Abstract: An internal combustion engine and method of operating the engine is provided. The engine comprises an engine block defining an engine cylinder, a piston reciprocatingly positioned in the engine cylinder, a head connected with the engine block, the head defining an inlet port and an exhaust port, an intake valve positioned in the inlet port, the intake valve configured to restrict flow through the intake port to the cylinder, an exhaust valve positioned in the exhaust port, the exhaust valve configured to restrict flow through the exhaust port to the cylinder, a cam connected with the intake valve to open the intake valve, and an engine valve actuator connected with the intake valve. The engine valve actuator is configured to hold either or both the intake valve and or exhaust valve open after the cam opens one or both of the valves.

Abstract: An engine with a valve actuator to extend duration of a valve event and method of controlling an engine with such an actuator are disclosed. The actuator may include an actuator cylinder with an actuator piston. The actuator contains an electrorheological fluid. A magnetic flux may be applied the electrorheological fluid to prevent or slow movement of the actuator piston and change valve movement with respect to its regular, cyclical operation provide for with a cam. A biasing means is connected with the actuator piston to allow positioning of the valve actuator in an existing engine design.