port and a vent port. An actuator assembly is provided for selectively positioning the spool in the longitudinal bore. The actuator assembly includes a connecting rod for mechanically transmitting linear motion to the spool when switching from at least one valve mode to another valve mode. The connecting rod is structurally separate from the spool.

Abstract: A lifter oil manifold assembly for variable actuation of engine valves having first (top) and second (valve) plates having portions of oil control and oil exhaust passages formed therein. The assembly further includes a carrier member having an oil supply passage integrated thereby separating the oil supply path from the oil control and oil exhaust path. Further, the assembly includes towers for receiving and positioning the electro-magnetic oil control valves used to control oil flow in the assembly. The towers are molded separate from the carrier and are held in place by the valve plate or are molded integral with the carrier. In another aspect of the invention, oil control valve retention springs are molded integral with either the tower or the oil control valve. In a further aspect of the invention, a combined polymer restrictor/strainer in the oil circuit replaces a prior art metal die-cast restrictor.

Abstract: A three-port control valve assembly comprising a valve body having two valve seats facing in a common direction and disposed along a central bore terminating in an exhaust port and communicating with a supply port and a common port. A pintle shaft connected to a solenoid actuator extends into the central bore. A first valve head mounted on the pintle shaft mates with the first valve seat to connect the supply port to the common port. While the solenoid is de-energized, supply pressure keeps the first valve closed. A second valve head mates with the second valve seat to connect the common port to the exhaust port. Opening of the first valve closes the second valve via supply oil pressure. When the first valve closes, the second valve is opened by a spring disposed between the second valve head and the exhaust port.

Abstract: A three-port flow control valve comprising a valve body having two opposite-facing valve seats disposed along a central bore terminating in an exhaust port. A supply port communicates with the first valve seat, and a common port communicates with the second valve seat. A pintle shaft connected to an actuating linear solenoid extends along the central bore. A first valve head actuated by the pintle shaft mates with the first valve seat. A second valve head disposed colinearly with the pintle shaft mates with the second valve seat. Opening of the first valve closes the second valve and vice versa. While the solenoid is de-energized the supply pressure keeps the first valve closed. A spring may be disposed between the second valve head and the exhaust port to urge the second valve head to close with the second valve seat.

Abstract: A combined oil filtration and metering assembly for filtering and metering oil in an oil gallery, such as in a Lifter Oil Manifold Assembly of an internal combustion engine. The filtration and metering assembly includes a filtration element at an oil entrance leading to an internal chamber having a metering orifice as an outlet to a downstream portion of the oil gallery. Preferably the metering orifice has a diverging exit cone. Preferably, the assembly replaces directly a prior art metering valve in a LOMA socket without requiring retooling of the LOMA top plate. The assembly may be readily formed by molding of the filtration element into the oil entrance in an injection overmolding process.

Abstract: A combined oil filtration and metering assembly for filtering and metering oil in an oil gallery, such as in a Lifter Oil Manifold Assembly of an internal combustion engine. The filtration and metering assembly includes a filtration element at an oil entrance leading to an internal chamber having a metering orifice as an outlet to a downstream portion of the oil gallery. Preferably the metering orifice has a diverging exit cone. Preferably, the assembly replaces directly a prior art metering valve in a LOMA socket without requiring retooling of the LOMA top plate. The assembly may be readily formed by molding of the filtration element into the oil entrance in an injection overmolding process.

Abstract: An oil distribution system for an internal combustion engine comprising a longitudinal bore in the engine head or block connected to an engine oil pump. A longitudinal insert is disposed in the engine bore, the insert being formed and disposed to define segmented galleries within the bore, a first oil gallery being in communication with the engine camshaft bearings and a second oil gallery being in communication with switchable cam followers in the engine. The two galleries are separated but connected by one or more oil control valves. Thus, the camshaft bearings are exposed to high engine oil pressure at all times independent of the switchable cam followers; likewise, the switchable cam followers may be latched and unlatched at any time or condition deemed beneficial for engine operation without jeopardizing lubrication sufficiency to the camshaft bearings.

Abstract: A lifter oil manifold assembly for variable actuation of engine valves having first (top) and second (valve) plates having portions of oil control and oil exhaust passages formed therein. The assembly further includes a carrier member having an oil supply passage integrated thereby separating the oil supply path from the oil control and oil exhaust path. Further, the assembly includes towers for receiving and positioning the electro-magnetic oil control valves used to control oil flow in the assembly. The towers are molded separate from the carrier and are held in place by the valve plate or are molded integral with the carrier. In another aspect of the invention, oil control valve retention springs are molded integral with either the tower or the oil control valve. In a further aspect of the invention, a combined polymer restrictor/strainer in the oil circuit replaces a prior art metal die-cast restrictor.

Abstract: An oil distribution system for an internal combustion engine comprising a longitudinal bore in the engine head or block connected to an engine oil pump. A longitudinal insert is disposed in the engine bore, the insert being formed and disposed to define segmented galleries within the bore, a first oil gallery being in communication with the engine camshaft bearings and a second oil gallery being in communication with switchable cam followers in the engine. The two galleries are separated but connected by one or more oil control valves. Thus, the camshaft bearings are exposed to high engine oil pressure at all times independent of the switchable cam followers; likewise, the switchable cam followers may be latched and unlatched at any time or condition deemed beneficial for engine operation without jeopardizing lubrication sufficiency to the camshaft bearings.

Abstract: A hydraulic manifold assembly for variable actuation of engine valves in accordance with the invention includes oil flow galleries. Engine oil under pressure communicates with a global supply gallery in the manifold assembly, from which pressurized oil is supplied selectively via individual supply galleries to each variable actuator for each valve through the action of solenoid valves. At engine startup, all galleries may be empty of oil, or partially filled. A global relief valve at the end of the global supply gallery causes air to be purged immediately upon startup of the engine. Each solenoid and individual gallery is provided with a low pressure relief valve leading back to the crankcase when the solenoid supply valve is closed. A bleed orifice between the global supply gallery and each individual gallery continually bleeds oil under low pressure into the individual gallery, which purges initial air therein.

Abstract: A hydraulic manifold assembly for variable actuation of engine valves in accordance with the invention includes oil flow galleries. Engine oil under pressure communicates with a global supply gallery in the manifold assembly, from which pressurized oil is supplied selectively via individual supply galleries to each variable actuator for each valve through the action of solenoid valves. At engine startup, all galleries may be empty of oil, or partially filled. A global relief valve at the end of the global supply gallery causes air to be purged immediately upon startup of the engine. Each solenoid and individual gallery is provided with a low pressure relief valve leading back to the crankcase when the solenoid supply valve is closed. A bleed orifice between the global supply gallery and each individual gallery continually bleeds oil under low pressure into the individual gallery, which purges initial air therein.

Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injector has a thin orifice director plate, mounted downstream of the orifice passage defined when the solenoid actuated valve of the injector is in the open position relative to its associated valve seat, for controlling static flow from the injector. The thin orifice director plate is provided with upset angled portions having the flow orifice formed at right angles therethrough to direct the jets of fuel flow, as desired, relative to the axis of the spray tip discharge passage of the injector. Preferably, the length (L) to diameter (D) ratio of each flow orifice is 0.5 or less.