Abstract: A device (10) for varying the angular phase relationship between a camshaft (12) and a crankshaft (not shown) in response to a control signal including a drive member (18) rotating synchronously with an engine crankshaft, a driven member (16) synchronously rotating with the camshaft on a common axis with the drive member. A coupling assembly (42) interlinks the two members and includes an actuator element (76) positionable to selectively vary the phase relationship between the members. An energy storage mechanism (100) including an inertia member (106) and a spring (104) converts kinetic energy from transitory speed differentials between the driven and inertia members to potential energy for selective release by a latch mechanism (144) in driving connection between the energy storage mechanism and the actuator element.

Abstract: A device (10) for varying the angular phase relationship between a camshaft (12) and a crankshaft (not shown) in response to a control signal including a drive member (18) rotating synchronously with an engine crankshaft, a driven member (16) synchronously rotating with the camshaft on a common axis with the drive member. A coupling assembly (42) interlinks the two members and includes an actuator element (76) positionable to selectively vary the phase relationship between the members. An energy storage mechanism (100) including an inertia member (106) and a spring (104) converts kinetic energy from transitory speed differentials between the driven and inertia members to potential energy for selective release by a latch mechanism (144) in driving connection between the energy storage mechanism and the actuator element.

Abstract: A shielded poppet valve (10) for a diesel engine is disclosed. In one embodiment the valve includes a fillet heat shield (12) which is fixed at one end (22) to the valve stem (20) to define a thermal insulating cavity (30) open at the other end (24). Another embodiment includes a valve (10') and a fillet heat shield (12'), both identical to the valve (10) and shield (12), and a face heat shield (34).

Abstract: A thermal barrier (10) fixed to a valve head (12) of a diesel engine poppet valve (14) is disclosed. The barrier includes a thin sheet metal cap 18 having a concave shield portion 18a, an annular fold or corrugation (18b) circumscribing the shield portion, and a cylindrical skirt portion welded to the valve head. The cap and the face portion (12a) of the valve head define an evacuated chamber (20) which is preferably filled with an insulating material (24) which also provides structural support for the shield portion.

Abstract: Thermal barriers (10, 26) fixed to mushroomed heads (12, 28) of poppet valves intended for diesel engines are disclosed. Thermal barrier (10) includes an insulating material (18) bonded to a face portion (12a) of mushroom head (12), a sheet metal shield (20) covering the insulating material, and a flange (22) clamped over the outer periphery of the shield and welded to the valve head. Thermal barrier (26) includes an insulating material encapsulated in a sheet metal sheath defining an evacuated chamber (32) which covers a face portion (28a) of the mushroom head (28), a sheet metal shield (30), and a flange portion (28b) integrally formed with the mushroom head and spun over the shield during final assembly to clamp the shield over the encapsulated insulating material. The flanges in both embodiments make line contact with the shield to minimize heat flow from the shields to the flanges and hence to the valve head.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulating valve is inserted in line with a fluid conducting medium to regulate the flow therethrough over a widely varying range of pressure differentials across the valve. The valve is constructed of a body portion having a fluid passageway therethrough terminating at one end in a land having an empirically derived, compound curved section. A compliant reed is affixed to the body portion adjacent the land and operates to press against and conform with the land in response to increasing fluid pressure differential across the reed whereby the rate of fluid flow through the valve remains substantially constant. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a second similarly shaped land is provided adjacent the reed and opposite the other land to provide bidirectional flow control. The lands are integral portions of the body portion of the valve which is constructed of molded plastic or the like. The reed comprises thin metal shimstock or the like which has been heat staked to the body portion.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulating valve is inserted in line with a fluid conducting medium to regulate the flow therethrough over a widely varying range of pressure differentials across the valve. The valve is constructed of a body portion having a fluid passageway therethrough terminating at one end in a land having an empirically derived, compound curved section. A compliant reed is affixed to the body portion adjacent the land and operates to press against and conform with the land in response to increasing fluid pressure differential across the reed whereby the rate of fluid flow through the valve remains substantially constant. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a second similarly shaped land is provided adjacent the reed and opposite the other land to provide bidirectional flow control. The lands are integral portions of the body portion of the valve which is constructed of molded plastic or the like. The reed comprises thin metal shimstock or the like which has been heat staked to the body portion.