Abstract: A plasma actuator (1) includes four electrodes (11) and three dielectrics (10) and is disposed on the side of an object surface (B). When a high voltage is applied to the electrodes (11), a plasma (15) is generated at an end (10a) of each dielectric (10) exposed so as to be accessible to a gas. In the plasma actuator (1), the electrodes (11) and dielectrics (10) are alternately stacked one on another. The plasma actuator (1) includes a stepped exposed portion (X). The plasma actuator (1) in which the electrodes (11) and dielectrics (10) are arranged such that the ends (10a) of the dielectrics (10) are exposed in the normal line direction of the object surface (B) in the stacked order in the stepped exposed portion (X) can suppress the flow of the generated plasma even when the plasma actuator is exposed to a high-speed airflow under high pressure. This stabilizes the plasma.

Abstract: Provided is a nitrogen-containing amorphous carbon film exhibiting excellent durability even when formed on the surface of a sliding member used under high surface pressure or under a lubricating oil environment. The nitrogen-containing amorphous carbon film is formed by physical evaporation onto the sliding surface of a sliding member and contains 8.0 to 12.0 atomic % of hydrogen and 3.0 to 14.0 atomic % of nitrogen. The nitrogen-containing amorphous carbon film is effective when, for instance, formed on at least one sliding surface of a sliding member, such as a sliding part of an automobile engine.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve is provided for the pneumatic actuation of a device of an internal combustion engine that includes, but is not limited to an external casing and one or more supporting dampers embedded in the external casing.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve comprises a drive, at least one rotatable drive element and at least one translationally drivable driven element. The drive element comprises a thread element that is configured to convert rotational motion of the drive element into translation of the driven element. A rotational axis of the drive element is inclined with respect to a translational axis of the driven element.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine block defining a cylinder bore, a cylinder head fixed to the engine block, and a valve seat insert. The cylinder head may include an intake port, defining an inlet in fluid communication with an air source and an outlet in fluid communication with the cylinder bore. The valve seat may be defined at the outlet of the intake port and may include a stepped region. The stepped region may define a seating surface extending radially outward from the intake port. The seating surface may include a series of protrusions circumferentially spaced from one another around the outlet and forming a series of recesses therebetween. The valve seat insert may be located within the stepped region and may include a first axial end surface abutting the protrusions on the seating surface.

Abstract: A method includes coupling a cylinder head to a cylinder block. A valve member is then moved into a valve pocket defined by the cylinder head such that a first stem portion of the valve member engages an actuator. A first portion of the biasing member is then disposed against a second stem portion of the valve member, the second stem portion being opposite the first stem portion. An end plate is then coupled to the cylinder head such that a second portion of the biasing member engages the end plate.

Abstract: A multicylinder engine for a motorcycle includes a valve actuation mechanism having a hydraulically-operated valve pausing mechanism for holding at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of selected cylinders in a suspended state. The valve actuation mechanism operates the intake valve and the exhaust valve, and controls flow of oil through an oil passage which introduces working oil to the valve pausing mechanism from a hydraulic-pressure control device. Air-bleeding holes are formed in the cylinder head. The air-bleeding holes are fluidly connected with portions of the oil passages that are located at a highest level in the oil passages while the motorcycle is parked in an inclined state with its side stand down.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine block defining a cylinder bore, a cylinder head coupled to the engine block, a first intake valve, a fuel injector in communication with the cylinder bore and a spark plug in communication with the cylinder bore. The cylinder bore may define a first diameter. The cylinder head may define a first intake port and a first exhaust port in communication with the cylinder bore. The first intake valve may be located in the first intake port and may define a second diameter at least 35 percent of the first diameter. The fuel injector and the spark plug may be located centrally relative to the cylinder bore.

Abstract: A fluid flow valve in a cylinder head comprises a first valve end and an axially disposed second shaft end connected by a valve shaft. A first valve member is located at the first valve end and a second valve member is located axially from, and in fixed relationship to, the first valve member along the valve shaft. A valve support extends axially between and connects the first valve member and the second valve member; the valve support including an axially extending wall portion having circumferentially spaced support struts extending radially between the valve shaft and the wall portion. Fluid flow passages extend axially through the wall portion, between the circumferentially spaced support struts, wherein fluid flows simultaneously about the exterior of the wall portion and through the fluid flow passages in the wall portion when the valve member is biased to an open position.

Abstract: An improved ball type valve rotator is provided that includes a main body segment having a bottom wall with an upper surface, and a body cap that overlies the main body segment. A ball cages assembly is housed between the main body segment and the body cap. The ball cages assembly includes multiple ramps with lower surfaces that are spaced from the bottom wall upper surface of the main body segment. This allows the multiple ramps to deflect toward the bottom wall upper surface of the main body segment. The multiple ramps can deflect independently of each other, so that different distances can be defined between the different ramps and the bottom wall upper surface of the main body segment. In so doing, the ball cage assembly can accommodate non-uniform applications of force into the valve rotator.

Abstract: A gas intake device for letting gases into an inlet volume of a cylinder head of a motor vehicle combustion engine includes a valve (10) for supplying the cylinder head with gas, this valve communicating with the inlet volume of the cylinder head directly and indirectly via a heat exchanger (14). The valve (10) and the heat exchanger (14) are mounted on a plate (21) intended to be mounted directly on the cylinder head. The device is compact and relatively insensitive to vibration.

Abstract: A new and improved combustion-powered fastener-driving tool utilizes a new and improved single component in-take/exhaust valve member which integrally defines both the intake and exhaust valves thereon. The intake/exhaust valve member is axially movable within the combustion chamber, and operatively cooperates with wall structure of the combustion chamber. When the intake/exhaust valve member is disposed, for example, at a first upper position, both the intake and exhaust ports defined within the wall structure of the combustion chamber are closed so as to permit the ignition and combustion phases of the tool-firing cycle to proceed, whereas, conversely, when the intake/exhaust valve member is disposed, for example, at a second lower position, both the intake and exhaust ports within the combustion chamber are open so as to permit incoming air to scavenge combustion exhaust products and to subsequently mix with injected fuel in preparation for the commencement of another tool-firing cycle.

Abstract: A valve module for a combustion engine breathing system, and products and systems using the same.

Abstract: The air hybrid engine with dual chamber cylinder with an air storage tank is an energy recovery unit from deceleration and breaking the vehicle and will perform as power management. During deceleration mode of a vehicle where the compressor chamber in the engine will recover energy by compressing the air and storing the compressed in a storage tank. During acceleration mode the engine will run in a mixed mode, conventional mode and air motor mode. The compressed air can also be used for starting the engine. The engine will operate in the “sweet spot” to optimize fuel consumption by using the lower chamber and or upper chamber in compression mode or an idle mode. The compressed air from the air storage tank can be used for other purposes such as air suspension and or to power pneumatic tools.

Abstract: In an actuating device with at least one electrical or electromagnetic actuation unit, at least two activation sequences performed by different actuation elements of the actuation unit are associated with at least two different electrical and/or electromagnetic states of the actuation unit via electric coil units energized by current flowing in different flow directions.

Abstract: A spring retainer can reduce the set height and mass of a coil spring. The spring retainer has a retainer body attached to a stem end of a valve and a circumferential plate-like spring part having an inner circumferential part supported by the retainer body and resiliently supporting an end of the valve spring. A spring constant of the plate-like spring part is made higher than a spring constant of the valve spring, so that the plate-like spring part deflects after the valve spring is compressed, to provide a two-step load characteristic and reduce the set height, compressed height, and mass of the valve spring. It can also reduce the height and mass of the spring retainer. A spring system formed by combining the spring retainer and valve spring with each other will be compact and lightweight.

Abstract: A servo control system comprising a hydraulic actuator, a position sensor and a hydraulic control valve. The hydraulic actuator is coupled to a gas controlled valve. The position sensor measures the position of the hydraulic actuator and sends the position of the actuator as an input to an engine control unit (ECU). The hydraulic control valve is coupled to a proportional solenoid coupled to the ECU. When the ECU senses the position of the hydraulic actuator and in response to a control input, the ECU commands the position of the hydraulic control valve by controlling the force of the proportional solenoid and the hydraulic fluid sent to the hydraulic actuator, actuating the hydraulic actuator to move to a desired position and actuate the gas controlled valve.

Abstract: An electromagnetic hydraulic valve (1), which including an electromagnet (2) with an armature (3) and of a valve housing (4) with an axial bore (5) and a piston valve (6) located therein is provided. The valve housing (4) includes several annular grooves (8, 9, 10) in which several radial openings (11, 12, 13) are located, which open into the axial bore (5), through which the hydraulic valve (1) has a fluid connection with a pressure connection (P), a tank connection (T) and two consumer connections (A, B). The piston valve (6) is acted upon by the armature (3) of electromagnet (2) and includes two ring-shaped control sections (14, 15), which connect alternatively the pressure connection (P) and the tank connection (T) with one of the consumer connections (A, B) through axial movement of piston valve (6). According to the invention, the radial openings (11, 12, 13) in valve housing (4) are provided as windows having a rectangular cross section.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cylinder head and a valve member. The cylinder head is configured to be coupled to a cylinder and a gas manifold and has an interior surface defining a valve pocket. The valve member is configured to be disposable within the valve pocket such that the valve member is movable within the valve pocket along a longitudinal axis of the valve member. The valve member has a tapered portion defining multiple valve flow passages. The apparatus has a first configuration and a second configuration. When the apparatus is in the first configuration, each valve flow passage is in fluid communication with the cylinder and the gas manifold. When the apparatus is in the second configuration, each valve flow passage from the plurality of valve flow passages is fluidically isolated from the cylinder.

Abstract: An electronically actuated valve assembly for an internal combustion engine is disclosed, wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve stem, and a plurality of shape memory alloy segments in operative communication with the valve stem, wherein each shape memory alloy segment is individually actuatable, and wherein actuation of different shape memory alloy segments is configured to cause different valve lifts.

Abstract: A linear actuating device contains a top magnet and a bottom magnet. The bottom magnet is axially aligned with the top magnet. The top magnet and the bottom magnet have opposing magnetization. A washer is sandwiched between the top magnet and the bottom magnet. A top coil is positioned within the top magnet. A bottom coil is positioned within the bottom magnet. A slug is slidably positioned within the top coil and bottom coil. An actuating member is integral with the slug.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes in one aspect a source of a pressurized working medium and an expander. The expander has a housing and a piston, movably mounted within and with respect to the housing, to perform one of rotation and reciprocation, each complete rotation or reciprocation defining at least a part of a cycle of the engine. The expander also includes a septum, mounted within the housing and movable with respect to the housing and the piston so as to define in conjunction therewith, over first and second angular ranges of the cycle, a working chamber that is isolated from an intake port and an exhaust port. Combustion occurs at least over the first angular range of the cycle to provide heat to the working medium and so as to increase its pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in an engine is presented. According to the method, valve operation can be improved by heating the valves, at least during some conditions.

Abstract: An intake throttle valve is located in an intake passage upstream of first and second intake ports, such that intake air flows into mainly the first intake port to generate a swirl flow when an opening degree of the intake throttle valve is not larger than a predetermined value, and flows into both the first and second intake ports when the opening degree thereof is larger than the predetermined value. Furthermore, first and second fuel injection valves for respectively injecting fuel to the first and second intake ports are controlled to inject fuel from the first fuel injection valve when the opening degree of the intake throttle valve is not larger than about the predetermined value, and to inject fuel from both the first fuel injection valve and the second fuel injection valve when the opening degree of the intake throttle valve is larger than about the predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention provides an evaporative emissions control system for small internal combustion engines. The fuel tank of the engine includes a filler neck closed by a fuel tank cap which seals the fuel tank in a manner in which air and/or fuel vapors are not permitted to pass between the filler neck and the fuel tank cap. The fuel tank cap includes a first, one-way vacuum relief valve therein which operates to allow atmospheric make-up air to enter the fuel tank to replace a decreasing amount of fuel in the fuel tank during running of the engine, or otherwise as needed. The fuel tank cap additionally includes a second, one-way pressure relief valve having a first cracking threshold which operates to relieve high pressures within the fuel tank. Additionally, the fuel supply line between the fuel tank and the carburetor includes a fuel flow inhibiting or blocking member having a second cracking threshold greater than the first cracking threshold of the pressure relief valve of the fuel tank cap.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit comprises a temperature sensor, an added motion valve system, and a valve. The temperature sensor detects operating temperature of fluid in the hydraulic circuit. The added motion valve system includes a valve body having an actuator fluid volume. The valve adjusts flow rate quantity of fluid to the actuator fluid volume as a function of the operating temperature of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for providing an efficient and powerful engine for internal combustion four stroke engines using a single valve per cylinder as the intake and exhaust valve. Outside air emerging from an air filter is forcibly pumped into the engine head using a blower which then is drawn into the combustion chamber during the intake stroke. The timing for opening and closure of the single valve is controlled by the camshaft which is provided with a cam lobe profile capable of prolonging the valve timing thus enabling the valve to remain open for a longer duration to cater for evacuation of air in the exhaust stroke and the intake of air in the intake stroke thereby permitting the use of only one single valve per cylinder.

Abstract: An electromagnetic hydraulic valve (1), which including an electromagnet (2) with an armature (3) and of a valve housing (4) with an axial bore (5) and a piston valve (6) located therein is provided. The valve housing (4) includes several annular grooves (8, 9, 10) in which several radial openings (11, 12, 13) are located, which open into the axial bore (5), through which the hydraulic valve (1) has a fluid connection with a pressure connection (P), a tank connection (T) and two consumer connections (A, B). The piston valve (6) is acted upon by the armature (3) of electromagnet (2) and includes two ring-shaped control sections (14, 15), which connect alternatively the pressure connection (P) and the tank connection (T) with one of the consumer connections (A, B) through axial movement of piston valve (6). According to the invention, the radial openings (11, 12, 13) in valve housing (4) are provided as windows having a rectangular cross section.

Abstract: A variable operating valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine that provides for improved combustion performance without enlarging the size of the cylinder head in the transverse direction. The variable valve mechanism includes a camshaft axially supported by the cylinder head, three-dimensional cams formed on the camshaft, a rocker shaft actuator able to displace the rocker shaft in the axial direction according to engine operating conditions, and a lift volume setting mechanism that changes the amount of valve lift dependent on the extent of positional change of the rocker shaft in the axial direction. The camshaft is at least axially supported on the intake port side of the cylinder head, a fuel injector (which injects fuel into the intake port) is installed to the part of the intake sidewall at the intake port of the cylinder head, and a concave part is formed into the intake sidewall above the fuel injector extending inward toward the camshaft.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, especially an Otto engine, with intake valves and with a fuel injector, which is arranged and designed so that it injects the fuel directly into a combustion chamber of working cylinders of the internal combustion engine. At least in the region of the neck, the intake valves have a surface that is designed to counteract the formation of carbon deposits.

Abstract: An intake valve for a combustion engine having an oil reservoir and adapted for combusting fuel is disclosed. The intake valve includes a valve stem and a valve guide arranged proximate the valve stem. The valve guide and valve stem define a first clearance dimension and a second clearance dimension between an inner surface of the valve guide and an outer surface of the valve stem, wherein the second clearance dimension is greater than the first clearance dimension. The second clearance dimension is sized to accept a volume of oil quantified to dissolve high boiling fraction from the fuel to lessen the accumulation of high boiling fraction between the valve stem and the valve guide.

Abstract: A valve assembly for limiting the flow of fluid into and out of a chamber, consisting of: a valve seat in a wall of the chamber, wherein fluid flows into and out of the chamber through the valve seat; a valve face engaging the valve scat, wherein the valve face is external to the chamber; and a mechanism for moving the valve face toward and away from the valve seat wherein the valve face is substantially removed from the path of fluid flow through the valve seat when the valve face is moved away from the valve seat.

Abstract: A valve assembly for limiting the flow of fluid into and out of a chamber, consisting of: a valve seat in a wall of the chamber, wherein fluid flows into and out of the chamber through the valve seat; a valve face engaging the valve seat, wherein the valve face is external to the chamber; and a mechanism for moving the valve face toward and away from the valve seat wherein the valve face is substantially removed from the path of fluid flow through the valve seat when the valve face is moved away from the valve seat.

Abstract: An iron aluminide fuel injector component such as a nozzle, plunger or other part is manufactured from iron aluminide or includes an iron aluminide coating on at least a portion of a surface in contact with the fuel which passes through the fuel injector. The iron aluminide alloy can include 8 to 32 wt. % Al, up to 5 wt. % refractory metal, B and/or C in amounts sufficient to form borides and/or carbides. The fuel injector component can be formed from powders of the iron aluminide alloy by powder metallurgy techniques and the coating can be formed by a diffusional reaction process, cathodic plasma process, chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition. The fuel injector component is corrosion, carburization, sulfidation and/or coking resistant.

Abstract: A support member 10 having a tubular portion 11 is joined at an end portion of a muffler pipe 1. The support member 10 forms a flange 12 as a valve seat and a support bracket 14. The support bracket 14 has a valve disk 20 supported rotatably via a hinge axis 15. The valve disk 20 has an outer peripheral portion 12 as a contact surface with the valve seat, and a weight 30 is welded to a bead portion 23 with an inner portion thereof projecting to the back face. A spring is wound around the hinge axis, with one end 18 engaging a back face of the valve wall 21 for the valve disk, the other end engaging a support bracket. The resonance frequency is decreased by the weight, thereby preventing the beat sound from arising in a normal range of the engine speed. The weight is welded to the bead portion, thereby not causing the outer peripheral portion 23 as the contact surface to be distorted.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve is disclosed for use in air intake tracts of I.C. engine installations. The air valve includes a tubular member having apertures therein covered over by resilient diaphragm elements that, when a negative pressure (vacuum) within the system exceeds a pre-determined level, deflect and enable relief of the negative pressure within the air intake. When the negative pressure returns to normal operating levels, the diaphragm returns to position. The negative pressure within the intake tract can be raised, for example, by an obstruction at the air inlet of the tract.

Abstract: A valve system designed for use in an internal combustion engine to regulate the flow of working fluids including air/fuel mixtures and exhaust gases to and from a cylinder comprising an intake valve and an exhaust valve. At least one but preferably both of the intake and exhaust valves comprise a shutter valve, defined by a plurality of valve elements in the form of partially overlapping valve blades slidable relative to one another and defining a central aperture having an adjustable dimension dependent upon the relative positioning of the plurality of valve elements as they are selectively oriented between an open position and a closed position. The central aperture at least partially defines a free, unobstructed flow path of fluid passing into or out of the combustion chamber before and after the ignition of the air/fuel mixture.