Abstract: An internal combustion engine, or the like, includes a camshaft drive providing hydraulically variable cam timing utilizing computer control of a hydraulic dump and fill coupling which varies the retardation of a spring driven member connected with the camshaft. The camshaft phase relation is read by the computer and adjusted in relation to engine speed according to a preprogrammed phase relationship.

Abstract: A direct acting cam-valve assembly for an internal combustion engine having an engine block means defining a port includes an internal/external cam fixed to an engine driven camshaft and a direct acting cam follower having one end thereof driven reciprocably by the internal/external cam to push an associated poppet valve from a closed position to an open position and to pull the valve from the open position to the closed position. A conventional hydraulic lash adjuster is operatively positioned in the cam follower whereby one end of the lash adjuster abuts against the free valve stem end of the valve and a spring is operatively positioned in the opposite end of the cam follower and operatively connected to the valve stem end of the valve whereby to, in effect, operatively connect the valve to the cam follower.

Abstract: A locking fuel cap has a lock bolt which is slidably disposed in the cap handle and responsive to a key-operated lock mechanism to selectively drivingly connnect the cap handle to a ratchet ring. The ratchet ring is connected through a torque limiting drive to a threaded closure. When the fuel cap is unlocked, the lock bolt provides a positive drive in both opening and closing directions. If the fuel cap is locked, a spring finger on the lock bolt engages a pin on the lock mechanism when a predetermined torque is present at the ratchet ring during cap installation. The pin holds the lock bolt in a position preventing a drive connection with the ratchet ring thereafter when the cap is rotated in the opening direction.

Abstract: A fuel cap has a cover-handgripping portion and a threaded closure portion, which portions are maintained in assembly by a ring member. The ring member has integrally molded therewith a plurality of outwardly extending flexible fingers in a hinged relationship. The closure portion is inserted in the ring member prior to assembly within the handgripping portion. At assembly, the fingers of the ring member pivot inwardly at the hinge position to become engaged with an annular groove formed in the handgripping portion. The movement of the fingers results in an inner portion of the ring member being displaced to form a support shelf for the threaded closure. Engagement of the fingers with the groove portion of the handgrip prevents removal of the ring and therefore the closure member from the handgripping portion.

Abstract: A fuel cap assembly has a handgripping cover portion, a threaded closure portion and a ring portion. The ring portion has an inwardly facing lip for axially supporting the closure and a flexible skirt depending from the inwardly facing lip and terminating in an outwardly facing lip. The inwardly facing lip flexes outwardly during assembly of the closure into the ring and the skirt flexes inwardly during assembly of the ring and closure into the cover. An annular groove is formed in the cover at a location aligned with the outwardly facing lip such that the skirt can assume its unflexed position and thereby secure the fuel cap assembly.

Abstract: A fuel cap has a locking mechanism for preventing unauthorized removal of the fuel cap from the fuel fill tube. The lock mechanism includes a cam structure which is operable to provide a selective drive connection, depending upon the condition of the lock mechanism, between the hand grip portion and the threaded closure portion of the fuel cap during rotation of the hand grip in the cap removal direction. The cam mechanism is operable to provide a drive connection in the cap insertion direction regardless of the condition of the lock mechanism.

Abstract: A fuel cap has a valve structure for controlling both superatmospheric and subatmospheric pressures in a fuel tank. The valve has a plate or flat disc member with two apertures formed therein. A grommet is secured in each aperture. A pair of resilient valve stems are formed integrally with and on opposite sides of the plate. Each valve stem is disposed to have an end thereof operably positioned with respect to the grommet to seal the respective aperture to provide control of the pressure level in the fuel tank. One valve stem will flex to vent superatmospheric pressure and the other valve stem will flex to vent subatmospheric pressure. The plate is secured or otherwise formed integrally with the closure portion of the fuel cap.