Abstract: A variable cam timing phaser for adjusting phase between a first shaft and a second shaft using oil pressure from an oil pressure source including a housing assembly and a rotor assembly together defining a plurality of segments. The segments include at least one operating segment including an advance chamber and a retard chamber, the advance chamber and the retard chamber being oppositely switchable between at least a source of oil pressure and a drain, the vane being movable by oil pressure from the oil source applied to either the advance chamber or the retard chamber with the other of the advance chamber and the retard chamber being coupled to the drain and at least one assist segment including an assist chamber and a vent chamber, the vent chamber being vented to atmosphere; such that oil supplied to the assist chamber assists the motion of the vane in a direction.

Abstract: A variable cam timing phaser for adjusting phase between a first shaft and a second shaft using oil pressure from an oil pressure source including a housing assembly and a rotor assembly together defining a plurality of segments. The segments include at least one operating segment including an advance chamber and a retard chamber, the advance chamber and the retard chamber being oppositely switchable between at least a source of oil pressure and a drain, the vane being movable by oil pressure from the oil source applied to either the advance chamber or the retard chamber with the other of the advance chamber and the retard chamber being coupled to the drain and at least one assist segment including an assist chamber and a vent chamber, the vent chamber being vented to atmosphere; such that oil supplied to the assist chamber assists the motion of the vane in a direction.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which the variable cam timing controls for a variable cam timing mechanism include a variable force solenoid mounted within a hollow portion of the camshaft. The variable force solenoid is maintained in place within the hollow camshaft by a tubular shaft fixed to the engine and a bearing between the solenoid and the variable cam timing mechanism.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine in which the variable cam timing controls for a variable cam timing mechanism include a variable force solenoid mounted within a hollow portion of the camshaft. The variable force solenoid is maintained in place within the hollow camshaft by a tubular shaft fixed to the engine and a bearing between the solenoid and the variable cam timing mechanism.

Abstract: A hybrid roller/silent chain of the present invention has the wear resistance of a roller chain combined with the noise performance of a silent chain. This is accomplished with the use of transverse load-bearing elements that allow increased bearing area for the articulating members of the chain by allowing load to be transmitted through both the inside and outside diameter of the element in the same plane. In some embodiments, the transverse load-bearing elements are bushings. In other embodiments, the elements are projections extending from non-guide row inside links.

Abstract: A variable cam timing phaser including a housing, a rotor coaxially located within the housing, a phase control valve, a switching valve, and a passage connecting the first advance and retard chambers. The housing and the rotor define at least two chambers, a first chamber separated by a first vane into the first advance and retard chambers, and a second chamber separated by a second vane into the second advance and retard chambers. The switching valve has a first position in which fluid may flow freely between the passage connecting the first advance and retard chambers and fluid flow from the phase control valve to the first advance and first retard chambers is blocked. In the second position, the passage connecting the first advance and retard chambers is blocked and fluid may flow freely between the phase control valve and the first advance and first retard chambers.

Abstract: A Hybrid Roller/Silent chain that has the wear resistance of a roller chain combined with the noise performance of a silent chain. This is accomplished with the use of bushings that allow increased bearing area for the articulating members of the chain, specifically by allowing load to be transmitted through both the inside and outside diameter of the bushing in the same plane.

Abstract: A chain having a plurality of inside links and guide links. The plurality of inside links each have a pair of apertures and are interleaved and connected to form rows. The plurality of guide links each have a pair of apertures and are placed outside of alternate rows of interleaved inside links to form guide rows. Connecting pins are received in the apertures and extend across the rows of the chain securing the links together. Spacing elements are found on opposite side of the chain, specifically between the guide links and the adjacent outermost inside links. The spacing elements act to maintain a spaced relationship between each of the guide link sand adjacent outermost inside links. At least one of the spacing elements on one side of the chain is a spring link holding the inside links in compressive frictional contact therebetween.

Abstract: A variable cam timing phaser for an internal combustion engine having at least one camshaft comprising a housing and a rotor. The housing has an outer circumference for accepting drive force. The rotor has a connection to the camshaft coaxially located within the housing. The housing and the rotor define at least one vane separating a chamber in the housing. The vane is capable of rotation to shift the relative angular position of the housing and the rotor. A portion of the outer circumference of the housing is supported by a journal bearing fixed to a non-rotating part of the engine, which may be the engine block or the cylinder head.

Abstract: A chain having a plurality of inside links and guide links. The plurality of inside links each have a pair of apertures and are interleaved and connected to form rows. The plurality of guide links each have a pair of apertures and are placed outside of alternate rows of interleaved inside links to form guide rows. Connecting pins are received in the apertures and extend across the rows of the chain securing the links together. Spacing elements are found on opposite side of the chain, specifically between the guide links and the adjacent outermost inside links. The spacing elements act to maintain a spaced relationship between each of the guide link sand adjacent outermost inside links. At least one of the spacing elements on one side of the chain is a spring link holding the inside links in compressive frictional contact therebetween.

Abstract: A power transmission chain having a plurality of inside links and guide links. Each inside link has at least one inverted tooth adapted to contact the teeth of an associated sprocket. Each link has a pair of apertures which are connected by connecting pins inserted through the apertures. The chain is provided with projections acting to maintain a spaced relationship between the guide links and the inside links. The spacing of the guide link away from the inside links is accomplished by spacing elements which may include projections formed on the guide link or an outer face of the outermost inside link, or by washers or spacers interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A fastenerless chain snubber is provided that consists of a snubber body, and one or more attachment arms that form positioning blocks. The snubber is positioned in a housing by channel surfaces in the chain housing that locate the positioning blocks of the snubber. The snubber is firmly secured during chain operation by the substantial contact between the snubber attachment arm surfaces opposite the chain cover and the corresponding surface of the installed chain cover.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a band for use in a CVT transmission. The band is formed by spiral winding a thin strip into a continuous tube and then welding the thin strip along the spiral winding. The individual bands are cut off of the continuous tube as it is formed. The invention also includes the bands formed by the method.

Abstract: A power transmission chain having a plurality of inside links and guide links. Each inside link has at least one inverted tooth adapted to contact the teeth of an associated sprocket. Each link has a pair of apertures which are connected by connecting pins inserted through the apertures. The chain is provided with projections acting to maintain a spaced relationship between the guide links and the inside links. The spacing of the guide link away from the inside links is accomplished by spacing elements which may include projections formed on the guide link or an outer face of the outermost inside link, or by washers or spacers interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A power transmission chain having a plurality of inside links and guide links. Each inside link has at least one inverted tooth adapted to contact the teeth of an associated sprocket. Each link has a pair of apertures which are connected by connecting pins inserted through the apertures. The chain is provided with projections acting to maintain a spaced relationship between the guide links and the inside links. The spacing of the guide link away from the inside links is accomplished by spacing elements which may include projections formed on the guide link or an outer face of the outermost inside link, or by washers or spacers interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A fastenerless chain snubber is provided that consists of a snubber body, and one or more attachment arms that form positioning blocks. The snubber is positioned in a housing by channel surfaces in the chain housing that locate the positioning blocks of the snubber. The snubber is firmly secured during chain operation by the substantial contact between the snubber attachment arm surfaces opposite the chain cover and the corresponding surface of the installed chain cover.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) chain has three chain portions, or chain assemblies, that are phased or off-set by one-half pitch length with respect to each other. Struts that contact the pulleys of the CVT have upper portions that extend through passageways formed by depending toes in the inner links. The upward portions of the struts are provided at portions that correspond to the offset portions of the chain.

Abstract: A camshaft (126) has a vane (160) secured to an end thereof for non-oscillating rotation therewith. The camshaft (126) also carries a housing (129) which can rotate with the camshaft (126) but which is oscillatable with the camshaft (126). The vane (160) has opposed lobes (160a, 160b) which are received in opposed recesses (131, 132), respectively, of the housing (129). The recesses (131, 132) have greater circumferential extent than the lobes (160a, 160b) to permit the vane (160) and housing (129) to oscillate with respect to one another, and thereby permit the camshaft (126) to change in phase relative to a crankshaft.

Abstract: A variable camshaft timing system (VCT system) for an internal combustion engine having a rotatable crankshaft (22) and a rotatable camshaft (26, 126). The camshaft (26, 126) is position variable relative to the crankshaft (22). A spool valve (192) including a spool (200) slidable within a cylindrical member (198) selectively controls the movement of hydraulic fluid for actuating the oscillation of the hydraulic operators (54, 56, 160a, 160b) within the housing recess (132a, 132b) as the housing oscillates with respect to the camshaft (26, 126). In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, the VCT system also includes a means for controlling the position of the spool (200), a means for removing air from the VCT system and seals (160h) for sealing the housing (130) outer periphery to prevent hydraulic fluid from draining out of the VCT system when the engine is shut down.

Abstract: A camshaft (326) has a vane (360) secured to an end thereof for a non-oscating rotation therewith. The camshaft also carries a timing belt driven pulley (332) which can rotate with the camshaft but which is oscillatable with respect to the camshaft. The vane has opposed lobes (360a, 360b) which are received in opposed recesses (332a, 332b), respectively, of the pulley. The recesses have greater circumferential extent than the lobes to permit the vane and sprocket to oscillate with respect to one another and thereby permit the camshaft to change in phase relative to a crankshaft whose phase relative to the sprocket is fixed by virtue of the timing belt (338) drive extending therebetween.